Performing Arts❯Variety

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

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.

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.

The Fates are spinning… do you dare give in to temptation?

After a deep slumber, EX-SPELLED! A Cabaret Tribute to the Occult finally returns to the Jack London Revue this November. Hosted by the Mad Marquis, this wicked night of magic, mystery, and mayhem summons a spellbinding collection of performers to astonish you in ways that would make even the Devil himself shiver with antici……

Step beyond the veil and surrender yourself to the forbidden, where good old debauchery mingles with the come-hither peculiarities of your wildest dreams. Prepare to explore the limits of your imagination, indulge your darker curiosities, and discover what exactly lies just beyond the bounds of everything you know.

JLR Seating Map Notes: For this show, you may reserve individual tables on the map pictured. Note that some tables have limited sightlines as noted. General Admission ticket holders note that seating and sightlines are limted and may be standing room only. All table reservations include admission.

1. For Table Reservations: Note the relative location of the stage and bar on the map. Then click a table number to see prices, or click "Show All Tickets". Click the + button to add a specific table to your cart.
2. For General Admission tickets: click the "GA Standing" area. Click the + button to add additional tickets.
3. Click "Agree & Checkout"

“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.

From humble beginnings 50 years ago busking on the streets of Philadelphia, to acclaimed sold–out runs on Broadway and renown as the longest-running and one of the most-beloved resident headline acts in Las Vegas history, magic’s legendary duo — Penn Jillette and Teller — continue to defy labels (and at times physics and good taste), by redefining the genre of magic and inventing their own very distinct niche in comedy.

The current hit series Penn & Teller: Fool Us! for The CW Network, on which up-and-comers and magic veterans try to fool Penn & Teller for a chance to star in the pair’s hit Las Vegas stage show, was nominated for a Critics’ Choice Award and has been renewed for an unprecedented 12th season. The show is the longest continual American magic television series in history, introducing the art to new fans and cultivating new generations of innovators within the craft.

Twice named “Magicians of the Year” by the Academy of Magical Arts, the equivalent of the Oscars in magic, they were named the 2024 Masters Fellowship recipients, the highest honor the Academy bestows. The pair live in Las Vegas, where they are engaged in their community, acting as honorary chairmen for AFAN (Aid for AIDS Nevada), raising and donating nearly $2 million and serving as grand marshals for AFAN’s annual Las Vegas AIDS Walk for the past 23 years. Through their involvement with Opportunity Village, which assists in employment placement and lifestyle betterment for those living with intellectual disabilities, they have raised over $1 million. The annual blood drive, Penn & Teller’s 13 Bloody Days of Christmas, has resulted in over 85,000 donors since its inception. In 2023, they took part in the USO’s annual Christmas tour, entertaining thousands of servicemen and servicewomen in bases across Europe.

In 2025, the pair celebrated 50 years as innovators in combining smart, edgy comedy with their unique magical style.

From humble beginnings 50 years ago busking on the streets of Philadelphia, to acclaimed sold–out runs on Broadway and renown as the longest-running and one of the most-beloved resident headline acts in Las Vegas history, magic’s legendary duo — Penn Jillette and Teller — continue to defy labels (and at times physics and good taste), by redefining the genre of magic and inventing their own very distinct niche in comedy.

Their Off-Broadway debut in 1985 electrified New York with a stage show the likes of which had never been seen. Combining magic, comedy, and social commentary in a theatrical event the New York Times said was a “A witheringly funny…Brazen assault on the temple of magic,” the show moved to Broadway in 1987, the first of three eponymously titled Broadway runs. Their efforts in New York have been awarded an Obie and a Lucille Lortel Award. Their most recent return to Broadway, hailed as “Deliciously Demented” by USA Today, was the highest-grossing non-musical for the entirety of its run, even out-grossing Hamilton for one week.

Performing nearly 300 live shows every year from the stages of America’s greatest performing arts venues as well as the Sydney Opera House and London’s Apollo Theatre, their record-breaking Las Vegas show at The Rio Hotel & Casino has an amazing 10 wins, including 2025, as “Las Vegas Magicians of the Year” and was called “The single best show in Vegas,” by the Los Angeles Times.

The current hit series Penn & Teller: Fool Us! for The CW Network, on which up-and-comers and magic veterans try to fool Penn & Teller for a chance to star in the pair’s hit Las Vegas stage show, was nominated for a Critic’s Choice Award and has been renewed for an unprecedented 12th season. The show is the longest continual American magic television series in history, introducing the art to new fans and cultivating new generations of innovators within the craft.

Hundreds of outrageous appearances on everything from Fallon to Friends, The Simpsons to Colbert, Modern Family to Big Bang Theory, Dancing With The Stars to The Masked Singer, plus their own specials for NBC, ABC, PBS and Comedy Central have garnered them an Emmy, a Writers Guild Award, and their own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The controversial Showtime series, Penn & Teller: BS! was nominated for 13 Emmys and was the longest-running series in the history of the network. The show highlighted the pair’s ardent skepticism by tackling the fakes and frauds behind such topics as alien abduction, psychics, and bottled water.

In recent years they have become acclaimed documentarians with the BAFTA-nominated Sony Pictures Classic release, Tim’s Vermeer, which follows Texas-based inventor Tim Jenison on his quest to discover the methods used by Dutch Master painter Johannes Vermeer. Their other films, the critically-lauded feature The Aristocrats and the Showtime short The Gambler’s Ballad, were met with wide praise.

The Olivier-nominated Magic Goes Wrong, written and created in collaboration with Mischief Theatre (creators of the Tony-nominated The Play That Goes Wrong), played at London’s West End Vaudeville Theatre, setting a box office pre-sale record. The Daily Mail hailed it as a “Spellbinding romp,” while The Sun theater critic raved, “I’ll be laughing into next week.” In 2024, they had two shows running Off-Broadway as creators and producers: the Magic Goes Wrong spin-off The Mind Mangler, which returned to London’s West End in
March, and the technology/magic/thriller Stalker.

As individuals, they are just as prolific. Teller directed versions of Macbeth and The Tempest which toured to raves from The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, co-wrote and directed the Off-Broadway thriller Play Dead and has written two books. Penn has written five books, including the New York Times Best Sellers “God No!” and “Presto”. For his role in this year’s critically acclaimed Oscar-nominated film, Marty Supreme, he was nominated for an Actor Award (formerly the SAG Awards), alongside co-stars Timothee Chalamet and Gwyneth Paltrow.

