Festival Schedule

Aug. 7-8 open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Aug. 9 open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Clark College student work will be on display at the Esther Short Building just West of Esther Street and adjacent to the Farmer’s Market. This show reflects the remarkable talent thriving in our community — from students finding their voice to the faculty who help shape it. Spanning ceramics, watercolors, photography, digital drawing, and painting, these pieces reveal the rich variety of ideas and passions our artists bring to their practice. For many of these artists, this is only the beginning.

Artists: Xavier Aguirre, Benjamin Ignacio Ahumada Castro, Griffin Berg, Jasmyn Bethards, Deleria Blackwood, Paula Blower, Corey Conlin, Brady Creswell, Ryan Hyland, Alyssa Keener, Roman LaMere, Aria Liseckas, Payton Lopez, Anne Marie Lusardi, Uliana Lysiuk, Matthew Matter, Dana Monnes, Megan Morse, Faith Pettitt, Elisabeth Quesada, Stephenie Richardson, Lesly Rodriguez, Harley Russel, Asher Russell, Meilani Schille, Maurie Smith, Ekaterina Spiridonova, Nora Taylor, Yukari Torve, Masha Yaremenko

2025 Award Recipients

Aug. 7-8 open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Aug. 9 open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

See more from last year’s Festival Art Exhibit award recipients. Artists Stephanie Joy Mitchell, Janine Littrell, Lisa Raymer and Alison Berkey will have their works on display inside the Esther Short Building just West of Esther Street and adjacent to the Farmer’s Market.

Alison Berkey (Straight, to the Right), Janine Littrell (Mother Earth), Lisa Raymer (All are Welcome), Stephanie Joy Mitchell for (Untitled)

Aug. 7-8 open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Aug. 9 open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Festival Art Exhibit is on display at the Hilton, right across 6th Street. Cool off and explore curated works from over 100 local artists representing a diverse cross section of artistic mediums.

Vote for your favorite and contribute to the People’s Choice Award! In total, 5 artists will be selected to receive $300 and a unique award created by local sculptor Russ Ford.

Thank you to our jurists: Daria Lou, Ricky Gaspar and Eva Kelley. Thank you to the sponsors: Art at the Cave, Johnson Bixby and Integrated Tax Services and Connie and Lee Kearney

Fadin’ by 9 is a collection of many musical streams, converging into the great river of bluegrass. As long as there’s a driving beat, interesting lyrics, places to harmonize and show off tasty licks, we’ll give it a try. We’ve been together for over 20 years now, evolving as we go. We pull from our various musical histories, from traditional bluegrass to more contemporary tunes that, in Seth’s words, “were really bluegrass tunes from the beginning, but never knew it until we got to them.”

EAST OF THE SUN & WEST OF THE MOON

In this magical version of the Norwegian fairy tale, a good king and his daughter rule a kingdom side by side until one day a devastating blight causes the crops to fail and their people to go hungry. A mysterious sorceress offers to heal the land in exchange for the king’s hand in marriage. The king agrees and marries her, only to discover her true identity to be the Queen of the Trolls, who spirits him away to her kingdom that lies east of the sun and west of the moon.

To save her father, the princess must embark on an arduous journey that will require both her courage and perseverance. In order to find and enter the land of the trolls, our heroine enlists the help of an aged sage and three dragons.

​Perfect for kids 5-11

Originally from Alaska and now living in Portland, Kyle the Balloon Ninja has been doing balloon entertainment professionally for over 19 years and can make almost anything if there’s enough time.  He loves his job with a passion and is grateful to have found his calling in life!

Allen is unique in that he can draw caricatures in the more traditional style, or, upon request and with just a few extra minutes, he can spirit in a colorful mixed media effect that adds structural and personality dimensions for each caricature. These caricatures push beyond your traditional black marker renderings and will become memorable portraits.

