Events, Fairs & Fun « East PDX News

Lively Latin music fills Midland Library

There are more than books at your local branch library. See what others heard during this cultural ‚Äì and entertaining ‚Äì presentation ‚Ä¶

Accomplished guitarist Alfredo Muro, accompanied by percussionist Dave Fischer, filled Midland Library with rich musical passages in December.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
As part of a continuing series featuring cultural presentations of arts from around the world, Midland Library hosted an innovative program for its patrons a few weeks ago.

Although some said his commentary was slightly over-amplified, Lynn Darroch wove tales highlighting Latin culture artistry.

Entitled “Beyond the Border: Musical Stories of Latin America”, writer Lynn Darroch presented a series of narratives about musicians, authors, and others in the Latin world.

Those stories were set to music, performed live by guitarist Alfredo Muro, and accompanied by percussionist Dave Fischer.

Check our Community Calendar listings for other free, culturally-enriching events to be found at your Midland Library.

Portland Metro Band performs in perfect holiday pitch

If you haven’t seen ‚Äì and heard ‚Äì this band, read this article and find out why you should look for their next performance ‚Ä¶

Under the baton of co-conductor Fev Pratt, the Portland Metro Band starts off the second half of the evening’s program.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Many people love good, live, orchestral band music ‚Äì but hate the high-ticket prices charged for downtown performances. Nor are they thrilled with fighting for a parking place, after battling traffic to get there.

But, the hundreds of folks who filled the Howard Horner Performing Arts Center at David Douglas High School a couple of weeks ago enthusiastically received the holiday performance of the Portland Metro Band.

The concert, co-directed by Jay Burchak and Fev Pratt, provided a full evening of musical entertainment, ranging from marches to rhapsodies, plus Christmas music.

Trumpet-soloing “Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas” are Jay Burchak, Mike Claritzio, and Larry Demas.

Started as the Milwaukie Elks Big Band, the Portland Metro Concert Band now numbers 45 musicians. The band includes amateurs, as well as musicians who play professionally. Members represent many fields of endeavor–including medicine, education, law enforcement, and computer programming.

All of the musicians and directors are volunteers. The band is a non-profit organization, and accepts donations at their concerts to defray their operating expenses.

Merry musician makes music that tickles tots and teens

He claims that music truly is the “universal language” ‚Äì see how Rich Glauber uses jokes and songs to tempt kids into the library ‚Ä¶

Using the magic of music to make friends with kids, Rich Glauber brings his program to Sellwood Branch Library as part of its Fall Programs schedule.

Story and photo by David F. Ashton
Portland-area musician Rich Glauber travels the globe as a performer. Recently, he has appeared in Costa Rica, Israel, and Spain.

So, what was this classically-trained musician doing ‚Äì first sitting on the floor, then dancing around the meeting room ‚Äì at the Sellwood Branch Library on November 4?

“I’m doing my favorite thing,” Glauber told us, “sharing the wonder and delight of music with kids.”

Early in the program, some parents acted concerned when their little ones started sitting closer and closer to the musician. “It’s OK, we’re all having fun today,” Glauber said as he started into his next song.

It wasn’t long until both children and parents fell under Glauber’s spell.

Because he brought a large number of percussion instruments, soon listeners became performers as he played and sang original songs.

Glauber wasn’t sitting on the floor for very long. Soon, playing his Tango Accordion, he was more like the “Pied Piper”, leading both kids and adults around while they sang and did an eclectic dance.

Says libraries are ‘positive energy places’
As Glauber was getting ready for his show, we asked him why he liked performing in, of all places, libraries.

“The library is one of the last bastions of positive energy in the community. It is a place where the arts can live.” With funding problems, he added, it is difficult for schools to bring in special music programs.

“Look at these kids,” Glauber beamed. “From toddlers to young teenagers, parents and grandparents, they’re all here to enjoy the program. I look to put out positive energy into this positive place.”

At other locations, we’ve seen Glauber put on his energetic program. But, does he get anything back from his young audiences?

“Absolutely! I get energy from all these smiles I see here today. I totally get back more good energy than I give. People are moving and having fun. It is a small room, but we’ll all be moving and having fun. As you saw, we get the parents moving, too. The kids see the parents get involved, and it turns them on to participate, too!”

