Paul Thorn with special guest Will Hoge
When it comes to songwriting, less is more, and simplicity is strength. Just ask Paul Thorn, who’s spent three decades turning soulful grooves and small syllables into songs that pack a big wallop. Maybe he learned the power of minimalism from his years as a pro boxer; maybe it just comes naturally. But whether he’s targeting heads, hearts, hips or the occasional funny bone, he somehow manages to condense large nuggets of wisdom into tight little mantras, the kind embroiderers stitched onto pillows before internet memes existed. Thorn’s new album, Life is Just A Vapor, contains some beauties: “Life is a vapor, let’s live it while we can”; “tough times don’t last, but tough people do” (from “Tough Times Don’t Last”); “any mountain up ahead is just a hill” (from “Old Melodies”). They’re words of advice, comfort, support, encouragement, often meant to uplift, especially in times of struggle. “I like for people to be touched by music and get something from it, something that they can take with them throughout the day,” Thorn says. “Every song on this album, there’s a message in it of some sort about how to live life.” Minors ok with parent/guardianReview our venue FAQ here ALL SALES ARE FINAL. PLEASE, DOUBLE CHECK YOUR ORDER BEFORE PURCHASING. NO REFUNDS
STREAMING ONLINE: White Album Xmas 2025 – Christmas Day Broadcast
Relive the joy that is White Album Xmas 2025 from the comfort of your device. It’s the music of The Beatles performed by The Nowhere Band accompanying amazing acts of skill and artistic beauty from Rose City Circus!This is the world premiere broadcast of this show, captured live at the Alberta Rose Theatre on Thursday, December 12, 2025.Share the love one more time on Christmas Day! Tickets are available on a sliding scale. Please pay what you can to support this fantastic show.Thanks!!
Come to Mama! – Etta James Birthday Celebration
One of the most important singers in the history of blues music, Etta James carved her reputation in the form of many indelible hits over a seven-decade-career. Her music lives on within the Portland music scene as an all-star cast celebrates EJ’s birthday (B. January 25, 1938, D. January 20, 2012) This production reunites Portland musicians who collaborated a decade ago on the Tell Mama! Etta James Tribute, assembled after James’ 2012 passing by the late Portland keyboardist/band leader DK Stewart and saxophonist/horn arranger Chris Mercer. That lineup was featured at Waterfront Blues Festival, as well as at many other regional events and venues—including the Alberta Rose Theatre, and released a critically-acclaimed live recording. The line-up of vocalists for this production reads like a “who’s who” of the Northwest’s finest female leads— LaRhonda Steele, Rae Gordon, Lisa Mann, Amy Keys, and Lady Kat— all band leaders, powerful vocalists, and songwriters in their own right. Backing This powerful vocal quintet is an all-star rhythm section that includes award winning guitarists Whit Draper and Peter Dammann, keyboard ace Pat McDougall, drummer Ed Pierce and bassist Joseph Conrad. Joining them on harmonica is special guest Kim Field. Saxophonist/arranger Chris Mercer— a British expat who toured and recorded with such blues and rock legends as John Mayall, Dr John, Freddie King, Billy Ocean, and Bryan Ferry before relocating to Portland, where he has worked Paul deLay, Lloyd Jones, Kevin Selfe—took over the reins of this project as Musical Director with the passing of DK Stewart. Mercer has assembled an expanded six-piece horn section for this version of the Etta Tribute that includes: Allan Kalik and Rick Rier, trumpets; Chris Mercer and Scott Franklin, tenor saxophones; Rob Rayfield, baritone saxophone; and John Gordon, trombone. Minors ok when accompanied by a parent or guardian. Review our venue FAQ here ALL SALES ARE FINAL. PLEASE, DOUBLE CHECK YOUR ORDER BEFORE PURCHASING. NO REFUNDS.
