Portland, OR. Organizers expect over 60,000 people to visit their Waterfront Festival and enjoy the annual parade during the June 16th-17th Portland Pride celebration. Portland Pride is held every June and is organized by the nonprofit, Pride Northwest. Its mission is to encourage and celebrate the positive diversity of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and trans communities and showcase the history, accomplishments, and talents of these communities. Every year, during the month of June, the LGBT community celebrates around the world to recognize the positive influence of LGBT people.
There are over 160 entries in the parade this year. Photos from 2017 help tell the story.
The Pride Parade starts at the North Park Blocks and travels to Waterfront Park.
Trinity Episcopal Cathedral is encouraging members to join them again this year.
As are health organizations like Oregon Reproductive Medicine.
The parade is just one part of Portland Pride.
As part of 2018 Portland Pride, the Portland Thorns are partnering with Basic Rights Oregon and the Q Center to support LGBTQ equality.
Rainbow flags hang in the windows of city hall for #PrideMonth.
On June 14th Portland City Council voted to rename a 13-block section of Southwest Stark Street after gay rights activist Harvey Milk. The name change for the stretch of Stark Street between Naito Parkway and Burnside—historically a hub for Portland’s LGBTQ community—was fast-tracked in honor of Pride Month and this weekend’s Pride Parade. Milk was the nation’s first openly gay elected official. He won a seat on San Francisco’s Board of Supervisors in 1977 and was assassinated one year later, at the age of 48.
Local businesses like Green Bean Books are featuring special offerings for Portland Pride.
Elephants Delicatessen is offering sweet rainbow cupcakes in honor of Pride Month.
Pride Northwest also works to celebrate and support the whole of the Pacific Northwest’s LGBTQ community year-round. Whether working with the City of Portland to improve the safety and livability of the LGBTQ community, supporting other Pride organizations like Q Center, Latinx Pride, Black Pride, and API Pride, sponsoring rural Prides around the region, building community with our incarcerated LGBT youth, or showcasing the artistic talents of LGBTQ people, our goal is to provide visibility around the issues impacting our community, and to celebrate the culture and contributions of our community.
The Portland Pride festival is the single, largest visibility avenue for our region’s LGBTQ community organizations and businesses, where they can attract new supporters and clients, increase their volunteer base, and raise much needed funds. In addition, the festival attracts thousands of visitors to Portland each year, bringing significant revenue to the local LGBTQ business community and to the city, as a whole.
Portland, OR. This summer marks the 12th year of the Movies in the Park program for Portland Parks and Recreation and screenings will include hits like Black Panther and The Greatest Showman. The free program has grown from 13 movies to a run of over 40 during a 12-week period.
Most screenings feature a pre-movie concert by local musicians.
Here’s a list of the 2018 offerings:
DATE
LOCATION
CONCERTS AND MOVIES
PARTNERS
TRANSIT
DETAILS
Friday,
July 6
Kenilworth Park, SE Holgate Boulevard and 32nd Avenue
Greydogz—New Orleans-style funk, blues, folk, and reggae
Creston-Kenilworth Neighborhood Association, Reed Neighborhood Association
9, 10, 17
Moana (2016) PG—English with Spanish subtitles
Fernhill Park, NE 37th Avenue and Ainsworth Street
Portland Interfaith Gospel Choir—Traditional and contemporary black gospel music
Fernhill Summer Concerts Committee
70, 72, 75
Saturday,
July 7
Dickinson Park, SW 57th Place and Huddleston Street
Bottleneck Blues Band—Red-hot, funky dance blues
Crestwood Neighborhood Association
12, 43, 44, 96
Ferdinand (2017) PG
Monday,
July 9
Sellwood Riverfront Park, SE Spokane Street and Oaks Pkwy
Farnell Newton & The Othership Connection—Revitalizing funk and soul with a twist
Championed by Collage, Sellwood Riverfront Park Concerts Committee
19, 35, 36, 70, 99
Tuesday,
July 10
Mt. Tabor Park, SE 69th Avenue and Taylor Street
Dina y los Rumberos—Vibrant, energetic Cuban and international
Mt. Tabor/Berrydale Concerts Committee
15, 71
Wednesday,
July 11
Khunamokwst Park, 5200 NE Alberta Street
Matíces Latin Band—Andean pan pipes, Cuban son, and Latin jazz
Cully Association of Neighbors
24, 71, 72, 75
Beauty and the Beast (2017) PG—English with Spanish subtitles
Thursday,
July 12
George Park, 7240 N Fessenden Street
Colectivo de Son Jarocho de Portland—Deep Afro-Mexican roots
St. Johns Center for Opportunity
4, 11
The Sandlot (1993) PG—English with Spanish subtitles
Friday,
July 13
Wilshire Park, NE 33rd Avenue and Skidmore Street
Far Out West—Rootsy funk and blues rock
Beaumont-Wilshire Neighborhood Association, Alameda Neighborhood Association
17, 24, 70, 75
The Secret Life of Pets (2016) PG
Fernhill Park, NE 37th Avenue and Ainsworth Street
Sonny Hess and Lady Kat—Modern blues and soulful rhythm and blues
Championed by Vacasa, Fernhill Summer Concerts Committee
70, 72, 75
Saturday,
July 14
Glenhaven Park, 7900 NE Siskiyou Street
All Together Now—Beatles cover band
Madison South Neighborhood
12, 24, 72
Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017) PG-13—English with Spanish subtitles
Sunday,
July 15
April Hill Park, SW 58th Avenue and Miles Street
Rogue Bluegrass Band—Acoustic bluegrass
Maplewood Neighborhood Association
1, 45
Coco (2017) PG
Monday,
July 16
Sellwood Riverfront Park, SE Spokane Street and Oaks Pkwy
Lloyd Jones Quartet with LaRhonda Steele—Spontaneous blues, jazz, and soul
Portland, OR. Friends of the Children celebrated 25 years by raising $2.51 million at its annual Friend Raiser benefit on May 10th. More than 740 guests came out for the event to honor Friends of the Children founders Duncan and Cindy Campbell as well as the hundreds of current program youth and alumni who’ve benefited from having a professional mentor in their lives. At the event, founder Duncan Campbell, was joined on stage by 25 current and former program youth and professional mentors to commemorate 25 years of Friends of the Children. (Photo credit, Kelly Mooney and Justine Reimnitz)
Priscilla and Dan Wieden, co-founder of Wieden + Kennedy, an event sponsor.
