(Clearwisdom.net) PORTLAND, Oregon--Most people arrived at Keller Auditorium in Portland Saturday night to simply enjoy a Shen Yun Performing Arts show, yet Carrie Quistberg, a jewelry store owner, did a little bit more than that.

She fulfilled a mother's request.

"When [my mother] was [travelling] in China, she told me, 'You should go see this Shen Yun in America.' She always told me, 'You have to see it,'" said Ms. Quistberg.

"My mom died last year. And then I saw that it came to Portland so I wanted to see it. So it's really been a good show for me to see."

Her mother, Elizabeth Lorrain-Lee, was a world traveler before she passed away. In order to give her mother a chance to see the show, Ms. Quistberg also brought her mother's photo to the theater in addition to bringing her date Michael Jackson.

"I even brought a picture of my mother... I brought this so that she can enjoy the show in spirit."

And the show indeed amazed Ms. Quistberg, to say the least.

"I thought the singing was so wonderful that just brought you to heights, like you were in heaven, that you were part of creation, I just think. And then the mixture of the colors with the stage, and then the ability of the dancers and their gracefulness--the whole thing all wrapped up together was excellent."

Ms. Quistberg, with her date Mr. Jackson, at the Keller Auditorium on Saturday

"It's very spiritual, makes you feel good"

Mr. Lipsey, who works as a day trader, attended Shen Yun's Sunday show in Portland. "It's very spiritual, makes you feel good," he said.

Mr. Lipsey remarked on Shen Yun's ability to form what he describes as a "collective peace" that can be shared among all people and cultures who experience the show.

"I think we need more of this type of entertainment, to where there's more of a collective peace, of all peoples brought together. Sometimes life is too competitive nowadays, and this brings together all the different cultures, and we should respect each other," Mr. Lipsey said.

"It gives a sense of peace. Because I study a little Buddhism, and I've always been interested in ancient Eastern cultures and traditions... Very enlightening, and enjoyable too," said Mr. Lipsey. "A really great cultural experience."

Northwest Artist: "It's all wonderful"

Artist and former art gallery owner Bonnie Gibons had to buy tickets as soon as she saw that Shen Yun was returning to Portland.

"It's all wonderful. The minute I saw this in the newspaper, I knew I wanted to come, I love dance, I love music, and you have both of them together, so what more could you ask for," said Ms. Gibons.

Ms. Gibons appreciated the piece "Nothing Can Block the Divine Path," which tells the common story of a Chinese family torn apart due to a mother being persecuted to death for practicing Falun Gong.

"I like the fact that they're showing some of the injustices that are taking place in China right now, I think that's a good thing. People need to know that, ... see what's going on," said Ms. Gibons.

Sources:

http://www.theepochtimes.com/n2/content/view/31770/

http://www.theepochtimes.com/n2/content/view/31829/

http://www.theepochtimes.com/n2/content/view/31824/