PORTLAND, OR — Portland Queer Arts Foundation is thrilled to announce the lineup for the Second Annual Portland Queer Arts Spectacular, its annual multidisciplinary live performance celebrating LGBTQ+ expression, visibility, and creative brilliance. This year’s show will take place Saturday, September 6 at 7:00 PM at the Alberta Rose Theatre in Northeast Portland.
Headlining the evening as emcee is Portland’s own David Saffert, whose virtuosic musicality and signature camp make him a dazzling fit for this year’s theme: Do You See Me?
David is a classically trained pianist and all-around showman best known for channeling the rhinestone-studded magic of Liberace. A fixture in Portland’s music and theater scenes, David has performed with the Oregon Symphony, Portland Opera, and Oregon Ballet Theatre, and toured nationally with his critically acclaimed Liberace & Liza tribute alongside Jillian Snow. Whether dazzling audiences at 54 Below or making mischief in cabaret, Saffert blends musical chops with theatrical flair—offering up sequins, sentiment, and a grand piano all in one fabulous package.
“I’ve spent my life leaning into performance—whether channeling Liberace’s sparkle or accompanying dancers and singers across Portland’s stages. Hosting the Spectacular as emcee is a joy: it’s a chance to blend music, mischief, and theatricality to celebrate queer presence in all its shimmering forms.” — David Saffert
Curated by Artistic Director Franco Nieto, this year’s show invites audiences and artists alike to reflect on queer presence, the power of being witnessed, and the joy of taking up space.
“This show is personal for me. It’s more than a performance—it’s a space for queer artists to be fully seen, celebrated, and held. I’m so honored to shape this year’s Spectacular and help create something that speaks to the power of presence and community.” — Franco Nieto
The 2025 Spectacular will feature original work across dance, music, spoken word, and visual art. Other artists joining the show this year include:
- Live vocals and new musical compositions by: David Saffert, Kimo Camat, Maeve Stier, ONRY, and 2 Baes featuring Thomas Kulkus and Derek Gregerson
- Original choreography and contemporary dance by: Jordan Isadore and Kylee Killian
- Spoken word performances by: Abby Ross, Alone Featuring Company, Roxy de Luna, Bradda Joe, and Seb Lockhart
As always, Portland Queer Arts Foundation is committed to uplifting queer creatives and cultivating a process that centers respect, accessibility, and joy. The Spectacular reflects the organization’s belief that art can be a powerful tool for visibility, healing, and cultural connection, while giving queer artists a platform to showcase their work that is true to themselves and unapologetically queer.
Tickets are on sale now at portlandqueerarts.foundation/tickets. Follow @pdxpqa on Instagram and Facebook for artist features, behind-the-scenes content, and updates about future shows.
About Portland Queer Arts Foundation
Portland Queer Arts Foundation uplifts and celebrates Portland’s queer artists, advocates, and allies by creating inclusive, joyful, and interdisciplinary arts experiences. From live performances and artist grants to community events, the organization cultivates space for bold expression, collaborative storytelling, and lasting cultural impact. Portland Queer Arts Foundation is based in Portland, Oregon, and committed to amplifying underrepresented voices across Portland and the surrounding metropolitan area.