Five Fabulous Fall Shows You Won’t Want to Miss
Image: Jason Quigley
Portland’5 Centers for the Arts (also known as Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, Keller Auditorium, the Newmark Theatre, Dolores Winningstad Theatre, and Brunish Theatre) is five seasons into presenting programming of their own in Portland’s treasured downtown venues, under the moniker “Portland’5 Presents.”
This year’s season brings a few familiar names back to town, as well as a wide variety of acts that may be new to your eyes and ears. No matter who you are, there is something that’s bound to provide for a memorable night out on the town.
In the Mood
September 16th • 2:00pm & 7:00pm • Newmark Theatre
Head back in time to the 30’s and 40’s with In the Mood, a musical revue that unites big band sound from the String of Pearls Orchestra with singers, dancers, and period costumes, all adding up to a full night of sheer American pizzazz!
In the Mood has been touring the country for a quarter of a century, with many of the musical arrangements written by Vic Schoen, who furnished music for the likes of Bing Crosby, Ella Fitzgerald, Rosemary Clooney, the Andrews Sisters and more. And now it’s coming to Portland’5 Newmark Theatre, just for you!
Skerryvore & We Banjo 3
October 14th • 7:30pm • Newmark Theatre
October 14th brings a Scottish & Irish music double-header with two-time winners of Scotland’s traditional music Live Act of the Year award, Skerryvore, and celtgrass superstars We Banjo 3.
Skerryvore is touring worldwide, celebrating the release of their sixth studio album, EVO, featuring their unique fusion of folk, traditional, rock, and Americana, representing all of the personalities, influences, and backgrounds of the 8 band members, who hail from different regions of Scotland.
We Banjo 3 snagged the #1 position in the Billboard World Music charts by mixing old world tradition and authentic Americana, filtering it through their banjos, fiddles, guitars, and mandolins.
From their home in Galway, Ireland, they’ve carved themselves a reputation as one of the world’s most imaginative ensembles. Check out their unique sound, ranging from 17th century soliloquies to Nashville strumming, when they take over the Newmark Theatre in October.
Image: Lorenzo Di Nozzi
Soweto Gospel Choir
October 17th • 7:30pm • Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall
Details & tickets.
Celebrating the centenary of Nelson Mandela’s birth, the two-time Grammy Award-winning Soweto Gospel Choir returns to North America this year with Songs of the Free. This 20-member ensemble choir from South Africa has thrilled audiences worldwide with their stunning blend of African gospel music, spirituals, and American popular music. Earthy rhythms and rich harmonies sung in six of South Africa’s eleven social languages are combined for a moving performance that uplifts the soul through music and dance.
Image: Jeremy Jeziorski
The Hip Hop Nutcracker
November 13th & 14th • 7:30pm • Keller Auditorium
Plenty of fans missed out on the sold-out performance of The Hip Hop Nutcracker last year at the Schnitz, and Portland’5 listened! This top-notch team of disc jockey, violinist, and dancers are coming back, this time to Keller Auditorium, for a two-night engagement that’s fun for the whole family.
A contemporary re-imagining of Tchaikovsky’s timeless music, The Hip Hop Nutcracker celebrates love, community, and the magic of New Year’s Eve.
Black Violin
November 16th • 8:00pm • Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall
Black Violin, the duo of classically-trained violist and violinist Wil B. and Kev Marcus, are bringing their singular blend of classical and hip-hop back to the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall stage this November, as part of their Classical Boom Tour.
Wil B. and Kev Marcus have shared the stage with some familiar names like Kanye West, Aerosmith, and Tom Petty, and have collaborated on creative projects with the likes of Wu-Tang Clan, Wyclef Jean, and Alicia Keys.
Details on these amazing shows, and the rest of the Portland’5 Presents season, can be found at www.portland5.com, by visiting the Portland’5 box office at 1111 SW Broadway, or by calling 1-800-273-1530.
