As the deadline for this issue looms ominously, I struggle to organize my thoughts. This issue just seems to go on and on and on. It certainly didn't help that my Mom was in the hospital for an un known affliction. She's home now, thank God. It's also difficult when ads must be changed at the very last moment.

Anyway, the last month proved fertile ground for entertainment from St. Patrick's Day festivities and the Elvis competition at The Drum, to Radio Days with the Oregon Symphony and dancing to the Polkabeats at the Covered Wagon Hall in Canby.

PE photographer Patrice and I started early St. Paddy's Day with an excellent latte at O'Connor's around 3. Friend Carrie joined us at Kelly's Olympian just in time for a rousing set of bagpipe music from the Irish Fuseliers. Then we sauntered down to Paddy's, where they had a tent erected to hold hundreds of the days' revelers. We arrived to the sounds of the superb sax ist Patrick Lamb, while a great group of Irish singers called The Hobnails entertained next. It was finally time for the head er (Febary's cover) Linda Hornbuckle and we couldn't help but dance. To close the night, we stopped off at Madison's to enjoy the har ny of Misty River, an all-girl band of guitar, accordian, flute, fiddle and wonderful vocals.

Norman Leydon, one of my favorite Oregon Symphony con tors, led two of the best concerts I've seen this year, Radio Days and Big Band Hits. See ad this issue for the up ing Steppin' Out with tap dancer Fred Strickler.

Other notable performances for the month included Tina S. Marie's CD Release Party at Oscar's; Lynnann Hyde & Good Thang at the Cascade Blues Association meeting; Tango party featuring dancing by Manuel Ortiz (See ad for upcoming dance and tango workshops); pianist Martin Tocci at the Flamingo piano bar; '50s-'60s band Eddie Dexter at Conway's, a new club on SE 82nd; Norman Sylvester and DK Stewart jams at the Candlelight.

Don't miss the Varnado Brothers (Reo, Ricky and George) performing at Club Green Meadows in Vancouver for their CD Release party March 27. The group is well known in the Southwest and are winners of the 1994 Star Search.

New CDs from local artists such as Ed Neumann, Robin Kaye and Jesse Samsel are making waves in town; check this issue for up ing release parties.

Porland duo Barb Galloway and Donna Luckett are touring this month in Santa Fe and Albuquerque, NM; For Worth and Austin, TX; and Memphis and Nashville, TN, promoting their CD. Ac ing to Barb, Texas is looking at major radio airplay and the producer from Austin City Limits is interested in seeing them.

The 15th Annual Hawthorne Street Fair is seeking ap tions from musicians and entertainers for the two-day event slated for Aug. 15-16. There will also be opportunities for crafts people and artisans to rent booth space. To receive an ap tion for any of the above, call Nancy at 774-2832 or fax 788-0412 with your name and address or fax number. Applications may also be obtained from Showcase Music & Sound, 3401 SE Hawthorne and are due May 31. Those interested must include promo ma als, an 8x10 B&W photo and a cassette, CD or VHS video that best rep sents the group or individual's current work.

'Till next time...Bonnie Carter, ed.