Accordionist, character artiste and now filmmaker, Portland's Jet Black Pearl evokes smiles even in the worst of times.

Nataki Garrett took on her new role as Oregon Shakespeare Festival's artistic director in 2019. Within months the coronavirus shuttered all of her theatres for more than a year. Now the Festival is reopening, and Garrett is excited to announce a full season of shows for 2022.

Jesus Torralba has been painting since he was a child, when friends introduced him to the art of graffiti. Today his colorful commissioned murals can be seen throughout Portland, each capped with his “Heysus” signature. Torralba’s designs draw on his indigenous roots in Oaxaca, and on his love of cartoons, creating a distinctive style.

For many BIPOC and LGBTQ artists, it may be difficult to get their work into mainstream galleries if they aren’t well-known enough. A gallery in Portland is hoping to give those emerging artists a home to show their art and potentially jumpstart their career.

Amelia Bjesse-Puffin was tired of the oppression she was seeing in the world of skating. So, two years ago she launched Smash the Skatriarchy, a submission-focused zine that aims to lower barriers to skating. For her latest issue, she met up with Indigenous roller derby stars for a day of skating, interviews and photos sessions. These Indigenous skaters are working to decolonize the world of derby — a mission that Bjesse-Puffin wants to elevate in her zine.

Kickstart the week with three new songs hand-picked for your playlist.

The Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall was recently filled with live music from the Oregon Symphony after more than a year of silence.

Portland singer Jimmie Herrod made the top 10 on "America's Got Talent" – and millions of new fans watched him do it.

The Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland has announced its 2022 season lineup, as well as a significant drop in ticket prices.

Kickstart the week with three new songs hand-picked for your playlist.