MOSCOW NIGHTS AT
RESTAURANT RUSSIA
By Marvella McPartland
This writer and a small group bustled into the Restaurant Russia on
Foster Road last Saturday night to enjoy a bite to eat and hear the
musical group, Moscow Nights, who entertain Friday through Sunday nights
from 6 to 10 p.m.
It was this reviewer's first visit to Restaurant Russia, but had heard
that the food was excellent and was eager to find out what the music
was like. Imagining that this group was heading for the average restaurant,
it was hoped that the music wasn't just a typical lounge act playing
to background music. Well……nothing was further from the truth!
To begin with, the restaurant has a lovely ambience. There is an elegance
about it and this group was graciously received. Attention was drawn
to the spirited melodies that Moscow Nights provide. The trio featured
violinist Alexander Gokhman; singer Anya Pereversina; and a keyboardist
who was filling in for Sergei Pereverzina.
As the evening progressed, it was told that Sergei is the owner of
Restaurant Russia and that Anya Pereverzina is his daughter. Moscow
Nights proceeded to weave a tapestry of Russian pop and folk music with
a variety of textures and tempos. Meanwhile, out on the dance floor,
couples and their children danced, obviously having a grand evening.
They were certainly a delight.
Lead singer Anya exhibited a flair for entertaining. As she soulfully
executed her songs, she strolled off the stage cabaret style from time
to time. She passed each table, pausing to deliver a few lines here
and a few lines there.
Violinist Gokhman played with passion and facility, ably accompanied
by the keyboardist. There are actually two vocalists with Moscow Nights;
Alexander Pototskiy, formerly of the Saratov Opera Company in Russia,
lends his special vocal talents to Moscow Nights during the first part
of each evening (6-8) and Anya Pereverzina finishes the performances
(8-10).
Anya is actually an accomplished dancer, specializing in the Argentine
Tango. She and her partner in dance performed during Cinco de Mayo at
Waterfront Park.
Violinist Alexander Gokhman has played for many years and has extensive
musical experience performing for the Minsk Opera and Ballet Theater,
Belarus Symphony, Eugene Symphony, Oregon Chamber Players. He presently
plays with the Vancouver Symphony, the Portland Opera, Synphonia Concertante
and the Portland Chamber Orchestra. He also performed at several international
jazz festivals while he was in Russia.
Sergei and his family came to the United States from Russia 10 years
ago and spent the first four years in the states living in New York
City. He came to Oregon four or five years ago and, along with another
family member, Michael Pereverzina, opened S & M Russian Food, next
door to Restaurant Russia.
Both businesses are located at 6433 S.E. Foster Road.
The evening was a hit. The food was great, the music and the ambience
were charming. This writer looks forward to many enjoyable evenings
in the coming months at Restaurant Russia! Hope to see you there!
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