Patricia Reser Center for the Arts

In this lecture demonstration, members of Hung Dance will provide an introduction to Taiwanese dance company Hung Dance’s movement language, including how their acclaimed work Birdy blends traditional Chinese exercises and materials with contemporary dance. The company will also delve into the inspiration and concepts behind Birdy, followed by a short excerpt of the work. Guests will have the opportunity to have their questions about the dance answered by members of the company. This lecture demonstration will be delivered primarily in Mandarin, with live translation between Mandarin and English.

Choreographer Lai Hung-Chung makes dances of striking beauty and intention. “Birdy,” his captivating signature work for Hung Dance, moves between suspense and explosive energy, between the weight of tradition and the pull toward something new. Hung Dance blends traditional Chinese arts, including tai chi, Peking Opera, and classical Chinese music, with contemporary dance technique and driving electronic music, creating work that is poetic and rhythmic at once. What audiences see on stage is a world in constant transformation, where bodies bend and resist, images linger, and the tension between holding on and letting go becomes the dance itself.

TAIPEI CITY, TAIWAN

Birdy

“…a dreamy sensibility with astonishing athleticism in culturally sensitive modern dance performance.” —Charlie Smith, Pancouver

Sponsored by George & Nancy Thorn. White Bird’s Uncaged Series Sponsor: Ronni Lacroute

The Friday and Saturday performances will have pre-show talks. Come early to hear from the dancers from 6:15–6:45 PM. No ticket needed.

Join us November 3rd for the Hung Dance Lecture Demonstration, FREE with RSVP here .

The Curio | Exhibition & Sale, a collaboration between The Reser and City of Beaverton celebrates the creativity and diversity of regional Northwest artists and craftspeople. Whether looking for a gift or a unique work of art to adorn your home or office, The Curio features dozens of artists in this exhibition and sale. Forging connections between artists and the broader community, The Curio provides the perfect setting to discover creativity during the giving season.

Join us as we celebrate the fourth year of our tradition at our Artist Reception Friday, November 6th from 6 – 9 pm. Spotlighting the creative works of nearly 40 local and regional artists, guests will have an opportunity to browse a collection of unique works of art, functional and decorative wares, and numerous wearable pieces.

IMAGE: Justine Vanderpool

Choreographer Lai Hung-Chung makes dances of striking beauty and intention. “Birdy,” his captivating signature work for Hung Dance, moves between suspense and explosive energy, between the weight of tradition and the pull toward something new. Hung Dance blends traditional Chinese arts, including tai chi, Peking Opera, and classical Chinese music, with contemporary dance technique and driving electronic music, creating work that is poetic and rhythmic at once. What audiences see on stage is a world in constant transformation, where bodies bend and resist, images linger, and the tension between holding on and letting go becomes the dance itself.

TAIPEI CITY, TAIWAN

Birdy

“…a dreamy sensibility with astonishing athleticism in culturally sensitive modern dance performance.” —Charlie Smith, Pancouver

Sponsored by George & Nancy Thorn. White Bird’s Uncaged Series Sponsor: Ronni Lacroute

The Friday and Saturday performances will have pre-show talks. Come early to hear from the dancers from 6:15–6:45 PM. No ticket needed.

Join us November 3rd for the Hung Dance Lecture Demonstration, FREE with RSVP here .

Choreographer Lai Hung-Chung makes dances of striking beauty and intention. “Birdy,” his captivating signature work for Hung Dance, moves between suspense and explosive energy, between the weight of tradition and the pull toward something new. Hung Dance blends traditional Chinese arts, including tai chi, Peking Opera, and classical Chinese music, with contemporary dance technique and driving electronic music, creating work that is poetic and rhythmic at once. What audiences see on stage is a world in constant transformation, where bodies bend and resist, images linger, and the tension between holding on and letting go becomes the dance itself.

TAIPEI CITY, TAIWAN

Birdy

“…a dreamy sensibility with astonishing athleticism in culturally sensitive modern dance performance.” —Charlie Smith, Pancouver

Sponsored by George & Nancy Thorn. White Bird’s Uncaged Series Sponsor: Ronni Lacroute

The Friday and Saturday performances will have pre-show talks. Come early to hear from the dancers from 6:15–6:45 PM. No ticket needed.

Join us November 3rd for the Hung Dance Lecture Demonstration, FREE with RSVP here .

