Learning & Tech

Mikis Theodorakis, one of Greece's most treasured and prolific composers, was widely known for film scores, such as the iconic "Zorba the Greek". This concert pays tribute to Theodorakis prolific body of work, including some of his lesser-known pieces and compositions that highlight Theodorakis' role as a symbol of resistance.

Whether your taste runs to folk or classical music, this concert has something for you. The Kombos Collective (including artists from San Francisco, Washington, DC and local Portland artists) will perform a range of Theodorakis' most beloved songs — pieces as historically significant as they are musically beautiful. This includes "Ballad of Mauthausen," set to the poetry of Holocaust survivor Iakovos Kambanellis, and widely regarded as one of the most beautiful songs ever written about the Holocaust. In addition to live music, attendees will learn about the enduring cultural significance of Theodorakis' music.

This program is organized by the Hellenic-American Cultural Center & Museum, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of Greece and Greek Americans in the Pacific Northwest.

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.

Guthrie’s music has seen a resurgence in the past several months, having been featured in recent concerts by artists such as Bruce Springsteen. It resonates with audiences today as much as, or maybe even more than, it did when This Land Is Your Land was released and gained widespread popularity in 1949.

Guthrie composed 26 songs in 30 days while riding along the Columbia River and touring the Grand Coulee Dam Project in 1941. With his unique, authentic voice, he chronicled both the grandeur and the perils of what he called “The Greatest Thing That Man Has Ever Done” as an employee of the Bonneville Power Administration. His time here in the Pacific Northwest inspired a swell of patriotism that led Guthrie to enlist in the U.S. Merchant Marine in World War II, after which he returned home to fame and notoriety, but also to tragedy and tremendous personal loss.

This interactive musical history performance will have you singing along to “Roll on Columbia,” “Pastures of Plenty,” and of course, “This Land is Your Land,” and learning the—sometimes hilarious, sometimes tragic—stories behind the songs.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator color=”chino” border_width=”3″ css=””][mk_padding_divider size=”15″][vc_column_text margin_bottom=”0″ css=”.vc_custom_1793378910642{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]

Tickets are $18 in advance and include any applicable taxes and fees. Space is limited and tickets may sell out prior to the event. If available, tickets will be sold at the door for $25 each.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”BUY TICKETS” color=”warning” size=”lg” css=”” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fthehistorictrust.rezdy.com%2F785642%2Fstories-and-songs-of-woody-guthrie-a-musical-history-performance-by-joel-underwood%3F_gl%3D1*1lfr4za*_gcl_au*MTY5MjM4MzMwNy4xNzkzMTE0NTQ4LjIwOTI0MjQzNDQuMTc5MzExNDU1MS4xNzkzMTE0NTU1LjE1OTcwMTU0MTcuMTc5MzExNDU1MS4xNzkzMTE0NTU1*_ga*MTM2NDc5Mzk1NS4xNzczODQ4NTkw*_ga_J7SXS0R0D6*czE3OTMxMTQwNTIkbzE1MSRnMSR0MTc5MzExNTEyMyRqNTAkbDAkaDE1MzQzMzQzMTQ.”][vc_column_text margin_bottom=”0″ css=”.vc_custom_1793378820300{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]General admission seating in Providence Academy Chapel pews will be available on a first-come first-served basis. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. (30 minutes prior to performance start time). Free parking is available in the Providence Academy lot (the Aeon Apartments parking lot is NOT available for event parking).

This event is a fundraiser for The Historic Trust, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Proceeds from ticket sales support its mission to inspire civic pride and economic vitality through education, preservation, and celebration of our community’s history.[/vc_column_text][mk_padding_divider size=”15″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][/vc_column][/vc_row]

The Bridge is a monthly songwriter showcase that helps artists build connections in Portland’s music scene while giving audiences a deeper look into the stories and creative process behind each song through thoughtful onstage interviews. Designed for artists who are new to songwriting, new to performing, returning to the stage, or new to Portland, The Bridge offers a welcoming listening-room environment where songwriters can share original music and connect with an attentive audience.

The Bridge offers audiences a chance to discover emerging songwriters in an intimate setting built for listening. For those who already know and support the artists, it is also an opportunity to hear their work in a quieter, more intentional room where lyrics land, dynamics breathe and the songs can be experienced fully.

The evening runs approximately two hours and includes a short intermission.

All dances taught, no need for a partner, gender free calling, all skill levels welcome, tickets $15.92, 21+ (doors open at 6 pm, dance at 7). Oct 26 (Mon): The Old Time String Band with calling by Bex Bee Nov 2 (Mon): Old Time Highway with calling by Amy Hofer Nov 9 (Mon): calling by Steph Noll Nov 16 (Mon): Probably Polly String Band with calling by Andy Grummon Nov 23 (Mon): Miss Praline‘s Whip Lodge Tenderstrokes with calling by Tighe Hauze Tickets can be bought in advance on-line at the Showdown‘s website. Come out and support the dance, so Pickathon and the Showdown will support more dances into the future! Sponsored by Pickathon and The Showdown.

