Southwest Washington Center for the Arts

07/27/2023

https://www.instagram.com/p/CvKy_cJBb6p/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

07/15/2023

07/12/2023

Today's "Art for a Cause: Uplift" event was a huge success today. Blending the arts with kids in need is a fun way to spend a day, add in a bit of shopping made it a great day for all that participated. Thanks to Riverview Bank, Vesta Hospitality Waste Connections of Washington, Inc. and JoAnn Cavallaro for sponsoring the event today!

Thanks to Clark County Food Bank, Artstra & Beacock Music and Education Center for adding your expertise to this special day.

Southwest Washington Center for the Arts worked with local businesses, law enforcement, and more to bring a special day of exposure to the arts for children during Uplift!, plus the children got a sho

07/07/2023

Guess who's in the 'Couve tonight for some live music? “Jay “Bird” Koder put some blistering hot bands together over the years. His thrilling guitar virtuosity and amazing dynamic range is nationally renowned.” Whether he is playing blues with Robert Cray or jazz with Chick Corea, inventive pop with Gino Vannelli or world Music with Obo Addy, rock with the Steve Miller Band or fusion with Herbie Hancock, Latin with Arturo Sandoval or classical with the Oregon Symphony Orchestra, this “Bird” has flown high and with some of the greatest. He will be at the AC Hotel by Marriott Vancouver Waterfront tonight at 6pm for free live music, joined by George Mitchell, Alyssa Schwary-Mcdonald, and Anthony Jones. Stop by and listen to this local legend (performing with the great Andy Stokes in the video).

Jay "Bird" Koder put some blistering hot bands together over the years. His thrilling guitar virtuosity and amazing dynamic range is nationally renowned. An...

07/05/2023

Props to this incredible musician performing Friday at the AC Hotel by Marriott Vancouver Waterfront! Drummer and percussionist Anthony Jones joined the world renown “little orchestra” Pink Martini in 2011 as a full-time member, and joins the band on recordings and whenever close to home. Anthony’s musical career began in high school in the summer of his junior year when he was cast to perform in the film Mr. Holland’s Opus starring Richard Dreyfuss. He has performed at Carnegie Hall with the New York Pops Philharmonic, the Hollywood Bowl with the LA Phil, has traveled domestically and abroad on tour in over 45 countries spread across 5 continents, and has performed on Jay Leno. So blessed to have him join Alyssa Schwary-Mcdonald, Jay Bird Koder, and George Mitchell for stellar live music on the Vancouver Waterfront. Hope to see you there!

Anthony Jones has had an amazing life. Growing up in North and Northeast Portland during a time when gang violence and drugs were an everyday occurrence, hi...

06/19/2023

Creative ways to have fun and teach your kids and grandkids a lifelong skill during these summer months. Add music to your garden, numerous studies have shown that playing music for plants really does promote faster, healthier growth. It has to do with the vibration/frequency of sound.

With spring in full bloom and summer and fall around the corner, it's the perfect time to get the kids outdoors and introduce them to the joys of

05/19/2023

Thank you, Norm Eder and Paul K Ward for the great pics!

05/18/2023

A few snippets from the show last night; stay tuned for great video highlights on our YouTube channel! Thank you, Shelly Rudolph, Tom Grant Music PDX and the incredible band!

05/17/2023

Setting up for the show! Get out of the heat and join us for some cool jazz tonight at 6pm at The Kiggins Theatre!

