See exclusive photos of her selection ceremony, and learn why she says she’s looking forward to representing Northeast outer East Portland during this year’s citywide festivities …

Parkrose High School’s Principal, Ana Gonzalez, greets students who fill the school’s Theater for the 2010 Portland Rose Festival Princess Selection Ceremony.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The Parkrose High School Theater was packed with students and family members, as the school’s 2010 Portland Rose Festival Princess Selection Ceremony began promptly at 2:35 p.m. on March 11.

“We welcome students, family members and dignitaries,” smiled Principal Ana Gonzalez, “to this, our 24th Princess Selection Ceremony.”

The Master of Ceremonies, Parkrose High student Nathan Clements, got right into the program by introducing the five-member Parkrose High School Court.

Cheers ring out as candidates from the Parkrose High School Court – Bryanna Phillips, Rebecca “Becci” Read, Yian Saechao, Molly Voorhees, and Belinda Washington – are introduced to the audience.

The 2009 Portland Rose Festival Parkrose Princess, Ciara Dines, addresses the audience and advises this year’s candidates.

Stepping up to the podium, the school’s 2009 Portland Rose Festival Princess, Ciara Dines, received a warm welcome from the audience. “My advice to you is to experience every moment, and enjoy it to the fullest. Either running to be selected, or being a Portland Rose Festival Princess, is a great experience. I thank you for choosing me [last year] and giving me the opportunity to represent Parkrose.”

Tension builds to the announcement this year’s Parkrose Princess.

Princess Becci Read acknowledges her selection.

Introducing Princess Becci Read
As her first act as 2010 Portland Rose Festival Parkrose Princess, Becci Read stepped up to the microphone and spoke to the audience.

“Thank you so much for this opportunity,” Princess Becci said. “I know that so many of you told me that I could do it. You supported me throughout this. I just want to say thank you again. I really appreciate your support….”

Princess Becci Read greets her subjects during the Selection Ceremony.

Immediately after she was selected, Princess Becci told us, “The important thing about this, is the great experience of being involved in the selection process. And, more important [than that] has been getting to know the other candidates.  They have all been really supportive. It’s an amazing experience; I think everyone should be involved [in some way], if they can.”

Princess Becci said she was a “Parkrose girl, through-and-through” – having attending Sacramento Elementary, Parkrose Middle School, and now Parkrose High School.

“I look forward to representing Parkrose at the 2010 Portland Rose Festival; I want to show Portland how amazing Parkrose is,” Princess Becci said. “We are an awesome school, even though we are way out here in outer east Portland.”

Princess Becci Read poses for her first portrait with her court: Belinda Washington, Bryanna Phillips, Molly Voorhees, and Yian Saechao.

Princess Becci Read, a Parkrose High senior, plans to attend Pacific University and practice pediatric physical therapy. She’s involved in the National Honor Society, Varsity Volleyball (4 years), Student Government, Mock Trial, and Outdoor School.

She lists club volleyball, running, tutoring, and baby-sitting as her activities and hobbies.

Here’s our own formal portrait of Princess Becci of Parkrose!

Each selected Princess will be awarded a $3,500 scholarship, courtesy of The Randall Group; Pacific Power provides a mentoring program of female executives who are matched with the court members, as well as being a sponsor of the Queen’s Coronation.

Tickets for the 2010 Queen’s Coronation are on sale now, online: CLICK HERE to view the website to make your purchase – or to gain more information about all of this year’s Rose Festival festivities.

© 2010 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Discover why tickets are selling fast for this wacky comedy about a city family’s countryside ‘dream-home-turned-money-pit’ now playing weekends through March 13 at the Horner Performing Arts Center …

Annabelle Fuller (played by Quinci Daoust) takes a look at the charming “fixer-upper” her husband, Newton (Carson Cook) purchased without telling her; their daughter Madge (Rachael Zeller) and her soon to be jilted heart-of-gold boyfriend, Steve Eldridge (Matt Richardson) survey their “new” living room.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Off to a good start on opening night, March 5, the actors and stage crew of David Douglas High School Theater Department have “moved into” their new winter comedy home, “George Washington Slept Here”.

The play, which continues on March 6th and also runs March 11, 12 and 13, is best described as a slapstick “house from Hell” farce.

Newton and Annabelle learn from friendly neighbor Mrs. Douglas (DeAnna Gayomali) that, in fact, George Washington didn’t ever sleep in the house – it was a fable made up by their shady real estate agent.

Annabelle and the family discover that the roof is in as bad condition as the rest of the house, as rain streams in during a storm.

Fun, but a technically demanding play
One reason for choosing this particular play, Judy LeCoq, a David Douglas High theater instructor, and the director of this play, told us is that “George Washington Slept Here” requires a high degree of technical expertise to play it out on stage.

“Our Technical Director, Mark Taylor, and his crew, bring this show to life,” LeCoq noted. “The house [set] is in shambles when the curtain rises. Then, it’s refurbished during scene changes. When it rains, the ceilings actually leak. And, you won’t believe what happens to the set by the show’s end!”

Another reason to mount this show, LeCoq said, is because of the humorous situations and clever dialog by the playwrights, Moss Hart and George S. Kaufman. “Just like back when it was originally written, people today need a break from the cares and worries of the day. There’s a lot of satire and wit in this show. It’s a play where people can come in, sit back, and have an evening of laughs.