Angel Ocasio is a top physical comedian, actor, writer, and ukulele player. He performs and teaches comedy & clowning skills throughout the United States. He has also taught and performed in Puerto Rico, Canada, Bermuda, Malaysia, China, Mexico & Cuba. He produces, directs, writes, performs, and emcees for variety & vaudeville-style shows. He is also an actor who has appeared in several T.V. commercials & television shows (Harley-Davidson, Figaro’s Pizza, GRIMM, etc.). Angel has entertained the audiences of top performers such as Willie Nelson, James Taylor, John Mayer, Pink Martini, and opened for Wayne Newton and Jazz Artist Patrick Lamb.

The Yeates Academy of Irish Dance is an established dance academy and is the longest Irish dance academy in Oregon and Southwest Washington. The school opened its doors in 1986 by Breda Yeates and now has 4 locations throughout the Pacific Northwest. Since inception, Yeates Academy has been the leading force for Irish culture and dance in Oregon and Southwest Washington.

Yeates Academy is an accredited Irish dance academy through the CLRG, the governing body of Irish dancing. This accreditation allows eligible students to compete in local, regional, national and World Irish Dance competitions called “feis or feiseanna.” Certified Irish dance teacher Sinead Yeates focuses on traditional Irish dance, offering beginner to championship levels including competition, performance and cultural based classes in Portland, Salem, Central Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington.

For further information regarding classes at Yeates Academy, please visit yeatesacademy.com.

Fox Walker is a large R&B/Neo-Soul band from Portland, OR, bringing the massage of community, authenticity and self-confidence through music.

Fox Walker brings together an inclusive community that blurs the lines between audience and performer, where each concert is one of a kind. They work to emulate the stage show of D’Angelo and Vulfpeck, where the crowd can expect a large cast of rotating characters performing at a high level. They also keep Bobby Caldwell, Sade, Jill Scott, Raphael Saddiq and Anderson Paak on shuffle while driving to shows.

Fox Walker has been cultivating a warm, soulful, active community in Portland, OR since 2022. They push each other and the collaborators they meet along the way to grow on and off stage. Fox Walker’s song Let’s Vibe was named best Jazz/Soul/R&B song at the 2025 PNW Music Awards and the have played legendary Portland stages such as Mississippi Studios, Holocene, Jack London Revue and festival stages at Shady Pines and City Fair.

In 2026, Fox Walker held their first weekly residency at The Gootfoot and they strive to offer support to touring bands on par with Dana and Alden, The Free Nationals and Remi Wolf in the future.

Seth, who lives in Camas, is a classically trained violinist (violist, actually) who fell off the wagon in his mid-20s when he was introduced to the world of bluegrass and playing music by ear. He’s since fiddled for contra dances, played electric fiddle in a rock band, and, since 2008, has been fiddling and singing with the Vancouver (USA)-based bluegrass band “Fadin’ by 9”. He got into live looping 10 years ago after being blown away at a live-looping concert in Portland, first starting small with a simple loop station that somehow, through no fault of his own, expanded to multiple pedal boards and multi-channel loop stations, each new pedal bringing new voices & new ideas for compositions. Some might say it’s too much gear, and Seth the human who hauls all the gear around would 100% agree with you. But as Fiddler on the Loop, he’s a firm believer that there is no such thing as too many guitar pedals.

Dawn States is a disabled dance scholar, artist, and choreographer whose work focuses on integrated dance and the intersection of dance and disability. Dawn earned an MFA in Dance from Temple University and has trained with integrated dance companies, including Full Radius Dance, AXIS Dance Company, and Karen Peterson Dance. Dawn’s choreography has been featured in the Philadelphia Fringe Festival, AXIS Dance Choreo-Lab, and Mark DeGarmo Dance. As an educator, Dawn teaches at Rutgers University Arts Online and as an independent artist. Dawn is passionate about creating inclusive spaces for movement and expression and about expanding how dance is experienced and understood through the lens of disability.

