As we continue through the middle of the winter season, most entertainment options head indoors to keep out the elements. This week you can listen to some of the best in student-performed jazz music in Vancouver, celebrate German culture in Mount Angel, or attend one or more of several stage shows opening this week.
62 Annual Clark College Jazz Festival
Nothing warms up the dead of winter like a three-day festival of big band jazz. This annual competition features 60 middle and high school jazz ensembles from throughout Washington and Oregon. Saturday’s schedule ends with the Dale Beacock Memorial Sweepstakes Award to the one outstanding band selected from the entire festival. Children 11 and younger are free with paying adult admission.
Festival hours 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Thursday-Friday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 29-31, Gaiser Student Center, 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Vancouver; admission $10; clark.edu/about/arts-events/music/jazz.
Mt. Angel Volksfest
Head down to Mount Angel for the annual full weekend of German-themed entertainment, brass bands, polka dancing, and a community Volkswalk. There’s also a car show and a sausage-eating contest.
1 p.m.-midnight Friday, 11 a.m.-midnight Saturday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 20-Feb. 1, Mt. Angel Festhalle, 500 Wilco Highway N.E., Mount Angel; admission $15, ages 20 and younger free; mtangelvolksfest.com.
“It’s Not All About Me: The Gert Boyle Story” — Triangle Productions
In Oregon in the 1980s, there was no question who the toughest mother in fashion was: Gert Boyle, the matriarch of Columbia Sportswear. In one of the Portland-based company’s “One Tough Mother” print ads, she rolled up her sleeve, flexed her bicep and flaunted her “Born to Nag” tattoo while peering over thick-rimmed spectacles.
Just as he did with drag queen extraordinaire Darcelle/Walter Cole, Triangle Productions founder Don Horn has conceived a biographical play for another Oregon legend. Painstakingly researched and carefully cast, Horn’s stage biographies have proven to be some of his best original works.
Horn’s play, like its subject, is no-nonsense, no frills: An interviewer (played by former KATU-TV anchor and reporter Paula Gunness) conducts a Q&A with Boyle (Wendy Westerwelle), who recounts her rags-to-bestselling sportswear story.
7:30 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, one 2 p.m. Sunday (Feb. 8), Jan. 29-Feb. 14, The Sanctuary at Sandy Plaza, 1785 N.E. Sandy Blvd.; tickets start at $20; trianglepro.org.
— Lee Williams – Special to the Oregonian/Oregonlive.com
“Pete the Cat,” a Live Rock Musical
Take a fast-paced, globe-trotting trip based on the popular book series by Kimberly and James Dean. Expect fun and catchy rock tunes played by a guitarist cat who helps his friends tap into their creative spirits and beliefs in their abilities. Great for ages 4 and older. Sensory-friendly show 2 p.m. Feb. 1. ASL interpreted 11 a.m. Feb. 8.
Opens 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31. Continues 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays through Feb. 15, The Judy, 1000 S.W. Broadway, Suite T-100; tickets $25-$35; nwcts.org/shows/pete/.
Cuarteto Casals
Formed in Spain in 1997, this group is known for its fine-honed precision and substantial discography that includes music from lesser-known Spanish composers to Viennese classics. The Portland show, hosted by Friends of Chamber Music, includes works by Arriaga, Shostakovich, Beethoven, Hayden and Elisenda Fabregas.
7:30 p.m. Monday and Tuesdays, Feb. 2-3, Lincoln Hall, PSU, 1620 S.W. Park Ave.; tickets $32-$63; focm.org/concerts.
“The Wiz”
This 1970s all-Black stage musical provided a fresh take on L. Frank Baum’s famous fable with a wonderfully soulful score that hit Broadway by way of Motown. “Ease on Down the Road” and “Home” have become beloved first and second act showstoppers. Comedian/writer Amber Ruffin, part of the team of Black creatives enlisted for this 2024 Broadway reboot, streamlined the plot and sketched out backstories for Dorothy’s trio of travelers, the Tin Man, Scarecrow and Cowardly Lion. Jazz infuses the score now; the set design features African art: and JaQuel Knight, who crafted footwork for Beyonce’s videos and world tours, came up with energized, acrobatic choreography that defies genres and often gravity.
Opens 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 3, and continues various times daily through Feb. 8, Keller Auditorium, 222 S.W. Clay St.; tickets start at $69; BroadwayinPortland.com.
— Lee Williams – Special to the Oregonian/Oregonlive.com
Todd Barry
Head to the Aladdin Theater this week for a stand up show from well-traveled comedian Todd Barry. Barry starred in several TV series including “Flight of the Concords” and “Spin City,” and has been a guest on the Late Show both with Stephen Colbert, and with David Letterman. He’s also an author and does voice work for several animated shows.
8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 3, Aladdin, 3017 S.E. Milwaukie Ave.; tickets $32; aladdin-theater.com/#shows-feed.
“Mixed” film screening
At a moment when film and creative industries are experiencing rapid change due to AI technology, this film will explore how Portland’s creative community can help shape the future of global storytelling. The film was created from more than 200 film submissions representing 44 countries. Can we find a middle ground between adoption and rejection? Learn more about the advent of AI and how it will affect various media.
7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 4, Tomorrow Theater, 3530 S.E. Division St.; tickets $15; luma.com/i5isf13i.
White Bird presents Urban Bush Women – “This Is Risk”
Urban Bush Women marks four decades at the forefront of movement and social activism with “This Is Risk,” a mixed-repertoire program featuring iconic works by founding Artistic Director Jawole Willa Jo Zollar. The evening showcases Zollar’s choreographic style, which fuses traditional African and modern dance. The evening’s four works include moments of unbridled joy and portrayals of injustice.
Opens 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 5, and continues 7:30 p.m. Feb 6-7, Newmark Theatre, 1111 S.W. Broadway; tickets $18-$75, whitebird.org.
— Grant Butler – The Oregonian/Oregonlive.com
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