Portland, OR. Nike and OHSU Doernbecher are putting their annual benefit auction on hold while they vet some bidders. The 17th annual event called Virtually Freestyle was online. At one point, a shoe collector’s site reported the pair shown above was selling for more than $2 million. The auction was quickly stopped and Doernbecher released a statement that explained, “Out of an abundance of caution, the OHSU Foundation proactively halted the bidding process of Thursday’s Virtually Freestyle auction and is actively working to verify the authenticity of uncharacteristically high bids. We took these steps as added measures to existing security protocols.”
Due to the impact of COVID-19 pandemic, instead of a range of shoes designed by children, Nike and Doernbecher settled on the “What The” themed Air Jordan 1. The special shoe was created using elements of Doernbecher Freestyle designs of the past. Unlike past years, this shoe isn’t being prepped for a wide release—instead, a very limited run of 17 pairs was produced.
In honor of the 17th year of the program, only 17 pairs of the Air Jordan I “What The” Doernbecher were created. The first Air Jordan I “What The” Doernbecher, with a custom lasered box, was supposed to kick off the auction. Then the remaining 16 pair were suposed to be auctioned on Feb. 26th, but all the bidding has been put on hold.
Nike Product Director, Lee Banks with Freestyle XIV designer, Brody Miller in 2014. Since 2003, Nike and OHSU Doernbecher have collaborated with young designers for Doernbecher Freestlye event. Children battling serious illnesses design some of Nike and Jordan Brand’s most popular sneakers.
Typically, a group of children ages 8 to 15 are selected to work with Nike designers on a range of footwear that’s eventually released to the public. Doernbecher Freestyle raises money and awareness for the hospital. Over the years, the event has raised more than $29 million for the hospital, including $1,898,525 from the 2019 collection.
The children’s hospital is investigating what happened during a kickoff auction on February 25th when bidding on the first pair hit the $2 million dollar mark. For some perspective, last May Michael Jordan’s game-worn, autographed, Nike Air Jordan 1S from 1985 sold for $560,000 at a Sotheby’s auction. That was a world record price.
Doernbecher officials explained what they plan to do going forward with the following statement:
Doernbecher Freestyle adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic by partnering with a reputable online auction vendor to coordinate Virtually Freestyle, the program’s first event, and auction to take place solely online.
The OHSU Foundation is committed to following best practices and ensuring a fair auction. Event attendees interested in submitting bids for Virtually Freestyle auction items, including a special Air Jordan 1 “What The” Doernbecher, were required to agree to a robust Terms and Conditions contract. Bidders were also required to register using a valid credit card number, as a part of the authentication process completed by the online auction vendor.
To allow us the necessary time to reaffirm the validity and security of this and future online bidding processes, we have postponed the online auction of the sixteen remaining pairs of the Air Jordan 1 “What The” Doernbecher previously scheduled to begin Friday, Feb. 26. We will share additional information regarding the status and availability of Virtually Freestyle auction items at a later date.
Doernbecher Freestyle fans, including those that joined us from across the globe for Thursday’s event, know how much the program means to the patients, families, and staff at OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital. We are grateful to Nike, our community members, donors, and sponsors for their support of OHSU Doernbecher, and the young patient-designers behind every Doernbecher Freestyle collection.
Designers call the shoes an unforgettable tribute to former patient-designers, seen through the vault of Air Jordan: an Air Jordan I “What The” Doernbecher, featuring elements from each of the program’s 14 Air Jordan designs.
Below are photos of the specific details of the shoes:
Sheridan, Air Jordan II Doernbecher (2007) A fan of paisley patterns, Sheridan came together with his Nike team to design and create a custom pattern just for him. Originally applied to the tip and quarter panel of his Air Jordan II, the iconic green paisley now makes a special appearance on the right shoe collar and upper of the AJ 1 “What The” Doernbecher. / Caden, Air Jordan VIII Doernbecher (2014) Caden’s reminder to “Be Brave” is prominently placed on the lateral collar overlay on the right Air Jordan I “What The” Doernbecher, and his flaming basketball graphic adorns the outsole.