Twice named “Magicians of the Year” by the Academy of Magical Arts, the equivalent of the Oscars in magic, they were named the 2024 Masters Fellowship recipients, the highest honor the Academy bestows. The pair live in Las Vegas where they are engaged in their community, acting as honorary chairmen for AFAN (Aid for AIDS Nevada), raising and donating nearly $2 million and serving as grand marshals for AFAN’s annual Las Vegas AIDS Walk for the past 23 years. Through their involvement with Opportunity Village, which assists in employment placement and lifestyle betterment for those living with intellectual disabilities, they have raised over $1 million. The annual blood drive, Penn & Teller’s 13 Bloody Days of Christmas, has resulted in over 85,000 donors since its inception. In 2023, they took part in the USO’s annual Christmas tour, entertaining thousands of servicemen and servicewomen in bases across Europe.

In 2025, the pair celebrated 50 years as innovators in combining smart, edgy comedy with their unique magical style.

Annam's 3-year anniversary dinner featuring a collaborative kitchen takeover with uncle Peter from @havl.noodles (Hà VL). The evening includes deep-cut à la carte Việt food, cognac, live jazz by Brian's Blade (featuring @chochu_local members @cmlgsn, @Aidan.jacobs._, and grateful_marcus), and a custom jade jewelry pop-up by Le Petit Hoa. Menu to be announced closer to the date; available until sold out.

Daley brings his distinctive voice and acclaimed live performance to Portland, blending classic soul with contemporary R&B, alternative pop, and electronic influences. Known for soaring falsetto and personal songwriting, he has earned Billboard Top 10 R&B hits, Grammy recognition, and acclaim for collaborations with artists including Stevie Wonder, Jill Scott, Pharrell Williams, and Gorillaz. His performance features new music alongside fan favorites. Opening the show is Portland native Tahirah Memory, a soul and jazz singer-songwriter whose debut album topped the UK Soul Chart. Her warm, honest vocals and heartfelt songwriting complement an evening of soul, R&B, neo-soul, and live musicianship.

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!

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 Rivkah Ross QuintetSun, Nov 01TICKETS $25 | ALL AGESRivkah Ross is a Portland-based drummer, composer, and bandleader. Rivkah’s debut album Dare to Hope (PJCE Records) marks the arrival of an inspiring new voice in modern jazz. Moving effortlessly between beautiful melodies and gritty, angular rhythms, her music embodies defiant triumph and hope. A first-generation American raised by a single mother, Rivkah brings a message of hard-won optimism to every note. Taking a page from her hero, Roy Haynes, and paying homage to giants like Coltrane and Shorter, Rivkah is pushing jazz forward with a sound unapologetically all her own. Rivkah is a native Pacific Northwesterner. She has performed her original compositions at the Montavilla Jazz Festival, PDX Jazz Festival, Mount Hood Jazz Festival, and the Vancouver Jazz & Wine Festival. Her other projects include the Stumptown Sirens, Portland’s first all-female big band, which made their debut appearance on the PDX Jazz Festival in 2026 to a sold-out crowd. Rivkah’s drumming hero is Roy Haynes, and in 2026 she put together The Rivkah Ross Sextet, which played two sold-out Roy Haynes tribute sets at The 1905, Portland’s dedicated jazz club. 05:30 PM SHOW 07:30 PM SHOW

Leapin’ Louie: The Upside Down Ocean. Leapin’ Louie’s new show: An ocean animal circus spectacular. It’s science, but you laugh so hard. Gastropod Cousteau (aka Leapin’ Louie Lichtenstein ) is a nudibranch detective trying to figure out what happened to the missing kelp forests. Whales, sea otters, decorator crabs, giant squid and a peacock mantis shrimp help Gastro solve the mystery. And the story is told with circus and comedy. Featuring giant lasso, glow juggling, a 6 foot unicycle, enormous puppets and a slide-show of amazing ocean animals. You know him from White Album Xmas or the Rose Festival. Leapin’ Louie has performed his solo shows in 35 nations around the world, including Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Brazil, the UK and a few dozen European tours. He has toured opening for country stars Brooks and Dunn and the rock legend Primus. He makes adults laugh with family-friendly material, and he gets audiences very excited.

Mantra, music, and storytelling to awaken the heart. Sacred Dharma is a Pacific Northwest kirtan-fusion jam band. At its core, they facilitate the devotional practice of chanting Sanskrit mantra. The music is colored by world influences ranging from Indian classical to jazz and psychedelic rock, enhancing the mood so that each repetition of the Name can awaken the heart.

Led by Sitaram Dass with Jeanette Kangas on tabla, Clark Stacer on bass, Lance Jordan on guitar, and a rotating selection of some of the PNW's finest musicians.

Sitaram Dass (he/him) spent several years serving his beloved teacher Ram Dass on Maui, where he was shown the path of Bhakti, the yoga of service and devotion to God. He is an author, teacher, kirtan singer, and spiritual counselor. As the director of the Sacred Community Project, he works to provide affordable, free, and donation-based offerings as a praxis of Sacred Community.

$25 Advance / $30 Door

(No one turned away for lack of funds)

The 4th Annual MOST Pageant

Saturday, November 7th

Doors 6pm, Show 7pm

Tickets $20 in advance, $25 at the door

The MOST Pageant returns in thanks to our sponsors The Property Weirdos, Outrage Onstage, Demand Drag, Greg Lemix, and more!

9 extraordinary drag and burlesque entertainers will push their artistry to the limits, as they compete for fame and fortune ($500 and bookings and 2 drink tickets!) The contestant who brings the most extreme, bold, extravagant, avant-garde, out of this world, over the top, never before seen, mind blowing package will win the title of The MOST! This year’s contestants were chosen for their exemplification and commitment to mostness in their approaches to fashion, performance and living art. An esteemed panel of judges will be evaluating each contestant on their creativity and presentation to determine who will take the crown. Come ready to cheer and tip your favorite performers!

Who will be The MOST?