This will be a special night for all dance lovers!

Come at 8PM and get a Forró Dance class!

Josephina Del Norte: The Argentinian DJ, singer and multi-instrumentalist Josefina Del Norte will start the night playing a mix of Latin American Cumbia and Forró music from Brazil.

Forró Beleza: Led by Pyata Penedo, a Brazilian lead singer, composer, multi-instrumentalist, and owner of Figure 8 Sound Recording Studio, the band performs a variety of music from Northeastern Brazil known as forró.

Forró is a lively Brazilian music and partner-dance tradition rooted in Northeastern Brazil, where it developed through community gatherings centered around music, dancing, and social connection. Popularized nationally by legendary artists such as Luiz Gonzaga, its distinctive sound is traditionally created by the accordion, zabumba drum, and triangle, producing rhythms that feel both grounded and flowing.

The dance brings people together through a warm embrace, shared movement, playful turns, and a close connection to the music. Although it may remind newcomers of the intimacy of tango, the energy of salsa, or the grounded feeling of blues, forró has a joyful and welcoming character entirely its own.

More than simply a style of music or dance, forró is a celebration of Brazilian culture and community—and the best way to understand it is to come experience it for yourself!

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

Join an evening of Irish music, dancing, and community at Portland’s 3rd Friday Céilíus on the third Friday of every month. Whether you’re stepping onto the dance floor for the first time or have been dancing for years, you’ll find a welcoming atmosphere and plenty of opportunities to join in. All dances are taught and called, making this event accessible to dancers of all experience levels.

A beginner-friendly lesson begins at 7:00 p.m., followed by an evening of dancing to live music. No partner or previous experience is required, and everyone is welcome.

Come enjoy the music, meet new friends, and experience one of Ireland’s great social traditions. Children under 12 are free. All ages and experience levels welcome

No partner needed. No experience required. Just bring your dancing shoes and join the fun.

Don't let the rainy season stop you from connecting with nature! Join Urban Forestry at the Belmont Library to explore for an evening of mindfulness and nature education. Trees are good for our health, especially if we take time to pay close attention to them. At this event we will use all five senses to study tree samples to practice feeling grounded in natural spaces! You'll also learn about the many ways that connecting with nature and trees can improve mental and physical health.

This event will be entirely indoors. Tea and snacks will be provided for participants.

Join us at the new Multnomah County Belmont Library!

1038 SE César E. Chávez Boulevard
Portland, OR 97214

Join an intimate evening featuring a pre-show discussion and Q&A with Soccer Mommy and special Guest Interviewer, followed by a local opener and solo performance by Soccer Mommy. This event is hosted by Papertrees Creative, in partnership with Literary Arts and the Portland Book Festival 2026.

Sophie Allison has always written candidly about her life, making Soccer Mommy one of indie rock’s most interesting and beloved artists of the last decade. Allison has used Soccer Mommy’s songs as a vehicle to sort through the thoughts and encounters that inevitably come with the reality of growing up. After all, Soccer Mommy began as a bedroom-to-Bandcamp exercise with teenage Allison posting her plaintive songs as demos. Over the years, though, she has often enhanced that sound, using the endless production possibilities, newly at her fingertips, to outstrip singer-songwriter stereotypes. The records would start with songwriting’s kernels of truth, and she would then imagine all the unexpected shapes they could take. Every Soccer Mommy record has felt like a surprise.

On Soccer Mommy’s fourth album, the tender but resolute Evergreen, Allison is again writing about her life. But that life’s different these days: Since making her previous album, 2022’s Sometimes, Forever, Allison experienced a profound and also very personal loss. New songs emerged from that change, unflinching and sometimes even funny reflections on what she was feeling. (Speaking of funny, this is a Soccer Mommy album, so there’s an ode to Allison’s purple-haired wife in the game Stardew Valley, too.) These songs were, once again, Allison’s way to sort through life, to ground herself. She wanted them to sound that way, too, to feel as true to the demos—raw and relatable, unvarnished and honest—as possible. The songwriting would again lead where the production would follow. Nothing overindulgent, everything real.

Join Karen Kitchen (Osage) as she shares traditional stories and songs showcasing the diversity and beauty of Native American tribes and cultures. All are invited and welcomed to sit in the circle of community to listen, laugh, sing and celebrate Native ways of knowing. Stories will be told in English, while songs are sung in Native languages.

Karen Kitchen is an enrolled citizen of the Osage Nation of Oklahoma.

Joseph is the Oregon-bred sister trio of Natalie, Allie, and Meegan Closner, known for their powerful harmonies, emotionally honest songwriting, and genre-blurring blend of indie pop, folk, and rock. Since releasing their breakout debut, I’m Alone, No You’re Not, in 2016 — which featured their hit single “White Flag” and landed them on The Tonight Show, TODAY, and the Billboard charts — the band has steadily built a devoted following through gripping live performances, national tours, and appearances at major festivals including Coachella, Glastonbury, and Bonnaroo.

