Performance Works NorthWest Celebrates 15 Years! With pinball, performative toasts, the Boris & Natasha Dancers and a NAMING RIGHTS AUCTION

On August 15, 2015, with doors opening at 7pm, Performance Works NorthWest honors 15 years of avid experimentation, artist development and performance in its Foster/Powell location with a party and fundraiser hosted by Late Now avant-variety talk show host Leo Daedalus. The party features pinball, a series of “performative toasts,” a reunion of Boris & Natasha Dancer alums, beer, tamales, and–just like the big guys!–a naming rights auction. (Click HERE for a list of possibilities and for advance purchase.) Supporters can ensure the continued good health of PWNW’s residencies and low-cost rehearsal programs by purchasing naming rights to elements of our space: light switches, windows, tech booth, bathroom and the vintage trailer where visiting artists reside. Feline fans can even get naming rights to our cats–actually MIDDLE NAME rights! Prices range from $15 to $500 or more. Plus, lucky raffle winners will win prizes from White Bird Dance, PICA’s TBA Festival and PWNW!

At 8:30 pm, the Boris & Natasha Dancers, our revolving band of un-trained mostly male dancers led by Linda Austin, will converge on our space to provide a special all-alum edition of this crowd favorite, followed by a series of short poems, texts, videos, dances, or singing by artist friends and heroes: poet David Abel; artist David Eckard; the amazing Pepper Pepper: vocal artist Stephanie Trotter; and dancers Tahni Holt, Lucy Yim and Linda K. Johnson; all culminating in toasts to the health of PWNW.  Board Member and videographer Karl Lind supplies several of his favorite pinball machines!

What:  PWNW Pinball Party & Naming Rights Fundraiser When: Saturday August 15, 7pm to 11pm Where: Performance Works NorthWest || 4625 SE 67^th Ave. || Portland, OR 97206 Tickets: $15 at the door or in advance at pwnw-15.brownpapertickets.com. Beer provided by Ninkasi Brewing!

Who: TOASTS: Linda Austin, David Abel. Leo Daedalus, David Eckard, Tahni Holt, Linda K. Johnson, Pepper Pepper Stephanie Trotter & Lucy Yim.

BORIS & NATASHA DANCERS: John Berendzen, Charles Boardman, Bill Boese, Michael Chambers, James Harrison, JB Harrison, Brian Jennings, Dug Martell, Mack McFarland, Noah Mickens, Mark Owens, Matt Pearson, Alan Silver, Scott Smith and maybe more!

ABOUT PWNW Founded in 1999 by Artistic Director Linda Austin and Technical Director Jeff Forbes, Performance Works NorthWest || Linda Austin Dance advances the performing arts of the Pacific Northwest, engaging artists and audiences fully in the process of experimentation, creation and dialog around the presentation of contemporary performance. As an artist-run hothouse for contemporary performance, PWNW simultaneously nurtures local artists and provides opportunities for Portland audiences and artists to engage with nationally-recognized performers and their work. Currently celebrating 15 years in its S.E. Portland home, PWNW is distinct in encompassing a range of performance styles, genres and interdisciplinary approaches.

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