Want to get the weekly update? Send me your email via the comments page!

It’s the 21st century, but the gods of Mount Olympus and assorted monsters have walked out of the pages of high school student Percy Jackson’s Greek mythology texts and into his life. And they’re not happy: Zeus’ lightning bolt has been stolen, and Percy is the prime suspect. Even more troubling is the sudden disappearance of Percy’s mother. As Percy adapts to his newly discovered status as a demi-god (his father is Poseidon), he finds himself caught between the battling titans of Mt. Olympus. He and his friends embark on a cross-country adventure to catch the true lightning thief, save Percy’s mom, and unravel a mystery more powerful than the gods themselves.

<View trailer here>

Tues Feb16th – The Receptionist – Portland Center Stage – 7:30P – $20

Beverly the receptionist is definitely a woman in charge—she’s the first in the door, she makes the coffee, she has all the pens. Her co-workers … not so much. Beverly holds their lives and schedules together Mr. Dart from the central office arrives unexpectedly and Beverly is left wondering just what sort of company she works for and what her role really is. This darkly comic exploration of a seemingly mundane environment, the office, reunites director Rose Riordan and playwright Adam Bock, author of The Thugs, produced at PCS in 2007. The Receptionist was the hit of Portland’s fringe scene at CoHo Theater in the fall of 2008, and PCS is thrilled to present this stellar work to an even larger audience.

<Click here for more info>

Thurs Feb 18th – Dashboard Confessional –Wonder Ballroom – 8p – $25

Dashboard Confessional: Led by the therapeutic vocals of Chris Carrabba, Dashboard Confessional have earned a fair amount of popularity with heartfelt, unplugged emo for those who can do without the genre’s typically hard-hitting guitar theatrics, but value the music’s sincerity. And sincerity is where Dashboard Confessional excel: Carraba’s heart-on-sleeve vocals and songwriting exude feeling and melody, much to the delight of melancholy teens in search of a like-minded voice. It’s a long way from Rites of Spring (or even Sunny Day Real Estate), but it’s obvious why so many take this to heart.

<Ticket info here>

Sat Feb 20^th Dharma Bums & Young Fresh Fellows – Crystal Ballroom – 8p – $15 advanced $17 at the door

Tickets go on Sale for the RED DRESS Party April 17 on Feb 1st

<info>

Mon Feb 1st – The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus – Cinema 21 – 7p – $8

 Terry Gilliam’s latest film turned out to be Heath Ledger’s last. In fact, the late actor died before completing his role. In a moving act of solidarity, other actors stepped in to fill out the part and help Gilliam complete the film, which tells the tale of a mysterious band of traveling players. Among those actors were Johnny Depp, Jude Law, and Colin Farrell. In addition, Tom Waits, Christopher Plummer, and supermodel Lily Cole also star. Todd McCarty writes that many Ledger fans will turn out just to see his final performance. But it is genuinely interesting to see how under duress, Gilliam contrived to work the other actors into the role his three successors play versions of the character in the CGI sequence set in fantastical other dimensions. It all comes off well lively action and excellent visual effects. Barbara Goslawski of Boxoffice calls it ” Terry Gilliam’s masterpiece every favorite Gilliam device and trope is employed here to breathtaking effect. The film deserves to be seen on the big screen.” Ray Bennett of the Hollywood Reporter notes that the tale “allows Gilliam to employ his remarkable gift for imagery.” In Allan Hunter’s view at Screen International, fans will “welcome it as a return to what Gilliam does best.” James Christopher of the Times of London writes that THE IMAGINARIUM OF DOCTOR PARNASSUS “is a film with a huge heart and a dazzling eye.”

