Pacific University Performing Arts Series Celebrates Silver Anniversary Season
A variety of ticket packages are available for the 25th season of the Pacific University Performing Arts Series, which annually brings some of the finest musicians from around the world to Forest Grove.
The series' five-concert lineup kicks off on Saturday, Oct. 13 with the return of Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Bluegrass Band, featuring a jazz and classical twist on some of The Beatles' greatest hits. The band is making its second appearance at Pacific (2014).
The John Jorgenson Quintet, led by the namesake and his blistering guitar and mandolin licks, honors the legacy of jazz great Django Reinhard through a unique brand of gypsy jazz swinging style from the 1930s on Saturday, Nov. 10.
De Temps Antan also returns to Forest Grove (2010) and brings time-honored melodies from Quebec's musical past by way of fiddle, accordion, harmonica, guitar, bouzouki and more on Saturday, Feb. 9.
The series continues with a month later with folk icon Tom Paxton & The DonJuans coming to town on Saturday, March 9. Throughout his life, Paxton has addressed issues of injustice and inhumanity while celebrating the most tender bonds of family, friends and community. The Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award winner teams up with singer-songwriters Don Henry and Jon Vezner to carry on the legacy.
Native American flute master R. Carlos Nakai provides the final installment of the 2018-2019 Performing Arts Series on Saturday, April 6. One of the world's premier performers of the flute, Nakai has recorded more than 50 albums in exploring a mix of new age, world-beat jazz and classical music. He remains the only Native American artist to earn two gold records, and the first performing traditional solo flute music to go platinum.
All performances begin at 7:30 p.m. and take place in McCready Hall of the Taylor-Meade Performing Arts Center at Pacific University in Forest Grove.
Both season subscriptions and individual performance tickets can be purchased in advance by calling 502-352-2918. The five-performance subscription is $106, a 15 percent savings off the single show admission fee of $25 ($22.50 for senior citizens). Additional discounts are available for current Pacific students, faculty and staff.
The Performing Arts Series has been an entertainment staple of western Washington County since 1994 and has featured performances by some of the most recognized names in America over the years, including Ed Asner (2013), John Sebastian (2010), Judy Collins (1995), the Harlem Gospel Choir (2005) and more.
Other notable Performing Arts Series Shows over the years include:
- Riders in the Sky - 2018, 2008, 2001, 1997
- Roger McGuinn (of The Byrds) - 2017, 2003
- Karla Bonoff - 2016, 2003
- Carlene Carter (daughter of June Carter, stepdaughter of Johnny Cash) - 2016
- The von Trapps - 2014
- Peter Yarrow (from Peter, Paul and Mary) - 2013
- Vienna Choir Boys - 2011
- Pink Martini - 2006
- Chinese Acrobats - 2004, 2001
- Oregon Symphony - 2001-1995
- Tibetan Monks - 2003
- Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar - 2001
- The Ink Spots - 1999
- Mason Williams - 1996
The 2018-2019 Pacific University Performing Arts Series is sponsored by Tuality Healthcare - An OHSU Partner, R.B. Hornberger Company and U.S. Bank, with additional support from Wauna Credit Union, Diversity Café and Best Western University Inn & Suites (Forest Grove).
The arts have been an integral part of Pacific University since its founding in 1849. Today, the university features strong academic and cocurricular opportunities in music, theatre, dance and visual arts, fostering rich cultural experiences for students and the larger community. The Pacific University Performing Arts Series has been a highlight of the university's commitment to the arts for the past 25 years.