PRAx and the College of Forestry Present: Portland Jazz Composers Ensemble: From Maxville to Vanport — A Celebration of Oregon's Black History
This profound collection of songs and short films focuses on two towns that were vital places of opportunity and refuge for Black Oregonians in the first half of the 20th century: Maxville, a logging town built by the Bowman-Hicks Lumber Company in 1923, and Vanport, built to house shipyard workers in 1942.
From Maxville to Vanport, by composer Ezra Weiss, lyricist S. Renee Mitchell and filmmaker Kalimah Abioto, reveals and celebrates that heritage with honesty about racism and other challenges while also offering a hopeful picture of Oregon’s future. Performed by vocalist Marilyn Keller with the Portland Jazz Composers Ensemble.
Learn more before and after the performance through our Maxville & Vanport: Hidden Histories of Everyday Life exhibition, on view in our Arts Corridor, Lightboxes and Mezzanine Gallery spaces from February 27 through April 11.
Engage Further
Join us before the concert for a special moment: Memory Work and the Arts: A Conversation with Members of the Creative Team Behind From Maxville to Vanport.
Our conversation will feature the minds behind our multichannel explorations of the two towns. This panel is free and will be in Toomey Lobby on April 2 before the concert, from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Lightbox Happy Hour: Begins at 6 p.m.
Join us for a glass of wine or beer before the event. Lightbox Happy Hour opens at 6 p.m. in Toomey Lobby. Check out our current visual arts exhibitions to accompany your libations!
When
Opens in at 6 p.m. with drinks and snacks for purchase
Where