Thurs Feb 4th – A Prairie Home Companion Live in HD – Regal Lloyd Center – 8P – $10.50

 February 4, 2010 — Coming to you live from the Fitzgerald Theater, and beamed into movie theaters across the country, it’s a special Thursday evening edition of A Prairie Home Companion. Featuring legendary English singer-songwriter Elvis Costello, sibling vocal powerhouses Jearlyn and Jevetta Steele, songstress Heather Masse, and the finest folk duo around, Robin and Linda Williams. Also with us, The Royal Academy of Radio Actors; Sue Scott and Tim Russell, with both Tom Keith AND Fred Newman creating sound effects mayhem. All this, plus a punched-up Guy’s All-Star Shoe Band, and of course, The News from Lake Wobegon. Two hours of non-stop fun (well, there’ll be a brief intermission) on the big screen.

<Click here for more info>

Fri Feb 5th – Little Shop of Horrors – Ambridge Event Center – 7p – $48 (includes dinner)

 A down-and out skid row floral assistant becomes an overnight sensation when he discovers an exotic plant with a mysterious craving for fresh blood. Soon “Audrey II” grows into an ill-tempered, foul-mouthed, R&B-singing carnivore who offers him fame and fortune in exchange for feeding its growing appetite, finally revealing itself to be an alien creature poised for global domination!

<Ticket info here>

Sat Feb 6th – Portland Seafood & Wine Festival – Convention Center – 12n-9p – $12

This winter event held February 5 & 6, 2010 is a celebration of all things Oregon, but most specifically our wonderful Oregon seafood and wines.

Scheduled in the quiet of winter, and smack dab in the middle of the Dungeness Crab season, it promises to be a popular event in Portland, the gateway to the Oregon coast and the Oregon wine country. The event will be a very upscale yet festive event at the Oregon Convention Center, promising a climate-controlled facility with lots of on-site and surrounding parking. Over 98,000 square feet of exhibit space will allow for lots of room to wander the event while stopping to sit and enjoy the good food, drink and live music throughout the event.

The first 500 people each day through the gates receive a commemorative wine glass to use at the festival and then take home with you.  Portions of the $12 admission charge go to the Oregon Chapter of the National MS Society. There will be a $2 discount price on tickets purchased within the first 2 hours of the festival each day.

Food item prices range from $1 and up. Wine sampling starts at .50 and prices for menu items varies from $2 to $15.00.

<Click here for more info>

Sun Feb 7th – Superbowl

Coming up….

Tues Feb 9^th – Schmooze @ TBD

Thurs Feb 11^th – Anvil @ Wonder Ballroom

Fri Feb 12^th – Boys and Girls Club Showcase of Wine and Cheese @ PDX Convention Center

Sat Feb 13^th – Seven Minutes in Heaven: Portland Story Theater @ Hipbone Studio

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, the first masterpiece from the legendary writing team of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, exploded onto the scene in 1971 changing the world of musical theatre forever. With a score of amazing songs – “I Don’t Know How to Love Him”, “Hosanna”, “Everything’s Alright”, “What’s the Buzz”, “Superstar”, and “Heaven on Their Mind”, this original groundbreaking production starring Ted Neeley in the title role is as relevant and timeless as ever.

<Click here for ticket info>

Thursday Jan 28th –The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnussus – Regal Lloyd Cinema 10  – 7:15p – $10.75

Terry Gilliam’s latest film turned out to be Heath Ledger’s last. In fact, the late actor died before completing his role. In a moving act of solidarity, other actors stepped in to fill out the part and help Gilliam complete the film, which tells the tale of a mysterious band of traveling players. Among those actors were Johnny Depp, Jude Law, and Colin Farrell. In addition, Tom Waits, Christopher Plummer, and supermodel Lily Cole also star. Todd McCarty writes that many Ledger fans will turn out just to see his final performance. But it is genuinely interesting to see how under duress, Gilliam contrived to work the other actors into the role his three successors play versions of the character in the CGI sequence set in fantastical other dimensions. It all comes off well lively action and excellent visual effects. Barbara Goslawski of Boxoffice calls it ” Terry Gilliam’s masterpiece every favorite Gilliam device and trope is employed here to breathtaking effect. The film deserves to be seen on the big screen.” Ray Bennett of the Hollywood Reporter notes that the tale “allows Gilliam to employ his remarkable gift for imagery.” In Allan Hunter’s view at Screen International, fans will “welcome it as a return to what Gilliam does best.” James Christopher of the Times of London writes that THE IMAGINARIUM OF DOCTOR PARNASSUS “is a film with a huge heart and a dazzling eye.”

