art briefs

2003 Chinese New Year Cultural Fair

The 2003 Chinese New Year Cultural Fair will be held Feb. 1-2 at the banquet hall of Legin Restaurant. This year, these two days fall exactly on the first two days of the Chinese New Year.

Various artists, such as dancers and painters, will present their talents at the fair. Participants can enjoy changing masks, a Chinese traditional specialty show. Portland Chinese Times will also present golden dragon dancing. Presented by the Portland Chinese Times and Hong Kong Club of Oregon, the fair will feature spectacular Chinese culture as well as specialized programs.

The fair will be kicked off with two 50-foot long dragons, followed by a grand opening ceremony featuring a series of children’s performances, including the lion dance, Chinese dance solo and a children’s choir that has been practicing for months to sing the joy of the New Year.

There will also be a Kung Fu Spectacular as well as a cultural gallery, including artwork, performances of traditional music, traditional dances and a variety of Chinese operas.

Festivities begin Saturday, Feb. 1, at 11:30 a.m. and go to 12:30 a.m. Legin Restaurant, 8200 S.E. Division. Admission, $1 www.portlandchinesetimes.us or 503-771-9560.

Black Cultural Affairs Conference

At PSU’s MultiCultural Center (503-725-5342) on Jan. 30 from 7-10 p.m. is the presentation “African Community of Oregon.” The Black Cultural Affairs Board is scheduled for conference the following day, Jan. 31, from 6-9 p.m. with “Importance of Black Education.” All events held in SMSU 228.

Columbia Symphony Orchestra

Relatively young in its musical history, The Columbia Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1982 at Lewis and Clark College. Having flourished and matured artistically over the past 19 seasons, it now comprises the finest musicians in the metropolitan Portland community. This not-for-profit organization is dedicated to presenting quality performances of rarely performed and new orchestral repertoire. The CSO brings together musicians, features regional composers as well as soloists, and integrates both semi-professional and professional talents.

Friday, Jan. 31, will kick off The Portland’s Columbia Symphony Orchestra’s gala benefit and silent auction with a rousing concert adaptation of Gilbert and Sullivan’s operetta “Pirates of Penzance” at the Grand Ballroom of the Portland Art Museum beginning at 7 p.m. Champagne, hors d’oeuvres and desserts will be on hand. The silent auction bidding will take place, and the high-spirited tongue-twisting operetta – conducted by CSO music director Huw Edwrds and narrated by Rodney Menn – is planned for the evening. To order tickets, call the CSO office at 503-234-4077. Tickets are $65 per person.