PHAME presents

STOP MAKING SENSE
A Multimedia Concert Tribute to Talking Heads

August 26 and 27, 2023
at REVOLUTION HALL
1300 SE Stark Street Portland, OR 97214

PHAME is over the moon to announce that Laura Gibson, Lost Lander, Brian Koch (Blitzen Trapper), and Stephanie Strange have signed on to join the cast of Stop Making Sense, PHAME’s live multimedia tribute to Talking Heads. This rock ‘n’ roll event showcases artists with and without disabilities taking the stage together at Revolution Hall, August 26 and 27, 2023.

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PHAME artists are collaborating with directors and co-producers Jason Rouse and Jessica Dart and music director Amy Faulhaber to bring new energy to Talking Heads classics like “Burning Down the House,” “This Must Be the Place,” and “Psycho Killer.” The newly announced guest artists join the project ready to share their talent and professional knowledge with PHAME artists, and together they are prepared to show Portland audiences what it looks like when inclusion—and excellence—take center stage.

For the PHAME artists—adults who experience intellectual and developmental disabilities—making a rock show has been a new experience, one that will remain important long after the curtain falls at Revolution Hall. First-time professional choreographer and PHAME student JJ Ross has developed original dances and reinterpretations of well-known movements from the Stop Making Sense concert film. PHAME artists will appear onstage as dancers, singers, and electronic musicians supported by a live band. Additional work from a wide array of PHAME artists will be featured in videos throughout the show.

Says dance ensemble member and video artist Jeremiah “JT” Schumacher, “One of the songs I’ve really come to like is ‘Once in a Lifetime.’ It sounds pretty catchy, it’s got some really cool rhythms. . . I feel like I float off into outer space or go into an imaginary world whenever I think about it. And it kind of feels personal in a way because I’m doing stuff in my real life that’s once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. So, in a way, that song feels pretty special in my opinion.”

Stop Making Sense is supported by the Oregon Cultural Trust. It is also supported by a Creative Heights grant from the Oregon Community Foundation. PHAME receives generous operating support from Regional Arts & Culture Council.

Two performances only, August 26 at 7:30pm and August 27 at 2:00pm.
TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW: August 26 | August 27
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PHAME Academy is a fine and performing arts academy serving adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. PHAME offers three ten-week terms of arts-based classes each year, as well as many performance opportunities. Taught by talented arts education professionals, PHAME classes include visual art, acting, choir, dance, musical theatre, and many more. PHAME is built upon the belief that art is for everyone, and that students, artists, teachers, and the greater community can empower themselves through the arts. With that in mind, PHAME brings passion, joy, and rigor to arts education and performance.

Media Contact:
Anya Roberts, Chief Operating Officer, PHAME Academy
aroberts@phamepdx.org | (503) 764-9718 ext. 15