Y La Bamba to perform at p:earblossoms X, May 12th

Just confirmed: Portland arty folk band Y La Bamba will be performing at p:earblossoms X: story, May 12th at the Left Bank Annex. Check out their performance on NPR's Tiny Desk concert series here. And purchase tickets to catch their performance at p:earblossoms here.

My Voice Music CD release party, October 15th

p:ear is always happy to support non-profit partners like My Voice Music and recent Skidmore prize recipient Ian Mouser. Check out the details on My Voice's CD release party and upcoming fundraiser!

Join My Voice Music for our 3rd Anniversary Fundraiser and first ever CD release Party! This year's event will be very special. In addition to hosting our largest and most exciting event to date, we will be releasing our first compilation CD of music performed, written and recorded by MVM students! Each song on the album is prefaced by memorable stories of how, where and when the songs were created and is read by notable Portlanders including Mayor Sam Adams, Storm Large, Dave Dahl of Dave's Killer Bread, Chelsea Cain and many more. Click the link to get a sneak peak.

THE COST: $20 at the door includes a copy of the My Voice Music 2011 Student Compilation, "Today Is A New Day" and a drink ticket upon admission!

Purchase tickets and RSVP here.

p:ear Youth Sings about an Educational Revolution

PORTLAND, Oregon – Thursday, June 9^th 2011 – The 4^th of July celebrates the independence our nation achieved through revolution. On July 4^th, 2011, at 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at the p:ear headquarters on 338 NW 6th Ave, p:ear youth Kayla Stone, recipient of the city sponsored Youth Action Grant, invites you to join her and several other performers for a free music, food and poetry event to share in the celebration of a revolution she sees just as imperative to our nation’s success: an educational revolution.

The Problem

As a result of the budget crisis, funding for educational programs that Kayla loved was cut. “All of a sudden we weren’t going on field trips”. However, unlike many that see such cuts, complain about the cuts and do nothing, Kayla was motivated. “You can’t just bitch and not do something”. What Kayla discovered was that there are many resources for people that are willing to work a little. “Students need to know about the grants that are available to sustain their schools and fine arts programs”. Unusually resourceful, Kayla attended grant-writing classes, applied and was awarded the Youth Action Grant to make Multnomah County a better place to live.

Kayla’s Quest

With this grant seed money in hand, Kayla has set out on a most noble quest; to educate others and bring them together to fix and save what she sees as incredibly important; an educational system that builds upon synergies, increases awareness, and promotes the work of inspirational teachers. On July 4^th Kayla is celebrating the kick-off of her mission to bring many educators and students together. “We are barely brushing shoulders with one another,” says Kayla. As a result she feels we are all working on our own little projects and programs instead of looking outward to see how we can all work together. “Building an ant hill happens quickly because they (the ants) are all working together”. Kayla’s big dream has garnered attention from some big names; Caffé Vita, Outside In, KBOO Radio, and New Avenues for Youth are all participating in her event on the 4^th.

The Party

Kayla, quoting Emma Coleman said “You can’t have a revolution you can’t dance to” and so on July 4^th, the band Lady Liberty – of which Kayla is a member – will be performing. Youth from Guerilla Theatre, a peer education program based at Outside In, will unveil a mural that will be on display at Outside In’s clinic. Aztec dancers will also present as a reminder of our heritage. But it isn’t a party without food, particularly on the 4^th of July so at this free event attendees can expect complimentary BBQ and non-alcoholic beverages. Be warned though, everyone is expected to mix and mingle and determine how they can do their part to build a more sustainable and inspiring educational system. Talk about a revolution.

Event Specifics

The Educational Revolution will occur on Monday, July 4^th at 6:00 pm at the p:ear headquarters located at 338 NW 6th Ave. Food and beverages are complimentary and the public is invited.

When the temperature rises, it's time for SALSA

Summer might have taken its sweet time in coming to Portland, but things always heat up for salsa! p:ear's transitions coordinator Rudolfo Serna has put together a great night of dancing in support of p:ear. Unsure of your two left feet? Come at 9 pm for dancing lessons from George Caceres of Sabor Latino Dance Company. And if DJ Armando can't get your feet moving, then there's always the tequila bar...

Once you've mastered the steps, test out your moves for the dance competition. Or keep hanging out at the tequila bar. And be sure to stay around for the raffle featuring:

*Photo shoot with photographer Shannon Butler *Class gift certificate for Sabor Latino Class *One hour massage by Anne Gray *Private lesson with Ritmo del Alma & Son Latino Pdx

The evening will also include performances by: *Remix Dance Company *Leo & Rositsa *Los Peques de la Salsa

Check out the p:ear Echele Salsa Facebook page for all the information. See you this Friday!

12 days of P:ear Group Show!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November/December 2009 CONTACT: Danielle Kirby gallery@pearmentor.org www.pearmentor.org The Trim/Vojdani Gallery at p:ear presents: 12 days of p:ear- Group show featuring Andy Dvoracek, Elyse Gambino, Alison Gayne, William Hernandez, Nicole Linde, Melissa Lund, Kelly Rundle, Hiedi Wirz,& Klien and Woolley with p:ear youth artists Opening Reception: Thursday, December 3rd, 6-9pm On Display: December 3rd – December 13th, 2009 Gallery Hours: Tuesday – Thursday, 10-1pm: or by appointment Gallery Location: 338 NW 6th St. Portland, OR 97229 Corner of 6th & Flanders

12 days of p:ear, features the works of nine artists from the Portland area. Complemented by the works of p:ear youth artists, a patchwork of styles and techniques pushes the boundaries of thought and perception; real and the surreal; dark and light. A line, simple in nature, manages to tell a story of trials and expression as it interlaces the pieces through their diversity. Join us for 1st Thursday, enjoying music, drinks, and art!

“Lie Machine” by William Hernandez “Orange Crush” by Melissa Lund “Webcrying” by Alison Gayne

p:ear youth are 15-24 year old homeless or transitional young people that attend the educational, artistic and recreational programs at p:ear. They work independently and with guest artists, working with available materials, to create work that is expressive, vibrant and healing.

p:ear is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. ###