Over the years, Joseph has released a string of critically acclaimed records, including Good Luck, Kid (2019) and The Sun (2023), praised for their rich vocal arrangements and soul-baring lyricism. Their most recent release Closer to Happy (2026) marks their boldest and most personal work to date. Co-produced with Luke Niccoli (Carly Rae Jepsen, Miya Folick), the project explores themes of grief, self-trust, and radical self-acceptance. Whether through triumphant anthems like “I Believe In Myself” or gut-punch ballads like “Bye and Bye,” JOSEPH continues to turn lived experience into songs that resonate far beyond the surface.

Join Habiba, a native of Ghana, in learning the richness of West African culture through song and dance. Habiba offers an interactive, multicultural lesson with authentic West African costume, spiced with singing and movement. The whole audience gets involved in simple dance steps, call and response, greetings and phrases, and rhythm drumming.

This event is first come, first served.

Community Dance Odd Fellows Hall 11/20/2026 7:00 – 9:30, upstairs above LaHaie’s Men’s Wear,
Let’s have some fun! Come get acquainted with BALFOLK, the dance craze from Europe. Traditional dances have been revived in new ways in every country in Europe. We will feature Balfolk dances from Gascogne, Bretagne, and other regions of France. All ages and skill levels welcome. Dance instruction will be provided. You will be accompanied by a 9 piece acoustic band, Raspberry Bourrée, featuring violins, accordion, nyckelharpa, mandocello, string bass, harp, clarinet and more! Donations accepted, but the dance is free.

Our Saturday night series at Fulton Hall continues, sliding scale: $6-20 per person, cash or check. 7 pm newcomer/refresher lesson 7:30-10:30 pm dancing Sep 12 (Sat): caller Koren Wake [Seattle], music by Pleasantly Frantic Oct 10 (Sat): caller Noah Grunzweig, music by The Hat Band Nov 14 (Sat): caller Kelly Tabor, music by Riffraff [Olympia] Dec 12 (Sat): caller Tighe Hauze, music by Bandwidth We welcome people who respect our expressed dance-community values and code of conduct without regard for age, race, color, national origin, religion, gender expression, sexual orientation, or ability. Mask Policy: All contra dances are mask-optional at this time. COVID Policy: PCDC no longer requires proof of vaccination, but we continue to encourage everyone to be vaccinated. While currently available COVID-19 vaccines no longer do much to prevent transmission, they continue to be effective for protecting oneself from more serious illness.

This class is designed for dancers who are already comfortable with two-step fundamentals, and want to build their range. Beginning fundamentals will not be reviewed.

Learn foundational techniques in County Clare-style Irish set dancing, accompanied by traditional music. Step-by-step instruction is followed by called dances and social dancing, with opportunities to build coordination, musicality, and confidence for participating in a ceili. The dances draw on the County Clare tradition and are performed to reels, jigs, and hornpipes. The final class includes a field trip to a community dance with live music. All levels are welcome, and no partner is required.

Artichoke Community Music song circle led by the Soldier Songs and Voices Team. We welcome all veterans and current military to bring your acoustic instruments and share a song or two, covers and/or originals. Song books will be available. Soldier Songs and Voices provides free songwriting workshops and guitar and voice instruction to veterans of all eras. We believe that everyone has a story to tell and that telling it in song is a path to a happier and healthier life. Loaner guitars are available. If you are interested in joining the workshops, email us. Bring a song to play or story to tell and bring a friend! Audience is open to all. (No tech or cafe services available.) Hosted by: Carl Solomon (Singer Songwriter) along with Artichoke Music and Soldier Songs& Voices PDX. FREE (Donations are always welcome and will help to fund this ongoing series.)

Tune Explorer Sessions are a collaborative effort between MÓD and the TrailJams Community and consist of weekly slow & learning sessions for musicians who are just starting to build repertoire and skill, or are building proficiency on an instrument. Cost: $5 thanks to a grant from the Irish Emigrant Support program through the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs.

Enjoy an evening of Irish set dancing, live music, and community. All dances are taught and called, so no partner or prior experience is needed. The gathering is family friendly and welcomes all ages. Come on your own or with friends and family, with food available from nearby food carts.

Newcomers‘ session at 7:00; dance from 7:30-10-30, admission: $6 - $20 sliding scale. Oct 3 (Sat): caller Frannie Marr, music by Lori, Ben & Mark Nov 7 (Sat): caller Laurel Thomas, music by The Stage Crew Dec 5 (Sat): caller Victoria Fox, music by The Stage Crew **NOTE: the following dance is held on the 2nd Saturday Jan 9 (Sat): caller Jesse Partridge, music by The Stage Crew We welcome people who respect our expressed dance-community values and code of conduct without regard for age, race, color, national origin, religion, gender expression, sexual orientation, or ability. Mask Policy: All contra dances are mask-optional at this time. COVID Policy: PCDC no longer requires proof of vaccination, but we continue to encourage everyone to be vaccinated. While currently available COVID-19 vaccines no longer do much to prevent transmission, they continue to be effective for protecting oneself from more serious illness.

