Performing Arts❯Comedy❯Improv

For over two decades, Railroad Earth has captivated audiences with gleefully unpredictable live shows and eloquent and elevated studio output. The group introduced its signature sound on 2001’s The Black Bear Sessions. Between selling out hallowed venues such as Red Rocks Amphitheater in Morrison, CO, they’ve been responsible for launching signature festivals Hangtown Music Festival in Placerville, CA and Hillberry: The Harvest Moon Festival in Eureka Springs, AR. Sought after by legends, the John Denver Estate tapped them to put lyrics penned by the late John Denver to music on the 2019 vinyl EP, Railroad Earth: The John Denver Letters. Beyond tallying tens of millions of streams, the collective has earned widespread critical acclaim from David Fricke of Rolling Stone, American Songwriter, Glide Magazine, and NPR, who assured, “Well-versed in rambling around, as you might expect from a band named after a Jack Kerouac poem, the New Jersey-built jam-grass engine Railroad Earth has let no moss grow under its rustic wheels.”

Nick Dumas leads on mandolin and vocals, bringing the soulful foundation he learned from his dobro-playing grandfather in Washington State, now living in Wisconsin. Nick is a former member of Grammy-nominated Special Consensus and a three-time IBMA award winner. Nick has performed across the globe and recently released his solo album "Details" on Nashville's Skyline Records. Nick now has three new singles released on Skyline Records from a soon-to-come project, all of which have made it to #1 on the bluegrass airplay charts. When not touring with the trio or his own band, "Nick Dumas and Branchline," Nick teaches mandolin lessons at home and with The Fiddler's Farm Band in WI. He also co-founded the well-known Northwest bands "Northern Departure" and "North Country Bluegrass".

Chris Luquette showcases his virtuosic guitar work alongside vocals, drawing from his 11 years with the celebrated Frank Solivan and Dirty Kitchen. This multi-instrumentalist has shared stages with Jerry Douglas, Emmylou Harris, and The Steep Canyon Rangers, earning multiple IBMA awards and a Grammy nomination along the way. Originally from Seattle's vibrant music scene and now based in New York City, Chris brings an eclectic musical palette that spans from traditional bluegrass to world music influences. Chris is a co-founder of Northern Departure along with Nick.

Andrew Knapp anchors the trio with his exceptional bass playing and rich vocals. He is one of the premier bassists to come out of the Pacific Northwest. Andrew can also be seen with Seattle-based bluegrass band The Warren G. Hardings, as well as Nick Dumas and Branchline. As a classically trained jazz bassist, he has performed with nationally recognized artists such as Kenny Garrett and Terence Blanchard, toured Europe and Brazil, and played on ships for Carnival Cruise Lines. Also, a graduate of the Whitworth University Jazz program. He is one of the best in the business.

Super-Deluxe Fiddle, Banjo, and Song

Through twenty years and a couple of thousand shows together in bands such as The Foggy Hogtown Boys and The Lonesome Ace Stringband, John Showman and Chris Coole have developed a deep and instinctual musical bond. Their music lurks in a truly unique space, somewhere on the outskirts of old-time, bluegrass, and folk. The songs of John Hartford, Hank Williams, Dock Boggs, and The Band share space with the fiddle tunes of Eck Robertson and Ed Haley. The duo's original songs and tunes take in all these vistas and paint something both personal and timely.

They have performed across North America and Europe at festivals such as Merlefest, Rockygrass, Greyfox, Winnipeg Folk Festival, Mariposa, Wintergrass, The Delaware Valley Bluegrass Festival, and The Bluegrass Hall of Fame and Museum. In addition to the five Lonesome Ace albums, John and Chris have released two duo albums - " Afield" a collection of old-time fiddle tunes, and "Much Further Out than Inevitable - A Tribute to Some Music of John Hartford."

"Powerful musicians, playing and singing some powerful music" - Bluegrass Unlimited

"Danceable, poppy, and soulful, it's old-time that's modern and timeless, both" - Bluegrass Situation

(Roddy Campbell, Penguin Eggs Magazine)

Cited by The Portland Mercury as "One of the funniest (and most educational) comedy shows in town": Comedy, queer history, and dangerously delightful shenanigans collide at Be Gay Do Crime.

