Our Newest Addition

Friends and Artists,

The CFA would like to take the opportunity to introduce you to our newest team member.
Originally from San Diego, Sammuel Murry-Hawkins has been a resident of the Pacific Northwest since his family relocated to the region in 1997. After completing his education at Augustana University in Sioux Falls, SD, Sammuel spent the majority of the following 2 decades performing and designing for regional theatre companies.

In 2007, Sammuel was invited to join the touring cast of Portland Opera To Go, one of the nation's largest education and outreach programs. This opportunity would inspire a relationship with Portland Opera that would give Sammuel the experience of many different positions with the company, including Tour Manager of Education and Outreach and Opera ala Carte, Production Runner, Supertext Coordinator, and Concierge of Patron Services. In addition, Sammuel's skills provided him with the opportunity to work in the company's prop shop on several productions as a member of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 28.

Sammuel is best known in the region, however, as the founder of the non profit Historic Music Preservation Project and leader of The Ne Plus Ultra Jass Orchestra. Sammuel's organization curates and preserves one of the largest collections of popular dance music arrangements from the late 19th century through the big band era. His 11 piece ensemble specializes in the popular music of the 1920s and 30s, captivating audiences with a period correct sound that can only be achieved from playing from the original arrangements. Visit his website for more information and opportunities to hear the group play.

Sincerely,

The CFA Team