Jim Brickman dazzles audiences with his live concert experience “Piano Sensation! & A Little Bit of Christmas.” This spectacular performance blends Brickman’s signature piano mastery with unforgettable storytelling and his greatest hits like”Valentine” and “The Gift,” Brickman brings the perfect mix of his timeless songs and the holiday favorites you love.
This is the must-see concert of the season. Join the multi-platinum, Grammy-nominated artist for an evening that is as funny and engaging as it is musical. Seats for this holiday tradition go quickly—grab your tickets now and experience Jim Brickman live on stage!

With a career spanning more than three decades, Jim Brickman is known for contemporary music that blends pop and classical influences. His live performance features beloved songs including “Valentine,” “The Gift,” and “Love of My Life,” along with other hits, brought to the stage through his piano artistry and heartfelt lyrics.

Triumph of the Spirit brings together rising stars and orchestral masterworks in a program celebrating resilience, imagination, and artistic brilliance. Orchestra Nova Northwest showcases the exceptional talents of the Cognizart Young Artists Debut Winners – including pianist Nikita Istratov – alongside two iconic works of the repertoire: Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2, filled with sweeping romance and deeply expressive melodies, and Stravinsky’s electrifying Suite from The Firebird, whose dazzling orchestration and triumphant conclusion capture the transformative power of hope and renewal. Together, these performances embody the enduring spirit of creativity and human aspiration.

Join us for Save the LP Record Show – A Record Show for the Community at The Reser, a one-of-a-kind experience celebrating the vibrant culture of record collectors, selectors and sound preservationists of all ages. Whether you’re a longtime crate digger or just getting into vinyl, this is an event you won’t want to miss.

Discover thousands of high-quality records from over 40 vendors across the Pacific Northwest—featuring Vinyl, CDs, 45s, Cassette Tapes, and more.

Early Bird Admission (10AM–12PM): $15 (Limited availability)
General Admission (12PM–4PM): $5

Inspired by the interplanetary mythologies of Sun Ra, MettaSun reimagines a selection of the cosmic jazz pioneer’s most iconic recordings through Jimetta’s unique lens – a powerful expression of the female imaginary and a positive vision of radical hope and Black joy amid the chaos of contemporary America.

MettaSun is Jimetta Rose’s solo opus. Embracing Sun Ra’s sonic world-building and paying homage to Arkestra vocalist June Tyson, Jimetta adds her powerful female voice to the Afrofuturist tradition, stitching together a jazz- and gospel-tinted narrative of resistance and escape. Through interpretations of “Somebody Else’s Idea,” “Sleeping Beauty,” “I’ll Wait for You,” “Springtime Again” and “Nuclear War,” a new myth emerges – one in which music opens a portal to a world where love, peace, joy and harmony prevail.

Special guests The Cosmic Tones Research Trio join this performance for a night of musical exploration, energy and joyful connection.

This concert is Side B of Save the LP Volume 3 – a full day designed like a record with two distinct sides.

Before the performance, experience Side A: the Save the LP Record Show from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring more than 55 record vendors and a community of collectors, selectors, families and music lovers. Side A requires separate admission.

When the Record Show ends, the record flips over to Side B and Jimetta Rose presents MettaSun takes the stage.

This year’s LP is dedicated to KMHD and to honoring Jazz Without Boundaries.

This program is made possible through generous community support from the Music Time Foundation, Jazz Imagination, KMHD Jazz Radio—and from you.

Triumph of the Spirit brings together rising stars and orchestral masterworks in a program celebrating resilience, imagination, and artistic brilliance. Orchestra Nova Northwest showcases the exceptional talents of the Cognizart Young Artists Debut Winners – including pianist Nikita Istratov – alongside two iconic works of the repertoire: Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2, filled with sweeping romance and deeply expressive melodies, and Stravinsky’s electrifying Suite from The Firebird, whose dazzling orchestration and triumphant conclusion capture the transformative power of hope and renewal. Together, these performances embody the enduring spirit of creativity and human aspiration.

“With Her Own Wings” is a concert-length experience in music, art, film, light, storytelling, emotion, and the human condition, exploring the narrative of women in Iran and across the globe, spurred by the Woman-Life-Freedom movement which began in Iran in 2022. The concert is spearheaded by Iranian-American renowned painter and visual artist Taravat Talepasand and Iranian-American percussionist/composer Christopher Whyte, featuring new contemporary works from composers Anahita Abbasi, Niloufar Nourbakhsh, and Aida Shirazi.

