Portland Opera Preview
Join Portland Opera for an hour of story and song from their latest production, La Traviata.
Join Portland Opera for an hour of story and song from their latest production, La Traviata.
From the celebrated and award-winning composer Dave Malloy comes Natasha, Pierre and The Great Comet of 1812, an electropop opera based on a scandalous slice of Leo Tolstoy’s War and Peace. Young and impulsive, Natasha Rostova arrives in Moscow to await the return of her fiancé from the front lines. When she falls under the spell of the roguish Anatole, it is up to Pierre, a family friend in the middle of an existential crisis, to pick up the pieces of her shattered reputation. Following a critically exalted premiere at Ars Nova in New York City, a subsequent off-Broadway transfer and an acclaimed run on Broadway, this award-winning musical expands the possibilities for the genre with its daring score and bold storytelling.
Music and Lyrics By Dave Malloy
Step into a slippery world where the line between truth and fiction is all in the packaging. It’s 1936, and a pair of passionate filmmakers has landed their next big project: a sweeping Spanish Civil War film with the potential to change American hearts and minds. It just happens to be bankrolled by the KGB. Spain by Jen Silverman is a seductive and tense thriller about the power of art to change the world — for better and for worse.
by Jen Silverman, directed by Josh Hecht
One of the most ambitious productions in recent Profile history, Spain is a grand cross-disciplinary spectacle featuring multiple partnerships with arts organizations throughout Portland, including live opera developed in partnership with Portland Opera, and both recorded and live music performed by musicians with 45th Parallel.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra is back with a spectacular new production of The Ghosts of Christmas Eve: The Best of TSO and More – featuring the fan-favorite holiday rock opera alongside TSO classics, and rarely performed gems.
Shows:
November 28 at 3:30pm & 8pm
Behind The Scene with The Christopher Brown QuartetSun, Nov 01++ PLEASE NOTE - THIS IS EVENT IS FOCUSED ON EDUCATION - PLEASE READ DESCRIPTION ++In an effort to create meaningful culture building moments within a Jazz context for teenage musicians (as well as band instructors), drummer/bandleader Christopher Brown will host an ongoing series entitled “Behind the Scene” with his quartet. And what will separate this event from any other like it is that it’ll combine the Jam session, concert, and clinic experience into a collection of transformative moments for all involved.On the 1st Sunday of each month Christopher teams up with Montavilla Jazz to provide our city with an invaluable Jazz workshop that’s designed to adequately prepare young musicians for the most competitive musical environments in the world (namely NYC). So for the cost of a trip to Starbucks, this event provides:• 30 min concert by Christopher’s quartet.• One hour Q & A with the quartet.• 30 min food, beverage, and mingling break.• One hour of interactive music mentoring with members of Christopher’s quartet.• Access to the quartet’s extended network.**THERE IS NO FOOD OR DRINK SERVED AT THIS EVENT (outside food and drinks are permitted)** 01:00 PM SHOW
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.
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.
Thanks for coming out to The Blue Diamond — we’re excited to have you!Doors open at 4 PM for dinner & drinks
Music kicks off at 5 PM
Here’s the quick rundown so everyone has a blast:
Enjoy an open jazz jam session for all ages and levels. An opportunity for younger musicians to play with seasoned pros and learn from experience.
Max Tucker is leading the Student Jazz Jam at Artichoke Music. Max, along with the afternoon's house band, will warm up the stage with a short set, and the jam will follow. The backline includes a keyboard and a drum set. Max Tucker is a drummer, producer and educator living in Portland, Oregon. He relocated to Portland in 2018, moving from NYC, where he studied jazz at the New School and studied with master drummer Michael Carvin. He is currently teaching drums and playing actively in the fertile Portland music scene.
Trails End Boys feat Jason (JT) Thomas, Marty Henninger, Jim Solberg, Drew Baird
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.
