Speaking of deals (who isn’t speaking of deals these days?), here’s a little something you should be getting out to, while the getting is good.

Wednesday nights at Jimmie Mak’s jazz joint on NW 10th, you can see the legendary Mel Brown Quartet for a mere $5. For over 20 years, the guy’s been wowing jazz fans with both original and classic arrangements.

It’s worth it just for Mel. The guy exudes happiness when he’s playing. Plus, he’s one of the best drummers I’ve ever seen. His band is great too with pianist and musical director, Tony Pacini; bassist Ed Bennett; and guitarist and arranger Dan Balmer. This is the kind of old-school stuff I dig.

Go before 7 p.m. and get in on the $5 happy hour menu, including some very tasty Greek dishes, and then stick around for the music. Think of it as your own private stimulus package.

Later,

Keith

(thanks to Marilyn M on Flickr for the photo)

We were talking the other day about the state of the economy (over beers at Bailey’s Taproom, so not as painful as it sounds) and were saying that times are tough but that it’s a really good time to take advantage of all the special deals out there right now.

There are some pretty deep discounts on airfare, at restaurants and all kinds these days it seems if you’re shopping minded. Hotel deLuxe too. And every time we offer a deal, I try to use it to get my friends and family to head out to Portland for a visit.

So here’s the pitch, friends and family: Right now at the deLuxe, there’s 15 percent off our best available rate. In order to get the discount you must pre-pay for your room. Totally worth it and can save you roughly $20 bucks.

Pretty sad that I need a deal to entice you guys to come see me, but whatever it takes.

Later,
Keith

A four-year-old I know recently had the audacity to claim that there is no Easter Bunny. Au contraire, my little ami. If there is no Easter Bunny, how could the awesome Alpenrose Egg Hunt at Alpenrose Dairy be such a hoppingly successful event for 46 years?

This year things get started on April 12 at the SW Portland dairy at 10:30 a.m. Three to eight year olds are divided into different groups, by age, and one lucky curtain climber from each group will win a six-foot Easter Bunny.

But the Bunny is hiding something else this year that might prove to be an undeniable enticement for moms as well: a diamond. Yes, I said diamond. So if you’re wondering why make the trek when you’ve got a perfectly good backyard at home to fill with colorfully dyed alternatives, ask yourself this: Is there a diamond in my yard?

Kiss Kiss,
Emily