Notes On a Napkin November 19

Post date: Tuesday, November 20, 2012 - 13:05

I’m inspired & blessed! My friend & PE&D writer Jeff Shivers & I just came from an awe-inspiring Tom Booth concert at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church. The church was filled with parishoners & more for a benefit for our music ministry there. What awesome music we heard. Tom’s music is heard & sung worldwide in all the Catholic churches through our own Oregon Catholic Press. Songs like You Gotta Serve Somebody, Cry the Gospel (written for the Pope!), Spirit of God, Slipping, Sacred Silence & Captured truly gladdened the hearts of the audience. At one point, our choir director Kathy lent her gorgeous vocals to the spirited Here I Am Lord (sung often at Mass), with the whole congregation raising their voices in song. Tom’s band is extraordinary & a perfect backdrop for his music. Newest member of the band, splendid guitarist/vocalist Ben Walther also performed a couple of his polished originals, Let Go & Make Your Home in Me. I’m listening

right now to one of Tom’s many outstanding CDs called Unravel. It rocks! If you Google Tom Booth online, you can hear many of Tom’s compositions & he says he’s got at least 15 more simmering in his mind right now. How lucky we are.

Friend & Wood Works drummer Ed Jordan joined me for the fabulous NW Food & Wine Festival at the Lloyd Center Double Tree. What a treat it was sampling all the sumptuous wines & delectable food! Again this year, Jaybird Koder, entertained the packed room w/his superb guitar & vocals. I look forward to this event every year and this time there was more food fare to go along with wine & spirits like Coffee Rum & Cherry Bomb (made w/Oregon cherries). One of the outstanding restaurants represented was The Ringside, serving tender shoulder steak bites & tasty pumpkin soup. The only downfall of the evening was a couple of parking tickets ($100 worth!). We thought parking was free on Saturdays. Didn’t it used to be?

Another one of my favorite events of the year is Cascade Blues Association’s Muddy Awards & this year was no exception. Kudos goes to Lisa Mann, who won three awards, as well as Kevin Selfe & Curtis Salgado. For a complete list of winners, go to the CBA’s website. Franco Paletta & the Stinger’s opened the show with a fine set of blues; but the best part of the evening was the performance of the Muddy All-Stars w/band leader Dee Williams. Many of the winners were represented onstage throughout the set. At one point, three powerhouse guitar players graced the stage at one time! Thanks go out to the CBA for another fabulous production.

Since I’m running short on time, energy & space, I must close the “Notes” for this time. Although I must mention another awesome show by Wood Works at Knuckleheads; & the incredible Donna Beaudin & Erik Burch at the new spot in town, Your Mother’s Living Room (see article this issue).

‘Till next time, URLVD!.................................................Bonnie Carter, ed.

Notes On a Napkin October 22

Post date: Tuesday, October 23, 2012 - 21:29

As Halloween approaches on Oct 31, it’s a reminder that All Saints Day is Nov 1;it’s good to know that we can pray for their intercession in all our life’s trials. And, most urgently, we pray that all people of faith will vote in the election to return our country to “one nation, under God, with liberty & justice for all.”

It was another gorgeous weekend at the coast recently as Jeff, BamBam & new friend Johanna Cowan joined me this time. Johanna rode with me on Thursday; PE writer & friend Jeff Shivers & darling dog BamBam joined us Friday night. Willapa Bay oysters, smoked salmon & a tasty spinach salad were on the menu, thoroughly enjoyed by all! We had fun showing Johanna all the beautiful sites on the peninsula & of course the beach & sunsets.

The delightful Lily Wilde & her orchestra is back at Duff’s Garage every first Monday of the month; Jeff, Johanna & PE writer & friend Lauree Carlsen joined me for Lily’s return. Any fan of big band music of yesteryear should not miss this extraordinary show...at $5, it’s the best bargain in town! Hear favorites like Stormy Weather, Mr Five by Five, The Thrill is Gone and many more. At one point, Lily turned from the audience to sing Since I First Laid Eyes on You to husband Tom Royer, who never looked up from his drumkit! Lily’s banter with the audience between songs was witty & humorous; she’s not only an incredible vocalist, but a charming comedian as well! Needless to say, Lily & her captivating orchestra will amaze you.