New location beginning July 19: Portland FolkMusic Society West Side Song Circle. Help us ring the rafters and raise the roof! You bring it, we’ll sing it, 2-4:30 pm, on the third Sunday of each month. St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, Calvin Hall 3228 SW Sunset Blvd, Portland 97229 (Corner of SW Sunset Blvd and Dosch Rd.) Calvin Hall is on the lower level of the church. Please park in the St. Andrews parking lot, across Dosch Rd from the church. Cross Dosch Rd. to the lower level of the church and enter to the left of the gym. Turn left down the first hallway. Calvin Hall (South) is the first door on your right. If you have any problems finding the song circle, call or text 503-863-7698. Bring your friends. Everyone welcome! Questions? Email stevemullinax57*(at)*gmail.com. RSVP would be appreciated.
A trio will play the first set. There will be a sign-up sheet with 10 tunes picked out, as well as openings for songs of choice and originals. Not just a jazz jam. Any genre, style and flavors welcome. Please be respectful and wear a mask when not drinking, eating or playing a horn. There will be a PA set with 2 mics, Keys with an amp, a guitar amp, a bass with an amp, Drums, and 2 DI boxes. Bring your sticks, instrument, instrument cable, or anything less than the keys and drums.
Sunday Open Jam – Music, Games & Good Vibes! JAM WITH US! Every Sunday from 8 PM - Midnight, the stage is yours! Whether you're a seasoned musician or just love to vibe, grab an instrument and join the magic. Beyond the Music – Challenge your friends to a game of ping pong, dive into some fun games, and soak in the best Sunday night energy in town! 21+ with valid ID – Come for the music, stay for the vibes! No cover, just good people, great tunes, and an unforgettable night. See you there! *************************************************************************************************************** Questions? Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page!
For more than 20 years, Portland Opera to Go (nicknamed POGO) has shared opera experiences with communities around the region. The Crown Maker is a world-premiere opera inspired by the life and legacy of Eva Castellanos, a Mexican American healer, artist, educator, and tireless advocate for immigrant rights. Rooted in Oregon history and shaped by the traditions of community storytelling, the work explores how creativity, compassion, and cultural knowledge can transform lives across generations.
Told as a traditional corrido, The Crown Maker blends poetry, history, and music to explore how one woman’s vision empowered generations through art, healing traditions, and fearless community leadership. Through an evocative score and intimate storytelling, The Crown Maker honors Castellanoz’ lifelong dedication to uplifting others through art, healing practices, and grassroots activism. Her work created spaces where identity, heritage, and belonging could thrive, even in the face of social and political barriers. The opera examines the lasting influence of those who build community not through power or prestige, but through care, vision, and persistence.
Created especially for Portland Opera to Go audiences, The Crown Maker blends poetry, history, and music to explore how one woman’s vision empowered generations through art, healing traditions, and fearless community leadership. This production brings a uniquely Oregonian story to life, while speaking to universal themes of resilience, memory, and self-determination. The Crown Maker celebrates the power of cultural inheritance and the people who preserve it, inviting audiences of all ages to reflect on how stories, traditions, and acts of courage continue to shape communities today.
Nov. 14 — Two performances at Walters Cultural Arts Center in Hillsboro at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Dec. 4-5 — Three performances at the World Trade Center Theatre.
Jan. 10 — Watch at the historic Clatskanie Cultural Center at 2 p.m.
Jan. 24 — Join the Happy Valley Library at 2 p.m.
Each month, embark on a journey where you showcase your talents. Whether you are a singer/songwriter, a poet, or a solo instrumentalist, here's your opportunity to shine on the stage. Feel free to start a jam as well. The stage is yours.
Get ready to take the stage, cheer on local creatives, and soak up an unforgettable evening of art, music, poetry, and community. The space into a vibrant hub of expression with a monthly Open Mic Night—and you’re invited. Whether you’re an experienced performer or just itching to share something new, the mic is yours. Singers, songwriters, poets, instrumentalists, comedians, storytellers, and more—everyone is welcome to sign up for a chance to shine. Sign-ups begin at 6:00 p.m., and the show kicks off around 6:30 p.m. with short (~10 min) performance slots.
Hosted by Joshua Bennett. All ages, all abilities welcome—bring friends, family, and neighbors.
Whether you’re strumming your guitar, reciting your latest poem, sharing a story, or simply enjoying the show from the crowd, this night is about connection, performance, and inspiration.
