Greetings!
Read on to hear about the exciting events we have taking place in our venues and public spaces this coming month.
Andy Downs, Director, Public Assembly Facilities
Sunday, February 17th @ 4:00pm
Merrill Auditorium
Creative Portland and co-promoters The City of Portland, The Crewe Foundation & David E. Shaw, in association with concert sponsors Knack Factory, Coffee by Design, The Press Hotel, Bayside Bowl, and State Theatre present HEAR, HERE! an inaugural concert celebrating and showcasing Portland's performing arts gems on the big stage. HEAR, HERE! is an inaugural variety show featuring extraordinary local talent who are busting out on the national scene and/or on the edge of national act exposure. The Portland-based performers include Janaesound, dancer Riley Watts, rapper Sarah Violette with Renée Coolbrith, Batimbo United Burundi Drummers, Palaver Strings, James Kennerley and the Kotzschmar Organ, Weakened Friends, and other special guests. “We’re excited about showcasing Portland's local talent at Merrill," said David Brenerman, President, Creative Portland, and former Portland Mayor and City Councilor.
2019 Bridal Show On The Coast Saturday, March 23rd @ 10am-4pm
Portland's Ocean Gateway
Recently engaged? Congratulations! This bridal show is for you. Exhibitors include the following local businesses in the wedding industry: Bachelor/Bachelorette Parties; Invitations; Bakeries; Jewelry; Bridal Accessories; Limos & Transportation; Bridal Showers; Photography; Catering; Reception & Wedding Venues; Entertainment; Rehearsal Dinners; Favors; Salons & Spas; Florists; Tents & Rentals; Hotel & Accommodations; Tuxedos, Hair/Makeup; Videography; Health & Fitness; Wedding & Event Planning and Honeymoon. The first 100 guests will receive a free gift containing helpful wedding coupons and giveaways. Also, enter at the door to win one of two door prizes or one grand prize!
Voctave Saturday, February 2nd @ 7:00pm Merrill Auditorium
Voctave is an 11-member a cappella group from the Central Florida area. Formed in the winter of 2015, the voices that bring their artistic arrangements to life represent a wealth of diverse backgrounds and musical experiences. From gospel music to musical theater, contemporary Christian to barbershop, pop music to choral specialists, Voctave voices have covered it all both in and out of the a cappella realm. Members of Voctave have performed all over the world and can be heard on countless recordings. The group has performed with Grammy, Dove and American Music Award recipients including Sandi Patty, Kirstin Maldonado, Mark Lowry, David Phelps & Jody McBrayer. Tickets are still available for this incredible show!
Women Rock Sunday, January 20th @ 2:30pm
Merrill Auditorium
Featuring the music of Carole King, Holly Knight, Tina Turner, Janis Joplin, Aretha Franklin, Pat Benatar, Minnie Riperton, Heart, and Carly Simon, "Women Rock" honors these powerful female rockers and songwriters who changed rock and roll forever. Soloists include: 2017 Grammy Award Nominee singer/songwriterCassidy Catanzaro; star of A Night with Janis Joplin, Katrina Rose Dideriksen; and the Broadway, TV, and jazz vocal star Shayna Steele, who most recently starred in Hairspray Live on NBC.
Scheherazade Sunday, January 27th @ 2:30pm & Tuesday, January 29th @ 7:30pm
Merrill Auditorium
MICHAEL-THOMAS FOUMAI: PSO-commission, world-premiere, “The Telling Rooms”
RIMSKY-KORSAKOV: Scheherazade
WinterKids "Welcome to Winter" Festival Saturday, January 19th @ 12:30-2:30pm
Payson Park Sledding Hill Come celebrate winter with FREE fun outdoor activities for all! Hosted by WinterKids and the Portland Parks, Recreation & Facilities Department, join us to experience the thrill of sledding, snowshoeing, ice skating, and much more, including a warming station complete with hand warmers, a fire pit and hot chocolate!
Maine Red Claws at the Portland Expo Upcoming Home Games: Thursday, Jan. 12th @7pm vs Northern Arizona Suns
Friday, Jan. 18th @7pm vs Capital City Go-Go
Thursday, Jan. 24th @7pm vs Grand Rapids Drive
Saturday, Jan. 26th @7pm vs Memphis Hustle
Friday, Feb. 1st @ 7pm vs Greensboro Swarm
Saturday, Feb. 2nd @7pm vs Wisconsin Herd
Saturday, Feb. 9th @ 7pm vs Raptors 905
Portland Symphony Orchestra's Winter Wonderland Sunday, January 13th @ 2:30pm
Merrill Auditorium January in Maine means snow, short days, and the Portland Symphony Orchestra's family celebration of the season. From Vivaldi’s Four Seasons to Tchaikovsky’s enchanting ballets, we’ve gathered together the very best music inspired by the coldest season of the year. So park your sleds outside and spend 50 minutes with the Symphony! Discovery Concerts bring the whole family together to enjoy the music of the PSO. Concerts are approximately one-hour long and take the audience on a mind-expanding and educational journey with the full orchestra. Doors open at 1:00 PM for games, a hands-on Instrument Petting Zoo, and lots more musical fun!
Spotlight On:
Legally Blonde: The Musical Wednesday, February 13th @ 7:30pm
Thursday, February 14th @ 7:30pm
Merrill Auditorium Fabulously fun and international award-winning, Legally Blonde: The Musicalis the ultimate Broadway tribute to Girl Power! Based on the beloved movie starring Reese Witherspoon, the story follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes, sexism, snobbery and scandal in pursuit of her dreams, and proves that you can be legally blonde and still be the smartest person in the room. This contemporary, sassy musical moves at a breakneck pace driven by memorable songs and explosive dances. Legally Blonde: The Musical warms the heart by proving that self-discovery can be way too much fun and hilarious to boot!
Broadway Romance
Saturday, February 9th @ 7:30pm
Sunday, February 10th @ 2:30pm
Merrill Auditorium
Join us for a performance, conducted by Ted Sperling, that weaves the story of romance through all its ups and downs, using music from many different Broadway shows including West Side Story, Follies, Carousel, Company, and more. Performed by the brightest talents from the Great White Way, includingBetsy Wolfe and Santino Fontana.