Founder, Duncan Campbell, talks with Michele and Greg Goodwin.
Friend Raiser guests bid on unique silent auction items.
Their first year at Friend Raiser, Beaches Restaurant from Vancouver, WA was a huge crowd pleaser.
Presented by Express Employment Professionals and Verizon, the event began with an open house at the Friends of the Children headquarters and a silent auction. Guests moved from room to room, grazing on gourmet hors d’oeuvres and sipping bubbles, while bidding on garden, wine, and vacation packages. Friends and youth then helped guide supporters to a massive tent for the evening’s live program through their famous high-five tunnel.
With only 10 live auction packages and a fast-paced special appeal, the crowd’s energy stayed high and the paddles were raised even higher. When all was said and done, the event set a new fundraising record at $2.51 million. Of that, $1.7 million was raised in the special appeal alone.
Before the record breaking special appeal, Randy Corradine, Director of Education & Equity, whose siblings are program graduates, addressed the audience and Friends of the Children founder, Duncan Campbell. “Duncan, you created this… Everyone in the crowd tonight is here because of you. Everyone on this stage and peppered throughout this space is here because of you. In 25 years, you have impacted thousands of lives and because of the ripple effect, those impacted lives will impact tens of thousands more lives in the next 25 years.”
From Friends of the Children:
Friends of the Children – Portland would like to extend a huge thank you to their major event sponsors!
Express Employment Professionals
Verizon
Columbia Forest Products
Acme Construction Supply
Campbell Global
Bob’s Red Mill
Grand + Benedicts
Touchmark
Wieden + Kennedy
Convergence Networks
CareOregon
Friends of the Children – Portland is the founding chapter of a nationwide organization dedicated to breaking the cycle of generational poverty through salaried, professional mentoring. For 25 years, Friends of the Children has used evidence-based strategies, long-term interventions, and nurturing relationships to serve youth facing the greatest societal challenges. For every $1 invested in program youth, $7 is returned to the community in savings within the public sector and contributions to the private sector, according to a Harvard Alumni Association of Oregon research. This year, Friends of the Children was named the number one Most-Admired Nonprofit in Oregon by the Portland Business Journal for the fourth time in six years.
Portland, OR. Portlanders are getting a chance to tour several U.S. and Canada ships and meet military service members and veterans. Ship tours continue through Sunday, June 10th. The Rose Festival Court made history on June 9th when Kiara Johnson became the first student from Parkrose high school honored as Queen of Rosaria. Queen Kiara, plans on attending college to pursue a career as a veterinarian or journalist. Each Rose Festival Court member receives a $3500 Scholarship courtesy of The Randal Group to use at a collage of their choice.
Kiara Johnson and her family.
Another first was a canine Rose Festival Parade Grand Marshal named Diesel, a 2 1/2 year-old English Mastiff. Diesel was chosen in a contest benefiting the Rose Festival’s 2018 Official Charity, the Oregon Humane Society.
Diesel rode in a convertible during the parade.
The 2018 parade drew hundreds of thousands of cheering people to the 4-mile route.
The nation’s most storied marching band: the U.S. Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps make their first appearance in Portland since 1989.
