Portland Spoke – The Official Blog of Travel Portland – Travel Portland's Staff Blog

It was date night and I had to come up with something special to placate the better half.  Lucky for me, an e-mail  hadpopped into my inbox earlier in the week with the perfect date idea: Catching the Oregon Symphony’s performance of “The New World Symphony.”  With Musical Director Carlos Kalmar at the helm, I knew we would be in good hands as we slipped into our seats.

Big sounds quickly filled the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall as we were treated to a phenomenal auditory experience for the next hour and a half.  About 20 minutes in, I had my first awe-inspiring moment, which came in the form of a question: Why has it taken me so long to attend a performance of classical music?  It was amazing.  Angie and I were treated to a firsthand look at the expert as Carlos Kalmar cued a section to play and sound burst forth as the music shifted around the orchestra.  The guest of honor, German cellist Alban Gerhardt, offered a stunning performance of the monumental creation by Prokofiev.  Needless to say, this was an experience I’m ready to relive in the near future.

When you’re ready to have your own classical music epiphany, the Oregon Symphony and I will be there with you.  For a full lineup of performances, visit the Oregon Symphony’s website, www.orsymphony.org.

One of my favorite summertime traditions is to pack a picnic basket and go to the symphony.  For 31 years, the Portland Festival Symphony has presented live classical music in Portland’s beautiful parks.  It’s a wonderful way to experience the symphony in beautiful outdoor settings that bring the community together.

This season there will be six symphony concerts at public parks around Portland, from July 30 to September 4. The concerts are all at 6 p.m., and are always free — no tickets required. Just bring chairs or blankets for seating.  This is a fun family event; there’s even a “Toy Symphony” where children can participate.

On September 1, the Oregon Symphony performs for FREE at Waterfront Park to launch their season. The Portland Youth Philharmonic will start off the concert at 5 p.m. Closing festivities include the traditional grand finale — Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture with an elaborate fireworks show, complete with military cannons from the Oregon Army National Guard 218th Field Artillery.

So pack your picnic basket and enjoy the sounds of summer!

September is my favorite month in Portland.  The weather’s warm, the streets are busy and activities are in full swing.  Here are a few of the things I’m looking forward to experiencing:

See

Robert Crumb, Illustrated Book of Genesis: It took five years and 200 drawings for artist Robert Crumb to illustrate the 50 chapters of Genesis.  Portland Art Museum’s exhibit runs through Sept. 19.

Long Day’s Journey Into Night: A collaboration between the Artists Repertory Theatre and the Sydney Theatre Company, this American classic stars William Hurt.  The show has been extended through the Sunday of Labor Day weekend.

PICA’s Time Based Art: Ten days of performances and parties kick off with a collaboration between the Oregon Symphony and Rufus Wainright.

Shop

Compassion Coupons: From now through September, customers can print coupons for discounts at downtown shops and restaurants and New Avenues for Youth will benefit.  For every redeemed coupon, New Avenues receives $5 to help fund their outreach programs.

Fashion’s Night Out: On Sept. 10, Downtown Portland retailers throw open their doors for fashion shows, exclusive appearances, samples and giveaways.  Director Park is the headquarters for this event, which includes free evening parking at SmartPark’s 10th and Yamhill garage.

Art in the Pearl/Pearl Sidewalk Sale: The Pearl’s the place to be on Labor Day weekend, when artists take over the Park Blocks and vendors take over the sidewalks.  Bring your credit cards and good walking shoes for this three-day event.

Savor

Tasty n Sons: From the legendary folks at Toro Bravo, this restaurant in North Portland packs them in for brunch.  Starting Sept. 9, they’ll bring ‘em in for dinner, too.  A warm-weather bonus?  The roll up garage-style door at the front of the restaurant.

Pinot: “An American Brasserie” featuring beer, wine (yes, there is more than just Pinot Noir on the menu) and eats from the Pacific Northwest.  This newly opened downtown restaurant opens early and closes late.

Hair of the Dog: This legendary brewing company has finally opened a public brewpub.  Their website hasn’t been updated, but the Oregonian wrote a preview in April.

… Thank God I live in Portland. I have these moments when it hits me how lucky I am to be here. Now that spring is springing it hits me all the time. I drive up my street and it is so beautiful with flowering trees and flowering flowers that I arrive amazed in my own driveway.

On Saturday my husband and I went for a hike in Forest Park. It was so easy — ten minutes in the car and two hours in the forest. Last night we decided to go for a walk somewhere we’d never been. Five minutes from our house, we were on Terwilliger (of Simpsons fame), then on a short trail in another forest, discovering a new neighborhood with fantastic views of Mount Hood and the Willamette River.

Image courtesy of BodyVox

Tonight we are going to BodyVox for the opening of “Smoke Soup.” BodyVox consistently blows me away with humor and creativity in modern dance. I will forever be grateful to them for turning my son (then in high school) onto modern dance. I get the same hit of amazement from Portland when I sit in the audience at Portland Center Stage, Artists Repertory, White Bird Dance or the Oregon Symphony — all of which I’ve been lucky enough to experience in the past couple of months.

Finally, my husband and I have this game we play a lot. It’s called “Let’s count how many cars it takes ’til they let us in.” This is usually played when we imagine we are going to be stuck trying to merge with traffic. The magic answer is usually one or two and every time we turn to each other and say, “Thank God we live in Portland!”