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Notes On A Napkin

Praise the Lord, our prayers were answered...we’re back up to 16 pages this issue. We’ll pray for 20 next time!

Highlight for August was definitely the Kenny G concert (to benefit kids at Portland Shriner’s Hospital) at the Schnitz. After scoring an exclusive interview by PE writer KT (appearing last issue), staffers Lauree Carlsen & KT joined me seventh row center for the most incredible show; Patty Austin, vocalist extraordinaire, opened with a full band & three backup singers doing tunes like Someone’s Knockin’ at the Door (which included an impressive whistling segment), Come to Me and Lean on Me, among others.

When it was time for Kenny G, he walked onstage from the back of the hall, while playing his alto sax in spotlight. There was an extension from the stage, so it was like you could almost reach up & touch him from our seats! For the next song, he picked up the soprano sax & held one note for eons, several minutes. (He showed us later how he did it.)

If Kenny & his saxophone weren’t amazing enough, his band is stellar. He talked about how his group has played with him for over 20 years, except for the drummer Daniel Bejarano, who replaced deceased Portlander Bruce Carter four years ago. (Some of Bruce’s family was acknowledged up front.) Another setup of congas & every percussion instrument you could imagine was played by Ron Powell and entertained us in style, at one point doing a duet with Daniel! Guitarist John Raymond marks 28 years with Kenny & he was spotlighted, as well as bassist Vail Johnson (who has his own CD) and pianist Robert Damper.

A huge video screen in the center of the stage flashed peaceful scenes during tunes like Havana and a dazzling lightshow mesmerized the crowd. Kenny strutted from one end of the stage to the other, as he pleased fans with tunes such as Forever in Love and the title song from his new CD Heart & Soul. He played in a touching segment alongside the video of Louis Armstrong singing What a Wonderful World.

Towards the end of the concert, the lights were brought up & a drawing for a soprano saxophone went to one lucky couple. They were invited up on stage & were seated for a solo by Kenny on the winning sax! We were all rooting for KT to win!

Everyone was delighted when Kenny chose Pick Up the Pieces for his encore. The entire performance was awesome!

Another notable event was Myron LeRoy’s CD release party at the Aladdin (See Lucy Hammond’s article).Entitled Nice Rack, the recording is packed with Myron’s heart & soul in the all-original album. I enjoy all 12 tunes, but some of my favorites include the blues-tinged Keep on Doin’, reggae/calypso Fishin’, swing tune Call Me, two slow blues Requiem for a Friend & Black Hole; and of course the title cut Nice Rack, a blues-type shuffle with nice backup vocals. Go to www.myronleroy.com online for a review of Myron’s extensive background. We are lucky to have such a musical treasure here.

Friends Marsha (class of ’61) & Mea Metzger (class of ‘68) joined me (class of ’66) for a Gresham High School reunion of the ‘60s & classic car show at Winks in Gresham last weekend. It was a hoot, running into friends like Mary Tomlin, Anita Panit, Debbie Barger, Jeannie McCoy, Doug Kidder and many, many more. Some folks looked much the same and some I didn’t recognize!

Retro Rockits drummer Ed Jordan put on a delightful backyard party recently complete with live music, barbeque and many cool people. John Henry was on hand with his famous tamales and many musicians paid a visit, including Asher Wood’s band The Lost Highwaymen (see article this issue) and of course the Retro Rockits. Other musicians lent their talents such as KT, Kathy, Taska & her long-lost cousin Danny, Katherine (Asher’s wife) Cactus Davis, Robert Rude (Ed’s roommate), Charlene & Johnny and more! Ed & Robert built a nice, full-size stage & the musicians loved it. Rumor has it that another party is in the works.

The fabulous Lucy Hammond Band opened the Cascade Blues Association annual picnic this year & I must say they started with one of the finest in town! Son of a Preacher Man, He Said She Said, Start It Up, Devil is an Angel, Unchain My Heart and one of Lucy’s own Link in the Chain were some of the outstanding tunes by this flamboyant diva. Portland is lucky to have her! The Gusto Brothers were next, followed by another favorite The New Iberians with their Louisiana Bayou, Cajun music. Evan Schlaes did his stuff on the squeeze box, while Bob Love soloed on Love’s Gonna Live Here Again. Tunes like Walkin’ to New Orleans and I Hear You Knockin’ brought back memories. Lucy sat with Ed Jordan, Asher Wood & his wife & I while we dined on the wonderful food provided by the CBA. Lucy introduced me to Billboard award-winning vocalist/songwriter Nikki Davis, a charming, beautiful lady. Nikki graced me with an autographed CD that includes some very catchy tunes. I found myself singing along right off the bat! Watch for more on Nikki Davis in the future.
Next up was the fabulous Franco & the Stingers, who delighted the crowd with tunes like Bedroom Eyes, Let Me Love You One More Time and Crazy ‘bout You Baby. Unfortunately, we had to leave before the last band Kolvane played, but I’m sure it must have rocked!

