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HomePFS Eastside Concerts 2026-2027



2026/2027 PFS Eastside Concerts
at Reedwood Friends Church


This Concert Series has a focus on National and International Artists


We have nine concerts scheduled for the 2026/2027 season - (September through May).

PFS Concerts COVID Safety Policies

PFS Concerts follow the guidelines set by the State of Oregon. Currently, there are no mask requirements.

There may be additional requirements for select performances.
This policy is subject to change and ticket holders will be contacted with updates.



We look forward to seeing all of you!

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Concerts are held at the Reedwood Friends Church
2901 SE Steele St, Portland 97202

Map



Ticket Prices    On Line     At the Door 
General Admission  $25 $28
PFS Members  $22 $25
Ages 12-18 $13 $14
Under 12 Free Free

 

All concerts start at 7:30 PM. Doors to seating open at 7:00 PM
   


Grainne Hunt - Saturday, September 19, 2026
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Grainne Hunt

Gráinne Hunt, one of Ireland’s most compelling contemporary folk voices, brings her expressive songwriting and crystal-clear vocals to the stage in a concert that highlights the rich storytelling tradition of modern Irish folk music.

Hunt first gained international attention as one half of the acclaimed folk duo Gráinne and Dave, whose harmonies and heartfelt songs earned praise across Europe and North America. In recent years she has stepped forward as a solo artist, developing a distinctive style that blends Irish folk roots with contemporary acoustic influences.

Her songs are known for their emotional honesty and melodic beauty, often exploring themes of love, resilience, and personal growth. Hunt’s warm stage presence and expressive voice allow the stories in her music to unfold naturally, drawing audiences into an intimate listening experience.

Whether performing original material or interpreting traditional songs, Hunt’s performances emphasize connection and storytelling. The result is an evening of beautifully crafted music that showcases a rising voice in the international folk scene.


Website: https://grainnehunt.com/
Videos:


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Newberry and Verch - Saturday, October 24, 2026
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Traditional music springs to life when acclaimed duo Joe Newberry and April Verch take the stage. Blending the rich musical traditions of the Missouri Ozarks and Canada’s Ottawa Valley, Newberry & Verch deliver an evening of songs, stories, and high-energy performance that feels both timeless and deeply personal.

Newberry, a master of clawhammer banjo and a soulful vocalist, pairs seamlessly with Verch, a champion fiddler and world-renowned step dancer. Together, they weave original compositions with traditional tunes, creating a lively program that often has audiences tapping their feet—or dancing in the aisles.

Their performances go beyond music alone. With engaging storytelling and rhythmic step dancing woven into the show, the duo highlights the communal roots of folk traditions—when music was as much about gathering and celebration as it was about sound.

Warm, authentic, and joyfully entertaining, Newberry & Verch offer a concert experience that reconnects audiences with the spirit of traditional music



Website: https://aprilverch.com/
Videos:


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Kray Van Kirk - Saturday, November 21, 2026
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Singer-songwriter Kray Van Kirk offers more than a concert—he delivers a journey into story, myth, and the shared human experience. A gifted fingerstyle guitarist with a warm baritone voice, Van Kirk combines intricate acoustic playing with imaginative songwriting that draws listeners into richly detailed worlds.

A former scientist with a Ph.D. from the University of Alaska, Van Kirk left academia to pursue music full-time, channeling his intellectual curiosity into songs that explore identity, resilience, and what it means to be human. His performances often weave together the fantastical and the familiar—phoenixes in desert diners, legendary figures in modern settings—creating a unique blend of folklore and contemporary storytelling.

On stage, Van Kirk’s engaging presence and thoughtful lyrics invite audiences to see themselves as part of the narrative. His central message—that everyone can be the hero of their own story—resonates deeply, giving his concerts both emotional weight and uplifting spirit.

Warm, imaginative, and quietly powerful, a Kray Van Kirk concert is an experience that lingers long after the final note.


Website: https://krayvankirk.com/
Videos:


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Amanda Pascali - Saturday, December 12, 2026
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Singer-songwriter Amanda Pascali brings a unique blend of American folk, Italian heritage, and contemporary songwriting to the stage in a concert that combines music, storytelling, and cultural history.

Based in the American South but deeply connected to her Italian roots, Pascali performs songs in both English and Italian, often drawing inspiration from the experiences of Italian immigrants who settled in the United States. Her music blends folk, Americana, and traditional Italian influences, creating a sound that is both fresh and rooted in history.

Pascali is also known for her work researching and preserving Italian immigrant folk songs, particularly those connected to coal mining communities in Appalachia. This historical influence adds depth and meaning to her performances, where original songs are often paired with stories about immigration, work, family, and identity.

In concert, she combines engaging storytelling with expressive vocals and acoustic instrumentation, creating a performance that is both entertaining and meaningful. The result is an evening of music that connects past and present through song, history, and heartfelt storytelling.


 
Website: https://www.amandapascali.com/
Videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ynjbz4f1JM&t=11s
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZBmPXuRo3pk


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYbldgqZ1m4&list=RDSYbldgqZ1m4&start_radio=1

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Frank Martin Gilligan - Saturday, January 23, 2027
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Frank Martin Gilligan brings his rich voice and engaging storytelling to the stage in a concert that blends folk, pop, and contemporary songwriting. A seasoned performer with decades of experience, Gilligan is known for his smooth baritone, polished guitar work, and a songbook that ranges from heartfelt ballads to upbeat, crowd-pleasing tunes.