July features a Know Your Rights presentation by community activist Frances Portillo, with scenarios acted out in sections by the featured BIPOC improv troupe Brown Sugar.

**This presentation is specifically geared towards allies wanting to know more about how to support their immigrant and BIPOC neighbors and community members.**

Also featuring the talents of local comedians and performers, including:

• Stand-up comedy from Lindy Tongol (Host of qu eer, BIPOC show House Party)
• Improv from Brown Sugar
• Stand-up from Julia Corral (host of Comedy in the Park, House Party, and Bruja-ja)

July's show will be hosted by Jane Dillinger and Jenna Britann.

Tickets are GAYAF — give as you’re able, friend. Ticket sales will go towards compensating the hosts and performers. All additional tips collected during the show will support a different local community non-profit organization each month.

(Please note, this show is about history and adult themes, and adult content is often included, including themes of violence, racial discrimination, homophobia, sexual violence, sexual content, drug use, mature language, etc. There are also "dishonorable guests" whose comedy or artistic material could include similar themes. Recommended for ages 14+ and parental discretion for those under age 18.)

Formed by musicians with a passion for the Northwest outdoors, Jawbone Flats takes its name from the ghost town of the same name nestled deep in the Opal Creek Wilderness of Oregon. Since 2008 JBF has traveled throughout Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Northern California playing an eclectic blend of original and cover songs drawing from the influences of bluegrass, country, alternative country, blues, and rock music led by five alternating lead singers backed by lush harmonies. Interlocking melodies from B-bender Telecaster and acoustic guitars, mandolin, harmonica, and pedal steel guitar are woven into the solid rhythmic fabric of fretless bass and drums to produce a wonderfully entertaining, irresistibly danceable, and downright “flatifying” sound.

Artichoke Community Music class hosted by Megan Cronin, $175 for seven sessions, drop-ins $30 per session. This class will be held at Taborspace, an off-site location. This class is for beginner-ish and intermediate violin and fiddle players who want a chance to play their favorite songs with others in a supportive setting. At the start of this series the instructor will present 10 tunes in the genres of folk, jazz, bluegrass, Irish, blues, pop and/or classical. Students will vote in three of these tunes to work on over the course of the term. Financial Hardship Discount Available Wondering if you are at the right aptitude for this class? If you can work through some or most of the Suzuki Violin Book One, then you will be totally fine in this class (just google "Suzuki Violin Book One PDF" to check it out). You’re welcome to pay the instructor directly at your first class to avoid service fees. Contact Megan via email when you register for a drop-in date, if you plan to pay in-person or if you have any other questions about the class. More information & registration: megancroninmusic.com/violin-fiddle-democracy Website: https://www.megancroninmusic.com/ Feel free to contact the instructor for more information: musiclessonsbymegan(*at*)gmail.com Refund Policy: Refunds up to 7 days before event

Search and Destroy (S.A.D. for short) is a multimedia variety show happening on the last friday of every month featuring artists and local leaders sharing their craft and talking about what matters most to them. Through storytelling, live conversations, audience interaction, and heavy doses of honesty and humor, S.A.D. seeks to give hope and to be an entertaining and informative space for all to have fun, let loose, and be reminded that we as a people have the agency and ability to initiate change by working together as one.

S.A.D. was partly inspired by late-night television talk shows and variety hours and follows a similar format: an eye-catching opening number, a charming Emcee willing to play the fool, and a shared evening of dance, music, film, comedy, and conversations/interviews, all loosely tied to a theme of the night. The show ends with a dance party where the audience is invited to join the party on stage.
One of the main goals of each S.A.D. show is to dissolve the separation between artist and audience by directly engaging, conversing, and interacting with the audience, inviting them to participate in their seats as well as on the stage.
 Every show features dance movement, improvisation, visual imagery and soundscapes, conversations and spoken word, and various bits that play with the blurring of boundaries between the scripted and unscripted, all through an honest and humorous lens and the intention to entertain, educate, and inspire. Each episode of S.A.D. showcases different artists and acts than the previous one, guaranteeing that every iteration is unique and can only be experienced once.
S.A.D. is a show for everybody and every body, regardless of their identity, background, age, and anything else used to describe oneself.

