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  • Annual Chitlin Festival

    A showcase of a variety of delicious chitlin dishes A photo of the Poshines store front, a Black-owned contemporary soul food restaurant. Cafe De La Soul, a beloved soul food restaurant in North Portland, will be hosting its annual Chitlin Festival on Friday, January 31, and Saturday, February 1, 2025. This festive event will showcase a variety of deli-cious chitlin dishes for both seasoned enthusiasts and curious newcomers, in-cluding Fried Chitlins, Chitlin Chili, traditional stewed chitlins, and more. This year's festival will take place at PoʼShines, located at 8139 N. Denver. Since opening its doors in the summer of 2003, PoʼShines has been dedicated not only to providing exceptional food and service but also to offering youth and young adults valuable job training and experience in the culinary field. Over the past 24 years, PoʼShines has grown into a respected Portland soul food institu-tion, positively impacting many individuals on their journey to success. Chitlins, or chitterlings—often referred to as "The Calamari of the Ghetto"—are not commonly found in Portland or the Northwest. However, the staff at PoʼShines have been heartened by the enthusiastic turnout in previous years and the ongo-ing requests for chitlins throughout the year. This marks the 13th year that PoʼShines has celebrated this unique Southern delicacy. We extend our gratitude to our loyal Portland customers as we reflect on the re-silience of our ancestors, who transformed pig intestines into a cherished culi-nary delight. In honor of their suffering and sacrifice, we proudly celebrate this wonderful event. The Chitlin Festival will be held on Friday, January 31, and Saturday, February 1, 2025, from 12 PM to 8 PM at PoʼShines, located at 8139 N. Denver. For more in-formation, please call PoʼShines at 503-978-9000. Visit our website at poshinespdx.com for further details.

  • Vol. LV Issue 2 01/22/2025

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  • Camas Lions Club Transforms Lives Through the Hand Project

    Assembling prosthetic hands that will transform the lives Willie Wright, Betty Kaufman, Patty Wolf, and Jody Brown with their completed hand. Willie Wright, Betty Kaufman, Patty Wolf, and Jody Brown with their completed hand. The Camas Lions Club completed The Hand Project , a life-changing service initiative that delivered hope and independence to four individuals in Ethiopia. By assembling prosthetic hands, the club members not only transformed the lives of these recipients but also impacted their families and entire communities.   The beneficiaries of this project represent a widespread need. Sadly, the demand for upper limb prostheses in developing countries is enormous. People lose their hands due to vehicle and industrial accidents, violence, medical complications, and other causes. For many, accessing a prosthetic hand let alone a functional one is nearly impossible. Through this project, prosthetic hands were distributed completely free of charge, continuing the mission to support underserved communities in Africa and the subcontinent.   This project wasn’t just about helping individuals said Nancy Eubank , project lead and Camas Lion. It about creating ripple effects that can change entire families and communities. Each hand assembled represents the power of teamwork and the bonds formed when people come together for a common purpose.   The assembly event brought together Camas Lions Club members in a unique blend of teamwork and compassion. The energy in the room was palpable as members worked in teams to assemble the prosthetic hands, knowing the profound impact these hands would have. Club members were so inspired by the experience that they are already talking about when they can do this project again and brainstorming ways to invite other organizations, including fellow Lions Clubs, to join future efforts.   Club President Stephanie O'Dell  reflected on the project success and the club openness to fresh ideas: The Camas Lions Club thrives on new project ideas from our members. Nancy brought The Hand Project to us, and together, we turned her idea into action. If you have a vision for making the world a better place, we’d love to hear from you. The Lions are here to bring ideas to life.   The Camas Lions Club is committed to both local and global impact, and The Hand Project exemplifies their dedication to service, innovation, and teamwork. The club invites anyone inspired by this initiative or with ideas for service projects to connect and collaborate.

