Wild West PSU opera features lead role for trans singer

Portland State’s acclaimed Opera program presents a tale straight out of the Old West, tracing the true story of Charley Parkhurst, a stagecoach driver in the California Gold Rush who was assigned female at birth and lived life as a man. Created by composer Keith Allegretti and librettist Cecelia Raker, “Good Country” is one of the first contemporary operas with a lead role crafted specifically … Continue reading Wild West PSU opera features lead role for trans singer

PSU Jazz Professor Darrell Grant sits on a stage playing an instrument with another man on the other side of the stage talking into a microphone

Jazz Professor Darrell Grant is a PSU and Portland treasure

Darrell Grant is one of PSU’s treasures. Not only is he a beloved professor of jazz in the School of Music & Theater, but he is also a critically acclaimed composer and leader in Portland’s music community. And he is always working on something profound, thought-provoking and inspiring. In short, he makes Portland a better place. Continue reading Jazz Professor Darrell Grant is a PSU and Portland treasure

Portland’s Hopeful vs. Hopeless Musicians

I wish I was one of those lucky individuals who woke up one morning to say, “Hello world! I’m going to be a doctor. This is who I am, and this is what I want to do!” Unfortunately, I woke up from a dream of wearing purple bell bottoms playing an electric guitar that caught on fire: a female Jimi Hendrix. Of course this was … Continue reading Portland’s Hopeful vs. Hopeless Musicians