05/15/2023

A little too hot outside? Escape into The Kiggins Theatre’s air-conditioned auditorium, grab a frosty beverage, and enjoy the cool jazz sounds of Shelly Rudolph, Tom Grant Music PDX, and Swank Soul Band LIVE May 17th at 6pm! Tickets on sale now at: https://www.kigginstheatre.com/checkout/showing/soul/635150

Bill Athens, Dan Gildea, Edwin Leon Coleman III, Renato Caranto, Paul Mazzio, Aerial Muse Collective, Portland Piano Company

05/13/2023

It was heartwarming and exciting to see faces light up at Clearwater Springs Assisted Living when toe-tapping renditions of jazz standards were performed by the Beacock Music and Education Center Jazz Band. The Jazz Band has a long history of philanthropy in Clark County, performing throughout the year for those who grew up to Bennie Goodman, Glenn Miller and the Count Basie Orchestras. Beacock Music founder Dale Beacock’s vision that “everyone has musical ability” has become an opportunity for local musicians to celebrate those who have contributed so much to our community’s legacy. And what a celebration it is! Thank you, Beacock Music, for your meaningful contribution to the arts!

05/11/2023

Having a little fun at The Kiggins Theatre with Shelly Rudolph and Rebecca Palmer of Aerial Muse Collective! Don't miss Shelly, Rebecca, Tom Grant Music PDX and the Swank Soul Band May 17th at Kiggins for live music with a great cause! Tickets at https://www.kigginstheatre.com/movie/soul/
Thank you, Anton Zotov for joining us!

05/11/2023

Great images of this iconic landmark theater in Vancouver! Thank you, Anton Zotov for being there during the video shoot for our upcoming concert at The Kiggins Theatre on May 17. 

05/09/2023

Artist Spotlight

Local artist Daniel Martinez delivers joy through the art of dance! With a degree in social work and his role as both dance instructor and performer, Daniel is passionate about utilizing dance as a uniquely compassionate approach to helping people work through adversity. In addition to his own studio, Daniel is part of Wild Rumpus Jazz Co., which will be presenting “Thank You For Being A Friend” May 12th and 13th in honor of their final season. Created specifically to thank the audience for all of their support over the years, this show promises the high energy, joy, and love for jazz dance that Wild Rumpus Jazz Co. is known for. Shows will be presented at Polaris Dance Theater at 7:30pm. Tickets are available at: https://www.tickettomato.com/event_group/373/wild-rumpus-jazz-co-presents-thank-you-for-being-a-friend

Daniel teaches private ballroom lessons in the six major dances -Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Rumba, Cha Cha, Swing and Latin dance styles -Salsa, Bachata, Merengue, Samba, Hip Hop, Jazz and Contemporary dance. Visit his website at dancewithdanny.com to learn more.

05/07/2023

was a great success on he Waterfront

05/06/2023

Shelly Rudolph, Dan Gildea and Dennis Ciazza rocked the AC Hotel by Marriott Vancouver Waterfront last night for First Friday! Shelly returns to Vancouver May 17th with Tom Grant Music PDX and the Swank Soul Band at The Kiggins Theatre. Don't miss out on this one! Tickets at kigginstheatre.com

https://youtu.be/uYDy6NYAvgo

Shelly Rudolph, Dan Gildea and Dennis Caizza rocked the AC Hotel by Marriott on the Vancouver Waterfront for First Friday.

05/05/2023

Busy setting up for first Friday at Hotel Indigo. Stop by at 5pm and say hello to the artists, then head next door to AC Hotel by Marriott Vancouver Waterfront for live music with the Shelly Rudolph Trio!

05/05/2023

Meet The Artists: Hotel Indigo’s inaugural First Friday artists Joanne Cavallaro and Sherry Westenbroek Artist will present their work tonight from 5 - 8 in the hotel's lobby. Come say hello! All artwork will be for sale.

Joanne Cavallaro discovered her passion for abstract years ago, inspired by the art medium and its many techniques. Each of Joanne’s works is unique and cannot be duplicated. To view artwork by Joanne Cavallaro, please visit: https://www.instagram.com/p/ChzqUR7rvj_/?hl=en

Sherry Westenbroek’s work comes from her own personal style of using a pallet knife to create her vibrant paintings. Specifically, these pieces are created by layering paint in various colors and adding texture to achieve the desired effect. To view artwork by Sherry Westenbroek please visit: http://sherry-westenbroek.pixels.com