Lauree’s birthday party at the Ambassador was an entertaining, fun time. Many friends & family joined our table up front at the Karaoke hotspot. We feasted on the delectable cuisine such as string bean, garlic & tofu, potstickers, sweet & sour chicken & crispy rice. Lauree entertained us with a stunning version of La Vie En Rose, a French melody that she sang in English, with a little French included. Lauree’s Moonlight in Vermont was another exceptional rendition. The crowd applauded her efforts; one gentleman in the audience mouthed the words “I love her” & grabbed her hand for a dance. Lauree’s daughter & accomplished vocalist Bronwynne also pleased the crowd with fine performances of Something to Talk About and Queen of Sheba. The Ambassador is a must-visit destination for delectable food, a huge Karaoke song list & superb sound system.

‘Til next time, we pray for GODLY leaders........……Bonnie Carter, ed.

Notes On a Napkin September 26

Post date: Wednesday, September 26, 2012 - 11:18

The sunshine still prevails & it’s a good thing since I’m having a new roof installed. Thank you Lord!

My latest trip to the beach at the Long Beach Peninsula was a gorgeous weekend with sunshine the whole time. Since my back was bothering me, I couldn’t do much except lounge & read a whole book called Gladys and Elvis, a very interesting story about Elvis & his mother. I did make it down to the beach one evening for the end-of-summer bonfire in Ocean Park, complete with s-mores. The sunset was awesome, God’s autograph on the day.

I was pleased to attend the last night of operation of the Galaxy, longtime Karaoke hotspot. Owner Sammy Foong invited me and many patrons to enjoy a buffet feast fit for a king & show off his plans for the new Trio Club to open in six months (See article & photos on page 5).

Friend & PE&D writer Jeff Shivers joined myself & Jeff’s Mom Jean (from Texas) at Duff’s Garage for an enjoyable night of music. We arrived just in time to hear the last few songs of Trio Bravo, an outstanding bluegrass group, complete with a lovely & talented fiddle player. Next up was the expert Dover Weinberg Quartet, with the fabulous Chris Carlsen on guitar & gifted Dave Kahl on bass. Unfortunately, I didn’t catch the name of the drummer, but he was outstanding as well. With Dover manning the keys, it was certainly a delightful evening as the foursome entertained us with tunes like Ray Charles’ Roll with My Baby, Please Don’t Break My Heart, Stroll Along with Bo, I’m Tired, Get Rhythm and more. Jean & I enjoyed Duff’s pecan burgers, while Jeff snacked on the chicken tamales. Duff’s menu may be short, but it’s delicious! Jean was impressed with her little taste of Portland’s music scene to take back to Texas. Keep an eye out for Dover’s quartet, you won’t be disappointed.

It was standing-room-only at “Bluescat” Norman Sylvester’s birthday party at Clyde’s on Sept 14. Good friend Harry Wright joined me for the festivities & we enjoyed crab cakes, steamer clams, potstickers & a delicious salad that included candied walnuts, cranberries, feta cheese, tomato & onions...yum! Unfortunately, since I was suffering with a bad back, I only made it through the first set, but we enjoyed some of my favorite tunes like I’ll Take You There, Ain’t No Sunshine, Sexy & You Know It and Blues Stains on My Hands, the title cut from Norman’s new CD. Happy birthday Norman....and many mo-o-o-o-o-re!

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

Notes On a Napkin August 27

Post date: Tuesday, August 28, 2012 - 05:32

Praise the Lord for sunshine! Outdoor events are still on the forefront including trips to the beach.

My latest trek to the Long Beach Peninsula included a jaunt to Long Beach for the Jake the Alligator Man’s 75th Birthday Party. I missed the Bride of Jake contest, but arrived in time to see The Graceland Five, complete with an Elvis impersonator spoof. Songs included Warm Kentucky Rain, Viva Las Vegas, My Way and Don’t Be Cruel. Some of the ‘Brides’ were still hanging around in their mermaid’s outfits & makeup; they were quite a sight to behold. The winner posed on one of the vintage Cadillacs from the car show, not far from the outdoor stage.