Each time local handyman Mr. Kimber (Corey T-Cedarleaf) comes to see Newton, he brings bad news – and a list of “needed purchases” that all cost more than estimated.

On short notice, rich-but-obnoxious Uncle Stanley J. Menninger, the “ball bearing magnate from Pittsburg” (Josh McKinley) arrives – ready to settle in for “a spell” and demand services one would expect in a fine hotel.

About the story …
Not many know that “George Washington Slept Here” was originally written as a stage play in 1940 by Hart and. Kaufman, but became known, thanks to a 1942 motion picture adaptation staring Jack Benny, Ann Sheridan, and Charles Coburn.

Tired of city life, Newton Fuller – unbeknown to his wife – buys a decrepit house in the country, in which George Washington supposedly slept. The list of things wrong with the house – and the very property on which it’s built – keeps growing exponentially.

The costs keep mounting as they try rebuilding the wreck of a house; and, the Fullers are beset with one problem after another.

Add to this their kooky clan that includes a thieving, ungrateful nephew, a daughter who is falls under the spell of a suave-yet-itinerant (and married) actor, a pregnant-but-unwed maid – and a grumpy neighbor who claims rights to their driveway – and water.

Madge’s young friends also come out for the weekend – but with steady rain falling all weekend long, their mood sours while Uncle Stanley snoozes.

Annabelle finds out why her husband has been so preoccupied during the weekend – she reads the foreclosure and eviction notice that’s been delivered.

Annabelle’s wicked nephew Raymond (Ian Booth) steals more than money from her purse – he plans to “sell out” his in-laws by giving secret information about the property to their grumpy and greedy neighbor.

To make matters worse, they find out it wasn’t President George Washington who had rested in the abode – instead, it was a much less savory character in American history.

• Can this family turn their run-down hovel into a warm, happy home?
• How will problems with their daughter and obnoxious, evil nephew resolve?
• Can they find a way to tolerate Uncle Stanley, the world’s most demanding houseguest – and millionaire?
• Will the Fullers find a way to pay the mortgage – just days before foreclosure?

Find out, as you watch the interaction of the colorful characters in ever-more-complex situations in this comic play, suitable for all ages. While there’s some broad slapstick humor, the show is family rated.

When Uncle Stanley “fesses up” – it looks as if the Fuller’s last hope for redemption – and their home – is gone. You’ll be surprised at the plan this clever liar comes up that might just save the day!

After smugly swaggering into the Fuller’s home, greedy neighbor Mr. Prescott (Ken Tang) starts backpedaling when Uncle Stanley puts the “whammy” on him!

Show continues through March 13
“George Washington Slept Here” premiered on March 5, and runs on March 6. It also plays the evenings of March 11, 12 and 13. Curtain time is 7:30 p.m. for all performances.

Tickets are $7 for adults; $5 for students and seniors. The Box Office at the theater is open on Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays from 3:00 until 5:30 p.m. on school days, and also one hour before the show. Call the box office at (503) 261-8270 with questions.

The Theater and Box Office are located in the David Douglas High School Horner Performing Arts Center, 1400 SE 130th Avenue (between SE Stark Street and SE Division Street) To visit their website, CLICK HERE.

The cast of George Washington Slept Here takes a well-deserved bow.  But, what happened to their house?

© 2010 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Find out who was picked to represent the Scots, as Portland’s internationally-known festival announced the first member of their 2010 Royal Court …

It’s an amazing sight – 1,500 underclassmen (the other half of the student body is on the other side of the gym) – all waiting to welcome the 2010 Portland Rose Festival David Douglas High School Princess.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The “Scots” of David Douglas High came out if full force to show their support for the 2010 Portland Rose Festival Princess Selection assembly on March 1. Every inch of the bleachers in the gymnasium was filled, as 3,000 students and teachers were seated for the 2:15 p.m. event.

Before the formal program started, Portland Rose Festival board member and director Amy Johnson told us how this year’s selection process had changed from past years.

“We narrowed the field of candidates at each school from six down to five,” Johnson said. “And this year, instead of holding the judging deliberations at the school, it was done at a central time and location. Of course, the results remained secret.”

Award-winning David Douglas High Cheerleaders entertain the crowd at the event.

Pacific Power Mentor, Michelle Follette, gives a memento to each Princess candidate.

The students at the participating schools were offered the option whether or not to hold a school-wide vote. “The result of this vote was counted in the final selection,” Johnson noted, saying that DDHS students did participate in the process.”

One of the candidates, Natalia Mosailova, answers the question put to her by the event’s Master of Ceremonies.

The candidates speak
The candidates were escorted through the length of the gym before they alighted on a 6-foot-high, decorated stage.

Before the school’s 2010 Portland Rose Festival Princess was announced, each candidate spoke briefly. Each answered a question put to them, even though all knew the school’s Princess had already been selected. They each thanked member of the student body.

Waiting to learn who would represent David Douglas High School during the 2010 Portland Rose Festival events are seniors Mackenzie Busby, Chelsea Kopacz, Natalia Mosailova, Kaitlyn Swyers and Selena Zou.

