Learning & Tech❯Language

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.”

This fall and winter, L’École Buissonnière invites you to a monthly Café Littéraire, a French conversation class rooted in literature, seasonal culture, and thoughtful exchange.
Inspired by French cafés as places of ideas, debate, and imagination, these gatherings offer a slow, intimate approach to the French language.
Each 90-minute session opens a thematic doorway through short literary texts, guided conversation, and gentle creative practices.
The focus is not performance or fluency at all costs, but presence, curiosity, and pleasure in thinking together.
Each month highlights a seasonal cultural moment in France, including traditions that shape language and collective imagination.

Toussaint: Memory & Invisible Connections
La Toussaint : honorer les absents
Explore French traditions of remembrance, the symbolism of flowers and cemeteries, and the ways literature, photography, and seasonal rituals keep memory alive across generations.

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.

Sharon Gan, founder of Heart Strings Mandarin, will lead children and their parents as they sing, move, play instruments, and tell stories in Mandarin, English and American Sign Language. All levels of Mandarin fluency from absolute beginners to native Mandarin speakers are welcome.

Program presented in partnership with Friends of the Tigard Library.

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)

Trẻ em từ 0-6 tuổi (đi kèm với người lớn) sẽ cùng nhau đọc sách, ca hát, và vui chơi với những hoạt động giúp các em phát triển kỹ năng ngôn ngữ và đọc viết.

Chỗ ngồi tham dự có giới hạn và sẵn sàng phục vụ trên cơ sở ưu tiên cho người đến trước.

Được thực hiện nhờ tài trợ gửi đến The Library Foundation.

Spanish Language & Culture in Northern Spain

What can Asturias teach us about Spain’s history, culture, and identity?

Join us for an immersive summer program in Oviedo, Spain, exploring the rich history, art, literature, and contemporary culture of Asturias. Through cultural experiences, course discussions, and exploration of northern Spain, you’ll examine how Spanish identity has evolved from pre-Roman times to today.

Along the way, you’ll strengthen your Spanish language skills, building fluency, vocabulary, writing, and confidence while engaging with authentic Spanish-language materials and everyday life in Spain.

Designed for students ready to go beyond the typical study abroad experience, this program is ideal for students interested in Spanish language, literature, history, art, culture, and international studies.

Program Dates: June 27–July 30, 2027
Course: SPAN 301, 302, 303 (12 credits)
Prerequisite: SPAN 203 or equivalent proficiency

View Program Details

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

Tired of your abuela giving you the side-eye when you forget a word? Or maybe just looking for a low-stakes way to dust off your English skills? Whether you're a "No Sabo" kid or a fluent pro, we've got a spot for you!

LULAC Southwest Washington is teaming up with Dandelion Teahouse & Apothecary for a night of zero-judgement conversation. We're swapping the textbooks for board games and tea.

Here's the vibe:

-Practice your Spanish (even if it's just the basics!)

-Practice your English (o si hablas Español y quieres practicar tu Ingés)

-Play games & make friends in a cozy atmosphere.

Come for the practice, stay for the community. Si sabes, sabes!

Cupo para 15 niños, edades 3-5, padres y cuidadores. Niños con diferentes estilosy habilidades de aprendizajese reúnen en un ambienteseguro y con mucho apoyo. Niños que necesitan apoyosvisuales/de comunicación,una rutina más predecible omateriales adaptados debidoa una discapacidad motorason bienvenidos.Preinscríbase en [email protected]; podemosenviar materiales a casaantes de cada reunion

Limited to 15 children, ages 3-5, and their parents and caregivers. Kids with varying learning styles and abilities come together in a safe and supportive environment. Children who may need visual/communication supports, a more predictable routine, or adapted materials due to a motor impairment are welcome. Pre-register at [email protected]; we can send materials home ahead of time.

#worldlanguagestorytimes

Learn about the process of becoming a citizen. Prepare for your citizenship interview. Study United States history and government for the examination. Classes are taught in English.

Registration information call 503.379.1598, ext 105, or email [email protected]

Free ESL classes. The level of the series is determined at the first class. No registration required. For more information, call 503.577.9984.

Browse more English learning classes. Hosted by Goodwill Industries of the Columbia Willamette.

