Norman Sylvester brings expanding family of
musicians to perform, always aims to give back

By Lucy Hammond

Marianne Flemming

Norman Sylvester
(Photo by Steve Haning)

The man, the sound, the ENTERTAINER!! Norman Sylvester is one of Portland's musical and community treasures!! Anyone who knows Sylvester, knows him to be a helper of people. He thrives on doing what he can for others, both personally and professionally.

To witness a professional at work is to watch him get the crowd groovin' with his own "Boogie Cat" style. The recent grand re-opening of the Tillicum was the site for this night's entertainment. They sport nine new flat screens, lighting and their signature razor clams; the backdrop was complete for the master's performance.

Sylvester brings with him an always expanding, perennially-gifted family of musicians. This performance included Dover Weinberg doing double duty on keys and keyboard bass. Pete Moss dazzled all with his command of tenor and baritone sax and some of the most beautiful flute work you're likely to hear. Jolie "Groove Machine" Clausen kept the bottom rock solid on her signature, hot pink sparkle kit, bringing the beat with style and perfect meter. LaRhonda Steele's beautiful, powerful, and soulful voice, is one of the most compelling to be heard. She stirred the crowd with her duet with Sylvester, on B.B. King's Rock Me Baby. Steele is a commanding vocal presence that enhances Sylvester's already top notch crew. Sylvester's own vocal prowess cannot go without mention. His inimitable vocal style is undeniable! Read More

where is Norman Sylvester playing ?

In Vancouver
Auto’s Pub celebrates 5 yrs. w/Blueshot

By Eric Donaldson

BlueShot01

Blue Shot
(Photo by Eric Donaldson)

Near the intersection of S.E. McGillivray Blvd. and 164th in Vancouver, Wash. is a very cool, laid-back pub with a strong automotive motif, great food, full bar and very reasonable prices; it’s known as Auto’s Pub.

This pub is a spacious place with collectible automotive decor and design throughout, a roomy venue staffed with attentive, personable people who seem genuinely dedicated to making sure all who enter have a great time. This writer and companion happened to catch the fifth anniversary celebration on a recent weekend. The first impression upon entering is “comfortable.”

A lovely young lady introduced herself as Heidi and she was very helpful answering as we asked a few questions about the pub and how she likes working there. The short story is that she’s been there a year or so and enjoys her job and the people she meets. Heidi is quick to laugh and is very knowledgeable about the many beers and ales on tap and available in bottles. She offered helpful suggestions of menu items to try.

Speaking of food, the menu is well-rounded and very reasonably priced, especially appreciated in this time of such poor economics. The menu has all the usuals: Poppers, wings, chicken strips, nachos, chili and a half-dozen burgers that look amazing! Everything except one combo pizza is less than $7! Very good prices, thank you Auto’s. A very cool thing to this writer is the fact that all their appetizers and pizza selections are available all hours the pub is open! Read More

where is Blueshot?

Country music circuit
Coyote Creek electrifies crowd at Jubitz

By Kurt "Swingcat" Johnson

Coyote Creek 058

Coyote Creek
(Photo by Kurt Johnson)

When Coyote Creek Band takes the stage, there is electricity, energy and a clear love of what they are doing and playing; the music is clearly the only reason they are there. They recently pleased the crowd at the Ponderosa Lounge at Jubitz Truckstop.

This band kicks it up with a lead singer who takes charge and commands the stage and teases, mesmerizes and owns the stage!! The bass player lays down the groove and locks in with the drummer to drive the beat while the lead guitarist shreds and lights things up. The keyboardist livens it up and holds it all together. The result is a kick-ass show that leaves the crowd begging for more and hanging on every note, whether it be an original or cover tune.

Coyote Creek is bandleader Robert Lee on keyboards; front person and lead vocalist and entertainer Kelli Mcintosh; drummer Rick Hoffert; bassist Rick Bartel and lead guitarist Tommy Pierson.

Together for almost three-and-a-half years in various configurations, the band tours the northwest country music circuit and anticipates playing 125 shows this year, including county fairs, private parties, club dates and major festivals opening for national acts. Their shows include both top-40 country western cover tunes and originals from their CD Wild Horses.

Coyote Creek’s music is characterized by tight, crisp, punchy bass, soaring vocal harmonies, a mix of both electric and acoustic guitar and polished and practiced musicianship. Read More

where are Coyote Creek playing ?

Junkyard Dogs
Quartet energizes crowd at Hing’s Happy Lounge

By K.R. Laurent

JunkyardDogs.jpg

Junkyard Dogs

The four-piece band Junkyard Dogs recently performed at Hing's Happy Lounge in Oregon City. The band put forth an energizing show of classic rock hits and original songs. The dance floor was filled with folks having a good time.

Junkyard Dogs has honed it's craft for seven years, performing around the region. Talented members including Jeff Bonds, guitar and vocals; Troy Miller, drums, percussion and vocals; Ron Hampton, bass guitar and vocals and Ron Trueherz, lead guitar, meld together as one music machine. Each performer in this quartet brings years of experience to the band. Read More where are the Junkyard Dogs playing ?