Drawing on a wide range of influences, his performances feature both original material and carefully chosen covers, all delivered with warmth, humor, and an easy connection to the audience. Gilligan’s ability to balance musicianship with storytelling creates a relaxed, inviting atmosphere that resonates with listeners of all ages.

Whether sharing a reflective song or a lighthearted moment, Frank Martin Gilligan offers an evening of music that is both entertaining and memorable.


 
Website: https://frankmartingilligan.com/
Videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yimm7FZnTns


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James Lee Stanley - Saturday, February 27, 2027
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Few performers embody the spirit of the singer-songwriter tradition quite like James Lee Stanley. With a career spanning more than six decades, Stanley has built a reputation as a masterful guitarist, thoughtful lyricist, and engaging entertainer whose concerts blend music, humor, and storytelling into a uniquely memorable evening.

Born in Philadelphia and performing since his early teens, Stanley has released dozens of albums and toured extensively, sharing stages with artists ranging from Bonnie Raitt to Stephen Stills. His style moves fluidly across folk, folk-rock, and blues, anchored by intricate guitar work and a warm, expressive voice.

But it’s his live performances that truly set him apart. Equal parts musician and raconteur, Stanley connects easily with audiences, mixing finely crafted songs with quick wit and personal anecdotes. The result is a concert that feels less like a formal performance and more like an evening shared among friends—intimate, relaxed, and often laugh-out-loud funny.

Whether performing in a concert hall or a living room setting, James Lee Stanley continues to prove that great songwriting—and genuine human connection—never goes out of style.


Website: https://jamesleestanley.com/
Videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJRKeU_bqwI


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Cosy Sheridan and Charlie Koch - Saturday, March 20, 2027
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Singer-songwriter Cosy Sheridan and guitarist Charlie Koch bring an engaging blend of folk, blues, and witty storytelling to the stage in a concert that promises warmth, humor, and musical virtuosity.

Sheridan has long been recognized as one of contemporary folk music’s most compelling performers. Known for her powerful voice, inventive guitar style, and sharp sense of humor, she has built a loyal following through decades of touring and recording. Her songs move easily from deeply personal reflections to playful commentary, often delivered with a theatrical flair that keeps audiences laughing one moment and quietly reflective the next.

Koch, a versatile and expressive guitarist, provides the perfect musical counterpart. His dynamic playing adds texture and rhythmic drive to Sheridan’s songs, creating a lively partnership that allows both musicians to shine.

Together, Sheridan and Koch create concerts that feel part folk performance, part storytelling event. With heartfelt songs, spontaneous humor, and superb musicianship, the duo offers an evening that captures the spirit and intimacy of modern acoustic folk music.


Website: https://cosysheridan.com/
Videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LcjNXZPayQQ





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Nina Gerber and Chris Webster - Saturday, April 17, 2027
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Acclaimed guitarist Nina Gerber and singer-songwriter Chris Webster bring a deeply expressive blend of folk, blues, and Americana to the stage in a concert that highlights two longtime collaborators whose musical chemistry is both subtle and powerful.


Gerber is widely respected as a master guitarist whose elegant, fluid playing has enhanced the work of many artists over the years. She first gained widespread recognition for her long musical partnership with folk legend Kate Wolf, whose songs Gerber helped bring to life with distinctive acoustic arrangements that became beloved throughout the folk community.


Webster, known for her warm and soulful voice, has built a reputation as one of Northern California’s most compelling interpreters of roots-influenced songwriting. Her performances balance emotional depth with an easygoing stage presence, drawing listeners into songs that explore love, resilience, and the quiet moments of everyday life.


Together, Gerber and Webster create a musical conversation that feels both intimate and expansive. Webster’s expressive vocals are complemented by Gerber’s graceful guitar lines, allowing each song space to breathe while highlighting the emotional core of the music.

Their performances often feature a mix of original songs, carefully chosen covers, and stories from the road, giving audiences a glimpse into the friendship and artistry that shape their collaboration. The result is an evening of beautifully crafted music that celebrates the power of voice, guitar, and genuine connection.


Website: https://chriswebstermusic.com/chris-webster-nina-gerber
Videos:


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John Gorka - Saturday, May 22, 2027
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Singer-songwriter John Gorka will bring his rich baritone voice and thoughtful songwriting to the stage for an evening of contemporary folk music that blends storytelling, humor, and heartfelt reflection.

A leading figure in the folk revival that emerged in the 1980s, Gorka first gained national attention after winning the New Folk competition at the Kerrville Folk Festival. Since then, he has built a devoted following through decades of touring and a catalog of well-crafted songs known for their wit, emotional depth, and keen observations of everyday life.

Gorka’s music combines folk, blues, and acoustic roots influences, carried by lyrics that are both poetic and disarmingly direct. His songs have been recorded by artists including Mary Chapin Carpenter and Nanci Griffith.

In concert, Gorka is known for creating an intimate atmosphere, mixing memorable songs with relaxed storytelling and dry humor. The result is an engaging evening that showcases one of folk music’s most enduring voices.


Website: https://www.johngorka.com/
Videos:


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