05/05/2023

This weekend (May 6 & 7) the Vancouver Master Chorale of 90 plus voices and full orchestra will be singing Mozart Requiem and Regina Coeli, Eric Whitacre and Henry Mollicone pieces. As an added bonus the winners of the Youth Scholarship Audition will each present a song. General Admission: $25 Students: $5
More info about concert https://vancouvermasterchorale.org/

05/03/2023

Did you know? Intimate performance venues create opportunities for personal connections with world-class entertainers. Don't miss your chance to engage with these renowned musicians May 17th at The Kiggins Theatre at 6pm. Tickets at kigginstheatre.com

04/24/2023

04/17/2023

Speaking of Love....join Shelly Rudolph, Tom Grant Music PDX and the Swank Soul Band May 17 at The Kiggins Theatre for a very special concert to benefit and celebrate some amazing Clark County children. Join in the love and get your tickets at Kigginstheatre.com before they sell out!



https://youtu.be/rH5wvdxMUqk

http://tomgrant.comhttp://shellyrudolph.comTom Grant - piano, vocalsShelly Rudolph - vocals"Let's Fall In Love" composed by Harold Arlen & Ted Koehler

04/04/2023

04/04/2023

VSO USA's 2023 Young Artist Competition is officially accepting submissions. Open to young artists up to age 18, the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra awards $24,000 in cash prizes and gives winners of each category the opportunity to perform with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra on January 20th & 21st, 2024.

More details and official rules: https://vancouversymphony.org/young-artists-competition/

03/29/2023

Music is alive and well in Vancouver, and the future looks bright! The best in the industry are performing here, including Jazz legend Ken Peplowski, who recently headlined the VSO Evening of Jazz with award-winning Brazilian guitar phenom, Diego Figueiredo. Regarded by many as "the greatest living Jazz clarinetist," Ken has headlined the Hollywood Bowl, Carnegie Hall, and venues around the globe. He has performed with Mel Torme, Leon Redbone, Charlie Byrd, Peggy Lee, Madonna, Hank Jones, Rosemary Clooney, Woody Allen, Isaac Delgado & many more. Tony Bennet referred to Ken’s clarinet playing by stating, “You’re a helluva singer!”
photo credits: Windows on Life Photography

03/29/2023

Experience Tom Grant with Ten Grands in April, then join him May 17 for an intimate performance with Shelly Rudolph at The Kiggins Theatre May 17.

There are still tickets avail for this year's magnificent production of Ten Grands at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert hall. My special guest, Justin Copeland, will make an appearance and you won't want to miss it!
Tickets info on my website at tomgrant.com

03/23/2023

The 2023 Clark County Arts Commission Lifetime Achievement Award goes to Paul E. Christensen. Watch this video to learn more about his achievements.

03/21/2023

The sultry and soulful Shelly Rudolph takes the stage at the The Kiggins Theatre May 17th at 6pm for “Soul!” - a special concert to benefit the SWWA Center for the Arts’ “Uplift!” children’s project. Shelly will be joined by Jazz innovator, pianist Tom Grant Music PDX, along with Dan Gildea, Renato Caranto, Bill Athens, Edwin Leon Coleman III, and Paul Mazzio. Aerialist Rebecca Palmer with Aerial Muse Collective will accompany Ms. Rudolph with a special choreographed performance. Experience these Jazz icons while making a difference in the lives of Clark County's amazing children! Tickets on sale now at kigginstheatre.com. Find out more about "Arts for a Cause" at centerforartswwa.org. .

https://youtu.be/6am27WEQ0B8

The sultry and soulful Shelly Rudolph takes the stage at the Kiggins Theatre May 17th at 6pm for a special concert to benefit the SWWA Center for the Arts’ “...

03/09/2023

You have two chances to see the brilliant VSO Chamber Orchestra, featuring star soloists Dr. Michael Liu and Bruce Dunn this weekend, March 11 at Garver Auditorium and 12 at Fort Vancouver High School. Don't miss your chance to hear timeless masterworks by Tchaikovsky, Bach, and more.

