Tag Archives: Oregon

moe. Revolution Hall Friday, February 28th 2020

March 24, 2020Concerts30th Anniversary, moe., Oregon, Portland, Revolution HallJustin

February ended up being a busy month for concerts. The PDX Jazz Festival was this month and I saw two shows in a row the weekend before. Friday night was Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe and Saturday it was Antibals. It was another Friday night and moe. was playing at the Revolution Hall a few blocks from my house. This place is not the biggest but it is really cool.

An old school that has been turned into a multi use building. One of the space is for a concert hall in what was the old school auditorium. There is a pretty big second level which I have yet to see but it looks nice up there. Most of the main floor is seated which is a change for a place this size. Very old and classic wooden auditorium chairs that are pretty worn out. Way down in front there is a dance floor which is usually packed with people. Honestly with all the chairs the places doesn’t really feel packed which is nice. The moe. show that night was sold out but I felt like there was plenty of space to move and not feel crowded. We were only just starting to understand covid-19 in this country so I’m sure some people stayed home out of an abundance of caution.

I got there a little after 7:30pm and sat right next to the light board in the middle of the floor. The section to my left was the sound board and I knew no one would be coming that way. I was also at the end of the row so there wold be at least one space between me and someone else. Even in front the woman didn’t sit directly in front of me which I thought was weird but appreciated. This spot allowed me a good view of the light guy who was interesting to watch all night. Seemed like most of the show is pre programmed as he just “randomly” smashed buttons. He literally had a button labeled “Tap” which I was curious about. At times he would bang away at that button. Anyway a good view of the stage and I could take a seat if I wanted.

That night it was a weird audience for sure. Covid-19 was really only just starting to hit the US. There where a few cases in Washington and they found an early case west of Portland a few days before. That weekend the city prepared for what was to come. Friday night we all just tried to enjoy ourselves and have a good night.

A smaller venue for moe. to play I thought but a good stage. Because the venue is not very large everyone gets a good line of sight. I love the small dance floor and the option to sit down if you want it. Anyway I thought the first set, the entire night in fact, was very spacey. It was a lot of far out and jammy shit in my opinion. Definitely some different stuff then I have seen live over the last few years. It was great to see this different side of moe. I don’t think it is a larger shift in how the band sounds just an expression in the moment of space and time.

Set break was rather interesting that night. The woman in front of me really wanted to talk. I was tapping away on my phone writing a post but she was persistent. She even mentioned she would circle back as I continued to write. Eventually she did and we talked for quite a while during the break. Certainly much more liberal than I am. I got the feeling that she didn’t like me very much but that was ok. We managed to each keep a level head and talk about a lot of touchy subjects. It was more important to being correct was more important than being right.

moe. really keep with a schedule that night. Second set started on the dot and continued the spacey jams for the rest of the night. It was just some very good relaxing stuff to be listening to. With everything that was going on and especially with everything that I know now after the show, it was great to just relax to a live concert with others. With the slow downtempo space beats it really added to the vibe for the evening. A sold out show according to ticket sales but pretty sparse the day of the show.

A great concert that evening for the start of the 30th anniversary tour. At first I wasn’t sure the show would go on but I was glad it did. Great performance by the band. Even if the light show was all pre programmed. The space jams really is what I enjoyed most. Just kicking back listening to some good music close to home.

moe. Friday, February 28th 2020
Revolution Hall
1300 SE Stark St
Portland, OR

Sold Out

Set one starts at 8:02pm

Crab Eyes *
Water >
Meat >
It >
Gone >
Billy Goat >
Meat
Set over at 9:21pm

Set two starts at 10:00pm

Along for the Ride >
Waiting for the Punchline
Godzilla >
Jazz Cigarette
Runaway Overlude #
Silver Sun
Set over at 11:07pm

Encore starts at 11:10pm

Akimbo
Captain America

House lights at 11:21pm

Notes
* with Jake Cinninger
# Blue Oyster Cult cover

First Day of Spring

March 20, 2020Around TownOregon, Portland, springJustin

March 19th 2020. First day of spring and while this should be a festive time celebrating new beginnings and the coming bounty is just all seems weird. Covid-19 is taking over and lots of people are fearful and panic. Nature doesn’t care. She moves to her own drum and right now its the first day of spring. The weather perfect. Mostly clear with the sun still out shining brightly later in the afternoon. It was even hot with temps in the low 60’s. Reminds me there are a lot of good things in this world.

Many of the stores around my neighborhood are closed. Others that can stay open are but you can tell they are hurting for business. We will get through this but we must do it together.

Snow Moon at Cape Disappointment

February 28, 2020Camping, HikingCape Disappointment State Park, Columbia River Coffee Roasters, North Head Lighthouse, Oregon, Portland, Rams Head, razor clam, Seaview, snow moon, state park, WashingtonJustin

North Head Lighthouse on the cliff warning boaters.

Oh the winter months here in the pacific northwest. They are cold, rainy and you can go for days without seeing the sun. Honestly it can be depressing so when an opportunity presents itself to camp in winter I was in. Just getting outside for a night with friends and family, sit by the fire, it was something I needed.

