The Patricia Reser Center for the Arts in Beaverton, which opened its doors in 2022, is set to showcase an exciting and diverse lineup for its 2025/2026 season.
This season promises a plethora of music, dance, theater arts, and more, providing a platform for premier performers from around the globe.
In a press statement, Executive Director Chris Ayzoukian expressed his excitement about the upcoming season, highlighting its ambition.
‘Next season is our most ambitious yet,’ Ayzoukian remarked.
He emphasized the launch of ‘Rhythm + Revolution: A Legacy of Hip Hop Culture,’ marking the center’s first-ever season-long festival.
This festival will accompany a dynamic lineup that includes artists like Samara Joy, Eliades Ochoa, and Pink Martini, as well as the world premiere of a folk opera titled ‘York the Explorer’ by Aaron Nigel Smith and a talented creative team.
The season will officially kick off on September 26-27 with the soulful sounds of R&B and gospel artist Samara Joy.
Following that, Grammy-nominated musician Joan Osborne will take the stage on October 11, performing reimagined versions of Bob Dylan’s classic tracks to celebrate the eighth anniversary of her ‘Songs of Bob Dylan’ album.
As the season progresses, from November 9-23, the center will host ‘Rhythm + Revolution: A Legacy of Hip Hop Culture.’
Participants can engage in a range of workshops focused on storytelling, lyricism, rap, and poetry, led by Mic Crenshaw, a multifaceted cultural activist and poet.
The festival will also debut ‘Hasta La Muerte’ on November 9, a poignant two-act theater production celebrating the Day of the Dead while exploring themes of grief and Mexican folklore.
On November 14, the renowned Kenny Endo will present his 50th Anniversary Tour, bringing a unique blend of traditional taiko drumming infused with jazz, funk, and Afro-Cuban influences.
Endo, who is a celebrated figure in both American and Japanese taiko, will perform alongside his Contemporary Ensemble.
As the holiday season approaches, on December 5, Kalani Pe’a will spread festive cheer with a Hawaiian Christmas concert.
This four-time Grammy winner will share joyful seasonal music, merging Western and Hawaiian influences, all while showcasing the talents of local hula dancers.
December 20 will see the Portland Cello Project, a local nine-piece band known for their innovative cello performances, present a concert that promises to delight audiences with unexpected musical interpretations.
As spring 2026 arrives, the Reser will collaborate with White Bird Dance to present the Versa-Style Street Dance Company on March 19-20.
Esteemed for its energetic performances, this Los Angeles-based company will celebrate its 20th anniversary with fresh choreographed works that honor its legacy in hip hop empowerment.
On May 6, the acclaimed guitarist Eliades Ochoa, famed for his roots in traditional Cuban music, will join the American Strings series.
Born in Santiago de Cuba, Ochoa, who is sometimes likened to ‘The Cuban Johnny Cash,’ will participate in a conversation with ethnomusicologist Kelly Bosworth, followed by an engaging performance.
The season will culminate with a performance by the beloved local ensemble Pink Martini from May 29-31.
The eclectic pop-jazz band, established in 1994, boasts a diverse lineup of roughly a dozen musicians led by pianist Thomas Lauderdale.
They will present a lively mix of hits from their genre-spanning repertoire, promising a vibrant finale to a groundbreaking season at The Reser.
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