Health Care In America

We had the distinct pleasure of playing at a fundraiser for our friend, cellist Skip VonKuske. It was a sensational event. The Portland Cello Project and Stolen Sweets played as well. The concert took place at The Kennedy School in the gymnasium but we could have easily had it at The Crystal Ballroom. The turn out was exceptional, as were the donations to help Skip pay for the medical bills he has incurred as a result of back injuries that have left him nearly paralyzed. Oddly enough sitting to play cello is not painful for him. The event was the brainchild of our booking agent Jen Bernard. Portland really showed itself for the compassionate and caring city it professes to be. Taking care of it's own and giving back to those who have given so much.

Ash Street Saloon

Please come join us Saturday January 9th starting at 9:30pm for music and good beer with the folks at Ash Street Saloon. A fun filled evening with Fenbi International Superstars and Ügen Flägen. $6.00 @ the door.

The 4-Years-Old Mosh Pit

A few years ago we played every few month's at McMenamins Kennedy School. The venue itself is what was once the gymnasium. It's a great space with a decent PA. Our gigs coincided with the dinner hour and there were always a number of families with children there to see us. By children I mean toddlers. After a few of these shows there began to be a gathering of fifteen-to-twenty 4-year-olds dancing and spazzing and shouting and laughing with total abandon, as only children can. We began to look forward to these gigs with "the 4-years-old mosh pit". The kids had a blast and the parents got a respite (sort of) and we love positive reinforcement, so everybody won.

One gig a sweet little girl walked up to the edge of the stage and asked "Could you play some David Bowie?" I about fell off my throne. A 4-year-old asking for Bowie, how amazing. So we played "Changes". When we had finished, she walked back up to the stage and said "I was hoping to hear "Hang Onto Yourself". I was gobsmacked. If I had only knew then what they know now.

Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band (Reprise)

"Ladies and gentlemen, it was twenty years ago today" So started our show at Mississippi Studios 12/27/09. We had the privilege of an audience who knew their Pepper. After "With A Little Help From My Friends" someone actually screamed "Suck it Joe Cocker!" Thanks so much to those of you who were there to support live music. Huge thanks to all the musicians who participated Skip VonKuske and Kina Lyn Muir on cello, Matt Franzen on guitar, Gordon Miller on nylon-string guitar, Mitch Iimori on sitar and oboe and Vicki Reitenauer on clarinet. And last but not least Jeff Hays who sang Paul parts on "A Day In The Life" and Jim Brunberg who sang John parts on "A Day In The Life" and played acoustic guitar emulating the segue between "Sgt. Peppers (Reprise)" and "A Day In The Life" perfectly, You Rock!!!!!!!!!! A splendid time...indeed.

P. S. Click on photo for a larger more surreal view