Razor clams where in season and low tide coincided with a Saturday night. The Calizon’s were heading up and invited Jenny, I and a few others. I needed out of the house so I was in. Jenny was able to switch around a few things so it worked out that we both could go camping that weekend. Look up at the stars next to a warm fire.

Bobby booked camp sites at Cape Disappointment State Park next to the beach. the spot was large enough that we could pitch our tent and everyone had plenty of space. I couldn’t wait to leave my apartment and get some fresh air. Even better would be the salty ocean air which I rarely get to experience.

We couldn’t leave till early Saturday morning and the park is 2.5 hours away. We got on our way mid afternoon. For part of the trip to the coast it was pouring rain. I had been checking the weather the last week and it was going to be clear. We just had to get past a little rain on the way out but after that it was clear.

Before long we made it to Long Beach and met everyone at a scoop shop in town. I knew Ras and Amanda were coming but I was surprised to see Mark and his daughter. Everyone was sitting outside devouring ice cream when we walked up. We quickly said hello and headed to camp.

That night we got our own spot instead of doubling up with Bobby and Tracy. There were spaces next to everyone and we felt it was the least we could do. We were happy to be there so $30 for the night was a bargain. We quickly put up the tent and joined everyone at the camp fire. We didn’t have it lit but we where getting our chairs gathered for later in the evening.

Low tide was going to be around 6:30pm that night. As the sun started to set we put on our boots and headed down to the beach to hunt razor clams. Soon the sun set over the horizon produced a spectacular light show. As the stars stated to come out we got to digging.

Finding the little buggers is much harder than I expected. I still don’t know what I was looking for but with the help of Jenny I dug up two that night. She was an excellent spotter and I was quick with the shovel. I think collectively we caught 5 or 6 which isn’t that much. We were not going to feast at camp with what we caught that night.

The weather got cold quick when the sun disappeared. Not being very successful we headed back to camp to get a fire going. A fire was starting to sound real appealing. We spent hours that night around the fire cooking all sorts of stuff. Spam in a can in a can as Tyson pointed out. Hot dogs and even some hobo chili. It was awesome just hanging out with everyone by the fire under the stars. This is exactly what Jenny and I needed. Get back to nature for and recharge.

The next morning we packed up and did a hike in the park before heading home. We hiked to North Head Lighthouse which was a good hike. It was an out and back of only a few miles. The lighthouse has been there since 1898 and is still active today. Like all or certainly the majority of lighthouses in America this one is now completely automated.

After the hike we headed to Astoria for some coffee. We lucked out and found Columbia River Coffee Roasters right under the bridge. Standing in line I recognized the coffee bags. Grendel’s serves their coffee at their cafe. My cappuccino that day tasted just like it does at Grendel’s. We hung out here for a bit enjoying the passing scenery.

We squeezed every bit of time together we could that day. By the time we got to Portland we were hungry and I had a gift certificate burning a hole in my pocket. We went to Rams Head for a late lunch. I had a craving for a burger which I am happy to report was satisfied that afternoon.

A really great weekend hanging out with everyone at Cape Disappointment State Park. Sitting in front of the fire with the ocean waves in the back ground, roasting hotdogs looking up at the stars really was what we needed. I look forward to doing this again and simply getting out doors with Jenny more as the weather warms.

A long shot of the beach. You can just barely see North Head Lighthouse on the far right cliff.

Yonder Mountain String Band Crystal Ballroom Friday, January 17th 2020

February 28, 2020ConcertsCrystal Ballroom, Oregon, Portland, Yonder Mountain String BandJustin

Not sure how I found out about this show but I was kinda excited. It had been many many years since I saw Yonder Mountain String Band. In fact it has been 17 years since I last saw them at the State Theatre. When I saw the co-headline with The Infamous Stringdusters I was definitely going. I invited Jenny along since this is some good jamgrass and I thought she would get a kick out of the show.

The Infamous Stringdusters & Yonder Mountain String Band Friday, January 17th 2020 Crystal Ballroom – Portland, OR

The show was at Crystal Ballroom and Jenny and I decided to meet at the venue. Show time was 8pm so we figured on arriving by 7:30pm would be good. That should have given us enough time to get through security and find a spot. Well us and hundreds of others apparently decided that was also a good idea.

Security getting in to Crystal Ballroom has always been ridiculous. Its single file so when a lot of people crush the door they are not able to handle the influx. By the time Jenny and I found the end of the line it was already stretching 2/3 the way around the block. I am sure people made it in but if this line continued many would miss Yonder Mountain opening the night. Eventually someone comes walking up from behind and says they are opening a back entry into the venue. This was the entrance to Lola’s Room that they opened for us. It was a made dash to the new entrance but a controlled one.

Within a few minutes we got into the venue and walked up the back stairs to the top floor. It was just before 8pm and the place was already smashed with people. It was hot and muggy. Not sure how many people where still outside but within a few minutes of us arriving Yonder Mountain took the stage with no fan fair. Almost didn’t know what was going on till they busted out Sideshow Blues as the first song. What also threw me off was the band members. It had been so many years I didn’t recognize anyone. Seeing five members on stage was weird to me and it didn’t click.

