Some incredible arts & culture opportunities are coming up in the next few weeks. Witness new plays, partake in our largest Asian American market, listen to concerts in Jacksonville, and watch “Romeo & Juliet” where no one knows who will be in the play. Educators can partake in free events at nine Oregon cultural centers. Read on for details!
JAW New Play Festival: 7/26-28
Each July, artistic teams come together to rehearse — and a lot of times rewrite! — a new play. Since 1999, JAW has created a space for 92 playwrights to develop 95 plays. Readings will be held in the Ellyn Bye Studio. All JAW events are FREE and open to anyone!
Watch four fantastic new plays in addition to five short plays by talented local teens. Brought to life by beloved Portland actors, these script-in-hand readings bring to life a new canon of 21st century plays. Be a part of a weekend of joyful, wild new work! Find out more.
Legendary Makers’ Market: 7/26-28
Oregon’s largest Asian American-centered market, the Legendary Makers Market, returns for its second season at the Patricia Reser Center for the Arts (a CREF-funded project). The market’s debut last year was the largest Asian community event in state history. This year, the Asian American Night Market will feature short films, Wellness Oasis classes, woodblock printing workshops, a chef’s dinner, a mental health panel, storytelling, drinks, and over 200 vendors.
Free Weeks for Educators: 7/28-8/10
“Free Weeks for Educators” is happening from July 28 to August 10 at nine Oregon organizations. Educators can receive free admission by identifying themselves as educators. These organizations also have educator-focused events and tours, including a PAM Educator welcome and tour on August 8 from 1:00 to 2:30.
Participating organizations are:
- Portland Art Museum
- Aurora Colony Museum and Historical Society
- Five Oaks Museum
- Japanese American Museum of Oregon
- Lan Su Chinese Garden
- Maryhill Museum of Art
- Oregon Historical Society
- Pittock Mansion
- Portland Chinatown Museum
For more details, visit Free Weeks for Educators.
Anonymous Theatre Presents Romeo and Juliet: 8/12
When Romeo and Juliet look into each other’s eyes for the first time, the performers playing Romeo and Juliet will be looking into each other’s eyes for the first time. Anonymous Theatre Company has been producing heart-stopping theatrical events since 2002. Auditions are held in secret. The play is cast… in secret. Cast members rehearse individually and secretly. They do not learn the identity of the other cast members. On performance night, the actors arrive at the theatre as members of the audience. The house lights dim and the play begins with each actor delivering their first line from their seat. The audience gets to see the story happen as if it is happening for the first time – because it actually is happening for the first time. Buy tickets now; the production usually sells out!
Britt Music & Arts Festival: through 9/11
Head south for the Pacific Northwest’s premier outdoor summer performing arts festival. Located in the historic 1850s gold rush town of Jacksonville, Britt presents dozens of summer concerts. Britt’s performance venue is a naturally formed amphitheater set among majestic ponderosa pines and native madrones on the beautiful hillside estate of 19th century photographer Peter Britt. Coming up are Randy Houser, Shaggy, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue with Special Guest Celisse, Colbie Caillat & Gavin DeGraw, Rick Springfield & Richard Marx, Atmosphere, The Infamous Stringdusters and Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway, Jason Mraz & the Superband, the Dead South, and Michael Franti & Spearhead.