HCAO: The System Breaks Down, a Concert for Universal Healthcare – 21+

Bands across Portland have come together to unite in their goal to make universal healthcare a reality. We are closer than ever and are determined to get this passed by 2028.Each of these bands are ready to blow your minds with their amazing sets they have planned.

Come for a night that you will absolutely remember forever. And please give generously as our goal to get every Oregonian fair, equitable and affordable healthcare rings loudest of all.

See our amazing line up here:

Gregory James McKillop was a folk punk and protest songwriter from Worcester, Massachusetts who fronted and organized the now defunct queer brass clusterfolk brigade “Speaker For The Dead”. He was last seen ten years ago in Portland, Maine and his whereabouts have been murky ever since. They spent the better half of the prior decade on megabus trips with an acoustic guitar, and there are archived materials that prove Gregory was spotted performing and volunteering at protests all across the country, basements and artist collectives, and generally anywhere else they could find. His songs, which can be found within the research notes database on the musicology microlabel “Feather and a Half”, contained themes of the complicated multi pronged path towards liberation and the emotional but necessary toll of celebrating community who are no longer with us. In 2025 GJM has resurfaced and rematerialized, most recently performing at the Providence Hospital Nurses Strike to support labor rights work, as well as a 50501 No Kings Event trying to speak out against Police Sanctioned Protests as a defanged liberal co-optation of liberation ideals. Find out more at https://featherandahalf.world/

Splash of Fire is known for their original songs with upbeat positive vocals & high energy performance. Their music can be described as rock with moments of pop, funk, r&b, jazz, Latin rock, and Middle Eastern flavors. Pete Helfand (lead guitar & back-up vocals) started the group with a library of original music. In 2018, Nadia Mannai-Bonham (vocals) joined and added a collaboration with lyrics and melodies. Eventually, Joe Matlock (drums) and Gage Seber (rhythm guitar & backup vocals) joined to make the band complete with zeal. Splash of Fire will perform with special guest Sean Nowland (bass) to provide a night of thoughtful and fun music.

Friends with Salad is a Portland-based band fiercely focused on fun. The trio blends elements of ‘90s-era ska, punk, and indie rock into catchy hook-filled originals and genre-bending covers that have audiences smiling and singing along.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

1001 SE Morrison St, 1001 Southeast Morrison Street, Portland, United States

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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