It is no secret that Portland is embraced by/repelled by gentrification and economic displacement today. The story of the I5/Rose Garden/Coliseum/Convention Center/Emanuel/North Portland neighborhood destruction is well known, and before it, Vanport.
That's economic, but the real story is people, individuals.
More immediate, now, artists are exploring socio-geo-individual changes right in that neighborhood, on the ground; through the eyes and experience of families.
Social practice artist Emma Colburn has been inviting families with children to talk about what's up/down/changing in the neighborhood, block by block, walking it and documenting it.
Her Mapcircles project has another review and invited contribution by you, especially NPo families, today.
At family-friendly Poa Cafe 4025 N Williams 3PM-5 Free
The Breakin' Olympics is a b-boy/b-girl battle tonight. 2 by 2 battles and country team by country team battles. MC - Shot Colin (Misguided Steps/Moon Patrol). Judges - Marks Iller (Filthee Feet - Vancouver B.C.), Vital (Misguided Steps/Hoodz/Boogie Down - Bremerton) and Impulse (Moon Patrol). Beats - Skeme Richards, Hot Peas and Butta (Philly).
Breakers are Bandit Habits, Bangkok Native Revival, Soul Boogers, Moon Patrol, 47 Immortals, Duke Street News, Hood Valley, Collective Conscious, N.W.A., Art of Movement, Killa Styles, AMF Boiz, LA Breakers, O.T.F., Soul Gambitz, Formula Boogie, Bandit Chefs, finally Black and Yellow.
Country teams are Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, USA, Mexico, Guatemala, Philippines, South Korea, and Africa.
www.facebook.com/events/223149094733260/
At Portland State University Smith Memorial Student Union Ballroom (SMSU355) 1825 SE Broadway. 6PM $10 (free for PSU students with ID)
Modern dance in Portland over the years is the subject of a work in progress documentary shown tonight. Several other dance films will also be shown. At Performance Works Northwest www.performanceworksnw.org 8PM $3
