PCC to host free HBCU marching band showcase at Cascade Campus
Photos and story by James Hill
Portland Community College Athletics has renewed its partnership with the Portland Trail Blazers to bring the celebrated marching band traditions of two renowned Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to the Cascade Campus.
At 4:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 19, PCC will host a free, public community performance in the Cascade Campus gymnasium, featuring members of the Southern University Human Jukebox Marching Band (Baton Rouge, Louisiana) and the Prairie View A&M University Marching Storm Band (Prairie View, Texas). Admission is free.
The event is open to students, employees, and community members and will also include performances by local dance and music groups, community tabling, and opportunities to connect with HBCU and Divine Nine (D9) alumni and partners.
The performance at PCC serves as the kickoff to the third annual HBCU to the Pros weekend, presented by the Portland Trail Blazers in collaboration with Alaska Airlines, which is flying participating band members to Portland.
The weekend celebrates the HBCU experience through community engagement, cultural programming, and youth-focused learning opportunities. A marquee moment of the weekend will be a special halftime performance during the Trail Blazers’ Feb. 20 matchup against the Denver Nuggets.
“This collaboration strengthens PCC’s community engagement efforts and reflects our commitment to celebrating diverse traditions while expanding access to arts and cultural programming across the district,” said PCC Athletics Director Tony Broadous.
About James Hill
James G. Hill, an award-winning journalist and public relations writer, is the Director of Public Relations at Portland Community College. A graduate of Portland State University, James has worked as a section editor for the Newberg Graphic... more »