Music

Celebrate and learn the history of the Day of the Dead at this free community event.

The event runs from 9:00am - 5:00 pm and will have:

• Food carts
• Crafts
• Live music and performers from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
• Face painting
• Community altar where you can bring pictures of your loved ones who have passed. Printings will be made available on site.

This event is open to everyone.

For more information please email [email protected].

Step into autumn’s splendor as the garden transforms with the colors and textures of chrysanthemums, a flower of nobility and longevity in Chinese culture. Stroll among 81 mum varieties, cascading displays along the waterfall, and sweeping floral sculptures that transform the garden into a living gallery.

From dazzling floral artistry to hands-on learning opportunities, Chrysanthemum Festival is one of the garden's most anticipated annual celebrations—and an unforgettable way to experience Lan Su in fall. Explore this beautiful flower and time of year.

Nov. 5-8 — Nights of the Golden Flower: Immerse yourself in the illuminated works of 18 talented local floral artists and featured designer Toni Tibbits as they interpret this year’s theme, Golden Blooms Upon Autumn Waters. Plus, enjoy gentle music by Lulu Guzheng Studio, dance performances by YZ Dance Academy, floral jewelry-making, and all-ages fun as you wander among glowing lanterns and vote for your favorite designs of the showcase. Sensory Night November 14.

The Portland Princess Ball returns bigger, more enchanting, and more unforgettable than ever! Explore three magical ballrooms and meet nine beloved princesses as they bring their stories to life through special interactions, live performances, photos, and dancing.

Meet the royal team. These queens and princesses are kind, sweet, and gentle, with hearts full of love for children. They embody grace and warmth, ensuring every moment is magical. Many of the performers are professional dancers, actors, and singers, bringing their talents and charisma to life with every wave of the wand. Of course, they’re always true to character, making each experience unforgettable.

The princess roster:

• Ice Queen
• Ice Princess
• Cinderella
• The Island Princess
• Little Mermaid
• Beauty
• The Arabian Princess
• Snow White
• The Frog Princess

* Princess appearances are subject to change in case of illness, emergency, or circumstances beyond control.

Event Highlights:

• Nine enchanting princesses
• Famous princess songs performed live on stage
• Special princess interactions, photos, and dancing
• Three uniquely themed ballrooms
• Tea sandwiches, royal desserts, and princess tea
• Freshly scooped ice cream
• Two photo booths
• Two bouncy castles
• Glitter tattoos
• Princess crafts

GET TICKETS HERE!

DANCE MODE: FAMILY RAVE 🌈✨

For years, rave parents have had to choose — leave the dance community behind, or leave the kids at home. We don't think that should be a choice.

Dance Mode brings the floor to the whole family. We believe the next generation deserves to grow up inside this culture — to learn PLUR (Peace ✌️, Love ❤️, Unity 🌍, Respect 🙏) not as a slogan, but as something they felt with you, on the floor, holding your hand.

This isn't just a party. It's a chance to bond with your kids over the same music, lights, and connection that shaped you — and pass it down.

WHAT TO EXPECT

🦄 The Flow: We open with a 30-minute warm-up — simple movement together, getting comfortable in the space as a family. From there we build into higher-energy dancing on the main floor. We close with a 30-minute cool-down, where we come back together and acknowledge the dance community we're building.

🎵 The Music: A curated DJ set that mixes kid favorites right alongside grown-up House and EDM classics — curated for the mixed crowd, with something for everyone on the floor.

🎨 Activities: Sparkly face painting with gems, plus a kandi-making station — everyone can make one bracelet for themselves and one to share, a hands-on way for kids to learn Peace, Love, Unity, and Respect and what it means to pass those values to others.

🧘 Sensory Refuge Room: A quiet space on-site for kids (or adults) who need a break from the sound and lights, with coloring and fidgets.

🎧 Forgot your sensory headphones? We've got a limited quantity for sale at the merch table.

🍕 Food & Drinks: Available for purchase on-site.

👗 What to Wear: However you feel most comfortable moving — costumes, rave gear, sweats, whatever works for you and your kids 😊

THE DETAILS

📍 The Den PDX | 116 SE Yamhill St, Portland, OR 97217

📅 Sunday, November 15th

🚪 Doors 1PM | Dance floor 1:30–4PM

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 All ages — 1 adult required per 3–4 kids attending

👶 Kids 2 and under are FREE

📝 First timer? Sign the waiver ahead of time: dance-mode.com/waiver

The Den

116 SE Yamhill St.

Portland, OR 97217

https://www.thedenpdx.com

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❤ We believe in CONSENT, RESPECT, & EQUALITY! All of our events are a judgment-free, hate-free, & a safe zone for ALL races and/or preferences! We have ZERO tolerance for any level of racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, misogyny, or any other form of hate/abuse. Anyone exhibiting these types of behaviors will be asked to leave, and not welcomed back. If you see something, say something - tell a staff member nearby and we'll be sure to act on it promptly. ❤

There are no refunds. All appeals for refund should be directed towards the Promoter, not the Venue.

11•15•26 • THE DEN • 116 SE Yamhill Street • 21+ w/ Valid ID

First Friday – November 6th: “Thankful for YOU (and pie :)) Multicultural Celebration!” We love the fall and we are SO thankful for you! We all come from different places and have different heritages and we want to celebrate that. Our diversity makes us special and interesting! Bring your friends and family downtown for pie tastings, pie raffles, a pie walk dance party, multicultural displays and so much more!

