Jason Vondersmith

Jason Vondersmith has covered a great many things — much of it human interest, arts, profiles, business, outdoors, sports (including Oregon Ducks football) — in his nearly 40 years in journalism. A graduate of Oregon State University, he worked on his hometown daily newspaper in Ketchikan, Alaska, before working in Portland-area media with The Oregonian (contract freelancer), The Associated Press, The Columbian and Portland Tribune (part of original staff in 2001, through 2025). He has covered Portland-area arts and entertainment for 16 years.

‘A Beautiful Noise’ musical tells the story of legendary singer Neil Diamond

January 2, 2026Jason Vondersmith

Robert Westenberg, who plays Diamond as his older self in the Broadway touring musical that performs Jan. 6-11 in Portland's Keller Auditorium, talks about the pleasures of playing the great pop star onstage.

Coming out of ‘hiding’: Clark County Open Studios aims to promote little-known and often unheralded artists

October 29, 2025Jason Vondersmith

51 Clark County artists show off their workspaces for visitors Saturday-Sunday, Nov. 1-2, and the Washougal Studio Artists Tour of 23 artists' studios follows Nov. 15-16.

‘Shucked’: Broadway’s corn-fed comedy comes to Portland

October 25, 2025Jason Vondersmith

In a musical split between town and country, star Miki Abraham declares: "Getting to play a strong Southern woman pays homage to all the matriarchy in my life."

Look: Up in the air! The Flynn Creek Circus is flying into the Big Top

September 29, 2025Jason Vondersmith

The juggling and acrobatic stars of the California-based touring circus troupe bring their physical marvels to Vancouver, Wash., for seven shows Oct. 2-5.

In ‘The Lion King,’ 3 cheers for the villain

September 14, 2025Jason Vondersmith

Preview: Peter Hargrave revels in the role he's played in the musical's Broadway tour more than 1,000 times: "I like to think Scar is the fan favorite. It is an iconic Disney villain.”

There’ll be a ‘Hot’ time in the old town this week

September 1, 2025Jason Vondersmith

The Broadway tour of the hit musical "Some Like It Hot" swings into Portland starting Tuesday, and understudy Bryan Thomas Hunt is coming to his home town with it.

Art in the Pearl: Labor Day Weekend’s art feast in the park

August 27, 2025Jason Vondersmith

The 29th annual festival in Portland's North Park Blocks brings together art lovers and 140 artists in a weekend of looking, buying, selling, wandering, and discoveries.

Vancouver Wine & Jazz Festival: Sips & sounds in the park

August 20, 2025Jason Vondersmith

This year's 25th festival, featuring Stanley Jordan, Arturo Sandoval, Shemekia Copeland and more, takes over Esther Short Park Friday-Sunday, Aug. 22-24.

Shaking up Shakespeare: A happy ending for ‘Romeo and Juliet’

August 3, 2025Jason Vondersmith

The pop-filled, frisky touring musical "& Juliet," which gives Juliet a new lease on life, plays Portland Aug. 5-10. Plus: Broadway in Portland's 2025-26 season.

Renee Fleming, more stars highlight Vancouver Arts & Music Festival

July 30, 2025Jason Vondersmith

The four-day festival in Esther Short Park July 31-Aug. 3 features three outdoor performance stages, pop-up galleries, a Family Day on Friday, and much more.

Jordan Markus moon walks into Portland

July 14, 2025Jason Vondersmith

Humanizing "this untouchable figure": Markus steps into the giant shoes of pop star Michael Jackson in the touring Broadway musical "MJ," playing in Portland July 15-20.

Oregon ArtsWatch