Artists Spotlight: Thara Memory
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| RACC 2005 Fellowship recipient Thara Memory (at right) being congratulated by RACC's Eloise Damrosch and Portland Commissioner Sam Adams. |
Thara Memory, musician, composer and educator
Recipient of the RACC 2005 Individual Performing Arts Fellowship
Thara Memory is not only one of Portland's most talented jazz musicians, but a tireless educator devoted to working with young people to open their eyes to the power of music.
2007 will be an important year in Thara's life - both personally and professionally. In January he will release his newest CD, Chronicle, and also be the featured soloist with vocalist Nancy King at the International Association Of Jazz Educators in New York City. Thara's Pacific Crest Jazz Orchestra is one of only seven high school bands to be invited to play at the event.
All this in the wake of staggering medical problems. Thara lost parts of a leg and finger to diabetes last year, and requires kidney dialysis three times a week to clean his blood that his failing kidneys cannot. But he has shown great spirit in overcoming these physical, emotional and economic challenges, claiming "Give me a couple of months, and you'll see me everywhere again. I got to get moving." (The Oregonian, 12/7/06.) Art supporters can help by contributing toward Memory's medical costs at any U.S. Bank branch.
On May 4, 2008, Thara will be honored with the IFCC's 2008 Lifetime Achievement Award. Trumpet player Farnell Newton will be presenting the award and brief musical tribute. 6pm at Interstate Firehouse Cultural Center, 5340 N. Interstate, Portland, OR 97217, www.ifccarts.org.
In addition to being the conductor for the Pacific Crest Jazz Orchestra, Thara also oversees the Diminuendo Wind Orchestra and Pacific Crest Sinfonietta. In addition he performs in his own band, Thara Memory & Friends, and is the Artistic Director of the Mel Brown Septet.
Contact Information:
website: www.tharamemory.com
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RACC Staff to Contact
Mary Bauer
Communications Associate
503.823.5426
mbauer@racc.org
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