• Ribbon Cutting at 6pm for the new expansion at Evergreen Vinyl! 321 NE 4th Ave.
• Enter Pie Raffles all around town!
• Yummy pie tastings at Fuel donated by Lore Tea + Coffee
• “Pie Walk Dance Party”–try to win a delicious pie! at 7:30pm inside of Journey, 304 NE 4th Ave. The Pie Walk is generously sponsored by Synkwise!
• Complete the “Gratitude Passport” throughout downtown businesses & be entered to win!
• Learn about your neighbors and our diverse backgrounds, cultures and histories!
• Drop off your unwrapped toys at registration at Fuel Medical for the Toys for Tots drive!
• Kids’ autumn art, crafts, games and treats
• S’mores roasting, weather permitting
• Art Shows and Receptions in Attic Gallery, 419 NE Cedar; Gallery 408, 408 NE 4th; RedDoor Gallery, 411 NE Dallas; and Second Story Gallery, 625 NE 4th Ave, upstairs at the Camas Library.
• After hours shopping, dining, live music, more!

Start your evening at the DCA tables in the Fuel Medical lobby, 314 NE Birch St. See you in beautiful Downtown Camas for all the fall fun!

Brighten your autumn by celebrating Diwali, the vibrant Indian Festival of Lights, at the Wilsonville Public Library. This free, family-friendly evening brings the community together to experience the joy and rich traditions of the holiday. Enjoy an immersive celebration featuring lively music, beautiful cultural dances, delicious traditional foods and hands-on festive crafts.

The first Gather at Greely Friday. The Ridgefield Family Resource Center hosts a card-writing workshop for World Kindness Day. You write notes of encouragement, and they go into the snack bags the Resource Center sends home with local students. Free, family friendly, live music.

Draw, color, create and hang. Art Club at Art Tower is a low-pressure creative night. No experience needed—there are coloring pages.

Enjoy a monthly creative hangout at The Tracy Piper Gallery. Come make some art. Or color something. Or have a drink. Or just hang out. ART CLUB is a low-pressure, no-experience-required creative night at Art Tower hosted by contemporary artist The Tracy Piper. There will be drawing supplies, coloring pages, blank paper, creative prompts, drinks, and the resident DJ Joe Strange bringing the tunes. You bring yourself. Can't draw? Who cares? There are coloring pages.

This isn't an art class. There is no masterpiece required at the end of the night. Art Club is about getting out of the house, making something with your hands, meeting people, and spending a Thursday night surrounded by art.

Drop in anytime. Stay for twenty minutes or stay all night.

Free — RSVP strongly encouraged to know how many art supplies to have on hand.

Art supplies provided. Drinks available. No experience necessary.

Some evenings stay with you forever. This fall, Portland welcomes an extraordinary celebration of classical ballet as PRIMA Ballet Gala brings together artists of the Grand Kyiv Ballet and international guest performers for one unforgettable night. More than a performance, PRIMA Ballet Gala is a night of elevated artistry – where timeless classics meet contemporary expression, and the stage becomes a space of beauty, power, and emotion.

The program features iconic highlights from world-renowned ballets, including Don Quixote, Spartacus, and The Dying Swan, alongside vibrant national dances such as the thrilling Hopak, set to music by legendary composers such as Tchaikovsky. Begin your evening on the red carpet, then step inside for a celebration of artistic excellence and international cultural connection. Guests are warmly encouraged to attend in evening attire, helping create an atmosphere of elegance worthy of this special occasion.

Join a rare opportunity to experience world-class dancers, timeless choreography, and a night filled with beauty and inspiration.

Seats are limited. Be part of PRIMA Ballet Gala — where ballet speaks from the heart.

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

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

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

If you want to rage out and turn this season into an eventful alternative bonanza, here's your opportunity to see the most fantastic act in the circuit. Smashing Pumpkins brings a top-rated showdown across the US this fall as they serve a brand new trek. This time, a new album brings different vibes, and Smashing Pumpkins is slated to promote this incredible work. Smashing Pumpkins brings The Rats In A Cage Tour to this city, and they're ready to conquer Moda Center at the Rose Quarter with their viral hits, including "1979," "Tonight Tonight," and the Grammy-winning "Bullet with Butterfly Wings"!

The Buena Vista Orchestra, also known as The Buena Vista Social Orchestra and Orquesta Buena Vista, celebrates the rich tradition of Cuban music with a repertory drawn from legendary bands and artists. The ensemble includes musicians connected to The Buena Vista Social Club, AfroCuban All Stars, and the bands of Celia Cruz, Omara Portuondo, Chucho Valdés and Willie Colón. Cuban violinist Rolando Morejón Reyes leads the group, bringing experience from Orquesta de Enrique Jorrín and work with Omara Portuondo, Willie Colón, Cachao López and Oscar D’León. The lineup features trumpeter Antonio Perigo, percussionist Miguel Valdés, pianist Helder Rojas, trombonist Yosmel Garcerarn and Latin Grammy nominee Pepe Epsinosa, among others. These artists and their related projects have toured internationally, earned widespread recognition with millions of tickets and records sold, and inspired documentaries and theatrical productions, making this the most prominent Cuban music project of its kind. Presented by SSK Music Presents, the performance continues a storied musical lineage while supporting new generations in the field. This event is open to all ages.