Daniel, Air Jordan X Doernbecher (2013) Most prominent on Daniel’s original design was the camouflage pattern material that covers the shoe’s upper, and it shows up on the eyestay and under the shoelaces of this year’s shoe. /John, Air Jordan XIII Doernbecher (2015) John’s original design boasts a green and black color scheme inspired by the outfit he wore to OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital for the first time. His original vibrant green material makes a statement on the vamp of the right AJ I “What The” Doernbecher.
Donovon, Air Jordan XV Doernbecher (2018) A fan of Japanese anime, Donovon wanted his original Air Jordan XV design to represent him as a character in his own anime story. Suede dragon scales covered the shoe’s upper, while bright gold accents represented the hero’s armor. Both elements can be found on the AJ I “What The” Doernbecher’s right tip and shiny Swoosh. /Isaac, Air Jordan V Doernbecher (2012) Isaac’s Air Jordan V officially released on September 14, 2013, on what would have been his 14th birthday. The AJ I “What The” Doernbecher celebrates Isaac’s enduring spirit. The material from Isaac’s original design — which features glow-in-the-dark and black-light-activated elements inspired by his love of video games — is included on the quarter panel of the left AJ I.
Damien, Air Jordan VII Doernbecher (2016) Budding rock star Damien added a guitar pick patch on the foxing of his original design, inspired by his favorite guitar, and which includes his initials “DJP.” The patch appears on the left heel foxing of this year’s shoe. /Isaiah, Air Jordan IV Doernbecher (2011) The side quarter panel and cupsole of the right shoe features the green from Isaiah’s original design, which represents his perseverance through life’s ups and downs. /Jordan, Air Jordan VI Doernbecher (2009) This year’s AJ I “What The” Doernbecher right shoe features a metallic gold collar lining inspired by Jordan’s original design, and his icon “1” logo appears on the heel tab.
Cole, Air Jordan III Doernbecher (2010) Look closely at this year’s left shoe collar and outsole to find Cole’s favorite design element: a grid pattern which spells “C-O-L-E” in repetition. / Tony, Air Jordan I Doernbecher (2008) Tony’s original palm trees represent his favorite tropical place, while the angel wing pattern symbolizes everyone, including his family and the Doernbecher team, who supported him during his medical journey. These same angel wings are present on the heel foxing of the left AJ1 “What The” Doernbecher, and his bright yellow contrast stitching on the Swoosh represents the good times cutting through the bad.
Ethan, Air Jordan XIV Doernbecher (2019) The same vibrant, iridescent material on the quarter panel of Ethan’s original design appears on the vamp of this year’s left shoe. /Oswaldo, Air Jordan IX Doernbecher (2012) Leaning into Oswaldo’s “Little Chicken” nickname from his family, this year’s shoe brings his custom-etched, metallic gold and black feather pattern on the tip, eyestay and forefoot overlay.
Carissa, Air Jordan XII Doernbecher (2017) Carissa’s Air Jordan XII design was all spunk, loaded with references to food, pets and colors. That energy is reflected in her design’s wild, marbled pink outsole, which appears on the left outsole of the AJ I “What The” Doernbecher.
Sheridan, Air Jordan II Doernbecher (2007) A fan of paisley patterns, Sheridan came together with his Nike team to design and create a custom pattern just for him. Originally applied to the tip and quarter panel of his Air Jordan II, the iconic green paisley now makes a special appearance on the right shoe collar and upper of the AJ 1 “What The” Doernbecher. / Caden, Air Jordan VIII Doernbecher (2014) Caden’s reminder to “Be Brave” is prominently placed on the lateral collar overlay on the right Air Jordan I “What The” Doernbecher, and his flaming basketball graphic adorns the outsole.
