Nashville Scene Critic's Pick — Portara Ensemble: One Vision

We’re thrilled to share that Nashville Scene has named Portara Ensemble’s One Vision: A World AIDS Day Tribute to Queen as a Critic’s Pick — a celebration of artistry, community, and purpose. On December 1 at Eastside Bowl, Portara brought together an incredible lineup of performers in an unforgettable tribute that honored the legacy of Freddie Mercury while supporting vital local work. With 100 % of proceeds benefiting MashUp!, this powerful event not only brought music and meaning to World AIDS Day, it amplified our mission to improve the lives and wellbeing of Black LGBTQ+ communities through education, advocacy, and community-driven solutions.

Nashville Scene wrote: "Freddie Mercury’s death from AIDS-related complications in 1991 brought global attention to the fight against HIV and AIDS, helping raise awareness and promote understanding. Just months after Mercury’s passing, the remaining members of Queen founded the Mercury Phoenix Trust and organized the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert for AIDS Awareness at Wembley Stadium, raising millions for AIDS research and other charitable projects. So it seems particularly fitting that Portara Ensemble is marking World AIDS Day 2025 with One Vision: A World AIDS Day Tribute to Queen. Presented at Eastside Bowl on Dec. 1, the show will feature The Getdown Band (led by the fabulous Viktor Krauss) with a full choir. Audiences can also look forward to some big guest performances, including Sam Gyllenhaal, Patrick Dailey, Mike 'Grimey' Grimes (of Grimey’s New & Preloved Music), Katie Pruitt and Devon Gilfillian. As always, Portara has committed to giving 100 percent of its concert proceeds directly to its community partners. And this concert benefits MashUp! — a terrific organization dedicated to 'improving the lives and wellbeing of Black LGBTQ+ people through education, advocacy and community-driven solutions.'"

Read the article here.