Pride Month books and summer reading recommendations from Oregon experts

From Ashland's homegrown Broadway star to arts and live music options around the region

Broadway’s Steffanie Leigh is back home at Ashland High School's Theatre to premiere a new solo cabaret about her lifelong relationship with her voice. [https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/dc0793a/2147483647/strip/false/crop/1234x577+0+0/resize/792x370!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F2c%2F56%2Fc62cb6fa4e319a5aff10861f41ec%2Fstephanie-leigh-ashland-to-broadway.png]Broadway’s https://www.steffanieleigh.com/ is back home at Ashland High School's Theatre to premiere a new solo cabaret about her lifelong relationship with her voice. 'https://ashlandhs.booktix.com/dept/Theatre/e/Stef' opens on May 29.(https://www.steffanieleigh.com/) The regional arts scene is exploding with a diverse range of sounds and storytelling, ranging from Asian fusion beats to historic choral milestones. New releases For those seeking innovative sounds, Karsh Kale [https://www.sixdegreesrecords.com/karsh-kale/] is a must-listen; his latest work blends traditional Indian music with electronica, a style he helped pioneer. The creative process for his new album involved creating 28 paintings as inspiration for his piano-based compositions. If you prefer high-energy hip-hop, the New Orleans group Tank and the Bangas [https://www.tankandthebangas.com/#/]—former NPR Tiny Desk winners—are highly recommended for their "Frank Zappa-esque" musical depth and freestyle prowess. JPR live performance Sage Cook and Aera Fox [https://sageandaera.com/] are an acoustic duo who serve as the core of a "semi-psychedelic" group called We Dream Dawn. Their debut album is titled Love Undoubtedly Underlies Everything [https://www.submithub.com/link/love-undoubtedly-underlies-everything], and their sound has been described as having an 80s vibe. The duo is scheduled for a live session at JPR Thursday, May 20 at noon. Listen to the performance live on the radio or stream it online at ijpr.org. Following their radio session, Sage and Aera will perform a live show in Medford on the same day at Dos Mariposas Vineyard [https://dosmariposasvineyards.com/] at 5:30 p.m. Applegate Valley youth music festival If you are looking for music with a mission, several benefit festivals are on the horizon. Community Rising III [https://pacificagarden.networkforgood.com/events/98857-community-rising-iii-benefit-concert-for-pacifica-s-music-programs-and-youth-scholarships] takes place May 29–30 at Pacifica Ranch [https://pacificagarden.org/] in Williams. This event supports youth music and scholarships, featuring "organic electronic music" from the group Yak Attack [https://yakattackmusic.com/]. Bluegrass and BBQ fundraiser On June 6, starting at 2 p.m., RoxyAnn Winery hosts Brews, Bluegrass, and BBQ [https://roxyann.com/event/brews-bluegrass-bbq-2026/] to benefit the Rogue Valley Food System Network. This fundraiser features six hours of music, headlined by Portland’s Never Come Down [https://nevercomedownband.com/]. Classical piano in the wild For a truly unique sensory experience, do not miss Hunter Noack’s "Classical Music in the Wild [https://inalandscape.org/]" series. On May 30–31, Noack will bring a nine-foot Steinway grand piano to the shores of Applegate Lake [https://aftontickets.com/event/buyticket/3px8ekrgx1]. To overcome acoustical challenges in the natural landscape, the audience is provided with wireless Bluetooth headphones, allowing them to wander the trails while listening to the performance. Choir celebration in Eugene On the same weekend, the Eugene Gleemen [https://www.eugenegleemen.org/] celebrate their 100th anniversary with a gala at MacArthur Court on May 30, marking a century of male choral tradition in the region. Ashland's homegrown Broadway star Theater and film enthusiasts also have plenty to choose from this month. Broadway star Stephanie Leigh [https://www.steffanieleigh.com/] returns to her roots at Ashland High School on May 24 for her cabaret show, My Little Voice [https://ashlandhs.booktix.com/dept/Theatre/e/Stef]. Leigh, who performed as Mary Poppins on Broadway for three years, uses song and narrative to share her journey. Tickets available at AHS [https://ashlandhs.booktix.com/dept/Theatre/e/Stef]. Documentary film screenings Finally, for a look at local history, attend the Shasta Stories [https://www.autiecarlisle.com/] documentary screening on May 31 at Terrene Winery [https://terrenewines.com/]. These films offer a poignant look at the "entangled past" of rural Tule Lake, including Japanese incarceration and Modoc relocation. GUESTS * Vanessa Finney, JPR arts reporter, host of My Better Half and The Creative Way podcasts * Dave Jackson, JPR music staff manager, music curator, host of Open Air