The production is brought to life with stunning imagery and photography by Mario Gallucci, atmospheric cinematography and film projections by Padraic O’Meara, and innovative lighting and production design orchestrated by Solomon Weisbard.

“With Her Own Wings” aims to elevate the voices and talents of Iranian artists, particularly women, through a series of contemporary compositions for solo percussionist and immersive electronic soundscapes, interwoven with powerfully striking visual art, film, and light. This dynamic show traces the journey from sunset to sunrise, symbolizing the enduring struggle and resilience of women who have faced repression and highlighting the emerging generation of artists who advocate for change through the act of artistic expression.

“With Her Own Wings” is supported through the Creative Heights Grant from the Oregon Community Foundation.

Step into a night that feels lifted from a Parisian café and goes roaring into the 21st century. The Django Festival Allstars deliver a musical experience bursting with spirit, swing, and soul in what The Wall Street Journal calls “the best jazz show in town.”

Led by guitarist Samson Schmitt, son of gypsy jazz legend Dorado Schmitt, this all-acoustic ensemble of international virtuosos radiates joy and passion through blazing guitar riffs, soaring violin, dazzling accordion, and deep, grooving bass. The result is an electrifying blend of old-school swing and modern energy that brings audiences to their feet. DownBeat praises them as “the hardest swinging group,” while George Benson calls them simply “sensational.”

Whether you’re a longtime Django fan or discovering this sound for the first time, the Allstars promise an unforgettable evening of new music and a look back at Django favorites.

Sponsored by Ronni Lacroute

Portland Sage Singers are excited to light up your holiday season before the rush. With concerts at the end of November, we get to add Thanksgiving to the expected December holiday highlights. Gratitude will take center stage. This show has every ingredient needed to brighten your spirits. The 100+ member chorus will fill the stage with delight and palpable joy. It will be like putting on a well-worn robe with a brand-new pair of slippers. You’ll be warmed by familiar songs and wowed by the new ones. The chorus will be accompanied by the amazing Synergy String Quartet and our own Sage Ringers bell choir. As has become a calling card for Portland Sage Singers, the evening will be filled with surprises, humor, and some dancing. Help us turn the lights on for the entire holiday season.

Portland Sage Singers are excited to light up your holiday season before the rush. With concerts at the end of November, we get to add Thanksgiving to the expected December holiday highlights. Gratitude will take center stage. This show has every ingredient needed to brighten your spirits. The 100+ member chorus will fill the stage with delight and palpable joy. It will be like putting on a well-worn robe with a brand-new pair of slippers. You’ll be warmed by familiar songs and wowed by the new ones. The chorus will be accompanied by the amazing Synergy String Quartet and our own Sage Ringers bell choir. As has become a calling card for Portland Sage Singers, the evening will be filled with surprises, humor, and some dancing. Help us turn the lights on for the entire holiday season.

DATE: November 22 at 7:30pm, November 23 at 7:30pm

Portland Sage Singers are excited to light up your holiday season before the rush. With concerts at the end of November, we get to add Thanksgiving to the expected December holiday highlights. Gratitude will take center stage. This show has every ingredient needed to brighten your spirits. The 100+ member chorus will fill the stage with delight and palpable joy. It will be like putting on a well-worn robe with a brand-new pair of slippers. You’ll be warmed by familiar songs and wowed by the new ones. The chorus will be accompanied by the amazing Synergy String Quartet and our own Sage Ringers bell choir. As has become a calling card for Portland Sage Singers, the evening will be filled with surprises, humor, and some dancing. Help us turn the lights on for the entire holiday season.

Portland Sage Singers are excited to light up your holiday season before the rush. With concerts at the end of November, we get to add Thanksgiving to the expected December holiday highlights. Gratitude will take center stage. This show has every ingredient needed to brighten your spirits. The 100+ member chorus will fill the stage with delight and palpable joy. It will be like putting on a well-worn robe with a brand-new pair of slippers. You’ll be warmed by familiar songs and wowed by the new ones. The chorus will be accompanied by the amazing Synergy String Quartet and our own Sage Ringers bell choir. As has become a calling card for Portland Sage Singers, the evening will be filled with surprises, humor, and some dancing. Help us turn the lights on for the entire holiday season.