Introducing Princess Natalia Mosailova
A deafening cheer went up when Natalia Mosailova was announced as the school’s representative to this year’s Portland Rose Festival.

After receiving her tiara and bouquet of roses, Mosailova told the cheering audience, “Four years and six months ago, my family moved to the United States. I came to his school. I went to my first Rose Festival, saw the Princesses, and said, ‘Oh, my gosh! They all speak English!’”

This statement drew a big laugh from the audience as she continued, “I’m grateful to everyone in the Portland Rose Festival. I’m grateful to be in the United States of America. And, I thank all of you so much.”

Natalia Mosailova learns that she’ll be David Douglas High’s representative to this year’s Portland Rose Festival.

Photographers snapped photos of the Princess and her court. Asked what it meant to her to be selected, Mosailova, told us, “I’m very honored to be the representative from David Douglas High School. I’ll do my best to represent them in the best way. It’s been wonderful to become part of this great community here. And now, I’m so honored that I’ll actually be playing a role in it – representing our school, and this wonderful community. I find this to be thrilling.”

Born in Chisinau, Moldova, this 18-year-old DDHS Senior said she plans to pursue the University of Washington pre-medical program, and go on to be an Obstetrician and Gynecologist.

At DDHS, Mosailova has participated in the PRIDE Team, National Honors Society, and has won the school’s Award of Excellence (4.0 cumulative GPA at end of junior year).

Princess Natalia accepts a bouquet of roses.

Mosailova’s hobbies and special interests include Ballroom, hip-hop, and salsa dancing; is active in the Russian community, translating for Russian/Romanian/Ukranian residents, and works part time as office specialist at the OHSU Surgery Department.

During the interview process, Mosailova was asked, “What have you discovered about yourself during high school?”

She responded, “I’ve discovered myself as an excellent public orator, and defender of my personal views. I have an outgoing and giving personality. I’ve always been the person to whom friends and acquaintances would come for help or advice.”

It’s not too early to consider attending the 2010 Portland Rose Festival Queen Selection Ceremony, held just before the Grand Floral Parade. For more information about the Portland Rose Festival, visit their official website: CLICK HERE.

-8 Surrounded by her court is David Douglas High School’s Portland Rose Festival Princess Natalia.

© 2010 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Isn’t it time for a good laugh? See why you should plan to see “George Washington Slept Here”, premiering on March 5 at the Horner Performing Arts Center …

Trying to cope with a multitude of problems posed by their newly acquired run-down mansion – from its leaky roof, to falling-down walls – are Marissa Hanson, playing Rena Leslie; Carson Cook as the unlucky new homeowner, Newton Fuller; Matt Richardson as Steve Eldridge; Cary Miga as Clayton Evans; Rachael Zeller as Madge Fuller; and Quinci Daoust as woman-of-the-house Annabelle Fuller. All are shown rehearsing for the opening of the charmingly funny play, “George Washington Slept Here”.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The David Douglas High School Theater Department is about to take the wraps – perhaps we should say construction tarps – off their new winter comedy, “George Washington Slept Here”.

The play, that premieres on March 5th and runs two weekends, is best described as a slapstick “house from Hell” comedy.

Few realize “George Washington Slept Here” was originally written as a stage play in 1940 by Moss Hart and George S. Kaufman. But it became widely known, thanks to a 1942 motion picture adaptation staring Jack Benny, Ann Sheridan, and Charles Coburn.

About the story …
Tired of city life, Newton Fuller – unbeknownst to his wife – buys a decrepit house in the country, in which George Washington supposedly slept. It’s truly a “money pit”.

Trying to rebuild the wreck of a house, the Fullers are beset with one problem after another; and the antics of their kooky clan only makes matters worse. To top things off, it turns out, they find out it wasn’t actually Washington who had rested in the abode – instead, it was a much less savory character in American history.

• Will they be able to turn the run-down shack into a livable home?
• How will problems with their daughter and obnoxious nephew resolve?
• Can they find a way to tolerate Uncle Stanley, the world’s most demanding houseguest – and millionaire?

Find out, as you watch the interaction of the colorful characters in ever-more-complex situations in this comic play.

Backstage, director and theater instructor Judy LeCoq coaches actor Josh McKinley, who plays the rich-but-obnoxious Uncle Stanley J. Menninger.

Says it’s a technically demanding play
Judy LeCoq, a David Douglas High theater instructor, and the director of this play, said she chose “George Washington Slept Here” because she loves Moss Hart and George S. Kaufman’s humorous situations and clever dialog.

“There’s a lot of satire and wit in their comedies,” LeCoq said, between rehearsals. “This is a play where people can come in, sit back, and laugh. Just like back when it was originally written, people today need a break from the cares and worries of the day.”

Another reason for choosing this particular show, LeCoq added, was the many technical requirements of staging it.

“Our Technical Director, Mark Taylor, and his crew, bring this show to life,” LeCoq told us. “The house [set] is in shambles when the curtain rises. Then, it’s refurbished during scene changes. When it rains, the ceilings actually leak. And, you won’t believe what happens to the set by the show’s end!”

This play is suitable for all ages. While there’s some broad slapstick humor, the show is definitely family rated.