*Revenue generated from each show is split evenly amongst the contributing artists

Join us every Monday from 6:30–10 pm at The Hostel Cafe for our weekly Open Mic Night, a cozy, community-focused space where local and traveling musicians share original songs, covers, and acoustic sets. Enjoy live music, good vibes, and cafe drinks while discovering new talent and supporting our featured performers. If you‘re looking for open mic music events in Portland or a friendly spot to play, The Hostel Cafe is the place to be every Monday night. This is a free event, but we encourage you to tip our featured performers! 10/19 (Sat): Ross Island Ramblers featuring Richard Melling (lead guitar and songwriter), Karen McCracken (guitar and clawhammer banjo), the hot fiddle of Olivia Horgan, melodic mandolin of Rollie Champe and the rock-solid bass of Michelle Traver.

About a month ago, we lost our beloved fellow musician Jere Hudson. Jere was a true light in every gathering, and he will be sorely missed. We are planning a jam in his honor, where we will play some of his favorite tunes. Cajun, old-time, bluegrass, folk, Irish: anything goes. All are welcome. Also please note that we need to buy any alcohol at the venue.

Weekend matinees play from 1-3 pm, free, all ages. Oct 3 (Sat): Blue Pine - Americana/alt-country rock band Oct 4 (Sun): Tuba Django - playing in the style of Django Reinhardt with a twist of Tuba! Oct 10 (Sat): Thunder Ridge - straight-ahead bluegrass Oct 11 (Sun): Ashley Seaton & the TK Swing All-Stars - Portland’s hottest jazz ensemble Oct 17 (Sat): Marilee Hord‘s Bluegrass Matinee (subbing for Josh Cole) - good, old-fashioned bluegrass Oct 18 (Sun): Kung Pao Chickens - the finest in Django-esque Roma jazz Oct 24 (Sat): Filthy Skillets (bluegrass matinee) - putting their own twist on traditional bluegrass Oct 25 (Sun): Sleepy Lagoon - Pete Krebs, Doug Sammons (Midnight Serenaders) playing 20s/30s jazz, Hawaiian, and exotica with vocal harmonies Oct 31 (Sat): The Sixties (Frank "Buzz Holland" Goodman & Joe Chiusano) - laying down the grooves of that golden era Nov 1 (Sun): Ashley Seaton & the TK Swing All-Stars - Portland’s hottest jazz ensemble Nov 7 (Sat): Blue Pine - Americana/alt-country rock band Nov 8 (Sun): Sweet Preserves - traditional acoustic New Orleans jazz Nov 15 (Sun): Kung Pao Chickens - the finest in Django-esque Roma jazz Nov 21 (Sat): Josh Cole‘s Bluegrass Matinee - good, old-fashioned bluegrass

X-Prov is a fully improvised, never-before-seen episode of the X-Files where you choose the case and your favorite FBI agents solve a brand new mystery. Is the truth really out there?

Remember the X-Files? What if you got to see one more episode, never before seen and never to be seen again?

In X-Prov, the audience decides which X-File agents Mulder and Scully will investigate. This completely improvised homage to America’s favorite conspiracy-laden ‘90s procedural will feature shadowy government organizations, small-town secrets, and at least one unexplainable creature.

Featuring Tessa Waring (as seen in Group Shower) as Scully, Mo Merrill (as seen waiting for the bus on Glisan) as Mulder, and a supporting cast of Kickstand favorites.

So ask yourself: Do you want to believe?

Modern Old-Time Music for the Bluegrass and Folksong Jamboree

J Names is one of the area’s longest running improv teams. A prominent comedy supergroup of local comedy veterans whose first names (most!) start with the letter “J”. This is high-quality improvisation you won’t want to miss. Featuring: Jay Flewelling, Jed Arkley, Justin Himes, Jenn Hunter, Jon Bolden, SJ Santa Cruz, Katie Behrens, Craig McCarthy.

