Acclaimed multimedia artist Nick Jaina coming to Panida Theater

By Reader Staff

Various descriptions of Portland, Ore.-based Nick Jaina include “a writer of memoir and novels,” “a musician and writer” and “an alt-folk bandleader.” According to the PDX Book Fest, his work “bridges music, literature and performance,” which is perhaps the most apt.

A finalist for the Oregon Book Award in 2015 for his memoir Get It While You Can, he’s also written for The Atlantic, McSweeney’s and the journal Oregon Humanities; published three other  books; and released 12 albums since 2005. Along the way, he was co-founder and music director for a New York ballet company and composed scores for feature films and documentaries.

Now, as he tours in support of his newest book Abrazo, described as a “poetic photo essay,” Jaina is coming to Sandpoint on Saturday, Nov. 14 for an evening of music, poetry reading and film at the Panida Theater (300 N. First Ave., in downtown Sandpoint).

The performance merges electric guitar soundscapes that are then sampled to serve as the backdrop for his readings, which are further blended into song accompanying film scenes from the streets of Mexico City, which were the subject of Abrazo.

According to Jaina’s website, the book is “an exploration of the limits of affection,” while also serving as a tour of Mexico City, a wartime meditation and “testimony from the other side.” Grief, meaning, beauty and ugliness are all entwined in the five-act poem that runs through the piece, which is available for purchase at nickjaina.com/abrazo.

“It is a uniquely hopeful experience of soul and body,” event promoters stated.

Jaina’s performance in Sandpoint begins at 7 p.m., with doors open an hour before the show. Tickets are $25 and available at the door or panida.org. For more information, visit nickjaina.com.