Show opens March 5
“George Washington Slept Here” premieres on March 5, and also runs on March 6; it also plays the evenings of March 11, 12 and 13. Curtain time is 7:30 p.m. for all performances.

Tickets are $7 for adults; $5 for students and seniors. The Box Office at the theater is open on Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays from 3:00 until 5:30 p.m. on school days, and also one hour before the show. Call the box office at (503) 261-8270 with questions.

The Theater and Box Office are located in the David Douglas High School Horner Performing Arts Center, 1400 SE 130th Avenue (between SE Stark Street and SE Division Street) To visit their website, CLICK HERE.

© 2010 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

If you missed this traditional gathering, see some of the pageantry and activities that made up the Chinese New Year celebration sponsored by Portland Community College SE Center …

Lion Dancers from Northwest Learning Academy welcome guests to the Asian New Year Celebration.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The longest and most important festivity in the Chinese Lunar Calendar is Chinese New Year – an event also celebrated by other peoples influenced by Chinese Han culture, most notably Koreans, Japanese, and Vietnamese.

The centuries-old tradition – this time welcoming the “Year of the Tiger” – was celebrated by hundreds, at the Legin Restaurant Banquet Hall, just west of the Portland Community College SE Center at SE 82nd Avenue of Roses and SE Division Street.

Portland Community College Associated Students President, Anson Lilienthal, and PCCAS Student Programs Director – and organizer of the festival – Lien Le, say this is a fun event that also helps draw diverse people together.

Student Lien Le, Director of the school’s Associated Student Programs at PCC, took time from studying for her Associate degree in radiology to organize this year’s celebration.

“I chose PCC Southeast Center because this campus really reaches out to the community,” Le said. “We help put together the program, recruit the performers, and make sure everyone has a good time at our celebration.”

Serving as co-emcee for the event, Anson Lilienthal, President of AS-PCC, took time from his criminal justice studies. “Best thing about the celebration is the food! Beside that, it’s about the fun of bringing everyone together. We have a lot of people from a lot of different backgrounds and hope to have a good time.”

Onstage, the Lion Dancers perform their routine.

The Lion Dance becomes interactive, as the colorful beasts move into the audience.

The event, held on February 15 – the second day of the Chinese New Year – presented many kinds of entertaining and educational activities.

A Chinese calligrapher drew visitors’ names; there were martial arts demonstrations, face painting, chopsticks-using lessons, and paper lantern-cutting – and other games and activities.

Vivian Nguyen and Carina Lim help kids play the Chinese zodiac game.

Getting ready for their performance, Hmong Association performer Kanee Her is groomed by Pala Her before they present their traditional dance.

Jazmyn Billings-McBee smiles after receiving her package of “lucky money” – a Chinese New Year Tradition – from Portland Community College SE Center President Nan Poppe.

Kindergartners from the Chinese Mandarin Immersion program at Woodstock Elementary School perform a dance number at the event.

Demonstrating grace beyond their years, these Chinese Mandarin Immersion program first-graders from Woodstock Elementary School perform a ballet-like dance at the SE Portland Chinese New Year celebration.

Although this year’s event attracted only about half the number of participants who attended last year, smiles and happy New Year wishes abounded.

© 2010 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Among those disappointed by muddled music at a concert in Portland’s largest entertainment venue? Find out why the folks who run the Rose Garden aren’t to blame – and who is responsible …

The view of the show by Billy Joel (left) and Elton John (right) was spectacular from backstage.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
By all measures, the Billy Joel/Elton John “Face-2-Face” concert on February 10 should have been the musical entertainment event of the year – especially for those who grew up listening their hit music on the radio.

Sadly, for some concert-goers in the 20,000-seat Rose Garden arena, the sound quality ranged from fair to unintelligible.

One problem spot, what some consider “premium seating” – directly behind the open, raised stage.  The seats provided a stunning view of the show – albeit from behind.

Striking lighting effects add to the excitement of the show.

As the show began, two grand pianos magically appeared – rising up from below the lower stage. The musical stars were accompanied by their own bands – and sometimes a combined band – whose members were on platforms that also arose on pods from below the stage.

Poor audio quality mars show
Sadly, when Elton John and Billy Joel sang their songs, or spoke to the audience with no music playing, the sound was highly amplified – but unintelligible in sections of the Rose Garden, including that “premium seating” right behind the stage, where the audio engineering and loudspeaker placement turned music into audio mush.

There were multiple spots in the arena at this concert, where top tickets cost as much as $500 apiece, where the sound was reported as fair-to-poor audio quality. There, the music wasn’t clear and the lyrics were difficult to understand.

Elton John plays before an enthusiastic audience.

Rose Garden management clarifies situation
It’s easy to blame the Rose Garden for a evening’s spoiled entertainment.

We called Rose Garden general manager, Chris Oxley, about this problem. Oxley listened responsively and was sympathetic. However, the sound equipment was arranged for by the producer for the concert – it was not Rose Garden gear. The producer, Live Nation Entertainment, claims to be the “largest producer of live concerts in the world”, with several events each year at the Rose Garden, including the upcoming James Taylor & Carole King concert on May 7.

And, Oxley confirmed what we’d read in a trade magazine – that Live Nation contracted with the international audio provider, Clair Global, for this touring show’s sound system. Because Clair brings in every microphone, cable, amplifier and loudspeaker – then sets them up and operates them – one can’t blame the Rose Garden for less-than-satisfying sound at such an event.

