The Living Garden Corp. Launches Its First Ever Monthly Showcase at the New Barrel Room in Portland’s Old Town
For Immediate Release
Contact: CEG, Executive Director
Email: contact@thelivinggardencorp.org
Website: www.thelivinggardencorp.org
Phone: 503-754-5538
Date: September 9th, 2024
Location: Portland, OR
The Living Garden Corp.,
a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering diverse communities through art and supporting underrepresented local artists, is proudly to announcing its first-ever Monthly Showcase event on September 13th at the new Barrel Room in Portland’s Old Town.
Founded by Portland native CEG (“Claire Elizabeth Grace” Pittock Heacock), a descendant of Henry Pittock—the founder of The Oregonian and builder of the famous Pittock Mansion — The Living Garden Corp. aims to provide equitable access to the arts for underrepresented artists, with a particular focus on BIPOC, Women, Disabled & LGBTQIA+ communities.
The Monthly Showcase is a manifestation of this mission, offering a platform for local artists to share their talents and connect with the community.
“We’re thrilled to kick off our Monthly Showcase series at the Barrel Room,”
says CEG
“This event is more than just a concert; it’s a celebration of Portland’s diverse artistic community and an opportunity to empower underrepresented voices by ensuring equitable access to the arts.”
Event Details:
Date: September 13, 2024
Time: 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Location: Barrel Room Portland, 120 NW Couch St, Portland, OR 97209
Lineup:
The event will be headlined by King Thayo (@KingThayo), known for his electrifying performances and genre-bending dynamic style that blends reggae, hip-hop, and soul.
Special guests include:
Swego (@Swego)
Izzy Baba Melo (@izzy_baba_melo)
Jonny Cool (@jonnycooljupiterblack)
Blew (@ShesBlew)
Lani Kaè (@lkae.official)
- bringing diverse sounds and energy to the stage.
The showcase will be hosted by CEG (@GardenofCEG) and the band is led by Crystal Martin aka Madam GoLong of the legendary SOS Band (@crystalmartindrummer), who serves as the Band Director for the live band & an additional artist on the shows.
About Crystal Martin
The Living Garden’s New Band Director
Crystal Martin aka Madam GoLong is a musical powerhouse who has earned a reputation as one of Portland’s most talented and charismatic bandleaders. Known for her dynamic drumming skills and her unique ability to blend different musical genres, Crystal has spent over a decade performing and collaborating with artists across the U.S. and beyond.
Her versatility as a musician has allowed her to seamlessly transition between genres, including jazz, soul, funk, R&B, hip-hop & reggae; now adding afro-beat and dancehall. A passionate advocate for diversity in the music industry, she has dedicated her career to uplifting underrepresented voices, particularly BIPOC and women musicians.
As the Band Director and additional artist for The Living Garden Monthly Showcase, Madam GoLong will bring her creative vision, musical expertise, and leadership to the event’s live performances, ensuring each act is elevated by the energy and artistry of her live band. Her ability to lead and connect with both musicians and audiences alike makes her the perfect fit for this community-centered event.
“We are honored to have Crystal Martin as our Band Director and an additional artist at the showcases,”
says CEG
“Her experience, talent, and passion for the arts align perfectly with The Living Garden’s mission to create inclusive spaces where underrepresented artists can thrive.”
About the New Barrel Room Location in Old Town
The event will take place at the new Barrel Room Portland at 120 NW Couch St, just around the corner from its previous location in Old Town Portland. Since relocating in 2020, the Barrel Room has become a premier venue for live performances, offering a larger space and enhanced atmosphere. However, people still occasionally go to the old location out of habit.
Jimmy, the owner of Barrel Room Portland, adds:
“We moved in 2020, but it’s still a common mix-up. The new space is even better for live shows, and we’re excited to host The Living Garden’s Monthly Showcase here.”
The Barrel Room’s new location has quickly become known for its community-focused events, welcoming atmosphere, and strong support of local talent, making it the ideal venue for The Living Garden’s mission to bring people together through the arts.
Guests can enjoy a range of seating options, including
VIP tickets at $30, which guarantee reserved seats & table service
Online General Admission $10
Door General Admission $15
About King Thayo
Thayo “King Thayo” Ovid is an American-born, Trinidadian-raised artist whose genre-defying style blends Reggae, Hip-Hop, Afro Fusion, Soul, World, RnB, and Pop. Born in Sacramento and raised in Trinidad & Tobago, King Thayo’s musical journey began early, shaped by his father, Ainsworth Ovid, a jazz musician. His unique voice and silky falsettos allow him to flow effortlessly through a wide range of genres, making him a versatile artist who can’t be boxed into one sound.
King Thayo’s career kicked off with his passion for deejaying in Trinidad, but his big break came after moving back to the United States, where he attended Full Sail University to study recording arts. Throughout his career, King Thayo has performed in major cities across the U.S. and collaborated with a wide range of artists spanning reggae, hip-hop, and other genres.
He has shared stages and collaborated with notable artists such as:
Queen Omega
Pato Banton
Mighty Diamonds
Eek A Mouse
Kymani Marley
Queen Ifrica
Anthony B
Ras Attitude
Messenjah Selah
Rootz Underground
Twista
Rick Ross
Kirko Bangz
The Rangers
New Boyz
Nipsey Hussle
Afroman
Easy McCoy
Tony Ozier
DJ OG One
Devin Da Dude
One of the highlights of his career includes opening for Macklemore at the US Cellular Concert in Medford, Oregon, which eventually led to a performance on the popular US reality TV series, Dancing with the Stars.
In 2023, King Thayo released his EP Bad Mind, followed by his album Afro Meets King, which blends Afrobeat with his signature reggae and hip-hop sound. Tracks like Boat to Babylon were picked up by the Black Lives Matter movement in Portland, where King Thayo was booked for multiple performances, including Juneteenth celebrations.
King Thayo’s musical influences include icons like Bob Marley, Sizzla, and Tupac Shakur, and his music frequently reflects his admiration for their commitment to culture, activism, and authenticity. His songs are not only a celebration of life but also a call for unity, empowerment, and healing in challenging times. Tracks like African Cutie celebrate melanin and heritage, while Life is Good offers hope and healing to a tense world.
Looking forward, King Thayo envisions a future where he becomes a multiple Grammy-winning artist, leaving a lasting legacy of music that inspires future generations. Alongside his team, King Thayo is committed to pushing his music forward, making an impact both musically and socially.
About The Living Garden Corp.
The Living Garden Corp. was founded to ensure that art remains accessible to everyone, particularly to those who have historically been marginalized in the art world. By hosting events like the Monthly Showcase, the organization aims to create opportunities for diverse artists to thrive, while also fostering a sense of community and inclusion within Portland.
“We believe in the power of art to bring people together and create meaningful change,”
says CEG
“Our showcases are just one way we’re working to build a more inclusive and vibrant arts scene in Portland.”
Join Us!
The Living Garden Monthly Showcase promises a night of exceptional talent, community spirit, and a celebration of diversity. Don’t miss this opportunity to support local artists and enjoy a memorable evening in Portland’s newest and most exciting venue.
How to Attend:
Tickets are available now. To purchase tickets or make a reservation, visit the Barrel Room’s website and click the ‘BUY TICKETS’ button on the event page.
https://www.barrelroompdx.com/shows/279236
For group reservations or special requests, please email reservations@barrelroompdx.com
For more information about the event or to learn more about The Living Garden Corp., visit www.thelivinggardencorp.org
