Tag Archives: Oregon

The Roots Edgefield June 14th 2019

Concerts, , ,

Things have been super crazy here in June. I got a new job so the last day at my old job was May 31st. I didn’t start my new job till June 17th and in between that I a trip to Montreal planned. Nothing like going on vacation when your unemployed and spending lots of money. Well when I got back from Montreal I saw The Roots were playing at Edgefield Friday after I returned and decided to see them again.

This is actually the third time I have seen them and I will probably continue to see them live. First time was at the 2016 United States Grand Prix in Austin. They played with User that night as a last minute gig when The Weekend cancelled his performance. The second time was during the 2017 Newport Jazz Festival. They closed Sunday and the festival weekend with their performance.

Earlier in the day I decided to do a little hiking. This didn’t turn out so well because of the fire roads and my car. Traffic getting back to Portland was a bear even in early afternoon. For some reason the show was starting early so by the time I made it home I didn’t have much time to shower and rest before heading to Edgefield.

I have been to the property before. Its a great place to hang out with friends, hang out by the fire and smoke a cigar. This time a majority of the property is taken over because of the concert. Where you usually can sit has been converted into a pavilion for food and drink. The lawn itself was rather nice and big. The place didn’t sell out but a ton of people showed up. I was near the back with plenty of room to dance which was nice. Another really nice feature is that you can bring slow beach chairs into the venue. I took the opportunity so not only did I get a great performance but I could do it comfortable.

Seeing them a few times I knew what to expect and wasn’t disappointed this evening. The weather also really worked out which made things better. No opening act and they got a late start. One of the beat box guys came out and did a performance before eventually the band walks out on stage. Being summer it was daylight for the entire performance which was a weird thing to see. They had lights but it really didn’t mean anything.

Just a great time seeing The Roots at Edgefield on a Friday night. With the show ending rather early even with traffic getting out of the venue I made it home rather early. I do enjoy seeing them play and with their limited tour schedule I am always glad when they roll through town and I get an opportunity to see them.

The Roots
Edgefield – Troutdale, OR
Friday, June 14th 2019

DJ starts at 6:53pm, band walks out at 7:10pm

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House lights at 9:05pm

Michael Quu Helium Comedy Club May 7th 2019

Around Town, , , ,

Most of our customers are MSP clients but we do a fair amount of contract project work as well. This means we get some pretty cool clients like Helium Comedy Club. As a thank you for helping them out they gave us some free tickets to see the first night of Michael Quu. It was Tuesday night of all things so I understand getting free tickets. Get as many people in the venue as you can and hope they buy drinks. Plus I’m sure its good for the talent to see a full venue when they look out into the audience.

I didn’t plan on going but never bought movie tickets liked I planned either. A colleague was going and invited me so I decided a change of plans was in order. It ended up being three of us. Our third didn’t arrive till just before show time. I arrived first and decided to see about a table but the line getting in was ridiculously long and slow. They choke point was the ticket booth. My ticket was “free” but a $6 cover was required at the door. They have a stated 2 item minimum but they didn’t appear to enforce that.

There was an opening act in addition to Michael. The opening guy was a local that moved to NYC and now does comedy full time. Not bad but he will probably never make it off the medium city/small club tour. Still funny at times and worth it. The main act Michael was also pretty funny. Longer set. I think Michael did like 45-60 or something.

Anyway a good night out to see some comedy. I can always use a good laugh and I will have to come back to the club. Hopefully they can work on the queue issue but a nice place to catch some comedy.

Sand Lake Recreational Area April 2019

Outdoors, , , , ,

Bobby loves spending time outdoors in his truck exploring nature. Especially when that is with other like minded people from online groups he belongs to. A new one he started participating in was going to Siuslaw National Forest for a little fun in the sand. They where headed to Sand Lake Recreational Area not far from Tillamook.

I started off at Bobby’s house at 6am I think it was. It was rough but I made it with time to spare. We then made out way to the meeting spot on the outskirts of some little suburban town. From there it was maybe an hour trip through the mountains to get to the coast and the recreational area.

15 vehicles traveled to Sand Lake for an afternoon of wheeling.

The meeting at the recreational area was a little haphazard. Everyone just parked where they could and air downed their tires. Not much communication from the organizer but everyone made it work. From there it was down too the beach for a quick group photo. I think it was 15 trucks or so on the beach that morning which was cool.

From here it quickly broke down. The group organized had to be prodded to make a speech to make introductions, gauge peoples comfort levels and have a forum for people to ask questions. One guy got tired of waiting and just starting going at it. I swear he was determined to flip his truck the way he was driving around the beach that morning. Others have been out with him before and he is apparently a wild man all the time.

Most of us then went up a hill that overlooked the beach and the ocean. From here there was another quick meeting and most went off to explore the rest of the park. A few went down to the beach. Bobby and I stayed on top of the hill. I personally just wanted to hang out with him and enjoy the amazing view with a cigar, some coffee and good company. Work was proving really stressful for me over the last few months so taking this opportunity to just sit back and relax was something I really needed. I was glad Bobby was receptive to just hanging out.