All ages welcome, though assume PG13 content.
$15 online / $20 at door

Some of the best bands start with a plan. Others start with a few musicians, a couple of beers, and a shared love of bluegrass.

Meadowlark String Band was born right here at Tomorrow’s Verse Taproom, where its members first connected through our weekly Bluegrass & Brews jam. What began as Tuesday night pickin’ sessions grew into a band built on musical chemistry, friendship, and a love for making music together.

Rooted in the communal spirit of bluegrass, Meadowlark String Band is a perfect example of what happens when musicians come together, share a few tunes, and let the music take them somewhere new.

From our weekly jam to the Tomorrow’s Verse stage, we couldn't be happier to see this band take flight!

$5 cover

Join the Change Through Play Improv studio for an evening of improvisation. The showcases feature students from every level of classes, improvisers from around Portland, and the Founder and staff improvising as well. The showcases are fun and different!. Come see students demonstrating what they’ve been learning. Learn the difference between what beginning improvisers explore versus intermediate and advanced improvisers.

These showcases are VERY supportive and nurturing, and they're designed to let the students publicly show what they've been working on in class, so bring the spirit of support with you.

Come see sets from the Foundations, Intermediate and Advanced Workshop teams. Also featuring a Harold from the special guests: Mouth Stuff.

The evening will close out with a set from 3hree with Eric and Aden Nepom and the Founder, David Koff.

Cult favorites Hopes ‘n’ Prayers returns to Kickstand Comedy with an explosive late-night comedy show that will blow you into a million pieces. Throw out your SSRIs and mainline the dopamine that is Party for the End of the World. Join another favorite indie team for a night of improv comedy, party games, chaotic characters, end-days camaraderie, and whatever the hell else they feel like.

***content warning: guns, violence, sex, language, giant boobs, abstinence, drug use, war (what is it good for), suicide, patricide, matricide, fratricide, misandry, shit and piss, vomit, semen, sexy anthropomorphic animals, depression, addiction, alcohol use, hot carl, two girls one cup, slime, squirt, blood, menstruation, tooth decay, incontinence, impotence, desecration of national monuments, vehicular manslaughter, paranoia, diseases of despair, astrology, anti vaxxing, over vaxxing, neurodivergence, recycling, that thing of when a person on a lime scooter flies off and is mortally wounded, skateboard, huffing, puffing, poppers, whoppers, antiauthoritarianism, flashing lights, being way up on high, petty theft, acab, rippin beers, big tech, artificial insomnia, ménage á trois, peace, love, unity, respect, drunk driving, arson, being in a cemetery after it closes, cannibalism, disney adults, going no contact, uncles and nephews being in a band, bus of life, late stage capitalism, columbine, male loneliness epidemic, 23&me, polyamory, the 2008 financial crisis, microplastics, plastic surgery, running from the law, breaking stuff, little to no respect for furniture, splash zone, osteoporosis, scoliosis, paranormal encounters, blood, sweat, tears, hemorrhoids, neck, back, pussy and crack issues, bill paxton, bizarre allergies, mass extinctions, war on christmas, using the computer, organ theft, broken hearts, huge boats, bodily harm, necrophilia, sexually transmitted infections, buying in bulk, heliocentrism, conspiracies, witches who buy things on amazon.com, pussy hats, hillary clinton jail time, 9/11, buying airline tickets for a discount on 9/11, factory farming, evolution, long content warnings, toxic positivity, party rocking, not being sorry for party rocking, unappealing textures, atheism, misotheism, loving god with no proof, homosexuality, and homophobia.***

Hopes ‘n’ Prayers is Diana Kolsky (The Chris Gethard Show), Lauren Sinner (Night Cheese), and Blade Weedman (Fuckos).

