And, see how the fun folks from the Parkrose Business Association have been promoting the only Portland Rose Festival event east of 82nd Ave‚ the June 24th Parkrose Cruise-in‚

Lt. Joe Rossi, Parkrose Posse, shows around a poster for their “most wanted man”‚ retiring Parkrose Schools superintendent Michael Taylor. The Posse tried to capture him during the Gateway Fun-O-Rama Parade. Remember, the Rossi Barn Bash is coming up on July 14!

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The lighthearted members of the Parkrose Business Association (PBA) are always dreaming up was to have fun‚ while they work hard to beautify their area and provide scholarships for high school seniors.

The group learned about Portland Commissioner Sam Adams’ tour of Parkrose, work progress on the “Sandy Triangle” being renovated by the group, and the upcoming Parkrose Cruise-in.

PBA president Mark Eves, Eves & Wade, LLP welcomes vice president Jon Turino, Farmers Insurance, to the podium to present his “Member Moment”.

Before the guest speaker could be introduced, the meeting was interrupted by members of the Parkrose Posse looking for their “most wanted” man, Michael Taylor, outgoing superintendent of Parkrose Schools. In doing so, they promoted their participation in the May Gateway Fun-O-Rama Parade and Fair — and the BARN BASH on July 14.

County chair speaks, but not about county
Multnomah County Chair Ted Wheeler was the guest speaker. While it may have disappointed some, Wheeler didn’t spend even one minute talking about the county’s budget, the Sellwood Bridge’s needed repairs, nor opening the Wapato Jail.

“I’m glad I was invited to talk about mountaineering,” began Wheeler, “instead of fielding questions about the Executive Budget.”

Wheeler said his father often took the family on “death marches”‚ long hikes. “But these outdoor experiences started a life-long interest in mountain exploring,” said Wheeler.

Multnomah County Chair Ted Wheeler shares his experiences on Mt. Everest.

“I climbed Mt. Everest, not because I wanted to get to the top, but for the adventure,” Wheeler continued. “When I was young, I read adventure stories‚ especially about expeditions and adventures that ‘went wrong’. My bookshelf is filled with books about explorations that went wrong. It has given me a good knowledge of exploration.”

Wheeler says he joined Portland Mountain Rescue. “Here, I developed skills needed to be a mountaineer. After 25 years of experience in rescue, I decided it was time for me to climb Mt. Everest.”

Spring is the best season to climb Mt. Everest, Wheeler went on. “This year, many people have climbed the mountain, the weather has been good. To date there have been only three fatalities on the mountain this year, compared to nine last year‚ a typical number.”

The County Chair said he’s visited Mt. Everest on three different occasions.

“I was part of an expedition seeking explorer George Mallory’s lost camera. Although Mallory was found, we didn’t find the camera, film, nor his lost climbing partner. I’m glad the mystery [of what happened to them] remains.”

Wheeler’s next Mt. Everest adventure was a summit attempt, he went on. “I felt good, did well at altitude, and maintained a good appetite. You need to eat, at 26,000 feet; you burn 10,000 calories an hour.”

Third time not charmed
In 2003 Wheeler said he mad his third, and final, attempt to reach the top of Mt. Everest via the north face.

“This did not go well,” Wheeler stated flatly. “No one died, but the mountain beat the expedition badly. I felt terrible. Summit day requires one to be well, rested, hydrated‚ it didn’t work well. We were stranded on an ice face, then exposed to deteriorated weather. The ropes disappeared under an avalanche. My frostbite has healed, but I still need to be careful in cold weather.”

Wheeler added that he’ll never return to Mt. Everest. “I’ve gotten out of my system.”

Wheeler says weathering the trials of mountaineering helps keep him grounded while presiding over the county’s matters.

Life lessons learned
Asked what he has learned from his mountaineering experiences, Wheeler replied, “Very little fazes me. You survive on the mountain‚ and in business‚ by working and sticking together.

“Mountaineering has taught me to take advice; work with team, and follow a plan. As I wrestle with the budget deficiencies, I can’t know every item in the 800-page [county] budget. I rely on our department heads to help guide me. I let go a little, and trust their judgment.

“And, I remember that no matter how bad your day is going, someone on this planet is having a worse day than you are. I can be in a meeting where people are disagreeing, yet still feel grounded.”

Parkrose Cruise-in fever heats up June 24

At their June 21 meeting, the PBA will be making their final plans for the Portland Rose Festival Parkrose Cruise in on Sunday, June 24.

Event Sponsor, Rex Hollingsworth, Rex Heating & Air Conditioning, rides in the Gateway Fun-O-Rama parade promoting the Parkrose Cruise-in.