  • Giving customers one more way to renew vehicle registration

    Oregon DMV launches express kiosks in Fred Meyer stores in nine cities : Left to right: ITI Technician Michael Stanton, Fred Meyer Store Leader: Eric Conduti, Fred Meyer & QFC Divisions of Kroger Corporate Affairs Manager Tiffany Sanders, ITI Account Manager Andrew Ginter Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services has launched self-service express kiosks in Fred Meyer stores in nine cities, giving customers one more way to renew vehicle registration beyond a DMV field office, mail or online at DMV2U . Oregon DMV Express Kiosks are now available in Beaverton, Bend, Eugene, Happy Valley, Hillsboro, Medford, Oak Grove (unincorporated Clackamas County), Salem and Tualatin. A 10th location, Portland, is coming soon. These kiosks offer customers a convenient option for renewing their vehicle registration. Oregon DMV plans to eventually add more kiosks in grocery stores across the state to meet customer demand. Visit ODOTkiosk.oregon.gov  to see an interactive map and learn more. “We see these kiosks as a way to improve customer service, access and equity,” said DMV administrator Amy Joyce. “This program is the latest effort aimed at improving the DMV experience for our customers. Seven days a week, any time Fred Meyer is open, Oregonians can renew their registration and receive their tags immediately. And half of the kiosks accept cash in addition to credit and debit cards. Offering cash payments as an option helps ensure everyone has access to essential services, regardless of their banking status or their comfort using credit and debit cards online. We’re looking forward to bringing more kiosks to the state later this year.” You can renew your vehicle registration at the kiosks in English or in Spanish and walk away with your printed vehicle registration and license plate stickers. The stickers feature your license plate number, a detail only available at kiosks. Customers are charged a vendor fee of $4.95 per transaction. Oregon DMV does not collect or benefit from the transaction fee, which goes directly to the vendor Intellectual Technology Inc. No state tax dollars were spent to provide the new technology system. Oregon DMV hopes to add more transactions in the future. Fred Meyer and Intellectual Technology Inc. representatives joined DMV Administrator Amy Joyce at the DMV express kiosk kick-off event today at the Salem Fred Meyer kiosk. “Intellectual Technology Inc. (ITI) is excited to partner with Fred Meyer and Oregon DMV to expand equity and access for DMV services throughout the state," said ITI Senior Vice President of Business and Strategy Steve Smith. "We're thrilled this project will ensure Oregonians have convenient access to DMV kiosks days, nights and weekends in trusted locations across the state.”  “Fred Meyer is pleased to partner with Oregon DMV to provide our customers with easy access to everything they need under one roof,” said Fred Meyer & QFC Divisions of Kroger Corporate Affairs Manager Tiffany Sanders.