Portland, OR. The University of Portland (UP) is the top producer of Fulbright U.S. Students in the nation among master’s level institutions, according to an annual study just released by the Chronicle of Higher Education. UP ranks first nationally in Fulbright U.S. awardees for the academic year 2020-2021, with 10 students receiving prestigious grants to study, conduct research, and/or teach English abroad. (Master’s Colleges and Universities are institutions that award at least 50 master’s degrees, but fewer than 20 doctorates.)
The University of Portland is located at 5000 N Willamette Blvd Portland.
“This honor reflects very positively on many members of the UP community – the students who went through multiple iterations of their application materials; faculty members who wrote letters of recommendation; and finally the Fulbright Campus Committee composed of many faculty members who read the student applications and offered feedback on how to improve their submissions. Being ranked Number 1 is a validation of the hard work that countless people contributed to the students’ success,” said John Orr, UP Assistant Provost for Undergraduate Scholarly Engagement and Professor of English.
The 2020 Fulbright finalists from UP, and their assigned countries, are Erick Berrelleza (Mexico), Travis Bigelow (Mexico), Joshua Bode (Mexico), Isabel Cortens (Argentina), Autumn Fluetsch (Luxembourg), Athena Hills (Germany), Surabhi Joglekar (Taiwan), Preston Korst (Bulgaria), Amanda Mosler (Colombia), and Joanne Tran (Taiwan).
“We are delighted to see that the colleges and universities we are honoring as 2020-2021 Fulbright Top Producing Institutions reflect the geographic and institutional diversity of higher education in the United States,” said Mary Kirk, Director of the Office of Academic Exchange Programs in the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. “In supporting their faculty advisors and administrators who guide their students through the Fulbright application process, these institutions benefit from having their students represent their campus overseas, often inspiring reciprocal exchanges from foreign ‘Fulbrighters.’ Fulbright U.S. Students enrich their educations, advance their careers, and make valuable contributions abroad and at home. They also expand their networks by joining the diverse and accomplished group of Fulbright alumni and receiving the professional recognition that comes with being named a Fulbright Student.”
About the Fullbright Program:
The Fulbright Program was created to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries. Fulbright is the world’s largest and most diverse international educational exchange program. The primary source of funding for the Fulbright Program is an annual appropriation made by the U.S. Congress to the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
2021 marks the 75th Anniversary of the Fulbright Program. Celebrations throughout the year will highlight the impressive accomplishments and legacy of the program and its alumni over its first 75 years, both in the United States and around the world. A dedicated 75th anniversary website will be updated throughout 2021 to showcase Fulbright alumni, partner countries, and anniversary events.
Since its inception in 1946, over 400,000 people from all backgrounds—recent university graduates, teachers, scientists and researchers, artists, and more—have participated in the Fulbright Program and returned with an expanded worldview, a deep appreciation for their host country and its people, and a new network of colleagues and friends. Fulbright alumni have become heads of state, judges, ambassadors, cabinet ministers, CEOs, and university presidents, as well as leading journalists, artists, scientists, and teachers. They include 60 Nobel Laureates, 88 Pulitzer Prize winners, 75 MacArthur Fellows, and thousands of leaders across the private, public and non-profit sectors.
For more information on the University’s ranking, please go here. For further information about the Fulbright Program, please visit here.
From University of Portland:
The University of Portland is an independently governed Catholic university guided by the Congregation of Holy Cross; with a mission focusing on teaching and learning, faith and formation, and service and leadership. Multiple national media platforms consistently rank the University among the top institutions of higher education in the American West. It is the only school in Oregon to offer a College of Arts & Sciences, a graduate school, and nationally accredited programs in the schools of business, education, engineering and nursing. More information is available at www.up.edu.
Ashland, OR. The Oregon Shakespeare Festival (OSF) announced the Festival’s 2021 season; it’s an array of programming with digital and live productions. The combination of multi-format programming is evidence of OSF’s continued commitment to presenting world-class theatre on stage and its recent foray into digital programming, which introduces fans, supporters, and new audiences worldwide to the company’s artistry. (Above is a photo from OSF’s 2020 production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Photo: Jenny Graham.) Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and uncertainties associated with it, OSF will hold off announcing specific dates and ticket sales for onstage productions until there is more clarity around reopening, gathering, and social distancing guidelines. All onstage events are subject to change.