When he’s not trekking around the globe, Glauber shares his “Music in Action” around the Pacific Northwest area.

For more information about Glauber, see www.richglauber.com.

Cat care group benefits from Brooklyn art open house

See what happens when a cat lover dedicates her studio’s open house to the care of feral cats ‚Ä¶

Karen Kraus, executive director of Feral Cat Coalition of Oregon helps Dorothy Steele show off a “cat platter” which the artist is raffling off to help fund the spaying and neutering of feral cats.

Story and photo by David F. Ashton
This time of year, many in Inner Southeast Portland’s creative community hold open houses and sales.

What is special about the event at the Dorothy Steele Studio on December 8?

“This year,” Steele told us without pause, “in addition to raffling off a ‘cat platter’, a percentage of our sales go to the Feral Cat Coalition of Oregon.”

Steele said she’s been making colorful cat- and nature-themed pottery for 25 years, 16 of them at her location in the Brooklyn neighborhood.

“I’m a real cat lover, and I’ve always done cat-themed pottery. And, I know that the Feral Cat Coalition volunteers do a great job of helping keep the population of feral cats down.”

The artist said her work has evolved into creating pottery decorated with impressions of plants native to Oregon. “I press them into the clay to make the design, and lots of vibrant color. My work is functional, food-safe, and you can use it in the microwave. Above all, it speaks of Oregon.” To learn more, see Steele’s Internet website: www.dorothysteelestudio.com.

Works of five artists are on display, and on sale, at the Dorothy Steele Studio in Brooklyn.

Reducing feral cat population
Steele introduced us to Karen Kraus, executive director of Feral Cat Coalition of Oregon. “Spaying and neutering is important, because there is a cat overpopulation problem. It isn’t just in Portland; all across the country there are too many feral cats. Our program is for feral and stray cats who have a caregiver kind enough to feed them, but who understands that these cats shouldn’t reproduce.”

Kraus said they’ve spayed or neutered 3,000 cats a year, and have assisted with more than 27,000 cats since they started the program.

The organization holds two neuter clinics a month near the Rose Garden. If you care about a feral, stray, or barn cat, find out more by calling (503) 797-2606, or by visiting www.feralcats.com.

Internationally-acclaimed concert organist dazzles East Portland audience

See the massive pipe organ that got a real workout when this musical artist visited Hazelwood a few weeks ago ‚Ä¶

Dame Gillian Weir played classical music on the concert pipe organ at the Sunnyside Seventh-day Adventist church with such skill, it sounded like an orchestra.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Dame Gillian Weir, visiting Portland from England, is hailed as one of the world’s foremost musical artists. Her career as an internationally-acclaimed concert organist, performing worldwide at the great festivals and with leading orchestras and conductors, has established her as a distinguished musician.

A few weeks ago, Weir demonstrated her virtuosity and outstanding musicianship ‚Äì as well as her personal charisma ‚Äì as she performed at the Sunnyside Seventh-day Adventist Church in Hazelwood.

Dame Weir, at the console.

“This organ,” she told us before presenting her program of ten selections, “is an absolute delight on which to perform.” Audience members showed their appreciation with their applause as Weir played works of Bonnet, Scarlatti, Bach and others.

The event, offered free to the public, was well attended. “Hosting concerts, like this one, is our way of connecting with the community,” a representative of the church said.

Watch our Community Calendar for other great concerts ‚Äì often presented without charge ‚Äì at various venues throughout East Portland!

New costumes grace Portland Metro’s ballerinas

Throughout the year, the Portland Metro Performing Arts Center helps youngsters learn theater arts. See how their performance of the “Odalisque Variations from Le Corsaire” was enhanced by the new tutus ‚Ä¶

Two dancers admire the new costume worn by Meng Paulson as she prepares for the November 17th performance of Le Corsaire at Portland Metro Performing Arts Center.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Nothing lifts the spirits of performers more than great costuming. Thanks to a generous donation, Metro Dancers’ ballerinas are now dancing pretty.

“We’re excited, you bet!” exclaimed Nancy Yeamans, director of Metro Dancers and executive director of Portland Metro Performing Arts Center. “These tutus are designed and sewn by the same costumer who creates them for the San Francisco and New York ballet companies. It is like getting a ‘black belt’ in ballet, when you get to wear a costume like this.”