Anna Karenema

Baby LeStrange

Boujee Cherry

Harlow Quinzel

HOTTBOXX9000

Max Little

Seven

The Artist Formerly Known As Given

Tomboy

Grab your gear and strap on your tunic, because The Hyrule Ball is here. A niche, nerdy, nightlife celebration of everyone's favorite action-adventure franchise, just in time for the latest release. Featuring Zelda-inspired DJ sets and drag performances, specialty cocktails, local vendors, and consoles and cabinets for playing games with friends.

Come dressed in your cosplay best, grab your wallet of rupees, and get ready to dance until the Sun Song plays.

Book Bar is a five-day pop-up bar, café and cultural clubhouse in the heart of downtown Portland during Portland Book Festival week. Stop in for drinks, food, conversation and a rotating lineup of literary-inspired performances, pop-ups and unexpected happenings.

On Wednesday night, 45th Parallel Universe presents a celebration of Allen Ginsberg, featuring live readings of Howl and other works accompanied by live jazz.

The evening brings together voices from Portland’s literary, music, theater and radio communities for a tribute to one of the most influential figures in American poetry, and to Howl, which Ginsberg first read publicly in Portland while studying at Reed College.

Featured participants include Gregory Scholl, Robert McBride, Fred Child, Alexis Hamilton and additional special guests.

2026 Cinnamon Bear Cruise Dates:
Saturday, 11/28
Sunday, 11/29
Saturday, 12/5
Sunday, 12/6
Saturday, 12/12
Sunday, 12/13
Saturday, 12/19
Sunday, 12/20
Monday, 12/21
Tuesday, 12/22
Wednesday, 12/23
Thursday, 12/24
Saturday, 12/26
Sunday, 12/27

Boarding: 9:00 am
Cruising: 9:30 am – 11:30 am

• 2-hour cruise on the Willamette River
• Plated hot breakfast (eggs, potatoes, bacon, fruit and pastries) for adults & youth, excludes infants
• Hot cocoa, orange juice, coffee and hot tea
• Souvenir photo with Cinnamon Bear for every child 12 and younger
• Signature Cinnamon Bear treat for youth
• Character storytelling, autograph sessions and magic show
• Reserved table
• Service gratuity

Boarding Location:
Salmon Springs Dock
1010 SW Naito Pkwy, Portland, OR 97204

Return Details: Returns to original departure point.

Tickets start at $72 for adults or $52 for children 12 and younger. Cinnamon Bear has been a holiday tradition for generations and you’re invited to make this season one your child will remember forever.

Reservations available at portlandspirit.com/cinnamonbear or by calling 503-224-3900.

The one-man band without a plan, Mattress started in 2006. To quote a sassy pal (with initials IB): “You are wildly unpopular for that amount of time.” Amen. Who cares? Art for art’s sake. For the first time ever–Mattress is putting together a full band for this show. 5 guitars? 8 keyboards? 12 drummers? Yodelers and a glass harmonica? Probably.

Mattress has made some friends over 20 years and put together this stellar bill (more of a mini-fest), bringing together acts he met 20 years ago and 2 years ago. Check this out:

Black Shelton (solo), a one-man band powerhouse of wit, sleaze and electro boogie. Songs "I'm Back in the Doghouse Again" and “White Lover” will warp your mind.

Dragging an Ox Thru Water fingerpicking melody noise glitch heart string puller.

THRONES Joe Preston is coming out of semi-retirement to do this show. Hopefully this will get some elder goths and heshers out of their LazyBoys and into the show.

Joe Von Appen, the monologue performance semi-comedy satirist who has toured with Mattress for close to 10,000 miles. He will host the show; his dry wit will confuse and entertain most in attendance.

Special guest TBA, probably famous, very name-droppable.

Who is in the Mattress band? Members of Modest Mouse, The Fur Coats, Dommengang, Room, WIBG, Black Shelton and others.

Jake Shimabukuro is a world-renowned ukulele virtuoso whose groundbreaking artistry has redefined the instrument for the 21st century. Hailed as the “Jimi Hendrix of the ukulele,” Shimabukuro has captivated audiences across the globe with his masterful technique, innovative spirit, and deeply expressive performances that seamlessly blend elements of jazz, rock, classical, blues, folk, and traditional Hawaiian music.

Born and raised in Honolulu, Hawai‘i, Jake began playing the ukulele at age four, quickly developing a unique style that pushed the instrument far beyond its traditional boundaries. He first gained international recognition after his jaw-dropping rendition of George Harrison’s “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” went viral, introducing millions to the ukulele’s untapped potential.

Over the course of his career, Shimabukuro has released numerous acclaimed albums, collaborated with an array of legendary artists—including Bette Midler, Yo-Yo Ma, Jimmy Buffett, Ziggy Marley, and Mick Fleetwood—and performed everywhere from the Sydney Opera House to the Hollywood Bowl and the Kennedy Center. His most recent projects showcase both his dazzling technical command and his growing focus on emotional storytelling through music.

Beyond the stage, Jake is a passionate advocate for music education and community outreach, frequently performing at schools and benefit concerts to inspire the next generation of musicians. Whether playing an intimate solo show or headlining with a full band, Shimabukuro continues to prove that the ukulele is an instrument of infinite possibilities—one that speaks a universal language of joy, connection, and hope.

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

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

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

Minors ok when accompanied by a parent or guardian

ALL SALES ARE FINAL. PLEASE, DOUBLE CHECK YOUR ORDER BEFORE PURCHASING. NO REFUNDS.

Late Show with Noah Mortola Sat, Nov 07 $20 TICKETS | 21+ PLEASE

Chris Clark-Johnson - guitar

Dario LaPoma - piano

Garrett Baxter - bass

Noah Mortola - drums

Noah and three of his good friends will be exploring the quieter side of original compositions and arrangements.

10:15 PM SHOW

AN EVENING WITH JOHN SCOFIELD’S “ELECTROSPECTIVE”

featuring OTEIL BURBRIDGE, LARRY GOLDINGS & ADAM DEITCH

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 at 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 & 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.

A special screening of Jem Cohen’s (Museum Hours) 2015 documentary with a live score by award-winning jazz pianist Todd Marston & Micah Hummel’s Advancing Composers Ensemble.

