c*!l JJortlaxtò ffibseruer March 25. 2009 Page A B isiiiiAismsi Jesse Vasquez brings his talent and passion for painting to Culture Night, Friday, March P a t the Center for Intercultural organizing, 700 N. Killingsworth. Arts and Culture Night "We're a group of newcomers, poets, art­ ists and like-minded people of all colors who gather together once a month to sing, read poetry and perform in our native languages," said Portland artist Nim Xuto, a native of Thai­ land. T his m onth's featu red a rtist is Jesse Vasquez, a newcomer from Mexico who works as a day laborer. Before coming to the States, Vasquez was a painter by trade. Bringing his talent and passion for painting, he obtained work to paint murals, street signs and work on Native American designs. An artist reception and networking begins at 5:30pm, and open mic starts at 7 p.nt. Join newcomer artists and performers for Culture Night, Friday, March 27 at the Center for Intercultural Organizing office, 700 N. Killingsworth. Co-sponsored by Colored Pencils Arts Col­ lective, the Center of Intercultural Organiz­ ing, and the Latino Network, the event is open to people of all ages. Admission is $3. Culture Night debuted in February with art­ works by up-and-coming painters and pho­ tographers from Asian, African, Arab, Euro­ pean and Latino backgrounds. Open mie features cultural dance and song, as well as poetry and prose readings from a host of writers. Rose Garden Concert Date Set Music legends Earth Wind & Fire will be performing in Portland July 18 at the Rose Garden. Tickets went on sale Monday. The performance will include the legendary band Chicago. The same two groups, teamed up for a concert series five years ago that was phenomenal. COMiNG SOON! The classic group Al Andalus bridges cultures from East to West. Reed Hosts ‘Baghdad’ Concert The international Al Andalus Ensemble headlines the classical concert “Baghdad” on Saturday, March 28 at 7:30 p.m. in Kaul Auditorium at Reed College, 3203 S.E. Woodstock Blvd. Renown as a premiere bridge between E ast and W est m usical c u ltu re s, Al A n d alu s e m b o d ie s a new vision of America as a m odern society that em ­ braces its cosm opolitan, cultural heri­ tage. The word Al Andalus com es from a time when Christians, Jew s and M us­ lims lived in peaceful co-existence (Spain 711-1492). The Reed performance is dedicated as a memorial to all the people whose lives were lost or destroyed in the “war on terror.” Grief, forgiveness and healing are all focal points for the evening that also serves to herald the return of spring and foster new beginnings. Do North Celebrates Community Artists The third annual “IFCC Do North” community arts celebration kicks off on Last Thursday, March 26 from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Interstate Firehouse Cultural Center, 5340 N. Interstate Ave. Dozens of artists from north and north­ east Portland, working in all mediums, from sculpture and painting to poetry, are featured in this free exhibit. Your vote will help decide three awards to these talented neighbors. Two lifetime achievement honors will also be awarded at a Do North gala that will include live performances by local art­ ists on Sunday, March 29, from 6 pm. to 9 p.m. The exhibit is open to the public through April 25, Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays, from noon to 4 p.m. Tickets: Rose Quarter Box Office 877-789-ROSE (7673) • comcastTIX.com Participating Safeway/TicketsWest Locations Montel to Host Radio Show The Air America radio net­ an d in s a tia b le q u e st fo r work has signed a multi-year know ledge.” deal with talk show host, au­ “After being on television for thor, entrepreneur and humani­ more than 17 years, I ’ m looking tarian Montel Williams to host forward to engaging in lively “Montel Across America,” de­ conversations and interacting bu tin g A pril 6 on sta tio n s with the American public," said a c ro ss the co u n try , and Montel Williams stream ed live o n lin e at airamerica.com. “We’re extremely pleased to be able to add such a talented, passionate voice to our pro­ gramming line-up,” said Bill Hess, Air America executive. “ T h is p ro g ra m w ill g iv e Montel an outlet to do what he does best - reach people w ith his probing q u estio n s Williams. “Air American is pro­ viding me with the perfect en­ vironment to do this everyday from New York City, as well as reporting from cities around the world as a traveling correspon­ dent.” March 23 - April 5 A tropical vacation that’s as fun the animals as it is for the people! Enjoy sand-castle building, face painting, hula dancing, animal talks and more! - Advertise with diversity in S m inu t« from downtown Portland off Hwy 26 W « t or taka MAX light rail and m u r » i l off too admituon Open at 9 a m daily • w w w oragonroo orq 11,1 P o rtk m b OObscmet Call 5O3-288-GO33 adslpportlandnbsen cr.com I