Billy Joel plays one of his hits during the Rose Garden concert.

“We work hard to provide people in Portland a clean, well-run venue for people to come and enjoy all kinds of entertainment,” Oxley told us. “And, it reflects poorly on the Rose Garden when people don’t have a good experience here, for whatever reason.”

Even though most seats in the arena will be bathed in good, clear sound, narrow bands of seating may fall in “dead zones” in which the loudspeakers cancel out one another. In this case, the concert was sold out, so there was no opportunity to reseat those in “dead zones” to better spots in the hall.

If you attend an event with muddled, hard-to-understand sound, moving twenty feet or so to the right or left can solve the problem. “Talk to one of our staff members,” Oxley advised. “We’ll do our best to help you find seats with better sound – if unsold seats are available.”

© 2010 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

See why this new exhibit, ‘Space: A Journey to Our Future’, is attracting both young and old. Take a look at our exclusive photos – it’s pretty neat …

Lynda Gordon, and her daughters Lucy and Paige, marvel at the real moon rocks on display at the exhibit in this realistic diorama – featuring an “earthrise” over the lunar surface.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Visitors to the new featured exhibit at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) say it’s out of this world.

When “Space: A Journey to Our Future” opened on January 30, space exploration enthusiasts got the first opportunity to touch a piece of the planet Mars, see a real Moon rock up close, take a spin on a space bike, and tour a full-scale future lunar habitat.

“This is one of the largest touring exhibitions ever produced on space exploration,” said OMSI spokesman Lee Dawson. “It examines the history of our space program, shows off current projects in space exploration such as satellites, space telescopes, and living in space.

“It also provides a glimpse of future human space travel through highly advanced interactive displays.”

OMSI Executive Director, Nancy Stueber, welcomes guests to the museum’s new featured exhibit on its opening night.

Adan Gillespie and Rick Edgecombe take a spin on a space station exercise bike – complete with artificial gravity.

Of interest to both kids and adults
OMSI’s feature-hall lead educator, Kristi Falkowski, agreed with Dawson that the most popular part of the exhibit is the “space bike ride”.

“It simulates about two G’s by spinning,” Falkowski said. “And it demonstrates how astronauts can meet their need to exercise in space, to keep up their bone and muscle mass in a weightless environment.”

Dawson said grownups will most likely be attracted to the space exploration relics. “There are a wide range of artifacts on display from the past and present space program, including space suits, a lunar rover tire, a camera from the Apollo program, early fuel cells, and space shuttle tiles.”

Hugh and Alexander Mackworth inspect the full-size replica of the Mars Rover.

Other exhibits and activities include:

• Today’s Space Program – This interactive area examines the International Space Station, deep space probes, next-generation telescopes, living in space and space tourism, and NASA studies in “robonauts”.
• Constellation Program – Visitors will get an up-close look at “Orion”, the new spacecraft that will take human explorers back to the Moon, and the Aries rocket which will propel the new spacecraft.
• Lunar Base Camp – Would-be explorers can literally step into the future and interact aboard a re-created future base camp on the lunar surface.
• Create a Mission to Mars – Through hands-on interactive displays and modules, visitors can design their own trip to Mars, from the design of the spacecraft to living quarters to supplies needed, and will ultimately find out how successful their trip would likely be.
• 360-degree “Future Theatre” – In an immersive media experience, visitors will look far into the future of exploration and deep into space, pondering mysteries to be revealed and questions to be answered.

Elizabeth Stafford holds Ethan, as they explore a Lunar Habitat’s kitchen area.

The exhibit runs through May 31, reminded Dawson. “This is a great opportunity for people to learn a little bit about where our space program came from, what took place, and get an idea about how we’ll be exploring space in the future.”

The exhibit is offered without additional charge – after standard OMSI admission or membership.

The exhibit comes to OMSI through the support of local presenting sponsor Lufthansa Airlines, and local supporting sponsors Chevron and Mentor Graphics; it was produced by Evergreen Exhibitions, and was made possible by national partner General Motors.

OMSI is located at 1945 SE Water Avenue. For general information, call (503) 797-4000 or visit their website: CLICK HERE.

> Photo from our front page: Ready for takeoff in OMSI’s Gemini Space Capsule is Valen Williams, visiting from the Lents Neighborhood.

© 2010 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

See why the East County Community Orchestra provides great symphonic music concerts – for free – and learn what you missed at their last concert …

East County Community Orchestra plays memorable movie themes during their last concert.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The Winter concert of the East County Community Orchestra began at the Horner Performing Arts Center at David Douglas High School promptly at 7 p.m. on January 15 – playing to a full house.

Under the baton of director Jack Mahoney, the program started off, as always, with Star-Spangled Banner. They followed up with the song To Thee We Sing, taken from Russian liturgy.

Most seats were filled for the concert, at the DDHS Performing Arts Center auditorium.

The audience was then treated to a medley entitled Great Movie Marches that featured River Kwai March, Colonel Hathi’s March (the “elephant song” from The Jungle Book), Star-Trek – The Motion Picture, and Raiders March.