In fifteen linked chapters shot in locations ranging from Moscow to New York to Istanbul, Counting merges city symphony, diary film, and personal/political essay to create a vivid portrait of contemporary life. Perhaps the most personal of Cohen’s films, Counting measures street life, light and time, noting not only surveillance and over development but resistance and its phantoms as manifested in music, animals and everyday magic

• Director: Jem Cohen
• Year: 2015
• Country: United States
• Runtime: 111 minutes

In recent years Thundercat, aka Stephen Bruner, has completed his transition from virtuoso bassist to bonafide star and cemented his reputation as a wholly unique voice, transcending genre. He has become a cornerstone of the Brainfeeder label having released 'The Golden Age of Apocalypse' (2011), 'Apocalypse' (2013), 'Drunk' (2017), and his 2020 album 'It Is What It Is' won Best Progressive R&B Album at the 63rd GRAMMY Awards, featuring Ty Dolla $ign, Childish Gambino, Lil B, Kamasi Washington, Steve Lacy, Steve Arrington, BADBADNOTGOOD, Louis Cole, Pedro Martins and Zack Fox. The record was produced by Thundercat and his longtime partner Flying Lotus who was GRAMMY-nominated in 'Producer of the Year, Non-Classical' for his work on the album.

2023 kicked off with a bang, with Thundercat joining Steve Lacy live onstage at the 65th Annual GRAMMY Awards to perform the hit single 'Bad Habit.' He also released his latest single 'No More Lies' with Tame Impala, and announced a slew of tour dates spanning 5 continents.

2022 was a banner year, with highlights including his vocals and bass heavily featuring on Gorillaz single and title track 'Cracker Island' which hit #1 on the Alternative radio charts. He also starred in the official music video and performed onstage with Gorillaz at Coachella and the MTV European Music Awards ceremony. He also joined Red Hot Chilli Peppers as support on their North American and EU stadium tour.

Thundercat made his acting debut in 2022 with a recurring role in Star Wars' 'The Book of Boba Fett' on Disney+. He also covered 'Fly Like An Eagle' for the 'Minions: The Rise of Gru' OST executive produced by Jack Antonooff. Other film and TV work has included collaborating with Flying Lotus on the original score for 'Yasuke' on Netflix, as well as an episode of Emmy & Golden Globe winning series 'Atlanta' created by Donald Glover.

Live highlights include duetting with Ariana Grande at Adult Swim Festival 2020, a US tour alongside his friend Anderson .Paak (2019), an appearance at the Nile Rodgers curated Meltdown Festival held at the Southbank Centre, London (2019); and previous festival highlights for Thundercat include Glastonbury, Coachella, Sónar, Fuji Rock, Newport Jazz Festival, Primavera Sound and Governors Ball. In 2019 Thundercat was invited by legendary jazz institution Blue Note in New York to play a 14 show residency over the space of 6 days. Special guests for the residency included Reggie Watts, Zack Fox and Hannibal Buress. One memorable sold out show at New York's Irving Plaza in 2017 featured Dave Chappelle making an impromptu appearance as his hype man.

In 2015 he was 'at the creative epicenter' of the 21st century's most influential hip-hop album Kendrick Lamar's 'To Pimp A Butterfly', and he won a GRAMMY for his collaboration on the track ‘These Walls'.

Much celebrated for his inimitable style, Thundercat has appeared as the face of recent fashion/brand campaigns for Kerwin Frost and Kenny Beats, as well as attending Paris Fashion Week as a guest of Spanish luxury designer LOEWE.

Bruner found his instrument at the age of 4. That made him a late-bloomer in the house of Ronald Bruner, Sr., who drummed with the Temptations among others. His first bass was a black Harmony, and he practiced to the Ninja Turtles soundtrack until pops played him Jaco Pastorius. He joined thrash legends Suicidal Tendencies as a teenager, and has spent road and studio time with everyone from Stanley Clarke and Herbie Hancock to Leon Ware, N.E.R.D., Travis Scott, HAIM, Silk Sonic (Bruno Mars & Anderson .Paak), Kaytranada, Stevie Wonder and Erykah Badu.

The name Thundercat is a reference to the cartoon he's loved since childhood and an extension of his wide-eyed, vibrant, often superhuman approach to his craft. In 2020 things came full circle when Bruner voiced a character (and penned a song) named 'Grune the Destroyer' in Cartoon Network's Thundercats Roar animated series

Award-winning composer Todd Marston and Micah Hummel’s Advanced Composers Ensemble performs a live score to Jem Cohen’s Counting, a film in fifteen linked chapters shot from Moscow to New York to Istanbul that blends diary film with personal/political essay. Each chapter is scored by a different A.C.E. composer, sometimes for a single instrument and sometimes for the full eleven-piece ensemble. Music genres will span from modern experimental jazz and rock to electronic music and minimalism.

Live Wire teams up with the Portland Art Museum during First Thursday and the Portland Book Festival. From 4:30 to 6 p.m., complimentary pop-up performances roam the museum galleries, no ticket needed. At 7 p.m., host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello lead a seated, ticketed taping with poet and rapper Dessa, children’s author Mac Barnett, Pulitzer Prize finalist Ed Park, and Portland comedian Mx. Dahlia Belle. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.. Portland Book Festival passholders get 10% off.

We’re celebrating two fabulous birthdays of Darcelle XV and Brandi Mae! Join us for an evening of love, laughter, and birthday magic, all while giving back to our community.

🎁 Bring an unwrapped toy or donate $10 to join the festivities and help spread a little extra joy! All donations will benefit Camp KC.

📅 November 8
🚪 Doors open at 5 PM | Show starts at 6 PM
🎟️ No reservations required | 21+ event

Come celebrate, give a little, and make someone’s holiday brighter! See you at the door!

Sound & Vision is an extension of the successful annual David Bowie jazz tribute series Black Tie/White Noise, starring The Christopher Brown Quartet.

This acclaimed ensemble will perform the best and most beloved songs from their six year catalog from BT/WN. These are not just the classics, but also the deep album cuts that The Christopher Brown Quartet has reimagined into new and incredible masterpieces.

Each song will also have an individual video narrative. A myriad of David Bowie content and abstract impressions adding a visual element to the experience.

Soul'd Out Presents: Lila Forde and Zan Fiskum.
Doors: 7:00pm
Show: 8:00pm
Ages 21+.

