Music❯Choral

Norman Huynh, Conductor
Steiger Butte Drum and Singers, Native American ensemble
Members of Portland State University Chamber Choir, Ethan Sperry, Conductor
Oregon Symphony

STRAVINSKY Symphonies of Wind Instruments
Michael GORDON Natural History
Grace MIEDZIAK New work (Fear No Music Emerging Composers Fellow, Oregon Symphony commission)
BEETHOVEN Symphony No. 1 in C major, Op. 21

Inspired by Crater Lake National Park, Michael Gordon’s Natural History weaves Native and symphonic music in this paean to the natural landscape. Plus, hear works by two of classical music’s most intrepid pioneers: Stravinsky’s experimental musical essay on wind and brass sounds, Symphonies of Wind Instruments, and Beethoven’s vivacious and dramatic Symphony No. 1. Native Oregonian Grace Miedziak enhances the program with a new work that celebrates the Pacific Northwest.

November 4, 2026

Special Concerts

The Philip Glass Ensemble returns to Portland for Powaqqatsi, an artful cinematic experience that speaks to the impact of modernization and industrialization on traditional ways of living. Seen through the lens of communities across the globe, the narrative is amplified by compositions from Philip Glass that feature native, classical, and electronic instruments. Enjoyed alone or as the second in The Qatsi Trilogy, you won’t want to miss this thought-provoking performance from The Philip Glass Ensemble and conductor Michael Riesman.

po.waq.qa.tsi (from the Hopi language, powaq sorcerer + qatsi life) n., an entity, a way of life, that consumes the life forces of other beings in order to further its own life.

• Michael Riesman Conductor
• Members of Portland State University Chamber Choir Ethan Sperry, Conductor
• The Philip Glass Ensemble
• Oregon Symphony

This concert is part of the Special Concerts series, and is eligible for the Choose Your Own Series (Portland only). Concert length is approximately 1 hour 40 minutes. No intermission.

Concert begins promptly at the time listed.

Born in Miami, during World War II, Chris Smither grew up in New Orleans where he first started playing music as a child. The son of a Tulane University professor, he was taught the rudiments of instrumentation by his uncle on his mother’s ukulele. “Uncle Howard,” Smither says, “showed me that if you knew three chords, you could play a lot of the songs you heard on the radio. And if you knew four chords, you could pretty much rule the world.” With that bit of knowledge under his belt, he was hooked. “I’d loved acoustic music – specifically the blues – ever since I first heard Lightnin’ Hopkins’ Blues In My Bottle album. I couldn’t believe the sound Hopkins got. At first I thought it was two guys playing guitar. My style, to a degree, came out of trying to imitate that sound I heard.”

Jake Shimabukuro is a world-renowned ukulele virtuoso whose groundbreaking artistry has redefined the instrument for the 21st century. Hailed as the “Jimi Hendrix of the ukulele,” Shimabukuro has captivated audiences across the globe with his masterful technique, innovative spirit, and deeply expressive performances that seamlessly blend elements of jazz, rock, classical, blues, folk, and traditional Hawaiian music.

Born and raised in Honolulu, Hawai‘i, Jake began playing the ukulele at age four, quickly developing a unique style that pushed the instrument far beyond its traditional boundaries. He first gained international recognition after his jaw-dropping rendition of George Harrison’s “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” went viral, introducing millions to the ukulele’s untapped potential.

Over the course of his career, Shimabukuro has released numerous acclaimed albums, collaborated with an array of legendary artists—including Bette Midler, Yo-Yo Ma, Jimmy Buffett, Ziggy Marley, and Mick Fleetwood—and performed everywhere from the Sydney Opera House to the Hollywood Bowl and the Kennedy Center. His most recent projects showcase both his dazzling technical command and his growing focus on emotional storytelling through music.

Beyond the stage, Jake is a passionate advocate for music education and community outreach, frequently performing at schools and benefit concerts to inspire the next generation of musicians. Whether playing an intimate solo show or headlining with a full band, Shimabukuro continues to prove that the ukulele is an instrument of infinite possibilities—one that speaks a universal language of joy, connection, and hope.

A joyful community sing-along led by Portland’s own Thomas Lauderdale of Pink Martini with many of Portland’s finest musical artists and chorale singers. Portland’s Tree Lighting Ceremony is the highlight of the holiday season in downtown. Join in this holiday tradition as Santa Claus ‘flips the switch’ to illuminate nearly 10,000 colorful lights on our City’s Tree that will shine bright throughout the holiday season.

the tudor choir
+ doug fullington

Tudor England (c1485–1603) was deeply unstable — yet monuments of its Latin sacred music survived, including the Sarum rite chant used before the Reformation. This chant formed the basis of devotional works by Taverner, Sheppard, Fayrfax, and Tye. It appears directly in several pieces on this program — among them Sheppard’s deeply moving Libera nos, whose chant melody is shown here. This music is inseparable too from the stone abbeys and cathedrals it was made to fill. These Stones Remain restores these masterworks to their spiritual home, performed by the Northwest’s own Tudor Choir.