In addition to being able to walk among hundreds of antique and special interest vehicles of all kinds, folks can enjoy:

• The famous Swedish Pancake Breakfast;
• Butch & the Buicks’ live music playing all day;
• Food and Fun Vendors;
• A Kids’ Area with activities, compliments of Cascade Athletic Club;
• Two “Blowup Car” Contests ‚Äì guess how long the junkers will run without water, and win cash prizes — compliments of Portland Imports;
• Visit the “Company Store” and shop for 2007 Cruise-in T-shirts, tank tops, and polo shirts, hats, posters, and souvenir Shirts from the event’s first 5 years;
• Raffle Tickets drawn all day long for great prizes.

Longtime PBA supporter and past president, Gordon Boorse of Compaction & Recycling Equipment, is about to fire up the hot rod engine Gail Bash donated to be raffled off at the Parkrose Cruise-in on June 25.

Grand prizes include a $1,500 barbecue donated by event sponsor Rex Heating & Air Conditioning; $2,500 worth of Bob Brown Tire Center tires and wheels sponsored by West Coast Bank; and a 383 cubic inch small block Chevrolet Engine, valued at $18,000, donated by the event’s creator, Gail Bash.

“Proceeds benefit scholarships for Parkrose High School seniors,” said PBA board member Marsha Lee, “and for community enhancement projects here in Parkrose. Come meet our five 2007 scholarship winners at the Cruise-in.”

Show off your vehicle
Registration is just $20; and the first 150 registrants get goodie bags and dashboard plaques. With 55 categories of trophies, many entrants go home winners.

It’s open from 10 am until 3 pm. The group asks you pitch in at least $1.00 for general admission

We’ll see you at the 2007 Parkrose Cruise-in at Parkrose High School and Community Center, 12003 NE Shaver Street (a block west of NE 122nd Ave.).

Meet the PBA
One of our favorite groups meets at one of our favorite restaurants. Come at 11:30 a.m. on June 21 and meet this group of fun, energized business people. You’ll get the best business lunch at town at Steamers Restaurant, 8303 NE Sandy Blvd. (east of NE 82^nd Ave.); NO reservations required. Info: www.parkrosebusiness.org.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

See why this group of otherwise “normal” folks is plotting to invade Portland area parades this year. Show up April 28, Saturday morning, and see them “at work” — having fun — along SE 82nd Avenue ‚Ķ

One of the “PEParazzi” instigators, and pep-squad workshop leader, entertainer Marlene Azar, shows how a simple hand puppet can effectively communicate and engage strangers along a parade route.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
This spring and summer, more Portland area neighborhoods and business districts are hosting parades than ever.

With the aim of engaging bystanders in these parades, a Brentwood-Darlington resident, and president of the Foster Area Business Association, Nancy Chapin, says the idea struck her not long ago: Create a neighborhood parade cheer-leading squad.

“Parades build a sense of community because they bring people together,” Chapin tells us.

Chapin enlisted the aid of an individual involved in entertainment for 18 years, Marlene Azar (a/k/a “Eartha the Ecological Clown”).

“Our idea is to create a group of ‘parade cheerleaders’,” Azar tells us. “Our goal is to help make our business district and neighborhood parades more fun.”

Creates a new category: Parade liaison
Azar says individuals and groups march or ride in parades for the fun of it. Spectators line the streets, because they enjoy seeing the parade.

“But, we’re creating a third group of folks ‚Äì I think it’s an entirely new concept ‚Äì people who help connect the viewers with the participants. We’re working with individuals who have joined our group to help them bring out their creative ideas. Each member of our squad has their own special way of connecting with people.”

Chapin interjects, “This is a new concept. It could grow nationwide! But, first, we’re starting with East Portland events.”

Although a professional clown, instructor Marlene Azar says she’s trying to help people become parade liaisons ‚Äì not clowns.

Although Azar communicates her message of “being good to the planet Earth” through clowning, she says, “This isn’t a clown school. We are helping our people create unique ways for them to become liaisons, connecting observers with parade participants.”

Taa Daa! Introducing the PEParazzi, at the 82nd Ave. Parade
Chapin says the group has chosen a new name ‚Äì they’re now officially called the PEParazzi. The novel idea behind this group has even garnered two official sponsors, Pacific Power and ShedRain.

Their first outing will be along the route of the first annual “82nd Avenue of Roses Parade” on Saturday, April 28th that starts at 9:00 a.m.

The Avenue of Roses Parade starts at Eastport Plaza, 4000 SE 82nd Avenue.  The parade will travel north along 82nd Avenue, then west on SE Yamhill, disbanding at SE 78th Avenue.