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

The Camas Public Library hosts a monthly English Conversation Group on the first and third Tuesdays of the month from 12:30-2 p.m. Attendees will practice speaking, listening and expressing one’s self confidently. Attendees will enhance their language skills in a supportive and engaging environment. For more details, visit CamasPL.org/TSITP.

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.

30 phút bao gồm những câu chuyện thích hợp với độ tuổi, những trò chơi ngón tay, và các hoạt động khác bằng cả tiếng Việt và tiếng Anh.

30 to 40 minutes of age-appropriate stories, fingerplays, and movement activities in both Vietnamese and English.

#worldlanguagestorytimes

ASL Game Night at Sign Language Cafe is always an evening of connection, fun, and inclusivity. Gather for an immersive experience that celebrates the Deaf and signing communities. This family-friendly event offers an array of card and board games, including options created by Deaf artists, providing a unique opportunity to explore creative contributions from within the community. Participants are encouraged to bring their favorite games to share, fostering a diverse and exciting environment.

The cafe setting provides an accessible and welcoming atmosphere, perfect for families and individuals alike to engage in spirited competition, learn new games, and make lasting connections. In addition, the Sign Language Cafe offers a space for Deaf and hearing individuals to communicate and collaborate seamlessly, supporting community bonds through shared interests.

Attending and participating in ASL Game Night, you’ll contribute to a culture of inclusivity and support both CymaSpace’s mission and the wider Deaf community. Join and connect over your favorite games, and help build a more inclusive Portland.

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

View the schedules for our weekly and bi-weekly language conversation groups, Nordic Knitting Circle, and the Language Conversation Groups.

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.

McLoughlin Hall Classroom (M255) Tuesday, November 10, 2026, 12 – 1pm Spanish Club meets every Tuesday in McLoughlin M255 from 12:00 to 1:00 pm. Open to anyone interested in Spanish conversation about language and culture.

Thursdays, October 1 - December 17

These free Citizenship classes are designed to prepare learners for the U.S. naturalization interview and exam, which includes an assessment of English reading and writing abilities, U.S. history, and government. Study ONLINE or IN-PERSON.

Participants will:

• Study U.S. history and civics lessons (100 questions on citizenship exam)
• Improve your English speaking, listening, writing, and reading
• Practice for the naturalization interview

Sign up at: https://soarlegal.org/our-services/citizenship-classes/
For more information, call (503) 379-1598 or email [email protected]

A fun and welcoming space to practice speaking English in a relaxed, low-pressure environment. Participants can build confidence, meet new people, and enjoy casual conversations and activities while strengthening everyday English skills.

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

Andrea’s Spanish School will offer Online Spanish Conversation Classes, Levels I and II, from 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays Oct. 21, 28, Nov. 4 and Nov. 11 via Zoom. Practice speaking Spanish with a native speaker in a small group of four to seven students. Sessions are built around real talk, not grammar drills. There is no homework and no tests. The cost is $25 per session. Sign up at learnspanishvancouver.com.

Modern Old-Time Music for the Bluegrass and Folksong Jamboree

One-year-olds (with a favorite adult) enjoy songs, movement activities, rhymes, books and playtime. This action-packed program engages new walkers in language-based activities. Attendance is limited and available on a first come, first served basis.

Multnomah County Library storytimes are supported by gifts made to The Library Foundation.

Ever wondered about the origin of the modern Norwegian language? Like most Scandinavian languages, it derives from Old Norse, and modern Icelandic is almost the same as Old Norse. The Old Norse Conversation Group practices speaking Icelandic and talks about culture, grammar and vocabulary, some history and current events. We are not a language class. We are more of a social gathering where Icelandic and Norwegian language origins are explored in an informal and entertaining setting. We meet every 4th Thursday of the month from 6:30pm to 8:30pm at Norse Hall in the downstairs dining area. Anyone interested is welcome to join us. For more information and to join our email list, please contact Nord Njordur F. Winnan at [email protected].

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.

