about cascadia folk choir
Inspired by the song circle and community singing movement, we offer a space where anyone — truly anyone — can find, hone, and share their voice.
our origin story
a bridge between worlds
Cascadia Folk Choir was born out of a transformative experience at Gaian song gathering Singing Alive in 2023. Immersed in four days of communal song circles, founder & director Alexa Lux felt the power of earth-connected music that belongs to everyone. Upon arriving home, a complete vision arrived: a choir that bridges the world of song circles with the best of traditional choral practice, creating a place where all voices can grow, heal, and belong.
Portland hosts many incredible community choirs, but none that offered a fully accessible, beginner-friendly, healing-centered approach and community sing-style concerts. CFC was created to fill that gap—removing barriers to entry and inviting people into a joyful, skill-building space rooted in intention and collective growth.
and the community? they're into it.
Since our first season in October 2023, we’ve grown from 15 singers to nearly 40 per rehearsal, presented two sold-out Community Sing Concerts, partnered with multiple local nonprofits, and became an official 501(c)(3) in 2025.
musical approach
Cascadia Folk Choir blends the soulful spontaneity of song circles with the skill-building of choral craft. Our repertoire is largely what we call "emergent folk"—simple, singable songs sourced primarily from the local song circle movement that center healing, honor the Earth, and invite connection.
We learn entirely by ear in a welcoming, pressure-free environment that celebrates both musical growth and emotional authenticity.
past repertoire examples
but we don't stop there...
Twice each season, we step into a communal songwriting session dreamed up & facilitated by director Alexa Lux. In this practice, we co-create original songs through improvisation, deep listening, and collective intuition. Melodies caught in the moment, lyrics shaped by the group, and arrangements emerging organically from shared presence.
These sessions strengthen our creative muscles and remind us that every human being is capable of making music. Over time, this practice is building a growing collection of original CFC songs that we plan to refine and eventually record as a community.
Listen by Cascadia Folk Choir, 2024
Soundtrack of Life by Cascadia Folk Choir, 2025
meet the team
These are the folks who make CFC possible.
board of directors
our mission, vision, & values
Our mission is to nurture inclusive, Earth-connected community through accessible, participatory singing that builds musical confidence, celebrates collective expression, and invites transformation through song.
We envision a world where communal song restores connection—to self, one another, and the Earth—and serves as a living practice of healing, joy, and justice.
Musical
Empowerment
We believe everyone is musical, and that every voice deserves a space to be expressed, honed, and celebrated.
Radical
Belonging
We cultivate a choir culture rooted in compassion, care, and the honoring of every single voice.
Healing
Songwork
We enact personal and collective healing by giving voice to and creating songs that uplift, restore, and connect.
