"Gusbandry" Web Series Pilot Premieres This Week

Remember not long ago we told you about a new comedy web series being made here in Portland. Well, in a matter of weeks it's gone from a (successful!) Seed & Spark crowdfunding campaign to a full pilot episode, premiering at the Portland Film Festival Friday, September 4. Given that the series won't be online until July of next year, this might be your last chance for some time to watch the Alicia J. Rose-directed story of Jackie and her "gusband"—gay best friend—unfold. Starring Brooke Totman (of MADtv fame) and Kurt Conroyd (recently seen inWild) and co-authored by Live Wire's Courtenay Hameister—all this and it's being shown on a big screen at the Mission Theater alongside ten other shorts about relationships. More at the PFF. 

New Theater Space Coming to Old Town

Portland comic, producer, storyteller and all-round performer, the hilarious Shelley McLendon announced this week that she's to open a new theater this fall in Old Town. The Siren Theater will be the home of Bad Reputation Productions , The Liberators, and The Aces, according to her Facebook announcement, with the space also to be made available to the Portland theater/comedy community to rent. More details—beyond the new logo (left)—to come. Watch this, er, space. 

 Six Oregon Composers Commissioned by Portland Piano

Portland Piano International has announced the names of six Oregon composers who’ll be commissioned through PPI's first ever Commissioning Project. Portlanders Jack Gabel, Sarah Zipperer Gaskins, Bryan Johanson and Michael Johanson, Eugene’s David Crum, and Greg Steinke from Depoe Bay are the six composers whose pieces for solo piano will be performed by emerging professional pianists from Portland Piano’s Rising Star program. The first piece, by Lewis & Clark College professor Michael Johanson, will premiere on October 2.

 American Pickers Coming to Oregon

Fans of antiques show American Pickers will be polishing up their vintage finds with the news that the series will film in Oregon later this year. "Pickers" Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz are working their way around the country, on the hunt for hidden treasures in your pile of junk. They're looking for interesting candidates for their Oregon show, so if you want to make sure you get your hoard on their radar, email the hosts at [email protected]