Grammy winner Melissa Manchester to perform in Hood River for education fundraiser

Manchester was born in New York, where her father was a bassoonist for the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra. Thus, intrinsically ingrained into her being, music became the driving force behind a storied and versatile fifty-year career. From performing arts school and NYU to headlining at Radio City Music Hall, Manchester’s love for the arts and rich musical talent brought her critical and commercial acclaim, with endless film, television and theater credits bolstering an accomplished solo career.

But belting ballads in front of thousands isn’t the only motivating factor contributing to the artist’s longevity; charitable opportunities, giving back, are a massive piece of the puzzle. Although she’s never been to the Columbia River Gorge, Manchester leapt at the opportunity to fundraise in Hood River. As an ardent champion of arts education, the event’s benefits align snugly with her philanthropic priorities. “I’m a massive advocate for education reform,” Manchester said. “Democracy depends on an educated public.”

A proud graduate of the first-ever performing arts school in New York, Manchester recognizes general education’s tendency to sideline the arts, often upholding sports as the sole outlet for students. “To be a teenager going through stresses, you must have a creative space to contextualize your angst,” Manchester said. “I don’t see the downside of that.”

Manchester urges students of all ages to throw themselves into the arts and find that creative outlet. “Arts education allows us to acknowledge that thinking happens differently in different people — it develops critical thinking,” Manchester said. “It’s what we need as adults and citizens to decipher information.”

Throughout her career, Manchester has also utilized her platform to advocate for women’s reproductive health and cancer research. Through politically charged song lyrics and charitable donations, she has fought to dismantle hunger and homelessness in America.

Manchester encourages other artists yearning to speak out and create pointed, empowering songs to take that step. Her 2024 song, “Til We Remember Who We Are,” was created as a means to preserve democracy and prod listeners to get out and vote. “In this moment in America, there are forces trying to make us forget and rewrite history,” Manchester said. “If you’re an artist who wants to create songs to underscore that, it’s always a good idea.”

Her journey to Hood River is another way to move the needle — even slightly, in a small, intimate Oregon venue where you can see the audience’s teeth when they’re smiling or singing along. “I love playing in small venues because of the character, the stories and how important they are to the well-being of their community,” Manchester said. “I go wherever I’m invited.”

If you’re equally as passionate about the arts or education reform and want to support a local cause, HREF and Manchester present an unmissable opportunity. For more information and tickets, visit www.href.org.