Below is a list of the winners:
2018 SPIRIT MOUNTAIN CASINO GRAND FLORAL PARADE FLOAT AWARDS
Hillmann Lueddemann Jr. Sweepstakes Award (Most outstanding float in the Parade) Alaska Airlines
President’s Award (Most effective overall floral presentation) Reser’s Fine Foods
Queens Award (Most Creative float in the parade) p:ear
Governor’s Award (Best depiction of life in Oregon) Portland General Electric
Royal Rosarian Award (Best craftsmanship and workmanship) Fred Meyer
Rose Society Award (Most effective use and display of roses) Unitus Community Credit Union
Rose Festival Directors Award (Best depiction of volunteerism) Northwest Chinese Alliance
Rose Festival Court Award (Best example of enthusiasm and teamwork) Juega Feliz
Grand Marshal Award (Best depiction of whimsy) Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon
Theme Award (Best presentation of Rose Festival theme – Play Happy) Rose Festival CityFair
Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Award (Best depiction of community spirit) Cambia Portland Classic
Peg Roseboro Award (Most artistic design and presentation) Spirit mountain Casino
Dick Powers Picture Perfect Award (Best Mini-float) Metro Mini-Float
Parade Queen Award Westminster Hyack Festival Mini-float
Parade Chairman Award Lincoln City Mini-FloatBAND AWARDS:
Band Sweepstakes (Best Band in Parade)
Westview High School
In-State Division A (99 Members or Less)
First Place – Hillsboro High School, Hillsboro, OR
Second Place – Aloha High School, Beaverton, OR
Third Place – Lincoln High School, Portland, OR
In-State Open (100 or more)
First Place – Tualatin High School, Tualatin, OR
Second Place – Oregon City High School, Oregon City, OR
Third Place – Century High School, Hillsboro, OR
Out-of-State Division A (99 Members or Less)
First Place – Battle Ground High School, Battle Ground, WA
Second Place – Prairie High School, Brush Prairie, WA
Third Place – South Kitsap High School, Port Orchard, WA
ROSE FESTIVAL EQUESTRIAN AWARD LISTING
Vern Hulit Award for Excellence in Preparation,
Organization and Presentation
Happy Canyon Princesses
Native or National Costume, Individual/Pair
Happy Canyon Indian Princesses
Native Dress – Group
Hawaii Pa’u Riders
Rodeo or Fair Queen and Court
Pendleton Round Up Court
Here’s information on more Rose Festival events:
Join the thrill of the Dragon Boat Race Saturday and Sunday at the Waterfront Bowl area near Riverplace Marina as more than 50 teams push the traditional ornately decorated Dragons to victory. Teams of up to 20 paddlers compete in Women’s, Mixed and Student categories from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. both days.
CityFair wraps the festival with great food, extra kids fun and Funtastic carnival rides. If they went by too fast on Saturday, come down to CityFair and see them up close as the floats from the Grand Floral Parade put the brakes on and pause for photo-ops along Naito Parkway for the Grand Floral Float Showcase starting at 3:00 p.m. Saturday through 4:00 p.m. Sunday.
Also on Sunday amateur ukulele players are invited to join the first Ukulele Rose Experience and jam session. Led by local musician Rick Huddle and Introducing bass player Matt Lynch, the one hour session will be emceed by comedian & Clown Prince Angel Ocasio. Join the music Sunday, June 10, 20181:30 p.m. ‐ 2:30 p.m. on the Rose City Stage inside CityFair at Tom McCall Waterfront Park. CityFair admission is FREE with ukulele and all ages and skill levels welcome! (Bring your music stand).
Since the very beginning of the Rose Festival back in 1907, visiting ships and other fleet-related elements (like submarines) have been making their way to Portland’s waterfront. The City of Portland is known to be a favorite port of call for military (and non-military) visitors — and citizens enjoy making these visitors welcome! One of the purposes of Fleet Week has always been to celebrate and thank the active and reserve military personnel and all veterans. The Portland Rose Festival is extremely fortunate to be one of a few U.S. Ports of Call for a courtesy visit from the U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, and Royal Canadian Navy. Their arrival commemorates a relationship with the Navy that has lasted more than 100 years, and over 80 years of visiting Portland during the Rose Festival. It is a significant commitment by the Navy to make the Rose Festival Fleet Week one of the premier Fleet Week events in the country.
Portland, OR. Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB) raised nearly $300,000 at Pinot & Pups, a special benefit at the Portland Art Museum. More than 350 GDB supporters and guide dog users gathered for the fundraiser on May 12th. Haley Pritchard smiled for a photo with a guide dog in training at the party. Guide Dogs for the Blind pairs dogs with people experiencing visual impairments and blindness; it provides services free of charge and receives no government funding.
GDB supporter Howard Hedinger spends time with GDB National Major Gift Officer Janet Benjamin.
GDB CEO Chris Benninger spends time with Barbara Summers and Board Member, Von Summers.
Noi Hall and Linda Glasser team up to bid.
Yellow Lab guide dog puppy, Flash, sports a bow tie along with his puppy vest.
GDB staff members pose with canine heroes in training.
Sue Dishart, Jeri and Darrell Livingston enjoy the wine reception and silent auction that kicked off Pinot and Pups.
Michelle Holman and Skee Bernhardt get ready to bid with wild abandon.
Janet Rivera enjoys the thrill of victory.
David Pazourek and Claudia Bowers enjoy the evening’s program – especially the live auction.
Ron Richards and Kathy Leathers celebrate a winning bid. They won the infamous wine and chocolate package!
Guests enjoyed wine and beer at the event.
The event featured local fine wine and beer tastings, people (and dogs) dressed to the nines, a silent auction, a live auction and inspiring stories on the real impact a guide dog has from active guide dog users.
Featuring one story from an active guide dog user and her adult son, who became a trainer for GDB after seeing how much of a positive impact the organization had on his mother’s life.
All proceeds from the event benefited Guide Dogs for the Blind.
