Pre-Performance Lecture

The Accusatory Relevance of DakhaBrakha

The music of DakhaBrakha is not only pulsing, beautiful, and rich in ghostly reminiscence, it also invites a deep wake-up call. Join Grammy Award-winning recording artist and composer Eugene Friesen as he sifts through the alluring folk-rock sound of the quartet to uncover the edgy, challenging cultural message beneath. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18 5:30 – 6:30 … Read more

From Spirituals to Soweto: The Global Journey of Gospel Music

This pre-performance lecture traces gospel music’s roots to embarking upon a journey from African American spirituals, hymnody, and choirs of the Black church experience, along with the profound influence on R&B, soul, rock, and hip-hop. Gospel music is not a genre of song, but a powerful testimony of the global pursuit for liberty and justice … Read more

Drag Storytime – March 7

Join Portland Ovations and local Drag Queens for an hour of stories and art! Glamorous expert storytellers use the art of drag to read books and lead craft projects at local bookstores, libraries, and community centers around Portland. This fun, fabulous literary experience fosters learning and play, encouraging children and their caregivers to celebrate all … Read more

Drag Storytime – December 6

Join Portland Ovations and local Drag Queens for an hour of stories and art! Glamorous expert storytellers use the art of drag to read books and lead craft projects at local bookstores, libraries, and community centers around Portland. This fun, fabulous literary experience fosters learning and play, encouraging children and their caregivers to celebrate all … Read more

Drag Storytime – October 4

Join Portland Ovations and local Drag Queens for an hour of stories and art! Glamorous expert storytellers use the art of drag to read books and lead craft projects at local bookstores, libraries, and community centers around Portland. This fun, fabulous literary experience fosters learning and play, encouraging children and their caregivers to celebrate all … Read more

Antonio Rocha

Once Upon a Hill in Maine: The Pedro Tovookan Parris StoryAward-winning and internationally acclaimed storyteller Antonio Rocha brings his newest work, Once Upon a Hill in Maine: The Pedro Tovookan Parris Story, to audiences all over Maine this spring 2026. A story of resilience, Pedro Tovookan Parris was born in Eastern Africa, finding his way to Maine after being … Read more

Rennie Harris Puremovement: “Nuttin’ but a Word”

Celebrated choreographer Rennie Harris lays down his three laws of hip-hop—individuality, creativity, innovation. Here to expose the essence of their art form with unmatched subtlety and surprise, the indefatigably disciplined dancers of Puremovement (Funkedified, 2018) command the stage with a mixtape of moves from b-boying to Campbell locking to house. Every step tells a story … Read more

Dig Up! A Dinosaur Expedition – 10 AM

STEMmersive creates immersive, interactive theatrical experiences for young audiences and their families. Their shows combine STEM exploration with imaginative play, leading audiences through a series of hands-on learning activities and breathtaking 360-degree performances. This brand-new performance sends audiences back in time to dig up fossils, explore paleontology, and learn more about dinosaurs.The experience is divided … Read more

Dig Up! A Dinosaur Expedition – 12 PM

STEMmersive creates immersive, interactive theatrical experiences for young audiences and their families. Their shows combine STEM exploration with imaginative play, leading audiences through a series of hands-on learning activities and breathtaking 360-degree performances. This brand-new performance sends audiences back in time to dig up fossils, explore paleontology, and learn more about dinosaurs.The experience is divided … Read more

Wabanaki Stories 2026 – 10 AM

Co-Commissioned with Akomawt Educational Initiative & Portland OvationsThe land and waters known as Maine have been home to Wabanaki People for over 12,000 years. Returning for its third year as a School-Time Performance after demand from educators, this vibrant production of Wabanaki stories and music spotlights six Wabanaki artists coming from several different nations and … Read more