TOC concert hall is housed in a beloved historic landmark in Portland’s West End creative and cultural district. Saved from demolition by community activists and volunteers in 1968, TOC was built in the carpenter gothic style in 1862 and is on the National Register of Historic places.
The devoted staff and supporters of TOC continue to preserve and celebrate the iconic beauty of TOC while presenting diverse performances and events that reflect and enhance the cultural life of our community. Our building's natural acoustics and intimate atmosphere bring artists and audiences together through profound shared experiences.
TOC produces concerts through our TOC Presents and Moon Series, and our community program offerings include 50 years of weekly classical Lunchtime Concerts, Little Ears Concerts for Children, and the social justice series WE CAN LISTEN. During the almost two years of pandemic closures, we adapted from live programming to virtual by producing the live streamed Better Together series. We also produced the feature-length documentary, Tipping Point which won the Documentary Feature Gold Prize at the 2022 Seattle Social Justice Film Festival.
We host concerts from Monqui Presents, and are long-time community partners with many of Portland’s innovative and beloved nonprofit arts organizations including Fear No Music, PDX Jazz and Chamber Music Northwest. We’re also excited to host storytelling groups The Moth Story Slam and vintage radio stars The Tesla City Stories.
As we continue to develop programming that reflects the community we serve, TOC would like to hear from you. We want to know what social justice topics you would like us to explore through our WE CAN LISTEN series. We love to hear ideas for new community programs that you think would benefit the greater Portland community, and we welcome feedback about what we are offering now.
Email staff@tocportland.org or leave us a note in one of our suggestion boxes onsite.
Thank you for telling us how we are doing and what you'd like us to do next!
STAFF
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Constance became TOC’s Executive Director after serving on our board of directors for over six years. While on the board, she led rebranding and programming development, and helped TOC navigate the pandemic's immense challenges. She brings over 30 years of experience in both nonprofit and commercial arts including film, theatre, education, and design in Toronto, Los Angeles and Portland.
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR
Gina's work in the arts and non-profit worlds has a long history. She managed and promoted events for the illustrious Art Deco Society of California and the historic Sherman Clay Piano Company. Since arriving at TOC in 2010, Gina has connected with hundreds of organizations and forged wonderful community partnerships. She’s also a professional singer whose love of music and production blends perfectly in her work at TOC. Gina has a MA in Vocal Performance from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music.
DIRECTOR OF BOOKING
Emily is the Director of Booking for our own TOC Presents concerts. She has over fifteen years of experience in the music industry, including nearly ten years of working for one of the top promoters in the country. She finds joy in curating unforgettable show experiences that cater to the specific architecture, lighting, and acoustics of the Old Church. She takes inspiration from the never -ending possibilities that are born from the widening landscape and diversity of art in Portland and beyond.
OUR CREATIVE TEAM
ART DEPARTMENT
Matthew Gannon is the owner and chief designer of Ganyoon Graphics, and creates all of TOC’s eye popping posters. They understand that first impressions are everything. Attention to detail, technical prowess, instinctive ability, affable rapport, and respect for budget/time constraints has won clients over again and again.
WEB DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT
As the creative director and owner of Snow B. Designs, Snow Blackwood works with us in a simple, straight forward and honest way to assist with management of our website, marketing and graphic design needs.
THE VOLUNTEER BOARD
The Volunteer Board of TOC plays an essential role in governance, fundraising, and strategy. Our board members have varied backgrounds including music, design, architecture, and management. And they’re all passionate about TOC.
