Beth Portman EPK

Her voice is her primary instrument that drives her layers of harmonies, unique percussion and ukulele to delight our audiences.”

— Stu Muir, New Moon Folk Club

Photographer, Ayman Kallousa

Beth Portman BIO

With her uplifting mix of early jazz, swing, roots, and 50s pop, Beth Portman brightens the greyest of skies. A dynamic vocalist, ukulele player and songwriter; Beth expands her solo performances by incorporating layers of harmonies and percussion recorded live and pre-recorded on her looper station (neatly stored in a picnic basket). She builds beat tracks using items such as suitcases, hat boxes, beaded purses and even her red shoes, transforming her vintage-vibe sound into a one-of-a-kind experience that’s playful, fresh and in the moment.

More about Beth

Beth first fell in love with early to mid-20th century music listening to the jazz soundtracks of the cartoons and movie musicals of the 1930s and 1940s. A classically trained animator, she created two animated short films—Cactus Swing and Fair Phyllis— for the National Film Board of Canada. Beth was part of the acclaimed world music a cappella group Juba (1988-1998) which performed in festivals and soft seat venues across Canada and released four albums. As a solo artist she has recorded two albums, Lovin' and Take a Trip, shaping the latter into a train-themed concert with her band, The Good Find.

Every week Beth delivers songs and smiles through her YouTube channel, BethPortmanSings. Her 2021 pandemic challenge: 52 song videos in a year helped shape the sound of her latest solo album, Great Great Day, coming out Spring 2022. It harkens back to simpler times, capturing the carefree joy of summer.   bethportman.com

Beth is based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

Learn about Beth's Picnic Concert. Click here

Click here for varied lengths of Beth's bio.

Beth's performance was top-notch. Highly recommended if you're looking for a nostalgic feel.”

— Brandi Watson, Theatre Manager, Horizon Stage

Great, Great Day (Official music video for 2022 album release)