The young dancers agreed, as they primped and readied themselves for the performance on November 17. “I feel so professional wearing this costume,” said a ballerina, as she pinned on her small hat.

Performing the Odalisque Variations from Le Corsaire at Portland Metro Performing Center, in their new costumes, are (back row) Nadia De LaTorre, Lorianne Barclay, Krista Bennett; (front row) Meng Paulson and Emily Sevy.

“The ‘Odalisque Variations from Le Corsaire’,” Yeamans explained, “is a ballet that takes place in an Arabian pasha’s palace. It is an exotic dance. An Odalisque was a lady idolized for her beauty. The ballet is special because it has a rich variety of movement.”

Coming up in December, they’ll be holding their Nutcracker Workshop. The center’s director said, “We do the entire Nutcracker Suite in three days. The kids love it because they can learn all the wonderful parts and variations. Parents love it because it takes place on three consecutive days, December 19 through 21.”

To find out more, see www.pdxmetroarts.org or call (503) 408-0604.

Symphony brings the classics alive in Hazelwood

At their fall concert, the Sunnyside Symphony Orchestra brought proficiently played classical music to East Portland. Read and see who their guest artist was ‚Ä¶

Travis Hatton conducts the Sunnyside Symphony Orchestra as it plays the Overture to “Music For The Royal Fireworks” by G. F. Handel.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Word about the world-class Sunnyside Symphony Orchestra ‚Äì a group that plays its concerts in Hazelwood ‚Äì has been spreading across the city. “They play wonderful concerts,” said Emma Blacklan as she arrived. “I drove here from Forest Grove.”

The orchestra, under the baton of conductor Travis Hatton, is a volunteer organization composed of musicians who “play for the love of music,” Hatton told us. “Many of their number are professional musicians who share their talent with us.”

The concerts are held in the Sunnyside Seventh-day Adventist Church on SE Market Street. But, these events aren’t religious meetings. “We love playing here because of the acoustics, and they support our work,” Hatton commented.

Wendy Edgar, the featured soloist, plays her viola at the Sunnyside Symphony Orchestra’s fall concert.

Violist featured
Wendy Edgar, both a professional performer and teacher, was the featured soloist at this concert. Edgar was accompanied by the orchestra, as they played “Lyric Movement for Viola and Small Orchestra” by Gustav Holst.

The major work presented at their November concert was “Symphony No. 4 in D minor, opus 120” by Robert Schumann.

As word has gotten around about Sunnyside Symphony Orchestra concerts, the group plays to full houses.

Look for their spring concert listing in our Community Calendar. By the way, the concerts ‚Äì and parking ‚Äì are free! A very, very good price to hear the world’s greatest music, played live.

Goodies, not goblins, delight tots at two Halloween events

See the fun that kids had at the
East Portland Community Center’s Halloween Carnival,
and Midland Library’s “Day of the Dead” events ‚Ä¶

Enjoying the Halloween Carnival are (left side) Jaime Cole with her parents Dave and Pearl, and (right side) Kamrin Yee with her parents, Karlan and Karen.

Story and lots ‘o’ photos by David F. Ashton
Before the memory of this year’s Halloween festivities get washed away by the oncoming rush toward the Thanksgiving Day holiday, we thought you’d like to see the fun kids had at two different, but similar, celebrations.

East Portland Community Center’s Halloween Carnival
“Welcome to our ninth annual Halloween Carnival,” smiled center director Abbe MacFarlane, as she continued her task of filling orange and black balloons with helium on Oct. 28. “We hold this in cooperation with the Montavilla Community Center and Portland Park Bureau.”

Shelli Stuhr encourages Aryana Henry to play and win a prize from game attendant Helen Wu.

“This carnival gives kids the opportunity to get out and have fun in a safe, clean environment. They wear costumes, have games, face painting, crafts and hear stories,” MacFarlane explained.

Hundreds of kids spend the Saturday before Halloween playing fun games for prizes at the East Portland Community Center.

In the food service area, families were enjoying three-course hot dog dinners. The craft room provided materials for kids to make Halloween decorations. Scary stories were being read in another area. And, the event wouldn’t have been complete without face painting!

