We are proud to be the first local affiliate of Austin, Texas-based Swan Songs, which has been gifting private concerts to individuals near the end of life since 2005 –– and financially compensating musicians for performing those concerts.
Swan Songs Portland is fulfilling musical last wishes for our neighbors and supporting our local music community!
In September 2024, Swan Songs Portland began presenting personalized concerts to people nearing the end of life in Multnomah, Clackamas, and Washington Counties –– at no cost to them, their families, or their caregivers. We're also supporting the Portland-area music economy by compensating local musicians to perform these special shows.
Now Swan Songs Portland needs your help to keep our mission going strong:
Request a concert for someone nearing the end of life in their home, care facility, or other location.
Volunteer to assist with our end-of-life concerts, help out with fundraising, raise awareness of our work in the community, and more.
If you're a professional musician from any genre, style, or tradition, sign up to perform end-of-life concerts –– and get paid.
Make a tax-deductible donation to help compensate hardworking musicians for fulfilling musical last wishes.
Keep informed about Swan Songs Portland activities — subscribe to our newsletter.
You can also call us at 503-908-4646, fill out the contact form at the bottom of this page, or email us at info@portland.swansongs.org.
And be sure to connect with us on social media!
Or mail a check to: Swan Songs Portland, OR; PO Box 13463, Portland, OR 97213
Swan Songs Portland OR is proud to partner with MusicPortland, a grassroots nonprofit organization working to preserve and enhance our local music culture by building a sustainable, independent music economy for musicians, engineers, bookers, and every member of the music industry. Find out more at musicportland.org.
What People Are Saying
"Sometimes there are no words to express one's gratitude, and this is one of those times for me. The gift that Jo was given through Swan Songs is one that I will cherish forever. It makes me happy to know that as Swan Songs grows in our area, many other families will experience a similar moment of joy through music. If anyone doubts the impact music has on the brain, they would only have to have had the experience I had with Jo on Wednesday evening. My routine is to call her at the end of the day to wish her a good night. She almost never responds and if she does, it's hard to understand her words. But on Wednesday, she responded in full sentences, and we had a real conversation. It can only have been the music that made the difference. Thank you so very much."
— Family Member
"Thank you all again for the incredible gift you gave ... today! It was obvious how much your music meant to her. She was so intently focused on you all during the performance and had the biggest smile afterwards."
— Fran Kincaid, LMSW Hospice Social Worker
"It was our pleasure and privilege to be able to bring some musical joy into her life. The smile on her face at the end was priceless and we will never forget it."
— Sara Kwak (Concertmaster) & Vali Phillips, Oregon Symphony
Swan Songs Portland, OR Board of Directors
