Submission number 279 for Keep Portland Weird: A bunch of crazy grown-ups, racing at crazy-high speeds down an active volcano’s crazy curves in homemade cars. Welcome to the PDX Adult Soapbox Derby. In addition to having medical staff on the premises, some of the Rules of Conduct give a pretty good sense of how things “go down”:

Audience members will not be allowed to throw water balloons, or otherwise interfere with racers.

Audience members will need to stay at least ten (10) feet away from the edge of the race course.

ONLY RACERS AND STAFF WILL BE ALLOWED ON THE TRACK! Spectators and bicyclists will not be allowed to travel up or down the track. Look for spectator crossings.

But don’t be scared away. This is one of Stumptown’s greatest events. Bring the kids, bring a picnic, and stay the hell out of the way.

Date: August 14th

Cheers,

Brandon

It may finally be summer in the Pacific Northwest. Shhh… Don’t tell the weather gods. Just hurry on over to the Hotel deLuxe on Thursday nights–while the getting’s still good–to catch a rooftop flick.

The series, put on by the Northwest Film Center, features some great oldies, and weirdies, but goodies. August brings Ladies and Gentlemen, the Fabulous Stains, featuring the amazing and very young Diane Lane; Trafic (the Frenchy, not druggy, one); Son of Frankenstein (the inspiration for one of my faves, Young Frankenstein); and Stunt Rock (a strangely appealing precursor to This is Spinal Tap). Our very own Gracie’s Restaurant and Driftwood Room provide meals, snacks, and cocktails, with more potables provided by Bridgeport Brewing and TAZO Tea. So, grab a blanket or chair and head on down. I mean, up.

Thursday Nights through August

Ciao,

Emily

Portland Events: Waterfront Blues Festival

Even lacking a sweet water craft, you can head down to the Waterfront on 4th of July weekend to soak in the likes of Taj Mahal , Little Feat John Mayall,  Booker T., Portland’s own Curtis Salgado, and tons more. If you’re a Zydeco fan, there’ll be plenty of that, too.  If you’re staying at the deLuxe, stroll on down and skip the parking madness. A very blue way to spend a sunny day.

Begins: Friday, July 2nd at 2pm, ends Monday July 5th at 9pm

Cheers,

Brandon

Well, there’s so much going on in Portland in June, so many reasons to come visit the Rose City: The wild and fabulous Portland Pride Festival and Parade, the season opening of the Farmers Markets in all their fruit and floral glory, the foamy fun of the North American Organic Brewers Festival. But, anyone and everyone knows that June in Portland means one really big thing: Rose Festival.

Even if you’re not the type to brave the Waterfront Village—chock full o’ food booths, rides, live music, strollers and mullets—there is something for every walk of life during the two-week festivities. Check out the Dragon Boat Races, the ships during Fleet Week, the Starlight Run and, of course, the Starlight and Grand Floral Parades. And, I have a bit of soft spot for the Queen’s Coronation, don’t ask me why. Oh, there’s a lot more. That’s because it’s Portland’s Rose Festival.

Ciao,

Emily

What? You’ve visited Portland how many times and have never been to the ballet? Shame on you (and me). OK, I’ve actually never attended the Oregon Ballet Theater, but it’s about time to change all that.

The renowned company’s new show, Duets, began in April and will run just until May 2. The plot is familiar – two young people from opposite sides of the track, destined to fall in love – but the telling of the story is fresh and exciting. Guided by the legendary choreographer Twyla Tharp, I think we’re all in for something pretty special. Throw in a few Russian-inspired and samba-accompanied duets and it’s a not-to-be-missed show.

And, I don’t know about you, but all that exercise makes me hungry. Luckily, Baskin Robbins is just four blocks away, up SW Broadway, and I’m getting a double scoop.

Ciao,

Emily

This is tough. There are at least two big things happening in April in Portland that I really want to tell you about. But, I guess I write a lot about beer (at least that’s what my friends say), so you’ll have to check out the awesome Spring Beer Fest on your own. The other event falls into one of my favorite categories: Keep Portland weird.

There are all kinds of great film festivals in this town, including cool ads from around the world, international film fests, the African Film Festival, you name it. It’s a smorgasbord for your viewing pleasure. But now we’ve also got the Faux Film Fest. It’s pretty much all of the above, but it’s all fake. Fake travelogues, fake training videos, and the ever popular mockumentary. Not sure exactly what I’m getting myself in for, but it sounds weird, so I’m there.

See ya,

Brandon

I just found out that coming up this Valentine’s weekend in Portland, Jake Oken-Berg and Echo Helstrom  will be giving a concert at the Aladdin Theater and I intend to be there.  It’s just the kind of musical night I love, when some of Portland’s best classical, jazz, and pop musicians will come together for a program that will run the gamut from chamber music to punk rock and some interesting in-between pieces with enough to please just about everyone.

You can’t beat the price ($10, in advance) and it’s an all-ages show. Justin Jude, the high plains preacher of dustbowl pop, will open the program, which starts at 8 p.m. If you’re looking for an evening of home-grown talent, with knock-your-socks-off live music, this is the place to be!

Happy listening,

Brandon

I would be bucking the stereotype if I didn’t tell you about this delectable event, and that sounds like too much effort so early in the new year. So, I’ll admit I’m one of those: Hi, I’m Emily and I’m a chocoholic. You can just bet you’ll see me at the World Forestry Center’s 5^th Annual Chocolate Fest.

It’s only two slim days, so to speak, but they are days filled with dark, milk, and white deliciousness. Of course there will be vendors, presentations and demonstrations. That’s all fine and good, but my time there will be spent doing what every chocolate lover should and will be doing: tasting. And if there is anyone out there who believes that it’s all about the same, it is time to learn a lesson. A sweet, sweet lesson.

Ciao,

Emily

OK, this is a great idea: I love hanging out in Portland on New Year’s Eve. But, I’m really not into driving home with all the yahoos who have lived it up a little too much.

So, this year my friends and I will be at the Hotel deLuxe. OK, I work there, so it seems like home away from home, but I think anyone would have a blast. There’s going to be a great party, a cool New Orleans-style jazz band, The Stolen Sweets, dancing, and general carrying on. If you stay the night, you get free parking, two drink tickets, midnight champagne, and of course, entrance to the big bash. And if you’ve ever been to the deLuxe, with all the old-timey glitz, you know it’s a perfect spot for it.

Have fun,
Brandon

Every year the Portland zoo goes all out and turns into a really cool light show. We Portlanders like to call it Zoolights (and so, um, does the zoo). And if you think it’s just for kids, it’s not. Even the biggest Scrooge would really be into it.

The zoo grounds are totally transformed by more than 200 lighted, moving animals (not the real ones, of course). They’re swinging around and jumping, like a great big game. Everywhere you look there’s something you didn’t expect to see. There’s music, by local choirs and high school bands, every night. The zoo stays open an hour later during the season, so plenty of time to check it out, even on a weeknight. Oh, and there are the real animals too, so get out there.

Have fun,
Brandon