One of the best outdoor events was Patrick Lamb and his band at the Gresham Plaza. His new CD It’s All Right Now is charting at No. 5 in Billboard and he played a few, such as the upbeat Walk Away, Sweet Tea and the title cut. Other notable tunes included The Closer I Get, Essence, Wild Wood, Everybody’s Talkin’ and New Love (dedicated to Patrick’s alma mater Mt Hood Community College). He commented on his musical education & how he chose MHCC over a full scholarship at Oregon State because of the superb music program there. He lamented the fact that MHCC now has no music program because of budget cuts & encouraged the crowd to support the music programs here. Patrick urged the audience to come closer & dance to tunes like Pick Up the Pieces and Bad Girls. His last song was a rousing version of Stevie Wonder’s Signed, Sealed Delivered, a real crowd-pleaser. Watch for Patrick to be inducted into the Oregon Music Hall of Fame this October. The sound system at the Gresham Plaza was one of the elements that make this regular concert series a success, provided by Jay Lawhon of JBL Productions. His new sound setup is top-of-the-line & can accommodate the smallest of venues to concert halls. For information, call Jay at 503-666-3388 or contact him online at JBLDJ.com.

PE&D and friend Jeff Shivers joined me for Lloyd Jones’ Wednesday night jam at Blackwell’s recently. It was a hot jam with the core group including Dover Weinberg on keys, Dave Kahl on bass and Tom Klobas on drums. Vocalist LaRhonda Steele showed up for a few tunes, as well as Peter Moss on saxophone and others. Lloyd performed many tunes from his new CD to the delight of the crowd. See article by Jeff this issue for more news.

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

Notes on a Napkin July 29

Post date: Wednesday, August 1, 2012 - 17:17

What a month for activities! I’m so grateful to the Lord for allowing me to be in the business of reporting entertainment events. The summer months here are filled with exciting affairs such as the 5-day Waterfront Blues Festival over the Fourth of July.

This year, I attended 3 different days with girlfriends Lauree & Kathrine, one night to see The Mannish Boys & The Pimps of Joytime reggae group. These two bands were hot, but the real pleasure was when we stopped to see the NW Women in Blues at the Blue Diamond after the festival. Sonny Hess’ rotating clutch of local songbirds do literally blow you away w/their incredible vocal prowess. The Sonny Hess Band alone is terrific & with the additional vocal talent, it’s a noteworthy performance. This night included Lisa Mann, Rae Gordon, Lady Kat, Lucy Hammond, Angel & more. Maggie & Margo added their talents on trumpet & baritone sax.

The next day, PE writer Jeff Shivers accompanied me to see Bettye Lavette, a phenomenal singer. The hilarious & talented Bobby Rush was up next, a spry performer in his ‘80s, with two robust dancing ladies, who entertained the crowd with their 5 costume changes & extraordinary dance moves.

After the festival, we took in the fabulous Nico Wind & Free Rein’s performance across the street at Mills End Tavern. Keep you eye on the new formation of this band...they will delight you! (Watch next issue.)

The last day of the Blues Fest highlights were definitely the amazing Duffy Bishop Band & the legendary Steve Miller, who closed the show. It surely was the best fest so far (but I say that every year)! Many thinks to KBOO for their live broadcast, so we can hear all the talent. (See article this issue for more.)

Longtime friend Carrie joined me on my trip to the Long Beach Peninsula for the first time in 5 years! It was a wonderful occasion to reminisce about our escapades at the coast & elsewhere, though our long friendship. We always seem to pick up where we left off every time we are together. One of our adventures this time was stopping at the Eagles in Ocean Park and waiting 5 minutes for someone to arrive & sign us in as guests. Since this is the only place on the peninsula with live music now, I had to find something entertaining to write about for PE&D. We weren’t disappointed with Shelia White, a one woman band, who has played in Las Vegas, among other spots. She pleased the crowd with favorites from days gone by and put on a noteworthy show. To top it off, Carrie won a $104 on a pull tab! Carrie & I made delicious dinners for each other two nights & we treated ourselves to fine halibut dinners at Jimella’s one night (although our creations were as good).