DATE: November 22 at 7:30pm, November 23 at 7:30pm

Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar and Ballet Folklorico del Rio Grande invite you to celebrate the holiday season with Campana Sobre Campana: Christmas in Mexico! Named for the beloved Andalusian Christmas Carol, this vibrant show weaves cherished Mexican traditions into a magical story of the season! Through the joyous rhythms of “Bells Upon Bells” and the colorful spectacle of Mexican dance, we capture the heartwarming reenactment of Mary and Joseph’s journey! You’ll experience the spirit of Posadas, the majesty of the Reyes Magos, and the thrill of breaking piñatas! Join Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar and Ballet Folklorico del Rio Grande for an unforgettable program where every note and dance step embodies the rich cultural tapestry of Christmas in Mexico!

Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar y Ballet Folklórico del Río Grande te invitan a celebrar la temporada navideña con “Campana Sobre Campana: Navidad en México”. Nombrado en honor al querido villancico andaluz, este vibrante espectáculo entrelaza tradiciones mexicanas entrañables en una mágica historia de la temporada. A través de los alegres ritmos de “Campana Sobre Campana” y el colorido espectáculo de la danza mexicana, capturamos la conmovedora representación del viaje de María y José. ¡Experimentarás el espíritu de las Posadas, la majestuosidad de los Reyes Magos y la emoción de romper piñatas! Únete a Ballet Folklórico del Río Grande y Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar en un programa inolvidable donde cada nota y paso de baile encarnan la rica cultura de la Navidad en México.

Show Sponsor and Presenting Sponsor for the Holiday Season: Explore Tualatin Valley

Date: November 28, 2026

Time: 3:00 PM

Pricing: $39.50 – $49.50

Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar and Ballet Folklorico del Rio Grande invite you to celebrate the holiday season with Campana Sobre Campana: Christmas in Mexico! Named for the beloved Andalusian Christmas Carol, this vibrant show weaves cherished Mexican traditions into a magical story of the season! Through the joyous rhythms of “Bells Upon Bells” and the colorful spectacle of Mexican dance, we capture the heartwarming reenactment of Mary and Joseph’s journey! You’ll experience the spirit of Posadas, the majesty of the Reyes Magos, and the thrill of breaking piñatas! Join Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar and Ballet Folklorico del Rio Grande for an unforgettable program where every note and dance step embodies the rich cultural tapestry of Christmas in Mexico!

Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar y Ballet Folklórico del Río Grande te invitan a celebrar la temporada navideña con “Campana Sobre Campana: Navidad en México”. Nombrado en honor al querido villancico andaluz, este vibrante espectáculo entrelaza tradiciones mexicanas entrañables en una mágica historia de la temporada. A través de los alegres ritmos de “Campana Sobre Campana” y el colorido espectáculo de la danza mexicana, capturamos la conmovedora representación del viaje de María y José. ¡Experimentarás el espíritu de las Posadas, la majestuosidad de los Reyes Magos y la emoción de romper piñatas! Únete a Ballet Folklórico del Río Grande y Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar en un programa inolvidable donde cada nota y paso de baile encarnan la rica cultura de la Navidad en México.

Who needs Black Friday or Cyber Monday when you can Shop Local at The Reser this year! Looking for that perfect something for a friend or family member this gifting season? Come by The Reser Saturday, November 28th from 12 – 6 PM and support one (or many) of the nearly 40 regional artists. The Curio | Exhibition & Sale has a wide array of functional and decorative items, and one-of-a-kind works of art to choose from. You won’t want to miss out, and mark your calendar for next year, as this Shop Local Saturday event will be sure to become an annual favorite!

IMAGE: Justine Vanderpool

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.’

Date: November 29, 2026 from 2:00 PM

Pricing: $25 – $35

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.’

Tomáseen Foley’s “A Celtic Christmas” recreates the joy and innocence of a night before Christmas in a remote farmhouse in the parish of Teampall an Ghleanntáin in the west of Ireland, when neighboring families gather around the fire. Together, they raise the rafters with the haunting melodies of traditional Irish Christmas carols, knock sparks off the flagstone floor with traditional dances, and fill the night with the laughter of their stories. It’s an intimate, old-world celebration of music, dance, and storytelling — a Christmas Eve like the ones Foley remembers from his own childhood in rural Ireland.