Portland, OR. Portland Opera is currently staging Gounod’s Faust with performances June 8th, 10th, 14th, and 16th. When season 55 kicks off in November, it will includetwo classics, an opera with a transgender heroine, and a rarely performed piece by a well-known composer. The season will launch Verdi’s romance La Traviata. In March, Portland Opera will present Laura Kaminsky’s coming-of-age story, As One, where two voices, a mezzo-soprano and a baritone, share the role of the transgender heroine Hannah. The season will continue in the spring with the company’s annual Big Night concert and vibrant production of Rossini’s great Il Barbiere di Siviglia. In July, the company will present Mozart’s La Finta Giardiniera for the first time, followed by the company premiere of Philip Glass’s exploration of the nature of justice, In the Penal Colony, based on Franz Kafka’s short story.
In addition to mainstage programming, Portland Opera will host five unique evenings at the Hampton Opera Center, building on the company’s Vino e Voce series. Each performance will feature intimate performances by 2018/19 season artists, al fresco dining, and drinks overlooking the Willamette River.
“Each opera in the 2018/19 season brings us on a journey – whether that journey is across land, into the arms of love, or an internal journey into self-acceptance and belonging,” says General Director Christopher Mattaliano. “These stories inspire us time and time again. We can’t wait to share these moments with the Portland community.”
Portland Opera 2018/2019 Season
La Traviata – Giuseppe Verdi
Four performances: November 2, 4 (matinee), 8, 10, 2018
Keller Auditorium, 222 SW Clay Street
Sung in Italian with English translations projected above the stage.
Violetta Valéry Aurelia Florian
Alfredo Germont Jonathan Boyd
Giorgio Germont Weston Hurt
Flora Camille Sherman
Doctor Damien Geter
Marquis Geoffrey Schellenberg
Gastone David Warner
Annina Helen Huang
Conductor Christopher Larkin
Director Elise Sandell
A crown jewel of grand opera, La Traviata tells the story of the brilliant and beautiful Parisian courtesan Violetta Valéry as she falls in love with Alfredo Germont. Haunted by her reputation and illness, Violetta navigates sexual politics and confronts societal expectations as she braves a broken heart.
Classic sets and costumes honor tradition in this production. Romanian soprano Aurelia Florian, whose performance of Violetta at the San Francisco Opera was called “incandescent” by the San Francisco Chronicle, makes her Portland Opera debut as our tour de force heroine. Tenor Jonathan Boyd, who sings the title role in this season’s production of Faust, returns to the company as Alfredo.
“At the center of the Parisian Demimonde of the 19th century is one of opera’s most beloved heroines, Violetta Valéry,” says stage director Elise Sandell. “She lives in a world of luxurious and flagrant hedonism…and so will we in the audience while watching the opera! She’s a woman with intelligence and heart, who seems to have everything a woman could want: riches, popularity, and men to dote on her. She dares to give it all up to live a life of real love with Alfredo, who sees only her. This is a story we love to live over and over again…and when we stay true to the characters and the music, it never disappoints!”
As One – Laura Kaminsky
A Chamber Opera for Two Voices and String Quartet
Music and concept by Laura Kaminsky
Libretto by Mark Campbell and Kimberly Reed
Five performances: March 22, 24 (matinee), 26, 28, 30, 2019
Newmark Theatre, 1111 SE Broadway Ave.
Sung in English with English supertitles projected above the stage.
Hannah after Hannah S. Penn
Hannah before Alexander Elliott
Director, Conductor,
Set & Costume Designer Andreas Mitisek
In this stunning coming-of-age story, two voices—a mezzo-soprano and a baritone—share the role of our transgender heroine Hannah as she endeavors to resolve the discord between herself and the outside world. Celebrated as one of the most important new works in the world of opera, Hannah’s story sheds light on universal truths of self-love and identity.
This chamber opera incorporates film, directed and created by Kimberly Reed. Former Portland Opera Resident Artists Hannah Penn and Alexander Elliott sing the roles of Hannah. Conductor, director, and designer Andreas Mitisek makes his Portland Opera debut with this production.
As One was commissioned and developed by American Opera Projects, a nonprofit organization that has produced over 30 world premiere operas. The piece premiered at the Brooklyn Academy of Music in 2014, and in the 2016/17 season it was the 14th most produced opera in the country, surpassing Turandot and Il Barbiere di Siviglia. The New York Classical Review says of the piece “As One~is everything that we hope for in contemporary opera: topical, poignant, daring, and beautifully written.”
“As One is an essential human story about~the journey of becoming~One,~Whole,~True.~We take this journey like every other human, unlike every other human,” says stage director Andreas Mitisek. “That is the power of the arts~–~to make us think and reflect, to open~new doors into worlds we didn’t know,~to remind us of what we each have to offer, and what we all have in common; to help us understand our history and imagine our future; to give us hope in the moments of struggle; and to bring us~together when nothing else will.”
Big Night 2019
May 11, 2019
Keller Auditorium, 222 SW Clay Street
Portland Opera’s annual Big Night concert is a one-night-only celebration of some of the most beautiful music ever composed. In 2019, the concert will feature a new addition – a special reveal of the 2019/20 season.
This performance will feature mezzo-soprano Aleksandra Romano, baritone John Moore, tenor Matthew Grills, the 2018/19 Portland Resident Artists, and the Portland Opera Orchestra and Chorus, led by Music Director George Manahan. General Director Christopher Mattaliano will be the host of the evening.
