Date Archives: January 2022

Portland has a vibrant live theater scene packed with popular plays, musicals, and more that are performed in interesting venues with rich histories. The 2022 calendar is filled with exciting performances, so you're sure to find several that appeal to you.
  
Our brokers are excited for all the performances taking the stage in Portland. Here are a few in 2022 you don't want to miss:

• Anastasia - Keller Auditorium, 222 SW Clay St. (corner of SW 3rd Ave. and Clay St.), Portland, OR 97201
  Keller Auditorium, which was built in 1917, hosts a wide range of performances, including Broadway productions, ballets, operas, and family events. It's a spacious venue that's known as a workhouse in the arts community because of the large number of events that are held there. From February 8-13, 2022, the venue hosts Anastasia a critically acclaimed Broadway production that's filled with romance and adventure. Set in the twilight of the Russian Empire and the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s, a young woman, seeks to solve the mystery of her past. She's pursued by a Soviet officer who wants to silence her and helped by a dashing conman and a loveable former aristocrat. Although it incorporates elements of the classic film, this production of "Anastasia" presents a more historically accurate version with a more nuanced narrative.
  
  
• Freestyle Love Supreme - Portland Center Stage at the Armory, 128 NW Eleventh Ave., Portland, OR 97209
  Experience Freestyle Love Supreme a truly unique show, with Portland Center Stage from April 8-May 1, 2022. Portland's largest theater company, Portland Center Stage, calls The Armory home. This historic building was constructed in 1891 and retains a spot on the National Register of Historic Places. Due to the improvisational nature of this hip-hop musical phenomenon, no two shows are ever alike. Direct from Broadway, the experience is from Lin-Manuel Miranda, Thomas Kail, and Anthony Veneziale. Performers take suggestions from members of the audience and use them as inspiration for a freestyle, hip-hop improvisational comedy ride. The show was the subject of the Hulu documentary "We Are Freestyle Love Supreme" and has been praised as one that "puts you in your happy place" by The Washington Post. It has also been Grammy-nominated.
    
• Hamilton - Keller Auditorium, 222 SW Clay St. (corner of SW 3rd Ave. and Clay St.), Portland, OR 97201  
  Hamilton is perhaps the most buzz-worthy, critically-acclaimed musical in years, and it's coming to Portland's Keller Auditorium from April 13-May 1, 2022. The book, music, and lyrics were written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, and this story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton has impacted culture, politics, and education. Miranda has described it as "America then, as told by America now." It tells Hamilton's story in two acts that also focus on other historical figures who influenced his life. With a score that blends genres including hip-hop, R&B, pop, soul, and traditional Broadway tunes, "Hamilton" has won numerous awards, including the Pulitzer Prize for Drama as well as Tony, Grammy, and Olivier Awards.
  
  
• Beethoven & Brahms - Portland'5 Center for the Arts, Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, 111 SW Broadway, Portland, OR 97205
  From Feb. 19-21, 2022, Grammy Award-nominated German pianist will play with the Oregon Symphony for the first time at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall. Lovingly referred to as "The Schnitz," the venue features Italian Rococo Revival architecture that's been beautifully restored. The program features classic giants Beethoven and Brahms, with an early Beethoven concerto and Brahms' Third Symphony, a strong, robust piece. The program features Jennifer Higdon: blue cathedral, Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 2, and Brahms' Symphony No. 3, as well as his Hungarian Dance No. 1. Mario Venzago will conduct the program.
  
  
• Hadestown - Keller Auditorium, 222 SW Clay St. (corner of SW 3rd Ave. and Clay St.), Portland, OR 97201
  Hadestown a Tony Award-winning musical that intertwines two mythic tales, will be presented on July 19-24, 2022. From the love of Orpheus for the beautiful Eurydice to the story of King Hades and his wife Persephone, the new musical is a timeless love story. It's by celebrated singer-songwriter Anaïs Mitchell and directed by Rachel Chavkin and has received high praise in many prominent media outlets, including The New York Times, which described it as "Sumptuous. Gorgeous. As good as it gets." Variety praised it as "Spellbinding. Hadestown, for a while, makes the whole world forget its troubles."