Sponsored by Oregon State University Foundation

Presenting Sponsor for the Holiday Season: Explore Tualatin Valley

Whether looking for a gift or a unique work of art to adorn your home or office, The Curio features dozens of artists in this exhibition and sale. Forging connections between artists and the broader community, The Curio provides the perfect setting to discover creativity during the giving season.

Join us from 6 – 9 PM.

IMAGE: Justine Vanderpool

The Oregon International Ballet Academy (OIBA) proudly presents its beloved holiday tradition, The Nutcracker, returning to the Patricia Reser Center for the Arts on December 5 and 6, 2026, with three enchanting performances and the possibility of a fourth show due to growing audience demand.

A beloved holiday tradition, this production “melds the charm and childhood joy of student dancers with stunning appearances from the school’s top performers and from surprise guest artists, local celebrities of the ballet world… [for] a high-quality, cohesive and exhilarating experience.” (DanceWire Magazine) This is a beloved favorite with fresh surprises every year.

The Oregon International Ballet Academy (OIBA) proudly presents its beloved holiday tradition, The Nutcracker, returning to the Patricia Reser Center for the Arts on December 5 and 6, 2026, with three enchanting performances and the possibility of a fourth show due to growing audience demand.

A beloved holiday tradition, this production “melds the charm and childhood joy of student dancers with stunning appearances from the school’s top performers and from surprise guest artists, local celebrities of the ballet world… [for] a high-quality, cohesive and exhilarating experience.” (DanceWire Magazine) This is a beloved favorite with fresh surprises every year.

Enter the glorious world of International Chanteuse and Comedienne Extraordinaire Meow Meow these holidaze with her unique brand of holiday hilarity and musical mayhem. Let the festive feline wrap you in musical wonder, peals of laughter, and loving audience encounters of the ridiculous and (potentially) too close kind! A rollicking tonic for trying times, “Feline Festive” will fill you with childhood wonder again, and rekindle the true spirit of the holidays—sparkling good will and joy to the world! Featuring a band of superb musicians, and music ranging from jazzy vintage showbiz to wicked, witty Weimar 1920’s toons, French chansons, and original and contemporary classics and surprises! Come one, come all! It’s time to celebrate being alive!!

Meow Meow is ….an award-winning multidisciplinary artist whose work has been commissioned by David Bowie, Mikhail Baryshnikov and Pina Bausch amongst others. She has performed at Royal Albert Hall, Royal Festival Hall, London’s West End, Sydney Opera House, Hollywood Bowl, Lincoln Center, the Berlin Philharmonic, Paris Théâtre des Champs-Elysées, Bobino and Théâtre de la Ville, and the Kennedy Center, among other venues, and she made her Carnegie Hall debut in March 2024. She hasperformed with major orchestras globally including London Philharmonic, Sydney Symphony, Los Angeles Philharmonic, and San Francisco Symphony. She is a guest artist with the beloved mini-orchestra Pink Martini, and her album with Thomas Lauderdale, “Hotel Amour” was listed as one of the top albums of 2019 by the London Times.

Show Sponsor and Presenting Sponsor for the Holiday Season: Explore Tualatin Valley

Make this holiday season magical with A Story Book Christmas, a special evening of music, storytelling, and Christmas wonder featuring the full cast of Michael Allen Harrison’s beloved Christmas at The Old Church.

Created especially for families, grandparents, and children, the 5:30 PM start time makes this the perfect holiday outing—early enough for young children to enjoy the entire experience and still get home at a reasonable hour before school the next day.

A Christmas Story Comes to Life

The evening’s special highlight is a full presentation of Michael Allen Harrison’s new children’s book, The Snowman and the Red Thread. Through narration, music, beautiful imagery, and live performance, this heartwarming story comes alive on stage.

Follow a mysterious red thread on a magical adventure that celebrates friendship, empathy, imagination, and the connections that bring us together.

And there is more! Enjoy the incredible musicians and singers from Christmas at The Old Church, bringing their unique blend of holiday music, beautiful voices, and festive energy to the Reser stage.

Following the performance, audiences will have a special opportunity to meet Michael Allen Harrison, author and composer, and Coley Nielsen, illustrator of The Snowman and the Red Thread.

Michael and Coley will be available to sign limited-edition copies of the book, making this a wonderful opportunity to take home a personal keepsake from an unforgettable family Christmas experience.

Bring the whole family. Bring the grandparents. Bring someone you love.

