Portland, Oregon. It's a city where artists, writers, and musicians have been flocking to since the 1990s. It's where they grow, hopefully to expand their talent and skills, with the understanding that not all attempts will work. Portland makes room for mistakes. The attempt is what matters. And when attempts do work, there's nothing like being in the audience as a witness.

When someone proclaims that Portland lacks diversity, the reality refutes. Such proclaimers need reminder of Portland's word-of-mouth credentials. Just because you don't know of something happening doesn't mean it isn't happening. The diversity is out there plenty, whether cultural or style. The grapevine grows long, beyond the backyard.

THIS IS PORTLAND is a result of running along some of the grapevines.

It's not a travel guide telling you where to go and what to eat. However, by presenting the city's acclaimed artists and writers, as well as its unique cultural innovators, this book conveys the soul and spirit of Portland like no other.