Il Barbiere di Siviglia – Gioachino Rossini
Four performances: June 7, 9 (matinee), 13, 15, 2019
Keller Auditorium, 222 SW Clay Street
Sung in Italian with English translations projected above the stage
Figaro John Moore
Count Almaviva Jack Swanson
Rosina Aleksandra Romano
Dr. Bartolo Eduardo Chama
Don Basilio Adam Lau
Berta Antonia Tamer
Conductor George Manahan
Director Christopher Mattaliano
Count Almaviva has fallen for the charming Rosina and enlists the help of the town barber Figaro to assist in winning her affection. Together they try to outwit her horrible guardian, Dr. Bartolo, who also vies for her hand. Classic shenanigans and twists promise to delight audiences both young and young at heart in one of the greatest comic operas of all time.
Christopher Mattaliano’s colorful and nostalgic production is a fun-filled love letter to opera’s brilliant past. The piece stars Metropolitan Opera baritone John Moore as the scheming barber, mezzo-soprano Aleksandra Romano, last seen at Portland Opera as Isabella in The Italian Girl in Algiers, as Rosina, and Jack Swanson as Count Almaviva.
“This production of The Barber of Seville is high energy and high voltage,” says stage director Christopher Mattaliano. “We’re embracing the conventions of opera, which can be a ridiculous art form, and not apologizing for it. Rossini’s piece sparkles, and I can’t wait to bring this production of one of the most popular opera buffas back to the stage.”
La Finta Giardiniera – Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Six performances: July 12, 14 (matinee), 18, 20, 24, 27, 2019
Newmark Theatre, 1111 SW Broadway Avenue
Sung in Italian with English translations projected above the stage
Sandrina Lindsay Ohse
Count Belfiore Thomas Cilluffo
Podesta Mark A. Thomsen
Arminda Antonia Tamer
Ramiro Camille Sherman
Serpetta Helen Huang
Nardo Geoffrey Schellenberg
Conductor George Manahan
Director Chas Rader-Shieber
Violante goes into hiding as “the disguised gardener” at the local Mayor’s country estate after escaping her abusive lover, Count Belfiore. As she chooses forgiveness and to love again, a dizzying cast of characters in disguise, enamored, and in chaos come together in this seriocomic account of the very complex nature of the human heart.
Combining buoyant comedy with drama and sublime music, this opera from 1775 showcases everything we love about Mozart’s work. Lindsay Ohse returns to Portland Opera as the title character in Chas Rader-Shieber’s inspired new production.
“The story of La Finta Giardiniera tells typically Mozartian emotional truths, even in the midst of comic mayhem and romantic confusion,” says stage director Chas Rader-Shieber. “With ideas straight out of the Age of Enlightenment, Mozart valiantly attempts to create order out of the chaos of love; a love that is messy and silly and glorious and profound. Both the aristocracy and their servants join in “carving topiary out of the weeds”, in a bittersweet search for calming reason in the wild landscape of passion.”
In the Penal Colony – Philip Glass
Eight performances: July 26, 28 (matinee), 30, August 1, 3, 6, 8, 10, 2019
The Gregory K. and Mary Chomenko Hinckley Studio Theatre at the Hampton Opera Center, 211 SE Caruthers Street
Sung in English with English supertitles projected above the stage
The Visitor Martin Bakari
The Officer Ryan Thorn
Conductor Nicholas Fox
Director Jerry Mouawad
A visitor is invited to a penal colony to observe the execution of a prisoner at the hands of a nightmarish machine. The colony’s officer extols the virtues of the apparatus, which tortures as it kills, in this piece that the New York Times calls a “surreal exploration of injustice.” As the future of the institution is questioned, the visitor considers the consequences of meddling, and the officer grows more desperate to preserve the system.
Featuring a string quintet, this new production is directed and devised by Jerry Mouawad of Imago Theatre, who directed Portland Opera’s 2017 production of The Difficulty of Crossing a Field and The Little Match Girl Passion. Baritone Ryan Thorn and tenor Martin Bakari bothreturn to Portland Opera as the Officer and Visitor.
In the Penal Colony is based on Franz Kafka’s short story by the same name. Librettist Rudy Wurlitzer adapted the piece for opera, and ACT Theatre in Seattle commissioned the work for its premiere in 2000.
“The short story by Kafka is most disturbing and graphic – capital punishment and extreme torture that spits out a highly questionable redemption,” says stage director Jerry Mouawad. “Kafka seems to ask us poignant questions – is humankind in a tailspin, an endless cycle? Does darkness reign until light emerges, only long enough until we deem it necessary that darkness return again?”
Tickets and Information
Subscriptions for the 2018/19 season are on sale now. Single tickets for La Traviata and As One will go on sale on August 17, 2018, and single tickets for the remainder of the season will go on sale on December 7, 2018. For more information, and to purchase tickets visit http://www.portlandopera.org or call Patron Services at 503-241-1802. For more information, patrons may also contact the Opera Concierge at [email protected].
Main stage operas are presented with projected English translations above the stage. Evening performances begin at 7:30 PM, and matinee performances begin at 2 PM. Late seating is not permitted. Tickets and subscriptions can be purchased online at portlandopera.org, by calling (503) 241-1802, or in-person at the Hampton Opera Center, located at 211 SE Caruthers Street in Portland, Oregon. Patron Services hours are Monday through Friday, 10 AM – 5 PM.