<Click here for trailer>

Friday Jan 29th – ChocolateFest – World Forestry Center – 6-9P – $8

Join us for the 5th Annual ChocolateFest and make all your chocolate dreams come true.

Sample the latest culinary wonders from chocolate masters and artisan chocolatiers in the Chocolate Bazaar. Continue your tantalizing journey to the Chocolate Market as you learn the art of chocolate pairings with wine, sake, and beer.

Learn the basics or become a chocolate aficionado with presentations and demonstrations throughout the weekend.

The Discovery Museum will have chocolate samples for visitors, and showcase our upcoming exhibit, The Chocolate Story which explores the history of chocolate from its beginning as a potent and magical drink used by the Aztecs to its current worldwide popularity.

<Click here for ticket info>

Saturday Jan 30th – Mad Hatter Party – Urban Studios – 8:30p – $12

You must pre-purchase tickets to this event to attend.  Tickets can not be purchased at the door.

Your invited to……
to a VeRy MeRrY mAd HaTtEr UnBiRtHdAy PaRtY…..to who…..to you

Hope you can join us to celebrate:
Katie’s 30th & Tiffany’s 25th Birthday’s

TICKETS MUST BE PRE-PURCHASED TO ATTEND, space is limited
*Mad Hatter attire strongly encouraged but not required

Tickets are $12 and link to purchase tickets below:
https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=10204594

Ticket provides entry and food, beverages both alcoholic & non will be available for purchase.

email any questions to mhatterparty@gmail.com

<Click here for tickets>

Sunday Jan 31st – 2010 Medieval Banquet – Naked Winery – 6p – $50

Hear Ye Hear Ye!

House of Naked Winery doth proclaim it’s first:

MEDIEVAL BANQUET

T’will be complete with the hardiest of vittles, games, minstrels, music and of course the finest of libations!!

Tickets are on sale for Wine Club Members for said price of $40…no more, no less.
For ye commoners, tickets are $50 per person.

Come one, come all,
come dressed, just come!
T’would be but a folly to stay home in the bales!

Call for reservations 541.386.3700

Coming up….

Mon Feb 1^st – The Third Man – Cinema 21 – 7p – $8

Thurs Feb 4^th – A Prairie Home Companion Live in HD @ Lloyd Center 10

Fri Feb 5^th – Little Shop of Horrors @ Tin Pan Alley

Sat Feb 6^th – Portland Seafood & Wine Festival @ Portland Convention Center

Sun Feb 7^th – Superbowl

Tues Feb 9^th – Schmooze @ TBD

Thurs Feb 11^th – Anvil @ Wonder Ballroom

Fri Feb 12^th – Boys and Girls Club Showcase of Wine and Cheese @ PDX Convention Center

Sat Feb 13^th – Seven Minutes in Heaven: Portland Story Theater @ Hipbone Studio

Ok gang there are all kinds of Haiti benefit concerts going on this weekend – I’d like to add this one to the mix.  If you are home on Sunday evening why not go out and enjoy some live music and do a good deed at the same time!

On January 24th at 7pm at the Kennedy School, Classical Revolution PDX and friends will perform a free benefit concert to raise funds for relief in Haiti. 100% of donations received will go to Partners in Health. Classical Revolution is delighted to be joined by Matt Sheehy, Opera Theater Oregon, The Dimes, Sophe Lux, Travis Dow, James Faretheewell and many other special guests for a very eclectic and fun night of chamber music.

