Our events list offers a number of family-friendly options, such as a big band jazz concert by local middle and high school students, a theater fun at The Judy, and a mandolin orchestra concert. With winter now well underway, families may be searching for ways to keep the kids occupied indoors this week. There are also a number of classical music concerts and play openings over the week.
The Clark College Jazz Festival features 60 local middle and high school jazz bands. File shot from Oregon.Oregonian file image
The annual jazz festival at Clark College
Take in three full days of jazz big band performances at Vancouver’s Clark College. Each year, 60 middle and high school jazz ensembles from Oregon and Washington showcase their talents at this festival. At the conclusion of each division, prizes will be given to the top group member. Additionally, bands from Clark College will play at different times. Come enjoy music for a very affordable price for hours on end.
Every day from January 30 to February 1, performances begin at 8 a.m. and continue into the evening at the Gaiser Student Center, 1933 Fort Vancouver Way; admission is $10, with children under the age of 11 admitted free of charge with an adult; clark.edu/campus-life.
Black Composers’ Arias, Songs, and Spirituals: The Negro Speaks of Rivers
In a moving ode to the African-American contribution to the country’s music and culture, renowned soloist DeAndre Simmons and pianist Claire Forstman perform. Enjoy a night of history, tradition, and the timeless power of music in honor of Black History Month.
This week, there are three local performances:
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6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1, Center Powered by Y.O.U.T.H, 16126 S.E. Stark St., free with reservation;communitymusiccenter.org.
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Benefit performance 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 2, Place, 735 N.W. 18th Ave.; $50 donation benefits Opera In the Park
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5 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 4, Community Music Center, 3350 S.E. Francis St.; free with reservation;communitymusiccenter.org.
Mandolin Orchestra of Oregon (SOLD OUT)
Enjoy a program with contemporary composers and brand-new music composed especially for mandolins to warm up this winter. The program features advertisements from the US, Japan, and Europe.
Walters Cultural Arts Center, 527 E. Main St., Hillsboro, Friday, January 31, 7:30 p.m.; SOLD OUT
Portland Oregon Orchestra.org.
At the CoHo Theatre, Faena
The Portland Experimental Theatre Ensemble will present a live English interpretation of a Castilian tragic comedy about bullfighting. Watch as a virile matador named Victor, much to the chagrin of his anxious, ill mother, allows his machismo and pride to drive him to his unavoidable demise.
Shows start at 7:30 p.m. CoHo Theatre, 2257 N.W. Raleigh St., Friday–Sunday, January 31–February 2; $15;app.arts-people.com.
123 Andres
This Latin Grammy-winning musical duo is well-known for their energetic performances that cater to young families. Both Spanish and English are spoken and sung during performances. Prepare to move to the upbeat music!
Patricia Reser Center for the Arts, 12625 S.W. Crescent St., Beaverton, Saturday, February 1, 11 a.m.; $15–$20; secure.thereser.org.
NWCT’s Spotlight Family Arts Festival
The Judy is jam-packed with family-friendly theater, dance, music, visual art, and more this weekend. Bodyvox Jag, Estampa Mexicana traditional dance, Jeff Sanders’ Lego masterpieces, and Mo Phillips, the maestro of choose your own musical adventure, are just a few of the many things to see and do. Enjoy hours of entertaining theater with the kids.
11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Judy, 1000 S.W. Broadway, Saturday-Sunday, February 1-2; tickets start at $10 and are pay-what-you-will; nwct.my.salesforce-sites.com.
Schnitzer Concert Hall, Arlene. picture in the file.Jeziorski, Jeremy
The Dances of Rachmaninoff
Rachmaninoff’s Symphonic Dances, composed during two decades of exile, blend the upbeat melodies of his new American home with fond memories of Russian music. Wu Man, a pipa musician, will also perform a concerto by Zhao Jiping that was influenced by the folk melodies of Wu Man’s birthplace. The conductor is Deanna Tham.
Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, 1037 S.W. Broadway, Saturday, February 1–3, 7:30 p.m., Sunday, 7:30 p.m., tickets starting at $25; orsymphony.org/concerts-tickets.
Former Flames & New Loves in Miz Kitty’s Parlour
Miz Kitty and Friends perform a traditional Vaudeville show at the Mission Theater, with storytelling, humor, juggling, varied music, and witty surprises. Ages 18 and up are recommended.
Mission Theater, 1624 N.W. Glisan St., Saturday, Feb. 1, 7 p.m.; $25 in advance, $30 at the door; etix.com/ticket.
The Danish String Quartet is welcomed by Friends of Chamber Music.FOCM provided the image.
String Quartet from Denmark
The Grammy-nominated quartet, renowned for its limitless dynamic range and the joy it radiates when creating music, is welcomed by Friends of Chamber Music. Every performance is different in the program. Haydn, Schubert, and unique compositions are among the pieces included in Monday’s music. The Danish String Quartet’s compositions and arrangements, along with additional Schubert, are included on Tuesday’s program.
Lincoln Performance Hall, 1620 S.W. Park Ave., Monday–Tuesday, February 3–4, 7:30 p.m. Tickets $32-$59; focm.org.focm.org/concerts.
This year’s “Bring Out Your Dead” tribute night features Storm Large as one of its featured artists. picture in the file.Domela Laura
Bring Your Dead to Life
Many musical icons who passed away in 2024 are honored by an all-star group of artists. Storytelling and music festivities are part of the evening. Holcombe Waller, China Forbes, Storm Large, and other singers are slated to perform.
Thursday, February 6, 7:30 p.m.; tickets $45; etix.com/ticket; Alberta Rose Theatre, 3000 N.E. Alberta St.
JC: An Angel’s Account of the Gospel
For this musical, which was written by Don Horn and has music and lyrics by Michael Allen Harrison, Triangle Products ventures into some somewhat challenging territory. The drama aims to provide a distinctive and engrossing examination of the fundamental principles of spiritual existence. Do you have any inquiries? Well, everyone else does, too.
The Sanctuary at Sandy Plaza, 1785 N.E. Sandy Blvd., has performances Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and one matinee at 2 p.m. from February 6–22. Tickets range from $20 to $40; trianglepro.org.
Viewpoint: Three brief plays
Three brief original pieces by Nannette Gatchel, Luke Heyerman, and Nick Floyd will be presented by the Sowelu Ensemble when they return to the Back Door Theater. This multi-media event examines current environmental, social, and political challenges.
Back Door Theater, 4319 S.E. Hawthorne Blvd., 7:30 p.m. Thursday, February 6 and 7:30 p.m. February 7-8; sliding-scale tickets $5–$25; soweluensemble.org.
Black Journeys: Examining the Black History of Oregon
Two videos from Oregon Public Broadcasting’s Oregon Experience series will be screened at OMSI. After watching The Road to Sunrise and Oregon’s Black Pioneers, stay for a panel discussion and Q&A.
OMSI, 1945 S.E. Water St., Thursday, Feb. 6, 6:30 p.m.; sliding scale tickets: $0-$15; tickets.omsi.edu.
Please send submissions to [email protected] at least three weeks before the start of your event if you would want your event to be included on OregonLive.com or in The Oregonian’s weekly printed A&E section. Links to films or digital photos are useful.
Stein, Rosemarie
[email protected], 503-221-4376
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