Join Dr. Mas Subramanian, the inventor of YInMn Blue—the first new blue pigment discovered in more than 200 years—for a fascinating lecture on the science, history, and future of color. Dr. Subramanian will share the story behind this accidental discovery and explore the role of pigments in art, design, technology, and everyday life, offering a unique perspective at the intersection of scientific innovation and creative practice.

This is a virtual program held via Zoom Webinar. The webinar will also be screened inside the new building for the Jordan Schnitzer School for Art + Art History + Design on 1981 SW Broadway, Portland, OR 97201. Attendees can also join remotely.

The PDX Quebec Jam Session is an inclusive learner-friendly place in the Portland area to share and learn the energizing and joyful traditional dance music of Quebec and Acadia, . If you play or are interested in learning this kind of music, this session is for you! Step-dancers are welcome. This jam takes place at a public venue. If you’d like to receive invitations for this event, (or host an event), use the dedicated email address to get on the notification list. Contact: pdxqjam(*at*)gmail.com. This jam is for folks who already play their instrument, and want to learn or share Quebec tunes. All acoustic melody and bass instruments, (violin, guitar, accordion, piano, bouzouki, flute, etc.), and experience levels are welcome. Tunes are usually played several times through (unlike the Irish or Cape Breton sessions where tunes are only played 2-3 times), so that folks can get their fingers around new tunes and really enjoy playing the ones they know. Schedule: Fifth Mondays of the month: (June 29, August 31, November 30, 2026), from 7 to 9 pm. McMenamins Kennedy School - Community Room 5736 NE 33rd Ave., Portland Oregon. (Parking available). Some sheet music and performance links for basic and common session tunes, may be provided, where possible, via the mailing list. This is to establish and build upon a repertoire of common Quebec session tunes for participants. Other resources: The Portland Collection, Vols. I, II, and III, has many Quebec tunes 1000 Airs du Quebec… tune book Online performances

Come join our open Irish session at Garage Door. Sessions will be hosted by Mikela Valenzuela, an avid Celtic fiddler and local teacher. Come ready with your favorite tune to suggest or just listen and learn along with us. The session is at an intermediate level but very welcoming to beginners as well. Sláinte!

Seisiún na nÓg is our monthly youth session lead by our Youth Officer Niamh Branigan. Youth are welcome to sit in to listen and chat with young musicians about learning Irish music; or bring their instrument and strike up an Irish tune they might be learning currently.

Join Karen Kitchen (Osage) as she shares traditional stories and songs showcasing the diversity and beauty of Native American tribes and cultures. All are invited and welcomed to sit in the circle of community to listen, laugh, sing and celebrate Native ways of knowing. Stories will be told in English, while songs are sung in Native languages.

Climate change, especially in recent years, has escalated not only into a global environmental crisis but also into a highly intensified challenge in a time of political divides—often leaving one feeling overwhelmed and powerless. How can better conversations help move individuals, communities, and the planet toward collective solutions?

Called “one of the nation’s most effective communicators on climate change” by The New York Times, Dr. Katharine Hayhoe, chief scientist for The Nature Conservancy, has an uncanny ability to navigate all sides of the conversation on climate. With a singular balance of scientific rigor and storytelling, patience and empathy, and an abiding adherence to her faith, Hayhoe is often able to reach audiences that other climate scientists have not been able to reach — demonstrating that by finding shared values, we can better connect our unique identities to collective action.

WorldOregon welcomes Katharine Hayhoe back to Portland for this rich conversation exploring how to incorporate climate change into both our public decisions and private conversations at a moment of urgency when climate action and environmental policy are at a crossroads.

Dr. Katharine Hayhoe is an atmospheric scientist whose work bridges climate science, risks, and resilience. As Chief Scientist for The Nature Conservancy (TNC), she directs the organization’s global scientific strategy and leads a global community of more than 1,000 TNC scientists and science staff whose work underpins every aspect of TNC’s mission: from conserving lands and waters to developing scalable, science-based solutions to the biodiversity and climate crises.

Featuring special guest Gary Hershberger (Mike Nelson) in person!

Joins us for the complete Twin Peaks series on the big screen for the first time in history! We continue our year-long celebration of the greatest TV show of all time The Missing Pieces. Rarely shown in theaters, this feature film presents deleted scenes from Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me assembled together as an untold portion of the story’s prequel. Following a Q&A, we’ll then begin The Return with episodes “My Log Has a Message for You” and “The Stars Turn and a Time Presents Itself.”

Gary Hershberger will be signing autographs and taking photos with fans for an additional fee at the event.

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.

Our Saturday night series at Fulton Hall continues! 7 pm newcomer/refresher lesson, 7:30-10:30 pm dance, $6-20 sliding scale, cash or check. Sep 26 (Sat): caller William Watson, music by The Electrodes [Seattle] Oct 24 (Sat): caller Rich Goss, music by The Euphemists Nov 28 (Sat): caller Caitlin Bannon [Seattle], music by Starshine Dec 26 (Sat): caller Gordy Euler, music TBD We welcome people who respect our expressed dance-community values and code of conduct without regard for age, race, color, national origin, religion, gender expression, sexual orientation, or ability. Mask Policy: All contra dances are mask-optional at this time. COVID Policy: PCDC no longer requires proof of vaccination, but we continue to encourage everyone to be vaccinated. While currently available COVID-19 vaccines no longer do much to prevent transmission, they continue to be effective for protecting oneself from more serious illness.