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.
Bobby Vega
Tomorrow's Verse | Portland, Oregon
Some of the best nights of music never make the posters.
They're the nights where someone texts a friend, "You should get down here."
Some nights are about who's on the bill.
These aren't.
That's what Bobby Vega is bringing to Tomorrow's Verse
Bobby will be there. That's all we're telling you.
Who else shows up? You'll have to find out the old-fashioned way—by being there.
These aren't showcase gigs or carefully packaged performances. They're community hangs. They're the kind of nights where incredible players call tunes, trade ideas, take chances, and remind everyone why live music still matters. Some names you'll recognize immediately. Others you'll discover for the first time. Every one of them belongs in the room.
No announcements. No lineup drops. No chasing likes.
The only way to find out who's sitting in is to walk through the door.
Portland has always had these pockets where the scene comes alive—not because somebody marketed it, but because people knew it was worth showing up for. Third Thursdays are built in that tradition.
Bring your friends. Grab a drink. Meet some new people.
This is a sliding scale event $5-$20. Kindly pay what you can afford in the tip jar. We also take venmo.
To help preserve the spirit of these gatherings, we ask that there be no audio or video recording and no photography during the performances.
When the time is right, we'll share thoughtfully curated moments from these evenings ourselves.
Thank you for being present and helping make these nights special.
Uilleann piper Preston Howard Wilde leads an Irish piping session - it’s a wonderful way to spend a Sunday afternoon, all ages, 2-4 pm. Mar 16 - pre-empted by St. Patrick‘s Day Celebration. Irish piping tunes can be heard on Mar 17 (Mon) from 11 am to 1 pm.
Join us at Migration Brewing for swing jazz and dancing.
****PLEASE NOTE**** This month’s jazz jam is on the 3rd Sunday of the month to avoid overlapping with Tracktown Throwdown happening in Eugene the second weekend of the month.
There is no cover for this event, but please purchase food and drink to show appreciation to the venue for hosting us.
No partner needed! All ages welcome!
The jazz jam is open to everyone and highlights swing-era jazz. If you're a musician and you'd like to participate, bring your instrument! We hire a house band and bring a piano, a small sound setup, and fake books.
For more information, click here.
No covers, no originals. All congregants welcome. Music made in the Jam Gods' image 🎶
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.
This venue is 21+
Do you enjoy playing music with others in a friendly, cooperative, relaxed, fun setting? You are invited to bring your instrument of choice to the Slow Jam session at the ACC. Dust off that mandolin, wind instrument or tambourine and come to the ACC for a session. For more information please contact Karl Ockert at [email protected]
Led by Joe Offer, new Zoom link posted every week, just before doors open: https://mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=168014&messages=37.
Join us the 1st Wednesday of every month. Bring an acoustic instrument, hand percussion, or your voice & come jam along.
More info on our Lessons & More page.
Pre-registration not required, but we’d love to know ahead of time if you’re planning to come & what you’re planning to play.
Sign up here.
The session begins at 8PM every Tuesday with an hour of jazz from a rotating house band led by Portland based band leader and trumpet player, Pablo Rivarola. The last two hours of the session will be a curated jazz jam featuring some of Portland’s best young jazz musicians.
Join us every Tuesday night at your favorite mid-century lounge for some of Portland’s best jazz. No cover charge and happy hour prices all night long!
Apple Jam at Portland Schilling Cider House is a monthly event held on the third Saturday of each month to bring people together to play music and sing as a community. All talent and skill levels are welcome. Bring your own instrument or lend your voice to an evening of Irish pub sing-along to Folk/Country/Americana led by a house band. Acoustic only.