• Sacred Masterworks from Tudor England

Experience an unforgettable night of blues-infused rock as Joanne Shaw Taylor and Robert Jon and The Wreck bring their powerhouse performances to the stage. Renowned for her blistering guitar work and soulful vocals, Joanne Shaw Taylor will perform fan favorites from her acclaimed Billboard-charting album Black and Gold alongside new music from her forthcoming release, The Trouble With Love. Joining her are Robert Jon & The Wreck, celebrated for their driving Southern rock sound, rich harmonies, and electrifying live shows, featuring standout songs from their latest album, Heartbreaks & Last Goodbyes. Blending blues roots, fiery musicianship, and high-octane rock energy, this dynamic lineup promises a night of incredible live music.

The JT Wise Band performs high energy good time music. They have found a special calling to perform the music of the Grateful Dead with authentic jams and guitarist JT Wise channeling Jerry Garcia. Also performing is bassist Maggie Wise, drummer Ken Woodside and on piano Byron Ady.

"JT Wise sounds like no one else on the planet"-Mary Flower

"JT Wise Band performs American roots music with an expertise rarely heard"- journalist Daniel Curran

"Best Grateful Dead in the area"- Portland Notes Notable performance, Paul Lankow

The Low Bar Chorale is thrilled to welcome internationally acclaimed multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter, and producer Laura Gibson as a special guest. To celebrate the 20th Anniversary of her debut album, If You Come To Greet Me, Laura is re-releasing her first four records on vinyl. Sing together and learn harmony parts for some of her best-loved songs from these albums, as well as some favorite covers and guilty pleasures. Come sing with one of the defining voices of Portland's musical legacy.

Live Musician: Mark Seymour

Join us every Saturday evening for live music from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., paired with great wine and pizza, all while surrounded by the bucolic beauty of Oregon farmland.

A $10 cover charge begins at 5 p.m. and can be applied toward the purchase of your favorite bottle of wine. Wine Club members enjoy complimentary admission for themselves and up to four guests.

Wine will be available for purchase by the glass or bottle throughout the evening, with special pricing on select wines by the glass.

A finely talented guitarist with a silky-smooth voice, Mark Seymour intimately shares his gift as an entertainer, delighting his audiences with a magical blend of soulful guitar & velvety vocals, performing classic favorites from country, folk-rock, and blues.

One of the most beloved operas ever written, La Traviata pairs soaring melodies with a deeply personal story of love and sacrifice. At its center is Violetta, an independent woman navigating desire, societal expectation, and the fragile possibility of happiness on her own terms. As romance and reality collide, Verdi’s luminous score reveals the emotional complexity of living authentically in a world determined to impose its rules. Tender, tragic, and timeless, the opera continues to resonate for its compassionate portrayal of Violetta’s vulnerability, resilience, courage as she chooses personal truth in the face of public judgment.

Second and Fourth Sunday: 2025 Sacred Harp (Green Book) singing - Held in the Kennedy School Community Room, SE corner of the building.

Inspired by Crater Lake National Park, Michael Gordon’s Natural History weaves Native and symphonic music in this paean to the natural landscape. Plus, hear works by two of classical music’s most intrepid pioneers: Stravinsky’s experimental musical essay on wind and brass sounds, Symphonies of Wind Instruments, and Beethoven’s vivacious and dramatic Symphony No. 1. Native Oregonian Grace Miedziak enhances the program with a new work that celebrates the Pacific Northwest.

Norman Huynh, Conductor

Steiger Butte Drum and Singers, Native American ensemble

Members of Portland State University Chamber Choir, Ethan Sperry, Conductor

Oregon Symphony

Stravinsky Symphonies of Wind Instruments

Michael Gordon Natural History

Grace Meidziak New work (Fear No Music Emerging Composers Fellow, Oregon Symphony commission)

Beethover Symphony No. 1 in C major, Op. 21

Inspired by Crater Lake National Park, Michael Gordon’s Natural History weaves Native and symphonic music in this paean to the natural landscape. Plus, hear works by two of classical music’s most intrepid pioneers: Stravinsky’s experimental musical essay on wind and brass sounds, Symphonies of Wind Instruments,and Beethoven’s vivacious and dramatic Symphony No. 1. Oregonian Grace Miedziak enhances the program with a new work that celebrates the Pacific Northwest.