Elena Patterson is a classical cellist and fiddle player originally based out of the Rogue Valley. She graduated in 2022 from Southern Oregon University Honors College earning a degree in Music under the tutelage of Michal Palzewicz. Since graduation, Elena has expanded her stage by hiking El Camino in Spain with a fiddle, performing at a wedding in Ireland, and playing on the cliffs above the Smith River. Elena moved to Portland in 2023 and has just completed her first season with the Beaverton Symphony Orchestra. Contact for inquiries at elena@littlewindyfarm.com

Ascension is a young and fast-rising rock band from Vancouver blending sharp originals, classic guitar energy, and a live show built on chemistry, hooks, and momentum. The band brings a fresh but throwback-ready sound shaped by indie rock, power pop, and the kind of songs that make a crowd bob their heads if not wiggle their hips.

At Hip Hop Soulsation Academy, we bring authentic dance instruction straight from Brooklyn to the Portland metro area. Since 2010, we’ve proudly taught a wide range of dance styles, including hip hop, krump, breakdancing, contemporary, and movement classes. Our skilled instructors, with over 16 years of experience, work with students of all ages and levels, starting from 7 years old. We’re a family-owned studio that believes in offering high-quality classes at reasonable prices, and our commitment has helped us become the #1 dance studio in Portland.

Dub Lounge International is a Seattle-based, 6-piece roots reggae and dub band with over 20 years of performance history. Known for their psychedelic edge, rich vocal harmonies, dueling guitars, and immersive dub textures, the band blends traditional reggae foundations with improvisational, genre-spanning soundscapes. Led by founding member, Naphtali Rashid, Dub Lounge International delivers high-energy, spiritually grounded performances that resonate with both roots purists and modern audiences. The group has recorded multiple albums, carving an innovative and expansive path through modern reggae and dub. Their latest album, One Day, has received international airplay, and their recent video “Take A Walk” was featured on Reggaeville.com.

Flamencas Silvestres is four women with deep experience over decades sharing flamenco voice, guitar and dance with audiences. Their commitment to this cultural expression spans lifetimes of 38 to 74 years, including training in classical music, ballet, and opera, as well as studies with internationally recognized flamenco artists. Today’s performance by Christy Yenni vocals and Janna Auslam, guitar, with Shyla Osborn and Andrea La Canela dancing, introduces the history, passion and technical expertise of a culture and an art form that have remained mysterious for centuries.

The VSO, now in its 47th season, has been a cornerstone of Southwest Washington’s arts community, providing symphonic music of the highest caliber in live performances and through music education in schools, concert halls, and throughout the community.

Lovingly coined “The Nimble Rogue,” Seattle-based Clown and internationally acclaimed performer Mick Holsbeke has a ravenous appetite for the absurd and ridiculous. His unique perspective on clowning, exuberant physical acting, and circus expertise were developed at the prestigious École Nationale de Cirque de Montréal and, later, at the Hangar des Mines in France. As a Clown & Circus Artist, Mick performed with internationally renowned companies such as the Cirque du Soleil, Teatro Zinzanni, The Seven Fingers, Cirque Plume, and his own solo show Moby Mick, bringing hilarity and comic innovation to hundreds of thousands of spectators around the world. Watch Mick and his Clown Garage family bring their unique brand of unexpected playfulness to Esther Short Park throughout the festival—and when you least expect it.

+Presented in collaboration with Clark College Foundation

Vietnamese Community of Clark County is a non-profit voluntary organization that provide variety programs for the people in Clark County. It was established in 1992 to help provide support mechanisms, to maintain our cultural heritage, and to enable first and second-generation Vietnamese immigrants to thrive in Vancouver as well as being a means to celebrate and share our culture with the broader population of Clark County.

