Summer Arts Guide: Music
Here are some of Portland’s music highlights for July and August (see theater and visual arts highlights):
Through July 15
Various venues
Based in Eugene (where most of the concerts still happen) for four decades, one of the nation’s most important classical music festivals has recently expanded to other cities, including Portland. Matthew Halls, who takes over as festival music director after next season, conducts the first Oregon performance of British composer Michael Tippett’s 20th century choral classic “A Child of Our Time” at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral on July 6; while Oregon harmonica master Joe Powers leads a tango show with dancers at PSU’s Lincoln Hall on July 11.
Andreas Klein - photo courtesy of Portland Piano International
July 12-15
World Forestry Center, 4033 S.W. Canyon Road
The annual conglomeration of recitals, lectures, films, master classes and more for pianophiles includes contemporary music specialist Gilbert Kalish playing music by Charles Ives, Beth Levin performing Beethoven, and Andreas Klein playing romantic masters.
July 20-22
Cathedral Park
Some of the city’s top jazz acts, including Quadraphonnes, Go by Train, Trio Subtonic, and more, convene in the summer’s premiere outdoor jazz event under the St. Johns Bridge. Bonus: It’s free!
July 22-24
Refuge PDX, 116 S.E. Yamhill St.
Several dozen of the city’s finest bands — and not just pure pop, either — heat up the annual summer indie music weekend, which is also free.
Through July 29
Various venues
Offering more than 30 concerts, the grandaddy of Portland summer classical music festivals continues its move toward youth by bringing back 20-something acts such as the young Amphion Quartet (who’ll perform in pop music venues), and the crossover trio Time for Three, along with its usual roster of big name guest stars from New York classical music circles. Led by clarinetist and longtime artistic director David Shifrin, these include twin string quartet titans the Emerson and soon-to-retire Tokyo Quartets, recorder virtuosa Michala Petri, boss bassist Edgar Meyer, hot pianist Jeremy Denk, another collaboration with BodyVox dance, and much more.
Aug. 3-5
Pendarvis Farm, 16581 S.E. Hagen Rd., Happy ValleyNot just for bluegrass fans, this year’s lineup includes world music stars (Sierra Leone’s Refugee All-Stars, Bombino); local singer songwriters (Laura Gibson, Alela Diane); Portland faves Todd Snider, Blitzen Trapper and Y La Bamba; retro pop diva Neko Case; and much more.
Aug. 9-12
Horning’s Hideout, 21277 N.W. Brunswick Canyon Road, North Plains
The outdoor bluegrass — and more — festival includes newgrass legend Darol Anger, banjo barn burner Danny Barnes, Yonder Mountain String Band and New Riders of the Purple Sage, among others.
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