The Portland Bach Experience Returns Tomorrow Following a One Year Hiatus Because of the Pandemic.   It Runs from June 11-20, 2021. Dr. Emily Isaacson is the Founder and Artistic Director of the PBE.

The Portland Bach Experience, (PBE) returns with ten days of classical music events tomorrow, Friday, June 10th on Anderson Street in East Bayside, Portland.  The festivities start at 3:00 pm with lots of support from local businesses in the area.  Last year the PBE was suspended because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The festival kicks off tomorrow afternoon at 3:00 pm with “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” a free, carnival style and community celebration featuring over 20 local arts organizations and eateries.  Stages throughout the Anderson Street corridor will showcase scenes from PBE Fairy Queen, performances by Ballet Bloom Project, Bunny Wonderland, 246 Strings and several other local performing arts organizations as well as maker spaces with kids activities and an artisan market. Blue Lobster Urban Winery, 1820 Wine and Goodfire Brewing Company will  have heir tasting rooms open.

The afternoon starts at 3:00 pm with a parade for wood nymphs and fairies of all ages led by Shoestring Theatre’s giant puppets at 5:00 pm, a Fairy Queen drag show with live orchestra at 6:00 pm and a community dance party at 7:00 pm.  Masks are required at the event and costumes are encouraged.

“Music has the power to heal because it taps into our shared human experiences and emotions – something we desperately need right now,” said Dr. Emily Isaacson, founder and artistic director of the PBE.  “For fifteen long months, we have hibernated, alone and silent.  As we emerge from the pandemic, live performances will make us feel alive again by bringing us together and celebrating the endless capacity found in the spirit.”  We want everyone to have access to that incredible experience, so we’ve designed the festival with something for everyone – free, family-friendly events, virtual concerts, indoor performances and outdoor musical experiences.”

PBE began in 2017, as a week-long festival each June.