Portland Cantonese Play + Learnonce a month on saturdays | 10:00 am - 12:00 PM | free | SCHThe mission of Portland Cantonese Play + Learn is to connect Cantonese-speaking families by providing a nurturing environment where young children can develop strong language skills and deepen their connection to Cantonese culture. Through interactive language lessons, cultural activities, and community engagement, we empower families to celebrate and preserve their heritage while fostering bilingualism in the next generation.Join us for a once-a month gathering, complete with a language activity, storytime, crafts + open play!Dates:October 18November 22

Practique inglés o español y ayude a los demás que están aprendiendo en un ambiente amable. Los participantes hablan la mitad del tiempo en inglés y la otra en español. Están bienvenidos los principiantes.

Practice English or Spanish and help other learners in a friendly atmosphere. Participants speak half the time in English and half in Spanish. Beginners welcome.

McLoughlin Hall Conference Room (M226) Thursday, November 12, 2026, 1 – 2:30pm French Club meets every Thursday from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm in McLoughlin M-226. Open to anyone interested in speaking French and discussing language and culture.

Join Adventures in Spanish in the Community Room on Wednesdays at 10:15 for stories, songs, and movement in both Spanish and English. Due to limited capacity, registration is encouraged for the 4-week session, and drop-ins will be admitted as space allows.18 seats available for children age 0-5. No storytime on Nov 25.

Practique inglés o español y ayude a los demás que están aprendiendo en un ambiente amable. Los participantes hablan la mitad del tiempo en inglés y la otra en español. Están bienvenidos los principiantes.

Practice English or Spanish and help other learners in a friendly atmosphere. Participants speak half the time in English and half in Spanish. Beginners welcome.

Free ESL classes. The level of the series is determined at the first class. No registration required. For more information, call 503.577.9984.

Browse more English learning classes. Hosted by Goodwill Industries of the Columbia Willamette.

For proficient learners interested in advanced grammar and vocabulary in practical exercises.

Designed for adults with little to no prior knowledge of English. This class focuses on the English alphabet, basic phonics, numbers and survival vocabulary. Preparing students for Beginner ESL Class.
No class on September 16 or November 11.

Trẻ em từ 0-6 tuổi (đi kèm với người lớn) sẽ cùng nhau đọc sách, ca hát, và vui chơi với những hoạt động giúp các em phát triển kỹ năng ngôn ngữ và đọc viết.

Chỗ ngồi tham dự có giới hạn và sẵn sàng phục vụ trên cơ sở ưu tiên cho người đến trước.

Được thực hiện nhờ tài trợ gửi đến The Library Foundation.

Contact Erik Brakstad, (503) 449-0818 or [email protected]

(Recommended for 0-18 month old children and their caregivers)
10:30AM (lower level) the first Friday of each month

Trying to communicate with your infant presents all kinds of challenges. Beyond reading, singing and talking to them, Baby Sign Language can provide a unique bond. Christina Schabow of the Portland Early Learning Project will lead this program introducing new themes for each program.

This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Lake Oswego Public Library and admission is free, and there is no registration required. The Lake Oswego Public Library is located at 706 Fourth Street, Lake Oswego. For more information, contact the Youth Services Librarians at 503-697-6580 or [email protected].

Contact Erik Brakstad (503) 449-0818 or [email protected]

One-year-olds (with a favorite adult) enjoy songs, movement activities, rhymes, books and playtime. This action-packed program engages new walkers in language-based activities. Attendance is limited and available on a first come, first served basis.

Multnomah County Library storytimes are supported by gifts made to The Library Foundation.

Preparing to take the U.S. Citizenship (Naturalization) Test? Attend this ongoing U.S. Citizenship class to help you prepare for the test and interview. The class and study materials are provided free of charge. Presented in partnership with Goodwill Industries. Classes held weekly on Thursdays from 3–5 pm.

Walk-ins welcome.

¿Se está preparando para obtener la ciudadanía (naturalización) de los Estados Unidos? Asista a este curso en continua, que lo ayudará a prepararse para al examen y la entrevista. Las clases y los materiales se proporcionarán de forma gratuita. Este evento es presentado con la colaboración de Goodwill Industries.

Todos los Jueves de 3 a 5 pm.

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.

Free citizenship classes provided by SOAR Immigration Legal Services. Classes are designed to prepare you for the US naturalization interview and exam. Study US history and civics lessons (128 questions on citizenship exam); improve your English speaking, listening, writing, and reading; practice for the naturalization interview; and review the N-400 application. Classes are taught in English, with resources in Spanish and other languages.