Roller Derby-ers, Brian and Margaret Panganiban, Emily Sahler Beleele (aka The BedMart Mom) and Margaret Seiler, Jane and Anne Reeser at Kenton Fair
KOOL KENTON: Sunday was the day for The Kenton Fair, the annual celebration of one of North Portland's most interesting neighborhoods and streets. And, if I do say so myself, my favorite neighborhood (that might have something to do with the fact I live in it).
Promoting local growth and a sustainable future for Historic Kenton, the street fair has grown over the years and now includes a bike alley dedicated to tuning up the preferred form of neighborhood transportation as well as a children's area that filled the entire parking lot of Wells Fargo bank. The fair also seemed to have a lot more vendors, music and food options than in previous years.
And, as always, there was the very cool go-kart races to kick off the day. Way to go Kenton!
Richard Meeker and Attorney General Ellen Rosenbloom at Mult. Co. Democrats Dinner
DEMOCRATIC DINNER: On Friday night Democrats from across Multnomah County gathered at Northeast Portland's Riverside Country Club for their Annual Dick Celsi Awards Dinner. We were lucky enough to sit at Bill Dickey's table and had a chance to visit with local Dems such as Labor CommissionerBrad Avakian, Sec. of State Kate Brown, Attorney General Ellen Rosenbloom, City Commissioner Nick Fish, Rep. Tina Kotek, Metro Councilor Sam Chase, City Commissioner Amanda Fritz, Gov. Barbara Roberts and many others as well award winners including Rep. Lew Fredrick, Lakeitha Elliott and Barbara Comstock.
Dana Lynn Louis, Christine Bourdette, Mike Abbate, Lucinda Parker and Don Merkt
FIELDS TRIP: On Friday Portland Parks & Recreation and the Portland Development Commission, along with community partners and neighbors, participated in the grand opening of The Fields Park.
The noontime celebration was highlighted by appearances by city and community leaders (including parks commish Nick Fish and parks director Mike Abbate), musical performances and art exhibit by neighborhood schoolchildren, readings and light refreshments including lemonade, bagels and cupcakes.
The Fields, the newest park in the Rose City, located in Northwest Portland at 10th Avenue and Overton, opened to the public on May 6th. It features a playground, an off-leash area for four-legged park lovers, and the beautiful work of artist Christine Bourdette would did an incredible installation for the park that was snail-inspired.
BACK TO THE FUTURE: "The greatest gift any filmmaker can have is an audience for his film." This is from a sixteen year old filmmaker competing in the International Youth Silent Film Festival.
The IYSFF is an international competition for filmmakers age 20 and under to create a modern version of silent film and see it on the big screen with live accompaniment.
Silent film was the very earliest kind of filmmaking. It was invented around 1894 and was state-of-the-art entertainment until in 1929 sound film appeared, in which the actors could actually speak on film. Without spoken dialogue technology, silent filmmakers had to tell their stories with exaggerated action, printed title cards which provided commentary, and clever plots which could be pulled off pictorally. Live music, played by a skilled organist, accompanied silent films in the theatres, and added to the experience of seeing these stories on the big screen.
In Portland the IYSFF will be held at the Hollywood Theater on May 21, 22 and 23, beginning at 7 pm.
Each night the fest will screen 15 three minute films that will be accompanied by live theatre organ (played by the composer, Nathan Avakian). The submissions were judged by celebrity judges Tom DeSanto, Anthony Rapp, Ryan Lee, Steve Oster and Lourrie Hammock.
A diverse, entertaining inspiring—and really cool—experience is in store for those who attend.
SHOW TIME: Bistro Marquee, a new restaurant and bar located at 200 SW Market Street in downtown Portland’s Theater District, will open for business on Monday, May 20th.
But I was one of the lucky media types who secured a sneak preview last night. And, I have to tell you, it's a pretty sweet spot.
Bistro Marquee is owned and operated by Gary Kneski and Leslie Palmer owners of Thirst Bistro. Now in its 8th year of operation, Thirst Bistro is located nearby on the RiverPlace Esplanade.
Award-winning chef and reigning Portland Iron Chef winner Rick Widmayer will serve as the Executive Chef of Bistro Marquee. The food menu highlights house made pastas such as braised pork ragu cavatelli and ricotta tortellini with buerre blanc; French classics like duck confit and steak frites; and also healthier items like seasonal foraged mushroom crepe and a daily seasonal vegetable plate.
The bistro will be open for lunch Monday through Friday. Dinner will be served Monday through Saturday. Free, validated valet parking will be offered to diners after 5:00pm. Bistro Marquee will offer a robust Happy Hour menu featuring more than 15 food items from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. in the bar and outside patio. The beverage menu will feature six varieties of wine on tap, nearly 50 wines by the glass/bottle as well locally focused craft cocktails and microbrews. Bistro Marquee will also have wine and beer growlers to go.
In a nod to its location in Portland’s Theater District, Bistro Marquee will offer Prix Fixe dinners on show nights that align with the theme and flavors of the show playing at Keller Auditorium. First up? Rock of Ages. Now, this is going to get interesting.