Lauree & I visited D’s Bar one Tuesday recently to hear Muddy Joe & the Blues Hounds, plus guests; Joe blew us away with his harmonica & accompanying band. Read Lauree’s article this issue for more on this regular Tuesday event. Guests arrived through the night & at one point besides two harmonicas, there was a trumpet, sax, bass and two guitars, besides vocals. Watch for a customer appreciation day Aug 4 with Muddy Joe & more.

One of the most unique gigs I attended was the BBQ and performance at the Columbia River Correctional Institution. Our newest writer Tee Simpson is spending some time there (he gets out in August) & organized the event for 200-plus inmates/workers. Tee asked if I could find a performer(s) so I asked Joe Pottschmidt & his brother Jim, keyboards & guitar. They were terrific, both instrumentally & vocally. I requested the appropriate Jailhouse Rock & they agreed. Later, several of the inmates joined them for a jam including Tee on guitar, Danny on drums, Michael on guitar/vocals, Aaron on bass and more. Read all about the show in Tee’s article next month. He would like to thank Superintendents Christine Popoff & Ms Mencino for paving the way for this event.

The Annual Farm Jam, celebrating Taska Barlow’s 79th birthday, was a blast. The weather was perfect & the farmland setting was beautiful. Jeff & Bamm Bamm joined me, along with many musician friends like Ed Jordan, Katherine & Asher, Steve (Wood Works); Liz Reger, Cactus Davis, Cliff Smith and of course, Taska, among many others. Space restrictions prevent me from going into detail, but Taska’s band opened the day at noon with the rousing Auctioneer Song, with fiddler extraordinaire Several excellent guest vocalists joined the band, as well. Bands Dismal Nitch & Hyatus followed with two great sets. Unfortunatly, Jeff & I had to leave to get ready for Norman Sylvester’s new CD release Party that night at the Melody Ballroom. According to Taska, the party continued ‘til 2 am!

Norman’s party was extraordinary with his full band (2 keyboardists, Frankie Redding & Janice Scroggins), Renato Caranto on sax, 3 female backup singers & more. Read all about it in Yamile’s extensive article this issue.

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

Notes On A July 5

Post date: Friday, July 6, 2012 - 01:50

Praise the Lord for our beautiful Northwest beaches! My latest trip to the Long Beach Peninsula was filled with real sunshine, as well as the liquid kind. It was the weekend of the Doggie Olympics & the Garlic Festival. The canine entrants in the contest were hilarious! Even more so were their human companions who had to crawl through the hoops with their dogs during one event. It was quite humorous with the dogs wondering why this feat was so difficult for their masters! The ball retrieval was funny as well, with many dogs thinking it was playtime & running with the ball, instead of returning it. I missed the peanut butter-licking event, as I was anxious to attend the Garlic Festival in Ocean Park.

The festival did not disappoint. All varieties of garlic products were available for tasting, including salsas, sauces, salad dressings, salts, spices and even garlic ice cream! Guitarist and wonderful vocalist Greg Parke was on hand for the musical entertainment and pleased the crowd with tunes such as What a Wonderful World This Would Be, I Fought the Law and Gordon Lightfoot’s Daylight Katy. He also did an original from his CD Son of a Seaman’s Daughter and Mermaid’s Whisper, the sequel on his new CD. Greg also played at the Long Beach Farmer’s Market the previous day. Go to www.gregparkemusic.com to hear this accomplished musician.

