About Beth
“Beth's performance was top-notch. Highly recommended if you're looking for a nostalgic feel.”
— Brandi Watson, Theatre Manager, Horizon Stage
“Stellar vocals, compelling songwriting and a dramatic and engaging stage presence.”
— Vic Bell, Nickelodeon Folk Club
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's recorded three albums: Lovin', Take a Trip and Great Great Day. Take a Trip she shaped into a train-themed concert with her band, The Good Find and was performed at Fort Edmonton Park's Capitol Theatre.
In 2020 Beth began presenting her Beth Portman’s Picnic Shows for outdoor and indoor spaces. Suitable for all ages, these self-contained portable solo shows transform any spot into a music picnic. With her uplifting retro roots music and colourful visual style she's brought her music picnic to festivals, city and community events, schools, private celebrations, libraries, and music clubs. Learn more by her picnic shows here.
In January 2021 Beth launched her pandemic project: 52 music videos in one year for her BethPortmanSings YouTube channel. She handled all aspects of production, from set design to performance to video editing. These weekly song projects inspired Beth to explore new ways of arranging her original songs and the covers she loved to sing. Recently she premiered her new YouTube channel, Beth's Picnic for Kids where families can enjoy an growing collection of song treats and Picnic Walks.
Beth is based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.