Here’s a video about the announcement:
The Oregon Shakespeare Festival is a nonprofit professional theatre founded in 1935 and located in Ashland.
The Oregon Shakespeare Festival 2000 production of Macbeth. Photo: David Cooper.
The 2021 season features classics and new works streaming from the OSF archives, new works presented on OSF’s digital platform, O!, and a Fall 2021 live season on OSF’s campus in Ashland, Oregon, extending into January for the first time with OSF’s first winter special. All live performances will be subject to health department guidelines and government restrictions on large gatherings.
“2020 marked a paradigm shift in which OSF was catapulted into different ways of creating and supporting artists and art-making. In launching our digital platform, O!, nearly a year ago, the initial goal was to provide an exploratory space to intersect theatre with other forms of media,” said Nataki Garrett, OSF artistic director. “Now joined together with a compelling schedule of Fall and Winter onstage programming, O! has evolved into a marquee fourth stage, where new and innovative projects will play alongside some of OSF’s most beloved and well-known productions.”
“I could not be more excited and honored in partnering with Nataki to introduce this extraordinary combination of digital and onstage programming as the OSF 2021 season,” said David Schmitz, OSF executive director. “This unique first-ever multiformat season reflects OSF’s commitment to innovation, agility, and progress throughout the most extraordinary global circumstances we are all facing. And we are eager to get back to creating live performances when the health authority and governmental restrictions allow us to do so.”
The 2021 digital on-demand streaming season includes a limited-run schedule of favorites from the OSF archives beginning with Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare, directed by Shana Cooper; Manahatta by Mary Kathryn Nagle, directed by Laurie Woolery; and Snow in Midsummer by Frances Ya-Chu Cowhig, based on the classical Chinese drama The Injustice to Dou Yi That Moved Heaven and Earth and directed by Justin Audibert. Tickets are now available for all three productions. More streaming productions curated from OSF’s digital archives will be announced in the coming months.
“Along with our archival streaming shows, O! will continue to present exciting new programming—digital theatre, film, and immersive projects—throughout the year, bringing OSF’s celebrated artistry of OSF into homes around the world,” added Garrett.
OSF 2021 On Stage programming includes a repertory of four productions: August Wilson’s How I Learned What I Learned, featuring Steven Anthony Jones and directed by Tim Bond; the West Coast premiere of unseen by Mona Mansour, directed by Evren Odcikin; the American Revolutions world premiere of Confederates by Dominique Morisseau, directed by Nataki Garrett; and the season will culminate in OSF’s first winter special, It’s Christmas, Carol! by beloved OSF actors Mark Bedard, Brent Hinkley, and John Tufts.
OSF is known for its large-scale productions like this 2018 production of Romeo and Juliet directed by Dámaso Rodríguez. Emily Ota (Juliet) and William Thomas Hodgson (Romeo) joined a large cast in the timeless story of love as seen in the video below.
From OSF:
Our mission statement helps guide us in all of our endeavors here at OSF: Inspired by Shakespeare’s work and the cultural richness of the United States, we reveal our collective humanity through illuminating interpretations of new and classic plays, deepened by the kaleidoscope of rotating repertory.
A major theatre arts organization, OSF offers a diversity of plays as well as events and activities to enhance your overall experience.
The Oregon Shakespeare Festival is a not-for-profit professional theatre founded in 1935. Our eight-month season runs through the month of October, and we have three theatres: our two indoor stages—the Angus Bowmer Theatre and the Thomas Theatre—and our flagship outdoor Allen Elizabethan Theatre, which opens in early June and runs through mid-October. We offer up to 11 different plays that include works by Shakespeare as well as a mix of classics, musicals and world-premiere plays. When you visit you can see one or two plays or up to nine plays in one week!