World Cup fever builds across the Pacific Northwest

Supporters of the Spokane Zephyr, the city’s pro women’s soccer team, watch the team’s final match on May 16, 2026. [https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/1550102/2147483647/strip/false/crop/1291x860+0+0/resize/792x528!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F7f%2F62%2Fcec4063a4683bfb3b37ed6eefa76%2Fspokane-zeyphyr-womnes-soccer-team.png]Supporters of the Spokane Zephyr, the city’s pro women’s soccer team, watch the team’s final match on May 16, 2026. (Eliza Billingham / https://www.spokanepublicradio.org/regional-news/2026-05-26/world-cup-coming-to-northwest-how-to-become-soccer-fan ) Seattle, Tacoma and communities across the Pacific Northwest are preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with events, public art, youth outreach and more. The World Cup is coming to the Northwest. Here’s how to become a soccer fan [https://www.spokanepublicradio.org/regional-news/2026-05-26/world-cup-coming-to-northwest-how-to-become-soccer-fan] Seattle will host six FIFA World Cup matches next year, bringing one of the world's biggest sporting events to the Pacific Northwest. For fans new to soccer, understanding ball control, strategy and the flow of play can make matches more enjoyable. Recognizing tactics such as diving helps explain some of the game's most debated moments. Every World Cup puts a new spin on the soccer ball [https://www.knkx.org/sports/2026-05-13/every-world-cup-puts-a-new-spin-on-the-soccer-ball] The official match ball for the 2026 FIFA World Cup features a rougher surface designed to produce more stable flight than some previous designs. Each tournament debuts a new ball, continuing a decades-long tradition of showcasing advances in soccer technology and design. One city in Washington is celebrating the World Cup with glass art [https://www.nwpb.org/local/2026-05-28/one-city-in-washington-is-celebrating-the-world-cup-with-glass-art] Tacoma is commemorating the World Cup by hiding 1,000 hand-stamped glass medallions throughout Pierce County. Each medallion incorporates the Puyallup Tribe's name for Tacoma, celebrating the city's Indigenous heritage as World Cup events come to the region. Seattle is providing over 1,400 free World Cup tickets for kids [https://www.knkx.org/sports/2026-06-07/seattle-is-providing-over-1-400-free-world-cup-tickets-for-kids] More than 1,400 free World Cup tickets will be distributed to young people and their caregivers through a privately funded program in Seattle. Organizers hope the initiative will introduce more families to the sport and inspire the next generation of soccer fans.

SOU Student Film Festival showcases emerging filmmakers in Ashland

Audience at the Varsity Theatre in Ashland on June 1, 2026 for the 21st Annual Student Film Festival. [https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/621a025/2147483647/strip/false/crop/2048x1366+0+0/resize/792x528!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F23%2F8f%2F4a089491482d83dc27614bc0011b%2F21st-sou-student-film-festival-audience.jpg]Audience at the Varsity Theatre in Ashland on June 1, 2026 for the 21st Annual Student Film Festival. (Marvin Walder) The 21st annual SOU Student Film Festival is showcasing the work of student filmmakers from Southern Oregon University's digital cinema program. The festival features 14 short films selected from 28 submissions and serves as the culmination of a course focused on film distribution and festival promotion. Festival Director Sophia Guerrero said she wanted the event to highlight the range of work being produced by students in the program. "I really wanted the festival to showcase all of the talented and creative work that people have been working on the past year and really show a diverse range of genre," Guerrero said. Still image from "The Hollowing," which won Best Cinematography at the 21st Annual SOU Student Film Festival. [https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/0a1cdf5/2147483647/strip/false/crop/1920x1080+0+0/resize/792x446!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fe0%2F65%2Fb2d23d4d488a9bbc19e37752505f%2F21st-sou-student-film-festival-best-cinematography-the-hollowing-1.png] Still image from "The Hollowing," which won Best Cinematography at the 21st Annual SOU Student Film Festival.(Southern Oregon University Student Film Festival ) The selected films span multiple genres, including horror, science fiction, drama and comedy. Among this year's award winners is Maddy Peterson, who received the Best Cinematography award for her work on the horror film "The Hollowing." Peterson said screening the film at the Varsity Theatre was a memorable experience. Still image from "The Hollowing," which won Best Cinematography at the 21st Annual SOU Student Film Festival. [https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/6a302a6/2147483647/strip/false/crop/1920x1080+0+0/resize/792x446!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F95%2F40%2F9a0fe83c4d3786ff377caa904520%2F21st-sou-student-film-festival-best-cinematography-the-hollowing-2.png] Still image from "The Hollowing," which won Best Cinematography at the 21st Annual SOU Student Film Festival. (Southern Oregon University Student Film Festival ) "Seeing that film on the big screen for the first time and hearing everyone's reactions to the film was so just surreal," she said. In addition to showcasing student work, the festival connects filmmakers with industry professionals. Guerrero said a jury of 20 to 30 local media professionals participated in evaluating films and interacting with students. GUESTS * Sophia Guerrero, director, SOU Student Film Festival * Maddy Peterson, filmmaker, "The Hollowing" EVENT * The festival's final screening is scheduled for 7 p.m. June 11. JPR is licensed to Southern Oregon University, but our newsroom operates independently. Guided by our journalistic standards and ethics, we cover the university like any other organization in the region. No university official reviewed or edited this story before it was published.