• Norman Huynh Conductor
• Steiger Butte Drum and Singers Native American ensemble
• Members of Portland State University Chamber Choir Ethan Sperry, Conductor
• Oregon Symphony

• STRAVINSKY Symphonies of Wind Instruments
• Michael GORDON Natural History
• Grace MIEDZIAK Cascadence (Rizzo-Cummings Emerging Composer Fellow at the Oregon Symphony, Oregon Symphony commission)
• BEETHOVEN Symphony No. 1 in C Major, Op. 21

This concert is part of Classical Series A, and is eligible for the Choose Your Own Series (Portland only). Concert length is approximately 1 hour 33 minutes, with one intermission.

This pre-concert talk takes place one hour before the Sunday matinee performance.

SUN, NOV 1, 1PM: Conductor Norman Huynh and Rizzo-Cummings Emerging Composer Fellow Grace Miedziak with All Classical Radio host Warren Black.

November 15, 2026

Family Series

Alice McLerran’s classic children’s book The Mountain that Loved a Bird tells a heartwarming story of unlikely friendship between a barren mountain and a visiting bird named Joy. Experience Portland-based composer Caroline Shaw’s musical interpretation of the story as the book is narrated live in this celebration of friendship that teaches us the transformative power of kindness and care.

• Su-Han Yang Harold & Arlene Schnitzer Associate Conductor
• Pam Mahon Narrator
• Dance West Jason Davis, Artistic & Technical Director
• Pacific Youth Choir Chris Maunu, Artistic Director; Amber Schroeder, Associate Conductor
• Oregon Symphony

This concert is part of the Family Series, and is eligible for the Choose Your Own Series (Portland only).

This concert is part of the 2026/27 Sounds Like Portland festival.

Gram Jam is a celebration of the music of Gram Parsons. A seminal figure at the roots of what is now referred to as Americana. A mix of traditional country, rock n roll, blues and soul. Gram called that mix Cosmic American Music. Gram Parson’s efforts with The International Submarine Band, The Byrds, The Flying Burrito Brothers and his two solo albums, GP and Grievous Angel were not commercial successes but his songs and style influenced all that came after. The Eagles, Little Feat, Workingman’s Dead by the Grateful Dead, The New Riders of The Purple Sage, Linda Ronstadt and Emmylou Harris are just a short list. Cosmic American Music is still alive and well in Portland and many other places around the world.

Shorty and The Mustangs have organized five Gram Jam benefit concerts for the Jeremy Wilson Foundation https://www.thejwf.or since 2016. So why do a sixth now?

In November, Gram Parsons would be turning 80 within two days of Gram Jam VI and will also be inducted into The Rock n Roll Hall of Fame within a few weeks of the show. In addition, Shorty and The Mustangs are celebrating their 30 th Anniversary in 2026. Too many dates have aligned. It’s meant to happen.

A stellar list of local musicians are donating their time and talent to this benefit show. Get your tickets, you don’t want to miss this!

Speed Dating Tonight!
Music & Libretto by Michael Ching
Based on a concept by Dean Anthony

Portland State University’s Opera program kicks off its 50th anniversary season with Michael Ching’s “Speed Dating Tonight!” (2013). Set over the course of a single evening at a local bar, this clever, heartwarming opera follows a revolving cast of singles searching for that elusive spark. There's the dreamer, the hopeless romantic, the bashful, the over-sharer, the chronically distracted, and everyone in between, each getting their moment in the spotlight through music that is equal parts tender, heartbreaking, and hilarious.

Written with duets and ensembles for up to 45 voices, “Speed Dating Tonight!” has a flexible modular structure that can be customized to fit any cast size, voice type, or gender identity. PSU Opera’s version of “Speed Dating Tonight!” features 35 song selections and arrangements specifically chosen to reflect the unique assortment of voices in the 12-member cast.

At its heart, this is a show about the universal human longing to be seen and cherished by another person. Woven through the interactions is another question: can a genuine connection actually happen in five minutes or less? With Michael Ching’s delightful opera, the answer is decidedly yes.

Visit the Speed Dating Tonight! web page to learn more about this production, including additional dates, cast and crew information, photos, and more as we get closer to opening night.

Learn more about the Opera program at Portland State University's School of Music & Theater.

Soul'd Out Presents: Down in the Delta with Ms Vee and Yella P
Doors: 7:00pm
Show: 8:00pm
Ages 21+.

