Ray Gill, Jr.

Portland

Radio Host at Portland Radio Project

Writer at Willamette Week

We may have all come on different ships but we're in the same boat now

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Articles

What to Do In Portland (April 3-9, 2024)

Apr 2, 2024 | wweek.com | Ray Gill, Jr.

GO: Oregon Beer AwardsEach year, this gathering of local brewers celebrates the best Oregon-produced beers, and it’s rightfully billed as the “Academy Awards of Beers” (thankfully, no slaps or envelope mixups are involved). Over 80 judges will award medals in more than 29 categories—and, best of all, the event is sponsored by the region’s greatest alt-weekly (hint: it starts with Will and ends with eek). Revolution Hall, 1300 SE Stark St., 971-808-5094, revolutionhall.com. 6 pm Thursday, April 4.
What to Do in Portland (March 27 - April 2, 2024)

Mar 26, 2024 | wweek.com | Ray Gill, Jr.

WATCH: Showing Up and a Conversation With Cynthia LahtiShowing Up is one of the most lauded films by Portland director Kelly Reichardt: It was the Robert Altman Award winner at the 2023 Film Independent Spirit Awards, which honors the year’s best director, casting director, and ensemble.
Here Are Five Spring Arts Events Worth Seeking Out

Feb 27, 2024 | wweek.com | Ray Gill, Jr.

Fertile Ground Festival of New WorksAfter going virtual during the pandemic and taking a hiatus in 2023, Fertile Ground is ready to bloom again with a fresh roster of in-person productions. Portlanders can once again experience the community-driven festival’s diverse and eclectic mix of artistic voices, styles and genres: world premieres of plays, workshops and readings, comedy, film, and more.
Marley and Me: A Musical Life Story

Feb 14, 2024 | wweek.com | Ray Gill, Jr.

Like most children of the ‘70s, I was introduced to music through Sesame Street and The Muppets Show before discovering the songs that would come to shape me. And for this son of West Indian parents from Jamaica and Belize, the first one to hook me was “Three Little Birds” by Robert Nesta Marley, better known as Bob.
What to Do in Portland, Jan. 3-9, 2024

Jan 2, 2024 | wweek.com | Ray Gill, Jr.

SEE: AIDS Memorial QuiltFrom Jan. 5 through Feb. 19, OMSI will display a portion of the AIDS Memorial Quilt, a powerful symbol of the epidemic and a tribute to the lives that have been lost. The entire quilt, which was started in 1985 by human rights activist Cleve Jones, weighs in at 54 tons. Its nearly 50,000 squares dedicated to more than 110,000 people “is considered the largest community arts project in history,” according to the AIDS Memorial Quilt website.
What to Do in Portland (Nov. 29-Dec. 5, 2023)

Nov 27, 2023 | wweek.com | Ray Gill, Jr.

WATCH: Fourth Annual Fungi Film FestIn Portland, there really is a film festival for every subject. Fungus happens to be the focus of this one, which features 20 works that highlight the wonderfully weird world of mushrooms, molds and yeast. The films range in length from two to 14 minutes and represent a variety of genres (documentary, narrative, experimental, animated).
What to Do in Portland (November 8-14, 2023)

Nov 6, 2023 | wweek.com | Ray Gill, Jr.

WATCH: Les MisérablesBilled as “the world’s most popular musical,” Les Miserables has been seen by more than 130 million people around the globe in 53 countries and translated into 22 languages.
What to Do In Portland, (Oct. 25-31, 2023)

Oct 23, 2023 | wweek.com | Ray Gill, Jr.

LISTEN: Halloween Poetry SlamHalloween is a holiday for everyone, even poets. If you’ve written an ode to ghouls and gore, now is your chance to share it with the world (or at least a small crowd of like-minded fans of spooky season) by signing up for this themed poetry slam. Not a wordsmith? Non-participating audience members are also welcome. Though if you’re feeling particularly brave and creative, there is the additional option of wearing a costume and delivering poetry in character.
What to Do in Portland (July 12-18, 2023)

Jul 11, 2023 | wweek.com | Ray Gill, Jr.

LISTEN: Cathedral Park Jazz FestivalThe oldest free jazz and blues fest west of the Mississippi is back for a 43rd year. The event is a must-attend for anyone interested in the local summer music scene, but it’s also just a great form of entertainment for casual fans who are more interested in spending some time under the sun in one of Portland’s prettiest parks.
Roman Norfleet and Be Present Art Group Is Embracing the Moment

Jun 27, 2023 | wweek.com | Ray Gill, Jr.

At the crossroads of self-consciousness and spirituality lies the sonic experience of Roman Norfleet and Be Present Art Group’s self-titled debut album. The opening track, “Brothers Gathering,” shrewdly casts off all expectations in a tranquil wash of chimes and bells. The six-track debut EP creation by Norfleet introduces him with all the organic splendor of the drum gatherings at Malcolm X Park in D.C. that the album’s improvisational jazz embraces.