The Drum
By Michael P. Jones
The Drum has thrived for 35 years, consistently known as the place to go if you want the night out. With a reign this long, it is now distinguished as "Oregon's oldest honky tonk," not to mention one of the oldest on the West Coast.
When the club first opened it in 1963, it was known as The Flower Drum for the restaurant that was located adjacent to the lounge and dance floor. Here was the place where people flocked for not only good food, but also the music and dancing.
Music has always been part of the tradition of The Drum, even back in the early days of the '60s and '70s. In fact, some topnames in country music would take to its stage for a couple of shows. This included Donna Fargo, Hank Williams, Charlie Pride and even George Strait in his early years, plus more. The Flower Drum also seemed to be the "proving grounds" for local country bands and acts occupying its stage for seven nights a week.
The survival of The Drum can be summed up by the club's ability to keep up with the times. It was the book Honky Tonk Guide to Country Dancin' and Romancin' that gave this popular place it's title as "Oregon's oldest honky tonk." In fact, this was the only place featured in the entire state in the book.
Since The Drum opened its doors way back in 1963, it has earned the reputation as the place to go for a variety of reasons. For some, it's the place to go if they want to listen to some of the best county music in the area. To others, it's an ideal place for the dancing, including the club's nearfree dance lessons. For others, it's for the mouthwatering steaks prepared in the Branding Iron.
The Drum resturant opened back in 1963 by Ray Lukich and Dan Teeny. The location was across the street from its current site, where the Fred Meyer store is now located. Fifteen years ago, the club was relocated to accommodate the grocery giant's new outlet.
Today, The Drum features a beautiful country-like interior with the spacious dance floor the obvious focal point. Perched a short distance above this floor, usually filled with linedancers during the evening, a decent-sized stage symbolizes the importance of music to most everyone who walks through the doors. This delightful "honky tonk" has proven itself to be "where the action is" for over three decades.
The Drum has full lottery, air-conditioning, two big screen televisions and even an outdoor patio for dining or sipping drinks during nice weather. The club also features three regulationsized pool tables that provide free pool from noon to 6 p.m., seven days a week.
For those who want dance lessons, The Drum is the place to go. For a mere $1 a lesson, people of all ages can learn from some of the best instructors around. Beginning at 6:30 8 p.m., country waltzes, twosteps, line dances and much more can be learned in a pleasant environment.
If you're in the mood for a delicious lunch or dinner, the food is great. Recently, new management was added to the club's Branding Iron Restaurant with some spectacular results. Food is served from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. In the future, the hope to add a breakfast menu.
The lounge opens at noon and closes at 2:30 a.m., seven days a week. It offers special day prices on drinks from noon to 7:30 p.m., Monday through Sunday.
When you arrive at The Drum, be sure to "shake a Yucca." This is a unique drink that's become the specialty of the house. It's served in a mason jar with a lid, filled with crushed ice, fruit and tequila. You shake it and the result is a delicious drink that's cold and frosty.
The Drum offers live music from its stage Tuesday through Sunday. Beginning at 8 p.m. to 2:15 a.m., some of the best country bands in the area share their talent.
On Sunday and Monday nights, the music takes a unique twist. The club's audience now becomes the entertainment with Karaoke form 9 p.m. to 2:15 a.m. However, not just country tunes are featured, but a wide variety of styles.
As for more than the welldeserved title, "the oldest honky tonk in Oregon," there are other honors that The Drum now boasts. On Friday the 13th of March, the club presented an Elvis impersonation contest, giving it the distinction as the "Graceland of the Northwest." Around a dozen Elvis Presley look-alikes competed for the title. The winner was a 14-year-old boy who now moves to the semi-finals and could find himself in Nashville for the finals.
The Drum is located at 14601 S.E. Division Street. It is still managed by its original owners, Lukich and Teeny, with Lukich's son Don acting as the assistant manager.
"Like it's been for 35 years, The Drum is still the place to be if you want a good time out on the town," says Lukich, matteroffactly. "We offer our customers a lot, which is what you can expect from the oldest honky tonk in Oregon." If you want to learn more about The Drum firsthand and experience both the changes and its 35 years of consistency, stop by and check it out.