A Story Book Christmas is more than a concert—it is an evening where music, story, imagination, and the magic of Christmas come together.

A perfect Christmas night out for the entire family!

*Member Presale begins August 26th, on sale to the public September 1st

Kalani Pe‘a’s “Hawaiian Christmas” is a celebration of the warmth and special “aloha” of the Holiday Season, sharing much-loved songs from both western and Hawaiian roots. A four-time Grammy winner in the Regional Roots category, Kalani is a not-to-be-missed charismatic performer with a gorgeous voice, powerful presence, and joyful appeal. His shows also include the local hula talents of some of the top dancers in the region.

The first Hawaiian performer presented at Lincoln Center’s American Songbook (his New York City debut and it sold-out), he returned for a weeklong engagement at Carnegie Hall’s Music Explorers Program. Recognized by his Hawai‘i peers at the Na Hoku Hanohano (Hawai‘i’s music awards) Awards, he has won five awards to date, including the coveted Male Vocalist of the Year and honoring his songwriting skills with Song of the Year. His Na Hoku wins include accolades for his Christmas music: Christmas Single of the Year in 2021 and his Purple Hawaiian Christmas CD in 2022.

A fluent Hawaiian speaker described as “Hawaiian contemporary soul”, Kalani’s dynamism and charm, vocal brilliance, and range of songs from Hawaiian to R&B has brought him to the forefront of Hawaiian music for both traditionalists and a new generation.

“Gifted with a gorgeous voice and a flair for composing resonant Hawaiian songs, [he’s] a major, innovative figure in contemporary Hawaiian music.”

– Maui News

“Kalani Pe’a holds an important place in the history of Hawaiian music… [He]…displays the depth and breadth of his talent as a vocalist and songwriter in vivid style.”

— Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Sponsored by Tom & Char Holland

Presenting Sponsor for the Holiday Season: Explore Tualatin Valley

After 6 years stuck inside (no one told us Covid was over), the JK! Studios cast has returned with a brand new tour! Using the signature style they created over 9 Seasons of Studio C, the JK cast takes the stage to perform never-before-seen material, audience-participation sketches, and a show-stopping parody musical. Join us for a night of comedy that the entire family—including your surliest teen—will rave about for years!

Oregon-born Haley Johnsen stands out as one of Portland’s most compelling singer-songwriters, seamlessly blending Americana-rooted alt-pop with big feelings, bold hooks, and a powerful, soulful voice. Frequently compared to Brandi Carlile and Bonnie Raitt, Haley’s dynamic vocal range and emotionally commanding performances have earned her widespread acclaim. Her music is a tapestry of raw, heart-forward storytelling and modern pop sensibility, resulting in songs that feel both deeply personal and universally resonant. Her artistry balances intimacy and scale. Whether performing solo with an acoustic guitar or fronting a full band, Haley commands the stage with an electrifying presence that feels deeply personal yet expansive.

Haley first stepped into the national spotlight as a finalist on American Idol Season 11, but the years since have defined her far more than the competition. Determined to carve her own path, she has steadily built a career rooted in authenticity, relentless touring, and artistic evolution.

In Spring 2026, Haley unveiled her NPR Tiny Desk Contest submission featuring her unreleased single “Lyin’ Man,” a fiery, stripped-back performance that highlights the grit and urgency at the core of her songwriting. The studio version of the track launches across streaming platforms in June 2026, signaling another bold step forward in her evolving sound. Haley’s latest live album release, Haley Johnsen’s Sadie Hawkins Show (Live at the Showdown) , beautifully captures the joy, vulnerability, and communal spirit of her immersive, audience-forward performances. Her discography includes acclaimed records like Golden Days , Goner , and Late Bloomer , all of which have captivated audiences worldwide.

Haley’s career is marked by impressive achievements and a dedication to her craft. As a former featured artist and member of Big Wild, she has performed at world-renowned festivals such as Coachella and Bonnaroo, including five sold-out shows at Red Rocks. Her music, distributed globally by Virgin Music Group, has garnered millions of streams across multiple albums, singles, and videos, showcasing her versatility and songwriting prowess.

