Nightbeats: Portugal. The Man to perform at Santa Rosa's Emerald Cup

LIGHTSHOWS: FEEL THEM STILL - Chances are you’ve heard “Feel It Still” by Portugal. The Man (yes, spelled Portugal. The Man) over the past few months.

Maybe you listened to the song during an Apple iPad commercial, caught the band perform the song at the 2017 American Music Awards or saw Miley Cyrus dance to the tune in a lip sync battle against Jimmy Fallon on “The Tonight Show” last month.

The track is catchy and danceable, and singer John Gourley’s distinct high-pitched voice rivals those of Steven Tyler and Axl Rose in a way that stands out among others on the radio.

Following the release of the band’s newest album “Woodstock” earlier this year, the group hit the top five of Billboard’s Hot 100 and played at big arenas, such as the Hearst Greek Theatre in Berkeley a few months ago.

After gaining so much popularity within the mainstream culture, it seemed unlikely the Portland band would get to kick it like it’s 2013, back when Portugal. The Man played at The Mystic Theater in Petaluma. But the 2017 Emerald Cup is bringing Portugal. The Man back to Sonoma County for a performance Sunday, Dec. 10.

While the band’s new record is impressive, let’s not forget the tunes you might have rocked out to at the 2015 BottleRock Music Festival.

Despite the name, the band is by no means just a one-man project. The group has a unique psychedelic sound with a gritty punk vibe that’s rounded out by bassist Zach Carothers, keyboard player Kyle O’Quin, drummer Jason Sechrist and guitarist Eric Howk.

Songs such as “Creep in a T-Shirt” and “Purple Yellow Red and Blue” off the band’s 2013 record “Evil Friends” are just as infectious. Classics such as “Got It All (This Can’t Be Living Now)” off 2011’s “In The Mountain in the Cloud” are feel-good singalong anthems too.

Live performances are a must-see because of the Portugal. The Man’s contagious rock ‘n’ roll attitude and the accompanying epic light shows that entrance you from the first song to the last.

Other performers at this year’s Emerald Cup include The Roots, Hieroglyphics, Pimps of Joytime, Chali 2na, Thrive and Gramatik, make sure to log on to the Emerald Cup website for performance times closer to the date.

Details: Starts at 10 a.m. Dec.9 and Dec. 10, Sonoma County Fairgrounds, 1350 Bennett Valley Road. Santa Rosa. Admission: $70-$400; ?age 18 and over only. ?Information: theemeraldcup.com

HO, HO, HO - Feel like getting into the Christmas spirit with local bands?

Say no more, A Very Trebuchet Christmas is the perfect place to sing along with a good number of classic holiday songs. The yearly event is put on by local indie-folk band Trebuchet and features a night of Christmas covers plus a set by the hosts themselves too. The show is also free and a good excuse to break out your Christmas sweaters. This year’s line-up includes Judah Nagler, Cabbagehead, John Courage and Willow & Hound.

Details: 8 p.m. Dec, 8, Petaluma Woman’s Club, 518 B St. Petaluma. Admission: Free. Information: trebuchetmusic.com

MORE THAN BACKING VOCALS - If you’ve ever wondered who did the beautiful vocals featured on gnash’s song “i hate u, i love u,” you’ll be happily surprised to find they belong to an 18-year-old Wine Country native named Oliva O’ Brian.

But more than just backing vocals, O’Brian writes amazing songs that question social roles women are placed in. Though her dance-pop song “Trust Issues” has memorable hooks, it also questions self-worth, homemaker values and mental stability.

Catch the singer-songwriter return home after a national tour for an exclusive performance at Gundlach Bundschu Winery to benefit the Redwood Credit Union’s North Bay Fire Relief Fund, the Napa Valley Community Foundation and Sonoma County Resilience Fund.

Details: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 11, Gundlanch Bundschu Winery, 2000 Denmark St. Sonoma. Admission: $15. Information: gunbun.com.

Feeling the beats? Got a music tip? Email Estefany Gonzalez at nightbeats@pressdemocrat.com