Ovations Offstage

Stories and Songs with Samuel James

“A true original; the kind of artist who sets trends, as opposed to following them.” BILLBOARD MAGAZINE Live music and storytelling that educates and captures the imagination. With a voice of grit and gravel, roots musician Samuel James sings with an authenticity lost in time. A modern guitar master, James’ skill has a depth and … Read more

Latin Social Dance Class with Ballet Hispánico

Get moving with Ballet Hispánico, the nation’s largest Latinx cultural organization and one of America’s Cultural Treasures! Explore a variety of Latin social dance forms like salsa, merengue and more in this fun-filled class open to all ages and levels. Advanced registration required. All workshop participants will receive discounted tickets to Ballet Hispánico’s performance on … Read more

Laden With Happiness and Tears

Historical framing is set for the eventual uprooting of Tevye’s close knit community from “intimate, obstinate Anatevka,” to become “strangers in a strange new place.” After some generations of settled village life, “how swiftly flow the years.” By the turn of the 20th century, Jews of the Russian Pale were forced to wander and disperse … Read more

A Conversation with Harpist Bridget Kibbey

Hear Bridget in a lively pre-recorded conversation as she offers a glimpseinto the process of creating this original performance; incorporating elements of improvisation and poetry into a program of beloved classics, and how the harp is uniquely situated at the intersection of these seemingly disparate sounds and cultures. About the Speaker Brandi Parisi – In 2007 the Los Angeles classical … Read more

Beyond the Music: The Search for New Sound Ideas

George Lopez, Beckwith Artist in Residence at Bowdoin College and curator of Ovations’ 2022-23 Pre-Performance Lecture Series, discusses the varied historical inspirations for each work in the upcoming Janice Carissa program which include mythology, surrealism and the advent of psychology, and nationalism. https://youtu.be/XCeDna_Gx28 2022-23 Chamber Pre-Performance Lecture Series curated by George Lopez Pianist George Lopez, Bowdoin College’s Robert Beckwith Artist in … Read more

Community Write

ABOUT THE COMMUNITY WRITE Join Portland Ovations and the Portland Public Library as we embark on a four-part exploration of Octavia E. Butler’s Parable series. Each month, we will dive into these landmark works of Afrofuturism, led by Maya Williams. January 5, 2023, 6-7pm: Book discussion of Parable of the Sower February 2, 2023, 6-7pm: Book discussion … Read more

Community Read: Parable of the Sower: A Graphic Novel Adaptation

ABOUT THE COMMUNITY READ Join Portland Ovations and the Portland Public Library as we embark on a four-part exploration of Octavia E. Butler’s Parable series. Each month, we will dive into these landmark works of Afrofuturism, led by Brooke “Buff Cat” Bolduc. January 5, 2023, 6-7pm: Book discussion of Parable of the Sower February 2, 2023, 6-7pm: … Read more

Community Read: Parable of the Sower

ABOUT THE COMMUNITY READ Join Portland Ovations and the Portland Public Library as we embark on a four-part exploration of Octavia E. Butler’s Parable series. Each month, we will dive into these landmark works of Afrofuturism, led by expert facilitators. January 5, 2023, 6-7pm: Book discussion of Parable of the Sower February 2, 2023, 6-7pm: Book discussion … Read more

Community Read: Parable of the Talents

ABOUT THE COMMUNITY READ Join Portland Ovations and the Portland Public Library as we embark on a four-part exploration of Octavia E. Butler’s Parable series. Each month, we will dive into these landmark works of Afrofuturism, led by expert facilitators. Our March reading is led by author Samara Cole Doyon. January 5, 2023, 6-7pm: Book discussion of … Read more

Wabanaki Stories

Due to the overwhelmingly positive response to the School-Time Performance of Wabanaki Stories, a second performance has been added at Noon. The land and waters known as Maine have been home to Wabanaki People for over 12,000 years. This vibrant production of Wabanaki stories and music spotlights five Wabanaki artists coming from several different nations and … Read more