Parents’ Choice Award winning kindie band Ants Ants Ants bring their signature harmonies and Beatles-inspired melodic charm to every song in their collection. Songwriters Johnny Clay (The Dimes), Dave Gulick and Nat Johnson (Derby), give stylistic Having released multiple critically acclaimed albums, the Ants have spent the last few years travelling the country to perform at Washington, D.C.’s Wolftrap Children’s Theater, Treefort in Boise, Idaho, Pickathon and the Sister’s Folk Festival in Oregon, and of course the wonderful Vancouver Arts and Music Festival here in Vancouver, Washington.

Aug. 7-8 open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Aug. 9 open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Festival Art Exhibit is on display at the Hilton, right across 6th Street. Cool off and explore curated works from over 100 local artists representing a diverse cross section of artistic mediums.

Vote for your favorite and contribute to the People’s Choice Award! In total, 5 artists will be selected to receive $300 and a unique award created by local sculptor Russ Ford.

Thank you to our jurists: Daria Lou, Ricky Gaspar and Eva Kelley. Thank you to the sponsors: Art at the Cave, Johnson Bixby and Integrated Tax Services and Connie and Lee Kearney

2025 Award Recipients

Aug. 7-8 open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Aug. 9 open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

See more from last year’s Festival Art Exhibit award recipients. Artists Stephanie Joy Mitchell, Janine Littrell, Lisa Raymer and Alison Berkey will have their works on display inside the Esther Short Building just West of Esther Street and adjacent to the Farmer’s Market.

Alison Berkey (Straight, to the Right), Janine Littrell (Mother Earth), Lisa Raymer (All are Welcome), Stephanie Joy Mitchell for (Untitled)

Aug. 7-8 open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Aug. 9 open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Clark College student work will be on display at the Esther Short Building just West of Esther Street and adjacent to the Farmer’s Market. This show reflects the remarkable talent thriving in our community — from students finding their voice to the faculty who help shape it. Spanning ceramics, watercolors, photography, digital drawing, and painting, these pieces reveal the rich variety of ideas and passions our artists bring to their practice. For many of these artists, this is only the beginning.

Artists: Xavier Aguirre, Benjamin Ignacio Ahumada Castro, Griffin Berg, Jasmyn Bethards, Deleria Blackwood, Paula Blower, Corey Conlin, Brady Creswell, Ryan Hyland, Alyssa Keener, Roman LaMere, Aria Liseckas, Payton Lopez, Anne Marie Lusardi, Uliana Lysiuk, Matthew Matter, Dana Monnes, Megan Morse, Faith Pettitt, Elisabeth Quesada, Stephenie Richardson, Lesly Rodriguez, Harley Russel, Asher Russell, Meilani Schille, Maurie Smith, Ekaterina Spiridonova, Nora Taylor, Yukari Torve, Masha Yaremenko

The BrazilTones are Deborah Bayardino on vocals, Ronnie Robins on guitar and vocals, and Brian L. Davis on percussion. They embrace the rhythmic wonder of bossa nova, samba and MPB (Música Popular Brasileira), performing timeless Brazilian classics alongside original compositions. Inspired by the poetic lyrics and rich sounds of Brazilian music, the BrazilTones share joy — a universal language that unites us all.

Vancouver Ballet Folklórico is a local non-profit dance group dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich heritage of Mexico through traditional dance. With more than 10 years of history, this group has grown from a dream into a strong and visible part of our community, overcoming challenges, evolving with purpose, and staying true to its mission: to inspire and empower children of Hispanic descent by connecting them to their roots through music, discipline, creativity, and dance. More than just movement, Vancouver Ballet Folklórico offers a meaningful space for learning, growing, and celebrating identity.

Sarada Kala Nilayam (SKN) (Shaa-ruh-dah Ku-laa nih-lu-yum) is a performing arts organization dedicated to the South Indian classical art forms of Bharatanatyam (bha-ruh-tuh-nattiyam) and Nattuvangam (nut-two-vaan-gum) based out of Beaverton, OR. Under the artistic direction of its founder, Sweta Ravisankar (shh-way-tah ru-vee-sun-ker), SKN has been a returning presence at the Vancouver Arts and Music Festival in both 2023 and 2024. For this year’s festival, SKN has curated a performance specifically designed to engage VAMF’s dynamic and diverse audience.