You won't want to miss this Annual Birthday Celebration with the Bad Girl of the Blues! Harp/Guitar Extraordinaire Yella P joins Portland's Bad girl of the Blues, Ms Vee and a Badass Band. Damion “Yella P” Pearson is a Memphis-born harmonica virtuoso, multi-instrumentalist, and educator whose sound blends blues, soul, jazz, funk, and hip-hop, shaped by influences ranging
from Marvin Gaye, John Coltrane, Stevie Wonder, Billie Holiday, and George Clinton to Southern rap icons like 8Ball & MJG and Playa Fly.

A fixture in the Memphis music scene, he has collaborated and shared stages with artists including Eric Gales, The Bar-Kays, Kirk Whalum, Eddie Floyd, Bobby Rush, and Robert Finley, and co-founded the award-winning duo Memphissippi Sounds with Cam Kimbrough—whose debut album Welcome to the Land charted internationally and fueled tours across the U.S.,
Europe, and Canada. Now fully dedicated to his art, Yella P continues to release new music while delivering powerful, genre-bending performances that honor tradition and boldly push it forward.

Ms. Vee Singer, Musician, Writer, and Comedienne; 2023 Muddy Awards Nominee for Best Female Vocalist, 2021 Band & 2019 Solo Granite State Blues Challenge Winner & International Blues Challenge Semifinalist: Ms Vee's style of Soul Blues is infused with black southern gospel and a lot of soul! In 2018, Ms Vee launched her own music project, founding Ms Vee and a Badass Band.

Hailing from Arkansas by way of Memphis Tennessee, the award-winning Ms Vee brings powerhouse vocals and a razor sharp wit to every show.In January 2023, Ms Vee launched a Pacific Northwest configuration of Ms Vee and a Badass Band. Backed by some of the most accomplished musicians in Portland, including Chance Hayden, Jake Koprowski, Terrell "Peanut" Reed, and Ron Solomon, Ms Vee and her Badass Band has been rocking houses since their 2022 debut. They’ve quickly risen to the top of the PDX music scene.
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JLR Seating Map Notes: For this show, you may reserve individual tables on the map pictured. Note that some tables have limited sightlines as noted. General Admission ticket holders note that seating and sightlines are limted and may be standing room only. All table reservations include admission.

1. For Table Reservations: Note the relative location of the stage and bar on the map. Then click a table number to see prices, or click "Show All Tickets". Click the + button to add a specific table to your cart.
2. For General Admission tickets: click the "GA Standing" area. Click the + button to add additional tickets.
3. Click "Agree & Checkout"

Down in the Delta with Ms Vee and Yella P

Allison Russell is a compelling singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist with strong ties to the folk community. She first made her name in the 2000s as a member of the eclectic Canadian roots group Po' Girl before forming the duo Birds of Chicago in 2012 with her husband and creative partner JT Nero. Taking inspiration from a wide array of sources, Russell's songs have threaded through jazz, country, folk, Celtic, klezmer, and blues to become a distinctive amalgam of her own making. Not unlike fellow Renaissance woman and Our Native Daughters bandmate Rhiannon Giddens, her musical versatility has made her difficult to pigeonhole while also helping to establish her as a linchpin of roots music in general. In 2021, after two decades of musical exploration, Russell made her solo debut with the Juno Award-winning Outside Child. Her solo follow-up, the joyful, Grammy-winning The Returner, arrived two years later. She also made her Broadway debut in 2024, returning a year later with the protest-fueled Annie Lennox collaboration "Superlover" and "Comes a Time" with the Doobie Brothers. Russell's guest-heavy third album, In the Hour of Chaos, arrived in 2026, featuring appearances from artists like Norah Jones and Ruby Amanfu.

Nathan Pacheco is a classical crossover tenor, composer, and recording artist whose powerful voice and uplifting performances captivate audiences around the world.

He began his recording career with Disney Music Group and appeared in multiple PBS and ABC television specials, both as a solo artist and alongside internationally renowned performers including Yanni, Katherine Jenkins, and Olga Tañón. As a featured vocalist with Yanni Voices, Nathan performed throughout North America and was featured in two PBS concert specials before launching his solo career.

Nathan has performed with orchestras, choirs, and symphonies across the United States, including the San Diego Symphony and The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square. His recordings have earned multiple Billboard #1 rankings in the Classical Crossover categories.

Popular demand - Second Night Added!

OZ NOY
Virtuoso guitarist and composer Oz Noy has carved out a distinctive niche within the contemporary music landscape by creating an electrifying fusion of jazz, funk, rock, blues, and R&B. His innovative approach, described succinctly by Noy himself as “Jazz—it just doesn’t sound like it,” has captivated audiences worldwide and earned him widespread acclaim among fans, critics, and fellow musicians alike.

