Artist pursues music as passion,
craft & career,
performs regularly at Porterhouse &
Irving’s lounges
Since the age of 13, locally-based entertainer Bret Lucich has pursued music as a passion, craft and career. He first debuted at the legendary Dory King, his parent's restaurant in Pacific City; Lucich's enthusiasm and talent have taken him throughout North America as both a session player and live performer. His "personalized approach" to performing caters to any crowd, effortlessly mixing musical styles, imitations and a bit of comedy to keep audiences involved in his show. Lucich has deservedly amassed an impressive professional resume, but it is his very real desire to just have fun that makes him so engaging.
Bret Lucich
(Photo by Kurt "Swingcat" Johnson)
The Lucich family's musical roots run deep. Bret's grandfather, uncle and mother all worked with local legend Doc Severenson in his formative years; his brother Rod Lucich performs as a featured vocalist with symphonies across the US. Bret's entry into this "family tradition" gained traction as he replaced a college-bound brother in a duo act. He eventually launched his own bands; then the affable lad began finding gigs that took him around the Pacific Northwest, Canada and eventually throughout the nation, including a studio stint in Nashville.
As a solo performer, however, is where Bret really shines. Taking an encyclopedic knowledge of musical styles and tastes, mixed with a genial personality, quick wit and a genuine dedication to entertaining an audience, he sets a high bar for other performers to aspire.
There is no "typical " Bret Lucich Show. Each night is an "off the cuff" appearance, customized by crowd requests, events of the day and the prevailing mood within the venue. Bret is more than a one-man-band; his approach is a complete entertainment package. Spot-on vocals are backed by his multi-instrumental abilities. Guitar accompaniment on one song will give way to lush keyboards on the next. With the help of various additional instruments and devices, the sounds of a full band arrive. Impressive celebrity impersonations will sneak in occasionally, as well as a running comedic theme. Bret’s ability to switch gears to cater to a group or occasion helps to personalize the experience. Read More
Power pop
Secrets packs dance floor at Corner
Saloon
A band is comprised of a group of musicians and like all people, they have their share of “secrets.” But one secret this band can’t hide is the talent that each member was born with, then matured into the seasoned professionals they are. Performing what they list as power pop, Secrets flat out rocks. To open their show with a great Here For The Party by country artist Gretchen Wilson, would seem a bit risky in a club that generally has classic rock bands. This opener had the dance floor packed before the first chorus came around.
Secrets
Female lead vocalist Linda Phillips fronts this band and comes out of the gate ready to rock. Phillips is a true professional and doesn’t falter for one second as she runs this band through the paces. Warm and strong, Phillips’ vocal ability was honed performing Top 40, Motown, country and techno-pop through the years. Attractive and confident, this lady is the lead singer all musicians love to support.
Kurt Bevers, a tried-and-true NW musician, plays bass guitar. Bevers started his career in music as a teenager, living in Connecticut; he recorded for Columbia Records with his band Woodrose. After relocating back to the Northwest, Bevers played in many local bands, most notably Nobody’s Bizness. Bevers is a published songwriter with Airplay and was nominated to the Oregon Hall of Fame in 1998. He can pull a rabbit out of his hat and perform some strong lead vocals as well, laying down solid bass lines and backing vocals as well. This man earns his keep, helping to front the band and operating as the band business contact.
On the drum kit, Stanny Nidbalski performs like the seasoned pro that he is. The quintessential perfect drummer, he is where he should be at all times and never where he shouldn’t be. This performer is a pleasure to listen to, keeping his sound level down and bringing in cymbal crescendos at just the right moment. Born In the town of Riga, a small town in Europe, Nidbalski is a recent transplant to the Northwest and folks here are lucky to have him join the ranks of our local musicians. Read More
Upscale Mediterranean nightspot
Pasha boasts best of international
music, belly dancers
Mediterranean cuisine. international music, belly dancing and an upscale restaurant and nightclub; Pasha offers all this and more, located at 19 N.W. 5th. With a Persian atmosphere, Pasha brings a setting and mood that completely captures the look and feel of a Persian/ Mediterranean nightclub. From an outdoor patio featuring tobacco flavored Hookahs, to stage wall art portraying ancient Mesopotamia (it took six months to complete), Pasha is a unique and encompassing experience.