Allen is unique in that he can draw caricatures in the more traditional style, or, upon request and with just a few extra minutes, he can spirit in a colorful mixed media effect that adds structural and personality dimensions for each caricature. These caricatures push beyond your traditional black marker renderings and will become memorable portraits.

The only thing better than dating someone in your band is dating no one in your band. At least it sure sounds that way according to the recent output from Portland based Post-Yacht Rock outfit Fox and Bones, whose best work is coming directly following their split as a romantic duo. Or perhaps it was the addition of internationally acclaimed songwriter Greg Holden, who joined the project as a producer for their 2024 album “Long Time Honey” and upcoming fifth studio record “Are We Still Having Fun”, scheduled for release September of 2026.

Fox and Bones has toured tirelessly in their career, sharing stages with the likes of Rayland Baxter, The Dead South, ZZ Ward, Fantastic Cat, ALO and Glitterfox among others and have been awarded first place at the 2023 Tucson Folk Festival songwriting contest and second place in the International Acoustic Music Awards along with earning the Best Folk/Americana Album of 2024 by the PNW Music Awards. In their spare moments they’ve founded and run Portland’s Folk Festival, an annual celebration of folk and roots music hosted by the iconic Crystal Ballroom in their hometown of Portland, Oregon.

Cosmic Groove Orchestra is a Portland-based quintet delivering high-energy performances rooted in funk, soul-jazz, and New Orleans-inspired rhythms. With influences ranging from James Brown and Grant Green to the Meters and Dr. John, this lineup of seasoned musicians—John Morrow (tenor saxophone), Rachel Brashear (keyboard), James Mason (guitar), Leah Hinchcliff (bass), and Ward Griffiths (drums)—blends classic grooves with a modern edge.

Introducing the Machine is the efforts of two Vancouver Washington based musicians, Sarah Arslanian and Eileen Cowen. The duo collaborated on many projects over the last decade and officially launched as a band in 2023. Their original music features tight country-folk harmonies, Appalachia-inspired Americana, and just a touch of civil disobedience. The Ladies of the Machine also perform pop, country, and rock covers, all while mesmerizing audiences with witty banter and conversations about the silly and poignant parts of life.

The art and music of Introducing the Machine highlights themes of disillusionment with the trappings of society, explores the unattainable standards imposed on women, and plays off some of the more hilarious aspects of humanity.

They also sing love songs.

Multidisciplinary performing artist Aliesha Bryan is the Artistic & Executive Director of Blackbird Spanish Dance Company, founded in 2023. Aliesha’s work emerges from a rich tapestry of movement incorporating Flamenco, Spanish and contemporary dance. Aliesha has appeared on stages across the eastern and western coasts of the United States, in Canada and Europe. Her growing body of work includes choreographic commissions and site-specific creations and, since founding Blackbird Spanish Dance Company, she has created three full-length productions: “The Message”, “Sacred Bodies, Sacred Sounds” and “At the Piano”. This Vancouver Arts & Music Festival production includes brand-new work.

Appearing with Aliesha are Linda Richardson and Sebastian Quintero. Linda Richardson is a captivating castanet and flamenco artist based in Washington State. Known for her musicality, precision, and expressive style, she ignites the stage with rhythmic brilliance and elegance. She has collaborated with musicians throughout the United States, including acclaimed guitarist, Miguel Espinoza, on his album Living in a Daydream. In 2025, she earned Second Prize at the International Castanet Competition in Ávila, Spain, and has performed internationally at the Teatro Flamenco Madrid. Linda performs throughout the Pacific Northwest, sharing the rich traditions of Spanish music and dance while bringing greater visibility to the art of castanets.

