Vortex 1 is back! We are stepping out of the COVID blur to present a staged reading of our highly acclaimed musical, on May 11, at Lincoln Recital Hall, Portland State University. This reading celebrates a legendary part of Oregon history and coincides with the twenty-second anniversary of the 1970 student occupation of the Park Blocks in protest of the Vietnam … [Read more...] about Join us on May 11th, at PSU!
50th Anniversary of Vortex 1
Playwright Sue Mach: "To celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the historical festival (8/28-9/3 1970), the Vortex I musical team gathered (in a socially distanced fashion ) at Falcon Recording Studio to capture a few of our favorite songs. We had so much fun getting together and are excited to share part of that day with you. Very special thanks to: Owen Carey for his exquisite … [Read more...] about 50th Anniversary of Vortex 1
OPB Vortex Documentary
Our musical project "Vortex 1" is based on this historical event. We tell the story from the perspectives of the activist/protesters and Governor Tom McCall's office. In 1970, Vietnam War protests were erupting into violent skirmishes with deadly results. Governor McCall's primary goal was to avoid violence. The protesters wanted to make their voices heard. We give melodic … [Read more...] about OPB Vortex Documentary
Vortex 1 Team
Book/Lyrics: Sue MachComposer: Bill WadhamsArranger: Reece MarshburnDirector: Allen Nause Featuring:Leif Norby Malia TippetsColin KaneNathan DuncanDanielle WeathersCharles GrantRandi DouglasEric VialeOlivia StoneDuncan CassBruce LawsonBrian Myers Band:Bill Wadhams - GuitarTom Grant - PianoMartin Zarzar - PercussionPaul Trubachick - BassCharles Pike - Drums … [Read more...] about Vortex 1 Team
State Sponsored Rock n Roll!
Oregon is the only state that has ever paid for and sponsored a rock festival. In August 1970, the American Legion held its conference in Portland and invited Richard Nixon to be its keynote speaker. In May of that year, 31 activists were hospitalized after protests took place in the Park Blocks near Portland State University. These protests were not only a reaction to the … [Read more...] about State Sponsored Rock n Roll!