• Thursday, November 5
• The Heathman Lodge | 7801 NE Greenwood Dr., Vancouver
• Doors Open: 6:00 p.m. | Program Begins: 6:30 p.m.

In this stunning and compulsively readable memoir, the Oscar-winning star of Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, The Goonies, and Everything Everywhere All at Once, Ke Huy Quan, tells the story of his journey from Vietnamese refugee to 80s child star to the most inspiring comeback in Hollywood history. Interviewed by OPB’s Dave Miller. Ke Huy Quan’s Hollywood adventure began when he was twelve years old, a mere five years after his family escaped Communist Northern Vietnam and settled down to a relatively peaceful life in L.A.’s Chinatown. After attending an open call audition on a whim, he was unexpectedly swept up in the wild world of filmmaking: learning to swim from Harrison Ford on the set of Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, receiving trucks full of toys from Steven Spielberg and George Lucas for his birthday, meeting Princess Leia and Luke Skywalker, and making lifelong friends on the set of The Goonies.

A star of two of the most beloved movies of the ‘80s, there appeared to be no limit to Ke’s rise. But just a few years later, the roles had dried up and it seemed like Hollywood no longer had a place for him. He eventually left acting to work odd jobs behind the scenes for directors like Wong Kar Wai. His confidence was badly shaken, but his love of performing never abated. It wasn’t until decades later, when he was 49 years old, that he stepped back in front of the camera to star in a strange little indie film called Everything Everywhere All at Once, which surprised everyone with its incredible box-office and awards season success. To call Ke’s Oscar-winning performance a triumphant return would be an understatement.

In this moving, inspirational memoir, Ke paints a vivid self-portrait, telling both heart-wrenching and funny stories of his early rise, slow fall from the spotlight, the resilience that kept him going through his darkest times, and his eventual resurrection on one of the biggest stages in Hollywood. Never Say Die is the story of Ke’s extraordinary life, a love letter to the movies and people that shaped him, and a powerful testament to never giving up on your dreams.

Would you like to experience the finest expression of Scotch whisky produced today? Would you like to expand your knowledge of Scotch and the many styles and flavours that make up quality whisky? Do you love smoky whisky?!

Join The Scotch Malt Whisky Society for a rare single malt Scotch whisky tasting experience at The Scotch Lodge! Attendees will be among the first to taste six (6) unique single malts from our upcoming November Peated Outturn in a seated, guided tasting format designed to expand your knowledge and appreciation for Scotch whisky.

Based in Edinburgh, Scotland, The Scotch Malt Whisky Society is the world’s largest whisky club of whisky lovers. More than just a club, the Society is known for offering the finest expression of Scotch whisky produced today. It acquires exceptional whisky casks from distilleries across Scotland and beyond. Each cask is then bottled and offered exclusively to its community of members through the Society’s online shop smwsa.com.

While Society whisky is available for purchase by members only, this event is open to anyone eager to taste and learn in the company of fellow whisky lovers. Members enjoy a reduced price for admission and all attendees who order tickets before 2pm PT on October 15th will get the early bird special pricing.

Slàinte Mhath!

Come join our open Irish session at Garage Door. Sessions will be hosted by Mikela Valenzuela, an avid Celtic fiddler and local teacher. Come ready with your favorite tune to suggest or just listen and learn along with us. The session is at an intermediate level but very welcoming to beginners as well. Sláinte!

Portland Book Festival welcomes Molly and Meherwan Irani, the husband-and-wife team behind Asheville’s nationally celebrated Chai Pani Restaurant Group. Their flagship restaurant, Chai Pani, was named Outstanding Restaurant by the James Beard Foundation in 2022.

This year, Molly and Meherwan each bring a new book to the table. Meherwan has written No. 1 Best Indian Cookbook in the World: At-Home Recipes from the Streets, Truck Stops, Villages, and Palaces of India. Molly’s Service Ready: A Story of Love, Restaurants, and the Power of Hospitality was published earlier this year. Together, the books offer two very different—and deeply connected—perspectives on food, restaurants, and hospitality.

In celebration of Diwali—the Hindu festival of lights, marked by food, gathering, and celebration—Molly and Meherwan will join their longtime friend Chef Troy MacLarty at Bollywood Theater on Alberta Street for a collaboration. Bollywood Theater will serve a special menu inspired by recipes from Meherwan’s book alongside its own Diwali-inspired menu. It’s a gathering of longtime friends, great food, and two books that reflect different sides of a shared life in restaurants.

Both books will be featured at Portland Book Festival, and Molly and Meherwan will be on hand at Bollywood to meet guests and sign copies.

Broadway Books is thrilled to welcome Anthea Kreston with her debut memoir Crescendo: Chronicles of an Adventurous Violinist (Paul Dry Books, 2026). She will be joined in conversation with Ling Ling Huang, author of Natural Beauty and Immaculate Conception.