Lake Oswego, OR. The Lake Oswego Art Council‘s public gallery is reopening to the public on February 23rd. There’s a new exhibition features photographs from four photographers called “Visions of 4.” The photo seen above is in the exhibit. It’s called Cape Kiwanda by John Lesch. The work of Reagan Ramsey, Richard Blakeslee, Kevin Felts are also featured. Organizers have are following precautions to keep the staff, volunteers, and the public safe. Face masks will be required, hand sanitizer will be available, social distancing will be enforced, and all areas will be cleaned and sanitized between visits.
This exhibit is on view through April 2nd. Each artist’s work represents their varied and multifaceted cultural background with their personal ethos, immersion, and passion driving their art. The gallery will kick off the exhibit with a “Virtual Opening Reception & Artist Talk” on February 26 (5-6 PM). Here’s the zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83687099581?pwd=OHhsRGJRdE5aSUM5Vys5OXYveG9EZz09
The exhibit is at the ARTspace Gallery (41 B Avenue, Lake Oswego) with visiting hours from 10 AM to 5 PM.
Old Barn Hurricane, NE Oregon (Kevin Felts)
Graffiti a la Pollock, Portland, OR (Richard Blakeslee)
About the Arts Council of Lake Oswego:
Works to ensure the arts are an integral part of life in our community now and into the future with the purpose of placement and preservation of public art in Lake Oswego, providing access to art exhibitions for residents and visitors, and advance the lifelong learning about the arts through educational programs and docent tours.
A Lifestyle story. Portland, OR. Some singles put romance on hold to avoid Covid-19, but Isabel Klein just went on 52 dates—a date a week for a year. “I dated through the pandemic and did NOT get COVID! Take that Covid!” Klein exclaimed. “It was a simple screening process. Imagine a windowless interrogation room, naked light bulb swinging overhead, and me screaming in a guy’s face ‘You got an N95? You sing your ABC while you wash your hands?’ But seriously, it’s all about communication.” Klein is pictured above with (Covid-negative) podcast co-host Ryan Opton. (Photo by Julia Donlon) Klein talks about dating on a new Podcast. Date a Week listeners can check it out for free on Spotify.
The Oregon native/LA-based comedic actress became an authority on dating while waiting for the entertainment industry to re-start.
The funny girl/dating expert blogs about her journey on Date-A-Week.com. “A lot of cringe-worthy things happened, so I used it as fodder for TikTok videos, and they took off.” The 24-year-old plays multiple parts as she recreates dates at her handle, @frizzyhairizzy. One of her #dateaweekla TikToks has already been viewed over 2 million times.
Klein explained, “I went on 52 dates! Speed dating on an app, blind date setups, virtual cookie making, I’ve done it all. I got stiffed by a guy who ‘forgot his wallet’ and went on over a dozen of social distance walks. But I never found a sexy way to pick up my dog’s poop.”
Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Isabel Klein is offering advice to singles.
Top Three Valentine’s Dating Tips:
Start with a FaceTime date. It’s safe and helps prevent romantic letdowns. Pre-screen with a ‘Covid talk’ to ensure prospective sweethearts are using best practices.
Make a commitment to date regularly. It takes the pressure off individual dates so you’re freer to be yourself. If a date’s a bust, even on Valentine’s Day, there’s always next week.
Put yourself out there! It is not an act of desperation; it’s a bold, empowering, and intentional search for love!
“Look, if I can do it, you can do it,” Klein said. “Before I committed to going on a date a week, I got so nervous would dry heave before walking out the door. Last year I finally made overcoming my fears a priority.” It’s a technique that’s also working for readers who are trying it for themselves. Many offer Testimonials on Date-A-Week.com.
Klein hoping others will follow her lead and face their anxiety by committing to date more frequently.
