Spotlight: The Heights

Inside of the Heights Lounge and Events Space. Courtesy of Keaveny Co. Photography

Since opening in April, The Heights Lounge and Events Space, located in the Foster-Powell neighborhood, has been committed to building community by serving all ages and offering shows at affordable prices. Founded by Jermaine Malone, a veteran musician, The Heights offers an expansive venue space as well as a state-of-the-art in-house recording studio for rent. Check out their event schedule for future performances.

Tell us about your business.

Jermaine Malone (below as Jermaine): The Heights, founded in 2024, is a Black-owned music venue and event space in Portland, Oregon. We offer 3,700 square feet of flexible space with a capacity of 150 people, making us a welcoming home for live performances, private events, and community gatherings. As an all-ages venue, we are proud to foster connections, celebrations, and the shared experience of music and culture for people from all walks of life.

What makes the Heights different from other music venues?

Jermaine: We believe small businesses drive local economies. We foster a vibrant community of entrepreneurs, artists, and creatives by building a strong network. This creates opportunities for collaboration, partnerships, and community programs, ultimately strengthening our economic fabric and ensuring continued growth.

Tell me about your food—it looks amazing!

Jermaine: Our menu reflects the diverse culinary traditions of the Midwest and South, drawing inspiration from generations of family recipes. This heritage infuses our cuisine with unique flavors, evident in dishes such as Whipped Ricotta + Meatballs, Kimchi Calamari, and Coconut Crunchy Shrimp. Our main courses offer a global culinary journey, featuring dishes like Spiced Ahi, Mac Nut Mahi, Key West Halibut, and Honey Harissa King Salmon.