Arts Seen and Heard cohnmerk@comcast.net (Lisa Cohn )

Badass Theatre Company's first production, Invasion! directed by Antonio Sonera, will open June 6 in Portland and exemplify the company's mission of celebrating otherness and inclusiveness and creating civic pride. An interview with Sonera, who attracted funding from numerous sources and promises to make his shows affordable.

A few months ago, the founders of the Portland band Northeast Northwest were begging to do shows. Now they're being pursued to perform. Founders Phoebe Spier and Zach Dunham explain how they got where they are and give tips for young bands.

Nancy Fischer reveals the secrets to how her self-published book, "Pandora's Key," zoomed up the charts on Amazon.com in her category over the holidays.

How did Tory Orzeck, designer and inventor of the Orp-- a smart bike horn and light designed to improve bike safety--attract more than $86,000 in Kickstarter funding? How did he attract press that got the word out about his Kickstarter campaign? He only needs $4K more to meet his goal, but needs to meet his goal this week.

How did Tory Orzeck, designer and inventor of the Orp-- a smart bike horn and light designed to improve bike safety--attract more than $86,000 in Kickstarter funding? How did he attract press that got the word out about his Kickstarter campaign? He only needs $4K more to meet his goal, but needs to meet his goal this week.

Richard Moore ,who wrote the music and lyrics for Rain! The Musical, discusses his journey as a musician and gives a behind-the-scenes look at the making of this Fertile Ground Festival event in Portland. Rain! The Musical is the story of a one-hit-wonder rocker who returns home to Portland to woo back the lover he jilted to discover that it hasn't rained in 274 days. The show, directed by Louanne Moldovan, continues Feb. 1-3.