Special Note: Ticket holders for this show receive free admission to Jack London's Burly Q Revue Cabaret after the music!

LILA FORDE
With a voice steeped in jazz, soul, folk, and old-school American songcraft, the Seattle-born, Los Angeles-based singer/songwriter has always carried a deep sense of self through her music. But on Life Can Still Be Sweet, her sophomore album, that self comes into fuller focus: A little older, a little wiser, more instinctive, and more firmly in command of the world she’s building. Warm, whimsical, and full of growing pains, the record captures Forde in the thick of her twenties – chasing songs, learning lessons, finding her people, and holding onto beauty even when life gets hard.

“I think I have a really unique voice – not just my literal voice, but my proverbial voice,” Forde says. “In this day and age, and in this industry, there’s a lot of trend following, and there’s a lot of homogeny. I’m just really trying to be my own artist.”

That individuality has been there from the beginning. Raised in a spiritual, music-filled household in Seattle, Forde grew up without a television and with her feet in the dirt – the daughter of a musician and meditation teachers who encouraged her to stay curious, grounded, and creatively free. She sang in choirs, studied jazz in college, and steeped herself in the classics, from Bonnie Raitt and Carole King to Ella Fitzgerald and Nancy Wilson, while developing her soulful California sound that feels unmistakably her own. https://lilaforde.com/

Zan Fiskum is a singer and songwriter from Maple Valley, WA, whose music blends folk, soul, and cinematic pop into emotionally vivid storytelling. Known for her commanding vocal range and a diversean diverse sound rooted in the Pacific Northwest, Zan has built a dedicated following through a series of independent releases that have amassed over a million streams. She has opened for artists including The Avett Brothers, Kingfish, Mon Rovia, and shared the stage with John Legend and Dave Matthews. https://zanmusic.net/

JLR Seating Map Notes: For this show, you may reserve individual tables on the map pictured. Note that some tables have limited sightlines as noted. General Admission ticket holders note that seating and sightlines are limted and may be standing room only. All table reservations include admission.

1. For Table Reservations: Note the relative location of the stage and bar on the map. Then click a table number to see prices, or click "Show All Tickets". Click the + button to add a specific table to your cart.
2. For General Admission tickets: click the "GA Standing" area. Click the + button to add additional tickets.
3. Click "Agree & Checkout"

PAM gallery pop-ups: 4:30-6:00 p.m.
Doors for Live Wire seated show: 6:30 p.m.
Live Show: 7:00 p.m.

Live Wire Radio, the Portland-based public radio variety show, 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.

In the afternoon, free pop-up performances will take place throughout the Museum’s galleries giving visitors a chance to catch short live performances and storytelling while moving through the PAM spaces. Performers will include genre-blending rapper and writer Dessa, National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature and children’s author Mac Barnett, National Book Award Finalist Ed Park, and Portland comedian Mx. Dahlia Belle among others.

The evening will feature 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!

Note: Admission is free to the afternoon gallery pop-ups as part of general admission on Free First Thursday at Portland Art Museum. Tickets available on the museum website.

Ticket Prices:
$40 Preferred Seats
$36 Bookfest Pass Holder Discount – Preferred Seats (10% off)
$15 General Admission Seats
$13.50 Bookfest Pass Holder Discount – General Admission (10% off)

Hailing from the vibrant music scene of Portland, OR, Soul Rose is a dynamic 6-piece band that fuses the essence of soul and funk. With captivating rhythms and powerful melodies, they deliver an electrifying live experience. Follow Soul Rose on Instagram for show announcements and new music! Dedicated to reviving funk’s heart and soul, Soul Rose crafts infectious grooves that move audiences and stir deep emotions. Their sound is a modern twist on classic soul, appealing to both nostalgic fans and newcomers.

The Mellow Rebels are a Portland, Oregon-based rootsy reggae collective – a 7+ piece group of musicians brought together by a shared love of roots, rhythm, and the magic that happens when a group vibes. From intimate spaces to energetic rooms, the Rebels bring it with a sound that blends reggae, blues, soul, rock, and jazz into something uniquely their own.

Chuck Israels, revered as one of the preeminent bassists in the world, GRAMMY winner has performed and recorded with Billie Holiday, Benny Goodman, Herbie Hancock, John Coltrane, Bud Powell, Coleman Hawkins, Stan Getz, Bill Evans, J.J. Johnson, Rosemary Clooney, Tony Williams, Eric Dolphy, Jim Hall, Patti Austin, Gary Burton, George Russell, the Kronos String Quartet, and countless others.

Among Chuck's many recordings as a bassist, some outstanding ones include: Coltrane Time, with John Coltrane; My Point of View, with Herbie Hancock; Getz au Go-Go, with Stan Getz; and many recordings with the Bill Evans Trio, including The Town Hall Concert; The Second Trio; Trio '65; Live at the Trident; and Time Remembered. In 2020 Chuck won a GRAMMY for his work with opera star Joyce DiDonato on her recording "Songplay"

As an acclaimed composer and arranger, Chuck has written for Bill Evans, John Coltrane, Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, Berkshire Music Center, Richard Stoltzman, Eastman Jazz Ensemble, Swedish Radio Jazz Orchestra, West German Radio Jazz Orchestra, North German Radio Jazz Orchestra, Radio Denmark Jazz Orchestra, Hannover Symphony Orchestra, Metropole Orchestra, and others.

JAZZ TITAN THURSDAYS
The Jack London Revue proudly presents Jazz Titan Thursdays, featuring the Mel Brown B3 Organ Group and the Chuck Israels Jazz Orchestra.

Join us at Portland’s top jazz club to honor two of the most influential names in Pacific Northwest jazz music: Mel Brown - drummer for Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, and the Temptations and Chuck Israels - bassist for Billie Holiday, Benny Goodman, Herbie Hancock, and Bill Evans.

This Thursday, immerse yourself in the speakeasy vibe and rich sound of live soul, jazz, and bebop. Two sets starting at 7pm. Enjoy our full bar and menu. General admission and table packages available.

JLR Seating Map Notes: For this show, you may reserve individual tables on the map pictured. Note that some tables have limited sightlines as noted. General Admission ticket holders note that seating and sightlines are limted and may be standing room only. All table reservations include admission.

