Tag: Live music in Portland

Summer Solstice at Crystal Springs

Dear Liza,

Wednesday was the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year. It was also a warm, lovely day. One of our favorite places, the Crystal Spring Rhododendron Garden, was offering late hours and bluegrass music. We’d be fools not to go!

Since the garden’s parking lot is tiny, we took the bus down. It was a two bus trip, the 75 to the 19. But it only took about a half hour, and saved a lot of stress. Once we got to the garden, we saw that the fountain was celebrating Pride. Look at that rainbow!

A bluegrass duo called Whiskey Deaf were playing to a good sized crowd on the lawn. The crowd was the usual Portland collection of people, dogs, kids, and picnics. It was delightful.

I loved letting my mind wander to the way the light was changing as the sun neared the horizon, the tree tops were swaying, and the breeze was ruffling the bushes.

As we walked out of the gardens, the sun was making magic over the lake and through the trees and the world felt peaceful.

And as we waited for the bus, a silver slipper of moon rose to sit with Venus among the pine branches.

Life is good.

Love,

Grandma Judy

An Evening at Zach’s Shack

Dear Liza,

Saturday just kept going! After a bit of a rest, we walked over to Zach’s Shack to see Johnny Franco and his band.

Grandpa Nelson has been going to Zach’s for years. He loves their French fries and sodas, their pleasant back patio, Zach himself, and Riley, the resident Corgi.

I like Zach’s for the tofu Chicago dogs, cold Guinness beer, and the funky style of the place.

And this evening, there was an additional attraction! Johnny Franco, who we usually listen to at Laurelhurst Park, had set up with his band on the patio. Zach was on hand to help with props and serving… there was quite a crowd!

The band consists of Johnny, who sings and plays guitar; his guitar-playing harmonizing vocalist; a drummer; and a fellow who plays both trumpet and flute, depending on what is needed.

I like the sort of retro-modern style of music they play. Some Beatles songs, some Three Dog Night, and a bunch of very good original songs added up to a pleasant energy. Some of their songs are in Portuguese, so I can’t understand the lyrics, but they are still delightful.

Before we left, we got to chat with Johnny and tell him how much we enjoyed his music. He told us he had just gotten back from Santa Cruz, where Auntie Bridgett went to University. She was happy to hear that her old favorite record store, Streetlight Records, had been very helpful to the band and set up some shows for them.

When it started getting chilly, we headed for home, walking through a neighborhood full of soft light and the sweet summer flowers.

I felt like a very lucky woman.

Love,

Grandma Judy