Portland Opera is a participant in Arts for All—providing $5 tickets for Oregon Trail Card holders for operas at the Keller Auditorium and Newmark Theatre.
A limited number of rush tickets (for seniors, students, and United States Armed Forces personnel and their families) are available for performances. Student rush tickets are available online on the Monday before the performances. Call 503-241-1802 for more information.
Portland Opera offers wheelchair accessible and companion seating for every performance throughout the season, and offers assisted listening devices for productions at the Newmark Theatre and Keller Auditorium. Designated performances also include a live audio-description of the visual and physical events on-stage for patrons who are blind or have low vision. Please contact Patron Services for additional information.
Portland Opera appreciates the ongoing support of funders including The Collins Foundation, Meyer Memorial Trust, Oregon Arts Commission, Work for Art, the James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation, and The Regional Arts & Culture Council, including support from the City of Portland, Multnomah County, and the Arts Education & Access Fund.
About Portland Opera
Portland Opera exists to inspire, challenge, and uplift its audiences by creating productions of high artistic quality and is proud to be a part of the region’s thriving artistic and business community. We celebrate the beauty and breadth of the opera repertoire with performances that take place in the Keller Auditorium, Newmark Theatre, and the Gregory K. and Mary Chomenko Hinckley Studio Theatre at the Hampton Opera Center. The company is also a committed educational partner, touring fully staged operas to schools and community centers throughout Oregon and SW Washington region each year, in addition to a host of other efforts designed to make opera accessible for all.
Portland, OR. “If you need help, please call.” That’s the message from counselors at the local suicide prevention nonprofit, Lines for life — calling them is free and confidential.
SUICIDE LIFELINE
Call 800-273-8255
Text 273TALK to 839863.
When famous individuals like Kate Spade or Anthony Bourdain commit suicide, experts worry that media coverage might prompt others to try to solve a temporary problem with an all too permanent, and tragic, solution. There were, for example, more calls than usual to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, (1-800-273-8255) after the death of Robin Williams.
Lines for Life is a regional nonprofit dedicated to preventing substance abuse and suicide that offers help and hope to individuals and communities, and promotes mental health for all. When a crisis arises or support is needed, counselors are available 24/7/365 to intervene with personalized help. Here’s a video about the service:
Experts suggest that you take the time to check in with friends and loved ones. Ask them how they’re really feeling. And if you’re worried that someone you know might be thinking about suicide, here’s how & why the 5 steps of #BeThe1To can help. The five action steps for communicating with someone who may be suicidal are supported by evidence in the field of suicide prevention:
ASK
How – Asking the question “Are you thinking about suicide?” communicates that you’re open to speaking about suicide in a non-judgmental and supportive way. Asking in this direct, unbiased manner, can open the door for effective dialogue about their emotional pain and can allow everyone involved to see what next steps need to be taken. Other questions you can ask include, “How do you hurt?” and “How can I help?” Do not ever promise to keep their thoughts of suicide a secret.
The flip side of the “Ask” step is to “Listen.” Make sure you take their answers seriously and not to ignore them, especially if they indicate they are experiencing thoughts of suicide. Listening to their reasons for being in such emotional pain, as well as listening for any potential reasons they want to continue to stay alive, are both incredibly important when they are telling you what’s going on. Help them focus on their reasons for living and avoid trying to impose your reasons for them to stay alive.
How – First of all, it’s good for everyone to be on the same page. After the “Ask” step, and you’ve determined suicide is indeed being talked about, it’s important to find out a few things to establish immediate safety. Have they already done anything to try to kill themselves before talking with you? Does the person experiencing thoughts of suicide know how they would kill themselves? Do they have a specific, detailed plan? What’s the timing for their plan? What sort of access to do they have to their planned method?
Why – Knowing the answers to each of these questions can tell us a lot about the imminence and severity of danger the person is in. For instance, the more steps and pieces of a plan that are in place, the higher their severity of risk and their capability to enact their plan might be. Or if they have immediate access to a firearm and are very serious about attempting suicide, then extra steps (like calling the authorities or driving them to an emergency department) might be necessary. The Lifeline can always act as a resource during these moments as well if you aren’t entirely sure what to do next.
The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health notes that reducing a suicidal person’s access to highly lethal means (or chosen method for a suicide attempt) is an important part of suicide prevention. A number of studies have indicated that when lethal means are made less available or less deadly, suicide rates by that method decline, and frequently suicide rates overall decline. Research also shows that “method substitution” or choosing an alternate method when the original method is restricted, frequently does not happen. The myth “If someone really wants to kill themselves, they’ll find a way to do it” often does not hold true if appropriate safety measures are put into place. The Keep Them Safe step is really about showing support for someone during the times when they have thoughts of suicide by putting time and distance between the person and their chosen method, especially methods that have shown higher lethality (like firearms and medications).
BE THERE
How – This could mean being physically present for someone, speaking with them on the phone when you can, or any other way that shows support for the person at risk. An important aspect of this step is to make sure you follow through with the ways in which you say you’ll be able to support the person – do not commit to anything you are not willing or able to accomplish. If you are unable to be physically present with someone with thoughts of suicide, talk with them to develop some ideas for others who might be able to help as well (again, only others who are willing, able, and appropriate to be there). Listening is again very important during this step – find out what and who they believe will be the most effective sources of help.
