Notes On A Napkin
What a difference no smoke makes! I'm so amazed how wonderful it is to breath smoke-free air in the clubs since the no-smoking ban went into effect last month. I visited three places notorious for excessive smoke & all three were very pleasant.
The first place was The Pink Feather, my favorite place to hear fabulous guitarist/vocalist Jimmy Thompson. The Feather is also one of the best places in town to eat & it's so close to home and convenient. Friends Geraldine and Lauree joined me this Friday; it was late so the only hot food available was the homemade clam chowder and was it delicious (more like stew than soup)! Be sure to read Jimmy's conversion testimonial this issue. Besides The Feather & Mr. B's, Jimmy now performs every Sunday morning at Evangelical Christian Church in Gresham.
Lydia's was next on the list, where the fantastic guitarist Ron Ruedi reigns every weekend with bassist extraordinaire Johnny Pomar and sax giant Pat Mulvey. Ron has done double duty on the drums lately, reminiscent of his days at the old Satellite, where he performed for years as a one-man-band. It's truly amazing how Ron plays both instruments, almost like magic! (He reminded the audience how he once set a record performing for 29-hours straight!) This Saturday, PE staffer Bruce Gifford auditioned on drums; he kept the beat steady with good technique & meaty sound. We're still waiting for word from Ron on his choice; apparently he's still searching. My right-arm assistant KT joined me at legendary DJ Pat Pattee's table & cousin Mary Ann joined us later. I love how Pat recounts interesting stories from days gone by about the music scene. I got some bad news from Ron though; his brain tumor that was removed nine years ago is back. We are all praying for Ron and he asks for everyone's intercessions. Stay tuned...
The last smoke-free test was at the Queen of Hearts, where Danny Hay Davis hosts a hot jam every Thursday. Owner Joe Evans, son Joey & Joe's fiancée Heidi have remodeled the club & added a pool room to make a truly new hot spot for music, food & games. Geraldine & I split an order of the excellent beans & rice, as "good as downtown," says Joe. We ran into harp player Franco Paletta, who had news of about building condos in Mexico. We'll certainly be visiting you Franco!
Geraldine & I motored out to the lovely Vintner's Cellar off Sunnyside Rd in Clackamas to check out the open mike one Thursday recently. Richie Bean (of the Catillacs) & wife Mona were hosting this night. We arrived to the tunes of guitarist Star Bastet, a little loud but interesting, followed by Lani Miller, who performed some unique originals. Mary Bensley was up next with some intricate guitar work; and Gyorgy performed a fine version of Night and Day. Be sure to visit this nice venue for a delicious glass of wine and relax on the couch or at the roomy horseshoe bar; I tried the cabernet & it was delectable. There's lots of vats of wine here & you can create your own blend! How cool is that? See ad & Music on Tap this issue for more details.
Guitarist Marianne Flemming just released her extraordinary new CD Pure & Simple; one of her release parties was at Artichoke Music recently & I wanted to see her again & snap a photo to go along with the review this issue. It was a fabulous show with guitarist Yascha Noonberg accompanying her. Not surprisingly, Marianne made the finals of the Portland Songwriter’s Association contest; she will be playing at 7 pm, Feb 19 at Artichoke Music on SE Hawthorne. Her next CD release party is at the Rusty Grape Winery in Battle Ground, Wash, March 21. Don't miss this gifted entertainer!
Three of our church solo group enjoyed the premier of the first Broadway Rose Theatre production of the season, Always...Patsy Cline in their new digs. You can still smell the fresh paint in the sparkling fresh venue. Gabriella Maertens, Jim Crouch & myself were delighted with our seating at 5th row center. The sound was excellent, as well as the vocals of Sara Catherine Wheatley as Patsy and the 6-piece band. Sharon Maroney (also artistic director) was hilarious as Patsy's best friend Louise Seger; her engagement of the audience was very amusing. The play goes through March 15. Go to: www.broadwayrose.com for information. Before the show, we feasted on the tasty Chinese cuisine at the Hi Hat in Tigard. Try the mushu pork w/pancakes & plum sauce. It’s delectable.
Be sure to check this issue for all the St. Paddy's Day parties. Also, on March 15, don't miss "Salute our Troops" with five bands at the Ponderosa Lounge, 1-7 pm. Admission is $5 or see list of desired care-package items on back page ad.
Also, I'm putting the word out for help with advertising. I will give you FREE advertising & cash commission for any leads that result in a sale to new venues.
'Til next time, pray for world peace ........... Bonnie Carter, ed.