When American violinist Anthea Kreston, called “An Indomitable Spirit” by Yo-Yo Ma, is selected as the fourth member of Germany’s Artemis Quartet, it is the culmination of decades of dedication. In Crescendo, her enchanting and deeply personal memoir, Kreston writes about growing up in a well-to-do but difficult family in Chicago, leaving home at age sixteen, studying at the ultracompetitive Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia (Hilary Hahn was a classmate), then burning out and leaving it all behind for a commune in Oregon.

JOSEPH is the Oregon-bred sister trio of Natalie, Allie, and Meegan Closner, known for
their powerful harmonies, emotionally honest songwriting, and genre-blurring blend of
indie pop, folk, and rock. Since releasing their breakout debut I’m Alone, No
You’re Not in 2016—which featured their hit single “White Flag” and landed them
on The Tonight Show, TODAY, and the Billboard charts—the band has steadily built a
devoted following through gripping live performances, national tours, and appearances
at major festivals including Coachella, Glastonbury, and Bonnaroo.

Over the years, JOSEPH has released a string of critically acclaimed records
including Good Luck, Kid (2019) and The Sun (2023), praised for their rich vocal
arrangements andsoul-baring lyricism. Their most recent release Closer to Happy (2026)
marks their boldest and most personal work to date. Co-produced with Luke Niccoli (Carly
Rae Jepsen, Miya Folick), the project explores themes of grief, self-trust, and radical selfacceptance.
Whether through triumphant anthems like “I Believe In Myself” or gut-punch
ballads like “Bye and Bye,” JOSEPH continues to turn lived experience into songs that
resonate far beyond the surface.

Embark on a spooky voyage aboard the Explorer Jetboat to the famous Spirit of Halloweentown in St. Helens. Skip the hassle of driving, with the dock less than a block from the festivities. Along the way, a guide will share chilling tales of St. Helens and Portland's seedy past. Once ashore, you'll have about 4 hours to explore, including access to the paid attractions. Whether you're a fan of the iconic Disney movie “Halloweentown" or seeking Halloween family fun, this cruise has something for everyone.

Alexis Nikole Nelson, best known to millions of fans as Black Forager, invites you on an adventure to discover the delicious and wild foods hiding in plain sight. Alexis captivates people with her joyful enthusiasm and deep knowledge of foraging and inspires them to explore the bounty of their own backyards, parks, and trails, and now she does the same in her eagerly awaited first book.

Happy Snacking, Don’t Die! is a one-of-a-kind collection of recipes and foraging wisdom that teaches you how to turn common plants, flowers, and fungi into yummy, plant-based meals. This unique work is almost like two books in one—foraging plant guide and vegan cookbook—organized by season to guide you through a year of appetizing discoveries. In spring, you’ll learn to pickle Magnolia flowers and turn Japanese Knotweed into a refreshing granita. Summer is for frying up Milkweed Buds, making Juneberry Hand Pies, and crafting Rosewater Baklava. When fall arrives, you’ll be making savory mushroom dishes (a.k.a. chicken of the woods) like Maitake steak and bacon. And in winter, cozy up with Pine Shortbread Cookies and Oyster Mushroom Chowdah.

Sign up for the poster session here!

The 2026 Pauling Medal will be presented to Professor Wooley at the 2026 Pauling Medal Symposium on November 7, 2026, at Portland State University in Portland, OR, in recognition of her pioneering studies.

Information about the symposium is posted at the Pauling Medal web page. The symposium includes lectures by eminent scientists and the awardee, a student poster session, a reception, and an evening banquet with presentation of the Pauling Medal to Professor Wooley.

The symposium is free and open to the public. The Awards Dinner is open to the public but requires advance purchase of a banquet ticket. Please visit the Pauling Medal web page for event details and banquet tickets.

Schedule:

• 11:00am - 1:00pm: Poster Set-up Time
• 1:00 - 5:30pm: Symposium in Hoffman Hall
  Symposium speakers
  • Prof. Geoff Coates, Cornell University
  • Prof. Craig Hawker, University of California, Santa Barbara
  • Prof. Doug Keszler (emeritus), Oregon State University
  • Pauling Awardee, Prof. Karen Wooley, Texas A&M University
• 5:30 - 7:00pm: Reception and poster session in SRTC lobby
• 7:00 - 10:00pm: Banquet and award lecture in Hoffman Hall

Parallel Worlds Bookshop and the Hollywood Theatre present a special author conversation with Jane Schoenbrun and SenLinYu, celebrating the release of Jane’s debut novel, Public Access Afterworld, followed by a screening of Schoenbrun’s acclaimed film I Saw the TV Glow.

When: November 5, 2026 at 7:30 PM
Where: Hollywood Theatre 4122 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland, OR 97212
Tickets: $18 sold via Hollywood Theatre
Ticket price does not include a copy of the book. Preorder Here!

A mysterious realm waits on the other side of our screens. A dark force draws victims into its static. An unlikely hero must save them, and herself, from an electric hell.