On Sunday, November 1st, Oregon Koto-Kai, the Japanese Koto Music Society of Oregon, will present its 15th Annual Fall Concert. This year’s concert will feature traditional and modern koto ensemble pieces selected to honor the koto mastery and memory of the late Kazue Sawai. The music will be complemented by beautiful art on stage created by local artist Satoko Motouji.

Kazue Sawai cofounded the Sawai Koto Institute based in Tokyo, Japan with her husband, koto master and composer Tadao Sawai. Not only was she the instructor and mentor to our Artistic Director, Mitsuki Dazai, but her passion and innovative playing style was an inspiration to our entire group and koto players worldwide. Our program honors that legacy with traditional pieces signature to her repertoire and boundary-pushing compositions from the Sawai catalog.

All Ages // 6 PM Show // Tickets $24

Taylor Bickett is a storyteller at heart. Hailing from Indiana, she's been writing music since before she can remember. Taylor's intimate lyrics and outstanding vocal range gracefully overlay organic indie pop production to create introspective singer/songwriter tunes. After her wistful, Gen Z anthem "QUARTER LIFE CRISIS" hit the internet in 2022, the track compelled a generation struggling with their newfound adulthood to share their own photos and stories on TikTok soundtracked by her song. The trending audio amassed nearly half a million fan-made videos, and celebrities including Drew Barrymore and Kevin Jonas showcased their own transformations since age sixteen atop Taylor's track, which features the lyrics, "I swear 16 was yesterday, but now I'm closer to 28."

Taylor's subsequent 2023 EP grown up and lonely demonstrates her knack for writing honest and unfiltered songs that resonate with an entire generation. She kicked off 2024 with her single "I Like Mondays" which resonated with fans when she quickly wrote and posted the song on the 1st of January (a Monday). After spending the spring on the road, Taylor released her second EP, This Isn't Me Missing You, on September 19th.

Taylor spent 2024 touring with artists like Ron Pope, Blü Eyes, Andi and Áine Deane, which took her all over the US and UK. Her new song "The Crime," based on a traumatic incident that sparked a passion for ending violence against women, will come out in honor of Women's History Month in March of 2025. She is currently writing new music for her debut full length album.

Goldie is a Portland-based artist creating alternative-pop that blends a sense of nostalgia with a distinctly modern sound. Drawing inspiration from artists both past and present, her music is rooted in honest songwriting, warm melodies, and an ever-evolving approach to pop. With four singles released, Goldie is currently working on her debut EP and carving out a sound entirely her own.

A Tuareg singer/songwriter and guitarist who is known for his innovative and intense playing style, Mdou Moctar rose from a small village in Niger to earn viral success among West Africa's cell phone-trading network. An appearance on an American compilation in 2010 led to international recognition and further exploratory releases on the Sahel Sounds label. After starring in a Tuareg-language homage to Purple Rain, Moctar's sound continued to evolve as he pushed his musical boundaries as a multi-instrumentalist on 2017's Sousoume Tamachek. Subsequent albums like Ilana: The Creator (2019) and Afrique Victime (2021) found him infusing his African influences with wild electric psychedelia and full-blast rock and roll to widespread acclaim. 2024's scintillating Funeral for Justice saw Moctar take a stronger political stance on the injustices faced by Niger and the Tuareg people. A reimagined, all-acoustic version of the album was released in early 2025 as Tears of Injustice.

In a darkening musical landscape where viral fads and AI-generated fakery share chart-space with the self-absorbed products of the nation’s stage schools, Buzzcocks shine out as a gleaming beacon of hope.
A constant, ever-evolving presence over the last 45 years of pop culture, the band’s legendary status will be set in stone — literally — with their inclusion in the Music Walk Of Fame in September, joining an illustrious roll call including David Bowie, The Who, Madness and Amy Winehouse.
The band’s never-better live shows, meanwhile, are electrifying reminders of rock music’s power to inspire, educate and inform. All delivered with an energy and conviction of a band half their age.
“It’s my lifeblood,” says Steve Diggle — 68 years young — of a non-stop touring schedule which over the summer will see them play to thousands of fans across Europe and the UK.
“I’ve still got the fire in my belly. Some musicians get bored of being on the road, but I’m institutionalised. I’ve done 50-odd years of staying in hotels. It’s what I signed up for. Ever since I saw Bob Dylan in the back of a black taxi in (D.A. Pennebaker’s 1967 documentary) Don’t Look Back, I always wanted to live this kind of life — being interviewed in the back of a black taxi on the way to the studio.”

While most of their punk peers are content to traverse the globe in jukebox-style revue shows, Buzzcocks continue to move with the times, attracting new fans wherever they go. A case in point being the huge all-ages crowd the band pulled at the Iggy Pop-headlined Dog Day Afternoon in July.
“There’s not a lot of intellectual or emotional thinking in music these days,” observes Steve. “People are being controlled. They’ll watch a video of someone falling over a banana skin and think they’re being entertained. They don’t realise the beauty of words, and the power of music. I’d like to think young kids who come to see us feel the same excitement I got from Little Richard and Chuck Berry. It goes back to the punk thing. It was about attitude and a way of thinking. We had the questions, but we didn’t have the answers. But the questions are the important thing.”