John, Jasmin, Olivia and Odessa stop to say hello before they get the face- painting “beauty treatment”.

As we left, the carnival was winding down. We checked at the door; the greeter’s silver hand counter read 1,113 ‚Äì very close to the 1,120 people they had hoped for.

Midland Library’s D??a de los Muertos/Day of the Dead

Look at all the families who are having fun celebrating “Day of the Dead” at Midland Library!

On October 30, Midland Library’s large assembly room was swarming with kids, mostly in costume, as they learned the traditions of D??a de los Muertos ‚Äì translated, Day of the Dead.

“This event draws on the Hispanic tradition, D??a de los Muertos,” explained event coordinator, Brenda Detering de Lopez. “This celebration helps make Halloween also a time we can celebrate those who have gone before us.”

Youth Librarian Barbara Gorter reads a scary story with so much enthusiasm and acting ability, even some of the adults are enraptured by the tale “Under the Bed”.

Detering de Lopez continued, “In church or at home, the focus is on celebrating departed family and loved ones. But here at the library, it’s about using our imaginations and dressing up as some of our heroes or favorite story-book characters.”

Volunteer Adriana Gonzales helps kids at the event to make crafts, like paper flowers.

The event included an exposition of altars, kid’s crafts, story telling, a costume parade and games.

Helping were students from Parkrose and David Douglas High School who showed kids how to use their imaginations while they had a fun and safe time at the library.

Everyone found it difficult to sit still, as Groupo Condor played pre-Columbian music from Peru and Mexico.

Harvest fest fills SE street with food and fun

See why food samples, a pie-eating contest and musical entertainment drew a merry throng of folks to this annual event at SE Portland’s People’s Co-op ‚Ä¶

In the lower part of this photo, standing next to the blue canopy, you’ll see Celtic Sheppard Creamery’s Brendan Enright (in the striped apron) visits with People’s Co-op farmer’s market coordinator Ariana Jacob (wearing the hoop skirt) amid the bustle of market’s Harvest Festival.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Drivers who were trying to cut between SE Powell Ave. and Division St. using SE 21st Ave. found a detour blocking their way between SE Tibbetts St. and Brooklyn St. on Wednesday, October 4th.

In our case, however, we were delighted, not angered, with this discovery–we’d found the location of the annual People’s Food Co-op Harvest Festival. We stopped and joined in.

When we asked to speak with People’s “boss”, we were kindly informed that this unique, full-line grocery store is owned by the community and is cooperatively run. We were introduced to the Farmer’s Market Coordinator, Ariana Jacob.

Farm and craft street party
“Today’s Farmer’s Market is special. Welcome to our Harvest Festival,” Jacob greeted us.

She told us that People’s Food Co-op provides the best, most wholesome food available at the lowest price possible. The co-op, now in its 36th year, has always supported local farmers, producers, and craftspeople.

“Some of our suppliers decided to have a Farmer’s Market; it operates on Wednesdays,” Jacob said. “Unlike other markets, the People’s Farmer’s Market operates year around.”

A fun feature of the Harvest Festival is the pie-eating contest. It looked like all entrants won ‚Äì a belly full of fresh, organic pie!

Bringing people together
“Our festival brings out everybody, all at once. Neighbors who live nearby come and join in our celebration along with People’s Food Co-op member/owners for a fun time. We spend time together, eating food, and drinking cider, wine, and beer. We celebrate the bountiful harvest and the spirit of community.”

In conjunction with farmers and producers offering samples of food, produce, breads, organic cheeses, the festival annually hosts a craft fair.

The People’s Co-op Harvest Festival turned SE 21st Avenue into a festival center, featuring food vendors, crafts, and lots of entertainment.

Meet a farmer (or is he a rancher?)
Jacob informed us that consumers like the farmer’s market because they can speak directly with even the smallest food producers here. “They run their own businesses, work the land with their own hands, and sell it directly to the customers.”

One local food producer we met was Celtic Shepherd Creamery’s Brendan Enright. “I sell my sheep cheese here. This market gives us the opportunity to educate consumers about our products.”