RANDY STEED
President
KATHARINE LAWRENCE
Secretary
MARY CULSHAW
Vice-President
JULIE LAUKA
Treasurer
NICHOLE ANGLIN
BRANDI DELFOSSE
JULIANNE JOHNSON WEISS
TROY RULMYR
COLIN SAVOY
SUSAN SCHWARTZ
GRANT THURSTON
EBONY WHITE
RANDY STEED
President
MARY CULSHAW
Vice President
KATHARINE LAWRENCE
Secretary
JULIE LAUKA
Treasurer
NICHOLE ANGLIN
BRANDI DELFOSSE
JULIANNE JOHNSON WEISS
COLIN SAVOY
SUSAN SCHWARTZ
GRANT THURSTON
EBONY WHITE
BRAD WULF
Entrances
Our accessible entrance is on SW Clay, to the right of our main entrance.
Accessible Seating
Most shows at TOC are general admission, however we do have designated seating for patrons with mobility devices, other assistance requirements, and their companions. Our seating consists primarily of church-style pews and some high-back chairs without arm supports.
While we do not require advance notice or reservations for accessible seating, it does allow our staff to provide the best possible experience for our guests who may need some extra time or accommodations.
To learn more or to reserve accessible seating please call 503-222-2031 or email staff@theoldchurch.org View our seating chart here
ACCESSIBLE RESTROOMS
ALL OF TOC’S RESTROOMS, INCLUDING ACCESSIBLE RESTROOMS, ARE LOCATED BELOW THE MAIN LEVEL AND ARE REACHED EITHER BY TWO SETS OF STAIRS OR BY ELEVATOR. THE ELEVATOR REQUIRES A KEY, BUT ANY BAR OR FLOOR STAFF WILL BE HAPPY TO ASSIST YOU.
PATRON DROP-OFF ZONES
Curbside drop-off zones are located on SW 11th (flat) and on SW Clay (short incline).
Parking
TOC does not own any parking facilities. However, designated accessible parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis in regular on-street metered parking spaces and nearby parking lots for vehicles bearing a valid Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) disability parking placard. The City Center pay parking lot is the closest to TOC. More parking information is available here .
ASL INTERPRETATION
If you would like to request a Sign Language interpreter please email staff@theoldchurch.org with the date of the event you would like to attend.
We're all about creating an unparalleled experience of music, art, and strong community. Harassment has no place here for any of our community members: attendees, staff, vendors, artists/crews, volunteers, and other guests.
What are harassment and bullying?
Harassment includes but is not limited to: stalking, physical assault and/or battery, unwelcome physical conduct such as touching, blocking, staring, making sexual gestures, and making or displaying sexual drawings or photographs, verbal or physical intimidation, and unwelcome verbal conduct, such as slurs, insults, sexual propositions, sexual jokes, and other sexual comments.
Bullying is conduct that seeks to harm, intimidate, or coerce, examples of which may include, but are not limited to, screaming and verbal or physical threats.
Where to report and/or get help (patron version):
If you witness or experience harassment, please report it to the box office or a staff member wearing a staff badge or t-shirt. If you are unable or choose not to report at the event but would like to follow up afterward, please email our Executive Director at staff@theoldchurch.org
Where to report and/or get help (contractor/artist version):
If you experience harassment or witness harassment, please report it to the Production Manager, and if they’re unavailable, the Executive Director. If you are unable or choose not to report at the event but would like to follow up afterward, please email our Executive Director at staff@theoldchurch.org
What to expect from our team if someone harasses you or if you harass others:
Our staff take proactive steps to identify and address harmful behavior and take all reports of harassment seriously. When harassment is witnessed by or reported to our staff, we
1) ensure the victim’s safety through connection to friends on-site plus referrals to local resources off-site as needed and
2) swiftly take action to ensure the safety of other community members through direct communication with the aggressor(s). This action with aggressor(s) can range from a verbal warning to eviction and future ban from the venue depending on the severity of the behavior.
Law enforcement may be involved for behavior that is potentially criminal, though it is up to the victim whether they would like to be present or participate in filing an official report with law enforcement.
Harassment is never the fault of the victim. It is our expectation that all community members behave appropriately and with care, but if someone does harass you here, we hope we’ve created an environment where you feel safe and comfortable reporting it.