All performances 6-8 pm (unless otherwise extended), free, 21+ Oct 20 (Tue): The Pagan Jug Band - a delightful mix of jug, blues, country, bluegrass and hokum Oct 21 (Wed): The Get Down Funk Collective [extended to 9 pm] - infectious blend of funk, soul, R&B, and jazz Oct 23 (Fri): Michelle Alany & The Mystics - soulful interpretations of traditional and original sephardic, balkan, and israeli songs infused with her tasty Austin-blues stylings Oct 24 (Sat): Bad Assets [extended to 9 pm] - rowdy country-rock with blazing Telecaster guitar Oct 25 (Sun): Freak Mountain Ramblers - off-beat, edgy, weird, wonderful Oct 26 (Mon): Portland Country Underground - a bunch of old friends hanging out and playing roots and country music they love. Oct 27 (Tue): Jackstraw - bluegrass, honky-tonk, and rock ‘n roll Oct 28 (Wed): Rhapsody in Red [extended to 9 pm] - excellent female-fronted Grateful Dead cover band Oct 29 (Thu): Lewi Longmire & The Lookouts - Lewi Longmire (guitar) and Sydney Nash (bass) will be bringing in Micah Kassell (drums- Scott Law Band) and perhaps other guests Oct 30 (Fri): Supernatural Beavers - rock ‘n‘ roll, blues, psych, and outlaw country Oct 31 (Sat): The Electric Stomp - solidly earthy Americana and folk-rock with a touch of island breeze Nov 1 (Sun): An Evening of Jimmy Boyer Music [extended to 10 pm] Nov 2 (Mon): The Waysiders - a new brand of classic country all their own Nov 3 (Tue): Lost Creek Bluegrass Band - two parts traditional bluegrass, one part old-time fiddle tunes, and a splash of honkytonk Nov 4 (Wed): QuEasy Gumbo [extended to 9 pm] - the Quick and Easy Boys with Steve Kerin Nov 5 (Thu): Lewi Longmire & The Left Coast Roasters - rowdy roots rock and roll with a classic heart! Nov 6 (Fri): The Family Band - country-fried and southern roots-rock Nov 7 (Sat): The Resolectrics - rock & soul power trio Nov 8 (Sun): Freak Mountain Ramblers - off-beat, edgy, weird, wonderful

Witness the Magic of Unscripted Shakespeare!

Step into the offbeat world of Love, Shakespeare, where seasoned Portland comedians attempt something audacious: performing a fully improvised Elizabethan play based on your suggestions! Each show is an unpredictable tribute to Shakespeare's comedy, filled with ridiculous twists and spontaneous delights. Follow a merry band of players – former buddies of the great Will himself – as they unravel one of the Bard's “unfinished” gems. Love, Shakespeare is a lively celebration that's equal parts homage and hilarity – a comedic gem not to be missed!

• Friday, November 13, 2026 - 7:30-9:00 PM

• Saturday, November 14, 2026 - 7:30-9:00 PM

Hot Goss: Rebecca Feldman, Jason Hays, and Jessica Zodrow have been improvising/performing together for years. Their love of pop culture has manifested in their original format — where they recreate a real movie they’ve never seen before. They take what they know (or don’t) about a movie suggested by the audience, fold in classic story tropes, joyous relationships, and filmmaking devices to bring their director’s cut to life. Each performance will feature an opening group from the reputable Portland improv scene.

All ages welcome, though assume PG13 content. $15 online / $20 at door.

Friday Night Fights is a tournament-style show where each team gets 17 minutes to win your hearts, minds, and VOTES. Fight Promoters Dave Pinson and Lauren Russell pit improv teams head-to-head. A...

Unscripted, family-friendly improv right here in Vancouver, Washington!

Tickets $10 + fees. Show two hours plus one 15-minute intermission.

Cr1tical Mischief began their RPG-themed improv show in 2014 as Advanced Minions & Mazes performing at Guardian Games. This band of comic adventurers has been entertaining audiences in theaters and Cons in and around Portland for over a decade. With their band of characters and your suggestions, they’ve raised the dead and razed villages. Not always in that order. Come roll the big 20-sided die to shape the action and laugh hard at the Cr1tical Mischief that ensues!

Featuring: Brad Fortier, Erin Cunningham, Bill Cernansky, Merrily Antony, Eric Zipper, Craig McCarty, Meagan Gombart, Wayne Moodie.

Directed by Brad Fortier

• All ages welcome, though assume PG-13 content.
• $15 online / $20 at door.

