This year, we’re excited to bring POP, Portland Ovations’ annual fundraiser, to Madrid’s, Portland’s newest live music venue. We chose Madrid’s because it reflects so much of what we value at Ovations: live performance, community, connection, and creating spaces where people can come together. 

Opened in March 2026, Madrid’s is the vision of Portland music and hospitality veteran Josh Schlesinger. After moving to Maine in 2002 and building his career in Portland’s restaurant, hospitality, and craft beer communities—including early years at Bissell Brothers—Josh saw an opportunity to fill a gap in Portland’s live music landscape after Port City Music Hall closed in 2020.

What began as an idea grew into an 800-person venue designed to be welcoming, flexible, and deeply rooted in community. Madrid’s hosts everything from rock and folk to hip-hop, DJs, drag artists, and special events. As Josh puts it, “Humans get to be human together at Madrid’s.”

That philosophy made Madrid’s feel like the perfect home for POP. Our annual fundraiser celebrates the power of the performing arts to bring people together, while raising essential support for Ovations’ mission—including our School-Time Performances. Moving POP to Madrid’s also gives us the chance to support a new member of Portland’s vibrant arts ecosystem and introduce our Members and supporters to a venue that is quickly becoming part of the city’s cultural fabric.

POP 2026 kicks off at 7 PM on November 12. We can’t wait to gather with you there.