Through his 54-year career, 3-time Grammy Award winner John Scofield has occasionally detoured from the traditions of straight-ahead jazz, exploring a blend of funk and jazz that has led to some of his most popular projects. In late autumn of 2026, Scofield looks back on many of his now-classic fusion-groove compositions with Electrospective. Not intending to replicate the earlier fan favorites, he plans instead to revisit them with the seasoned perspective of several decades, culling tunes from his Blue Matter, Uberjam, and AGoGo bands – each responsible for a few recordings – as well as new material in the same vein. Scofield looks forward to teaming up with a stellar band of colleagues. Electrospective will rely on interpretative input from Scofield alum and super funk drummer/producer Adam Deitch (Lettuce), multidimensional Larry Goldings (Scary Goldings, James Taylor) on keyboards, and legendary bassist Oteil Burbridge (Dead and CO., Tedeschi Trucks, Allman Brothers). With this repertoire so frequently (and loudly) requested by audience members, Scofield is glad to have a band that will truly do the music justice.

It’s Been Awful marks the moment Isaiah Rashad fully becomes his own genre. The Top Dawg Entertainment visionary returns with his third studio album on May 1, expanding his sonic world beyond hip-hop into cosmic jazz, psychedelic guitar rock, Soulquarian neo-soul, and flashes of genre-blurring experimentation. After five transformative years, Rashad delivers his most vulnerable and fully-realized work yet – an unfiltered reflection on addiction, growth, self-confrontation, and redemption. It’s soul music in its most metaphysical form, anchored by the same lyrical precision and emotional depth that have defined his artistry from the beginning.

Since emerging from Chattanooga, TN in 2012, Rashad has built one of the most impactful and emotionally resonant catalogs in modern rap. His debut Cilvia Demo immediately established him as a critical force, followed by The Sun’s Tirade, which debuted in the Top 20 of the Billboard 200 and earned Gold certification. His 2021 album The House Is Burning further solidified his cultural imprint, amassing nearly one billion global streams and widespread acclaim for its introspective storytelling and sonic evolution. Across his career, Rashad has achieved multiple Gold and Platinum certifications, with standout records including “Wat’s Wrong” (feat. Kendrick Lamar & Zacari) and “Pretty Little Birds” (feat. SZA), while maintaining a loyal, cult-like fanbase drawn to his honesty and depth.

Rashad has consistently pushed beyond trends to create timeless, deeply personal work. Now, with It’s Been Awful, he enters a new chapter defined by clarity, confrontation, and creative rebirth – reaffirming his place not just in rap, but at the forefront of music’s most compelling storytellers.

Presented by Soul’d Out at Revolution Hall, this performance spotlights John Scofield’s Electrospective, a project from the three-time Grammy winner that revisits the funk-infused side of his 54-year journey in jazz. Instead of recreating earlier favorites, Scofield brings fresh interpretations drawn from his Blue Matter, Uberjam, and A Go Go periods, alongside new pieces in a similar spirit. He appears with Scofield alum and drummer-producer Adam Deitch (Lettuce), keyboardist Larry Goldings (Scary Goldings, James Taylor), and bassist Oteil Burbridge (Dead & Co., Tedeschi Trucks Band, Allman Brothers). The program leans into the fusion grooves audiences often request, delivered by a lineup assembled to let the music speak.

With featuring OTEIL BURBRIDGE, LARRY GOLDINGS & ADAM DEITCH. Ages 21 and up

The World’s MOST Iconic Ballet — With a LIVE Orchestra!

The legendary tale of Swan Lake takes flight in a breathtaking production from World Ballet Company, as fate and magic entwine in a timeless battle between good and evil. Performing with a Live Orchestra, and featuring a cast of 50 international dancers, over 150 radiant hand-sewn costumes, and stunning hand-crafted sets, this spellbinding ballet captures every heart-pounding moment — from the Dance of the Little Swans to the Black Swan’s 32 fouettés, and every pirouette in between.

With Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable score soaring through the air and played LIVE, immerse yourself in this mesmerizing journey where dreams, heartbreak, and hope unfold right before your eyes.

Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes (including 20-minute intermission)
Audience: For ages 5 & over

*About the Company: Based in Los Angeles, and led by Sasha Gorskaya and Gulya Hartwick, World Ballet Company presents the most beloved and iconic ballets of our time in cities nationwide. Driven by the belief that ballet is for everyone, performances appeal to newcomers and seasoned ballet goers alike. The company attracts many international artists and comprises renowned professional dancers representing over ten countries.

To date, World Ballet Company has traveled to more than 300 cities, reaching an audience of more than 500,000 fans.

Make it a group experience! Special pricing is available for groups of 10 or more.

Lewis & Clark College Department of Music and Portland State University’s School of Music and Theater present an afternoon with Grammy Award-winning soprano Audrey Luna on Wednesday, November 4, 2026 from 3pm to 6pm in Evans Auditorium.

Live Wire joins forces with the Portland Art Museum for an afternoon of roving performances ahead of an evening recording of the program. The event coincides with PAM's monthly Free First Thursday and the Portland Book Festival's expanded programming. Performers will include poet and rapper Dessa, bestselling children’s author Mac Barnett, Pulitzer Prize Finalist Ed Park, and Portland comedian Mx. Dahlia Belle.

