The frequency with which small businesses in Portland are broken into is a regrettable fact. However, in the instance of one Portland institution, locals are coming together to express gratitude, collect funds, and celebrate a truly unique venue in response to a depressing circumstance.
The Portland Storytellers Guild is hosting an event at Artichoke Community Music on Saturday, January 25. Artichoke Community Music has been a mainstay of the local creative scene since its establishment in 1973. Artichoke Community Music, which experienced a break-in late in 2024 in which burglars took over $8,000 worth of equipment, including guitars, microphones, and other items, would profit from the performance’s proceeds.
It was only the most recent in a series of thefts and break-ins at the location, which also included two in late 2023.
The Portland Storytellers Guild, which hosts monthly performances at the charity, now situated on Southeast Powell Boulevard, will host the second annual Artichoke Community Music benefit fundraiser on January 25.
According to Barbara Fankhauser, head of the Portland Storytellers Guild, Artichoke Community Music is one of the best venues in Portland for small ensembles to perform.
Fankhauser says, “It’s just a really special space.” We simply wanted to preserve it, protect it, and help them in any way we could because it has been in Portland for so long.
The theme of the Jan. 25 presentation is deep mid-winter stories and music. In a special benefit for our favorite listening spot, Portland Storytellers Guild members and a singer-songwriter will, as the program promises, present music and stories of bitter winters, thawed hearts, and darkness brightened, along with the gratitude for community.
A nonprofit arts organization, the Portland Storytellers Guild is dedicated to assisting storytellers in honing and showcasing their craft.
Fankhauser claims that we are story lovers. We believe that storytelling is essential, that we are telling stories to animals, and that it is a craft that should be shared and perpetuated.
Even though the thefts and break-ins have been challenging, press reports about the incidents ultimately served as a reminder to many longstanding Portland residents that Artichoke Community Music is a vital component of the city’s cultural landscape.
Originally established in 1973 as Artichoke Music, a for-profit company that sold instruments, gave lessons, and gave acoustic musicians a place to perform, the enterprise changed its name to Artichoke Community Music in 2006 and became a nonprofit organization that sells instruments and holds live events such as folk music concerts, blues, jazz, flamenco dance, open mic nights, and more.
Shelley Garrett, executive director and talent buyer for Artichoke Community Music, adds, “I’m just trying to bring everybody in.”
According to Garrett, one of our greatest collaborations is with the Storytellers Guild. They have been incredibly helpful.
Garrett thanks the community’s participation and says, “I want people to know about Artichoke.” A lot is happening, and things are always changing. It’s like a great hug as you enter the room.
On Saturday, January 25, at 7:30 p.m., the Portland Storytellers Guild benefit for Artichoke Community Music will take place. Tickets cost $15. See https://artichokemusic.org/class.aspx?cls=910588 for additional details.
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Kristi Turnquist
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Kristi Turnquist discusses entertainment and features. You may contact her at [email protected], 503-221-8227, or @Kristiturnquist.
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