Her sponsorships with Fender Electric Guitars, Basses and Amplifiers, as well as Breedlove Acoustic Guitars, speak to her artistry and influence within the music community. Haley continues to perform at major festivals and venues, including a co-headline slot at Summerfest, the USA’s largest music festival, in Milwauke

Celebrating 26 years of Christmas tradition, Concert Rock Violinist Aaron Meyer will lift your spirits with his high-energy blend of holiday favorites and rock ‘n’ roll classics. Aaron’s virtuosic band delivers an exhilarating concert features performances by his all-student Concert Rock String Quartet and local student musicians. Rock the Holidays supports the music education programs of Concert Rock Academy.

www.aaronmeyer.com

Celebrating 26 years of Christmas tradition, Concert Rock Violinist Aaron Meyer will lift your spirits with his high-energy blend of holiday favorites and rock ‘n’ roll classics. Aaron’s virtuosic band delivers an exhilarating concert features performances by his all-student Concert Rock String Quartet and local student musicians. Rock the Holidays supports the music education programs of Concert Rock Academy.

www.aaronmeyer.com

Cedric Watson & Bijou Creole resurrect the ancient sounds of the French and Spanish contra dance and bourré alongside the spiritual rhythms of the Congo tribes of West Africa, who were sold as slaves in the Carribean and Louisiana by the French and Spanish.

With an apparently bottomless repertoire of songs at his fingertips, Cedric plays everything from forgotten Creole melodies and obscure Dennis McGee reels to more modern Cajun and Zydeco songs, even occasionally throwing in a bluegrass fiddle tune or an old string band number. Unlike many of his contemporaries, he is also a prolific songwriter, writing almost all of his songs on his double row Hohner accordion. Cedric’s songs channel his diverse ancestry (African, French, Native American and Spanish) to create his own brand of sounds.

Show Sponsor and Presenting Sponsor for the Holiday Season: Explore Tualatin Valley

Celebrate the new year early at The Reser! Kids’ New Year’s Eve returns for its fourth iteration with live musical performances, New Year’s themed crafts, prize drawings, and more! The official DJ for the Portland Trail Blazers, DJ O.G.ONE, will be spinning family-friendly music. This event is intended for families with children 10 years and younger.

Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

*Youth tickets to be purchased for children 10 and under, standard tickets to be purchased for adults accompanying minors.

Sponsored by The Standard

Camerata PYP returns to The Reser for its first concert of 2027 with a program spanning more than a century of chamber and orchestral music, culminating in Peter Breiner’s Beatles Concerto Grosso No. 4, a classical reimagining of the music of The Beatles.

Grammy-winning musicians Balla Kouyaté (balafon, vocals) and Mike Block (cello, vocals) are the driving forces behind this six-piece band—three African and three American musicians—that includes djembe, talking drum, calabash, vocals, percussion, guitar, bass, and sinter. The band’s energetic nature and deep appreciation for each other’s cultures create an unexpected and beautiful display of music without limitations.

Djékady’s program will put Malian music into conversation with American folk music, weaving centuries of African, European, and American musical traditions into a fiery new sound, with danceable rhythms and interesting textures flowing from each instrument.

“A show that wove centuries of African, European, and American musical traditions into a fiery new sound that had audience members on their feet.”

— The Vineyard Gazette

Cinema history comes to life with Charlie Chaplin's The Kid, a presentation from The Reser and the Oregon Symphony. The Kid, Chaplin's first full-length movie, follows the story of a man and the abandoned baby he unwillingly takes in, but comes to love. As the story plays out on screen, the orchestra will play the soundtrack Chaplin composed to accompany this pioneering 1921 film. Grab your popcorn and settle in for this classic silent film experience.

The Kid © Roy Export S.A.S
Music for The Kid Copyright © Roy Export Company Ltd. And Bourne Co. All rights reserved.
Charlie Chaplin ™© Bubbles Incorporated S.A.

• Su-Han Yang Harold & Arlene Schnitzer Associate Conductor
• Oregon Symphony

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

Tickets to this concert are provided by The Patricia Reser Center for the Arts and TriMet passes are not eligible for this performance.

When the time is right, the most celebrated reef on Earth turns into a snow globe as millions of coral polyps reproduce to send the next generation afloat. This incredible display disguises a harsh truth: the Great Barrier Reef is under attack. More than half of the coral here has died, with a warmer ocean bleaching vast sections. But there is still plenty to see and plenty to save. We go on assignment in a series of dives with marine biologist and National Geographic Explorer Erika Woolsey to meet the most colorful residents of this underwater jungle.

