Children of all races deserve to see themselves and each other represented in the media they enjoy. All kids benefit from diverse creative role models. Fortunately for Portland parents, our town is home to many outstanding family artists of color. Some speak explicitly about race in their art, while others weave in messages of inclusion. All create joyful experiences for families of any background. Here are a few to follow:
Nikki Brown Clown, aka Nikki Brown, is Portland’s preeminent Black clown and literacy advocate. You can see Nikki clowning around Portland at local library events, Black History Month and Kwanzaa celebrations, basketball games and even the PDX Parent Family Festival!
Aaron Nigel Smith is an acclaimed reggae artist, music teacher, and nonprofit leader. Nigel Smith received a Grammy nomination in December 2021 for All One Tribe, an album featuring 26 Black artists from around the country. He is currently the education and community programs manager at The Patricia Reser Center for the Arts in Beaverton.
Karen Kitchen is an educator and singer from the Osage Nation in Oklahoma. Since retiring from Portland Public Schools’ Indian Education Program, she’s been performing Native songs and stories under her own name. She hosts monthly Native Story Hour online via Multnomah County Library.
Hi Joe Kye! is the kindie side of violinist/looper/vocalist Joe Kye. Kye contributes music to The Woori Show, a Korean-American educational series. Kye also created the soundtrack for public artist Mike Bennett’s Dinolandia exhibit, and his debut album, Tofu Tractor, will dropped in May 2023.
Angel Ocasio is a physical comedian, ukulele player and esteemed graduate of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Clown College. He’s been “Clown Prince” of the Rose Festival since 2011, and tours the world with his hilarious shows — including the PDX Parent Family Festival! Check back this spring for his 2025 performance line up!
Formerly with the clowning, tall-bike riding duo, Olive & Dingo, Dingo Dizmal has been entertaining kiddos for years. Stay tuned for his next performing adventures!
Oscar Murden, who has played with Micah & Me, Red Yarn Family Band (pictured front, right with the electric guitar) and the Awesome Possum Party Band, wows young audiences with his vocal, bass and ukulele stylings.
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