Free pop-up performances will take place throughout the Museum’s galleries, giving visitors a chance to catch live performances and storytelling while moving through the PAM spaces. Completely free through PAM’s Free First Thursday general admission. Also, 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.

Visitors can take in the afternoon gallery pop-ups, the evening show, or both.

The Saloon Ensemble‘s epic all-ages production of The Nitemare B4 Xmas is back. Featuring Kylee Wegner as Jack, Patrica Charms as Sally, Jason Wells as The Mayor, Noah Veil as Oogie Boogie, Dan Stauffer as Dr. F, Phil Sano as Sandy Claws, Richard Cawley, Iris Asher, and Stacey Ludlow as Lock, Shock, and Barrel, Julia Andalora as Zero, plus Jon Vancura on sax, Mike Danner on accordion, Jeremy Baron on mandolin, and Joe Hagel on drums.

Portland's legendary performance troupe, The Saloon Ensemble, will once again bring to the stage a live performance of the brilliant score complete with interactive sing-along, a costume contest, everyone's favorite screaming contest and many other 'horrible' surprises.

Celebrate the Halloween season with the annual production that's been packing houses and delivering joyous fun for all spirits, young and old.

November 4, 2026

Special Concerts

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

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

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

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

Concert begins promptly at the time listed.

Sunday, November 1st, 2026 8:00PM Roseland Theater All Ages General Admission Floor | 21 & Over Reserved Seating Balcony No refunds or exchanges. Tickets are non-transferable. Will Call name changes not permitted. Domestic Bliss Tour VIP Package...

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

Norman Huynh, Conductor

Steiger Butte Drum and Singers, Native American ensemble

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

Oregon Symphony

Stravinsky Symphonies of Wind Instruments

Michael Gordon Natural History

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

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

So far evolved from who they were when they first began releasing music in 2017, The Aces deserve the sense of celebration they feel in their new music. With 3 albums, over 250 million streams, and countless other milestones under their belts, sisters Cristal and Alisa Ramirez (lead vocals/guitar and drums), Katie Henderson (lead guitar/vocals), and McKenna Petty (bass) are in full form on their 4th LP, Gold Star Baby. Continuing to reach new pop heights, the band is rapidly becoming one of the genre’s most exciting and authentic voices.

The Aces have toured with the likes of 5 Seconds of Summer, X Ambassadors, The Vamps, COIN, Goth Babe, and have played at festivals all over the world, including NY Pride, Lollapalooza, Firefly, Bonnaroo, OUTFEST, Sziget, Pukkelpop, All Things Go, Summerfest, and more. After an exciting run supporting Louis Tomlinson’s 2026 North American arena tour, the Aces are ready to hit the road again on their own fall headline tour and are steadily continuing to release new music.

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

After many years celebrating the music of Big Star via the collective known as Big Star’s Third, Jody Stephens (the last surviving member of the original Big Star lineup) had an idea.

“I truly loved touring the world and performing Big Star’s Third with a core group, a variety of special guests, and a chamber orchestra playing the beautiful orchestrations created by Carl Marsh and Chris Stamey. But when the idea of celebrating the 50th anniversary of #1 Record came up, it was time to pare the production down to a five-piece rock band. So I called a few close and like-spirited musical friends.”

Enter some of the legendary group’s biggest fans, who have long been associated with Big Star and related projects. The band now includes Mike Mills (R.E.M.), Jon Auer (The Posies), Pat Sansone (Wilco), Chris Stamey (The dB's) and Stephens. Dubbing themselves the Big Star Quintet, it’s a lineup that is both personal and close in spirit to #1 Record and Radio City.

Singer, rapper, and author Dessa will join the Oregon Symphony for an evening of soaring ballads, writerly pop songs, and rap anthems. The concert also will include a series of new monologues, crafted in Dessa’s signature style—true stories told with intellectual rigor, tenderness, candor, and wit. Don’t miss this landmark performance, presented in collaboration with Literary Arts as an extension of the Portland Book Festival.

• Sarah Hicks Conductor
• Dessa Vocals
• Oregon Symphony

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

Concert begins promptly at the time listed.

“When we travel down those old back roads, that’s when we finally find our way,” sings Portland songwriter Richard Colombo — and that spirit of discovery runs through every note he plays. For over four decades, Richard has been a beloved songwriter, performer, teacher, and community builder whose heartfelt songs blend timeless storytelling with themes of love, courage, and joy. Known for his clear tenor voice, masterful guitar work, and playful energy, Richard’s performances move easily between the profound and the delightfully whimsical — especially when he breaks out his banjo ukulele. A night with Richard leaves audiences feeling uplifted, inspired, and connected.

Inge Hoogerhuis is a singer-songwriter, but that is not how she started out - a lounge and cabaret singer from way back when, who traveled up and down Highway 75, to Las Vegas, and then found a home on the West Coast. She has sung in grange halls to fancy hotels, for 20 people from the back of a pick-up truck to 500,000 in San Francisco's Gay Pride. But her favorite thing to do is to write songs that capture both the humor and melancholy of the West, and that ruminate over love and justice, lost and gained. You can catch her on Spotify or at local watering holes around Portland.

Wendy Emerson is a folk jazz guitarist and vocalist whose music is influenced by ballads and show tunes from the swing era, as well as folk and rock music from the 1950s on. Her repertoire consists of jazzy covers and originals about love and loss served up with a generous helping of speaking truth to power.