Dr. Erika Woolsey is a marine biologist, divemaster, and virtual reality filmmaker. Her research and career have taken her to reefs all over the world. Woolsey carried out her Ph.D. research in Australia, where she studied the Great Barrier Reef. She is the chief scientist and CEO of The Hydrous, a non-profit organization on a mission to inspire ocean empathy and marine stewardship. She uses 360-degree photography to create immersive virtual reality videos to help people understand the ocean and reefs from anywhere in the world. She is currently a Visiting Scholar at Stanford’s Virtual Human Interaction Lab.

Amazing Whales OMSI Engagement

Calling all marine biologists! Students and learners of all ages are welcome to come early before the show to enjoy a FREE special engagement offered in partnership with OMSI. Young marine biologists take a close-up look at whales, examine baleen, and learn about the adaptations, habitat, and stewardship of these amazing mammals. Students will touch real whale artifacts and see a 60-foot, life-size, inflatable whale. Topics include: adaptation, stewardship, mammal classification, whale ecology. For ages 5 and up.

Date: January 21, 2027

Time: 5:00 – 6:00 pm

Location: The Lobby

Space is limited, reserve FREE spot here.

Rick Steves, America’s leading authority on European travel, joins ONN via the Silver Screen for a dramatic musical journey, a journey that begins in the United States and touches down in eight European countries. Rick Steves’ Europe: A Symphonic Journey is a unique program that celebrates music’s power to stir the patriotic soul. The orchestra performs a selection of stirring 19th-century anthems by Romantic-era composers. The pieces each feature a different nationality, while the finale, Beethoven’s Ode to Joy (Europe’s official anthem), pays homage to the continent’s motto of “United in Diversity.”

Want the VIP treatment? Join ONN for The Spectacular pre-concert VIP reception. Limited tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available at novanw.org.

With an expressive vocal range and irresistible stage presence, Nani Vazana is one of the few artists in the world to write and compose new songs in the endangered Ladino language. Her songwriting fuses Sephardic fairytales with contemporary storytelling and the sounds of the marketplace with Flamenco drama. Vazana’s new album “Ke Haber” was documented for the Library of Congress, ranked #11 on the International World Music Chart and #13 on World Music Chart Europe 2022.

Bob James’ music has made a mark in every decade since the 1960s and yet, he is far from a household name. Despite a prolific catalog and devoted audience, there’s a large segment of music fans who may not know his name or story but will instantly recognize his music.

“Bob James: Avant Smooth” is the story of jazz keyboardist, composer, arranger, and performer Bob James sitting down with Mikael Jorgensen of the band Wilco, son of Bob’s longtime recording engineer Joe Jorgensen, to discuss his challenges and successes across a genre-spanning music career from classical, to avant-garde, to jazz, and, very much by accident, Hip Hop.

Grammy-award-winning artist Mikael Jorgensen has been touring and recording with Wilco since 2002. Jorgensen cultivates projects parallel to Wilco, including Quindar, an electronic multimedia duo that remixes the NASA audio and film archives, and Expandards, a collaboration with the singer Isaac Koren that explores The American Songbook while composing new, expressionistic songs.

Now in its eighth year, PRAx and the College of Liberal Arts at Oregon State University present American Strings, a series of conversations and intimate performances with iconic musicians from the Americas whose perspectives shape our world. Prior guests have included Keb’ Mo’, Rosanne Cash, esperanza spalding, and many more.

Hosted by ethnomusicologist and public historian Kelly Bosworth, American Strings performances offer audiences the chance to hear artists play and reflect on their practice. In conversation, artists discuss process, biography, and the themes of their work. Conversation is followed by musical performance. Guests typically perform unaccompanied, but in select cases may appear with their ensembles.

Dr. Kelly Bosworth is Mary Jones and Thomas Hart Horning Assistant Professor of Public History and Ethnomusicology at Oregon State University, where she teaches courses such as “Social Change and American Popular Music” and “Musical Worlds of the Pacific Northwest.”She works at the intersection of sound, place, and belonging. Her research on music/sound/noisein U.S. history delves into the diverse archives of musicmaking, reconstructing often-silenced histories through the songs and sounds associated with place. Her PhD dissertation (Indiana University, 2024) explored “The Music of Miracle City: Vanport, Oregon and the Sonic Imaginaries of Multiracial Democracy.”

Sponsored by John & Kate Stirek