We open up a "room" on Zoom at 6 pm Pacific Time every Saturday evening. We start singing at 6:30 pm and we keep it going until the last person leaves. Feel free to come in anytime, and stay as long as you like. We run it kind of like a physical song circle. Everyone who wants to can sing once, and then we’ll do another round, and just keep going around as long as you like. Of course, it is totally fine to just listen and some people do. For more information, go to the heading ‘Song Circles‘ on this drop down menu. 2026 VSC Themes Mar 21: Natural or man-made disasters Apr 18: Toss it! Catch! May 16: Variations on ‘This Land Is Your Land‘ Jun 20: Animals acting like people - songs where animals talk, wear clothes, get married, tell the future, give warnings, etc. Jul 18: Mountains Aug 15: Neither plant nor animal: songs about minerals Sep 19: Ghoulies and ghosties and long-leggedy beasties Oct 17: Leaves Leave Leaf Nov 21: Songs new to everyone‘s ears Dec 19: Miracles
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.
As young musicians passionate about opera and about their hometown, Emily Nelson and Bethany Schweitzer Goshorn thought, "What better place for an Opera on Tap chapter than our fair city known for its beer, wine and cocktail culture?" Thus Opera on Tap PDX was born - one of 16 nationwide chapters of Opera on Tap. Northwest native Sadie Gregg joined the Managing Diva team in 2016, after singing with the Boston chapter.
Why are we so passionate about opera? Opera speaks to the human condition. It expresses human emotion and relationship in a very unique and profound way. The human voice in all its glory has a visceral effect on us. In a culture focused on instant gratification with short attention spans, opera demands your full attention and rewards you with a wild ride on the emotional roller coaster.
Chances are that people who say they don't like opera have never heard it live! Opera on Tap seeks to change this by bringing the genre back to the people in familiar places: community gathering spaces, restaurants, and bars - much how music was historically enjoyed in Germany pubs. We seek to share, educate and bring simply fabulous music to an audience that might not otherwise be able to enjoy the art form. So grab your friends and your favorite pint, and join us for Opera on Tap!
Opera On Tap Nationwide
Opera on Tap (OOT) was born in 2005 at Freddy's Bar and Backroom in Brooklyn and incorporated in 2007 to promote opera as a viable, living, and progressive art form and to support the developing artists who continue to keep the art form alive. What began as a small monthly gathering of ambitious, classically trained singers looking for more performance opportunities has grown into a producing organization that has gained a loyal audience base and national recognition as an innovative force on the classical music scene. Through its Chapter program, which now has sixteen vibrant national chapters, OOT has created a large network of performers, creators, and supporters.
Portland Opera To Go (POGO) proudly presents the latest installment of the Our Oregon series--a collection of original youth operas that examines Oregon history by highlighting the lives of extraordinary Oregonian women through a variety of lenses.
Pivot Studio at The Village Ballroom square dance & open old time jam, $15 single ticket/ $30 family ticket, all ages, single dancers and first-timers welcome and encouraged! Nov 13 (Fri): 6-7 pm - old time jam in the lounge 7-9 pm - square dance with Caroline Oakley calling & Old Time High More dances to come - Jan 22 (Fri): Feb 19 (Fri): Mar 12 (Fri): Thanks to Bubbaville for co-producing this event with Pivot PDX.
McMenamins and the White Eagle proudly present a weekly Monday night Blues Jam hosted by Portland Bluesmen, Chad Rupp and the Sugar Roots! Please Join us for our weekly blues jam session at The Sugar Roots Blues Jam every Monday in this legendary Portland venue!
One of the most beloved operas ever composed, La Traviata combines sweeping emotion with some of the most recognizable music in the operatic repertoire. Giuseppe Verdi’s masterpiece tells the story of Violetta Valéry, a woman determined to live freely and authentically despite the rigid social expectations that surround her. When she falls deeply in love, she is forced to confront the painful realities of class, reputation, sacrifice, and the cost of pursuing happiness on her own terms.
Adapted from Alexandre Dumas fils’ La Dame aux camélias, the opera broke new ground in its portrayal of a contemporary woman whose emotional life is treated with dignity, complexity, and compassion. Verdi’s luminous score captures both the exhilaration of love and the devastating consequences of societal judgment, moving seamlessly from moments of intimacy and joy to heartbreaking tragedy.
More than a romantic drama, La Traviata remains a powerful reflection on personal freedom, vulnerability, and the tension between public expectation and private truth. Its enduring resonance lies in its humanity: the opera asks what it means to truly live according to one’s own values in a world eager to define worth through convention, status, and appearance.
