The Fenix Project
Acclaimed artist graces stage at area club
Lydia's, located at 18330 N.E. Burnside, is in that gray, fuzzy area in the gateway section between Portland and Gresham. Adjacent to the MAX station, Lydia's also provide ample parking and easy access for drivers.
Fenix
(Photo by KT)
A long-time fixture in the neighborhood, Lydia's is a nightspot with a mixed-aged clientele, along with a solid group or regulars. As a result, Lydia's creates a family atmosphere where not only regulars but all visitors are welcomed with open arms. Whether dining or for an evening's entertainment, Lydia's offers a solid assortment of bands, billiards and breakfast, lunch and dinner options for all visitors.
Service is highly focused at Lydia's with a prompt and friendly waitstaff always there to see to guests' needs and requests. For dining options, Lydia's offers breakfast, lunch and dinner menus including sandwiches, steaks, chicken and burgers, along with a healthful lighter menu for calorie counters. There are salads and homemade soups, along with a late-night menu offering fresh-made cold sandwiches.
The venue is divided into four sections. First is the dining room with booths for comfortable seating. Next, is the bar and lounge with a full range and stock of liquors and beers. Beyond that are a stage and dance floor with table seating, for entertainment acts. Then, in the rear is the pool table area for billiard play.
Lydia's provides continuous sports TV programming, along with other shows. There is video poker, Oregon Lottery and other entertainment games. On this evening's visit, the TVs featured a Portland Trailblazer basketball game and The Food Network's Hell's Kitchen.
For entertainment, Lydia's hosts live bands. On weekends, visitors can expect to party the evening away with classic rock and variety band Ron Ruedi and The Hurricanes. They are the featured weekend band at Lydia's for a number of years and continue to pack the house, playing everything from '60s and '70s to all types of pop and classic rock styles.
On this Thursday night visit, the featured band was The Fenix Project. Led by acclaimed saxophonist and vocalist Fenix, the band plays blues and soulful R&B.
Band members include; Fenix on sax and vocals; Frankie Redding, Jr. on keys; Miyuki H. on bass; Wade Martin on guitar and vocals and alternating on drums, John Police or Nichole Black.
Sound is tight, crisp and concise. The rhythm section locks in and keeps it in the groove and tight in the pocket. Martin's guitar cuts, but never overpowers or is over-bearing. Keys add color and feeling to the sound and Fenix' sax work and smooth vocals are the feature that ties the entire tone and effect together.
Fenix started the show with a swinging version of Caledonia to set the show off with a blues tone; they quickly moved into an R&B and soul sound, topped off with Fenix' singing and sax work. The combination captured the audience's attention and interest. Dancers were quickly out on the floor.
The Fenix Project hosts an R&B jam session on Wednesdays at the Blue Diamond, 2016 N.E. Sandy, and is scheduled to appear at the M&M in Gresham on April 17-18 and Mama Maria's, S.E. 52nd and Powell April 25. You can see more details about the band and their schedule on their website: www.myspace.com/thefenixproject