It's always a pleasure to feature and support quality entertainment in a warm and friendly environment. Such can be found on a regular basis nightly at Parchman Farm, S.E. 12th and Clay.

Named after the Mississippi prison that once held famous blues legend Bukka White, cousin to B.B. King, Parchman Farm nests centrally on the edge of Portland's Ladd's Addition. It's seldom overly crowded and the atmosphere is relaxed and comfortable.

Of special interest is the weekly Saturday night blues line-up hosted by one of Portland's own legends, Norman Moody. Leading the group on keyboards and smoky vocals, Moody's career is long and extensive. A favorite in Hawaii, where he was the first recipient of the "Keepin' the Blues Alive" award, Moody has performed with such greats as Elvin Bishop, Fats Domino's guitarist Ramon Estrada, Etta James' piano man Dave Mathews, and was backed by Janis Joplin's guitarist Sam Andrew. Also among Norman Moody's list of who's who are Chuck Berry's piano man Johnnie Johnson; Gabe Baltazcar, sax man for Stan Kenton; Muddy Waters' drummer Sam Lay and the Fabulous Thunderbirds.

A member of the nominating committee for the National Blues Hall of Fame, Moody once opened for the Ford Blues Band led by Robin's brother, Patrick. You can also hear Norman Moody on A Taste of the Blue Rose, a compilation of Northwest blues artists and Bad Luck Neighborhood, to be released by Flying Heart Records at the end of August.

Credentials aside, Norman Moody has something going for him not often found in this com-petitive business. He's warm, friendly and genuinely cares about his audience. Moody's charm and sense of humor are a delight and when it comes to professionalism, the term ego simply isn't in his vocabulary. Gutsy and generous as he is, Moody's amazingly humble about the whole thing. A Saturday night with Norman Moody makes Sunday through Friday well worth the wait. He's an outstanding blues musician with a genuine heart of gold.

Often sitting in at Moody's Sat-urday night Parchman Farm sessions are E.Z. Eddie on bass, Philip Tucker on drums and the wild and crazy A.C. Porter on lead guitar. Performing locally with The Lucky Devils, The Party Kings and Reverend Gary Small and the Deacons, Porter says, "Mostly I just play with myself."

Even the breaks on Moody's night at Parchman Farm are special, usually featuring unique guest Rich Collins. Unlike any other acoustic blues player in town, Collins, on steel bodied Dobro, performs the nearly lost art of authentic Delta blues to near perfection. Hailing from New Orleans, Louisiana, Collins is a virtual legend in his own time. He's made a life-long study of such greats as Robert Johnson, Brownie McGhee and Sonny Terry, and is nearly a walking encyclopedia of the true roots of the blues. For true blues enthusiasts, Rich Collins is a one-of-a-kind treat not to be missed.

This incredible Saturday night musical line-up is just a sample of what you'll find along with gourmet pizzas and a full-service bar at Portland's Parchman Farm, S.E. 12th and Clay on the edge of Ladd's Addition.