Tickets: https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?actions=4&p=5

03/07/2023

Praise for two Vancouver, WA artists who are using their creativity to give back to the community! Sherry Westenbroek Artist and Joanne Cavallaro are featured artists at Red Trillium Gallery’s Second Saturday exhibit this weekend. A portion of proceeds from the sale of their works will benefit two nonprofits that are making a big difference in the lives of thousands. Candlelighters For Children With Cancer provides support and connection for families in SW Washington and Oregon facing childhood cancer. Cascade AIDS Project provides critical services to people living with or impacted by HIV, including food, clothing and household assistance.

03/02/2023

"The Arts' Best Friend" recently honored for support of the arts. Congratulations, Paul!

First Friday Art Walk and More     Vancouver Philanthropist Paul Christensen Honored for Support of Arts in Clark County Paul Christensen taking the plunge with former Mayor Royce Pollard (courtesy Re

02/27/2023

Vancouver filmmaker Dru Holley talked live with FOX13 News about his award-winning documentary, "Buffalo Soldiers: Fighting on Two Fronts" and announced the national airing of the film on PBS on Juneteenth (June 19th). Congratulations Dru!

Vancouver filmmaker Dru Holley talked live with FOX13 News about his award-winning documentary, "Buffalo Soldiers: Fighting on Two Fronts" and announced the ...

02/23/2023

Please enjoy the magnificent poem written by Armin Tolentino, Clark County Poet Laureate, written in honor of Paul Christensen’s Lifetime Achievement Award and read as an invocation for the county council meeting.

01/19/2023

Thank you, KOIN6 News, for the on-air segment about tonight's impactful event!

Details: visitvancouverwa.com/event/the-most-unlikely-art-exhibition/27191/

01/17/2023

There is no approach that breaks barriers, connects across cultural differences, and engages our shared values more than arts and culture. There is no investment that connects us to each other, moves us to action, and strengthens our ability to make collective choices more than arts and culture.
Click below to find out more:
https://conta.cc/3CTlrfv

01/16/2023

Musician Stevie Wonder is living proof that the Arts can be a powerful advocacy tool for change. The Motown superstar held the Rally for Peace press conference in 1981, the year his track, “Happy Birthday,” came out as a single, climbing to No. 2 in the U.K.. The song, which honors King, and Stevie’s tireless campaigning, led directly to the enshrinement of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, observed in the U.S. since January 1986. Find out more:

https://classic.motown.com/story/stevie-wonder-helps-create-martin-luther-king-day-happy-birthday/ #:~:text=It%20was%20Stevie%20Wonder's,January%201986%20and%20ever%20since.

01/12/2023

James Lee Hansen is one of the Northwest’s most prominent and influential sculptors. His imposing bronze installations are on view at the Portland Art Museum, Maryhill Museum, Clark College and institutions throughout the region. Hansen established his own foundry in Battle Ground, Washington in t...

01/05/2023

Go into the arts. I'm not kidding. The arts are not a way to make a living. They are a very human way of making life more bearable. Practicing an art, no matter how well or badly, is a way to make your soul grow, for heaven's sake. Sing in the shower. Dance to the radio. Tell stories. Write a poem to a friend, even a lousy poem. Do it as well as you possibly can. You will get an enormous reward. You will have created something. ~Kurt Vonnegut

(Book: A Man Without a Country https://amzn.to/3VIVkyz)

12/21/2022

Dear Artists,

Thank you for sharing your gifts and passions with us.Thank you for sharing the untold stories and reminding us of what’s possible.Thank you for creating an outlet for us to be challenged and for inspiring us to do more. Here’s to an incredible look back and a bright future ahead.

Sincerely, your Center for the Arts

https://youtu.be/5csAwqzmanE

Columbia Dance Journey Theater. The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra USA The Historic Music Preservation Project - The Ne Plus Ultra Jass Orchestra Metropolitan Performing Arts Vancouver Master Chorale Groove Nation Dance Academy Magenta Theater Joanne Cavallaro