Brent Calderwood is a Portland-based singer, songwriter, guitarist, and pianist inspired by indie-folk, Americana, and the American songbook.

Daley is an acclaimed British singer, songwriter and creative artist from Manchester, UK, whose unmistakable falsetto and soul-bearing songwriting first emerged through London’s underground music scene and swiftly carried him onto the global stage, where he established himself as one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary soul.

Touched by the sounds of Prince, Chaka Khan, Sade, Radiohead and George Michael, Daley's sound seamlessly blends classic soul sensibilities with contemporary, alternative R&B. With two critically acclaimed studio albums and several Top 10 Billboard R&B singles, Daley’s artistry has been acknowledged by the Grammys, MOBO Awards, BET and Soul Train Awards. His collaborations with legends including Stevie Wonder, Jill Scott, Marsha Ambrosius, Gorillaz, Pharrell Williams and Jessie J have further cemented his place among some of the most respected artists in the world.

Now entering a new era, Daley prepares to unveil the next chapter of his artistic journeywith the release of his long-awaited third album project, supported by his USA Tour...

Access to an intimate pre-show Q&A with Daley

Notes on Seating: Open seating, may be limited or standing room only. First come, first seated. Open dance floor may obscure sightlines. Daley - US Tour

Montreal-born, Nashville-based Allison Russell is a Grammy, Juno, Americana, SOCAN, and Folk Award–winning artist and Polaris Prize–shortlisted singer-songwriter, producer, author, actor, and human rights advocate.

Her acclaimed solo debut Outside Child (2021) was followed by The Returner (2023), released via Concord/Fantasy. Prior to her solo work, she co-founded and toured internationally with Po’Girl, Birds of Chicago, and Our Native Daughters, and remains an active collaborator with OND and a member of Joni Mitchell’s Joni Jam.

In 2024, Russell joined Hozier’s Unreal Unearth tour across the U.S. and Europe, with their duet “Wildflower & Barley” earning her first Billboard Hot 100 entry. Her Rainbow Coalition ensemble and All Returners tour continued through 2025 across Australia and North America. She also co-wrote “Human Mind” with Hozier for Mavis Staples.

Russell has received eight Grammy nominations and one win, alongside multiple honors including Americana Award nominations and Album of the Year, a Juno Award for Contemporary Roots Album of the Year, International Folk Music Awards, Canadian Folk Music Awards, and UK Americana Awards. She was also named Billboard Women in Music Canada’s Breakthrough Artist of the Year and shortlisted for the Polaris Prize.

She made her Broadway debut as Persephone in Anaïs Mitchell’s Hadestown in November 2024 and has since completed a second run in the role. Offstage, Russell is a powerful advocate and organizer, curating the historic Once and Future Sounds set at Newport Folk Festival and co-founding Love Rising, which has raised over $550,000 in support of LGBTQIA+ communities.

Her forthcoming memoir will be published by Little, Brown, and her third album is slated for release in 2026.

Celebrating the release of his debut memoir Showbiz! My Life as a Middle-Aged Man, comedian Murray Hill hits the road with a one-of-a-kind show that is part cabaret, part stand-up, and part behind-the-curtain tell-all. The self-proclaimed “hardest working middle-aged man in show business” brings his signature mix of razor-sharp wit, rampant ad-libbing, and heartfelt storytelling to the stage for a night of big laughs and hard-won wisdom from an outsider who made it his way.

This marks Murray’s first time bringing his own comedy show to Portland, after hosting several shows and tours there over the last 20 years. He can’t wait to bring showbiz to Polaris.

Backed by his swinging live band The Baloney Sandwiches, Murray Hill turns every show into a full-throttle cabaret concert comedy spectacle. With retro flair and a wink of mischief, he works the room seamlessly between storytelling, crowd work, and musical moments. It’s loose, unpredictable, and alive, where anything can happen and usually does.

London-born singer and songwriter SIENNA SPIRO announces the “My House” tour, including an extensive North American fall run followed by dates in Asia, Australia, New Zealand, UK and Europe.

Just last week, SIENNA released the official music video for her enthralling single “The Visitor.” Written and produced by SIENNA with Omer Fedi (SZA, Lil Nas X) and Michael Pollack (Justin Bieber, Miley Cyrus), the song draws its power from a spellbinding vocal recorded in one take, lyrics that cut to the bone, and a 20-piece string orchestra led and arranged by Academy Award-winner Peter Rotter (Oppenheimer, The Last Repair Shop). While SIENNA’s poetry and the video nod to matters of the heart, by the song’s end, we sense that she’s singing about something more: a strong awareness of impermanence — of things ending and people leaving — that can quickly turn into paralyzing fear. That sentiment is the driving force behind the concept that powers Visitor, the album.

Of course, SIENNA is very much here to stay. Her music has amassed over 1.2 billion global streams so far and, in late March, she had a trio of singles climbing the Hot 100 all at once: “The Visitor” (which so far peaked at #43), heartwrenching UK Platinum smash “Die On This Hill” (#19), and the enduring “You Stole The Show” (#55). All three are set to appear on Visitor, which was executive produced by Fedi with additional production from an elite crew including Blake Slatkin, Yakob, and Pollack, plus composers like Larry Gold (Al Green, Silk Sonic) and Rotter. SIENNA and her hand-picked collaborators brought her vision to life in an array of legendary spaces like Electric Lady Studios in New York, Abbey Road Studios in London, and Valentine Recording Studios in Los Angeles.

