The longest-running festival of African films kicks off this weekend with a screening at the Hollywood Theatre. The week also includes several classical music performances (including one aimed a young music lovers), a few stage plays, comedy, and the kick off of the annual Sportsmen’s Show at the Expo Center.
Cascade Festival of African Films
The longest-running African film festival in the U.S. just happens to be hosted in Portland at several venues each year for the last 36 years. View your choice of 18 films from 16 countries beginning Friday and continuing through March 7. Admission is free to all screenings. The event is part of Portland Community College’s celebration of Black History Month. The opening night film is “The Bride Price” directed by Ime Etuk and George N. Faux. See the website for a complete schedule.
Opening night screening is 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 6, at Hollywood Theatre, 4122 N.E. Sandy Blvd. Other venues during the festival include the three PCC campuses; africanfilmfestival.org/2026.
“The Love of Music” with VSO Winds and Brass
Enjoy chamber music in a smaller venue as the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra continues its Nien-Wei Hsiao Chamber Music Series. Ken Selden directs a program of Rossini/Sedlak’s “Overture to Barber of Seville,” as well as pieces from Strauss, Spohr, and Gounod.
7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 6, First Presbyterian Church, 4300 Main St., Vancouver; tickets $15-$30; vancouversymphony.org.
“The Body’s Midnight” — 100 Lives Repertory
“There’s a new theater company in the Portland area,” is a phrase that hasn’t been spoken nearly enough in the past few years. The chaos of the COVID pandemic and its economic aftereffects wouldn’t seem fertile grounds for incubating fresh arts organizations or entrepreneurs.
Situated in the black box Spotlight Theatre in Southeast Portland, brave newcomer 100 Lives Repertory launched its inaugural season this past fall and now presents a tender, bittersweet and emotively raw road trip.
We join 50-something couple Anne (Sharonlee McLean) and David (Palmer) en route to Minnesota from California to see their daughter Katie, and soon-to-be born grandchild. Because they’re witty banterists, their journey is a joyride — but increasingly, Anne misses beats in their conversation and fumbles for her words.
Opens 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 6, and continues 7:30 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 5 p.m. Sundays through March 1, Spotlight Theatre, 1123 S.E. Market St.; tickets $35; 100livesrep.org.
— Lee Williams – Special to The Oregonian/Oregonlive.com
Booklovers Burlesque
Lacy Productions and The Alberta Rose Theatre jump into the sexiest season with readings and performances by burlesque, boylesque and drag artists. They’ll read aloud pieces of poetry, fiction, memoirs, and more then follow it up by interpreting the work in Valentine’s Day style. 21 and older only.
7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 6, Alberta Rose, 3000 N. Alberta Ave.; tickets $37.50; albertarosetheatre.com.
“You Stupid Darkness!”
Feeling down? You’re not alone. Sam Steiner’s urgent play illuminates the struggle for optimism and community amid the chaos of a world falling apart. Patrick Nims directs.
Opens 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 6 and continues 7:30 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, through March 1, 21Ten Theater, 2110 S.E. 10th Ave.; tickets $33; 21ten.org/you-stupid-darkness.
Dead Comics Society
Chase Brockett and Gina Christopher-Marie host a night of curated comedy featuring guest co-host Devan Daily, comics Sean Jordan, Delaney Malone, Don Gavitte, and Milt Abel. These free comedy nights are held each first Friday at Framework. Go check it out.
7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 6, Framework, 1626 S.E. 10th Ave.; free; facebook.com/deadcomicssociety.
“Dear Portland”
Immerse yourself in a storytelling art experience that comes from your neighbors here in Portland who are impacted by the housing shortage. The show hopes to put human experience behind the statistics and highlight solutions. The exhibit includes an in-person event and an online learning hub.
Grand opening 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, remains on view noon-5 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays through April 9, Stelo Arts, 412 N.W. Eighth Ave.; free, but RSVP required for grand opening event; eventbrite.com/e/dear-portland.
Tamara Stefanovich in Recital
Portland Piano International’s next artist is a German-Serbian pianist known for her performance of baroque, classical, and modern pieces. This recital that spans the gamut of musical invention including pieces by Johann Sebastian Bach, Domenico Scarlatti, and Béla Bartók.
4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 8, Lincoln Performance Hall, PSU, 1620 S.W. Park Ave.; tickets $53-$63; portlandpiano.org/tamara-stefanovich.
Peppa Pig’s “My First Concert”
Looking for ways to turn the littlest family members on to live music shows? This could be the ticket! The Oregon Symphony offers these fun and interactive introductions to live orchestra music that feature beloved childhood characters. Learn what instruments make what sounds and dance along to music from the show played by the Aurora Orchestra. The Oregon Symphony does not perform.
6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10, Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, 1037 S.W. Broadway; tickets start at $34; portland5.com/arlene-schnitzer-concert.
Pacific Northwest Sportsmen’s Show
Explore the latest in gear aimed at hunters, anglers and outdoor recreation fans. If you’re in need of an upgrade, this is the show for you. There’s also a chance to visit with experts in their fields who can level up your game. This year’s show also includes the annual Head and Horns competition.
11 a.m.-8 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday, Feb. 11-12, and 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Feb. 13, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Feb. 14, and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Feb. 15, Expo Center, 2060 N. Marine Drive; admission $20, ages 17 and younger free with paying adult. Parking is extra; expocenter.org/events/sportsmens-show.
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