Born in Israel, Oz embarked on his professional music career at the remarkably young age of 13, swiftly distinguishing himself across multiple genres. By age 16, he had already established himself as a leading guitarist, performing alongside many of Israel’s most prominent artists. By age 24, Oz had become one of the most in-demand session guitarists in the country and held a pivotal role as a member of the house band on Israel’s top-rated television show for over two years.

Oz’s artistic journey took a transformative leap when he relocated to New York City in 1996. His arrival in the vibrant music scene of New York marked the beginning of a prolific career, characterized by an infectious groove and genre-defying sonic explorations. Quickly making his mark, he began collaborating with some of the most revered musicians in the industry, including drummers Keith Carlock, Anton Fig, Vinnie Colaiuta, and Dave Weckl, as well as bassists Will Lee, James Genus, and Reggie Washington.

JLR Seating Map Notes: For this show, you may reserve individual tables on the map pictured. Some tables have limited sightlines as noted. General Admission ticket holders note that seating and sightlines are limted and may be standing room only. All table reservations include admission.

1. For Table Reservations: Note the relative location of the stage and bar on the map. Then click a table number to see prices, or click "Show All Tickets". Click the + button to add a specific table to your cart.
2. For General Admission tickets: click the "GA Standing" area. Click the + button to add additional tickets.
3. Click "Agree & Checkout"

Join us for a Cantor Shabbat! Cantor Green, guest Cantor Marshall Portnoy, and our congregational choirs will lead us in prayer on Friday, November 6.

Marshall Portnoy is the Cantor Emeritus of Main Line Reform Temple in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania. He has served two congregations full-time in his career: Congregation Adath Jeshurun in Louisville, Kentucky, from 1971 to 1994; and Main Line Reform Temple from 1994 to 2018. A graduate of Yale, Cantor Portnoy was invested both by the Jewish Theological Seminary and the Hebrew Union College. His two-volume work, The Art of Cantillation, now in its third edition, has for more than twenty-five years brought the skill and the joy of reading Torah and Haftarah to tens of thousands throughout the globe, and regularly remains among the most popular volumes of Behrman House Publications. His musical works are widely performed throughout the United States, and he is the recipient of frequent commissions. Of his CD Songs of Renewal, Debbie Friedman wrote, “Thoughtful and gentle, mindful and kind, this loving soul takes the listener, with every note he sings, to a place of hope and calm.” This is the only CD by another composer for which Debbie Friedman wrote liner notes.

The Marshall Portnoy Anthology was recently published by Transcontinental Music Publications. It contains thirty-four pieces, many familiar but in new arrangements for solo voice and duets (including “Meditation”,“I Still Believe” “God Bless This House” and “Birth is a Beginning”), many previously unpublished (“Reckoning,” “Od Yishama,” and “Miracles”), as well as songs for children (“Our Sukkah is a Little Hut,” “The Four Questions,” “Eitz Yafeh” and many others)..

Cantor Portnoy is the founder and President of the Bloom Jewish Music Foundation, which dispenses funds each year for the composition and performance of new Jewish music. He is also widely acknowledged as the music scholar who “cracked the code” to Edward Elgar’s Enigma Variations.

The Northwest’s Premier Vocal Rock Band, GENERATOR is a high energy 5-piece group playing popular rock, blues and pop songs. The band’s hallmarks are dazzling vocals, brilliant 5-part harmonies, and a rock-solid groove. Generator keeps dance floors packed, and audiences mesmerized. They genuinely have fun playing together, and are a delight to watch.

A joyful community sing-along led by Portland’s own Thomas Lauderdale of Pink Martini, with many of Portland’s finest musical artists and chorale singers. Portland’s Tree Lighting Ceremony is the highlight of the holiday season in downtown. Join in this holiday tradition as Santa Claus ‘flips the switch’ to illuminate nearly 10,000 colorful lights on the City’s Tree that will shine bright throughout the holiday season.

The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra USA’s 2026-2027 season continues Nov. 7-8 with Verdi’s choral-orchestral masterpiece, “Messa da Requiem.” Conductor Salvador Brotons will lead the orchestra, Portland Symphonic Choir and soloists Abigail Krawson, Hannah Penn, Brian Cheney and Anton Belov in bringing Verdi’s score to life at 7 p.m. Nov. 7 and 3 p.m. Nov. 8 at Skyview Concert Hall, 1300 N.W. 139th St., Vancouver. Both performances will also be available via livestream. Tickets are $15 for children and students, adult standard seating is $50 and premium seats are $53. Get tickets at vancouversymphony.org.

Saturday, November 7, 2026 • 7:07 p.m.
5830 NE Alameda Street, Portland
featuring ensembles Topaz, Burgundy, and The Super Cuts

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As a primary goal of the organization is to provide all people with opportunities to experience the performing arts, with support from KARMA*,
this Blueprint organization-sponsored show is pay what you want!
Which can be as low as, well… free!