Daniel Nwosu Jr., better known as the artist Dax, shows no signs of stopping after riding a wave of success that has led to nearly four billion global career streams. Dax released a slew of fan-favorite singles in 2025, following his country-infused breakout song “Dear Alcohol,” which amassed over 350M streams and his genre-blending viral hit “Lonely Dirt Road,” leading to his Lonely Dirt Road headline tour last fall. The tour sold out, hitting major cities worldwide, including Chicago, Los Angeles, New York and more. In 2026, Dax continues to build on that success with more new music, starting with the release of “Temptation,” “God, Can You Hear Me?” and “Caught You In The Bed,” out now. More new music and headline tour dates are on the horizon.

Sparked by his millions of devoted TikTok followers, Dax has amassed over 48 million followers across his social platforms. He has collaborated with Darius Rucker, Elle King and Maverick City Music. His music has found space by blending genres and has appeared on numerous Billboard charts, including Spotify’s Viral 50 (US and Global). He has received multiple Platinum certifications for “Dear Alcohol,” “Lonely Dirt Road,” and “To Be A Man” ft. Darius Rucker. He has performed live on NBC News, ABC News and TODAY.

Taylor Bickett is a storyteller at heart. Hailing from Indiana, she's been writing music since before she can remember. Taylor's intimate lyrics and outstanding vocal range gracefully overlay organic indie pop production to create introspective singer/songwriter tunes. After her wistful, Gen Z anthem "QUARTER LIFE CRISIS" hit the internet in 2022, the track compelled a generation struggling with their newfound adulthood to share their own photos and stories on TikTok soundtracked by her song. The trending audio amassed nearly half a million fan-made videos, and celebrities including Drew Barrymore and Kevin Jonas showcased their own transformations since age sixteen atop Taylor's track, which features the lyrics, "I swear 16 was yesterday, but now I'm closer to 28."

Taylor's subsequent 2023 EP grown up and lonely demonstrates her knack for writing honest and unfiltered songs that resonate with an entire generation. She kicked off 2024 with her single "I Like Mondays" which resonated with fans when she quickly wrote and posted the song on the 1st of January (a Monday). After spending the spring on the road, Taylor released her second EP, This Isn't Me Missing You, on September 19th.

Taylor spent 2024 touring with artists like Ron Pope, Blü Eyes, Andi and Áine Deane, which took her all over the US and UK. Her new song "The Crime," based on a traumatic incident that sparked a passion for ending violence against women, will come out in honor of Women's History Month in March of 2025. She is currently writing new music for her debut full length album.

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King Buffalo, a heavy psych trio featuring vocalist and guitarist Sean McVay, bassist Dan Reynolds, and drummer Scott Donaldson, shares the bill with L.A. Witch. The Los Angeles trio of Sade Sanchez, Irita Pai, and Ellie English blends reverb-draped rock with a sound that ranges across broader sonic territory on its latest album, DOGGOD, while exploring existential and cosmic themes. This is an all-ages event.

Derek Hough Dance for the Holidays is a joyous celebration of the most festive time of the year! With jingle bells and sleigh bells, holiday carols and cheer, Hough’s latest dance spectacular is a show stopping event for the whole family. Fans will be thrilled and delighted as Hough and his cast of phenomenal dancers bring your favorite holiday tunes to life through dance, from the well sung classics to modern pop hits with all of the incredible choreography, exciting stage production and dance mastery that audiences have come to expect. Creative team and EMMY® winners, Napoleon and Tabitha Dumo, also known as NappyTabs (Jennifer Lopez’s ‘All I Have’, Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour, GRAMMYs®), co-create, direct and supervise choreography for the tour.

Emmy Award-winning and New York Times Best-Selling author Derek Hough started dancing in his hometown of Salt Lake City, UT, at age 11. Just one year later, he moved to London to live and train with the top dance coaches in the world and attend the prestigious Italia Conti performing arts school where he studied theatre, music, and dance. He is a four-time Emmy Award winner and 13-time nominee, his four Emmys tie him for most in Television Academy history.

Hough is the current host of the long-running television program Extra. He has also appeared in film, television, and stage projects as an actor. He made his feature film debut for director Duane Adler and producer Robert Cort in the feature film Make Your Move and had a recurring role on the ABC series Nashville and in High School Musical The Musical for Disney+. His stage performances include Radio City Music Hall’s Spring Spectacular costarring alongside the Tony Award-winning Laura Benanti and the critically acclaimed production of Footloose in which he starred as the male lead in London's West End. In December 2016, Hough starred with Jennifer Hudson, Ariana Grande, Martin Short and Harvey Fierstein in NBC’s Hairspray Live!

As a cast member of the ABC series Dancing with the Stars, Hough is part of the judging panel alongside Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno. A multi-talented entertainer and the only six-time champion in franchise history, Hough had previously performed on the show as a pro-dancer. His mirror ball wins came with celebrity partners that included Brooke Burke, Jennie Garth, Ricki Lake, Nicole Scherzinger, Jennifer Grey, Kellie Pickler, Amber Riley, Amy Purdy and Bindi Irwin.