Got PEP? Join them!
“The parade season is just starting,” says Chapin. “If you love parades, but don’t necessarily want to march in them, come join us!”

Interested in joining the PEParazzi team? Come to the next workshop on Sunday, May 6 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Once again, Azar will be on hand to help participants better develop techniques for creating humorous connections between spectators and participants, as well as teaching costuming and light make-up ideas.

To participate, or for more information, contact Nancy Chapin at (503) 313-1665.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

From the Lion Dance, to arts and crafts, to inexpensive Asian food ‚Äì to young Woodstock students who “stole the show” with their performances ‚Äì see what happened at this colorful celebration ‚Ķ

Hello, kitties! This kitty-cat dance, performed by Kindergarten students at Woodstock Elementary School, charmed the crowd.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Welcoming the “Year of the Pig”, celebrants packed Portland Community College (PCC) Southeast Center on February 19.

This pan-Asian celebration included greetings, arts and entertainment from Thailand, Japan, Korea, and Viet Nam, as well as China.

Making introductory remarks opening the Chinese New Year celebration is Wing-Kit Chung, Associate VP, Finance, Portland Community College.

Everyone, including Americans, is having a good time here today,” PCC’s associate vice president of Wing-Kit Chung, told us. “At PCC, we value the different cultures in Portland. Being aware of different cultures adds to the educational experience.”

Rosalin C. Wang demonstrates Chinese decorative knot tying.

Cultural education abounds
Some of the cultural activities included a class by Rosalin C. Wang, in which she taught kids and adults the art of Chinese decorative knot tying.

Wang, a published author, teaches a variety of art classes at libraries throughout the area.

Writing names in Chinese, Ping Khaw shows his skill as calligraphist. He’s written the Chinese version of “David” on the card he holds.

And, Ping Khaw demonstrated Chinese brush calligraphy. Many American names don’t directly translate into Mandarin.

When there isn’t a direct translation, he said, he chooses syllables in Chinese that mirror those in English. Many times, the Chinese version of a name is a pun, relating to the name to the individual.

Lion Dancers from the Minh Quang Group, based in Portland, kick off the event as they work their way through the crowd at PCC’s Southeast Center.

Lions charge crowd; no one is eaten
The celebration got underway with the greetings from civic and school officials – and the traditional Lion Dance.

The acrobatic young performers from the Minh Quang Group worked their way through the throng and back to the front. As part of their performance, audience members “feed ‘lucky money'” to the lions by tossing dollar bills on the floor. The lions lap up the cash.

The lions “roar” as they tower high about the crowd, ending the celebratory dance that kicks off the festival.

At the conclusion of the dance, the lion’s “head” dancer leaps on the shoulders of the “tail” dancer ‚Äì making the fanciful character stand nearly 15 feet tall.

Woodstock kids steal the show
Young performers from Woodstock Elementary School’s Mandarin Immersion Program entertained the large crowd of nearly 400 in the Grand Atrium of the PCC Southeast Center with a variety of dances and singing numbers.

Wearing colorful costumes, students – from kindergarteners on up – performed traditional dances, sang songs, and played percussion instruments.

Woodstock teacher Shen Yin was very busy, staging the young performers and organizing their props. She beamed with pride. “The students performed well today.”

We asked Yin why learning new languages benefits students who live in inner Southeast Portland.

“When children learn a new language,” Yin explained, “it helps them learn about new cultures; it helps create mutual understanding. Also, it makes them better able to learn things, in general. It helps their academics because it expands their thinking process,” she said.

Can’t eat with chopsticks? Not a problem! PCC’s Anna Villines demonstrates the art (and skill) of using chopsticks as dining utensils.

Festivities continue throughout day
In addition to a full schedule of entertainment and arts demonstrations, folks who attended the Chinese New Year celebration were treated to a low cost luncheon.

Jain Lo, Chinese fine artist demonstrates the ancient art of brush painting at the celebration.

Before we left, Wing-Kit Chung, said, “I’m very pleased. This is a very happy, successful event.”

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Look at this and discover why energetic volunteers work hard to keep the Woodstock Community Center vital – and the doors open …

Joe Kaczyk brings Black Bean Fritters, courtesy of The Delta Caf?©, to the Woodstock Community Center Open House.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Times haven’t been easy for Friends of Woodstock Community Center recently. Time after time, the city has threatened to pull funding for the center, and shutter it forever.

Florence Dezeix plays a Celtic harp, filling the community center with the warm, lush sounds of merry melodies.

However, on February 10, the stately community center, once a city fire station, is full of life.

“There have been some “close shaves” for the center’s closing, acknowledges volunteer Terry Griffiths. “Indeed, some very, very ‘close shaves’,” Griffiths agrees.

