May 7, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Portland, Ore. … North Portland’s Arbor Lodge Park will host the opening event in this summer’s Oregon Symphony in the Neighborhoods Series on Saturday, August 25. The series concludes on Thursday, August 30, when Music Director Carlos Kalmar and Resident Conductor Gregory Vajda lead the orchestra for an annual free public concert at Tom McCall Waterfront Park. Arbor Lodge Park is located within the Interstate Corridor in North Portland at North Bryant St & Delaware Ave.
Oregon Symphony in the Neighborhoods at Arbor Lodge Park will begin with an afternoon festival, celebrating the Arbor Lodge neighborhood, followed by a free, outdoor Oregon Symphony concert that evening.
Local neighborhood leaders, community organizations and neighborhood arts groups will collaborate with the Symphony to design the afternoon festival that will include hands-on family activities focusing on the arts, art displays and booths featuring social service resources available to neighborhood residents. In addition, the culture and diversity of the neighborhood is showcased through performances by artists representing the neighborhood. Booth space is available for neighborhood non-profits, children’s programs, arts organizations and community development groups. Food will be available for purchase throughout the afternoon.
“Bringing the Oregon Symphony to Arbor Lodge fits perfectly into our community goals and objectives,” said Neighborhood Association Representative Christine Duffy. “Our goal is to build community. When a real community is established, schools improve, businesses flourish and crime rates go down.”
Oregon Symphony in the Neighborhoods is a city-funded neighborhood revitalization project established in collaboration with the City of Portland, Portland Parks and Recreation and the Regional Arts & Culture Council (RACC).