As you’ve probably guessed from some of my earlier postings, I love art. Part of what moves me so much about it is its power to transform its audience. Music especially can bring people together and remind us what we have in common, despite our differences.

The people behind Voices for Silent Disasters clearly agree. And they’re putting their music where their mouth is with a concert series devoted to raising money and awareness for Mercy Corps’ work in Uganda.

I’m proud that Hotel deLuxe is supporting this effort by helping sponsor the series. And what a series!

Things get under way Oct. 9 at McMenamin’s Kennedy School with Art Alexakis (remember Everclear?), China Forbes and Thomas Lauderdale (of Pink Martini fame), and Loveness Wesa and The White Bantuz. “War/Dance,” an award-winning documentary about Uganda, will also be screened.

Check out the series calendar at http://www.voicesforsilentdisasters.com/calendar.htm

See you there!

Emily

It can be really easy to take what you have for granted. That goes for the city you live in, too. Sometimes it takes a fresh pair of eyes from the outside to remind what you have. That can be especially true in Portland when things start to get soggy…

That’s why I really loved reading Leah Hennen’s “Wanderlust” post on her “More Ways to Waste Time” blog. Her enthusiasm for Portland was infectious. And it’s all the more amazing when you learn that Leah’s never actually visited the city! The rain is romantic, you’re right!

So thanks, Leah, for reminding me why I love Portland. And thanks also for including Hotel deLuxe in your list of hip Portland hotels to visit. (I think it’s pretty special, too.) On behalf of your obsession, come on up and see us sometime.

See you soon!

Emily

Here’s an idea my friend came up for a fun night out that you should steal. It was his wife’s birthday and because she’s a closet “American Idol” wannabe, we did a little tour of karaoke spots in town. It was a great time! Seriously. (Except for my friend’s version of “Wanted Dead or Alive” by Bon Jovi…)

You don’t even have go far from Hotel deLuxe to hit a few of the best spots. Here are three options close by:

1. The Green Room (Sundays) — 2280 NW Thurman

A local Irish place with a comfortable neighborhood feel.

2. Suki’s Bar and Grill (Thur, Fri, Sat) — 2401 SW 4th
   

If you love dives and people watching, this is it.

3. The Boiler Room (most nights?) — 228 NW Davis St.

This place is all about karaoke. And strong drinks.

Rock on,

Zach

I saw Film Geek (James Westby, 2005) at Cinema 21 when it first came out. Mostly because I remembered reading about James in Spike, Mike, Slackers, and Dykes. I remember being blown away that this Portland filmmaker was talked about with people like Jim Jarmusch, Quentin Tarantino and Spike Lee (in my top 5 directors).

It’s really a well-done movie. Funny, sad, sweet, all at the same time. And the camera work is very natural. It doesn’t get in the way. There is the issue of Bonnie saying the main character reminds her of me, but I’ve tried to forget that.

I really like seeing local filmmakers start to find an audience. It’s inspiring to certain doormen…

Later,

Lance