My friend Harry accompanied me to the Tillicum recently for dinner & music by Theory of Relativity. We both feasted on the succulent coconut prawn dinners that included delicious fresh green beans & garlic red potatoes. Their Bloody Marys are also among the best I’ve tasted! Theory of Relativity brought back memories of oldies like Mary Lou, Honky Tonk Woman, Just Like Me, Johnny B. Goode, I Saw Her Standin’ There, Some Kind of Wonderful and Third Rate Romance. PE&D photographer Eric Tworivers is the drummer for this group & really keeps the bottom end booming! Eric photographed the Petty Fever cover this month & I thank him for a job well done! (See Music on Tap for upcoming Tillicum music.)

PE&D photographer Karylee hosted one of her best BBQ garden parties recently featuring Alaskan artists ANJ & Karrie Pavish Anderson, who were passing through Portland on their summer tour. What a treat it was with many talented local musicians ‘sittin’ in as well. Friend Lauree Carlsen & cousin Mary Ann, as well as Ed Jordan (drummer for Wood Works) joined me for delicious eats & ear candy for the evening. Thank you Karylee for hosting such wonderful parties in your lovely home garden!

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

Notes On A Napkin June 4

Post date: Tuesday, June 5, 2012 - 23:02

Praise the Lord for Sunshine!

I started & ended the month experiencing one of my favorite bands Wood Works, first at Knuckleheads and again at Montavilla Station. At Knuckleheads, I arrived just in time to hear Kathryn Wood belt out one of my favorite originals, Here for the Party. Her vocals add so much to the band, whether they are soft & sultry or bold & bawdy. Asher Wood holds his own on the guitar & his expertise on the mandolin is flawless. Steve Safaty holds down the bottom end with aplomb, while drummer Ed Jordan is a wizard on drums and a show in himself. Other notable favorites are Tobacco Road, We Gotta Get Outta This Place, Watch Out World, Unchain My Heart, If I Were Carpenter (a touching duet by Kathryn & Asher) & two recently added tunes, Money and Time Is On My Side. You can catch this variety band regularly at Knuckleheads & Montavilla Station (See ads & listings this issue).

Blue Gin, right out of the ‘60s, made a rare appearance at The Space (premier recording studio), along with Theory of Relativity, in Beaverton recently. Dan Crothers operates the facility that includes comfortable couch seating for onlookers. He filmed a video of the bands doing favorites of yesteryear. Theory of Relativity (with PE&D writer/photographer Eric Tworivers on drums) opened admirably with hits like I Saw Her Standing There, Money, Suzie Q, Brown-Eyed Girl & Bang a Gong (Get It On). When Blue Gin took the stage, it was time to rock with favorites such as Sweets for My Sweet, You Gotta Hold on Me, Steppin’ Out, Just Like Me and closing with the iconic Louie Louie. Drummer Rick Herdt kept the tempo energized with his expertise on the skins; Jim Crutcher handled bass duties with skill, while Larry Congram’s nifty fingers scanned the keyboard deftly. The incomparable Jimi Lund manned the guitar with his usual dexterity. The soloist was amazing in his renditions & execution of the tunes, with expert backup harmonies by all the band members. Watch for news of the new video as soon as it’s mastered.

My cousin Mary Ann Carter’s surprise birthday party, coordinated by dance pupil (also PE&D writer) Lauree Carlsen, at Lenore’s Room, above the Melody Ballroom was a blast! It was after her real birthday (May 16), during her Sunday evening dance lesson there. A beautiful cake was presented with Happy Birthday sung by all her students & her partner Jim, who was visiting from Chicago. The real surprise was when Elvis Nagel showed up in costume, with bodyguards in tow. Mary Ann helps Elvis with his choreography and announcing for his shows on Saturdays at the Pink Feather (SE 143rd & Division). Also a loyal fan, she was nearly brought to tears as Elvis sang Viva Las Vegas & Blue Suede Shoes for the crowd. If you are interested in learning to dance, be sure to call Mary Ann at 503-970-1735 or visit Lenore’s, 615 SE Alder, Sundays at 5 pm. As an instructor of recent Baltimore national dance champions Vidar Moen & Cindy Ogden, you can be assured you are learning from the best!