(Photo by Kurt "Swingcat" Johnson)
Pasha serves not only a full dinner menu until 2 a.m., but also a lunch buffet in the afternoon. With entrees such as lamb shish kabob, beef showarma and chicken mazeh, the menu captures the full range of Mediterranean cuisine. The lunch time buffet offers items such as multiple fresh salads, salmon, chicken kabobs and fettuccini and beef skewers.
Owner Harry Mossalman explains the Pasha's direction and difference from other nightclubs; "Other nightclubs you just see a zoo. (At Pasha) you walk in and it’s organized, staff standing by, people with birthday, bachelorette parties, the tables are reserved and they can listen to any kind of music they request, as we are an international night club. What customers enjoy for the nightscene is the atmosphere, cuisine and music. We also have belly dancers and two DJs - any of music from any part of the world-international music. One of the pluses we have, we serve food until 2 a.m.-full menu. The atmosphere is unique and comfortable. The stage art is a Persian history wall piece that is hand-painted and took six months to complete."
Mossalman also mentions that all the food is homecooked and they specialize in a mesquite charcoal flavor style with imported organic rice from Pakistan, along with daily fresh fish. They also boast no fried, breaded or frozen ingredients. Read More
Legendary DJ Rocky Rhodes hosts
Karaoke contest at Mother Maybel’s
Mother Maybel’s, located at 510 N.E. 28th Ave., is a charming little spot that has a lot to offer. It’s basically mid-block on 28th, around the corner from the Pambriche and past the laundromat, in a comfortable residential area, just north of Glisan.
Robert Draper, Owner
(Photo by KT)
Just inside the main entrance, you see the dining room, with table seating and a huge chalkboard on the wall listing the daily food specials. The lounge seating includes tables, bar tables and sofas. Owner/operator Robert Draper proudly states, “We have great cocktails with authentic southern cuisine.” He is quick to add, “We serve breakfast during any hours we are open.” Dining room, lounge and bar each have their own big screen TVs ready for action.
This writer can vouch for the quality of the food at Mother Maybel’s. Draper’s excellent crew cooked and served a three-egg breakfast with hash browns and two large pancakes on a separate platter. The food went down so fast that Draper wasn’t even aware that it had been served. KJ Rocky Rhodes also gives the food an A-1 plus thumbs-up.
The menu lists a combination of traditional dinner fare and some dishes not seen often elsewhere. The breakfast menu includes a three-egg breakfast and other choices including meats, grits and French toast. Biscuits and gravy and a vegetarian breakfast are also offered. A selection of burgers is listed. Of special note is the “Dave” burger, with a fried egg, bacon and everything except the kitchen sink. Philly cheese steak is listed as one of the sandwich options. You can choose a soup and salad repast, or one of the “Southern Specialties” entreés with chicken strips, fried tilapia or fried chicken wings.
Outdoor patio seating will become available in spring. Enjoy Karaoke all Thursdays from 8 p.m. to midnight. Trivia fun reigns every Tuesday from 8:30-10 p.m. Sundays offer an open mike session from 7-10 p.m. A drink special is available every night there is an event. Read More
Great Hall resembles vintage
coffee houses of days gone by
The feeling you get when you enter the Great Hall on a Saturday night is a bit like that of the coffeehouse scene of years gone by. A bright, airy space, appointed with shining hardwood floors and vintage albums as art on the walls, was filled to capacity with an appreciative audience!
Morea Masa
(Photo by Eric Tworivers)
Owner Joel Jackson, a musician himself, has succeeded in providing a relaxing space with quality food and drink (beer and wine), scratch-baked cookies and pastries and great sound for the acoustic fare on Saturday nights. "I wanted to do something that brings people together," says Jackson. In this spotlessly clean, warm establishment, he accomplishes that goal.
Attentively organizing the performance schedule is singer/songwriter and PE staffer Eric Tworivers. Each Saturday, there is a featured artist, then the rest of the evening is left to the open mike entertainers. The level of performers was very high the night this writer attended. One vocalist that grabbed not only this writer’s attention, but everyone in the room, was Morea Masa, of the band The Ruby Pines. She knocked everyone out with her a capella rendition of Ain't No Cover. All that can be said is WOW!! This girl has a bright future!
Another standout performance was by Bitter Root, a duo who played Americana-style originals. They will be the featured artist in March.
Singer/guitarist/harpist/songwriter Terry Nichols sang Nighttime Rodeo. With a definitely eclectic mix of musical styles, there was something Read More