Why – Being there for someone with thoughts of suicide is life-saving. Increasing someone’s connectedness to others and limiting their isolation (both in the short and long-term) has shown to be a protective factor against suicide. Thomas Joiner’s Interpersonal-Psychological Theory of Suicide highlights connectedness as one of its main components – specifically, a low sense of belonging. When someone experiences this state, paired with perceived burdonsomeness (arguably tied to “connectedness” through isolating behaviors and lack of a sense of purpose) and acquired capability (a lowered fear of death and habituated experiences of violence), their risk can become severely elevated.
In the Three-Step Theory (or more commonly known as the Ideation-to-Action Framework), David Klonsky and Alexis May also theorize that “connectedness” is a key protective factor, not only against suicide as a whole, but in terms of the escalation of thoughts of suicide to action. Their research has also shown connectedness acts as a buffer against hopelessness and psychological pain.
By “being there,” we have a chance to alleviate or eliminate some of these significant factors.
HELP THEM CONNECT
How – Helping someone with thoughts of suicide connect with ongoing supports (like the Lifeline, 800-273-8255) can help them establish a safety net for those moments they find themselves in a crisis. Additional components of a safety net might be connecting them with supports and resources in their communities. Explore some of these possible supports with them – are they currently seeing a mental health professional? Have they in the past? Is this an option for them currently? Are there other mental health resources in the community that can effectively help?
One way to start helping them find ways to connect is to work with them to develop a safety plan. This can include ways for them identify if they start to experience significant, severe thoughts of suicide along with what to do in those crisis moments. A safety plan can also include a list of individuals to contact when a crisis occurs. The My3 app is a safety planning and crisis intervention app that can help develop these supports and is stored conveniently on your smartphone for quick access.
Why – Impact of Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training on the National Suicide Prevention Lifelinefound that individuals that called the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline were significantly more likely to feel less depressed, less suicidal, less overwhelmed, and more hopeful by the end of calls handled by Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training-trained counselors. These improvements were linked to ASIST-related counselor interventions, including listening without judgment, exploring reasons for living and creating a network of support.
FOLLOW UP
How – After your initial contact with a person experiencing thoughts of suicide, and after you’ve connected them with the immediate support systems they need, make sure to follow-up with them to see how they’re doing. Leave a message, send a text, or give them a call. The follow-up step is a great time to check in with them to see if there is more you are capable of helping with or if there are things you’ve said you would do and haven’t yet had the chance to get done for the person.
Why – This type of contact can continue to increase their feelings of connectedness and share your ongoing support. There is evidence that even a simple form of reaching out, like sending a caring postcard, can potentially reduce their risk for suicide.
Studies have shown a reduction in the number of deaths by suicide when following up was involved with high risk populations after they were discharge from acute care services. Studies have also shown that brief, low cost intervention and supportive, ongoing contact may be an important part of suicide prevention. Please visit our Follow-Up Matters page for more.
This is a list of SUICIDE WARNING SIGNS
Talking about wanting to die or to kill themselves
Looking for a way to kill themselves, such as searching online or buying a gun
Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
Talking about being a burden to others
Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly
Sleeping too little or too much
Withdrawing or isolating themselves
Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
Displaying extreme mood swings
Lines for Life has many local services for different types of individuals:
“Our highly trained staff and volunteers provide immediate assistance, compassionate support, and resource referrals that can put you on a path to healing.”
SUICIDE LIFELINE
Call 800-273-8255
Text 273TALK to 839863
Alcohol and Drug Helpline
Call 800-923-4357
Text RecoveryNow to 839863
The Alcohol and Drug Helpline serves anyone who needs information, support or access to resources and treatment for alcohol or drug use. If you or someone you know needs help, the Alcohol and Drug Helpline is free, confidential, and available 24/7/365!
Call or text us for help understanding or dealing with alcohol and drug use or addiction. When you call us, we listen and support. We provide hope, referrals, resources, and information. Our highly trained staff and volunteers provide immediate assistance, non-judgmental listening, and compassionate support that can put you on a path to healing.
Military Helpline:
GET HELP
Call 888-457-4838
Text MIL1 to 839863
Support for service members, veterans, and their families that is independent of any branch of the military or government.
The Military Helpline operates 24/7/365 and gives free, confidential support to service members, veterans and their families. Answered by veterans and others trained in military culture, our crisis lines offer compassionate, non-judgmental support and, where appropriate, connect people with the referrals, resources, or treatment they need through tough times.
In 2016, Lines for Life received more than 73,000 crisis calls—over 30,000 of which were to our dedicated military crisis lines. We talk with callers about concerns such as PTSD, finances, employment, relationships, and suicidal ideation. We de-escalate 95% of the suicide phone calls we receive to help callers find a way forward without the intervention of emergency services.
Every day, 20 Veterans die by suicide. You can support Veterans, military service members, and their families by donating to Lines for Life today!
If you are under age 21 and would like to talk with a peer about alcohol and drug use or abuse, contact our YouthLine. YouthLine is a free, confidential, teen-to-teen crisis and help line.
YOUTHLINE
Call 877-968-8491
Text teen2teen to 839863
Chat at www.oregonyouthline.org
A teen-to-teen crisis and help line. Contact us with anything that may be bothering you; no problem is too big or too small! Teens available to help daily from 4-10pm Pacific Time (off-hour calls answered by Lines for Life).