It was a good show that night but honestly it was a little to packed for my tastes. We couldn’t make our way into the crowd so got stuck near the back where all the foot traffic was. The music however was pretty good. A few fast songs, some covers. It was really cool hearing Brown-Eyed Women. With it being Portland they also played Two Hits and the Joint Turned Brown which I thought was very appropriate. Before we knew it the set was over and the stage cleared. The went just like they came, quickly and silently.

After the set we milled around for a while and re-positioned ourselves. We got a spot further back in the middle of the floor but it honestly wasn’t much better. We had a little space but long before the Stringduster set things really started to fill in again. My whole purpose for coming was to see Yonder Mountain. With the place filling up, no room to dance, Jenny not able to see, it was hot, and just because we wanted to, we headed out.

Getting in was crazy and I should have expected that. After not seeing them for 17 years things have certainly changed but it was still a good show. I have kept up loosely with the band through Jam_On but seeing them live was a totally different experience. A good and ruckus crowd that night which helped add to the show. But it also make for a packed venue with little room to dance or even breath at times. While we ended the night early it was still great seeing Yonder Mountain again after years and years.

Yonder Mountain String Band
Friday, January 17th 2019
Crystal Ballroom – Portland, OR

Set starts at 8:16pm

Sideshow Blues
Two Hits and the Joint Turned Brown
Hey Day
I’m Lost
Black Truck
Left Me in a Hole
Chasing My Tail
All the Time
Cherokee Shuffle
Brown Eyed Women
All Aboard
Set over at 9:33pm

Co-headline with The Infamous Stringdusters. Yonder played first this night. No encore.

Back to Deschutes River

February 17, 2020HikingDeschutes River State Recreation Area, Oregon, state park, Wasco, winterJustin

Last year I did this same hike at almost the same time of year in the Deschutes River State Recreation Area. It was a good hike then and it was a good hike now. This time around the weather presented its own set of challenges I didn’t have to face the first time. If you are prepared it’s not a problem but the swings in weather can be huge out in the gorge during the winter months. This day Mother Nature was not happy and she let everyone know it.

We got an early start and left my apartment with coffee in one hand and boots in the other. I was tracking the weather closely the last few days before the hike. It is still winter around here so when it rains in the valley its snowing in the mountains. My poor little car just can’t handle serious winter weather we have here. I was constantly checking to see when it would rain and if that rain could possible turn to snow.

On the way to the park we really lucked out. The weather was pretty nice as far as the entire day was concerned. Nothing really going on weather wise. You could see off in the distance portions of the storms that rolled through earlier in the day but it was pretty calm at the moment. As we headed further into the gorge the wind started picking up but for the most part the rain was abated.

We got to the park and the sun was actually out for a hot minute. We got our shit together and started walking along the river. The park has several trails you can take. One is a fire/service road that is higher up in the valley and the other is right along the water. We walked along the water for a while before the path slowly starts to raise in elevation. Eventually it meets with the service road to continue the journey. At this junction you can choose to head back, continue down the service road or hike up the hills to a spring.

The storm was rolling through behind us.

The walk along the river was peaceful despite the poor weather. With the recent rain we noticed the river moving rather swiftly. No major rapids I would say but I still wouldn’t want to be out on the river since I have no idea what I’m doing. We also noticed that nature was really coming back from the fire several years ago. Even from a year ago there was much more vegetation growing. You can still a little fire damage but it is quickly fading away like nothing happened.

Once we got to the junction we had to decide what to do. The last few hundred meters it started to rain. Enough that we put some covers on our packs. Across the river and up the other side of the valley we could see large, dark, ominous clouds rolling over the hill tops. We wanted to hike to the spring but if the weather continue to change we would be caught out. With the weather turning we decided to hedge our bets and head back. It might have been a short hike but mission accomplished even if we didn’t get to the spring on top of the hill.

The walk back was an interesting one. We ran into a fisherman who was crazy like us coming out. He commented on us being out and was shocked to run into others. He didn’t want to watch football and I couldn’t agree more. The weather in front of us was for the most part clear. We even managed to see a rainbow. Behind us things continued to be cloudy but it never really got heavy like we thought it would.

We hung out along the river before starting the drive back to Portland. Here we ate some lunch and enjoyed what we could of the weather. It was getting windy, cloudy and colder the long we stayed. The drive back was a rather scary one. For most of it Jenny was asleep which was good. It was a downpour with very treacherous driving condition. Standing water all over the place, low visibility and a few assholes not heading the warnings. The mental concentration I needed was draining by the time we got back.

Even with the rain it was a great day of hiking and getting out in nature. We both agreed to try and get out hiking more often this year. We did well on the first day of the year and with this hike. Lets see if we can keep it up for the rest of the year. Deschutes River State Recreational Area is a great place to hike, camp, and fish right at the mouth of the Columbia River.

I Do Stuff…

My Adventures in this Crazy World