Like other singles, Klein had to pivot during the pandemic but didn’t want to stop meeting new people. “It’s a hard time to be alone. There’s not much to do because of Covid and we all need human connection.” Klein has a list of safety tips on her blog. “I’m not taking any chances. Covid-19 is serious business. Also, I can’t lose my sense of smell and taste, because Frappuccinos and chocolate croissants are my life.”
Isabel is represented by Julie Smith of Smith and Hervey/Grimes Talent Agency
Theatrical and Commercial – 310.475.201. Email:[email protected]
Portland, OR. Poison Waters (on left, posing with Tracy Curtis) will take her enthusiasm online this year for the ‘Our House’ Virtual Gala. Organizers encourage supporters to step back in time and tune in for an MTV-esque online event set in the ‘80s. The free benefit on Feb. 20th offers an opportunity to support the organization which provides healthcare, housing, and other vital services to people in the Portland community living with HIV. The nonprofit started in 1988.
Dana Kinney, Director of Development and Communications, explains the decision behind the 80s’ themed virtual gala, “Since, Our House came to life in the eighties, we decided this would be a really fun year to do a flashback to the eighties and talk about how we’ve come, how we progressed, how our community has stood by us and how that was reflected in the height of the AIDS epidemic, but also at the height of the COVID pandemic.”
Kinney recognizes that the AIDS epidemic and the COVID-19 pandemic are very different in who is affected and how both communities are impacted differently, but the need for help and support has not changed.
“We’ve been fortunate enough that our community of supporters and donors have really stepped up tremendously to give us so much more than we could imagine during a pandemic to ensure that the most vulnerable keep getting supported,” Kinney explains.
Johnna Wells and Carrie Welch speak to guests at the Hopelessly Devoted to Our House Gala from 2019. This year’s virtual gala speaker will be Dale Johannes.
There will also be a virtual auction that opens on Feb. 12 at 8 am and closes on Feb. 20 at 9 pm. Once the auction opens, each package will be available to view and attendees can bid as often and as much as they like. Some auction packages include the following: beach vacations, mountain vacations, a hot tub boat in Seattle, nature tours, and art/wine tours.
There is also a chance to win two roundtrip Alaska Airlines ticket vouchers for $80. There are only 200 raffle tickets available and the winner will be announced during the live stream on Feb. 20.
Prizes are not the only thing to look forward to either. With previous in-person events, the organization has offered catering services which have also seen a significant impact from the pandemic. In order to ensure that attendees still have the full virtual experience, there will still be a catering service from Vibrant Table who has partnered with Our House before. Make sure to RSVP for the event and order food ahead to have it ready by clicking the link here.
Participants bid on auction items at the 2019 Hopelessly Devoted to Our House Gala. Auction items are still available with the event being virtual this year.
The live stream event is going to be really fun Kinney explains, “I would love for anyone who is either familiar or just learning about Our House or has no idea who we are, to tune in and just learn about us and see what we’re doing for the community and whether it’s as their one time that they’re watching and learning about us, or if they want to learn more, they can get ahold of us or even volunteer.”
From Our House website: Our House inspires people with HIV to LIVE WELL. Our House provides integrated health and housing services to people with HIV/AIDS. Guided by compassion, collaboration, and respect, we provide 24-hour specialized care, supportive services, and independent housing with support services.
Our House Core Values:
Compassion for those most in need was the reason we founded Our House and it continues to be our guiding value.
Collaboration at Our House builds relationships by sharing resources and expertise in the community to serve our clients.
Our House Respects the dignity, spirit, worth, needs, and rights of everyone we touch.
Our House maintains a Resourceful staff, stable finances, and effective programs through innovative and responsive action.
Our House Empowers clients to optimize the quality of life in a safe and accepting environment.
Portland, OR. Ride Connection continues to serve older adults and people with disabilities by connecting them to the essential services during the Covid-19 pandemic. Most recently, this has included accessible transit to vaccine appointments. The nonprofit is also delivering food boxes and providing transportation to life-sustaining medical appointments like dialysis and cancer treatments during the pandemic.
