It's vacation time! For most Northwesterners that means it's time to go to the beach! I'm no exception so my friend and helper Pat and I headed to the Long Beach Peninsula for the first time this year. It was the weekend of the Garlic Festival in Ocean Park, so we spent some time there sampling all the garlic delicacies on display. It was so great to be back! The weather was partly cloudy, but nice.
We had to stop in to see our favorite resident pianist Speed Anderson, who holds court every weekend at Max's in Long Beach. Everyone greeted us with enthusiasm as we nabbed a good seat. We enjoyed a wonderful meal while Speed played all the usual favorites. Sally, a regular vocalist, treated us to her fine vocals; I was pleased to see John, a regular crooner at the Flamingo piano bar in Portland, who happened to be at Max's that night. He is blessed with an exceptional voice; I keep telling him to go pro. I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw Chris, hunk of a bartender from BC's, walk into Max's. He joined our table, along with John and other revelers and we had a great time.
Friend Carrie's surprise 40th birthday party was a blast at Taska's last month. The birthday girl was completely surprised to see a table full of family and friends; she thought boyfriend Bernie was taking her out for an intimate dinner for just the two of them. Lloyd Jones' band was playing this night, which made the evening even more special.
Not to be over looked, young 27-y/o Joey DeFrancesco demonstrated expertise on his own compositions and arrangements.
By the way, Taska finally got her kitchen completed, so she's serving some of the finest food around, including crab cakes and cajun chicken! And the artichoke dip is to die for.
One of the choicest bands I've caught lately is Lily Wilde's combo playing at the Parchman Farm Thursdays. Her vocals are the closest to Billy Holiday's that I've heard. Her band is also superb with notable performances from extraordinary 15-year old keyboardist Jed Wilson, guitarist Ralph Pritiken and saxman Brian Dickerson. I look forward to hearing Lily's big band on Tuesdays starting July 14 at Berbati's.
I finally procurred a copy of Jesse Samsel's new CD Play Whatcha Feel and ouch, it's hot! My favorites are Dance Somethin' We Can Play T and Daddy Like Playin' the Blues, two great dance tunes.
I also acquired the new CD from veteran pianist Eddie Wied The Street Dancer , that also features the keyboard expertise of Giovanni Ceccarelli, Eddie's Italian former protege. In the unusual duo-piano recording, favorites like Come Rain or Come Shine or Here's that Rainy Day come across magnificently, as well as the opening original Carmela, composed by Eddie. Don't miss this virtuoso every Wednes day with Keith Werner's Swing Revue Big Band at the Temple Ballroom (SE Civic Center).
Upcoming summer events not to miss: The NEW Santorini's, specializing in Greek and Italian cuisine, opens July 17 (Watch for article next issue); Cruise-In and Barbeque at Pub 181 July 18; Tippy Canoe Grand Re Opening/Pig Roast July 31-Aug 2; and Nobody's 10th Annual Parking Lot Party & Cruise-In Aug 8.
I must commend Greg Raschio, drummer for Reckless Abandon, for his wonderful tile work on the bathroom. Not only is Greg a superlative drummer, he's truly an accomplished tile artist as well. Keep up the good work, Greg!
There's a new owner at the River Road House, Wes Clair. I talked to him briefly recently and he's featuring a Grand Re-Opening Sunday, July 24. Not many details were available at press time, so give Wes a call and welcome him to Milwaukie!
Happy birthday to brother John, brother-in-law Jim and neice Liz.
Happy Summer!! Bonnie Carter, ed
'Till next time...Bonnie Carter, ed.