An Afternoon With Cole Porter

Gala event benefits OHSU and Portland Chamber Orchestra

By Chelsea Fitch

Photo: Tim Gunther

The snazzy invitation hangs in the the lobby of the Portland Art Museum to welcome guests.

View Slideshow » Photo: Tim Gunther

The snazzy invitation hangs in the the lobby of the Portland Art Museum to welcome guests.

View Slideshow » Photo: Tim Gunther

The grand event benefiting the Harold Schnitzer Diabetes Health Center at OHSU, and the Portland Chamber Orchestra was held in the elegant Kridel Ballroom decorated as an art deco jazz club.

View Slideshow » Photo: Tim Gunther

Arlene Schnitzer, a former PCO member herself, welcomes the guests.

View Slideshow » Photo: Tim Gunther

Singer Rocky Blumhagen performs with the musicians of the Portland Chamber Orchestra for over 400 guests in attendance.

View Slideshow » Photo: Tim Gunther

Blumhagen takes a moment between numbers to greet the crowd.

View Slideshow » Photo: Tim Gunther

Blunhagen’s tribute to Cole Porter is a hit! The soiree raised over $100K for both the PCO and the HSDHC.

View Slideshow » Photo: Tim Gunther

Thanks to the wonderful performers and presenters—left to right, arranger, Ron Abel, singer Rocky Blumhagen, PCO Maestro Yaakov Bergman, OHSU President, Joe Robertson, and OHSU Foundation President, Allan Price—the event was a smashing success.

May Day afternoon was full to the brim with jazz, high-spirited cocktails and elegant hors d’oeuvres, as was Portland’s heart for charity. Arlene Schnizter and Portland Chamber Orchestra Maestro Yaakov Bergman presented a delightful Afternoon with Cole Porter at the Portland Art Museum, a benefit for both the Harold Schnitzer Diabetes Health Center at OHSU, and the Portland Chamber Orchestra. As guests made their way into the art deco transformed Kridel Grand Ballroom, laughter and joyous music filled the air. Over 400 guests were transported back in time to the golden age of jazz and the pages of the Great American Songbook, as renowned singer Rocky Blumhagen performed his masterful tribute to Cole Porter, Easy to Love, and easy to love it was. The snappy tunes were neatly arranged by Broadway composer Ron Abel, and Blumhagen was backed by members of the Portland Chamber Orchestra. Thanks to the generosity of the attendees, more than $100,000 was raised for both organizations.