A silent auction will occur during the performance, with products and services donated by local artists and businesses. Items for auction include event tickets, fine photography, haircuts, massages, and many of the performers are donating private lessons.

 <Click here for more info>

TRUE STORIES featuring
COURTENAY HAMEISTER / STACY BOLT/SCOTT POOLE / MARGARET MALONE
HOLCOMBE WALLER/JIM BRUNBERG

An evening of harrowing true tales from some of the finest Portland literary talent.

<Click here for ticket info>

Outpost is a band (I met one of the members in a bar) and Mt. Tabor is a bar (I don’t know where exactly).  Hey, it’s something to do on a Friday night.

Friday Jan 22^nd – Fertile Ground Festival – Portland, OR – Varies – $50 all event pass

Fertile Ground 2010 is a 10-day arts festival that will be held January 22 through February 2 in Portland, Oregon. This city-wide festival is focused on new work in the Arts. It will feature up to 30 world premiere projects, staged readings and a myriad of other arts events from the Portland creative community. From fully staged world premieres in theatre, to ensemble and collaborative driven work, dance, comedy, visual art and film…this festival spans the spectrum of creative endeavor and seeds the next generation of creation through artist conversations, workshops, lunchtime readings and more.

<click here for more info>

The Moth, a not-for-profit storytelling organization, was founded in New York in 1997 by poet and novelist George Dawes Green, who wanted to recreate in New York the feeling of sultry summer evenings on his native St. Simon’s Island, Georgia, where he and a small circle of friends would gather to spin spellbinding tales on his friend Wanda’s porch. After moving to New York, George missed the sense of connection he had felt sharing stories with his friends back home, and he decided to invite a few friends over to his New York apartment to tell and hear stories. Thus the first “Moth” evening took place in his living room. Word of these captivating story nights quickly spread, and The Moth moved to bigger venues in New York. Today, The Moth conducts eight ongoing programs and has brought more than 3,000 live stories to over 100,000 audience members.

<For more info on The Moth (which you should totally check out) click here>

Tuesday Jan 19 – Snow Falling on Cedars – Gerding Theater – 7:30p – $15 - $50 (call and work a deal)

Adapted for the stage by Seattle’s Book-it Repertory Theatre (the people who brought us Pride and Prejudice), Northwestern author David Guterson’s haunting story takes place in 1954, on a Puget Sound island so isolated that no one who lives there can afford to make enemies. The island’s white and Japanese-American communities have lived in quiet but uneasy peace, even through the dark days of WWII internment camps and widespread anti-Japanese war hysteria. But when Kabuo Miyamoto is charged with murder and it turns out that his wife’s spurned white lover Ishmael holds the information that could set him free, the island’s secret prejudices, jealousies and ancient grievances threaten to boil over into an act of injustice from which there can be no return.

<Click her to buy tickets>

Featuring the Hitchhiker’s Guide to Cyber-Science
Doors: 5 p.m.; event at 7 p.m. | $2 suggested donation | All ages welcome

Come out for beer, pizza, popcorn and a healthy dose of scientific knowledge! Come early to secure your seats and order up your food and drinks before the presentation begins.

In January: The Hitchhiker’s Guide to Cyber-Science

Computers have changed not only the way that people work and communicate but also the world of scientific research and discovery. The era of scientists working in isolated groups and interacting only through conferences and journals is ending; now they can collaborate in real-time with colleagues all over the world, using the Internet to access shared software, databases, specialized lab equipment, and virtual field stations. Come find out how computers are helping create a whole new world of “cyber-science,” and how collaborations of scientists from many disciplines and locations are working together to tackle the complex problem of predicting natural disasters.

