The Outset Series Continues this month with two shows featuring trumpeter Noah Simpson. The first being an open improvisation session featuring Noah’s 4tet with: Garrett Baxter- bass, Matt Sazima- vibes / piano, and Alan Jones- drums. The concert will be held at Noah’s current residency at the IFCC.

Interstate Firehouse Cultural Center

5340 N Interstate Avenue
Portland, OR 97217

The Interstate Firehouse Cultural Center (IFCC) is a community-based arts center located in North Portland. It was founded in 1982 by Portland’s first Black Commissioner and Parks’ Director, Charles Jordan. IFCC has served as a cultural home for the Black community in N/NE since its founding. The building consists of a 99-seat theater, rehearsal studio, and gallery. It was originally constructed in 1910 and used as a fire station until 1959. 

Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) and the IFCC Community Advisory Committee (CAC) have proposed the expansion and redevelopment of IFCC as a Center for Black Arts & Culture. The IFCC CAC envisions a center “where the history of Portland’s Black community, and its rich arts and culture contributions, can be presented, displayed, discussed, and honored.” A feasibility study, funded by the 2020 Parks Local Option Levy (Parks Levy), is currently underway

FCC is currently activated by the IFCC Grant and Residency Program through early 2025, funded by the American Rescue Plan. This initiative is part of the City of Portland’s larger Relief and Recovery for Artists of Color program which supports Portland artists who have been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Noah Simpson

In the short time Noah Simpson has lived in Portland, he has established himself as one of the top trumpet players in the area. Receiving his grandfather’s cornet at the age of 6, his musical journey began, with major accomplishments throughout his younger years performing in his high school big band, his combo, and The Young Sounds Of Arizona.
In his collegiate years, Noah began establishing himself around the Phoenix area as both a leader and sideman. He was a long standing member of the Paradise Valley Community College Monday night big band, numerous Scottsdale Community College combos, as well as groups of his own. While attending SCC he had the privilege of studying with great local musicians such as Eric Rasmussen, Will Goble, and Fred Forney. After receiving the George Benson Honorary Scholarship, he attended Portland State University under the Brad Merserau scholarship while studying with George Colligan and Darrell Grant. As a recent college graduate, Noah is a fixture of the Portland Jazz community sharing his passion for Black American music throughout the west coast.
Noah has performed with renowned musicians such as Bernard Purdie, Lewis Nash, Alex Acuna, Jaleel Shaw, Sean Jones, and Dennis Rowland. In addition he has also toured around the country with groups such as Ron Artis II, Climbing Poetree, and Taina Asili.