Dervish
Dervish received a prestigious lifetime achievement award from the BBC, a fitting tribute to the band after over 30 years of recording and performing all over the world. Described by the BBC as “an icon of Irish music”, the band have played at festivals from Rio de janeiro to Glastonbury. They accompanied the Irish President on state visits to Latvia and Lithuania and Prime Minister of Ireland on a trade mission to China as Cultural Ambassadors taking time out to play an impromptu session on the Great Wall of China. Dervish have a line-up which includes some of Ireland’s finest traditional musicians, fronted by one of the country’s best-known singers, Cathy Jordan. Minors ok when accompanied by a parent or guardian Review our venue FAQ here ALL SALES ARE FINAL. PLEASE, DOUBLE CHECK YOUR ORDER BEFORE PURCHASING. NO REFUNDS
Prince Again – A Tribute to Prince
Very few artists are more legendary than PRINCE. When he left us in 2016, millions mourned his untimely passing. However, this iconic multi-instrumental musical savant will never be forgotten. His inimitable musical styling, stage presence and undeniable genius remain imprinted upon hearts and minds. PRINCE’S hits smashed the Billboard Charts and created memories for generations.Whether you are a long-time fan or newly acquainted with his catalogue PRINCE AGAIN: A TRIBUTE TO PRINCE is your must-see performance. This spot-on tribute delivers such unforgettable hits as “Little Red Corvette”, “1999”, “Kiss”, “Cream”, “Diamonds & Pearls”, “I Wanna Be Your Lover” and the hallmark “Purple Rain”. PRINCE AGAIN: A TRIBUTE TO PRINCE pays homage to the legend, busting out all his top numbers with perfect dance moves and stagecraft. So, don your “Raspberry Beret” and get ready to party, revisiting memories and making new ones as this tribute re-creates the sensational spectacle that was PRINCE! This show will feature ASL interpretation, so let your deaf and hard of hearing friends know! Minors ok with parent/guardianReview our venue FAQ here ALL SALES ARE FINAL. PLEASE, DOUBLE CHECK YOUR ORDER BEFORE PURCHASING. NO REFUNDS
A Very George Michael Christmas with Holcombe Waller and Special Guests – LATE SHOW
Celebrate the season with a lush, soulful, and gloriously nostalgic holiday concert featuring the music of George Michael and Wham! Portland music artist Holcombe Waller assembles a band of Portland all-stars, under the banner The Careless Whispers, and adds an array of special guest vocalists (China Forbes, Gabriel Kahane, Arietta Ward, Hannah Dimo and Wyatt Button) for an evening that sparkles with joy, heartbreak, and unapologetic glamour. Two sets weave together George Michael’s timeless hits, holiday classics, and deep cuts re-imagined through Waller’s signature blend of vocal artistry and emotional storytelling. Expect big harmonies, shimmering arrangements, and a festive spirit that’s as stylish as it is heartfelt — a night for everyone who still believes in the healing power of the perfect pop song. Tickets:General Admission – $55 plus feesVIP – $65 plus fees (seating in the first 7 rows of the center section, available in advance only) Minors ok with Parent or Guardian Review our venue FAQ here ALL SALES ARE FINAL. PLEASE, DOUBLE CHECK YOUR ORDER BEFORE PURCHASING. NO REFUNDS.
Whiskey River – A Tribute to Willie Nelson by The Adrian Martin Septet feat. James Low
James Low sings the timeless songs of Willie Nelson as a member of the nimble septet led by guitarist Adrian Martin Live Stream tickets are available for those who cannot make it in person. Minors ok when accompanied by a parent or guardianReview our venue FAQ here
Ruthie Foster with special guest Adam Gabriel
Ruthie Foster’s musical journey is as eclectic and vibrant as her soulful voice. Born into a family steeped in gospel tradition, Ruthie’s earliest influences were the voices of her mother, grandmother, and the gospel singers she grew up listening to — artists like the Gospel Keynotes and the Blind Boys of Alabama. However, her path to becoming a solo artist wasn’t a straightforward one. Despite a deep love for music, Ruthie initially shied away from the spotlight, preferring to play guitar, piano, and write songs for others. Growing up in the rich musical tapestry of Gause, Texas, Ruthie found herself drawn to the diverse sounds and arrangements of local gospel choirs and musicians. Despite her reluctance to take center stage, Ruthie’s talent was undeniable, and her mother encouraged her to step up and sing out. She stood out as a young black girl with a guitar in a choir scene dominated by pianos, but with her grandmother’s vocal coaching and encouragement from her mother and the church community, she recognized her own power — as a songwriter, a musician, and as a captivating singer. Now, with