Enright said they operate a family farm outside of Canby. On 40 acres, they heard 40 sheep, and operate their own licensed cheese-making operation. “We’re only one of two in Oregon,” he stated. “Did you know sheep milk has more calcium and protein than cow’s milk?

One of the musical acts entertaining people at the Harvest Festival’s is this duo, named “Beliss”.

Co-op open to all
While everyone is welcome to shop at People’s, Jacob told us, those who choose membership shop at a discount. Folks who become “hands-on owners” by volunteering at the co-op earn substantial reductions in their grocery bill.

The co-op is located at 3029 SE 21st Ave., between Division and Powell open daily and is from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m. The Farmer’s Market is open year-around on Wednesdays, 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.

For more information, see www.peoples.coop or call (503) 232.9051.

Spook-tacular ghost town tour supports Parkrose High senior party

Make plans to visit the Rossi Haunted Ghost Town this weekend
— for fun, thrills, and chills ‚Ä¶

You’ll find plenty of creepy ghosts and spooks and ghouls in, around, and flying over Rossi Haunted Ghost Town this season.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
One of the best annual Halloween events in outer East Portland is the Haunted Ghost Town at Rossi Farms.

The least scary part of the ghost town is buying your ticket. Dave Kuhn, Mary Brown, Christopher Allen and Vinicio Benois check guests who have come to be scared.

Supports a good cause
“This is our biggest fundraiser for the Drug & Alcohol Free Senior All Night Party,” Mary Brown, event coordinator, told us. “Lots of kids are involved. We have members of the Parkrose High Dance Team here again this year. And, drama students put on costumes and makeup to provide a scary-but-safe atmosphere.”

Last year, Brown told is, they raised $4,000. “We’re hoping for that much again. Saturday night drew more than 400 guests.”

Our ghostly gallery
We’re not going to spoil the fun by revealing all of the surprises, but take a look at these photos for a preview of the “fun” you can expect this year!

It’s “Thriller” time again ‚Äì and these dancers will give you the creeps!

Looks like Turkey Creek Tom and his gang died and went to ‚Ä¶ ? From the looks of the dynamite bundle he just lit, our guess is he wants to take some new “friends” with him.

It’s Electra, the Electric Girl. In fact, we’re told every thing she has is charged!

Look out! This creepy quartet may scare the nightlights out of you! Remember their motto, “Touch nothing, and it won’t touch you ‚Ä¶ usually.”

It looks like one of ghouls escaped!

Rossi Farms Haunted Ghost Town
Come early, if you have young ones who may be easily frightened. The fun gets more intense later in the evening.

Come October 27, 28 and 29. It opens at 6:30 p.m. and runs until 9:00 p.m. (or so). Admission is $9.00 adults; $5.00 children under 12yrs. Rossi Farms is located at 3839 NE 122nd Ave. just south of NE Shaver St.

Couple’s passion for the macabre delights Johnson Creek neighbors

Be careful driving corner of SE Johnson Creek Blvd. and 43rd Ave. ‚Äì ghosts and goblins abound at their Halloween-decorated home ‚Ä¶

East Portland’s “ghost hosts with the most”, Jeff and Chris Davis, invite guests who dare, to drive or walk past their spooked-out home.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
One look at their place, all decked out for Halloween, and it’s easy to understand how Jeff and Chris Davis turn their abode into an elaborate spook show. Turning their modest 1930’s-era home into a creepy Hollywood-like set required an abundance of imagination, lots of hard work ‚Äì and a $6,000 budget.

So much for “how”. We visited the Davis’ on their property at the corner of SE Johnson Creek Blvd. and 43rd Ave. to learn why they dedicatedly decorated for Allhallows Eve.

“We like Halloween,” said Jeff simply. “And, it is a lot of fun. It is mainly that we get to express ourselves.”

Chris chimed in, “There is a lot of creativity in all this. We’ve figured out ways to improve our display. It’s grown every year for eight years.”

Jeff said he attended a convention dedicated to Halloween events and decorations, and picked up new lighting and special effects used in their tableau of terror.

The Davis Haunted Grave Yard wouldn’t be complete, they said, without a cathedral ‚Äì so they built one ‚Äì complete with its own ghost.

New ‘cathedral’ towers over the graveyard
The couple proudly spoke of their largest set piece, a cathedral. The fa?ßade is built on the front of their garage and shop, towering prominently at the back of their driveway.

