Discover why this music professional chose to entertain at a garden party in his own Lents neighborhood back yard …
Enjoying both the sun – and the shade – of a Sunday afternoon, folks arrive in an outer East Portland backyard for a private concert in Lents.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The concert it was once postponed once due to weather, but on a recent sunny Sunday afternoon a group of socially-distanced folks gathered at a Lents neighborhood house – in the backyard of Brenda and Steve Adams’ home – for a live concert.
Brenda welcomed guests into their naturescaped yard, as Steve set up his instruments.
Brenda Adams and Steve Adams. say they enjoy hosting intimate musical events at their home.
“I’m a ‘Cracked Pots’ artist, and we’ve also done concerts in support of them,” Brenda commented. “Then, we found out about how the ‘Lents Neighborhood Livability Association’ helps people in our community, picks up trash, and supports our law enforcement – and hosting this concert for their benefit seemed like a good fit!”
“I’m a solo guitarist,” chimed in Steve. “Today, I’ll be playing some solo classical and jazz, and a few pop tunes as well,” he told East Portland News. CLICK HERE to see Steve’s website.
Steve Adams makes sure his classical guitar is in tune, before the concert begins.
Steve said he would be drawing musical selections from his 3½ hour repertoire of songs, performing on both an acoustic nylon-string guitar for classical selections, and an arch-top jazz guitar for some tunes by Duke Ellington and for Charles Mingus Jr. compositions.
He’d typically be playing with a couple of the top show bands in Portland, but since the arrival of the COVID-19 coronavirus, live entertainment around here has stopped. “So, I’m really happy to perform for those coming to listen today!”
With his jazz guitar, Steve Adams musically entertains.
Added Brenda, “I’m happy we’re doing this because I love to share my garden, and this is a really fun way to share Steve’s music at the same time; especially during COVID-19 times, when everybody wants to get out and do something different.
“As an artist [Aunies Curiosities] and photographer, I have some of my artwork on display, as well as plants for sale, which helps support us, since we’ve lost all of our music gigs this year,” Brenda said.
Brenda shows some the “steampunk” recycled art she has on display for sale.
“But mostly, we’re happy to provide a new setting – a new venue – to safely entertain, and to get to know some new people,” Brenda reflected as Steve’s concert began.
And, to learn more about the organization that benefited from this concert – the Lents Neighborhood Livability Association – CLICK HERE.
© 2020 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News™
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