In May of 2017, Hough joined Jennifer Lopez and Ne-Yo at the judges table for the NBC series World of Dance. The show, which he was part of for 4 seasons, launched as the highest rated summer show in over ten years and was unparalleled dance competition that featured solo artists competing against duos and crews in all genres of dance, including hip hop, tap, ballet, break dancing, ballroom, and more competing for a million-dollar prize.

Hough can also add best-selling author to his list of credits. His memoir Taking the Lead; Lessons from a Life in Motion hit stands in August 2014 and rapidly was named to the prestigious New York Times Best-Seller list during two non-consecutive time periods, a rare feat.

In 2021 and 2022, Hough headlined his residency Derek Hough: No Limit in the entertainment capital of the world, Las Vegas, Nevada. The critically acclaimed dance-centric show at the Venetian Resort takes Fans on a journey through a true fusion of dance and music, as Hough explores styles ranging from ballroom and tap to salsa, hip-hop and everything in between.

This fall, Portland welcomes an extraordinary celebration of classical ballet as PRIMA Ballet Gala brings together artists of the Grand Kyiv Ballet and international guest performers for one unforgettable night.

More than a performance, PRIMA Ballet Gala is a night of elevated artistry – where timeless classics meet contemporary expression, and the stage becomes a space of beauty, power, and emotion.

The program features iconic highlights from world-renowned ballets including Don Quixote, Spartacus, and The Dying Swan, alongside vibrant national dance such as the thrilling Hopak, set to music by legendary composers including Tchaikovsky.

Begin your evening on the red carpet, then step inside for a celebration of artistic excellence and international cultural connection.
Guests are warmly encouraged to attend in the evening attire, helping create an atmosphere of elegance worthy of this special occasion.

Join us for a rare opportunity to experience world-class dancers, timeless choreography, and a night filled with beauty and inspiration.

Seats are limited. Be part of PRIMA Ballet Gala — where ballet speaks from the heart.

Plini is an Australian progressive instrumental guitarist, composer, and producer internationally recognized for his fluid guitar work, cinematic compositions, and genre-defying approach to modern instrumental music. Since emerging with his acclaimed Handmade Cities debut and subsequent releases, Plini has built a global following through his technically masterful yet deeply melodic sound, earning praise from artists and fans across the progressive and metal communities. In 2026, Plini returns with his highly anticipated third full-length album, An Unnameable Desire, an expansive and emotionally charged record that pushes his songwriting into heavier, more experimental territory while retaining the atmospheric and melodic sensibilities that define his music. Following the album’s release, Plini will embark on a North American tour, bringing his celebrated live performance experience to audiences across the continent with a setlist featuring new material alongside fan favorites from throughout his catalog.

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.

Smashing Pumpkins perform live at the Moda Center at the Rose Quarter in Portland, Oregon.

TICKETS $50 | ALL AGES

Ben Wolfe - bass

Nicole Glover - saxophone

Ron Steen - drums

We are thrilled to welcome home two of Portland's favored jazz musicians; acclaimed bassist, Ben Wolfe and renowned saxophonist, Nicole Glover. The two will be joined by beloved local jazz legend, Ron Steen for a homecoming show you won't want to miss!

Wolfe has performed and recorded with some of the most celebrated names in jazz and popular music, including Harry Connick Jr., Diana Krall, Wynton Marsalis, and many others. A respected player, composer and Julliard educator, Ben is one of today’s most accomplished jazz bassists. Wolfe brings an extraordinary depth of experience, musicianship, and creativity to the stage.

Joining him is Nicole Glover, whose powerful, adventurous saxophone playing has made her one of the most exciting voices in contemporary jazz. Nicole is a saxophonist, bandleader, composer, and educator based in New York City. In 2026, Nicole was awarded “Up and Coming Musician of the Year” by the Jazz Journalists Association and #1 Rising Star Tenor Saxophonist & #1 Rising Star Soprano Saxophonist by Downbeat Magazine. Nicole is also a sought-after collaborator. She is currently touring with groups led by Christian McBride and Renee Rosnes, including the multi-award winning ARTEMIS. She has also toured and recorded with Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. Additionally, Nicole has worked under the leadership of drummers Al Foster, Billy Hart, Lenny White, Victor Lewis, Kenny Washington, Carl Allen, Gregory Hutchinson, and Joe Farnsworth; Grammy-winning vocalists Dee Dee Bridgewater and Buika; bassists John Patitucci, Reggie Workman, Harish Raghavan, Ben Wolfe, and Or Bareket; vibraphonist Joel Ross; and pianists Bill Charlap, Geoffrey Keezer, Aaron Diehl, Luis Perdomo, Christian Sands, Micah Thomas, and George Colligan, among others.

Alongside these two will be Portland's hometown favorite, Ron Steen, whose decades of contribution to the city’s jazz scene have earned him legendary status. Drummer, bandleader, Ron is known as the Godfather of the Jazz Jam scene in Portland, Oregon. Writes the JJA’s Rick Mitchell: “The jam session is at the heart of the jazz tradition. While high school and college jazz programs have proliferated in recent decades, there is no substitute for the knowledge gained by sharing a bandstand with one’s elders and peers in an exposed and competitive setting." Ron has built and nurtured that philosophy in Portland for decades.

Three exceptional musicians. Two shows. One unforgettable night of jazz. Don’t miss this special 1905 performance!