Portland, OR. Dress for Success Oregon held its largest annual gala fundraiser, Celebrate Success, at the Portland Art Museum on April 27, 2018. The 450 guests raised over $260,000, which supports job retention programs. Platinum Sponsor, Bank of America’s guests enjoyed the evening and toasted DFSO’s mission. Several Dress for Success clients shared their journeys from hardship and discouragement to self-determination and job success. Women from the community who have written their own success stories were honored with the Athena Award. Athena Award winners are women who, “know that we are all connected and, that what we do for “one,” we do for all.” (Photo credit, Images by Brant)
DFSO Board Co-Chair Traci Ray, Board Co-Chair Cindy Larson, Athena Award Winners: Adrienne Nelson, Graciela Cowger, Janelle Bynum, Monique Barton, and DFSO Executive Director Shari Dunn.
Sarah Howard, Debbie Johnsen, DFSO Board Member Lucy Kivel, Gwyneth Gamble-Booth, and Scott Howard.
Bidders enjoy an exciting live auction and paddle raise.
2018 Athena Award Honorees are:
• Monique Barton, Senior Vice President of Bank of America, a leader in philanthropy in Oregon and SW Washington and a long-time partner and supporter of the women we serve.
• Rep. Janelle Bynum, Democrat – District 51 – Clackamas, the first African-American woman to represent District 51 in the State Legislature and a fierce advocate for women and girls.
• Graciela Gomez Cowger, CEO of Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt, both the first woman to lead the 125-year-old firm and one of only a handful of Latinas to lead a U.S. law firm.
• The Honorable Adrienne Nelson, the first African-American to sit on the state’s highest court in its 158-year history and on any appellate state court.
The Celebrate Success event featured a cocktail reception, Diamond Dig, aerialists, three-course-dinner, live auction, and a masquerade ball after party. Poison Waters was the emcee for the event. Longtime partner Bank of America was the Platinum sponsor of the evening.
Portland, OR. The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) hosted its annual gala on May 12th, where 500 donors joined together to support OMSI’s special brand of hands-on science education across the region. OMSI President and CEO Nancy Stueber and OMSI Emeritus Trustee and Gala Co-Chair Kimberly Cooper helped highlight the meaning of “Industry” in OMSI by honoring longtime industry partners who are helping inspire the next generation of technology leaders to take on the challenges of tomorrow. (Photo credit, Erin Riddle and Kate Horton of KLiK Concepts)
Traci Wheeler, OMSI Trustee John Wheeler, CEO of Vernier Software & Technology, and OMSI Board Chair Penny Serrurier of Stoel Rives
Piper Park and Jim and Cathy Rudd
The event was co-chaired by Christopher and Jill Hall and Kimberly Cooper and Jon Jaqua, and presented by Vernier Software & Technology. Gala attendees were treated to fine food and cocktails provided by Bon Appetit and a performance by award-winning blues artist Curtis Salgado. The evening ended with the Moonstruck Chocolate Lounge where dusted truffles and after-dinner cocktails were served to guests in the Planetarium beneath a twilight display of falling stars. Eleven live auction packages were sold at the event, including a trip to Hawaii’s Big Island with an exclusive telescope tour on Mauna Kea. It was certainly an electric celebration.
At dinner, Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici, OMSI Emeritus Trustee David Vernier, Congressman Earl Blumenauer, and Christine Vernier
Auctioneer Johnna Wells and Emcee Dale Johannes
Greg Chaillé, Co-Chair of the OMSI Strategic Priorities Campaign
Award winning blues artist Curtis Salgado topped off the evening with a stellar performance
OMSI Trustee Claudia Valderrama of Wieden+Kennedy and Graciani Valderrama enjoying cocktail hour with friends
Toni Stevens, from family of OMSI founder J.C. Stevens, and her special guests take a selfie
About OMSI:
Today, the museum serves over 1 million visitors at the museum and through off-site education programs. OMSI is ranked as one of the top science centers in the United States and has an international reputation for its innovative exhibits and educational programs.
Portland, OR. The Salvation Army 24th Annual All About Kids Dinner on May 15th was a festive affair that benefitted nine kids programs in the Portland Metro area. The funds support the Salvation Army summer camp, shelter services and after school programs. Little People Big World‘s Amy Roloff joined Salvation Army’s officers including Suzanne Kehoe Kruse, Jazmin Roman and Marcos Roman cheering on the kids. Organizers say through the generosity of Fred Meyer, their partners and attendees, they exceeded their goal, raising over $354K.
New Portland-Metro Advisory Board Members Byron Van Kley and Chrystal Thornton
Long-time AAK Presenting Partner Fred Meyer inspired donors and volunteers to continue to care for Portland’s children
500+ attended the gala at the Sentinel Hotel
Musical guest Mike Hohnholz brightened the night with his songs of compassion
Powerful speaker Lisa Barns tells a story of despair and triumph. Now a Captain with The Salvation Army, Ms Barns shared that, as a young child, she came to the Salvation Army through a food box as her mother was in the grip of addiction.
Here’s a video about the Salvation Army Rose Center:
Learn more about the Salvation Army programs at: portland.salvationarmy.org.
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