  • Groundbreaking on one of Portland’s Largest Affordable Housing Communities

    224-unit HollywoodHUB will provide affordable housing at the Hollywood Transit Center BRIDGE Housing Celebrates Groundbreaking of One of Portland’s Largest Affordable Housing Communities BRIDGE Housing, the leading nonprofit affordable housing developer on the West Coast, joined Portland Mayor Keith Wilson and other dignitaries today to celebrate the groundbreaking of one of the largest affordable housing communities in Portland. HollywoodHUB will offer 222 affordable apartments along with two manager’s apartments in a 12-story building at the Hollywood Transit Center, developed by BRIDGE Housing on the Hollywood Transit Center site, owned by the Tri-County Metropolitan Transit District (TriMet). TriMet is modernizing the site to improve service, safety, and access for residents and commuters. The transit-oriented community will provide direct access to three MAX light rail lines and three bus lines, along with major employment centers, walkable grocery stores, health care facilities and high-performing schools. “We are thrilled to be breaking ground on this landmark new community that will provide much-needed affordable housing for residents in this vibrant neighborhood of Portland,” said BRIDGE Housing President and CEO Ken Lombard. “We are grateful for the many partnerships at the local, state and federal levels, as well as with our financing partners, that have made this ambitious project possible.” “Housing is a human right, and affordable housing is essential to making that right a reality for Oregonians,” U.S. Senator Ron Wyden said. “This project next to light rail in the heart of the Hollywood neighborhood will truly be a bridge to a better life for hundreds of people, and I’m glad to have worked with the appropriate agencies to maximize the number of units this vital project can provide in Northeast Portland.” “Today’s HollywoodHUB groundbreaking is an important moment as we address two crises in Portland: affordable housing and climate change,” said Donnie Oliveira, Portland’s Deputy City Administrator for Community and Economic Development. “Not only are we breaking literal ground, but this project in itself is groundbreaking work. Utilizing funding from the voter-approved Portland Housing Bond and Metro Housing Bond, as well as the Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund, BRIDGE Housing is reimagining the former Hollywood Transit Center as an innovative, affordable and energy-efficient community.” HollywoodHUB will range from studios to 3-bedroom apartments that are affordable to households earning 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI), with 71 apartments affordable to households earning 30% or less of AMI. Fifty-five units will accept project based Section 8 vouchers. Services for residents will be provided by Impact NW, a nonprofit that has served the Greater Portland area since 1966. Financing for HollywoodHUB has been provided by a range of sources, including the Portland Housing Bureau and KeyBank. In an unprecedented move, BRIDGE Housing is financing the project in part through publicly offered tax-exempt bonds, becoming the first nonprofit housing provider to do so. Underwritten and marketed by KeyBanc Capital Markets, the offering raised $71.5 million for the project and was made by possible by BRIDGE Housing’s AA- credit rating from S&P Global Ratings – the highest among nonprofit developers. The offering was four times oversubscribed, reflecting strong investor confidence in BRIDGE. “KeyBank has had a steadfast commitment helping the clients and communities we serve thrive,” said Brett Sheehan, KeyBank Community Development Lending and Investment relationship manager. “We are proud to partner with BRIDGE Housing to create much needed quality affordable housing in Portland.” Amenities at HollywoodHUB will include a two-story play area, a teen lounge, community rooms, and an indoor maker space. The surrounding amenity-rich community includes three major grocery stores within a quarter-mile and a nearby hospital, gym, library, post office, public park, and three high-performing neighborhood schools. HollywoodHUB will expand BRIDGE Housing’s substantial presence in the Portland area. Following the project’s completion, expected in 2027, BRIDGE will have more than 1,150 apartments in the City of Portland and more than 2,100 in the metropolitan region. Overall, BRIDGE’s $4 billion portfolio includes more than 14,000 apartments in California, Oregon and Washington with another 10,000 additional units in the development and acquisition pipelines. Since 1983, BRIDGE Housing has been an innovative leader in affordable housing on the West Coast. With a focus on community development and comprehensive support services, BRIDGE Housing creates strong communities, improves lives, and delivers positive social impact for its more than 30,000 residents.

  • Portland Center Stage Brings Mrs. Harrison to Life

    A Gripping Tale of Art, Ambition, and Accountability Mrs. Harrison Promo Photo Shoot. Portland Center Stage is thrilled to unveil its upcoming production of Mrs. Harrison, a thought-provoking drama by celebrated playwright R. Eric Thomas. Running from January 24 to February 16, 2025, on the Main Stage, this compelling play explores memory, truth, and the fragile dynamics of friendship, directed by the acclaimed Tiffany Nichole Greene (Bad Kreyòl, Covenant, Hamilton - North American Tour). Mrs. Harrison centers on a chance reunion between two former college classmates at their 10-year college reunion. One has achieved success as a celebrated playwright; the other is grappling with finding her voice and a sense of purpose. As they confront their shared past and differing recollections of a pivotal event, the tension escalates, revealing buried secrets and challenging the audience’s understanding of memory and reality. R. Eric Thomas, known for his razor-sharp wit and incisive social commentary, delivers a masterful exploration of storytelling and perspective. This production, infused with his signature humor and emotional depth, promises to be a theatrical event that resonates long after the curtain falls. Director Tiffany Nichole Greene brings her visionary style to the production, crafting a dynamic and immersive experience for the audience. Greene, a celebrated director whose work has been praised for its innovation and emotional intensity, delivers a fresh perspective to this gripping tale. The production boasts an outstanding cast, including Cycerli Ash (Dracula: A Feminist Revenge Fantasy, Really) and Claire Rigsby (RENT), with a creative team that includes acclaimed designers Derek Easton (Scenic, Crazy Enough), Lucy Wells (Costumes, Sweeney Todd, HAIR), Alexz Trent Eccles (Lighting, It’s a Wonderful Life Live), and Phil Johnson (Sound, Clyde’s).  Tickets for Mrs. Harrison are on sale now at   pcs.org . Don’t miss this captivating winter production that will leave audiences questioning their own perceptions of truth and the narratives they hold dear.