Ride Connection has teamed up with Food Pantries to deliver groceries. Customers can sign up to receive free food boxes.
Ride Connection follows the guidance of local government and the CDC.
Access to transportation is a pivotal piece for individuals to be connected to their essential services. However, many feel unsafe leaving their homes during this time, so bringing services to seniors and disabled people has become vital.
Ride Connection is also making wellness checks, explaining, “Since many of our customers aren’t leaving their homes, we are calling them with a quick hello and making sure they are doing well. We understand that many of our customers live in social isolation and their normal Ride Connection ride might have been their only social interaction for the day.”
From Ride Connection:
With the support of so many, Ride Connection has been able to continue to provide these vital services to keep our most vulnerable population safe, connected, and healthy.
Please consider joining us by making a donation today. Your gift will help someone who has no other options in a time when they need it most. Make a gift here.
Ride Connection is a private, non-profit organization based in Portland, Oregon. We offer ways for people to access the goods and services they need to survive and thrive. By giving people the means to get around, we offer independence, health, and inclusion.
The Ride Connection network is made up of a collection of agencies that serve older adults and people with disabilities as well as low-income individuals and the general public by offering a variety of transportation options in Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington counties.
Together, we provide over 500,000 rides and support more than 2,000 individuals with training and access to public transportation each year.
Portland, OR. After a four year search and evaluation of over 700 possible music professionals, the Oregon Symphony announced that Austrian-born conductor David Danzmayr will serve as its next Music Director.
Current Music Director, Carlos Kalmar will move into an advisory position with the organization after 17 years at the helm.
Because of the pandemic, symphony concerts have been canceled through June. But Scott Showalter, Oregon Symphony president, says the orchestra should be back in the fall. “We will reunite in-person with our community in Fall 2021, as we celebrate our 125th anniversary with adventurous new programming and exhilarating performances.”
Regarded as a gifted conductor, Oregon Symphony describes its new Music Director, David Danzmayr as, “a creative leader with a unique artistic vision, reflecting his desire to embrace wide-ranging cultures while inspiring and challenging audiences.”
According to the symphony’s announcement, Danzmayr has won prizes at some of the world ́s most prestigious conducting competitions, including at the International Gustav Mahler Conducting Competition and the International Malko Conducting Competition. He was also awarded the Bernhard Paumgartner Medal by the Internationale Stiftung Mozarteum, and was a finalist in the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s First International Sir Georg Solti Conducting Competition, where he was judged by a panel including longtime Oregon Symphony Music Director James DePreist.
Danzmayr was strongly influenced by Pierre Boulez and Claudio Abbado in his time as conducting stipendiate of the Gustav Mahler Youth Orchestra and by Leif Segerstam during his additional studies at the Sibelius Academy. Subsequently, he gained significant experience as assistant to Oregon Symphony Music Director Laureate Carlos Kalmar, Neeme Järvi, Stéphane Denève, Sir Andrew Davies, and Pierre Boulez, who entrusted Danzmayr with the preparatory rehearsals for his own music.
the Oregon Symphony is the oldest orchestra in the western United States.
Here is a video about this new chapter in the life of the Oregon Symphony.
From Oregon Symphony:
The multi-Grammy Award-nominated Oregon Symphony ranks as one of America’s major orchestras. Led by Music Director Carlos Kalmar, it serves more than 235,000 people annually through live concerts and award-winning education and community engagement programs. The Oregon Symphony has broken attendance and fundraising records in recent years, while innovating on stage through new series such as SoundSights, Sounds of Home and SoundStories. Additionally, syndicated programming for broadcast reaches tens of millions of people throughout the world. As 2021/22 will mark its 125th anniversary, the Oregon Symphony is the oldest orchestra in the western United States. For more information, visit www.orsymphony.org.
