Portland Jazz Composers Ensemble gives new performances of From Maxville to Vanport, a multimedia concert of songs and short films with live music featuring vocalist Marilyn Keller. It tells the story of two historic blue-collar Oregon towns with a special focus on the African American Oregonians that made them unique. With a joyful score of jazz, blues, R&B,and gospel-inspired music with music by Ezra Weiss, text by Renee Mitchell,video by Kalimah Abioto, and historical consultation by Gwendolyn Trice of Maxville Heritage Interpretive Center created in a community-guided process in2018, this project celebrates lesser-known parts of Oregon’s history.

With generous support from Oregon Cultural Trust, Oregon Historical Society, and Roaring Rapids Pizza, the 12-member PJCE will travel to Bend and Eugene, OR, and Longview WA, as well as give two performances in Portland as part of the 2022 Vanport Mosaic Festival.

May 23 and 24, 7:30 pm at Soul Restoration Center in Portland, OR
14 NE Killingsworth, Portland, OR 97211
In-person tickets: $5-$35 available here: https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?show=135690