Listening to Portland

I'm a multi-tasker. Big time. I'm often doing about 7 things at once and I wonder if that's a good thing? Right now, for instance. I'm trying to write a sensible blog post, preview music and figure out if I need to go to the store due to the impending Blizzard of 2011.

Burnside Distributors just gave KZME a box full of CDs (thanks, Alexis, for picking them up and dropping them off!) and I'm listening to Pink Martini's Hang on Little Tomato CD. I also have Colin Meloy Sings Shirley Collins and Sam Cooke, Lackthereof 1998-2008, The Disciplines Virgins of Menace (now that sounds interesting), MFNW 2010 and PDX Pop Now! 2004. What a variety, eh?

That's the beauty of Portland, isn't it? The variety of music and shows can be a burden or a treat. I mean, I'm talking about a measly six CDs in a City of 1000 Bands. It is a good thing!

Anyway, back to my multi-tasking. I think I can now check one of those items off my 'to do list' now.

Dennise

All This Great Music

I've been blown away in recent weeks by all the incredible music that is available for my consumption every day of the week.

We've been giving away tickets to all kinds of events, such as, Water and Bodies CD release party that is taking place on Friday at the Doug Fir. There's a whole lot of other great music going on at that same party.

I also get to listen to music that heads are way and have discovered all kinds of flavors of music from hip hop to acoustic to pop and realize how good we've got it here in Portland.

I don't get to go out, ever (*), but I can hope to catch some of this great talent on 107.1 fm. To be able to turn on the radio and hear bands like The Dimes, y la bamba and Ali Wesley. Tell me - how cool is that?

(*) Dog and kid keep me way too busy

Dennise

Loving the Arts

I just scheduled two great interviews for today: One with Pippa Arend of p:ear and the other with Ariel Gore. Both of these ladies make such an impact in our community when it comes to art. I truly admire both of them for their work and contribution.

Pippa is the program director at p:ear. I met her many moons ago when I was working at KBOO Community Radio. I didn't get to spend much time talking with her but was very impressed with the program she was running at p:ear - now I finally get to chat with her about it. About time, eh?

I first came across the work of Ariel Gore when I had my baby, Lila Rose. A friend hooked me up with The Hip Mama Survival Guide in the early days of motherhood. I was so impressed with how Ariel managed her life as a new mom.

Yes, Portland is chock filled with amazing talent and art. I feel very fortunate to live here and access such things!

Dennise

ArctclecticPDX for 2/6/2011

I had a great visit with three guys who helped make a new movie called Tandem Hearts. Jon, Jeff and Quinn came out to the KZME studios for an interview for my show, ArtclecticPDX.

I was only expecting Jon, so it was interesting cramming the four of us in such a tiny space but it proved to be just fine as we talked about the film and the overall creative community in Portland.

The movie is still in post production but folks can check out parts of it at this release party at Doug Fir. I think the movie should be out in coming months - stay tuned!

Dennise