Taska & the Outlaws kept it lively in the parking lot at the classic car show, sponsored by the Porterhouse in Milwaukie, at the end of July. I ran into old friend DJ Joey White of Joey’s Cruisin’ Show; it was nice to chat about old times & how he’s still DJ’ing for car shows like the big one upcoming in Oregon City, Sept 11, 10-3. PE writer Lauree Carlsen & I enjoyed the barbequed hot dogs on the nifty Porterhouse patio.

I received a preview copy of the Doobie Brothers new CD World Gone Crazy and it’s one of the best! I’ve always loved the DBs & this recording only makes me love them more. Their website says it best “...World Gone Crazy pushes the band’s already expansive palette of sounds even further with the help of some very special guests. For a band whose diverse influences may only be exceeded by their long list of current and former collaborators, the added contributions make perfect sense...And what could be more meritorious than a co-write and duet with American icon Willie Nelson on I Know We Won.” Former Doobie Michael McDonald also collaborated on Don’t Say Goodbye. One of my favorites is the title cut and the digitally remastered Nobody and the new Chateau. The CD hits the stores on Sept 28 & you won’t be disappointed!

Since I’m late getting this to press, watch for more news on Robert Rude’s CD from days gone by, truly ahead of its time. It’s hot & quite relevant today.

My trip to the beach this month was great fun with my dear friend
& PE writer/photographer Ardis Hedrick. One night, we stopped in to the Eagles in Ocean Park to hear one-man-band Tony Rio, a veteran musician that graced the pages of PE&D in days gone by. It was a real treat! Ardis is lucky enough to spend more time there and is enjoying the great weather & the bike we found for her. I’m looking forward to joining her this week!

‘Til next time, pray for peace & prosperity......................Bonnie Carter, ed

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Notes On A Napkin

Notes on a Napkin

Now that the Christmas season is over, it’s time to recap the events of the season.To start, it was Elvis Nagel’s Christmas show at the Pink Feather. Cousin Maryann, friends Geraldine Misa and Lauree Carlsen joined me for an inspirational time with Elvis singing many of Elvis Presley’s Christmas hymns & tunes like Blue Christmas. Everyone enjoyed themselves as Elvis made the rounds, singing & giving out roses & scarves to the delight of the ladies.

...Christmas Day was spent with family & friends; I enjoyed a lovely breakfast with my son Darin & his girlfriend Marci at the Village Inn at Mall 205; then I delivered a gift to friend Jeff Shivers & watched a movie; after that, I was off to visit friend Ed Jordan, drummer for Wood Works. We enjoyed Christmas dinner at Knuckleheads, where owner Franco Beorchia laid out a sumptuous feast of ham, turkey & all the trimmings. It was truly a blessed day.

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WANTED: Graphic artist to help with ad construction in Positively Entertainment & Dining. Training provided if necessary. Call 503-253-0513 or email peeditor@comcast.net.

5th Annual PMA Awards promises famous guests, after-party gala

The 5^th Annual Portland Music A. The line-up of outstanding guests presenters and performers will ensure a night of outstanding entertainment in wards is slated at the Crystal Ballroom, S.W. 13th and West Burnside, on Sunday, Jan.22, 2012, at 7 p.msupport of Portland music and all artists. Tickets are on sale for $20 at the ticket box office or online and $25 the day of the show. Complete details at http://www.portlandmusicawards.com/about.html

The entertainment line-up includes: Roger Fisher (founding member of Heart); Tommy Tutone; Kandles At Nine (w/Deen Castronovo from Journey, and Craig Montoya from Everclear);Rob Wynia (Floater); Issa; Reva DeVito; Robbie Laws Band; Brad Parsons; and The Portland Gay Men's Choir, with more to be announced.

The Portland Music Awards were founded in 2008 by Craig Marquardo (musician, talent manager, magazine publisher, film executive.) They were designed to bring attention, appreciation and press to the numerous deserving artists and individuals that make up the rich and vibrant Portland music scene.

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The Big Apple - Venue reopens under new management

The Big Apple Pizzeria and Lounge, located at 1125 N.E. Kane Rd. in East Gresham, recently reopened on the 1st of December under new management.

The popular venue provides an array of evening activities and specials during the week. Maggie Taylor, manager and lead bartender, formerly from the Pink Feather, holds down the fort with supporting staff to provide excellent service from the bar and restaurant. “The Apple still holds on to its great pizza and the food is better than ever; we’re in the process of moving forward and looking at possibly considering a bigger stage and dance area on the pizzeria side of the facility,” Taylor says.

Right now, live music on tap is slated for twice a month with Eric Savage on Saturday nights. They are also in the process of scheduling bands in the future. Wood Works will perform on Friday, Jan. 27,. 2012, starting things off with a great variety of musical entertainment to dance to and enjoy.

