Joe Kye to Perform Solo Show at Reed College
The Portland musician explores family history and identity in a two-night performance beginning October 24.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Cultural
Portland musician and storyteller Joe Kye will debut his solo show, through-lineage, at Reed College this weekend on October 24-25, 2026. The performance features a blend of live music, art, and audience interaction that maps Kye’s journey into his family's past.
Why it matters
The show offers a personal look at the immigrant experience and identity through the lens of Kye’s family history, including his grandfather's 1953 escape from North Korea. It marks a continuation of Kye's work in the local arts scene, where he previously established the Tiger Tiger festival in 2022.
The show draws on family history spanning from a 1953 escape by Kye's grandfather to Kye's own creative development following the launch of the Tiger Tiger festival in 2022. The specific number of performance hours or ticket capacity remains unknown.
The players
Joe Kye
A Portland-based musician and storyteller who founded the Tiger Tiger festival.
Reed College
A liberal arts college in Portland serving as the venue for the performance.
The details
The performance weaves together Kye's life as a first-generation immigrant and artist with his personal trek to South Korea in the spring of 2026 to visit his grandparents' graves. Attendees can expect a multi-media experience that relies on projected artwork and active participation. The show is hosted at Reed College.
Timeline
1953: The year Kye's grandfather escaped from North Korea as a prisoner of war.
2022: The year Joe Kye established the Tiger Tiger festival.
Spring 2026: Kye visited his grandparents' graves in South Korea.
October 24-25, 2026: The performance dates for the solo show at Reed College.
Beyond the Bridges
This performance continues the creative trajectory established by the 2022 Tiger Tiger festival in the local arts scene. It shifts the focus from a multi-artist festival format to an intimate, personal solo narrative.
Residents heading to Reed College for the show should plan for events occurring on the evenings of October 24 and 25. The performance requires audience participation as part of the storytelling experience.
The takeaway
This show invites Portlanders to witness a deeply personal exploration of family history and migration. Check local listings for exact performance times at Reed College to plan your visit this weekend.
Further reading
Learn more about the local arts scene on our Cultural page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Opb.
