Life On Mars at
Duke's Hometown Bar & Grill
By Dorothy Timpy
Metamorphosis of a Portland lounge and restaurant took place at Duke's
Hometown Bar & Grill on Division near the 148th street intersection.
Live music was featured there each Wednesday evening with entertainers
chosen through a Tuesday jam session on the mirrored stage.
Belting out classic rock from the '70s to the '80s, along with top
40 selections, was Life on Mars, headed by Ron Hanson bassist/vocalist.
Rounding out the trio are Alex Jurgens on guitar and Dave Rozell behind
the drums.
They put enough talent into the performance to make a good-sized and
extremely entertaining sound. Their stage presence is positive and energetic.
Energy emanating from the bandstand brought dancers to the floor, a
couple, a single, in response to the compelling beat of the three musicians.
Sample tunes of their music include Cheap Sunglasses, a ZZ Top
number; a Lynyrd Skynyrd tune, Gimme 3 Steps and a Youngbloods
selection called Bad Company. Each of the trio of entertainers
were equally active in the vocal department.
The band tuned in with two-and three-part harmonies under impressive
stage lighting set up to provide good atmosphere.
Jurgens, taking advantage of a wireless amplifier set up, wandered around
the room through the audience as special lighting of the club put out
flashing beams of light, cutting across the dance floor. Hagen and Rozell
filled percussionist duties with zeal and talent as the three came off
with a sound notably befitting a much larger band.
Life on Mars provides contagiously energizing and comfortable entertainment
that music lovers of all ilks would enjoy. Fans can see them Dec. 13-14
at River Road House in Milwaukie.
Darrel Pierce, bartender of the evening, sat in for owner Jeff Plew,
who took over the old Drum lounge and restaurant and first made it a
swank evening place called Lotus Club.
However, Pierce points out it soon became more attuned to activities
of a sports bar, replete with Monday night football, Sunday movies,
Friday and Saturday music provided
by a DJ, along with a Tuesday jam session and Wednesday night live music.
Duke's makes an effort to please a wide variety of interests with dart
games, video games and an array of TVs for other sporting events. Two
12-foot TV screens and 20 smaller ones in a surround sound make sports
come alive for viewers. One of the events was a "Pray for Snow"
party.
The site of the former restaurant, located at one end of the building,
now houses a host of pool tables, while the next room just up one level
has a newly installed additional bar and tables. Through the door and
a step down, is the larger house bar in the area where the dance floor
gives vent to music lovers who like to cut a rug now and then.
The appearance somehow is different, but the same in that efforts are
made to satisfy the wishes of clientele looking for a little rest and
relaxation, while keeping in touch with the sports world. Live music
has been discontinued, as management has decided to make activities
its primary concern. Watch for exciting upcoming events.
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