Posted June 5, 2025
Season Sponsors: Tim and Mary Boyle
The Patricia Reser Center for the Arts (“The Reser”) proudly announces its 2025–26 Reser Presents season—a vibrant, globally inspired lineup of performances that celebrates the transformative power of the arts. From groundbreaking premieres to the return of audience favorites, the new season offers something for everyone, inviting audiences to engage deeply, joyfully, and meaningfully.
Located in the heart of Beaverton, The Reser has become a dynamic cultural hub in the Pacific Northwest. This season, Reser Presents continues its mission to reflect the rich diversity of our community and the world beyond, curating programs that connect audiences across genres, identities, and generations.
“Next season is our most ambitious yet. I’m thrilled about our of launch Rhythm and Revolution: A Legacy of Hip Hop Culture—our first-ever season-long festival—alongside a sensational lineup that includes Samara Joy, Eliades Ochoa, Pink Martini, and the world premiere of a folk opera: York the Explorer by Aaron Nigel Smith and an extraordinary creative team,” states Executive Director Chris Ayzoukian. “At The Reser, we’re proud to serve as a bridge between artists and our community. As we deepen our relationships across Washington County and the metro area, The Reser is becoming a vital part of the region’s cultural fabric.”
Opening Night: Samara Joy
Five-time Grammy Award–winning jazz vocalist Samara Joy opens the season with her signature blend of timeless elegance and contemporary soul. Her acclaimed releases Linger Awhile and Portrait have earned accolades from the Grammys, NAACP, and fans worldwide.
Rhythm and Revolution: The Legacy of Hip Hop Culture
The Reser dedicates the full season to honoring the enduring impact of Hip Hop. Through concerts, dance, and community collaborations, this yearlong celebration spotlights the genre’s legacy, evolution, and revolutionary power.
Rhythm & Revolution has been conceptualized and curated with the help of an advisory committee comprised of local artists, educators, and performers.
Artist Advisory Committee: DJ O.G. ONE is a music producer, the official DJ for the Portland Trailblazers, and a founder of Portland Hip Hop Week.
Alexandra “A’Revolution” Washington is an MC and the founder of Sypher Saturdays, a live event where artists of all genres freestyle to beats made live by producers.
Andre Middleton is the Executive Director of Friends of Noise, a non-profit that seeks to transform the culture of BIPOC and LGBTQ+ youth access to careers in the music industry.
MC Mic Crenshaw, who is an educator, historian of hip hop and founder of the non-profit Education WithOut Borders.
These Portland artists and activists have been instrumental in programming Rhythm & Revolution and will be teaching classes, performing and producing events throughout the year-long festival, which includes many more events and workshops yet to be announced.
York the Explorer
The world premiere of a folk opera that reclaims the story of York, the enslaved Black man who journeyed with Lewis and Clark. With a multi-style score blending folk, jazz, classical, hip hop, and reggae, York the Explorer is a bold retelling of American history that centers Black and Indigenous voices. York the Explorer is composed by GRAMMY® nominated producer Aaron Nigel Smith, with a libretto co-written by Pulitzer Prize-nominated journalist Dr. Renee Mitchell
Lea Salonga: Stage, Screen & Everything In Between
Broadway legend and Disney icon Lea Salonga returns to The Reser with her critically acclaimed tour, featuring selections from Miss Saigon, Les Misérables, Mulan, Aladdin, and more.
National Geographic Live
Returning by popular demand, the 2025–26 National Geographic Live series brings storytelling to life with three extraordinary evenings:
Thunderstorm Artis
With a soulful voice and lyrical grace, The Voice and American Idol finalist offers intimate, heartfelt music rooted in healing and connection.
Kenny Endo: Celebrating 50 Years in Taiko
A towering figure in contemporary taiko, Kenny Endo marks five decades of innovation and cultural exchange. His masterful blend of traditional drumming with jazz, funk, and global rhythms is a must-see celebration of legacy and artistry.
Beloved artists return to The Reser stage: Kalani Pe’a’s Hawaiian Christmas, Mark and Maggie O’Connor, Portland Cello Project, Pink Martini, and International Guitar Night. Co-presented performances with Oregon Symphony, PDX Jazz, PRAx, Red Door Project, and Friends of Chamber Music continue to deepen our commitment to collaboration and community impact.
*These performances are part of Rhythm + Revolution, a season-long exploration of the legacy of hip hop culture.
Full season lineup and ticket information available at thereser.org.
Art Gallery at The Reser 2025–26 Exhibitions
The Reser’s exhibitions provoke curiosity, honor diverse voices, and open space for critical conversation.
BLACK MATTER | Sep 5—Nov 7, 2025
In partnership with Art in Oregon, this exhibition showcases contemporary Black artists exploring the Black experience through visual, literary, and performance art.
THE CURIO: Exhibition & Sale | Nov 29, 2025—Jan 17, 2026
In its third year, this holiday marketplace features nearly 50 Northwest artists across disciplines—offering wearable, functional, and fine art.
THE ART OF ECOLOGY SERIES | Feb 15—Mar 14, 2026
This debut exhibition unites artists who visualize the interplay of science, data, and the natural world.
HOPE IS BEYOND WORDS | Apr 3—May 16, 2026
Centering survivors from Washington County, this powerful exhibit fosters dialogue on trauma, resilience, and community safety.
About The Reser
The Patricia Reser Center for the Arts unites artists, audiences, and communities through shared purpose and the joy of discovery. As the cultural heart of Beaverton, The Reser is committed to excellence, access, and authenticity—offering programming that is bold, inclusive, and resonates with the diverse experiences of our community.
For full season details, gallery exhibitions, and tickets, visit thereser.org.
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