Notes On A Napkin
Summer has arrived! I’m longing to be out in the sunshine as I write this.
My space is short this month so I’ll try to touch on the highlights of the last 4 weeks.
The first adventure was another trip to the LB peninsula with me, myself & I. Sometimes I enjoy the solitude of being alone w/God (especially near the ocean), so I made it a retreat of sorts; it was a blessed, prayerful time. I also took in an outdoor concert at Waikiki Beach at Cape Disappointment in Ilwaco, featuring an interesting trio called Mars Needs Women...they are very accomplished at surf tunes (i.e. Wipeout), classic rock, rockabilly & some original material. Friend Dave Hanson stopped by on his bike to say hi, before heading down to LT’s for his daily pool tournament. The weather was overcast but nice, lots of deer sightings this time.
I picked up my friend Diana Nyssen for a trip to Oregon City to hear the Junkyard Dogs at Hing’s. We both loved the classic rock tunes & harmony of this band (see article this issue). We also enjoyed the delicious Chinese food...we chose the mu-shu pork w/plum sauce & barbequed pork fried rice.
One of our most unique outings was the annual Bloomsday, June 16, at Kell’s, downtown, a tribute to James Joyce’s book Ulysses . Irish friend Barry Glass invited me to hear him do a reading from the book & view parts of the movie. Friend Geraldine joined me & it was a fascinating time.
It was a fun reunion of musicians from days gone by at Riley’s Pub recently (honoring Bob Blum). It was such a treat to chat with the likes of owner and musician Phil Richards & long-time artist Bobby Gibson (now endorsing Gretsch Guitars). The music & harmony of these veteran, classic artists was outstanding. Read more in Dan Golden’s article this issue.
The Satin Dolls performed for a packed house at Burdigala’s Wine in Sellwood recently, covering tunes by many popular artists. PE staffers KT & Lauree Carlsen are members of this up-and-coming act, so watch these pages in the future.
Lauree joined Geraldine, Harry & I recently at Mama Maria’s for the Wednesday night jam w/Danny Hay Davis & company. This is probably the hottest place in town for music on Wednesdays. Danny has assembled some of the best musicians around & the Italian food fare is the best. Their sauce is divine! ‘Nuff said.
Last but certainly not least was a visit to Lydia’s to see Ron Ruedi & the Hurricanes w/KT & chat with friend & legendary DJ/drummer Pat Patee. I forgot how long Ron’s sets are when I said we’ll just stay for one...it was after 11 when & Ron was still on stage when we left! I can’t get enough of this band’s renditions of classic hits. Check out their upcoming summer gigs & article this issue.
Attention country-western artists: Call RL Chapman for upcoming show: 503-957-5000.
‘Til next time, keep prayin’ for peace & prosperity.....................Bonnie Carter, ed.