When assignments for this edition of Positively Entertainment were issued, this writer was pleased to discover he was to see Victoria Corrigan at Madison's. It would be a combination of hearing a favorite performer at a favorite establishment. After a few months of assignments at sports bars and DJ lounges, it was a welcome relief to be back in the world of live music.

Madison's is located on Southeast 11th and Hawthorne and has the impression of a long-time downtown establishment, when actually is has only been in existence for about a year-and-a-half. The feeling comes from its dark wooded tables, beams, staircase and walls, creating an atmosphere of richness, intimacy and longevity. Since we live in the Northwest, it is refreshing to go to a place that honors the tradition of wood accents. A lot of effort went into making Madison's what it is; if you are seeking a quiet getaway with warmth, your search is over.

Even though there can be quite a few people at Madison's, you wouldn't know it because you don't have to yell to keep a conversation going; when there is music, you can still hear and be heard. This isn't saying that Madison's doesn't offer anything other than quiet activity; upstairs is the pool room where you can enjoy a friendly game of billiards; downstairs video poker machines are nestled in their own room off the bar. If you're going for the quiet atmosphere, you can still sit in the main level or outside without hearing the dings of video poker or the smack of billiard balls. Madison's is designed to cater to many tastes and it works.

The food at Madison's is excellent; once again the restaurant pays special attention to our Northwest heritage. Tiger prawns, smoked salmon and bay shrimp salads are large, filling and easily make a complete meal. There are also sandwiches, both hot and cold, to appease all types of discriminating palates. Rueben, halibut and veggie special sandwiches plus gourmet hamburgers like the ahi burger with pepperjack cheese are all tasty. There are also nightly dinner specials such as lasagna or sirloin steak, plus individual pizzas built to order. There is really something for eve-ryone here and after eating you will not go away hungry, especially if you finish your dining adventure with some Oregon-grown straw-berry shortcake. Best of all, the prices are extremely reasonable especially when the quality of ingredients are considered.

The phenomenal help, who is courteous and helpful even when it is a busy night, further enhances the good mood. Night bartender Steve is unbelievable as he makes drinks, takes food orders to the cooks and stays attentive to the patrons around the bar area and video poker room. He has a way that makes everyone seem special in a busy environment.

Now, about Victoria Corrigan; she has to be one of the best kept secrets around the Portland area. Otherwise, it would be standing-room-only to hear her remarkable voice. Corrigan is a throw-back to the old traditions of lounge singers who brings with her a quartet of excellent musicians to back her. On the most recent night this writer saw the group, there was Donnie Osborne on drums, Ralph Pritikin on guitar and Ed Bennett on upright bass. The previous time at Madison's, she had a guitarist, bassist and viola player sitting in with her and usually Jeff Uusitalo plays trombone. What-ever the lineup of musicians, the music is always a fantastic blend of jazz, swing and blues tunes played on acoustic instruments.

Corrigan, who came to Portland after growing up in Rochester, New York, got the singing bug as a child and was heavily influenced by the music of such greats as Sarah Vaughn, Linda Hopkins, Koko Taylor and Etta James. She carries on the tradition of her influences in her set lists and performs songs of a bygone era with a voice that has excellent range and sultriness. She also has a way of making eye contact with audience members. This isn't a quality that you see much any more and it's refreshing to see someone step up and revive a lost art of this type of entertainment.

>Corrigan began singing professionally with a college jazz ensemble while she attended Vasser and has continued ever since. In addition to performing with a quartet of musicians locally, she is also the singer for the Art Abrams Swing Machine. If you want to see Corrigan sing, you'll have to wait until August. She will be in Tokyo throughout the month of July performing with a Japanese jazz band. On Aug. 13, she'll be at the 1201 Lounge; and with the Art Abrams Band sometime that month at the Crystal Ballroom. Also coming up is Corrigan's first CD of jazz standards. The release party will be in September at an as yet-to-be-determined venue. Look for that upcoming event as well as the CD. It will be well worth your while.