Our Guests
Discover the lineup of guests for VGMF.
Master of Ceremonies (MC or emcee)
Master of Ceremonies (MC or emcee)
OneCuppaCoffee
What started as a school friendship has evolved into a full-scale creative partnership. This self-taught duo specializes in high-level cosplay fabrication, blending technical skills like 3D modeling and resin casting with traditional textile arts and wig styling.
Led by Master-level award winner Mei, the pair has established a professional presence as event emcees, cosplay judges, and performers. Their background is uniquely diverse, spanning from immersive period productions and vintage dance to Esports shoutcasting and promotional modeling. When they aren't in the workshop or on stage, they are likely traveling, chasing down the best local eats, or enjoying a late-night bowl of noodles.
Master of Ceremonies
Bands
Under The Deku Tree
VGM/J-Music Funk, Rock, Fusion BandUnder The Deku Tree (UDT) is Portland's premier loud and lively funk-fusion and jazz cover band that takes on classic video game and J-music tunes. They don't just cover the melodies; they totally re-imagine them, crafting arrangements that feel genuinely fresh and exciting for fans and total newcomers alike. Originally founded around 2018, UDT quickly built a reputation for their huge, dynamic sound, sharp improvisation, and killer live shows. Whether they're out busking and taking requests on the fly, or driving the crowd into a full-on hype train at a venue, it’s always a party with Under The Deku Tree!
Beat Rush Big Band
VGM & Anime Big BandThe PNW’s newest powerhouse is anything but normal! Bringing a high-energy "wall of sound," they deliver hard-hitting, funky, and fusion-heavy arrangements of video game and anime tunes.
From the jazz grooves of Persona 5 to the iconic brass of Cowboy Bebop, this 17-piece ensemble trades the lounge for the arcade. Featuring a driving rhythm section and a massive horn line, Beat Rush Big Band is here to prove that VGM and anime music belong in the PNW.
Vancouver Community
Jazz Orchestra
Community Jazz EnsembleThe Vancouver Community Jazz Band (VCJB) is a 21-piece big band consisting of saxophones, trumpets, trombones, and a rhythm section. Musical selections include traditional jazz, swing, bebop, cool jazz, jazz rock, and others dating back to the 1930’s and 40’s. The VCJB performs year-round at public and private events throughout the Vancouver, WA and Clark County, WA areas.
Bass Pancake
VGM Jazz Fusion BandBass Pancake is a local PDX jazz fusion group, that has been playing in the greater Portland area for over 7 years. Originally starting as a group of friends in high school. Bass Pancake has grown to be made up of a rotating ensemble of local composers, educators, and performers. Since it's creation, Bass Pancake has been united through a shared passion for Jazz, Funk, and Fusion. As well as a shared love and appreciation for the music found in video games
Carl Wolfson
Comedian, Radio Host, Author, ActivistFrom February 2007 to February 2016, Carl Wolfson was the host of “Carl in the Morning” on AM 620 KPOJ and FM 107.1 KXRY, Portland, Oregon’s progressive talk stations.
Radio was the capstone to Carl’s four decades as a political activist, advocating for social and economic justice, universal healthcare, quality public schools, strong environmental protections, and an enlightened foreign policy.
Prior to his radio career, Carl was one of the country’s top headlining comedians, specializing in current-events humor.
During the 1980s and 1990s, he was a fixture on national television, appearing on Showtime’s Comedy Club Network, VH-1 Stand-Up Spotlight, An Evening at the Improv, and The Joan Rivers Show.
His weekly segments on Thicke of the Night (“The Wolfson Report”) and Fox Network’s Late Show (“Carl’s Camera”) were the most popular features of each show.
Community Trombone EnsembleGamer Bones
Gamer Bones is a community of trombonists brought together by the love for video game music and the simple joy of playing it together. From classic themes to modern soundtracks, the group is all about the unique power of a trombone ensemble and the community that builds around it.
Community Partners
PigSquad
Indie Gaming partnerThe Portland Indie Game Squad (PIGSquad) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to supporting game development and indie game enthusiasts in the Pacific Northwest. Since its founding in 2011, PIGSquad has become the primary hub for Portland’s game dev community, providing resources for artists, programmers, designers, and musicians.
VGM Jam Sessions Portland
Community Jam Sessions PartnerVGM Jam Sessions Portland is a community dedicated to video game music and the people who make it. Their goal is to create a space where musicians can meet, share ideas, and play together in an environment that’s actually inclusive. Whether you’re a pro or a beginner, our monthly jams are open to anyone who wants to sit in.
Materia Music
A bridge between the Game and Music industries.
Your music deserves to live on long after players finish the game.
Since 2015, Materia has helped in the creation and licensing of hundreds of album releases, as well as digital and printed sheet music.
We oversee music rights administration so our clients have one less thing to worry about. Our licensing expertise, product development skills, and knowledge of both the game and music industries have uniquely positioned us to change what’s possible for game music.
We cultivate lifelong relationships between fans and the people who make their favorite games, and we support new generations of modern classics so they remain relevant for years to come.
Founding Partner and Main Stage SponsorVancouver Music Organization
Music Community Partner
The Vancouver Music Organization (VMO) is a collection of music programs aimed at bringing exciting and entertaining musical performances to our community and beyond. Our purpose is to provide musical performance opportunities for musicians of all ages and skill levels.
theArtsCentered
Founding and Venue Partner
theARTScentered is a 501c3 non profit organization in Vancouver, WA, working to provide resources, space, professional expertise, and collaborative opportunities to local visual and performing artists & arts/culture groups and organizations since 2021.
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Why theARTScentered?
It takes action to center something and active focus to keep something centered... it takes work!
In all we do, we center our work around the arts and serve our community with the arts at the heart of it.
Ember Spark Studios
Media Partner
At the heart of our work is a passion for storytelling through film. Our lead videographer, Makenna, turned her passion into a reality by earning her Bachelors in Film Production. With a love for art and experience with cameras, she brings both technical expertise and creative vision to every project. Combined with Carrie's keen eye for detail, we are excited to tell others’ stories.
Based in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, we believe that videography should be as fun and vibrant as the moments we’re preserving. With our upbeat and inclusive team, we make every shoot an enjoyable experience, whether it’s a music video, event, or creative project. Together, we’re more than just a team—we’re friends who love what we do, and we’re here to help you share your spark.
This Could Be You
Friends of Noise
Audio Partner
Friends of Noise is a non-profit organization built on the values of collectivism and restorative justice. We seek to transform the culture of BIPOC and LGBTQ+ youth access to the music industry. We foster a healthy ecosystem for all ages to thrive by providing youth-focused programs, teaching industry skills, developing resources, mentorship and professional development. We meet young people where they are by facilitating opportunities for immersion into a safer arts community while uplifting youth voices.
Reggie’s Manga Shop
Lounge Sponsor
Reggie’s is a North Portland manga shop and community space dedicated to anime, manga, and Japanese culture for all ages. The shop features manga shelves alongside gachapon machines, stationery, instant ramen, Japanese snacks and drinks, and convenience store favorites like egg salad sandos. Beyond retail, Reggie’s regularly hosts community events including Pokémon card nights, printmaking workshops, and manga and stationery clubs.
Focused on accessibility and connection, Reggie’s has quickly become a welcoming third space where visitors can discover new series, join creative workshops, meet fellow fans, or simply relax with a good manga in a cozy corner.