  • Black Entrepreneur Continues Her Mission of Inspiring Authors

    Helping 1,000's of Authors to Publish Their Books and elevate their careers Kellie Brooks, a trusted book publishing expert and the Founder and CEO of Kellie B Books Kellie Brooks, a trusted book publishing expert and the Founder and CEO of Kellie B Books , is leading the way in helping aspiring authors monetize their expertise and elevate their careers through authorship. Her innovative approach removes the biggest hurdles they face — lack of time and limited writing ability. With her guidance, aspiring authors can turn their knowledge and life experiences into impactful, income-generating books without ever having to write a single word themselves. “Many aspiring authors feel overwhelmed at the thought of writing a book and simply don’t know where to begin,” says Kellie. “That’s where we come in. We record our sessions with clients, capturing their stories and insights, and then transform their words into polished manuscripts. It’s collaborative, efficient, and entirely tailored to their vision.” Authorship opens doors. Kellie B Books has seen clients achieve remarkable success by sharing their stories. Take Kevin D. Williams, for example. After publishing his book with Kellie’s help, he was invited to speak at a prestigious healthcare conference in California, significantly expanding his professional reach. Similarly, Kylar Denae, who wrote about her experience growing up with co-parents, hosted a successful book signing event that positioned her as a thought leader in her community. These stories highlight how becoming an author doesn’t just tell your story—it elevates your brand, builds authority, provides a powerful platform, and creates new opportunities. Through Kellie B Books’ streamlined process, clients can focus on sharing their expertise while the team handles the heavy lifting. Sessions are conducted via Zoom, where clients simply talk about their ideas, stories, and experiences. These conversations are then transformed into written chapters for client review and approval. The result is a high-quality book that reflects their voice and vision, with minimal effort on their part. From concept to the finish line, Kellie B Books covers every step — including writing, graphic design, and publishing — ensuring a seamless experience. “Our goal is to make becoming a published author not only accessible but also transformational for our clients,” says Kellie. “We want to take the stress out of the process and help them see the incredible impact their stories can have.” Kellie Brooks’ services are specifically designed for those who want to establish themselves as industry leaders, generate additional income streams, and inspire others. With over 160 successful projects completed and a mission to empower 1,500 new authors, she is a recognized authority in the publishing world. Ready to take the first step? Kellie Brooks invites aspiring authors to join her free webinar, “Silencing Self-Doubt: How to Finally Become a Published Author.” During this session, participants will learn the exact steps to take to start their author journey and get insider tips on how to create a book that builds brand, income, and legacy. To learn more, join her free webinar by registering at KellieBbooks.com/Author

  • Replacement Benefits No Longer Available for SNAP Theft Victims

    Advocates warn that this policy change will harm low-income families Mom and daughter shopping at the supermarket. (Adobe Stock Photo) Families who depend on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are facing new challenges as federal guidelines have ended the replacement of benefits stolen through skimming, or electronic theft. While skimming affects a small percentage of SNAP households, the consequence can be devastating – leaving families without the resources to put food on the table. Advocates warn that this policy change will disproportionately harm low-income families already struggling to afford basic necessities. “We understand how deeply skimming loss affects families who are already struggling,” says Sarah Weber-Ogden, Co-Executive Director at Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon, “and we are disappointed that our federal representatives didn’t take action to give SNAP users the protections they deserve.” Benefits stolen after Dec. 20, 2024 cannot be replaced. However, benefits stolen on or before Dec. 20, 2024 may still be replaced if reported under the current policy. Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon will continue to work alongside Oregon’s Department of Human Services, fellow advocates, and legislative delegates to find long-term solutions both at state and federal levels. Over 770,000 Oregonians rely on SNAP to feed their families. “SNAP is the most direct intervention to support our neighbors in need,” says Weber-Ogden. “We need to protect this vital program.” Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon encourages SNAP users and concerned community members to urge their federal representatives  to advocate for stronger protections for victims of skimming. If you suspect fraud, freeze your card immediately and report the theft to the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) at Cardholder.ebtEDGE.com , on the ebtEDGE mobile app, or by calling 888-997-4447. Learn more about how to protect your benefits on the ODHS website.

  • TikTok restores service for U.S. users!