Contact us to see Portland homes for sale or to sell your home. We've been helping people buy and sell real estate in the Pacific Northwest since 1972 and know it's a great area to call home. 

Each year, visitors flock to the Pacific Northwest to take in the region's fabled sights. Even so, there are a number of delightful pockets of land, or pocket parks, around Portland homes for sale that manage to stay under the radar. Our brokers let you in on some of their favorite hidden gems in Portland.

• Lovejoy Fountain Park - SW 3rd Ave. & Harrison St., Portland, OR 97204
  Need some time to get away from a hectic workday? Lovejoy Fountain Park is a secret oasis that sits below street level in the heart of downtown. The park's namesake, Asa Lawrence Lovejoy, was one of the earliest developers of the frontier town that became known as Portland. Life Magazine once described the park as "a piece of wilderness transplanted," with its centerpiece fountain and tree-lined borders. Lovejoy Fountain Park is open seven days a week from 5 a.m. - midnight.
  
  
• Poet's Beach - South Waterfront Park, 2001 S. River Dr., Portland, OR 97201
  With a name like Poet's Beach, this hidden gem should be on everyone's must-see list. Located in South Waterfront Park, Poet's Beach sits on the west bank of the Willamette River, just north of the Marquam Bridge. The beach itself is small, but it offers some spectacular views. Swimming is allowed during summer, although there are no lifeguards on duty. Park hours are 5 a.m. - midnight daily.
  
  
• Kelley Point Park - N. Marine Dr. & Lombard St., Portland, OR 97203
  Hall Jackson Kelley, a transplant from New England, was one of the more vocal supporters of the Pacific Northwest in the 19th century. He failed in his efforts to create a city at the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia Rivers, but the spot ultimately became Kelley Point Park. Situated on an isolated point of land, across from Sauvie Island, the dog-friendly park is worth a visit for the beautiful views from the vista point. Hours are 6 a.m. - 10 p.m. daily.
  
  
• Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge - SE 7th Ave. & Sellwood Blvd., Portland, OR 97202
  Take the whole family on an outing to Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge, a fascinating real-life classroom that's the first facility of its kind in Portland. The 163 acres of meadows, wetlands, and woodlands support a wide range of fish and wildlife, including many that have been designated as "special status." Kids will have fun spotting quail, woodpeckers, great blue herons, and others from more than 175 species of birds that live on the grounds. Oak Bottom Wildlife Refuge is open daily from 5 a.m. - midnight.
  
  
• Two Plum Park - 4057 NE 7th Ave., Portland, OR 97212
  At less than half an acre in size, Two Plum Park is truly a blink-and-you'll-miss-it parcel of land. But this tiny park, just big enough for a walking path and playground, serves as an enduring tribute to the power of community. When King neighborhood resident Joe King grew tired of the overgrown lot down the street, he started cleaning it up himself. Others joined in the project, and they ultimately convinced the city to turn it into a park, named for the two plum trees that grow there. Hours are 5 a.m. - midnight daily.
  
  
• Leach Botanical Garden - 6704 SE 122nd Ave., Portland, OR 97236
  Leach Botanical Garden is the culmination of two love stories. Married in 1913, John and Lilla Leach remained together until John's death in 1972. During their long and successful marriage, Lilla discovered an interest in botany, which she pursued at their "Sleepy Hollow" home on Johnson Creek. The couple bequeathed the property to the City of Portland to be maintained as a botanical park and museum. Hours are 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Admission is free, but donations are gratefully accepted.
  
  
• Wishing Tree - 2954 NE 7th Ave., Portland, OR 97212
  While it may not technically fit the definition of a park, the Wishing Tree certainly merits a visit. In 2013, owner Nicole Helprin wrote out some wishes and hung them on the tree before leaving for a trip. Upon her return, she found the entire tree covered in wishes from others. The tradition continues to this day, and tags and markers are available to add your own wishes.

No matter what your lifestyle or background, you'll feel right at home in Portland. Contact us at Coldwell Banker Bain for help with your real estate needs.