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CD Review: McFadden Project, 'First 60 years'

First 60 Years is the title of this soon-to-be-released CD by McFadden Project. Musically, it’s predominantly the kind of classic rock that never ages, covering topics that never change—Love, War, Peace and Joy. It contains a variety of styles: rock, country-rock and a touch of blues, mixing an upbeat sound with some important, timeless messages. The CD shows the care and love put into crafting the songs, with many years of developing, nurturing and perfecting the sound put into this project The results is a thought and emotion invoking compilation.

The McFadden Project is led by Don McFadden, who also wrote all the songs. He covers the Hammond B3 organ and grand piano, as well as the acoustic guitar, harmonica, lead and background vocals. The rest of the band is comprised of: Phil Smith, lead and rhythm guitars, percussion and vocals; Tom Easlon, bass and acoustic bass, vocals; Mark Wills, percussion and vocals. Dean Fairly, keyboards.

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The Ambassador offers full Karaoke experience, vast genres of music

Did someone say Karaoke?

Head on down to the Ambassador Restaurant and Lounge, at N.E. 47th and Sandy, where you can have a full Karaoke experience and choose your music selection from vast genres of music and countless songs. With live awesome talent from the Portland area, who are regular performers, they tantalize and entertain even the toughest Karaoke critic.

Don’t be shy, even if this is your first time performing Karaoke for a crowd. You can pick up tips and tricks to build your routine, dance on the beautifully arranged dance floor, or just sit and relax and enjoy a few drinks and a full menu of Chinese cuisine; all while listening to the wide variety and range of vocalists.

The sensibly-priced, fresh-to-order menu includes a tasty shrimp fried rice, with whole tender shrimp; the Ambassador’s most popular dish, General’s chicken with a sweet sesame flavor; salt and pepper calamari for an appetizer. This reporter will be going back to try the new coconut curry chicken dish.

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Big Daddy's OT provides large range of games, live music, sizeable stage and dance floor

From the outside, Big Daddy’s OT, 10514 N.E. 4th Plain, in Vancouver, Wash., looks small and plain. But looks are definitely deceiving. Inside, there are two dartboards, two pool tables and a full-size shuffleboard. That’s not to mention a stage and a sizeable dance floor, yet still plenty of room. It’s a fantastic venue with all the space a party of any size would need to be comfortable. When this reporter stepped outside, a nicely decorated deck and covered “drink friendly” area was provided. What gave a little chicken skin was “Happy Hour 24/7 for Veterans.” When asked why, Randy Montoya, owner for the last three years, answers, “We love our Vets and we can relate.”

Tuesday through Thursday, you can catch Karaoke host Hollie Olson. Olson has performed music for over two decades on keyboard and vocals and hosted Karaoke for the last four years. Olson has worked at Big Daddy’s OT for a year-and-a-half. When asked about her favorite part of Big Daddy’s OT was, she says, “The relaxed crowd.”

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PE&D adds new staff member & spiritual section

Positively Entertainment & Dining is celebrating 35 years of publication in February. With that, we are expanding our horizons to include the addition of our new staff member George E. Dant III. Dant will be heading up a new religion section. It will feature churches, music and “what’s happening” in the Portland metro area.

Comments and suggestions can be emailed to George E. Dant III at: georgeedant3per@gmail.com or to peeditor@comcast.net.

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World-class jazz jam - Sylvan Steakhouse hosts Ron Steen every Monday

For most, Monday isn't a night likely to lure people out of their cozy homes to see live music. For jazz lovers, however, Mondays at The Sylvan Steakhouse more closely resemble a weekend night, filled to the brim with enthusiastic patrons. The rainy Monday this writer ventured out, it was tough to find a seat! Booths and tables overflowed with animated jazz fans enjoying great food, good company and excellent music!

The architect of this successful jam is none other than Portland's own Ron Steen. With a resumé that spans 40-plus years playing drums with some of the biggest names in the business, Steen is truly one of Portland's musical treasures. A bandleader from the tender age of 19, Steen runs a seamless show featuring the best players in town; at the same time including and developing intermediate players through the association. His ability to make everyone feel comfortable and welcome creates an upbeat, positive vibe that's infectious. He truly is a musical ambassador for his art form.

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Notes on a Napkin

Now that the Christmas season is over, it’s time to recap the events of the season.To start, it was Elvis Nagel’s Christmas show at the Pink Feather. Cousin Maryann, friends Geraldine Misa and Lauree Carlsen joined me for an inspirational time with Elvis singing many of Elvis Presley’s Christmas hymns & tunes like Blue Christmas. Everyone enjoyed themselves as Elvis made the rounds, singing & giving out roses & scarves to the delight of the ladies.

...Christmas Day was spent with family & friends; I enjoyed a lovely breakfast with my son Darin & his girlfriend Marci at the Village Inn at Mall 205; then I delivered a gift to friend Jeff Shivers & watched a movie; after that, I was off to visit friend Ed Jordan, drummer for Wood Works. We enjoyed Christmas dinner at Knuckleheads, where owner Franco Beorchia laid out a sumptuous feast of ham, turkey & all the trimmings. It was truly a blessed day.

view

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