Spanning decades and realities, Public Access Afterworld follows an unforgettable ensemble of outcasts and obsessive television viewers whose lives become entangled with a surreal pirate network. At the center is Bethany Peters, a trans content moderator working the night shift at a sprawling tech corporation. When a young streamer begins appearing in her feed and calling out to Public Access Afterworld, Bethany is pulled into a conspiracy stretching across screens, timelines, and realities.

A mesmerizing collision of speculative fiction, horror, conspiracy, and queer transformation, Public Access Afterworld marks the literary debut of the celebrated filmmaker behind I Saw the TV Glow and We’re All Going to the World’s Fair.

Jane Schoenbrun is an award-winning filmmaker and writer. Their films include I Saw the TV Glow and We’re All Going to the World’s Fair. Their newest film, Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma, starring Gillian Anderson and Hannah Einbinder, releases in 2026. Public Access Afterworld is their first novel.

Tickets for the screening and conversation are sold through the Hollywood Theatre. Copies of Public Access Afterworld will be available for purchase onsite from Parallel Worlds Bookshop.

Jane Schoenbrun and SenLinYu will not be signing books. Pre-ordered books or books purchased at event will be pre-signed.

Still photography is permitted. Audio and video recording are not permitted unless approved in advance.

1. Public Access Afterworld by Jane Schoenbrun - Signed Edition
   (Pub Date: October 27, 2026)
   A mysterious realm on the other side of our screens. A dark force that draws victims into its static. The unlikely hero called to save them and herself from this electric hell. Public Access Afterworld is the profound, binge-all-night, headrush of a novel by the celebrated filmmaker of I Saw the TV Glow and Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma.

2. Alchemised by Senlinyu Signed Edition (Out Now)

3. Alchemised by Senlinyu 3 Volume Deluxe Boxset(Pub Date: October 13)
   In this riveting dark fantasy debut, a woman with missing memories fights to survive a war-torn world of necromancy and alchemy—and the man tasked with unearthing the deepest secrets of her past.

Eight-time Grammy-winner Beck has traveled light years from his emergence as a reluctant generational spokesperson when “Loser” exploded from a rejected 1992 demo into a ubiquitous 1994 smash. In the decades since, Beck's singular career has seen him utilize all manners and eras of music, blurring boundaries and blazing a path into the future while simultaneously foraging through the past.

Surfacing just as the mainstream and alternative rock intersected, no small thanks to his 1994 debut Mellow Gold, Beck quickly confounded expectations with subsequent releases including the lo-fi folk of One Foot in the Grave. But the album that first cemented Beck’s place in the pantheon was 1996’s multi-platinum Best Alternative Grammy winner Odelay. Odelay remains a key cultural touchstone from the indelible hooks of "Devil's Haircut” and “The New Pollution" to the irresistible call and response of the Grammy-winning "Where It's At.”

From the world-tripping atmospherics of 1998's Mutations (Beck's second album to win the Best Alternative Grammy) and the fluorescent funk of 1999's Midnite Vultures through the somber reflections of 2002's Sea Change, 2005's platinum tour de force Guero, 2006's sprawling The Information, 2008's acclaimed Danger Mouse-produced Modern Guilt, no Beck record would ever sound like its predecessor.

That pattern would be upended in sublime sonic fashion with the 2014 release of Morning Phase. A companion piece of sorts to his 2002 masterpiece Sea Change, Morning Phase conjured the staggering downtempo impact of that record through the lens of an infectious optimism. The chorus of critical acclaim for Morning Phase was instant and unanimous, as Beck rolled into 2015 taking the Album of the Year top honor at the 57th Annual Grammy Awards, as well as the prize for Best Rock Album. Morning Phase also won in the Best Engineered Album (Non-Classical) category.

True to his chameleonic nature, Beck followed up Morning Phase’s subdued beauty with Colors, an intoxicating rainbow of auditory tricks and treats that went on to win Best Alternative Music Album (Beck’s third) and Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical (the second Beck album to do so) at the 61st Annual Grammy Awards in 2019. That same year, Beck would offer a first glimpse into his 14th studio album Hyperspace with the stunning surprise single “Saw Lightning”—written and produced by Beck and Pharrell Williams, who would be credited as co-writer and co-producer on seven of Hyperspace’s 11 tracks.

Beck has spent much of the last few years dazzling live audiences with a grab bag of engaging performances ranging from a handful of freeform one-off shows, to 2023’s massive Summer Odyssey tour with co-headliners Phoenix. Summer Odyssey played to packed houses from the Kia Forum in L.A. to Madison Square Garden and beyond, and was followed by a historic full concert performance with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra—which inspired a series of orchestral performances at the likes of New York’s Carnegie Hall and London’s Royal Albert Hall. The past few years have seen Beck embark on limited runs of orchestral dates featuring musicians who played on milestones including Mutations, Sea Change and Morning Phase accompanied by native orchestras in each city, delivering uniformly unforgettable evenings of unique symphonic arrangements of classics and deep cuts from his towering catalog and beyond.

