Jesse Valencia | GORKY

THE PDX LIVE NATION SAGA

🎤 THE LIVE NATION SAGA

A true story about power, politics, and Portland’s music community

Indigenous (Yaqui) musician Jesse Valencia of the band Gorky was a key figure in 2024's grassroots fight against Live Nation’s proposed mega-venue in Portland’s Central Eastside Industrial District. Through his work with MusicPortland and the Music Policy Council, Valencia helped organize the city’s independent music community into an effective political force—culminating in the historic election of a progressive, pro-music Mayor and City Council for the first time in Portland’s history.

Valencia’s PDX-MUSIC VOTER GUIDE, released under his band Gorky, accurately predicted nearly 70% of final election results, influencing musicians and creatives citywide to show up at the polls.

🎬 FROM PROTEST TO FILM: AMERICAN DREAMS

Now that the venue is set to open in 2026, part of Live Nation’s national expansion ahead of their DOJ trial, Valencia has turned his focus back to creativity. He is currently developing a new musical-comedy film titled: AMERICAN DREAMS--a surreal satire based on the Live Nation fight in Portland, blending activism, grief, and music into one unforgettable narrative. The film serves as a tribute to the late Ben Holladay, Gorky’s co-founder, and features themes rooted in Valencia’s real experiences on the ground.

🔁 WHAT’S NEXT

This page will continue to be updated with:

✅ Breaking news on the venue and trial
✅ Editorials and op-eds
✅ New merchandise and media
✅ Event announcements and film updates