30 of Portland's best improvisers, one totally secret guest host. Every show rearranges the performers into brand-new teams and features a special character host. You won't know who it is until they step out on stage. No two shows are the same, and it's always a surprise.

Past guest hosts have included David Lynch, High School Theater Students, a baby, Tinder Dracula, Waluigi, and many more...who will it be this week? Come and find out.

Every Tuesday, something pretty special happens at Tomorrow's Verse Taproom. Musicians pull up a chair, listeners grab a pint, and for a couple of hours the room turns into the kind of community space that's getting harder and harder to find. No stage, no spotlight, no barriers—just people sharing songs, stories, and a love of live music.

Whether you play, listen, or just enjoy being around good people, Bluegrass and Brews is a place to connect. Discover your new favorite musician, catch up with neighbors, and support a group of local pickers who keep traditional music alive, one tune at a time.

Pull up a chair. Order a pint. Stay awhile. The music's better when the room (or courtyard) is full.

After the performance of Do You Feel Anger? ends (approx. 9:00 pm), P.I.E. (PSU Impro Ensemble) will take over the stage for an hour of "unscripted" (that is, improvised) post-show fun! You don’t need to attend Do You Feel Anger? to enjoy this high-spirited performance. It’s available to everyone for free!

Learn more about the School of Music & Theater.

P.I.E. graphic created by PSU student collaboration: Leslye Gonzalez Juarez, Alex Herd, and Danger Swatosh.

There's someone dangerous among us... and Giant Worm is on the case! Join us on November 7 at 8pm for our FIRST show of the year! Capri-suns provided and laughs encouraged.

With lots of fun costumes and some improvisational magic, the players of Bridge City Improv will weave tales of heroic adventures and faraway lands — all flowing from suggestions and ideas we gather from the audience. Though the show is geared for kids ages 4 to 10, littler and bigger people are welcome too. It’s fun for the whole family! $8. $25 family tickets are available at the door. Doors open at 130pm.

OBC
K Marie, Natasha Baptiste, Rita Davis

OBC, aka Oprah’s Book Club, is a trio of funny Black women who test boundaries and try on characters from the stories you’ve read. K, Natasha, and Afrita have spent the past four years building chemistry, vulnerability, and boldness in each of their shows. No story is off topic, and we have just enough audacity and plenty of opinions to explore the worlds you love to read. Expect big characters, wild choices, questionable decisions, and the kind of connection that can turn one audience suggestion into beautifully unhinged chaos.

All ages welcome, though assume PG-13 content.
$15 online / $20 at door.

Every Saturday, 9 am to noon, the best of traditional and contemporary bluegrass and old time music, and information about local shows and festivals! First Saturday: Justin Auld Second Saturday: Dave Elliott 3rd Saturday: Gareth Jenkins 4th Saturday: Chip Russell 5th Saturday: Donna Dunaif, Melissa Tanguay, Chuck Holloway Previous shows available on the KBOO program page at https://kboo.fm/program/music-true-vine.

A ComedySportz match featuring students from our Rec League classes.

Velodrome is a weekly improv showcase of Portland's best and brightest indie teams. Every week, you'll see 3 different teams, each bringing their unique forms, flavors, and a whole lot of funny.

Monthly Rotating Anchor Teams:

• Shaving Season - 1st Thursdays - Cast: Carmen Pfeil, Kerry McPherson, Lori Blonn, Kaz Shepherd
• Brown Sugar - 2nd Thursdays - Cast: Alé Martinez, D’Guar Herrera, Dyvisha Gordon, Laz Romankiw, Michelle Dorantes, Nicholle Ortiz, Monel Chang, Tali Aflague
• Cat Cabinet - 3rd Thursdays - Cast: Ben Spoon, Krista Wright, Lisa Wheeler, Trinton Tello
• High Risk Behavior- 4th Thursdays - Cast: Alexander Henderson, Amirra Patterson, Ashley Bove, Chloé Riggs, Ian Davis, Jax Ko, Kevin Holden, Wayne Moodie, Wren Reynolds

Portland's longest running and hands down BEST bluegrass night.

#barnearme #beer #bluegrass #taproom