The group turned its talent to Symphony No.9 in E Minor by Anton Dvorak.  A Walsh Rhapsody followed. And the medley, Salute to the Cinema – featuring Hooray for Hollywood, Singin’ in the Rain, Over the Rainbow, As Time Goes By, and A Day in the Life of a Fool – rounded out the first half of the program.

Patrons consume copious amounts of cookies before filtering back into the auditorium for the program’s second half.

East County Community Orchestra’s director, Jack Mahoney, leads the group with vigor.

Between the first and second half of each program, the musicians took a break and mingled with concertgoers who were treated to tables laden with cookies and baked treats.

During the break, Mahoney told us that 2010 marks the 32nd year of the East County Orchestra. “All of us here are thankful that this opportunity to play great music is still available. And we take the opportunity to thank all of our patrons for their continuing support, evidenced by coming to our concerts.”

At the beginning of the second half of the evening’s program, the orchestra turned its talent to the more classical offerings of Overture Eroica,  Mozart’s Alleluia, and March and Procession of Bacchus.

The stirring Deep River Suite was next, concluding with the stirring Emblem of Unity Concert March.

After the program, Mahoney remarked that many people may not realize that the orchestra members are both amateur and professional musicians from the Portland and Vancouver area. “They volunteer their time their effort and provide their expertise. The orchestra includes 60 musicians, the oldest one is just now heading for his 94th birthday. The orchestra is a nonprofit organization, and we welcome donations to help defray operating expenses.”

Keep your eye on our Community Calendar for the next performance of the East County Community Orchestra!

© 2010 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

If you missed the fair at David Douglas High School – make sure you attend this Saturday’s event at Parkrose High School …

The David Douglas High School north cafeteria is filled with exhibitors and neighbors, as the “Fix-it Fairs” again roll through outer East Portland.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
One way of to be sure January is here is the return of the Portland Fix-it Fairs to outer East Portland.

Early this year, on January 9, David Douglas High School (DDHS) was the site of the first of two such events; the last Fix-it Fair is at Parkrose High School this Saturday, January 30.

Desiree Williams-Rajee, an events and outreach coordinator for the Portland Bureau of Planning & Sustainability, makes sure everything is running smoothly at the Fix-It Fair – along with her co-worker, Wing Grabowski.

“This is the 23rd edition of the Fix-it Fairs,” announced organizer Desiree Williams-Rajee, an “events and outreach” coordinator for the Portland Bureau of Planning & Sustainability.

“These events are important, because they provide information and resources to people about how they can save money and be healthy – especially during the chilly winter months,” Williams-Rajee explained. “In addition to our exhibitors, we offer a substantial lineup of quality-of-life-improving workshops, and informational seminars.”

Jon Gail, Housing Homeownership Outreach & Marketing Coordinator for Portland Development Commission teaches “Improving and Repairing your Credit”.

In fact, looking at the schedule, we saw that this particular Fix-It Fair is packed with classes ranging from how to create a healthy home, to do-it-yourself repair classes, and clinics providing gardening information.

“These fairs are also important because they help ‘resource organizations’ to connect with people here in the community. Sometimes agencies and social service agencies and nonprofits don’t have a good opportunity to interact with the public directly like this,” Williams-Rajee added. “This gives them an opportunity to get the word out that they exist, and that they’re doing really, really great work.”

Volunteer DDHS students Michael Williamson, Mohamed Yusuf, and Kayla Garrett help out by distributing sack lunches to the hungry Fix-it Fair participants.

Students help improve Fairs
This year, the Fix-it Fairs have made it a point to increase student involvement at the host schools. “We’ve been better about connecting with the high schools – involving the students,” said Williams-Rajee. “The students are doing a wonderful job; we’ve had as many as 30 students helping us out during the fair, which is great.”

The organizer also pointed out they’ve made good use of schools’ diversity. “Many students are helping us connect the folks speaking other languages than English with resource people. They’ve been good interpreters for us.”

Portland Mayor Sam Adams talks with Karl Dawson, Portland Parks & Recreation’s City Nature Forestry Arborist, and Jalene Braun, Neighborhood Tree Steward volunteer for the Lents Neighborhood; holding Lillian Kestell-Reyes.

Mayor mingles with the masses
One of the many City of Portland officials on hand was Mayor Sam Adams. “The Fix-it Fair is about connecting folks with services. We can’t help people in need if they don’t know that a service that could help them exists.”

Adams said he was happy to work alongside City co-workers, many of whom were volunteering their time to be at the event. “And, I’m a resource for the community. I am here, giving people the opportunity to speak with me directly about issues they may be having with the City. It’s part of my continuous effort to be out and talking with people in an unscripted way.”

What he likes best about the event, Adams confided, is the wide array of resources available. “It’s a great combination of East-Portland-focused organizations and nonprofits, services, education – all in one place. We’re all really focused on the concerns of people here in East Portland – and more importantly, finding solutions.”

Portland Office of Emergency Management’s William Warren is flanked by East Portland Crime Prevention Specialists Rosanne Lee and Teri Poppino.

This year’s Spirit of Portland Award-winning “Emerging Community Leader”, Mark White, tells about the neighborhood association he chairs, Powellhurst-Gilbert – and goes on to pitch this year’s East Portland Expo.