Dr. Cherri M. Pancake (http://web.engr.oregonstate.edu/~pancake/) is professor of electrical engineering & computer science and Intel Faculty Fellow at Oregon State University. A specialist in usability engineering, she has conducted in-depth studies of how practicing scientists think about and work with computers, proving that their needs are different from computer science and business communities. Most recently, Dr. Pancake has focused on how “virtual collaborations”—interactions that may span large, interdisciplinary, and physically distributed communities—differ from situations where colleagues have the opportunity to meet and work together physically. She develops processes and software tools to make remote collaboration fit naturally into the normal patterns of scientific research and practice.

Science Pub-Bagdad Theater is open to anyone and everyone; no RSVP is necessary. $2.00 suggested cover charge. Tell your friends. We hope to see you there!

Questions? E-mail sciencepub@omsi.edu or call 503.797.4517. Visit omsi.edu/sciencepub for a description of upcoming topics.

Tuesday Jan 12 - The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus – Cinema 21 – 7P – $8

Terry Gilliam’s latest film turned out to be Heath Ledger’s last. In fact, the late actor died before completing his role. In a moving act of solidarity, other actors stepped in to fill out the part and help Gilliam complete the film, which tells the tale of a mysterious band of traveling players. Among those actors were Johnny Depp, Jude Law, and Colin Farrell. In addition, Tom Waits, Christopher Plummer, and supermodel Lily Cole also star. Todd McCarty writes that �many Ledger fans will turn out just to see his final performance. But it is genuinely interesting to see how under duress, Gilliam contrived to work the other actors into the role�his three successors play versions of the character in the CGI sequence set in fantastical other dimensions. It all comes off well�lively action and excellent visual effects. Barbara Goslawski of Boxoffice calls it ” Terry Gilliam�s masterpiece�every favorite Gilliam device and trope is employed here to breathtaking effect. The film deserves to be seen on the big screen.” Ray Bennett of the Hollywood Reporter notes that the tale “allows Gilliam to employ his remarkable gift for imagery.” In Allan Hunter’s view at Screen International, fans will “welcome it as a return to what Gilliam does best.” James Christopher of the Times of London writes that THE IMAGINARIUM OF DOCTOR PARNASSUS “is a film with a huge heart and a dazzling eye.”

<Click here for trailer>

Wednesday Jan 13 – Xanadu – Keller Auditorium – 7:30P – $28.50+

PUT A BUNCH of smash hit songs, Tony® Award-nominee Douglas Carter Beane and the cutest couple in town into a Broadway musical comedy blender, and what do you get? “Heaven on Wheels” says The New York Times. Taking audiences back to 1980 California, this hilarious new musical follows the beautiful Kira, who travels to earth to inspire a struggling young artist named Sonny, as she helps this aspiring painter to find his voice, discover true love and build the world’s first roller disco (not necessarily in that order).

< Click here for ticket info>

BRUTAL BEAUTY is a documentary devoted to the story of Portland, Oregon’s Rose City Rollers. The project will attempt to answer the question why this revival of the 1970’s sport has become a staple in Portland. This is the World Premiere of Chip Mabry’s film.

Brutal Beauty – Tales of the Rose City Rollers (Trailer) from Benjamin Meader on Vimeo.

Sunday Jan 10 – Design For Living – ART Theater – 7:30P – $30 

Design for Living is a comedy written by Noël Coward in 1932. The play revolves around the relationship between three friends: Otto, a painter; Gilda, an interior decorator; and Leo, a playwright (originally played by Noël himself). The love triangle between the three leads is extremely unconventional even by today’s standards.  Gilda attempts a traditional relationship with each man, but ends up cheating on each of them with the other. After the trio is split by Gilda’s loveless marriage to Ernest, Otto and Leo decide they cannot lose her. It is only when they realize that the one thing missing in each pairing is the third individual that they settle down together as a trio. Leo lessens the ambiguity of their relationship when he explains to Gilda that, “the actual facts are so very simple. I love you, you love me. You love Otto. I love Otto. Otto loves you. Otto loves me…” The relationship between each person is as strong as the other and they all depend on this.   Recommended for adult audiences.

<Ticket Info>