Entry / tickets at the door only, with open seating!

Doors open at 5:45 p.m.

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Come join Blueprint for a trip into two worlds: distinguished masterpieces and DIsney!

Featuring Topaz ensemble (read more about them here),
the first half includes both classic and modern classical standards, including…

• Purcell’s Hear My Prayer
• Gjeilo’s Sancus
• Allegri’s Miserere Mei, Deus
• Mealor’s Locus Iste

Then, the second half is a fully choreographed half with
new arrangements of animated favorites, both old and new, including selections from…

• The Hunchback of Notre Dame
• Anastasia
• Aladdin
• Frozen
• Mulan

and featuring a mashup of songs from five different films!

So take a trip through both the classical classic and the Disney classic with Blueprint for a solemn and yet magic-making good time!

Kevin Selfe’s Blues Jam is a high-energy Sunday afternoon session kicking off at 5 PM, led by acclaimed guitarist and vocalist Kevin Selfe. Featuring a rotating lineup of top Portland musicians, the jam delivers spontaneous collaborations, extended grooves, and plenty of room for musical surprises.

Band members: Kevin Selfe (guitar, harmonica, vocals), Jimi Bott (drums), Allen Markel (bass), and friends.

Doors open at 4 PM for dinner & drinks
Music kicks off at 5 PM

Here’s the quick rundown so everyone has a blast:

• No reservations needed — first come, first served. Grab a good spot early!
• There’s a $6 cover
• 21+ show

John Bunzow’s mix of eclectic musical influences – melding blues, country, rock and even jazz – have helped establish him as an original artist of heartfelt depth, substance and style.

**Atlantis Lounge is All Ages until 9:00 PM, at that time any minors will be asked to leave the space. Thanks for your understanding!

The Portland State University Chamber Choir, described by Classics Today as “amongst the finest choirs in the world,” will perform at the Music @ Midday series. Join us for 50 minutes of our favorite selections, including Classical, Pop, and World Music.

View the concert livestream or recording.

Concert program available shortly before the concert.

The Music @ Midday Series is a weekly opportunity to experience the sounds of the PSU School of Music & Theater. Join us on Fridays during fall, winter, and spring terms for a diverse program of concerts featuring students, faculty, and special guests.

View the Music @ Midday Series page for all upcoming concerts.

Learn more about the School of Music & Theater.

Soul'd Out Presents: Stop Light Observations
Doors: 7:00pm
Show: 8:00pm
Ages 21+
https://www.stoplightobservations.com/

Special Note: Ticket holders for this show receive free admission to Jack London's Burly Q Revue Cabaret after the music!

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Stop Light Observations is a dynamic four-piece group hailing from Charleston, South Carolina. Their versatile sound is a unique blend of blues, pop, and indie rock infused with electronic beats and the soulful vocals of Will Blackburn. From songs like “2young” to “Security” their music is a true reflection of their unique personalities, and their live shows are a testament to their authenticity and raw talent.

SLO is Will Blackburn (vocals), Oleg Terentiev (drums), David Beam (guitar) and Jeremiah King (keys).

Notes on Seating: Open seating, may be limited or standing room only. First come, first seated. Open dance floor may obscure sightlines. Stop Light Observations

Portland’s Singing Christmas Tree is back to bring the magic of Christmas to audiences of all ages. Get ready for an unforgettable Christmas experience! Our spectacular 90-minute show is packed with excitement, featuring an immersive nativity, a special visit from Santa and his dancing elves, and a non-stop extravaganza of music, dance, and pageantry that will kickstart your holiday season with joy and wonder.

Special Guest Performers: We’re thrilled to have renowned talents such as Georgene Rice, Timothy Greenidge, and Courtney Temple join us, adding their magic to the festivities.

Incredible Choir: Our adult and youth choirs, along with these guest stars, will serenade you with beloved classics and new favorites, filling the air with the spirit of Christmas.

New Show, New Songs: While our show is steeped in tradition, we’re excited to bring you fresh elements and new songs that will make this year’s celebration even more memorable by joining us for this magical event that captures the true spirit of Christmas.

Pacific Northwest’s Premier Christmas Event: We’re not just a show; we’re a cherished tradition in the Pacific Northwest. Families have been making us a part of their holiday season for over six decades.