“If people look closely,” Jeff said, “They’ll see a ghost in the upper window.” The couple even came up with a method of making realistic-looking stained-glass windows. “But, everything packs down into a relatively small space,” Jeff told us.

Neighbors are entertained
“Our neighbors say they’re impressed, and say they love seeing what we come up with every year,” Jeff grinned.

“We get a lot of great compliments,” Chris added, “People come from all over to see our display. It seems as much fun for them as it is for us.”

As we were photographing the spook-making couple, neighbor Rick Denton walked up. “I really enjoy what they do. But then, I love this kind of stuff. Being a magician, I play with stuff like this. I know how much care and effort they put into their production. It’s wonderful.”

Jeff and Chris Davis stand with their friend who is “hanging around” for a while. They welcome visitors to look–but from outside the gates of their property.

Ghosts everywhere
This year, the Davis Graveyard features 40 individually-lit tombstones, six monuments, three animated features and projected special effects. A large, hooded monk figure is set up so he can talk to, and interact with, passers-by.

Hoping to turn their passion into a business, the couple is writing a book to help others learn how to make props and transform their own yards into elaborately Halloween-themed sets. Interested? See www.davisgraveyard.com for more details

Pirates invade Portland; screams can be heard for blocks

Screams of laughter, that is. While this isn’t an East Portland event, take a look at this wild “Pirate Party” we attended in St. Johns recently ‚Ä¶

On the Pirate Festival stage are instigators Kate Larsen, Shuhe, Cpt. Bogg, and Broadside Johnnie. Fortunately, we weren’t forced to “walk the plank”.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Occasionally, we venture from the safe realms of East Portland seeking excitement and adventure. On September 23, we found it at the Pirate Festival at Cathedral Park in the St. Johns neighborhood.

Buccaneers Jenny Rideout and “Salty Ruby”, enjoying a day at the festival of all things pirate.

We were told that the “Brotherhood Of Oceanic Mercenaries”, a/k/a BOOM, and others, were behind this festival — at which cannons roared, cutlasses clashed, and chanties were sung, as attendees re-enacted “The Golden Age of Piracy.” (Learn more at www.boompirates.com.)

But, we had found out about it by way of our favorite scallywags, Captain Bogg & Salty. We’ve documented this band over the years as they’ve emerged as the ultimate pirate rock band for all ages. Perhaps you read about the Sellwood Park “library rock shows” for the kids a few weeks ago.

Dan Koslicki, Kristen Ferris and Luke Dempsey join up for some pirate fun.

Dressed in costume, Luke Dempsey and his pals looked they were having a great time at the festival. “I came here from Oregon City. It’s so much fun.”

“Captain Bogg and Salty is the reason I came today. I love ’em,” Kristen Ferris told us.

Dan Koslicki said “It is a great time to hear some good music, see some really — and I mean really — interesting people, while we get away from the ‘real world’ for a while.”

Those lucky enough to get a ticket got to step back in time for an interactive adventure aboard the War of 1812 American Privateer “Lynx”. Those who took the trip said that history came alive for them, on board this beautiful 122-foot Schooner.

Thryce Wycked Wenches were singing “You can’t be a pirate with all of your parts; it’s all fun and games till you lose a hand” ‚Äì and, other rather bawdy-but-delightful songs whose lyrics are better sung then printed. (See www.getwycked.org .)

Plying their wares and providing exotic (not erotic) entertainment are practitioners of “dance Orientale, Kiara and Namira Azar.

Captain Bogg told us, “The festival has turned out even better than we’d ever expected! We certainly intend to do this again next year!”

Last chance for pirate fun on October 22
If you missed the Pirate Festival, or their big library event in Sellwood Park, “weigh anchor” with Captain Bogg & Salty as they perform pirate jigs, galloping rock and mermaid lullabies one more time this fall at Midland Library.

Discover the tradition of pirate music as the band sings tales and tunes for buccaneers of all ages. Hey, these guys are fun, so plan on coming early to get a seat, even if you don’t have kids! Their show runs from 3 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, October 22nd. Space at programs is limited; seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis — at Midland Library, 805 S.E. 122nd Ave.