Volume 33 Number 13 , January 19, 2010

Timeless Dennis Mitchell Band takes
flight for thrill ride at concert halls & more

by Ginger Caviness

Stardate 2010 – From studio to stage, the fun spigot is turned on, the finest handcrafted instruments that can be made are gleaming. The players, timeless and ageless, take flight for the thrill ride in music this year; cleared for take off is The Dennis Mitchell Band.

Compared to heir-apparent Clapton-Bonamassa-Knoplfer tradition of classy rock, the emphasis is first on the presentation, next the projectory of sound and then, the pleasure of the performance. This nightflight includes starbursts of meticulous note-to-note renditions of pure licks, vocal performances from each band member and the rolling thunder of the drums. The instruments punch-out like a fine-tuned jet, all systems go. From original tunes such as Highway Kind of Life, to resounding cover tunes like Clapton’s Crossroads, this band rocks.

Band members include Mike Mitchell, big brother to Dennis Mitchell and the founder of The Kingsmen Band of Louie Louie fame. The longest performing rock’n’roll band in the USA, Dennis also plays in the Kingsmen Band when they tour. Mike is a master guitarist and vocalist and continues to ground the band with his seasoned and colorful stories of experience, while enjoying an occasional fine cigar. This is the guitarist that other musicians come out to hear and enjoy! Read More

Norman Sylvester & Lloyd Jones
Dynamic duo unites for hot show at Club 915

by Linda Phillips

Boogie-Cat meets the Swampified Storyteller

by Eric Tworivers

An incredible show was performed Dec. 23 at downtown Portland’s Club 915 featuring guitars/vocals by Norman Sylvester and Lloyd Jones!

In every community, musicians have played for many years, honing their craft to a tight, definitive show and “wow” people at every show. Sylvester and Jones, each on their own, surpass any pre-conceived notions one may have of what great entertainment is; each has performed for many, many years.

This was a night that featured them together, sharing the stage, playing off each other as if joined at the hip. With Sylvester’s mighty groove machine playing behind them, the duo laid down a layer of funky, soulful, bluesy rock and roll that truly cannot be properly described here. These guys tantalize and amaze!

Sylvester (known as The Boogie Cat), is a master of soul/funk/blues that you must hear and feel. Many are addicted to his music and most of his band members have played with him for more than 20 years; that makes for a seamless groove that transcends mere communication between band-mates.

Jones is a master of soulful blues with a very long history of touring and recording with some of the biggest names in the music business. He is legend here in the Northwest and deservedly so. Artists such as Delbert McClinton, Bonnie Raitt and Robert Cray have shared stages with him and sing high praise for his talent. He’s a guitar wizard with a smoky, soulful voice Read More

Much more than a truck stop
Ponderosa adds blues & rock ‘n’ roll to country lineup

by Edmund Jordan

The Ponderosa lounge, located in North Portland, is a good spot to enjoy a variety of activities to make an evening of it. Dinner, dancing, live music, sports viewing and of course the proverbial lounge itself gives you a chance to indulge in a favorite beverage of choice. The Ponderosa most likely has the largest dance floor in Portland for shaking a leg as the bands play on a raised stage for all to see. Every Wednesday and Friday, dance classes are offered in western swing and two-step (always before the featured music for the night takes the stage).

General Manager Michael Lee is looking forward to offering a lot more in terms of the music by featuring rock and roll bands on Wednesdays and Thursdays, with Sunday evenings hosted with the blues by The Catillacs and open jam sessions. The country flavor bands claim the Friday, Saturday night slots on tap. Overall, like the club itself, the music on tap venue has a stroke of a very open mix to everyone’s appeal; what a great place to come and drop the socks on the floor and mop it up with great live music!! The Ponderosa boasts one of the finest sound systems in the city, manned by house soundman Mick.

The Ponderosa offers a very large selection of food menus ranging from appetizers, sandwiches, full course “home style” meals, steaks, seafood and monthly specials (there’s even breakfast specials); so there’s something on the plate for anyone’s taste buds to engage. It is worth it to note that the service is excellent.

When it comes to watching sports events, this is a great place to come and see the action as the lounge supports five large screens for the enthusiast. For those who like pool, skeet tables, basketball and Pac Man video, these are available too in the game room, along with more large screens so nobody misses the action when it comes to games.

Overall, the Ponderosa Lounge has much to offer in the realm of evening entertainment. Enjoy a fine meal or appetizer, along with that favorite beverage; then, learn to dance and step your night away to some of the best live music in the area. No matter what, there’s always a full plate at the Ponderosa. (Check ad and Music on Tap this issue.)

The Ponderosa Lounge can be found at 10350 North Vancouver Way inside the Jubitz Truck Stop and is easily accessed off I -5 this side of the Interstate Bridge. Read More

Retro Rockits

Band blasts into New Year at Another Round

by KT

The Retro Rockits, a classic and contemporary rock band, played out the old year on Dec. 31, 2009 and rode the countdown launching into the new year of 2010. This writer and friends Bonnie Carter, Editor of Positively Entertainment & Dining, singer/songwriter Lauree Carlsen and Harry “The Harry Guy” Wright, enjoyed dinner and other refreshments at Another Round, the clubhouse at the Gresham Golf Course on N.E. Division Street.

The Retro Rockits is a four-piece group of rock-and-rollers that is more “rocket” than “retro.” From the first note, this band took control of the vertical, horizontal, contrast and focus of the evening. The songs kept on coming with hardly a chance to catch your breath in between. The tune list was perfect and the songs were presented to dancers on a platinum TV tray.

The band members are all confirmed world-class professionals. It’s interesting to realize that one of the guitar players, Joe Fincham, is operating a real but techno-bionic instrument. This man would be just as good on any guitar, but his weapon-of-choice has a custom, dedicated pickup that sends the signal to a plug-in unit, which sends the sound to a high-tech processor for emulation of instruments you don’t see on the stage. It’s a Roland processor/controller outfit, not a midi-guitar but eminently useful in a digital recording studio and played live by Fincham. It’s done so well you can’t tell at first. The organ and fiddle sounds were the most striking, aside from the normal guitar sounds you would expect. He also sings and introduces the band Read More