Saturday November 28 – 2 PM
Saturday November 28 – 6 PM
Sunday November 29 – 2 PM
Sunday November 29 – 6 PM
Friday December 4 – 7 PM
Saturday December 5 – 2 PM
Saturday December 5 – 6 PM
Sunday December 6 – 2 PM
Sunday December 6 – 6 pm

Blue $48-$55
Red $38-$45
Green $28-$35
ALL TICKETING FEES INCLUDED IN PRICES

In Buddhist thought, the Tree of Life is a symbol of awakening, wisdom, and the interconnectedness of all life. Its roots reach deep into the earth while its branches extend toward the sky, reminding us that each generation grows from those that came before and that our lives are shaped by the communities and traditions that sustain us.

Opening the PSU Choirs' concert season, "Tree of Life" explores these themes through music that spans continents and centuries. Performed by the PSU Chamber Choir, Rose Choir and Thorn Choir, the program pairs cherished works from the Classical choral tradition with music by a new generation of Southeast Asian composers. At its center is Indonesian composer Bagus Utomo's Gayatri, inspired by the legendary queen whose wisdom and spiritual devotion remain an enduring part of Indonesian cultural heritage. The concert also features works by Budi Susanto Yohanes, Ily Matthew Maniano and Matthew Lyon Hazzard. Several of these pieces will be recorded later this year by the internationally acclaimed PSU Chamber Choir at Skywalker Sound, offering audiences an opportunity to hear this music before it is released.

This concert will be performed twice: November 20 at 7:30 PM and Sunday, November 22 at 4:00 PM.

View the full 2026-2027 Choir Season, Tree of Life.

Learn more about the Portland State University School of Music & Theater Choirs.

Award-winning vocalist, instrumentalist and songwriter Curtis Salgado, the man NPR calls “an icon” with “a huge voice,” is revered worldwide for his ability to wring every ounce of soul out of every song he performs. Salgado is famed not only for his powerhouse live shows and eleven previous albums, but also for his passionate and insightful original songs. He has been nominated three times for the Blues Music Award for Song Of The Year, winning in 2018 for Walk A Mile In My Blues from The Beautiful Lowdown. In total, he has won eleven Blues Music Awards, including the B.B. King Entertainer Of The Year. DownBeat calls his songwriting skills “an impressive gift.” Billboard says Salgado’s music is “inspired and powerful.”

Now, Salgado is back with Fine By Me, the latest evidence of Salgado wielding his impressive songwriting and vocal skills to a wide variety of styles. His music has dashes of blues, gospel, R&B, jazz, funk, rock ’n’ roll and soul at any given moment.

Join a lively game of chess and put your skills to the test. Whether you’re brand new or a seasoned player, there’s a spot for you. Instructor Victor will be on hand to guide beginners, while experienced players can jump right in and enjoy the challenge. Amplified holiday jazz from KMHD will play in the background to enhance the experience.

Special Dickens Carolers performances on Dec. 6th and 13th at 2 p.m.

A joyful community sing-along led by Portland’s own Thomas Lauderdale of Pink Martini with many of Portland’s finest musical artists and chorale singers. Portland’s Tree Lighting Ceremony is the highlight of the holiday season in downtown. Join in this holiday tradition as Santa Claus ‘flips the switch’ to illuminate nearly 10,000 colorful lights on our City’s Tree that will shine bright throughout the holiday season.

Tudor England (c. 1485–1603) was deeply unstable—yet monuments of its Latin sacred music survived, including the Sarum rite chant used before the Reformation. This chant served as the basis for devotional works by Taverner, Sheppard, Fayrfax, and Tye. It appears directly in several pieces on this program—among them Sheppard’s deeply moving Libera nos, whose chant melody is shown here. This music is inseparable from the stone abbeys and cathedrals it was made to fill. These Stones Remain restores these masterworks to their spiritual home, performed by the Northwest’s own Tudor Choir.

Selected chants from Tudor England

Jake Shimabukuro is a world-renowned ukulele virtuoso whose groundbreaking artistry has redefined the instrument for the 21st century. Hailed as the “Jimi Hendrix of the ukulele,” Shimabukuro has captivated audiences across the globe with his masterful technique, innovative spirit, and deeply expressive performances that seamlessly blend elements of jazz, rock, classical, blues, folk, and traditional Hawaiian music.

Born and raised in Honolulu, Hawai‘i, Jake began playing the ukulele at age four, quickly developing a unique style that pushed the instrument far beyond its traditional boundaries. He first gained international recognition after his jaw-dropping rendition of George Harrison’s “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” went viral, introducing millions to the ukulele’s untapped potential.

Over the course of his career, Shimabukuro has released numerous acclaimed albums, collaborated with an array of legendary artists—including Bette Midler, Yo-Yo Ma, Jimmy Buffett, Ziggy Marley, and Mick Fleetwood—and performed everywhere from the Sydney Opera House to the Hollywood Bowl and the Kennedy Center. His most recent projects showcase both his dazzling technical command and his growing focus on emotional storytelling through music.