Portland, OR. Three celebrity distillery owners are joining forces in a Superbowl ad to raise awareness for the nonprofit, Another Round, Another Rally. Aviation American Gin owner Ryan Reynolds, DeLeón Tequila Owner Sean Combs (P Diddy), and David Beckham of Haig Whisky are raising $1 million for the U.S. nonprofit which is a financial resource for the hospitality industry. Another Round, Another Rally provides reimbursement grants, educational scholarships, and emergency assistance.
The Super Bowl commercial pokes fun at the celebrities’ mixology skills and confirms their longing for the professionals. Here’s a look:
Attracting an average of 160 million fans each year, the Super Bowl is traditionally the biggest advertising event on the calendar. In the spot, Reynolds, Sean Combs (P Diddy) and David Beckham announce they are working on “an industry first” whereby they will combine all three of their spirits with the “natural ingredients from Tampa Bay and Kansas City for a cocktail everyone can agree on while watching the Big Game this weekend.”
They soon realize they are not mixologists, instead, they come together to support the bartending community.
Reynolds had already pledged a donation of $10k to the Canadian Professional Bartenders’ Association in March 2020 as the owner of Aviation Gin, and his brand added an additional 30% tip throughout April 2020 for every bottle ordered online and every home-delivered Aviation cocktail.
The international spirits distributor, Diageo, (whose portfolio includes Aviation American Gin, DeLeón Tequila, and Haig Club Whiskey) will be donating one million dollars to Another Round. It is also donating to Another Rally’s Bartender’s Benevolent Fund, and Drinks Trust UK to support the bartending community.
From Another Round Another Rally:
Another Round Another Rally is fiscally sponsored by JoyBus, a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization, and your donation is tax-deductible within the guidelines of U.S. law.
Portland, OR. The Portland Winter Light Festival is taking on an entirely new form this year to safely reflect our current pandemic reality. Instead of a large, centralized festival event, the 6th annual festival has modest pop-up light art installations throughout the city. It takes place over two weekends, February 5-6 & 12-13. Organizers say, “The expanded timeline and decentralized footprint will allow guests more space and time to view installations, minimize crowding, and allow for physical distancing while still celebrating light and art during the darkest time of the year. Installations are presented in windows, storefronts, and public spaces throughout the city.” Below are links to maps.
This year’s (non)Festival aims to continue building community by bringing art and technology to inclusive audiences during the pandemic.
There are Covid-19 safety guidelines: for a safer experience, it’s required that guests wear a mask at all times, observe social distancing, and follow all recommended protocols to protect themselves and others. Enjoy the art from six feet apart.
Organizers have collaborated with community members, artists, and businesses for 2021.
There are over FIFTY art installations (including Twinkle Trees, pictured above). It’s a free, all-ages, citywide experience. (Photo of Twinkle Trees by Brooke Hoyer. PDXWLF 2020)
From Willamette Light Brigade;
The Portland Winter Light Festival (a Willamette Light Brigade event), powered by PGE renewable energy, is a free, all-ages community-wide celebration illuminating the city’s public spaces with installations by premier light artists and designers. No tickets are needed for the festival. The Willamette Light Brigade is a Portland, OR-based nonprofit committed to connecting community and enriching the public realm by harnessing the power of artful lighting to transform the cityscape. We light bridges, produce a dynamic winter light festival, and advocate for the importance of night-time identity and place-making. The Willamette Light Brigade was founded in 1986 with a mission to enhance and beautify the city of Portland by lighting the bridges that span the Willamette River and therefore uniting the East and West sides of the city. Over the last two decades, the Willamette Light Brigade has successfully advocated for and facilitated the lighting of many of Portland’s iconic bridges, and continues to be part of long term planning for the bridges in the city of Portland.
NONPROFIT BENEFIT TICKET GIVEAWAYS!
Sign up for our free weekly highlights for the chance to win two tickets terrific nonprofit events! If you "like" us on facebook, or sign up for our weekly news highlights, you'll be entered to win! Sign up today!
Look for another ticket giveaway soon! Are you a nonprofit looking to bolster your publicity with facebook and tweets? Email us and we'll run a contest with tickets to your event! [email protected]
