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Jackie
Swift/Main Street Ale House & Brewery
By Dorothy Garrison
When going out for an evening of music, the
traits you look for are sterling sound, musical cohesiveness and good
lighting. All of these characteristics add to the ambience of the night.
Recently, while tossing back a few at the Main Street Ale
House and Brewery, in downtown Gresham, one singer/songwriter took
to the stage. Alex Arrowsmith preceded the featured band, so at first,
interest wasn’t so great; however, after only a few lines, it was
evident that he was a unique force. Arrowsmith has been on the music
scene in one fashion or another for about 25 years, is mostly self-taught,
though he’s gone to radio broadcasting school.
As Arrowsmith began, you didn’t know at first what to do.
He sang a serious song about the environment, or politics or even
religion, and then began to recite the most irreverent lyrics about
the subject matter. Yep, that’s right, he was spoofing. And, along
with his spoof of the subject, was the play-acting. During his rendition
of Missing Briefcase, he laid on the floor still playing his
guitar holding it above his chest, while kicking his feet like he
was doing the dying cockroach. A couple of his other tunes are Welcome
to the Jungle and Shark Shrapnel, equally ludicrous, yet
hilarious.
For greater entertainment as well as information
about this irreverent, hilarious entertainer, go to his website at
alexarrowsmith.com. He has five albums on iTunes and another in the
works. If hilarity and political incorrectness, along with slap-stick
humor are up your alley, check out Alex Arrowsmith.
The starring band Jackie Swift took to the stage with much
fanfare and clapping, performing a mixture of original, as well as
well-known tunes. As most would expect, there were the rock and blues
tunes. But Jackie Swift’s uniqueness shines in other genres as well,
such as alternative and reggae. Their genuine love of being together
and giving the gift of music is evident; all of their various sounds
make the journey of an evening of music a huge adventure.
Lead singer Big Matt, and rhythm guitarist Chris started playing
together in early spring of 2004. Lead guitarist Ryan “G” was added
a couple of months later and the group was rounded out in August ’04
with bassist “Slick” Rick.
September 2004, Jackie Swift burst onto the local scene at
the Borders Bookstore in Gresham to a standing-room, spilling out-the-door
crowd, not exactly pleasing Borders but busting the group’s buttons!
From personal observation, the crowd-following is not about to change
anytime soon!
Each member has brought his own musical influence into the
group, giving the sweet aroma of a bouquet one moment and the rush
and turbulence of pain the next. Unfortunately, because of diverse
schedules within the members of the group, Jackie Swift can only
perform four or five times a year.
Jackie Swift’s next gig will be back at the Main Street Ale
House and Brewery in Gresham on Sept. 21. One person at least is
going to be there by around 3 p.m. to stake her place up close for
that event! The fact that they perform so seldom is an even bigger
drawing card, so come early to get your spot, too! And in case you’re
wondering which member of the group is Jackie Swift – none. Let’s
just say that a past girlfriend gave her name and blessing to it.
Digression aside, there are few places as fitting for a group
like Jackie Swift to perform than the eclectic Main Street Ale and
Brewery. Both possess individuality and character as their natures
collide together like a kaleidoscope, both enhancing the strengths
and coloring of each. Interestingly enough, they both were birthed
in April of 2004!
Main Street Ale House and Brewery is a unique blend of the
ordinary, i.e., having all of the obligatory pool, darts and lottery
games, but they also invite you to “dine.” And dine you shall, in
their gorgeous, polished, solid-wood dining room, serving such delectables
as fired calamari and coconut shrimp, or buffalo wings and nachos
for tradition’s sake. You can order the oh-so-delicious soups, salad
and pizzas, or one of the house specialties such as flat iron steak,
bleu cheese chicken, wild salmon or a baked Alaskan halibut topped
with a creamy mixture of crab, shrimp, herbs and parmesan cheese.
You won’t find those at any other bar in town! Their burger and sandwich
offerings are also extensive and unique. But over all, their Amber
Ale Fish & Chips, which is either Alaskan halibut, salmon or
a combination of both, is one NOT to be missed! And of course, because
it brews it’s own libations, you’ll be served the perfect brew to
compliment and enhance your dining experience.
Owner Adam Roberts, a professional brewer by trade, works
continuously to concoct new brews, as well as perfect the already
beloved ones. The five mainstay beers are: Demented Duck Amber; Eager
Beaver IPA; Powell Porter; Black Roots Blonde; and Gresham Lite.
Roberts brews seasonal beers as well and is currently working on
a 15-hop, all-wheat beer.
Now, if the dining experience sounds a bit out of your league,
the Alehouse Pub (in the same building) is more likely where you’ll
enjoy drinks, friends and music. It’s designed as a wonderful mixture
of coziness for small groups, as well as open space for larger groups.
It turns into a casual theatre when a group performs; the stage is
strategically placed to be seen from every nook and cranny.
Check the website at www.mainstreetale.com. There is even
an explanation of the brewing process. Whether a dining experience
with awesome brew is your desire or just tossing back a few with
your friends, the Main Street Ale House & Brewery definitely
has what you’re looking for, and more! (See ad and Music
on Tap for
upcoming events.)
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