Sebastian Quintero is an internationally acclaimed guitarist and composer based in the Seattle and Tacoma, Washington area. A San Francisco Conservatory of Music alumnus, he is widely celebrated for his versatile playing styles, with a deep specialization in classical, flamenco, and Argentine tango guitar.

Animala is a PNW based exotica quintet who have recaptured the evocative sounds of mid-century tiki lounges. Like the exotica pioneers before them, they blend the tropical stylings of Polynesian music with cocktail jazz and unidentifiable bird calls. Animala’s lineup features premier musicians on vibraphone, piano, double bass, and a range of indigenous and symphonic percussion instruments. Animala brings their authenticity and dynamic performances to exotica classics from the likes of Les Baxter, Martin Denny, and Arthur Lyman. For armchair safari-ers seeking an escape from reality, let Animala’s music transport you to an air-conditioned, tropical paradise.

Congruency dance collective, founded in 2022, is a group of movers dedicated to tap dance performance & education. They are a multi-generational company pushing tap dance into the present moment—fusing tap with other influences including contemporary, hip hop, Jump Rhythm, house, postmodern, and more. the collection of pieces showcased today are part choreography and part improvisation.

Anavai O Te Ora is Southwest Washington’s only pupu ori or Tahitian dance group. Our name means “The River of Life.” Rooted in tradition and flowing with purpose, Anavai O Te Ora is dedicated to nourishing our future by perpetuating our heritage. Through ‘Ori Tahiti classes and Polynesian performances, we share the richness of Tahitian culture with communities across the Pacific Northwest.

From the group’s foundation until today, the international road taken by Dina y los rumberos has been paved with success in both the United States as well as abroad. With a repertoire that journeys through the best of Cuban and international music such as Cuban son, salsa, guaracha, bolero, merengue and cumbia, among other genres, this talented group possesses such a wide range of interpretative possibilities that they are able to satisfy the most eclectic array of fans. In Cuba, Mexico, and now a large portion of the Great Northwest, fans have swayed to the music and danced to the grooves of their music. All musicians of Dina y los Rumberos are professional musicians graduated from the Music Conservatory in La Habana, Cuba. Led by their musical director Andy Martinez, Dina y los Rumberos win over their crowds with their versatile performances and innovative interpretations. You can’t listen to this group and be indifferent. Instead, you sway, dance and become infected by their hip-moving Caribbean flavor.

Lovingly coined “The Nimble Rogue,” Seattle-based Clown and internationally acclaimed performer Mick Holsbeke has a ravenous appetite for the absurd and ridiculous. His unique perspective on clowning, exuberant physical acting, and circus expertise were developed at the prestigious École Nationale de Cirque de Montréal and, later, at the Hangar des Mines in France. As a Clown & Circus Artist, Mick performed with internationally renowned companies such as the Cirque du Soleil, Teatro Zinzanni, The Seven Fingers, Cirque Plume, and his own solo show Moby Mick, bringing hilarity and comic innovation to hundreds of thousands of spectators around the world. Watch Mick and his Clown Garage family bring their unique brand of unexpected playfulness to Esther Short Park throughout the festival—and when you least expect it.

+Presented in collaboration with Clark College Foundation

The VSO Youth Virtuosi, USA is made up of 62 all-star student musicians selected from 11 different schools across Southwest Washington school districts. These students will perform alongside acclaimed cellist Julian Schwarz under the batons of award-winning maestros Gerard Schwarz and Ken Selden.

The VSO, now in its 47th season, has been a cornerstone of Southwest Washington’s arts community, providing symphonic music of the highest caliber in live performances and through music education in schools, concert halls, and throughout the community.

Aug. 7-8 open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Aug. 9 open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Clark College student work will be on display at the Esther Short Building just West of Esther Street and adjacent to the Farmer’s Market. This show reflects the remarkable talent thriving in our community — from students finding their voice to the faculty who help shape it. Spanning ceramics, watercolors, photography, digital drawing, and painting, these pieces reveal the rich variety of ideas and passions our artists bring to their practice. For many of these artists, this is only the beginning.

