Mist doesn’t dampen ‘Party in the Pines’

Take a look at a delightful annual outer East Portland event, featuring the music of ‘The Day Brothers’. You’ll see why this party is anticipated by many …

Protected against threatening rainstorms – with food tables and chairs under canopies – the annual “Party in the Pines” gets underway in the Powellhurst-Gilbert neighborhood.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

With dark clouds overhead, and rain and hail pelting downtown Portland, folks wondered if the “Party in the Pines” would actually take place on the afternoon of June 27.

But, yes – those brave enough to venture out found large tents and canopies set up in the Dr. David Day DC clinic parking, lot heard music playing, and saw guests being treated to a late lunch.

Musically entertaining are The Day Brothers band; the host, Dr. David Day, plays the upright string bass on the far right.

“With today’s ‘Party in the Pines’, we’re celebrating being in practice here in Portland for 33 years,” exclaimed the genial and enthusiastic host, Dr. Day.

“This got started, because we like to throw a party for our patients, our friends, and our greater community – and provide them with hot sandwiches, beverages, and ice cream – and with musical fun by ‘The Day Brothers’ and other musicians,” Day told East Portland News after the musical set.

Sheldon Penner of Chris Cakes NW caters the event, serving 90 pounds of pulled pork that he made for the party, along with heaping servings of homemade coleslaw.

Even with cool weather, volunteer Jeremy Drake says lots of guests are enjoying the ice cream.

“Playing and singing with my brothers, performing bluegrass and Americana music, is a passion of mine,” Day said. “Playing here each year marks the start of our ‘tour season’ in which we perform both well-known and original songs, secular and gospel – some of which don’t really fit any musical genre.”

An appreciative audience enjoys lunch, and great live music.

The effort he and his staff put out is worth it, Dr. Day said. “The best part is when we watch people’s faces when we’re singing, and see them smile and connect with the music. We know we’re are reminding them of experiences that they’ve had; or loved ones. Plus, the environment here is wonderful.”

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