Next event was Sonny Hess’ new CD release of All Aces at McMenamin’s Kennedy School. I shared a table with PE&D writer Brad Morley, who covered the show, bassist extraordinaire Lisa Mann & her husband Alan Marckell (also a fine bass player) and Cher Widom, superb vocalist. It was a wonderful night of music with many guest performers. Read more about it in Brad’s article this issue.

Last but not least, friend & PE&D writer Jeff Shivers joined me at Vinnie’s in Vancouver to hear acoustic guitarist/vocalist Tom Harmon, who also writes for PE&D. It was a pleasant evening in comfortable surroundings as Tom took us down memory land with oldies like Free Fallin’, I Cross My Heart, Neon Moon, Hungry Heart, Another Saturday Night, Margaritaville, Midnight Special, Brown-Eyed Girl, and appropriately (since it was raining) I Love a Rainy Night, Who’s Got the Rain, & Have you Ever Seen the Rain. The salads & pizza are outstanding at Vinnie’s, as well as the music. Tom plays every other Friday there, 6-8 pm. Be sure to visit & tell them Positively Entertainment sent you!

Watch for all the news about the Waterfront Blues Fest next issue.

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

Notes On A Napkin May 7

Post date: Monday, May 7, 2012 - 18:16

The highlight of April was definitely my birthday party at the American Legion Hall on SE 122nd. The fabulous Wood Works provided the tunes & the AL served delicious steak & crab. It was band member Kathryn Wood’s birthday celebration as well and the band packed the dance floor regularly. Many friends were on hand for the decadent chocolate cake (provided by friend Ed Jordan, fine drummer for Wood Works) Thanks Ed!. I requested the Beatles’ song When I’m 64 and leader Asher Wood was kind enough to learn it especially for the party. They called me up to the bandstand & I motioned all those at my table to join me to dance, while Asher sang. It was a blast! They also did the Beatles’ Birthday Song and lots of their original tunes.

On my real birthday April 17, friend & PE&D writer Jeff Shivers joined me at the M&M in Gresham to hear outstanding guitarist Terry Robb, who was joined by harmonica player extraordinaire Mitch Kashmar (see Jeff’s article this issue). We enjoyed a salmon dinner & were pleasantly surprised when friends & local musicians Taska & Cliff showed up & joined us.

It was my first trip to the Long Beach Peninsula last month & Jeff helped me get the trailer set up without too much trouble (Thank you Jeff!). The weather was pleasant & we enjoyed walking on the beach, playing fetch with Jeff’s dog Bam Bam, playing gin rummy, reading & eating some great home-cooked meals!

I’m still seeking bands out there who would like to deliver PE&D in exchange for advertising; please call me at 503-253-0513.

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

Note On A Napkin April 8

Post date: Sunday, April 8, 2012 - 08:31

Easter blessings to all our readers this season! It’s also my birthday month & we will be celebrating on April 28 at the American Legion hall on SE 122nd & Mill (1830 SE 122nd), between Division & Stark. This month’s cover band Wood Works will be playing & the event is open to the public. A crab feed will be from 5-7 pm & the band goes on at 7. We will also be celebrating Kathryn Wood’s birthday the same night. She is the outstanding female vocalist for Wood Works. Please join us!

On a bittersweet note, the legendary Candlelight Room downtown celebrated their last night of music on March 31, with the incredible Norman Sylvester, delightful Lady Kat and many more. My good friend Ed Jordan (Wood Works) joined me for cake & drinks in the outdoor tent set up for the overflow crowd. To say it was standing-room-only is an understatement! It was crushing, as in sardines, but really festive & exciting. Owner Joe Shore is still on the lookout for a new venue to “re-ignite” the Candlelight. We’ll be sure to let you know!

The previous week, Nico Wind & Free Rein debuted at the Candlelight in an impressive show with her husband Seth on guitar, guitarist Jim Mesi, Johnny Moore on drums, Ed Neumann on keys & Scott White on bass. Nico’s version of Love Me Like a Man was superb, as was My Babe. Other tunes that spotlighted others in the band included Don’t Cry No More, Unchain My Heart, Early in the Mornin’ and Cryin’ Over You, among others. When they weren’t singing lead, the back-up vocals were very harmonious & the enunciation was flawless.