Artists: Xavier Aguirre, Benjamin Ignacio Ahumada Castro, Griffin Berg, Jasmyn Bethards, Deleria Blackwood, Paula Blower, Corey Conlin, Brady Creswell, Ryan Hyland, Alyssa Keener, Roman LaMere, Aria Liseckas, Payton Lopez, Anne Marie Lusardi, Uliana Lysiuk, Matthew Matter, Dana Monnes, Megan Morse, Faith Pettitt, Elisabeth Quesada, Stephenie Richardson, Lesly Rodriguez, Harley Russel, Asher Russell, Meilani Schille, Maurie Smith, Ekaterina Spiridonova, Nora Taylor, Yukari Torve, Masha Yaremenko

2025 Award Recipients

Aug. 7-8 open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Aug. 9 open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

See more from last year’s Festival Art Exhibit award recipients. Artists Stephanie Joy Mitchell, Janine Littrell, Lisa Raymer and Alison Berkey will have their works on display inside the Esther Short Building just West of Esther Street and adjacent to the Farmer’s Market.

Alison Berkey (Straight, to the Right), Janine Littrell (Mother Earth), Lisa Raymer (All are Welcome), Stephanie Joy Mitchell for (Untitled)

Aug. 7-8 open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Aug. 9 open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Festival Art Exhibit is on display at the Hilton, right across 6th Street. Cool off and explore curated works from over 100 local artists representing a diverse cross section of artistic mediums.

Vote for your favorite and contribute to the People’s Choice Award! In total, 5 artists will be selected to receive $300 and a unique award created by local sculptor Russ Ford.

Thank you to our jurists: Daria Lou, Ricky Gaspar and Eva Kelley. Thank you to the sponsors: Art at the Cave, Johnson Bixby and Integrated Tax Services and Connie and Lee Kearney

ZJE Mongol is a dynamic Mongolian music group based in Seattle, Washington, dedicated to preserving and evolving traditional Mongolian music through modern expression. Featuring throat singing (khöömii), morin khuur, and contemporary elements, the group creates a unique sound that bridges centuries of cultural tradition with today’s global music scene.

As a youth-led ensemble, ZJE Mongol represents a new generation of cultural artists bringing Mongolian heritage to international audiences. Their performances combine raw vocal power, cinematic atmosphere, and modern musical energy, making them a standout act for festivals, theaters, and cultural events.

They have performed across the Pacific Northwest at respected venues and community events, building a growing reputation for authenticity, originality, and emotional impact.

Lovingly coined “The Nimble Rogue,” Seattle-based Clown and internationally acclaimed performer Mick Holsbeke has a ravenous appetite for the absurd and ridiculous. His unique perspective on clowning, exuberant physical acting, and circus expertise were developed at the prestigious École Nationale de Cirque de Montréal and, later, at the Hangar des Mines in France. As a Clown & Circus Artist, Mick performed with internationally renowned companies such as the Cirque du Soleil, Teatro Zinzanni, The Seven Fingers, Cirque Plume, and his own solo show Moby Mick, bringing hilarity and comic innovation to hundreds of thousands of spectators around the world. Watch Mick and his Clown Garage family bring their unique brand of unexpected playfulness to Esther Short Park throughout the festival—and when you least expect it.

+Presented in collaboration with Clark College Foundation

Columbia Dance is a non-profit dance school offering classes for ages 3 to adult.  Their mission is to present dance as a life-enhancing experience for their students and their community by setting high artistic standards in classical ballet education and performance, while creating a positive, nurturing, and challenging environment where dance appreciation thrives.  Their focus is on mentoring youth.  They believe wholeheartedly in the positive impact dance has on their students’ lives, both inside and outside of the dance studio.  The combination of physical exertion and artistic expression in dance cultivates numerous physical and mental benefits . . . discipline, self-motivation, self-esteem, stress relief, the list goes on and on. They are also passionate about bringing these benefits of dance to as many people as possible through their outreach with public schools, their INCLUDE program for children with and without disabilities who benefit from accessible dance classes, and through their financial aid and ticket donation programs.

