Something about our city is conducive to creativity.  Blame it on the weather, or the all micro-brews…  Coffee?  Hippies?  Food carts?   Whatever it is, Portland is fertile ground for artists of all forms.  Thus the name of this festival amping up and poised to kick us out of our wintry doldrums.  This festival broke ground in 2009 and has all their events lined up for their 10-day festival this year.  Only, unlike a typical fringe festival, Fertile Ground will feature the finest new work from local artists, performers and resident theater companies, ensuring that the artistic and financial benefits of the festival stay right here in Portland.

There will be plenty of events to keep you occupied and a range of prices and options that should keep your wallet happy as well.  A few of the offerings featured range from:

• Fully staged world premieres

• Workshop productions

• Visual arts

• Dance

• Musical performance

• Staged readings & discussions

• Comedy

• As well as both lunchtime and late-night shows.

You have the option of buying a 10-day pass at $50, purchasing single event tickets, or buying a discount button that will knock a few bucks off your ticket prices.

The 2010 Fertile Ground festival runs from January 22nd to February 2nd.  Check out their website for a full list of events, prices, locations, and details.

If you’re unsure which events to attend, check out their “sneak peak” weekend at Hipbone Studios on Jan. 15th & 16th, put on by ScratchPDX.

Have fun!