“But today, we’re celebrating the fact that our community center is still open, thanks to the support and efforts of our neighbors. We’re here today saying ‘thank you’ to all of the neighbors who support us.”

Woodstock Community Center volunteers Randall Magahay and Terry Griffiths relax at the Open House.

Griffiths tells us this community center is important because it provides a place for the people of the Woodstock area to get together, take classes. “It’s a nice, intimate space, and close to home for a lot of people who walk here.”

Randall Magahay says he takes clock repair class on Mondays, and attends Wednesday yoga sessions. “It’s nice to do this right here where we live, instead of traveling far and wide.” As a volunteer, Magahay says he’s happy to give to the center. “I do landscape maintenance and plant growing, and donate to the plant sale.”

The kitchen counter is laden with treats. We see cupcakes brought in by Island Creamery, His Bakery scones, New Seasons’ offering of fruit and bread, Delta Caf?© fritters, and Papaccino’s coffee.

“We did this to help raise both awareness and funds for the community center,” comments one of the event’s organizers, Gary Bankston. “This is turning out to be a fun event for the whole neighborhood. We have an art show and raffle and silent auction here.”

Alison O’Donoghue exhibits her buttons and painting, sketches on her current work, and chats with passers-by.

Filled with arts and crafts
We moved into the Mirror Room, and found it filled with works of art. Proceeds from this art sale help support the community center, we’re told.

Artist George Heath offers his “sculptural cartoons” for sale at the Open House.

We meet George Heath. “I just create what comes to mind when I make my ceramics.” Asked what he calls his cheerful, colorful artworks, he first says, “Well, they’re called Earl, Bob, Ted ‚Äì and Bill! Hillary is yet to come.” He pauses, searching for a better answer to our question; then opts for the term, “sculptural cartoons”.

Making Valentine’s Day cards is Maile Baures (center), between her sons Adrian and Loic.

The basement has been turned into a children’s art workshop. Pink paper, hearts and other Valentine’s Day decorations abound, as kids make cards for family and friends.

Join the community
On the way out, Griffiths confided, “The Friends of Woodstock Community Center could use some help. We need a financial person to help us better our accounts.”

Another way one can participate is to can take classes at the center she said. “And, we always welcome volunteers. Of course, you can make a tax- deductible contribution to the Center via Southeast Uplift.”

Learn more by going to www.woodstockpdx.org.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

See youngsters meet the composer of a new orchestral work, moments before it’s played at its world premiere ‚Ķ

Duncan Neilson, composer of “Heart of the Wild” takes a moment to talk with young music lovers, moments before his latest work is rehearsed for the evening world premiere concert.

Story and photo by David F. Ashton
The Portland Chamber Orchestra typically performs in the Kaul Auditorium at Reed College. But their afternoon rehearsal and evening concert were special events on January 27.

“We have two world premieres tonight,” Rosalie Neilson, vice president of the orchestra told us. “This is a special day for us. Portland Chamber Orchestra plays the classics. But, we also are bringing arts together with a multimedia presentation.”

The free afternoon dress rehearsal was special for kids. Many of the dozens of kids who came were treated to snacks and face painting.

Before the rehearsal began, the composer of “Heart of the Wild” ‚Äì a work about to have its world premiere ‚Äì Duncan Neilson talked with the youngsters about his work.

“I’d been studying bear imagery in folklore around the world,” Neilson told them, “and found the bear is frequently associated with rejuvenation. The bear sleeps in the winter, and wakes up in the spring — much like springtime awakens plants and animals.”

Neilson’s orchestral piece was accompanied by visuals projected on a screen above the orchestra, and narration.

Maestro Vaacov Bergman, Portland Chamber Orchestra music director, leads the musicians at their free afternoon rehearsal.

The other world premiere was composer Forrest Pierce’s “Great River of the West”, another composition highlighting the importance of Nature.

The youngsters were also inspired by Andy Liang, a 15-year violin student. He’s the concertmaster of the Portland Youth Philharmonic. Liang was the featured soloist performing Samuel Barber’s Violin Concerto, opus 14.

We learned that this 38-member orchestra has been a part of Portland for 60 years. Their season will continue through the spring. For more information, see www.portlandchamberorchestra.org.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

There are more than books at your local branch library. See what others heard during this cultural – and entertaining – presentation …

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.

¬© 2007 ~ David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

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 ‚Ķ

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 – 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.

¬© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News

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

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 – first sitting on the floor, then dancing around the meeting room – 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.

¬© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News

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

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.

¬© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News

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

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 – as well as her personal charisma – 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 – often presented without charge – at various venues throughout East Portland!

¬© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News

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

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.

¬© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News

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 ‚Ķ

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.

¬© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News