Medford opens Oregon's largest municipal pickleball complex

Medford Parks, Recreation and Facilities Director Rich Rosenthal returns a shot while playing pickleball during the ribbon cutting celebration on June 5, 2026 for The Courts by Lithia & Driveway at Howard Memorial Sports Park. [https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/e0a348c/2147483647/strip/false/crop/3344x2251+0+0/resize/784x528!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fff%2Fac%2F1b6fad5a4b2ebcba6b80571e469f%2Fthe-courts3.jpg]Medford Parks, Recreation and Facilities Director Rich Rosenthal returns a shot while playing pickleball during the ribbon cutting celebration on June 5, 2026 for The Courts by Lithia & Driveway at Howard Memorial Sports Park. (Julia Moore / City of Medford) Medford has opened a new $2 million pickleball complex at Howard Memorial Sports Park. The 19-court facility is the largest municipal pickleball complex in Oregon, according to city officials. Rich Rosenthal, director of Medford Parks and Recreation Facilities, said the project was driven by growing demand for dedicated pickleball courts. The city's recently updated strategic plan identified dedicated pickleball courts as a priority because of their potential community impact and use. Rosenthal said players prefer courts designed specifically for pickleball over courts shared with tennis. "If you are a dedicated pickleball player, you really want to have a dedicated court," Rosenthal said. The facility was completed in 246 days through a public-private partnership. The Southern Oregon Pickleball Association helped raise $900,000 through its foundation, including a $500,000 naming-rights contribution from Lithia & Driveway. The Wes Howard Memorial Foundation provided the land and contributed more than $1 million toward development. Rosenthal said the project reflects the late Wes Howard's goal of creating recreational opportunities for local children and families. City officials hope the complex will attract regional and national tournaments while also serving local players. The courts are open for free drop-in play from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Rosenthal said the closing time was established to minimize impacts on nearby residents. "We need to be good neighbors," he said. Rosenthal said he believes pickleball's popularity will continue because players of different ages and skill levels can compete together. "Someone who's seven can play with someone who's 77," he said. "That's why it's here to stay." GUEST * Rich Rosenthal, director, Medford Parks and Recreation Facilities The Courts by Lithia & Driveway at Howard Memorial Sports Park features 19 lighted courts and is the largest municipal pickleball complex in Oregon. [https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/380eedf/2147483647/strip/false/crop/6566x4378+0+0/resize/792x528!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F71%2F81%2Ff6ea7f654f8884d4d860d3a49687%2Fthe-courts6.jpg]The Courts by Lithia & Driveway at Howard Memorial Sports Park features 19 lighted courts and is the largest municipal pickleball complex in Oregon. (Julia Moore / City of Medford )

Activist Robin Greenfield takes on yearlong foraging challenge

Robin Greenfield displays his forested food pantry. [https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/0dcc1d2/2147483647/strip/false/crop/1315x803+0+0/resize/792x484!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F02%2F50%2F50299b1b41609aea7f975dcf219c%2Frobin-greenfield-with-his-food-pantry.png] Robin Greenfield displays his forested food pantry.(https://www.robingreenfield.org/ ) Robin Greenfield is eight months into a yearlong challenge to forage all of his food and medicine. He describes the effort as an experiment in living more closely with his environmental values after concluding that his previous lifestyle contributed to ecological harm. Greenfield travels with a mobile pantry [https://www.robingreenfield.org/] containing more than 200 species of plants and other foods, including wild rice, stinging nettles, mushrooms and sea salt harvested from the ocean. He gathers food in places ranging from city parks and vacant lots to plants commonly considered weeds. While some question whether widespread foraging is practical, Greenfield argues that industrial food systems pose greater long-term risks. "We are on a path to extinction as a humanity through the food that we are currently eating," he said. At the center of his activism is what he calls the "Earth Code," a philosophy that prioritizes ecological stewardship over laws he believes fail to protect the environment. Greenfield sometimes harvests plants in areas where foraging is prohibited, arguing that environmental responsibility can justify acts of civil disobedience. Greenfield is also promoting the 1 Million Community Fruit Trees Initiative, a decentralized effort to plant fruit trees and other food-producing plants in communities nationwide. He said the challenge has strengthened his sense of connection to the natural world. "I'm feeling more and more that I am a part of all of this," Greenfield said. GUEST * Robin Greenfield, food forager and activist EVENTS * Greenfield will speak from 5 to 8 p.m. on June 13 at SOL Gratitude Village [https://www.montessorifarmforestschool.org/] in Mt. Shasta, California. * He will also speak from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on June 17 at Bellview Grange [https://www.grange.org/bellviewor759/] in Ashland, Oregon.