You can next catch Columbia Dance onstage this December at Skyview High School when they present their Fort Vancouver themed Nutcracker.  They are also open for enrollment for the 2026-2027 School Year.  More info can be found at columbiadance.org

At Vancouver Movement Collective, we cultivate a vibrant, inclusive community where movement is for every body and every story. Through dance, performance, and creative expression, we empower individuals of all ages and backgrounds to grow with confidence, connect through artistry, and celebrate the joy of movement together. We offer classes in various dance styles for all ages.

Originally from Alaska and now living in Portland, Kyle the Balloon Ninja has been doing balloon entertainment professionally for over 19 years and can make almost anything if there’s enough time.  He loves his job with a passion and is grateful to have found his calling in life!

The Northwest Tibetan cultural association is dedicated to preserving,promoting, and sharing Tibetan Culture, traditions, language and values within the Pacific Northwest community. Our goal is to encourage cultural appreciation, strengthen community connections, and pass Tibetan heritage on to future generations while promoting values of peace, compassion, kindness and unity.

Bang Bang Experience is a brass and drums ensemble that plays the music of trumpet player Sam Dechenne. Inspired by the sounds of international brass bands and Jazz ensembles, Funk and Reggae horn sections, West African and Latin American drumming, and Western chamber music, their sound is truly their own.

Dr Sherrie Davis, is an International acclaimed Award Winning Flutist, Hall of Fame, Singer, Songwriter & Recording Artist. Her multi-cultural Indigenous heritage has influenced her musical style, creative and upbeat sounds throughout her lifelong musical career.

Sherrie’s songs” Children of Mother Earth” and “The Missing Ones” won the 2023 Global Music Awards for “outstanding achievement instrumental category’ and in 2023 she won the One World Music Awards in the UK for the “Best instrumental category” for her song Children of Mother. In 2022 Sherrie won the Akademia Music Awards for best Ambient Instrumental for her song “The Missing Ones” and was inducted into the Akademia Music Hall of Fame Awards.

In 2022 her Album The Journey Home won the Global Music Awards and the NASFA Music Awards and In 2021 Sherrie’s album Midnight Dreams won the Global Music Award for the best outstanding instrumental category.  2020 she won the Global Music Silver Outstanding Achievement Award for her album The Journey Home and 2019 the bronze award for her song Wisdom of the Ancestors.

Teva Oriata is Oregon’s first pupu ori or Tahitian dance school. As a school, they meticulously teach technique and emphasize the meaning behind each dance move. There are classes for men, women, teens, and kids, as well as many occasions for them to dance all together. While currently offering classes in Tahitian, Hula, Poi, and Siva. Teva Oriata is always seeking out opportunities to not only educate the community, but also to learn from and partner with other leaders in the Polynesian community. Through music and dance, Teva Oriata educates the community about the many cultures of Polynesia and shares their stories, legends, and traditions.

Hailing from Portland, OR, Under the Deku Tree (UDT) is a high-energy funk, fusion, rock, and jazz ensemble. They are best known for breathing new life into classic video game tracks and J-music, creating fresh, unforeseen arrangements that captivate lifelong fans and newcomers alike. Driven by a dynamic sound, stellar improvisation, and tight musicianship, UDT turns every gig into an absolute party—whether they’re taking requests on the fly while busking or fueling a full-on hype train in the crowd!

The VSO, now in its 47th season, has been a cornerstone of Southwest Washington’s arts community, providing symphonic music of the highest caliber in live performances and through music education in schools, concert halls, and throughout the community.