Portland - the City of music and films!

Good morning Portland peeps and pops!

It’s in the middle of the sizzle of the world renowned and the (in)famous Portland Jazz Festival. So, perhaps you might have missed the truly dazzling artists that are visiting the Rose City this past weekend! Fear not, the PDX Jazz Fest continues on with an event almost every day till February 24th!

Have very little pocket change, or just can’t be bothered with the “Schnitz” – that is the Arlene Schnitzer Hall, then rally those Sallies, the schedule includes a wide variety of small and intimate venues, or large and overwhelming spaces to access the music…

Additionally, education and late night Jam Sessions at the the Ace Hotel are scheduled. Many activities and very innovative and talented local musicians are definitely involved to make your head burst with bubbles and excitement!

Portland’s own independent jazz label Diatic Records , founded by Dusty York , is a treasure trove of imaginative and talented forces: Ben Darwish Trio, Chris Mosely, Andrew Oliver , David Ornette Cherry…just to name a few…

This past Friday evening at the Paramount Hotel, I took advantage of experiencing some fabulous jazz improvisation of Organic Roots with David Ornette Cherry… abstract painting, spoken word, percussionist from Benin (or so I was told….) and dancing by Lizzie Karr … hotel lobbies will never be the same!

Later in the week other events for the Portland Jazz Festival are also at swanky places: the Heathman, the Embassy Suites , the Hotel de Luxe , plus many many many others…
Jimmy Mak’s, Jax, Wilf’s, the Someday Lounge, the Old Church…

Also of interest for jazz enthusiasts: the Dusty York Trio & Paxselin Quartet are playing at the Design Counsel’s studio on NW 18th this Friday night 8PM to midnight (February 22nd)!

The Design Counsel Group is headed by registered architect Paul Ries and the Design Counsel shares the space with refreshing and determined musicians and visual artists!


Such an exciting February 2008! The PIFF (Portland International Film Festival), the PDX Jazz Festival, the Chinese New Year, a lunar eclipse this evening, AND 5 Fridays for this special Leap Year! --- the month is not even done!