Rock out at our Open Musician's Jam! Join us for our jam sessions, where music meets fun and friends meet rock 'n roll! It's gonna be a blast, and here's what's in store: Gear Galore: Pianos, electric/acoustic guitars, tube amps, bass (4 or 5 string), drum set, ukulele – we've got 'em 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. We often get lots of blues, rock, pop, funk, and a load of awesome covers from all decades, but especially 90's. Let's make some noise!Game On: We've got Ping Pong tables and arcade machines for friendly competition. No Limits: Bring your musical mojo, and let's get wild! Whether you're a pro or just here for the good times, it's all about the music and the good vibes. Admission: FREE, 'cause we're all about the music! Bring your instruments, your voice, and your A-game. Let's jam like there's no tomorrow! We'll see you there, ready to turn up the volume! This venue is 21+ *************************************************************************************************************** Questions? Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page!
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.
Portland Country Dance Community (PCDC) sponsors a contra slow jam on the 1st and 3rd Mondays from 7-9 PM in the community room at McMenamins Kennedy School, 5736 NE 33rd Ave, Portland, OR 97211. The events are free and open to all acoustic musicians, whether you play by dots or by ear. The contra jam plays tunes from the Portland Collection and the waltz books edited by Bill Matthiesen. If you don’t have the books, we’re happy to share. Come make music with us!! Questions: Email Kathy Story, PCDC President at board-chair(*at*)portlandcountrydance.org
open source string improvisation
Hosted by bassist Andrew Jones, Pacific Lumber & Wire is a gathering of local string players working with open source structured improvisation/conceptual composition. The intention is to create a zero risk environment to explore sound and community cooperation, with a healthy dose of play and catharsis achieved. Prompts, graphic notation, games, process pieces- any and all ideas are entertained, adapted and integrated as they’re offered and molded by the group.
Beginning this fall, Lulu hosts live jazz every Wednesday from 8–11pm.
The night opens with a house set from 8–9pm, featuring:
Dario Lapoma on piano
Patrick Golichnik on bass
Alan Jones on drums
Pablo on trumpet
From 9–11pm, the session opens to guest musicians from across Portland — no two Wednesdays will be alike.
Join us every 4th Sunday at 2:30 PM for an afternoon of Brazilian music, community, and improvisation at Tomorrow’s Verse Taproom. Hosted by acclaimed musicians Sean Watson and Tim Connell, Roda de Choro is an invitational jam celebrating the rich tradition of Choro — the lively, virtuosic acoustic music that helped shape Brazilian jazz and samba.
Expect an intimate circle of musicians trading melodies, rhythms, and solos in a welcoming, communal setting. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Brazilian music or just curious to experience something new, this is the perfect Sunday hang: incredible players, great beer, and the joyful spirit of live music shared together.
Tomorrow's Verse Taproom
4605 NE Fremont Street, Portland OR
2:30 PM • Every 4th Sunday
Join us every Thursday from 7–10 PM at The Hostel Cafe for our weekly Old Time Jam, a welcoming gathering for musicians who love traditional Appalachian tunes, fiddle music, and acoustic string-band sessions. All skill levels are invited to play, listen, and connect with our lively local folk music community.
Sessions are led by Marina Dodgson (fiddle) and Maurice Condie (guitar). These are open access sessions, so there’s no need to book in advance, you’re welcome to just turn up and join in! We believe great things happen when we play tunes together! People connect with each other and make friends, and we keep our music traditions alive by sharing tunes and passing them on. What’s more, playing tunes can make you feel happy, and if you do it often enough, you’ll notice that you are getting better at playing your instrument too! It turns out that you don’t even have to be in the same place…great things still happen when we play music together, online from the comfort of your own home. Phoenix Folk Ltd exists to promote participation and performance in folk and acoustic music, song and dance across the North East of England. We aim to be a friendly face of folk music, to help keep alive the great traditions of folk music and to encourage talent and personal musical development. Everyone is muted, which means that you hear your own instrument, completing a trio with our fiddle and guitar. You can play the tune, or try some harmony!