1. For Table Reservations: Note the relative location of the stage and bar on the map. Then click a table number to see prices, or click "Show All Tickets". Click the + button to add a specific table to your cart.
2. For General Admission tickets: click the "GA Standing" area. Click the + button to add additional tickets.
3. Click "Agree & Checkout"

Pass the gravy and bring on the glamour. Serving up a fabulous helping of bingo, laughs, and Thanksgiving fun at the Hi-Lo Hotel. Join the one and only Poison Waters as your host, with two fabulous queens performing and plenty of sparkle to kick off your holiday season. Gather your friends, bring your chosen family, and get ready to gobble up a good time.

Share the love: Please bring a canned or shelf-stable food item to donate to Esther’s Pantry. A little generosity can make a big difference, and we’ve got plenty to be thankful for.

Come hungry for fun and ready to give back. These queens are serving more than turkey.

Dave Tull Sun, Nov 08 $30 TICKETS | ALL AGES

Dave Tull - drums, vocals

Joe Bagg - piano

Bill Athens - bass

Singing from the drums, Dave brings to the stage a rare combination of joyous songwriting, world-class jazz singing and drumming. Think “Frishberg meets Gershwin”. Dave’s songs have been called both “laugh out loud funny” and inspiring of “soul searching and introspection”. Dave Tull’s latest release, “Texting and Driving” was the #2 most requested new album of 2018 on SiriusXM Real Jazz, and was featured by NPR’s Susan Stamberg on Weekend Edition. “Texting and Driving” rose to #5 on the Billboard Jazz Chart, and #3 on the Billboard Comedy Chart in the same week! Dave’s celebrated first CD, “I Just Want To Get Paid”, continues to get regular airplay many years after its release. When not leading his own trio, Dave is one of the busiest drummers on the scene. In 2016 Dave became the drummer for Barbra Streisand and has played five tours with Streisand including Madison Square Garden in July 2019, and on Barbra’s GRAMMY NOMINATED live Netflix concert video, “Barbra – “The Music..The Mem’ries..The Magic!”. Dave toured from 2000-2010 as drummer and lead vocalist for Chuck Mangione. Dave is the drummer on Pixar’s popular series, “Forky Asks A Question” and Disney’s “Monsters At Work”. Dave has led his trio at the Vail Jazz Festival and Winter Concert Series three times, Catalina Jazz Club in Hollywood, twice at The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (with a two-hour broadcast on KKJZ), San Diego’s KSDS 88.3 FM “Jazz Live” series (a 90-minute live broadcast and interview), the Newport Beach Jazz Party, The Nash in Phoenix, The Arts Garage in Boca Raton FL, The Miami Jazz Coop in Coral Gables, FL, Jazz Showcase in Chicago, the JazzVox house concert series in Seattle, The Strathallan Hotel in Rochester, NY, the “Jazz at Joe’s” concert series in Bend, OR, The California Jazz Arts Society, and countless times at the iconic Lighthouse Café in Hermosa Beach, CA. In May 2022 The Dave Tull Songbook was released by Sher Music, including 21 of Dave’s original compositions available in print for the first time.

05:30 PM SHOW 07:30 PM SHOW

Following a string of encounters too strange to be coincidence, Robbie Kingsley, Franco Solari, Dylan McCue and Zach Levy came together to form The Hails. Despite first playing in an insular Miami high school music scene, the band officially formed at the University of Florida in Gainesville, turning the tattered carpeting and beer bottle lined shelves of their shitty college house into a distinct, refined sound that is now synonymous with their name.

After graduation, the group made the pilgrimage back to their home of Miami, the city that directly influenced the sound of their early shimmering singles "Younger" and "Stay," debut EP He Seems Upset (2020), and the subsequent Alive in Strange Ways (2021).

After releasing their debut album What's Your Motive (2023) and gaining international praise, The Hails have created their own unique style of collaboration with band members living in Miami, DC and Brooklyn. Recent highlights of the road include holding court at festivals like Governors Ball, III Points and Okeechobee, interspersed between sold-out headline shows and tour support for The Revivalists, Quarters, The Beaches, flipturn and the moss. This year will see The Hails back out on the road as they ready for the release of their second full-length album later this year.

Meldrop is a five-piece jazzy indie rock group hailing from the Seattle/Tacoma, WA area. The band originally started as a four-piece in the fall of 2022, when River Esqueda, Elijah Tuncap, Kirran Medchill, and Aidan Goodman worked together at a Tacoma restaurant called the Lobster Shop. After a routine night of bussing tables, the boys got to talking and learned that they all shared a passion for playing music. They immediately planned a jam session later that week and what followed was a spark that inspired them to practice and write together over the next 6 months. Meldrop made their live debut at a college house venue called Cush Hill in April 2023, and continued playing shows through the spring and summer. However, tragedy struck in August amidst the recording of their debut project, when a pipe burst in their practice space, flooding the building and destroying their equipment. A week later, Medchill had to step away due to his ongoing struggle with addiction, forcing the band to cancel their upcoming shows. They spent the next 2 months finishing the EP before resuming rehearsals and bringing in a new member, Aidan Maggi, to fill the vacancy. The new lineup took to the live scene in November, just in time to play a show celebrating the release of their self-titled EP around Christmas time.

In the new year, the band continued playing shows and growing their following into the Seattle scene, also taking the time to record new singles "Coyote Country" and "Nude Walter Beach." During this time, they had planned on letting Maggi step out upon Medchill's return, but when the time came to make the switch, the boys realized that they all meshed together too well to let anyone go. It was clear that yet another lineup change was in order. In June 2024, the band returned to Cush Hill to unveil Meldrop's final form, a five-piece consisting of Esqueda and Medchill both on guitar and vocals, Tuncap on drums and vocals, Maggi on bass, and Goodman on keys. The new-look Meldrop's style blends influences of jazz, rock, and the blues into a truly unique and smooth sound that has encapsulated listeners in the Seattle area and all around the world. Driven by a genuine love for their craft, the band continues to experiment with new ideas, pushing their music to new places and chasing their dreams of pursuing music full-time.

