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.
A highlight of the season was the opportunity to see Cavalia, quoted as “Cirque du Soleil with horses.” The extravaganza was a sight to behold as expert horsemanship, combined with daring acrobatics, extraordinary live music, a light show like no other; and of course the beautiful & expertly-trained 45 horses paraded, trotted & performed awesome tricks before the appreciative crowd. Friend & PE&D staffer Lauree Carlsen accompanied me; it was her second time to see the show & she was equally impressed. The connection between horse & human was the theme of the production & that definitely came across!
...New Year’s Eve was a blast with friend Jeff Shivers, who invited me to see Reverend Horton Heat at the Crystal Ballroom. Portland’s Suicide Notes & The Supersuckers opened the show & the rambunctious crowd squeezed to the front & created a space for slam-dancing! Jeff & I were close to the front so I moved to Jeff’s right to use him as a cushion! Before the headliner band was due on stage, Jeff & I were allowed to enter the “musician’s lounge” to chat with Jim Heath, guitarist & lead vocalist; Jimbo Wallace, upright bass player and Paul Simmons, drummer. Jim was rehearsing Auld Lang Syne on his guitar & they related some stories about their tour in Europe, where they experienced many difficulties; such as being locked in the unheated bus while the driver left to sleep for eight hours! Jeff grew up with Jim in Texas, where they played golf together in junior high. The show was fabulous, as we sat backstage to view the incredible musicianship of the trio; especially Paul, the drummer, who impressed us with his nifty hands & Jimbo’s tricks on the upright bass. We went out front later to “dance in place” as the undulating ball-bearing floor “danced us.” A “tip of the glass” goes to Reverend Horton Heat for a job well done! And the audience certainly agreed.
Friend & musician Nico Wind Cordova threw one heck of a 70th birthday party for her Mom, Anne Morin at the June Key Delta Community Center, a beautiful new facility in North Portland. Lauree & I were there early to feast on the wonderful buffet & design a quilt square for the quilt to be made for Anne. Nico sang a stunning version of Desperado for the crowd & Anne listened while friends gave tribute to her. It was a lovely time to remember.
Last but not least, Ed Jordan threw a Poor Smucks Birthday Party, for “Dec-Jan peeps screwed by Christmas” (that includes himself!). Ed’s own band Wood Works played, along with Kenny Lee & the Sundowners & they did not disappoint! The best part though was the end of the night when they all jammed together, especially Asher Wood on mandolin & Kenny on guitar combining their talents. Thanks Ed, for another fantastic event!
‘Til next time, pray for peace & prosperity.....................Bonnie Carter, ed.