    Restoration based on Trump’s promised executive order Sarah Baus, left and Tiffany Cianci, who says she is a “long-form educational content creator,” Livestream in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin,File) AP-TikTok restored service to users in the United States on Sunday just hours after the  popular video-sharing platform  went dark in response to  a federal ban , which President-elect Donald Trump said he would try to pause by executive order on his first day in office. Trump said he planned to issue the order to give TikTok’s China-based parent company  more time  to find an  approved buyer  before the ban takes full effect. He announced the move on his Truth Social account as millions of U.S. TikTok users awoke to discover they could  no longer access  the TikTok app or platform. But by Sunday afternoon, a message greeted those who signed on thanking them — and the president-elect — for their support. “As a result of President Trump’s efforts, TikTok is back in the U.S.!” the message read. TikTok said it shut down the platform late Saturday because of a federal law that required parent company ByteDance to sell its U.S. operation by Sunday.  Google and Apple  also removed TikTok from their digital stores. The law, which passed with  wide bipartisan support  in April, allows for steep fines. While the company that runs TikTok in the U.S. said on X that the steps Trump outlined Sunday provided “the necessary clarity and assurance to our service providers that they will face no penalties,” the TikTok app remained remained unavailable for download in  Apple  and Google’s app stores. “It was a brilliant marketing stunt for both TikTok and incoming president Donald Trump,” Jasmine Enberg, an analyst with market research firm Emarketer, said. “By abruptly shutting off service, TikTok proved how unpopular the ban was among its users.” The law that took effect Sunday required ByteDance to cut ties with the platform’s U.S. operations due to national security concerns. However, the statute authorized the sitting president to grant a 90-day extension if a viable sale was underway. Although investors made some offers, ByteDance has said it would not sell. Trump said his order would “extend the period of time before the law’s prohibitions take effect” and “confirm that there will be no liability for any company that helped keep TikTok from going dark before my order.” It wasn’t immediately clear how Trump’s promised action would fare from a legal standpoint since the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously upheld the ban on Friday and the statute came into force the day before Trump’s return to the White House. Rep. Mike Gallagher, a Republican from Wisconsin and the bill’s author, said on Fox News Sunday that “there is no extension” for TikTok. “Let me tell you, as the person who wrote the bill, the extension was within the 270-day window, which closed at 12:01 a.m. this morning,” he said, adding that only if the president certifies there are “legally binding documents” showing a divestiture is on the way would there be an extension. “I think Trump can at least make an argument that the language is meant to cover any president,” University of Richmond law professor Carl Tobias said. Some lawmakers who voted for the sale-or-ban law, including some of Trump’s  fellow Republicans , remain in favor of it. Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas warned companies Sunday not to provide TikTok with technical support. It’s also unlikely that Apple or Google will face legal consequences if they move forward with Trump’s demands, given that his administration would have to initiate any prosecutions, McGill said. “In the next week or two, before the courts have the chance to do anything, this is certainly going to be a political fight, not a legal one,” McGill said.

  • Zoo Launches New Conservation Partnerships in Africa

    Funding supports communities working to save rhinos, giraffes and carnivores The Oregon Zoo announced $180,000 in support for three community conservation partners in Africa over the next three years. Photos courtesy of the Niassa Carnivore Project. Rhinos, lions, giraffes and other African wildlife got a boost from Oregon this month as the zoo announced $180,000 in support for three community conservation partners over the next three years. Funds will aid the International Rhino Foundation, Somali Giraffe Project and Niassa Carnivore Project in their work for wildlife and communities in four countries throughout Africa.   “We’re well known for our work with native species in the Pacific Northwest, like northwestern pond turtles and silverspot butterflies,” said Melanie Sorensen, the zoo’s education and conservation director. “But we also have a global conservation impact  that spans three continents, and we’re thrilled to deepen that commitment with these new partnerships.”   Over the past eight months, the zoo’s conservation and animal care teams connected with community organizations that serve the people and wildlife in Mozambique, Kenya, Namibia and Zimbabwe. Using funds from zoo admissions and a conservation endowment from the Oregon Zoo Foundation, partnerships were established with the following organizations: International Rhino Foundation , Somali Giraffe Project and the Niassa Carnivore Project . Although these efforts focus mainly on well-known animals like rhinos and lions, Sorensen says the habitat restoration and community education work has far-reaching benefits.  “These conservation efforts provide jobs and resources for community members, and they have a positive impact on countless other species,” Sorensen said. “In fact, 36 different species here at the Oregon Zoo — from naked mole rats to the giant African millipede — represent wildlife that benefits from our partners’ work.”  Sorensen says the collaboration is off to a great start. Members from the Somali Giraffe Project recently stayed up late in Kenya to attend a virtual Oregon Zoo staff meeting, and reports indicate the zoo’s support in Mozambique is already making a difference.    “This partnership with the Oregon Zoo reminds us of what’s possible when organizations work together across the globe, and conservation benefits flow to the wildlife and people who need them most,” said Dr. Colleen Begg, director of the Niassa Carnivore Project. “Our planet needs us, wildlife needs us, and we as a community are tackling these challenges together.”   As part of Metro, the Oregon Zoo helps make greater Portland a great place to call home. Committed to conservation, the zoo acts globally on behalf of species from pikas to polar bears. Over the past 30 years, it has prevented extinctions, expanded populations, advanced conservation science and formed powerful communities to protect wildlife in the Northwest and around the world.   Support from the Oregon Zoo Foundation enhances and expands the zoo’s efforts in species recovery, conservation education and animal well-being. Members, donors and corporate and foundation partners help the zoo make a difference across the region and around the world. To contribute, go to oregonzoo.org/give .    To plan your trip, go to oregonzoo.org/visit . For more information on getting to the zoo, visit Explore Washington Park .