Beyond the stage, Jake is a passionate advocate for music education and community outreach, frequently performing at schools and benefit concerts to inspire the next generation of musicians. Whether playing an intimate solo show or headlining with a full band, Shimabukuro continues to prove that the ukulele is an instrument of infinite possibilities—one that speaks a universal language of joy, connection, and hope.

Formed in 2018, The Gibbons are an all original, stripped down, blues influenced rock n' roll band. Their music features locked in drum and bass grooves provided by bassist Schuyler Dinsdale and drummer Greg Montplaisir, complimented by the dual Les Paul guitar attack of Peter Boone and Nathan Zito. They released a self titled album available on Spotify, Apple Music, and BandCamp.

Critical Mass Big Band and Sugartime Trio unite powerhouse instrumentation with dazzling vocal harmonies to create an unforgettable live music experience. For nearly 25 years, Critical Mass Big Band has stood as a cornerstone of contemporary jazz in the Pacific Northwest, captivating audiences with electrifying performances and a rich, full-bodied sound. Featuring an expansive lineup of saxophones, trombones, trumpets, and a driving rhythm section, the ensemble delivers high-energy big band jazz with precision, passion, and undeniable swing.
Sugartime Trio, joining forces with this dynamic orchestra, adds a fresh and stylish vocal dimension. Since 2016, this acclaimed female jazz/pop ensemble has charmed audiences with their tight three-part harmonies, blending hot swing with lush ballads. Their repertoire spans from the golden age of the 1930s to modern favorites, all delivered with a signature blend of sophistication, charisma, and polish.
Together, these standout acts create a vibrant fusion of classic big band power and sleek vocal artistry-offering audiences a timeless yet contemporary musical experience that is as exhilarating as it is truly unforgettable.

Acclaimed tenor Nathan Pacheco joins the Portland Choir and Orchestra for a breathtaking evening of holiday music. The festive concert features soaring orchestral arrangements, cherished seasonal favorites, and magnificent vocal performances.

SHOW TIMES:

November 27 at 7:30pm

November 28 at 2pm

The Clark College Music Department will host the 11th annual Fall Choral Festival from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 13 in the Gaiser Student Center on the campus of Clark College. Eighteen area high school chamber and concert choirs will sing in this non-competitive festival. Audience tickets are $5 per person for the day and they are available at the door.

Trails End Boys feat Jason (JT) Thomas, Marty Henninger, Jim Solberg, Drew Baird

Rock out at the Open Musician's Jam. Join these jam sessions, where music meets fun and friends meet rock 'n roll. It's gonna be a blast. Bring your instruments, your voice, and your A-game.

• Gear Galore: Pianos, electric/acoustic guitars, tube amps, bass (4 or 5 string), drum set, ukulele, ready for you. Plus, extra mics for singers and whatever else you want to bring.
• Covers welcome: Bring your band, or team up with fellow jammers. There are often lots of blues, rock, pop, and funk, plus a load of awesome covers from all decades, especially the '90s. This is a jam of any genre, tends to be rock/soul/bluesy pop/fusion/jazzy funk, but whatever you play, that's what it'll be.
• Game On: Ping Pong tables and arcade machines for friendly competition.
• No Limits: Bring your musical mojo, and get wild. Whether you're a pro or just here for the good times, it's all about the music and the good vibes.

This venue is 21+

Langston Hughes’ Black Nativity tells the story of the Nativity from an African-American perspective through a combination of scripture, poetry, dance, and song with griot-style narration.

Written by Langston Hughes, directed by Jerry Foster, music directed by JerMichael Riley PhD, choreography by Kemba Shannon.

A roof-raising, spirit-catching, musical tour-de-force that will bring you to your feet. Pure joy for the season. Bring the whole family. Make it a block party.

Bottleneck Blues Band was voted Best New Blues Act in 2015 and nominated for the Best CD of the Year by the Cascade Blues Association. The band is a featured act this year at the Waterfront Blues Festival, Cathedral Park Jazz Festival, Illwaco Seafood and Blues Festival, The Taste of Tacoma, the Wallace Idaho Blues Festival and the Crawdad Festival.

Bottleneck is fronted by Noah Bell and is backed up by an all-star lineup with Randy Monroe on the bass guitar, Pete Moss on saxophone, Franklin Spicer on keys and Devon Shazier kickin' the drums. Bottleneck plays red-hot funky blues designed to make your body move. They are currently debuting new material to be featured on their second album. Their first CD "Twenty First Century Blues" was warmly received and the band is looking forward to their next recording project.