Not too late to benefit
On January 30, the Fix-it Fair comes to Parkrose – specifically, to Parkrose High School – between 8:30 am until 2 pm.

Here’s your chance to learn how to save money and connect with area resources. Did we mention there’s a free lunch and many giveaways by the agencies at fair?  Also, childcare is usually available.

Parkrose High is located at 12003 NE Shaver Street, just off NE 122nd Avenue. For more information, call their voicemail at (503) 823-4309, or e-mail them at fixitfair@ci.portland.or.us, or CLICK HERE to visit their website.

Prairie Hale, Zanger Farm’s community involvement coordinator, holds a jar of unpopped popcorn grown at the farm.

© 2010 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Want to see a really big, ‘Big Band’? Find out why so many people attend the twice-a-year concerts of the Portland Metro Concert Band at David Douglas High School …

Co-conductor Jay Burchak conducts the Portland Metro Concert Band during their winter concert.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The Portland Metro Concert Band Holiday Concert played to a full house on December 18, starting promptly at 7:30 p.m. at the Horner Performing Arts Center at David Douglas High School. And, they started as they usually do – with a stirring rendition of The Star Spangled Banner.

The band is co-conducted by two veteran musicians, Jay Burchak and Jack Mahoney, who stepped in when long-time bandleader Fev Pratt took a hiatus from the podium for health reasons.

“We play the classics, marches, and symphonic band music,” Burchak said. “We’re here for folks who love listening to good, live music.”

The trombone section, staffed by Ken Rideout, Don Adamson, and Tammy Wright, give the band a strong mellow-sounding bass line.

Mahoney added that the band also provides an opportunity for mature musicians to play in a big band setting. “Some of our musicians are professionals. And, we welcome people who want to continue to play music, and to be part of a concert band, long after they’ve graduated from high school and college.”

The first half of the program, conducted by Jay Burchak, included Mozart’s first one-movement overture, performed in Salzburg in 1775, Il Re Pastore. Also featured was the suite composed to reflect Florida villas – called Iberian Escapades.

Larry Wainright plays classic clarinet passages during “A Tribute to Artie Shaw”.

Then, the group turned its talent to an homage of Artie Shaw, playing Dancing in the Dark, Begin the Beguine, Stardust and Frenesi. Rounding out the first half of the show, the band offered Holiday favorites – including A Christmas Portrait and A Most Wonderful Christmas.

This band plays classic (not so much classical) music enjoyed by people of all ages.

Under the baton of Jack Mahoney, the band started off their segment with Pan American March, and handily impressed the audience with their rendition of music from My Fair Lady penned by Frederick Loewe. Then Beguine for Flutes featured soloists Kathie McNett, Nora Taylor, and Melanie Maxon.

After La Mascarada, another paso doble – a lively style of duple meter music frequently used for ballroom dancing – the concert band offered up Holiday favorites, including Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, Feliz Navidad, and a Christmas sing-along.

Co-conductors Jack Mahoney, and Jay Burchak invite you to the next Metro Concert Band concert, which is scheduled for May.

The Portland Metro Concert Band is supported by a grant from the Multnomah County Cultural Coalition and the Oregon Cultural Trust, and performs at community events, and at schools, throughout the year.

To view the Metro Concert Band website, CLICK HERE.

© 2010 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Find out why folks say the best place to see interdisciplinary performances of music, theater, dance – and to see the arts in general – is right off SE Foster Road, at PerformanceWorks NW. The next installment of their ‘Alembic Series’ is playing this weekend …

Richard Decker and his artistic director Lucy Yim, perform “Over, here and now” during “Distilled” at PerformanceWorks NW.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
After spending two decades in New York City, native Oregonian Linda Austin couldn’t find theaters around here offering casual, intimated performances of the arts. So, she created that space, and called it PerformanceWorks NW.

We visited as performers were doing a technical rehearsal – working out lighting and sound cues for their show, “Distilled” – on January 9.

And, with the organization’s cofounder, Jeff Forbes, Austin told us how this unique theater began.

“When I came to Portland, I looked for a theatrical rehearsal space,” Austin began. “Once I had it, I wanted to surround myself with creative people, lots of activities, and also enliven the neighborhood.”

Austin explained that she started out by organizing programs similar to those she enjoyed when living in New York. “There was a plethora of activities there. I used to be part of an improvisation series; so I started an improvisation series here, so I could have one in my ‘house’ – in my building.  After that, our cabaret started out as a replica of programs I’d experienced – a setting that provided an informal way for people to watch live performance and have fun. In a casual and not intimidating setting, people would be able to see unusual performances they wouldn’t normally see.”

That evening’s program, “Distilled”, was a fundraiser supporting their “Alembic Series” of guest artist organized events. “Different artists, from the worlds of dance and performance and video and film have each organized, and invited other artists in, for an evening of performance each month,” Austin said.

Later that evening, ten performance artists performed snippets of their shows or productions giving the audience a wide sampling of Portland’s more lively performance and dance artists.

Dora Gaskill performs her interpretative dance, “Also, of sorts” at the “Distilled” benefit show.

