Notes On A Napkin
As we swing into the New Year, let us count our blessings, hope & pray for better times ahead!
The Retro Rockits blasted us into the New Year at Another Round at the Gresham Golf Course. PE staffers & friends KT, Harry, Lauree & I shared a table up front as the band treated the crowd to all-time favorites like Mony Mony, a medley of Pink Cadillac, Bang a Gong & Peter Gunn. We enjoyed a wonderful steak dinner & danced the night away ‘til midnight! See KT’s article this issue for more news.
Lauree & new PE writer Yamile DeGruy joined me recently at the Spot 79, where gorgeous De-aan hosts “killer” Karaoke. A gifted vocalist & performer, Yamile put all her heart & soul into Natural Woman & strolled around the room, singing to each person in the audience. Lauree took her turn at the mike, crooning her own unique version of Moonlight in Vermont. I did my usual Love Potion #9. De-aan also treated us to songs by such groups as The Turtles. See Yamile’s article this issue for details on Spot 79. Don’t miss the Valentine’s weekend show Feb 13, “Have a Heart for Hunger” to benefit the Oregon Food Bank. Bring non-perishable items & enjoy Elvis impersonator, fire dancers & Karaoke w/De-aan (See ad this issue for details).
PE staffer Ed Jordan joined me at Andrew’s Water Hole recently to hear Jo Jo’s Band, a talented reggae trio, who kept patron’s toes tappin’. Ed was invited to sit in on drums, but he was already committed to play at Lydia’s just down the street. Next time! The band is starting a Sunday jam session at the Water Hole, so all you jammers be sure to check it out! (See ad on back page for more details & watch for article next issue.)
We also visited The Ponderosa at Jubitz to hear acoustic guitarist Terry Stillwater & Seattle band AM Interstate. According to GM Michael Lee, The Ponderosa is expanding their musical offerings to include rock on some weeknights & a blues jam & BBQ on Sundays w/The Catillacs. See article this issue for specifics.
Last but not least, Lauree & I joined Ed & his roommate, veteran musician Jack Helms & friends, at the VFW on SE 72nd for Karaoke. Jack is future president of the veterans chapter & crooned a few country songs to the delight of the crowd. Lauree did her wonderful rendition of Moonlight in Vermont and helped me with Paperback Writer, a very difficult tune. A much easier song for me was Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue and of course, Love Potion #9.
Don’t miss the benefit to help cover medical expenses for musicians Ron Ruedi & Jerry “Mud” Mudica on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14 at Gin Sun, starting at 1 pm. Musicians interested in participating, please call Jimmy Thompson at 503-318-2785. (See article this page.)
‘Til next time, pray for peace & prosperity.............Bonnie Carter, ed