five Grammy nominations to her name, Ruthie Foster has achieved a long-awaited milestone: her very first Grammy win. Her latest album, Mileage, released on the legendary Sun Records, won Best Contemporary Blues Album at the 2025 Grammy Awards — a triumph not only for Foster, but also a historic first-ever Grammy win for Sun Records. The recognition underscores the power of Foster’s artistry and the enduring legacy of a label that continues to champion timeless voices. With soulful melodies, heartfelt lyrics, and unwavering commitment to her craft, Foster continues to carve out a path that is uniquely her own — inspiring audiences and fellow musicians alike. Georgia born singer-songwriter Adam Gabriel opens the show with his masterful blend of Folk-Rock, Southern Blues and rich, soulful vocals. Minors ok when accompanied by a parent or guardian. Review our venue FAQ here ALL SALES ARE FINAL. PLEASE, DOUBLE CHECK YOUR ORDER BEFORE PURCHASING. NO REFUNDS
37th Annual WINTERFOLK – A Benefit for Transition Projects
Oregon’s largest annual folk music concert event, a benefit for Transition Projects, will celebrate its 37th Anniversary tonight. Winterfolk is one of those rare expressions of giving and brings our community together in the common celebration of music and caring – with the knowledge that every dollar raised at the door goes to the people it is intended to help. For over 57 years, Transition Projects has delivered life-saving and life changing support to some of Portland’s most vulnerable residents. Winterfolk is proud to partner with this longtime organization, working towards one of the most basic of human rights, because everyone deserves a roof over their head. Performers include: Tracy Grammer Doug & Judy Smith Kristen Grainger and Dan Wetzel Gary Furlow & The Loafers Donny Wright & Brad Price Oregon Poet Laureate Emeritus Kim Stafford Kate Power & Steve Einhorn Tom May with Mark Moebeck & Dylan May TICKETS: When you buy a ticket consider making an additional donation to Transition Projects at the same time! Your donation is tax-deductible. Thank you! Choose your price. All seating is General Admission (GA). Graphic design by Scott Docherty and Redhare Minors ok when accompanied by a parent or guardian Review our venue FAQ here ALL SALES ARE FINAL. PLEASE, DOUBLE CHECK YOUR ORDER BEFORE PURCHASING. NO REFUNDS.
Cécile McLorin Salvant Presented by PDX Jazz
The first thing to know about Oh Snap, Cécile McLorin Salvant’s new suite of original songs, is that it was never intended to leave the hard drive of her computer. Ever. The singer and composer wrote these short, intensely personal pieces as part of a creative quest: To place spontaneity and joy at the center of her writing process. After years of writing and recording visionary—and critically acclaimed—Nonesuch albums like Ghost Song and Mélusine, Salvant challenged herself to approach composition in new ways. “I felt I had lost a connection to music because it was something that I felt I should do in a certain way and do well,” Salvant confides. “I thought, ‘How can I bring music back in close to me, intimately?’ The only way to do that was if it felt like no one would hear it, including other musicians.” So the vocalist and composer—who’s won the Best Jazz Vocal Album Grammy three times and was the recipient of a MacArthur “genius” fellowship in 2020—put together a computer music rig. She explored the seemingly limitless tones and combinations, menu by dropdown menu. She was not, she says, looking for some reasonable facsimile of, say, an acoustic bass, but rather some growling bass synth that made her want to play more. Hear more. Sing a melody around it. “I thought, ‘What would I build if I could just build it alone, based on who I am?’” Salvant says. “I was thinking about how free and playful I am with drawing, which I have no training in, but which gives me so much joy. I’m not in the art scene, so I don’t know the different movements that people find themselves in. And it doesn’t matter what I do. I thought, ‘How could I approach music this way? “It felt radical to me, to share this,” Salvant says, “in part because I am contending with genre all the time, ever since I’ve been a professional musician—actually, ever since I started studying music in school settings. You are forced to think in terms of genre. You audition for the classical voice class, you audition for the jazz class, you’re bringing certain things into certain classes. Then when, hopefully, you end up becoming a professional musician, you are still contending with genre, you are placed in a category, in these specific lanes that you have to stay in.” Minors ok with parent/guardianReview our venue FAQ here ALL SALES ARE FINAL. PLEASE, DOUBLE CHECK YOUR ORDER BEFORE PURCHASING. NO REFUNDS