See Alembic #6: DOMESTIC/WILD this weekend
It’s now playing, and running January 23 at 8 pm and on Sunday, January 24 at a 4 p.m. matinee, see “Domestic/Wild”, Curated by Kathleen Keogh and devised by Emily Stone, this “performance lecture” is … well, hard to describe.

In their words, “Intricately weaving sound, dance, performative lecture, and digital video, this show draws connections between overgrown brambles, animal husbandry, dust, late-night kitchen dances, monsters in the closet, mud in your mouth, your pants falling down on a cold day, and getting lost and finding a place to sleep for the night. There will be refreshments at intermission and doors blown open by the wind.  There will be a singing saw and a bass clarinet. Come make yourself at home.”

Admission ranges from $10 to $15 on a sliding scale; reserve seats by calling (503) 777-1907 or visiting “Box Office Tickets” website: CLICK HERE to bring up that web page.

New show in February
In February, look for their next production in the series, called “Alembic #7: Other Wise”.

They describe it as “a collaborative movement inquiry into how we use secondary perceptive mechanisms as a primary way of knowing. Jen Warnock, Adela Basayne, Wendy Tucker and Chelsea Burnett explore the curiosities of intuition, the plasticity of perception, and the potentiality of minor brain malfunctions.”

Other Wise plays at 8:00 p.m. the evenings of February 12, 13 and 15; and features a 4:00 p.m. matinee performance on February 14. Ticket prices are on the same sliding scale as January’s shows.

PerformanceWorks NorthWest is located at 4625 SE 67th Ave. a block north of SE Foster Road. To visit their website, CLICK HERE.

© 2010 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

UPDATED! If you liked these shows way out at the Gresham Little Theater, see why you’ll probably love this closer-in venue! Find out about the upcoming show on January 16 …

Listening to her play, we understand why they say the show’s MC, Kathy Boyd (who plays with the Phoenix Rising Band), is described as having a “ten gallon soul in a two pint body”. Here, she’s plucking her string bass, adding a lively baseline to tunes played during the jam session held before each Eastside Bluegrass Music Series show.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
For several years, folk and bluegrass music impresario Sharon Sandgren produced monthly shows at the Gresham Little Theater – way out east, near Boring. But, when Sandgren moved on to other efforts, the shows were discontinued.

“You might say I’ve picked up where Sharon left off,” Mason Smith, the promoter of the new Eastside Bluegrass Music Series. “We’re putting on shows on the third Saturday night of the month through June this year. It’s going pretty good; people are saying they like the shows here.”

Mason Smith, organizer of the Eastside Bluegrass Music Series, says he enjoys the music and loves the musicians who come to the jam sessions and shows that are now held each month in outer East Portland.

Alternative to the ‘bar scene’
Smith said he took on producing the shows because he enjoys the genre of music, and loves being around the musicians. “If you’re not into the bar scene, there aren’t a lot of venues where you can find good, live acoustic, folk, and bluegrass music. That’s what our programs are all about.”

When we asked Smith if he’s also a musician, he conceded, “I do play mandolin and guitar. Although, that being said, after seven years, I still consider myself a beginner. I like to sing and perform a number during the show with my daughter. Then, we let the professional bands to the rest.”

Provides family entertainment
For a modest price, the Eastside Bluegrass Music Series shows provide good entertainment, Smith commented. “The bands are really top-notch; they are some of the very best in the Pacific Northwest. And the music is presented in a family atmosphere. You’ll feel comfortable having your kids here.”

They offer a full-service snack bar, open before and during the show. There’s no booze, but the event is so much fun, you won’t miss the liquor.

Some folks say they enjoy listening to the jam session before the show as much as to the bands on stage later in the evening.

Full evening’s entertainment
A typical evening starts with a jam session at 5:30 p.m. It’s hard to describe the feeling one has when surrounded by 20 musicians all jamming on one of their favorite songs! Musicians join in as they arrive. By show time about 7:00 p.m. the two-dozen or so musicians are having a regular folk music jamboree.

The formal program is in the same format as the Little Theater shows, Smith said: Two full 50 minute sets, and one 20-minute short set.

Come hear the Roundhouse Bluegrass Band at the January Eastside Bluegrass Music Series program. Band supplied photo

At their January 16 snow, Roundhouse Bluegrass Band starts off with music from a variety of genres, using bluegrass instruments – bass, guitar, mandolin, and banjo. They sing along in duets, trios and quartet harmonies.

Performing next will be the duo of Joan and Fred Coats.

You’ll find out why they say music by The Urban Monroes is “fashioned from the heart of tradition and infused with adrenaline, combining the skills of some of the Pacific Northwest’s finest talent.” Photo by Marie Vecchio

About the show, Smith remarked, “You won’t find better old-time, Bluegrass, and traditional American music anywhere, at any price.” That price is relatively inexpensive – a suggested donation of $8 per adult; kids are free.

The Eastside Bluegrass Music Series is held at the Freedom Foursquare Church auditorium located at 660 SE 160th Avenue (behind the Su Casa store), just south of SE Stark Street. For more information, contact Mason Smith via e-mail at eastsidebluegrass@yahoo.com or call (503) 307-2993.

UPDATE:
Mason Smith reported that about 150 folks turned out to see this show!  They’ve got plenty of room in the hall; so if you like Bluegrass music — plan on seeing their next show on February 20!

© 2010 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News