PRAx and the Big Fish Lab Present: Big Fish Fest

Obtaining a full appreciation for nature requires an interdisciplinary lens. Join PRAx and OSU's Big Fish Lab for the Big Fish Fest – an evening dedicated to celebrating some of the world’s most majestic ocean predators: sharks. 

For centuries, sharks have evoked strong emotions, from fear to fascination. Yet their populations have declined, with resounding impacts on global ecosystems. Much remains unknown about these charismatic animals to determine how best to protect them. Big Fish Fest offers acknowledgement of both the beauty of sharks and the efforts of researchers to study them. 

Start your night by mingling with shark scientists from Oregon State University’s dedicated shark program, the Big Fish Lab, while enjoying live music by the soul-funk band Outer Orbit, as well as food and drink. Make your way indoors to explore real scientific materials and videos. And conclude your evening with a once-in-a-lifetime experience: the world's first contemporary jazz-accompanied dissection of an actual deceased shark from the beaches of Oregon. This is a truly unique and inspiring combination of art and science that will not soon be forgotten.

Schedule of Events

• 5-7 p.m. | Portland Soul-Funk Band Outer Orbit, Austin|Parrish Arts Plaza

• 5-8 p.m. | Food and Beverage Trucks, Austin|Parrish Arts Plaza

• 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Shark Lab, Edward J. Ray Theater 

• 6-7 p.m. | Illustrated Talks and Conversations with Shark Scientists from OSU's Big Fish Lab, Thomas W. Toomey Lobby

• 7-8 p.m. | Shark Dissection with Live Jazz Improvisation by Mike Gamble, Machado Mijiga, and Tony- and Grammy-award winning musician Todd Sickafoose, Lynne Hallstrom Detrick Concert Hall