  • When BLACK Goes GREEN

    Creating ‘smart cities’ throughout Oregon Patrice Tsague, CEO and Co-Founder of Smart Oregon Solutions Portland, Oregon - From solar-powered streetlights to wind farms integrated into urban grids, municipalities continue to find innovative ways to ‘reduce carbon emissions’   and tackle the challenges of climate change. Experts predict that ‘renewable energy’   will account for over 50% of global urban energy consumption by 2030. SMART OREGON SOLUTIONS (SOS), a minority-owned enterprise based in Portland has positioned itself to blaze the trail in creating ‘smart cities’ throughout Oregon ‘to create a100% clean energy solution by 2040 as mandated by House Bill 2021’.  SOS core focus lies in the distribution of technology-enhanced smart hybrid solar streets (Sol Pol) with energy storage capacity and related products such as EV Charging and the next generation of smart displays.   Smart streetlights are at the heart of this transformation, revolutionizing how cities illuminate their streets while enhancing energy efficiency.  “Launching Smart Oregon Solutions and establishing our Technology and Innovation Center in Oregon was an easy decision,” says Patrice Tsague, CEO and Co-Founder of Smart Oregon Solutions. “Few states in the nation demonstrate as strong a commitment to renewable energy and innovation as Oregon. We also saw this as an opportunity to create a scalable model that can be replicated globally, bridging the technology gap in underserved communities and nations.” The Role of Technology Smart Cities—urban areas that leverage technology to enhance efficiency and quality of life—are at the forefront of this green revolution. Smart grids, energy-efficient buildings, and IoT-enabled devices are critical components of renewable energy adoption in smart cities. These technologies help optimize energy use, reduce waste, and integrate various renewable sources into existing grids.  On Thursday, January 16th, 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Lloyd Center Mall (Lower Level), SOS will host a ‘Soft Opening’ of the TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION CENTER featuring a ’ribbon-cutting ceremony, presentations, product demonstrations and refreshments. Space is limited, Pre-registration is required via RSVP link: https://forms.gle/DDwrcCjw7jBDeshC8 . A Greener Future As more cities adopt renewable energy, the positive impacts on public health and the environment are becoming evident. Reduced air pollution, lower energy costs, and job creation in the renewable energy sector are just a few benefits driving the transition. With innovations accelerating and awareness growing, SOS looks forward to helping Oregon and beyond evolve into smart cities that are set to lead humanity into a cleaner, greener era. For more information visit the SOS website at www.smartoregonsolutions.com  or call (503) 389-0148.

