Pink Martini's New Year Eve in Portland, Oregon

Pink Martini's
Hey Eugene

I am one lucky woman! For Christmas I received ticket to the Pink Martini Concert in the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall. Oh my goodness was I ever in for a treat.

(The Schnitz as the locals call it is located in downtown Portland, Oregon on Broadway. It sits next to the Heathman Hotel and housed performing guest Jane Powell.)

Pink Martini is a Local group gone international. Led by the eclectic concert/jazz pianist and composer/art director Thomas M. Lauderdale, Pink Martini continues to surprise and entertain it's audiences with their blend of original compositions, international flavor and classical music made unique by their style.

Last night we heard the extraordinary clarinet of Norman Leyden, former directer of the Pops program for the Oregon Symphony. If the angels had been singing it could not have been any more beautiful. About Leyden:

• A very successful Pops program was established with Norman Leyden in 1970; Leyden was appointed Associate Conductor in 1974. He was named Laureate Associate Conductor in 2003.

But that was not enough. Then we were treated to a guest appearance by none other than Portland's Jane Powell. Miss Powell, age 79 did a narrative of Peter and the Wolf accompanied by a Pink Martini and the Grant High School chorus, ended with the wolf living in the zoo and the duck being burped up by the wolf! It could not have gotten much more Oregon/politically correct than that.

They concluded the concert with Lauderdale playing Malagena concert style on that beautiful grand piano! It was a true show stopper.

For the very first time I visited the Salmon Street entrance/stage door of the Schnitzer Concert Hall. I ran into, literally, Mayor Tom Potter, spoke to Thomas' Lauderdale's piano teacher and left a message for Norman Leyden. It took a lot of courage on my part plus the company of my daughter to do this. But standing next to Thomas Lauderdale for just a moment and basking in the wonder of my Christmas gift was simply "glorious" (a term Jane Powell used when she made a few comments to the audience.)

Incidentally the note to Leyden said simply, "Thank you".

A special thanks to Higgins Restaurant for a wonderful meal and a waiter that kept saying we were "good" when he saw us walk in the room. I had the tuna with a Meyer lemon sauce. It was the best seared tuna I have ever eaten. You can never go wrong at Higgins

So there you have it...the perfect Christmas gift and a "glorious" New Year's Eve. Thomas Lauderdale with his many home town connections and unique style has done it again.

b

coffee hour

When the women of our neighborhood gather for coffee, you know that there will be some of the most interesting conversation and discussion of your whole week.

This neighbor is a very involved woman in the summer time. There is family, recreation, doctor's appointments, home and community. So I am usually late, not dressed beautifully like everyone else and just a little tired. School will start soon and then the day will slow down almost to a stop.

Yesterday, when we gathered at Carolyn's, the room was filled with conversation and folding chairs. Plans were being finalized for an outing to the Japanese Gardens, a lunch and of course a ride on Max. Book club plans were discussed and deserts were eaten.

Carolyn has a beautiful cottage both inside and out. Inside little lights sparkle on the mantle and in the kitchen. Her displays change continually and are always a feast for the eyes. On her deck she has lovely flowers. A large planter is situation on a pot holder stand that is like the one I discussed earlier.

As I understand it Carolyn's house also the sight for a weekly game of cards hosted by her husband. They aren't able to get out much so the world comes to their cottage. It truly has been a blessing for our neighborhood!

Thank you Carolyn!

b

***I received a note from Dee yesterday about the pot hangers. She said:

Barbara,

I was at Fred Meyers recently. In front of the store were 2 free standing flower pot hangers. They looked to be very sturdy and held a lot of pots. The cost was $39.99. They were at least as tall as I am and had big healthy plants. They were very attractive. If you are out and about, take a look.

Dee

I will be going over to check it out. As you all know, I am in the market for something to hang plants on. Thank heaven Dee was reading and knew what our dilemma was.

Art Walk Downtown Hillboro, Oregon Aug 7th 6-8 PM

Click for full sized image

Have you taken Max to downtown Hillsboro for the Tuesday evening summer market? Well Tuesday, August 7th will be a special event for those of us that love art and want to support local artists. Artists, merchants and the Glenn and Viola Walters Community Center have teamed up to give us a Tuesday Evening Art Walk. You can view art from 6 to 8 pm. Location will be from the space above the Stratford House all the way down main street to the community center. Hopefully, it will be the first of many such events. Plan on going, have a bite to eat, and wander around to see the art.