Join an essential lecture by the acclaimed Dr. Jared Cooney Horvath. Jared Cooney Horvath (PhD, MEd) is a neuroscientist, educator, best-selling author and expert in the field of human learning. His new book, The Digital Delusion: How Classroom Technology Harms Our Kid's Learning - And How to Help Them Thrive Again, pulls back the EdTech curtain and explains the research showing how digital tools in the classroom consistently undermine learning. It also explains how parents, teachers and schools can push back with purpose.

As a leading expert in learning and technology, Jared testified before the US Senate on EdTech and is an internationally sought-after speaker.

Sponsored by the Institute for Families and Technology and OR Unplugged.

Portland Art Museum invites the community to join a Free First Thursday event, offering free admission to the museum for all, plus a Live Wire event as part of the Literary Arts Portland Book Festival. Visitors can take in the afternoon gallery pop-ups, the evening show, or both!

4:30 – 6 p.m. — Free, pre-show, pop-up performances will take place throughout the Museum’s galleries. Performers are poet and rapper Dessa, bestselling children’s author Mac Barnett, Pulitzer Prize Finalist Ed Park, and Portland comedian Mx. Dahlia Belle.

Free First Thursday tickets can be reserved online one week in advance and are also available at the door.

7 p.m. — Enjoy a fully seated, ticketed Live Wire taping hosted by Luke Burbank with announcer Elena Passarello, featuring a blend of interviews, comedy, and music performed live for the audience, then edited into an episode for broadcast to over 200 public radio stations nationwide. Performers are poet and rapper Dessa, bestselling children’s author Mac Barnett, Pulitzer Prize Finalist Ed Park, and Portland comedian Mx. Dahlia Belle. Doors will open at 6:30pm.

GA Tickets are $15. Preferred Seating is $40. Discounts available to Portland Book Festival passholders.

Dessa is a singer, rapper, and writer who fell in love with language as a toddler—and just never got over it. Now, she works in fields that traffic in words: she’s recorded rap bangers as part of the fiercely independent Doomtree collective, released a live album with the Grammy-winning Minnesota Orchestra; contributed to The New York Times and National Geographic Traveler; delivered a TED Talk on the intersection of romance and neuroscience that’s notched more than 4 million views; hosted 2 seasons of behavioral science podcast Deeply Human (BBC/American Public Media); and published a memoir recounting most of the above called My Own Devices (Penguin Random House).

Mac Barnett, the 2025–2026 National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, is a New York Times bestselling author of stories for children. Mac’s books have won many prizes, including two Caldecott Honors, three New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Book Awards, three E. B. White Read Aloud Awards and the Boston Globe–Horn Book Award, as well as several international prizes. He lives in Oakland, California. His latest book, illustrated by X. Fang, is Tom Nancy: The Sheep Who Swapped Brains with a Boy. From two of the most exciting picture book makers today comes a hilarious trickster tale and Freaky Friday switcheroo story: a sneaky, cheeky sheep named Tom Nancy has a brain swap proposal for an innocent farm boy named Felix that will change both of their lives forever. Laugh-out-loud, subversive, and totally unexpected.

Ed Park is the author of the novels Personal Days and Same Bed Different Dreams. He is a founding editor of The Believer, and has worked in newspapers, book publishing, and academia. His writing appears in The New Yorker, The New York Review of Books, Harper’s Magazine, The Atlantic, and elsewhere. Profound, wily, and beautifully wrought, his new book Three Tenses: A Transmission from the Nineties is a meeting of memory and myth, confession and obfuscation, coalescing to offer a singular picture of creativity in action.

The princess of Portland comedy, best known for her breakout performance on the popular Netflix special Hannah Gadsby’s Gender Agenda, Mx. Dahlia Belle has been compared to a Swiss Army knife—different tools to extract sharpness, softness, vulnerability, hope, and wicked wit. She’s been declared one of “11 Trans Comedians… Funnier Than Dave Chappelle” by Out Magazine, repeatedly featured on NPR, and has written for Cosmopolitan Magazine, The Guardian, The Stranger, and Portland Mercury. Her live performances have included NW Black Comedy Festival, Upper Left Comedy Festival, SF Sketchfest, and an awkward conversation with John Waters and Piers Morgan. In the upcoming live taping of her comedy special Affirmed at Polaris Hall on November 22nd, Mx. Dahlia Belle delivers 60 new minutes of stand-up to celebrate and affirm being human in the modern world through a combination of the wholesome and mundane, anecdotes about house cats, liscivious foibles of the LGBT community, and an unapologetic account of her personal journey with gender-affirming care, all delivered with her trademark free form wit.

Free First Thursdays at the Museum and PAM CUT’s Tomorrow Theater aligns with the revitalization of the long-standing Portland art galleries’ tradition of opening their doors for openings, receptions, and events on the first Thursday of each month. In recent months art and culture organizations have joined to bring back this popular activity, including the Pacific Northwest College of Art and the Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education in the North Park Blocks.

Generous support provided by Art Bridges Foundation’s Access for All program.