Even with the cooler weather this spring, the sights and sounds of summer are beginning to heat up. This week’s events include the International Air Show in Hillsboro, several live classical music concerts, visual arts events, and an intricate taiko performance.
Although the statewide indoor COVID-19 mask mandate has been lifted, some venues or artists still have restrictions in place. Check venue websites for specific COVID safety requirements†
The Oregon International Air Show returns to Hillsboro on May 20-22, 2022. Oregonian file photo. Mark Graves/Staff
Oregon International Air Show, Hillsboro
Oregon will host two sessions of the International Air Show in 2022. The first is at the Hillsboro Airport and features the US Air Force Lightning II Demo Team, Misty Blues and US Air Force Viper Demo Team. Friday night’s event concludes with a fireworks show. The second air show will be Aug. 19-21 at McMinnville.
Various gate times Friday-Sunday, at the airport, 3355 NE Cornell Road, Hillsboro; tickets start at $25; oregonairshow.com/hillsboro-tickets-2022/
Metropolitan Youth Symphony
The theme of “Resilience & Triumph” brings together musicians who have worked hard through the pandemic to hone their skills, as well a performance by poet Laila Vickers, who was a student in S. Renee Mitchell’s program I Am MORE Vickers’ writings inspired music by composer Koharu Sakiyama, and their collaborative work will be performed in a program that also includes Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4.
7:30 pm Friday, May 20, Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, 1037 SW Broadway; tickets $11-$43; www.playmys.org or 503-239-4566.
Pipe Organ Concert
Concert organist and instructor Lynne Davis, who makes her home in France, travels to Portland for a program of mostly French music that traces the history of organ music from the 17th century to the present. The program will conclude with a piece by Bach, who was influenced by French composers.
7 p.m. Friday, May 20, Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 147 NW 19th Ave.; tickets $5-$50; trinity-episcopal.org/events
Floral displays are only part of the Floratopia show this weekend at the World Forestry Center.Portland Garden Club
Floratopia
This judged flower and art show brings together botanical and suspended aerial exhibits, botanical arts, photography and more in a celebration of all things floral. Read more about Floratopia here.
10am-4pm Saturday-Sunday, May 21-22. World Forestry Center, 4033 SW Canyon Road; free; facebook.com/events/
Matt Braunger
Originally from Portland, Braunger is a comedian, actor and writer who was a cast member on MADtv during its final season and has had numerous guest star roles. One of the founders of the Bridgetown Comedy Festival, he’s been touring the country with his most recent special, “Finally Live in Portland,” and comes home for a set at the Aladdin Theater.
8 pm† Friday, May 20, Aladdin Theater, 3017 SE Milwaukie Ave.; tickets $20; event.etix.com/ticket
“Constant State of Otherness”
This multilayered performance explores otherness and alienation through taiko drumming, Japanese folk dancing, songs and personal stories performed by the six-member troop Unit Souzou of Portland. The Risk/Reward festival is hosting the traveling performers who center their shows on ancestral wisdom, survival and the complicated emotions that make up the reality of being different.
7:30 pm Friday, 2 and 7:30 pm Saturday, May 20-21, Portland Opera, 211 SE Caruthers St.; tickets are pay-what-you-can with $20 being the suggested value; risk-reward.org/event
Read more: Unit Souzou explores otherness through drum, dance and song
“Vanport the Musical” performs May 20-June 5 at Northwest Children’s Theater and School.Image by Kate Szrom
“Vanport the Musical”
Wanting to know more about the history of why Black people moved to the Portland area, director and writer Shalanda Sims wrote “Vanport the Musical” to tell the stories of the community that was lost when the area flooded in 1948 and to honor the elsewhere of vanport. Co-directed by Sarah Jane Hardy in collaboration with Northwest Children’s Theater, the play is part of the 2022 Vanport Mosaic Festival and is recommended for ages 8 and older.
Opens 7 pm Friday, May 20, and continues 7 pm Friday-Saturday, through June 4, with one 2 pm Sunday performance June 5, Northwest Children’s Theater, 1819 NW Everett St.; $20-$25; nwcts.secure.force.com or 503-222-2190
This watercolor painting by Mila Raphael is part of the Mt. Tabor Art Walk, 2022
mt. Tabor Art Walk
Now in its 15th year, this juried art show and sale features 36 neighborhood artists at 21 sites around Mt. tabor. View art in paintings, ceramics, photography, sculpture, metal and jewelry, and visit with artists while you watch them work.
10am-5pm Saturday-Sunday, May 21-22; visit the website for a free map of open studios; mttaborartwalk.com
Armed Forces Day at Oak Amusement Park
Oaks Park honors the service of active military families with free ride bracelets for deployed and reservist military personnel and their immediate families. Just bring your current military ID. There will also be free cake and balloons for all park visitors while supplies last. Get in on some thrill rides and fun family events on this special day.
Noon-7 pm Saturday, May 21, Oaks Park, 7805 SE Oaks Park Way; oakspark.com
Social Justice Night
Social Justice Night is a partnership between Vestal Elementary School, Portland State University’s Artist as Citizen Initiative, a program that creates multiple pathways for aspiring artists to discover their potential to affect social change as members of local and global communities, and the arts nonprofit Montavilla Jazz . This community-wide celebration highlights collaborative artistic works – by both students and professionals – that were focused on two of Vestal Elementary’s five pillars of social justice: community diversity and family identity. Celebrate one of Portland’s most diverse neighborhoods in an evening of art, food, live jazz music, vendors and community.
4:30 pm Thursday, May 26, outside on the playground and inside the gymnasium the school, 161 NE 82nd Ave.; free; montavillajazz.org
– If you have live or virtual events you’d like to see highlighted at OregonLive.com or in the weekly printed A&E section of The Oregonian, please email submissions to events@oregonian.com at least three weeks prior to the start of your event. Digital images or links to videos are helpful.
— Rosemarie Stein, events@oregonian.com