Friends PE&D writer Jeff Shivers, staffer Ardis Hedrick and her boyfriend joined me for the fabulous Portland Roadster show at the Expo Center last month. There were over 300 custom rods, bikes, trucks & more packed into all three buildings! The flashy vintage rebuilt cars were decked out with spectacular paint jobs & impressive motors.

Wood Works recently graced the stage at Knuckleheads, SE 63rd & Foster, & packed the house with appreciative fans. Tunes like Here for the Party, Tobacco Road, Two More Bottles of Wine, We Gotta Get Outta this Place, The Thrill is Gone, Crazy for My Baby and the touching duet with Kathryn & Asher Wood, If I Were a Carpenter delighted the audience & filled the dance floor. By the way, Knuckleheads serves the best Bloody Marys!

If there’s any bands out there who would like to deliver PE&D in exchange for advertising, please call me at 503-253-0513.

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

Notes On A Napkin March 11

Post date: Sunday, March 11, 2012 - 12:13

...We celebrated PE&D’s 35th Anniversary Feb 18, once again at the beautiful New Copper Penny Pantheon Ballroom, during the Winter Blues Festival. A beautiful cake was presented by LeeAnne Gibbons, festival coordinator; everyone enjoyed the decadent dessert! Friend Jeff Shivers accompanied me & we arrived just in time to hear a notable set by Wood Works. They performed their usual magic & the crowd expressed their appreciation. The fest continued with Lisa Mann & Her Really Good Band, another one of my favorite groups (Check out Lisa’s brand new CD at Music Millennium’s 43rd Anniversary Party March 15, 6 pm). Tongue & Groove took the stage next, followed by Suburban Slim & Jim Wallace & Return Flight. It was a stellar day of entertainment. According to LeeAnne, the benefit for Oregon Food Bank & Children’s Healing Arts Project was a success & they have sponsors lining up

for next year’s event. We will celebrate PE&D’s 36th anniversary then as well!

The recent benefit for Dee Mulvey (the widow of beloved sax player Pat Mulvey, who died of a massive heart attack last month) at Lydia’s was a rousing success with standing-room-only! Taska & the Outlaws were heating up the room with their hot tunes when I arrived to take a seat with KISN Radio’s top former DJ Pat Pattee, who knew Mulvey since he was only 16 years old. He says, “I really miss that guy.” Check out Pattee’s lastest radio venture at www.goodguyradio.com. Taska’s band excelled on one of my all-time favorites by The Temptations, My Girl; followed by Black Magic Woman and Oya Como Va. The next band up was a dynamic combo comprised of Ron Ruedi on guitar, Ernie Howland on bass, Lou Solomon on keyboards & Sammy Weisner on drums. This band of music veterans performed a fantastic set of oldies including Old Time Rock & Roll, Mustang Sally & Cocaine. Veteran trumpeter Ken Gilson joined the ensemble on a stunning version of Swing Low Sweet Chariot. According to Pattee, Ken once played with Ray Charles’ Big Band! I had just entered the raffle drawing & won a Krups Espresso machine! Unfortunately, I had to depart before Wood Works played next, but what I heard on the way out to the parking lot was top-notch!

Friend & PE&D staffer Ardis Hedrick joined me at one of our newest advertisers The World-Famous Cannabis Cafe recently to hear the phenomenal Bolt Upright band. It’s the first time I’ve visited a smoke enhanced establishment in a while! I hadn’t heard Bolt Upright for ages & forgot how much I enjoy their music. Tunes like My Baby is a Rock, Pound Cake, I Got the Blues Down to My Shoes and After Midnight reverberated through the room with excellent sound. The cafe is located at the former Aaron’s Wine Cellar at 322 SE 82nd & is open to all Oregon Medical Marijuana Program registrants. They have a regular lineup of Karaoke on Thursdays, live music jam on Fridays and comedy on Saturdays. Occasionally, a great band like Bolt Upright is booked & rumor has it, they will be back! (See ad this issue for more information & see future listings.) Watch for article next issue.

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