Ding ding ding… your room is waiting at the infamous Hitchcock Hotel. Although decades have passed since the Hitchcock family entertained royalty and influential politicians, the hotel's dubious operations continue. The hotel's supernatural allure inhabits its guests (and staff) in this dilapidated relic of the past. The Hitchcocks' latest hire is no exception. The graveyard "maitre d," quickly realizes that there has been a misunderstanding in the hiring process and that he's been mistakenly hired for the precarious “night shift” position, one unfit for pedigree. He is about to experience nothing short of a fortuitous paranormal entanglement unlike any other. An evening featuring death-defying dance, sultry songs, shimmying show girls and hauntingly beautiful new music, you’re sure to delight in this decadence of the damned.

Chai and Roses is going Disco for this edition. From Bollywood to the Classics and everything in between. Feeling free on the dance floor is where we want you to be. Dress up or come as you are. See you on the liberation dance floor.

Doors and DJs at 7 p.m. Drag and performances at 9 p.m., Dancing til 11 p.m.Honoring the QTBIPOC folks who came before — radical ancestors who fought to be seen, heard and free to love. Honor the rich diversity of people within the QTBIPOC community. QTBIPOC folks of all backgrounds and identities, as well as allies, are invited. Come together and contribute to a fun and respectful party. Any form of prejudice or discrimination, such as biphobia, fatphobia, or transphobia, will not be tolerated.

DJs:

• Anjali
• b.d.s.m.

Drag Artists and Performers

• Anna Karenema
• Chiffon Chérie
• D-Day
• Hibiscus Lust
• Willy Wankme

Pop Ups

• ChaiWallahPdx
• Flowers for Palestine
• Jungle Candy Henna

Pop Ups

• ChaiWallahPdx
• Jungle Candy Henna

Co-hosted with Pdx Queer Lotus

The Breaks

When three modern groove masters of modern funk and soul-jazz converge, sparks are bound to fly. The Breaks brings together guitarist Eddie Roberts (The New Mastersounds), drummer Stanton Moore (Galactic), and organist Robert Walter (The Greyboy Allstars)—three musicians whose collective groove has shaped the sound of contemporary funk for over two decades.

Rooted in the tradition of late-’60s organ trios and hard-hitting boogaloo, The Breaks pushes the sound forward with deep-pocket rhythms, tight arrangements, and fearless improvisation. Eddie Roberts’ sharp, melodic guitar work dances effortlessly over Stanton Moore’s explosive New Orleans-infused drum grooves, while Robert Walter’s signature Hammond organ tones tie it all together with grit and soul.

Between them, they’ve logged countless tours, recorded landmark albums, and collaborated with a who’s-who of the modern jam, funk, and jazz worlds. But in The Breaks, the chemistry feels spontaneous—three kindred spirits locking into a groove and letting it ride.

From sweaty club sets to major festival stages, The Breaks deliver a sound that’s both deeply rooted and constantly evolving—a raw, joyful celebration of rhythm and musical conversation.

Get ready for a side-splitting showcase of magical mayhem that’s perfect for kids and kids-at-heart! Watch in awe as objects disappear, reappear, and sometimes even do the cha-cha-cha! Stefano promises a laugh-a-minute extravaganza that’ll leave your cheeks sore from smiling.

Bring your little ones, bring your grandparents, and bring that neighbor who insists on being the life of the party – this is an event for everyone! It’s not just a magic show; it’s a whimsical journey into a world where the impossible becomes possible, and laughter is the ultimate potion.
First Sundays November through March.

All ages. Doors at 130pm. $8 (or $25 per family at the door)

5 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. (Grounds close at 10 p.m.)

Choirs in the Chapel

Enjoy the amazing sounds of local schools, churches and civic groups as they perform inside the Chapel of Mary, with its cathedral-like acoustics.

Fun for Everyone

Continuous entertainment for all ages is offered in The Grotto’s plaza area, including outdoor caroling, puppet shows, and an assortment of musical guests.

Puppet Show

At the top of each hour in the plaza tent, enjoy our puppet show.

Caroling

The Grotto Carolers perform every hour at the bottom of the hour in the plaza tent. Sing along to your favorite Christmas songs.

Snacks and Drinks

Find snacks and drinks available for purchase inside the Interpretive Center, next to the Chapel.

• Hot Chocolate
• Donuts
• Bottled Water
• Assorted bagged salty snacks

A Few Details

The Festival of Lights is a walk-through event and visitors can expect to walk approximately one-quarter mile.

All entertainment areas are either indoors or tented, but visitors should dress for the weather. Rubber-soled shoes, warm socks, gloves, and ear coverings are recommended, especially on colder nights.

Average festival visitation times are between 60 and 90 minutes. Visitors wishing to hear a specific concert should arrive at least 30 to 45 minutes in advance of the scheduled concert time.

Accessibility

The Festival pathways and grounds are all paved, however there is some slope in a few places. Wheelchairs are available to borrow in The Grotto Gift Shop on a first come-first served basis. There are ADA parking spots in the main parking lot, but on a busy night, they can fill up. Guests are welcome to pull up at the entrance to unload their passengers before finding a spot to park. Please contact [email protected] for additional questions or assistance.

Online Ticket Pricing

General (12+): $17.95

Youth (3-11): $8.95

Ages 2 and under are free.

At The Gate Pricing (No cash)

General (12+): $19.95

Youth (3-11): $9.95

Ages 2 and under are free

Value Nights Online Pricing

(Value nights are Monday, Nov. 30 – Thursday, Dec. 3 and Monday, Dec. 7 – Thursday, Dec. 10.)

General (12+): $15.95

Youth (3-11): $6.95

Ages 2 and under are free.

Value Nights at the Gate (No cash)

General (12+): $17.95

Youth (3-11): $7.95

Ages 2 and under are free.

