FREEDOM TO BE QUARTET

The Freedom To Be Quartet is a unique Oregon based combo with an emphasis on the Great American Songbook, musicianship, and OPEN MINDS. A new group and initiative that has evolved out of the Covid era adaptation that was TUNE TOURS. 

 

Founded in 2026 by Jon Deshler, this Freedom To Be Quartet &  Friends is made up of Deshler on trumpet and flugelhorn, Neal Grandstaff on guitar, Riley Turner on piano, Xylyn Hathaway on bass, and a broad list of Portland professional musician friends.

In celebration of open minds and the freedom to be who you are this group honors and respects those that have come before, including some special heroic and dedicated Oregonians: Stu Rasmussen, Darcelle XV,   Robert Wright, and others.

 

On Wednesday, September 16th, at noon these accomplished musicians along with their friend and acclaimed Portland Jazz Singer - Marilyn T. Keller will have their inaugural performance at the beautiful new Darcelle  XV Plaza . At 800 SW Harvey Milk St. Downtown Portland, Oregon. Created in the TUNE TOURS tradition this live free performance will be recorded and video taped as well for education, posterity, promotion, and  Social Media. Currently, the TUNE TOURS and Freedom To Be videos will be available for view on Jon Deshler's YouTube page.

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Moving forward Deshler intends to work on creating an initiative that would create a community funded performance video series up and down Portland's Harvey Milk St and over to Darcelle XV Showplace on NW 3rd, in celebration of Portland Queer History while showcasing the beautiful and functional city. Eventually, perhaps all over downtown Portland!

Contact Jon at: jondeshler@gmail.com   and/or  support their efforts and  Venmo @TUNETOURS to help!

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