  • A True Celebration of Portland's Vibrant Jazz Scene

    Erykah Badu to Headline 2025 Biamp Portland Jazz Festival Erykah Badu arrives at the Valentino ready-to-wear Spring/Summer 2023 fashion collection in Paris. (Photo by Vianney Le Caer/invision/AP,File) PDX Jazz is excited to announce significant additions to the 2025 Biamp Portland Jazz Festival lineup, scheduled from February 20 through March 1, 2025. This year's festival will feature a dynamic array of internationally acclaimed artists and emerging local talent, promising a rich and diverse musical experience. A landmark event in this year's festival is the performance by Grammy-winning icon Erykah Badu at the Moda Center on February 21, marking the festival's inaugural arena show. Known for her eclectic sound blending jazz, soul, R&B, and hip-hop, Badu's appearance signifies a bold leap forward for PDX Jazz, reflecting the organization's growth and the increasing prominence of jazz in Portland's cultural landscape. Newly announced ticketed events include performances by the Skerik Quartet, Pahua, Jack Radsliff Organ Quartet feat. Nicole McCabe, and Daniel Villareal. Tickets for these shows are now on sale and can be purchased at pdxjazz.org . These artists join an already stellar lineup featuring renowned musicians such as Terence Blanchard with The E-Collective and Turtle Island Quartet, Christian McBride & Ursa Major, Andrew Cyrille Quartet, and "TRANSLINEAR LIGHT: The Music of Alice Coltrane" featuring Ravi Coltrane with special guest Brandee Younger. Additionally, GRAMMY-Award-winning drummer-producer Terri Lyne Carrington will present her project "We Insist! 2025," a reimagining of Max Roach's "Freedom Now Suite," honoring Roach and Abbey Lincoln's legacy while addressing contemporary social justice themes. In alignment with our commitment to the local jazz scene, the festival will highlight Portland-based artists as support acts, including Bridging Thoughts with Cory Limuaco + Friends, Machado Mijiga Quartet, Zyanna Trio, Julia Logue, Kennebec, WRK!, Asher Fulero, Lloyd Jones and Aléa Lorén. These performances underscore the festival's dedication to fostering local talent and integrating them into the broader jazz community. The festival will also present a series of free community events, featuring local Portland talent across various venues. These events aim to make jazz accessible to all and include performances by artists such as PJCE "Rise in Love", Patrick Carr, Trio Triptych, Arietta Ward Quartet, Olivia Fields Quintet, Hunglish Duo Project, Gilson-Bidondo Duo, Cameron Landers, Adrian Baxter Trio, Brian Myers Trio, Ramsey Embick, Adlai Alexander, Kevin Deitz Trio, Shirley Nanette, Joe Bagg Quartet with Ryan Meagher, Tim Willcox, and Michael Raynor, Haley Horsfall Trio with Mike Horsfall and Bill Athens, Anson Wright Duo with Jasnam Daya Singh, Dan Gildea, Alex Milstead Duo, The Walker Barber Duo, Bang Bang, Cosmic Groove Orchestra, Michelle Alany & New Old Friendz, Son de Cuba, Conversation, Chance Hayden's Desert Room All Stars featuring Shelly Rudolph, Jazz Vespers: Mike Horsfall Trio feat. Dan Balmer w/ Laurent Nickel and Tim Rap, and educational presentations by Ashley Kahn. These community events are made possible through partnerships with local establishments, including Hotel Vance, The Hoxton, Inn at Northrup Station, The Duniway, The Nines Hotel Portland, The Benson Portland, AC Hotel Portland Downtown, Jupiter NEXT, Hyatt Regency Portland at the Oregon Convention Center, Atlantis Lounge, Artichoke Music, Burlingame Space, Al's Den, Mt. Hood Community College, University of Portland, St. James Lutheran Church, and Portland State University. Their collaboration ensures that jazz remains an integral and accessible part of Portland's cultural fabric. Enhancing the festival's educational dimension, Grammy-winning American music historian, author, professor, and producer Ashley Kahn will moderate a series of jazz conversations. Known for his expertise on jazz and its history, Kahn's involvement promises insightful and engaging discussions, adding a unique educational component to the festival. Chris Doss, PDX Jazz Executive Director, emphasizes the festival's mission: "This year's festival is a true celebration of Portland's vibrant jazz scene, featuring a diverse lineup of artists across a variety of venues, including our inaugural arena show with Erykah Badu. We're proud to showcase both renowned jazz masters and the exciting new voices of Portland's local artists, reflecting the dynamic range of the genre and the cultural richness of our city." For further information and tickets, visit pdxjazz.org and follow PDX Jazz on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, TikTok and YouTube using hashtags #portlandjazzfestival #pdxjazz.

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