Behind The Scene with The Christopher Brown QuartetSun, Nov 01++ PLEASE NOTE - THIS IS EVENT IS FOCUSED ON EDUCATION - PLEASE READ DESCRIPTION ++In an effort to create meaningful culture building moments within a Jazz context for teenage musicians (as well as band instructors), drummer/bandleader Christopher Brown will host an ongoing series entitled “Behind the Scene” with his quartet. And what will separate this event from any other like it is that it’ll combine the Jam session, concert, and clinic experience into a collection of transformative moments for all involved.On the 1st Sunday of each month Christopher teams up with Montavilla Jazz to provide our city with an invaluable Jazz workshop that’s designed to adequately prepare young musicians for the most competitive musical environments in the world (namely NYC). So for the cost of a trip to Starbucks, this event provides:• 30 min concert by Christopher’s quartet.• One hour Q & A with the quartet.• 30 min food, beverage, and mingling break.• One hour of interactive music mentoring with members of Christopher’s quartet.• Access to the quartet’s extended network.**THERE IS NO FOOD OR DRINK SERVED AT THIS EVENT (outside food and drinks are permitted)** 01:00 PM SHOW

Louis Pearl has been thrilling audiences around the world for over 30 years with the art, magic, science and fun of bubbles. He is a favorite at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, where he has enjoyed 14 years of sell-out success.

Louis explores the breath-taking dynamics of bubbles, combining comedy and artistry with audience participation and enough spellbinding bubble tricks to keep everyone mesmerized. From square bubbles, bubbles inside bubbles, fog-filled bubbles, giant bubbles, bubble volcanoes, tornados and trampolines to people inside bubbles, the Amazing Bubble Man conjures shrieks of laughter and gasps of amazement from all ages.

Most shows will also feature multi-instrumentalist Jet Black Pearl accompanying Louis with bubbly music to double your pleasure.

https://amazingbubbleman.com/

“Greatest Bubble Show on Earth.” – San Francisco Chronicle

“It’s a fantastic show. Louis Pearl playfully forms bubbles beyond imagination and engages the audience with his easygoing nonverbal slapstick.”

“Louis Pearl – aka The Amazing Bubble Man – truly deserves his title. Most of the show is accompanied by gasps and awes…and that’s just the adults. Kids can be heard giggling with excitement.”

“This show captivated its young audience, and the adults loved it as well. Highly recommended.” –British Theater Guide.

“The show is one giant, joyous caper” —The Wee Review

“Better Than Cirque du Soleil” – Corbin Doughy, 11 audience member. The eight-year-old seated beside this reviewer summed it up neatly during the show, proclaiming after one nifty maneuver, ‘he sure is the amazing bubble man.’

Dmitri Matheny Group Fri, Nov 06 $30 TICKETS | ALL AGES

Dmitri Matheny - flugelhorn

Adam Harris - saxophones

Joe Bagg - piano

Eric Gruber - bass

Michael Raynor - drums

“Dmitri Matheny is a jazz treasure. The lyrical Matheny has impressive chops, but it’s his warmth and soulfulness that win you over.”—All Music Guide Acclaimed for his warm tone, soaring lyricism and masterful technique, American flugelhornist DMITRI MATHENY has been lauded as “one of the most emotionally expressive improvisers of his generation” (International Review of Music). An honors graduate of the Berklee College of Music, Dmitri Matheny vaulted onto the jazz scene in the 1990s as the protégé of jazz legend Art Farmer. Since then he has garnered critical acclaim and a loyal international following, touring extensively throughout the United States, Europe and Asia, traveling to 19 countries. With over 100 recordings to his credit, Dmitri Matheny has released 12 albums as a leader. The San Francisco Chronicle calls Matheny “one of the jazz world’s most talented horn players.”

06:30 PM SHOW 08:30 PM SHOW

Get ready to set sail with Portland’s own Haus of DeVille for a night of Diabolical Drag and Buccaneer Burlesque. Presenting “DeVilles of the Caribbean” At Portland’s own Peacock PDX.

Nautical-themed performances by
Valerie DeVille
Anna Nymph
Theoddra B. MonStar
Xo Skeleton
Prince Peanut Butter
and Princess Jelly!

Featuring Acts inspired by The Goonies, Cutthroat Island, One Piece, Disneyland’s own Pirates of the Caribbean ride and much, much more. Perhaps even a mermaid or two. So stow your weapons and bring your treasure chests for the performers to pillage your tips. Follow the treasure map to the QR code and claim your tickets for $13. Otherwise, it be $15 at the door on the night of the show, mateys. Join the crew, or walk the plank.

21+

Over the decades -- singing, performing, songwriting, collaborating and recording, Gayle Ritt continues to reach listeners with her music and live performances throughout the US and abroad . "The promise of an ongoing love affair with her music will begin the moment you hear the first note." said one friend -- and her live performances are as varied as her styles - from live acoustic at the House of Blues Foundation Room to small club rock shows, hotel residencies, elegant corporate events and picnics. Solo, duo, trio, full rocking band, sweet jazz duo or combo, country, pop, folk, acoustic metal, show tunes, improvisation and freestyles - Ritt sings it all. After 30 years performing, and musical adventures in Chicago, Los Angeles and Miami - she's settled in the NW.

Ritt's National Anthem has been heard over the airwaves and throughout the world for local and National sports teams -- including her standing invitation by the Chicago Cubs. Highlights: Wrigley Field, PGE Park, Dodgers Stadium, The Staples Center, US Cellular Field and the Thomas & Mack Center for the Lakers, Dodgers, White Sox, Timbers and Gladiators. The impact has resulted in millions hearing her voice, news features and national commercials on TV and Radio and her five independent releases have crossed many genres - Acoustic folk, rock, pop, metal, jazz, and improvisation.

Singing throughout the Oregon Countryside with her love and partner, Mike Soto - and their band 23window -- is what she loves best. Having recently released, IN THE RAW, an improvisation project - 13 tracks made up on the spot - she continues to put forward new music. Sweet harmonies on several tracks of the recent Lindsie Feathers release, Neon Renaissance are hers -- and the two perform together in Portland. Releasing from the archives -- live piano and vocals recorded in NYC with Martin Bejerano -- 100% freestyle - a single, "unconditional" Vaut Records 2018. Most importantly -- hearts touched -- souls united and many great times created in the moment.
Endorsements: Levy's Leathers, Dunlop, Gibson Acoustic Guitars, Kyser, Martin Guitar Strings

Get ready to laugh, get ready to learn, get ready to make some new nerdy friends.

Nerd Nite is a monthly event held in 100+ cities across the globe during which folks give 20-minute fun-yet-informative presentations across all disciplines – while the audience drinks along!

There are often bands, trivia, speed-friending, and other shenanigans as well.

Imagine learning about math feuds, the emu war of Australia, the genealogy of Godzilla, or zombie insects, while having a few drinks.