We played in the sand for a little while but eventually we had to go. Bobby was trying to meet someone in Pacific City and I for one wanted some real food. We headed into town for Pelican Pub and Brewery for some really good fish and chips. The beer was also really good here. Even the outdoor seating was busy on this brisk March day. It also helped that the large dining areas was rented out for a wedding reception. The weather was only just starting to get better but everyone took the time to get out and enjoy what little we got.

The wait was rather long which worked out. It gave us an opportunity to explore low tide alone the water and the tide pools. I don’t see this very often so it was cool to explore nature up and close without being in a museum. When the tide started coming in is when I got the text our table was ready. The Five Fin pilsner was pretty good. I got the fish and chips to go with it and I must say, they where really good. Some of the best I have had in a long while.

We hung around Pacific City as long as we good but besides the beach, there isn’t much to do in town. Your typical summer beach town that I imagine is pretty dead in winter. Ice cream shops, souvenirs, and a kit shop I spotted throughout town. Not much in the way of food so Pelican is a good find. After grabbing some ice cream we decided to start making our way back.

I was very thankful to get out of the house and go wheeling with Bobby down to Sand Lake. I don’t get out into nature often enough. I believe that everyone should do this regularly to help reset themselves. Being stuck in doors with work and home life all the time can’t be a good think.

  • We had a pretty good view of the ocen from on top of the hill. It was a great place to smoke a cigar and chat.
  • Lots of mussels and barnicals on the rocks during low tide.
  • No idea what these white things are but they look cool.
  • You can find large star fish as well.
  • Pelican Five Fin
  • The bar area at Pelican Brewing Company.
  • The brewery is right along the water. It has outdoor seating and a huge hall you can rent. Pretty good food and large selection of beer.
  • A giant smiley face on the side of a hill along HW 18.

Mel Brown B-3 Organ Group The Jack London Revue April 4th 2019

Concerts, , , ,

I was talking with a colleague earlier in the week about jazz and mentioned The Jack London Revue. I love this place because this is what I imagine jazz clubs where like back in the early days of the genera. The basement of some dark, dingy, building but also very intimate. The venue has a way of sucking you in and making you a part of the performance because of how things are setup. I just love this place. On Thursday’s Mel Brown B-3 Organ Group has a weekly two set residency.

Heineken

My colleague couldn’t make the show but I had hyped myself up just thinking about it I went Thursday night for their regular gig. I just wanted to listen to some live music. Even though I only stayed for the first set it was a lot of fun. I thought it better to get home at a reasonable hour and sleep then stay out too late.

The walk to and from the venue was nice. The weather was starting to become more comfortable. It rained in both directions. Going home it was pretty heavy. I didn’t even thing to check the weather till I was already outside. It just adds to the memories of the night.

Another good performance by Mel Brown and and the gang. They had a sit-in keyboardists this time. He too played with the same person Mel did. For some reason I want to say Aretha Franklin but I could be wrong on that. Another good night of jazz with Mel Brown at the Jack London Revue.

Budos Band Roseland Theater Friday, April 19th 2019

Concerts, , , ,

I have heard the Budos Band on and off over a long many years. One thing I remember about them is I never see them tour. I don’t even know if I have seen them do the festival circuit even. With the recent announcement of the Soul’d Out Music Festival here in Portland I noticed the Budos Band was stopping by the Roseland Theater for a performance. Never seeing them tour before I took the opportunity to check them out.

It was the last day of the work week heading into Easter. I was excited to see the band and prepped by driving to Washington to get some supplies for the show. I wanted to be good and ready when the Budos Band took the stage. I even took a short nap before the show just to make sure I would be ready.

After a short walk to the venue I arrived at 9pm just in time to see the True Loves open. The venue is pretty huge so I just headed up stairs to secure a good view and simply relax. Yet again I was impressed with the opening act. You just never know what you will find and its often very good. They have this kinda soul/funk feel to them. They would hit the horns often which I really enjoyed too.

First time seeing the Budos and they did a really good job that night. I wasn’t sure what I was getting into but it was great. I have heard the band of course for many years but nothing in depth. Its hard to describe the sound but I would recommend everyone check them out. Lots of people at the Roseland that night grooving to the music.

Budos Band played for nearly two hours which was cool. By the end of the show I was exhausted. I was physically and mentally drained. It was a nice walk getting home that night in the drizzle. I even managed to work up an appetite and ate a second dinner when I got home.

If they manage another west coast tour I will certainly check them out again and I recommend others as well. Just a cool rocking good time.

The Budos Band
Roseland Theater – Portland, OR
Friday, April 19th 2019
Part of the Soul’d Out Music Festival.
The True Loves from Seattle opened.

Show starts at 22:17
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Set over at 23:34

Encore starts at 23:41
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house list at 23:58

With sing along to bring the band out for the encore. Bass amp dies during the encore break and they have to fix it.

Nite over, time to head home.