Around the Sun: A Blog About Saving Money in Portland, Oregon, and beyond

Free Events This Weekend in Portland: Feb 6–8

Admission is free for all events below. Have a great weekend!

Friday, February 6

• Free First Friday Night at Portland Children’s Museum: Admission to the museum is free from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. 4015 SW Canyon Road. For more information, visit the event website.

• First Friday Art Openings: Check PORT for First Friday recommendations, as well as the Central Eastside Arts District website for a list of galleries that will be open. In addition, Tilde, Bowl of Thistles and Press Club will host artist receptions.

• Downtown Camas First Friday Art Walk: This month’s theme is “A Chocolate Affair to Remember.” 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Downtown Troutdale First Friday Art Walk: On the first Friday of each month, Historic Downtown Troutdale businesses host dozens of local artists exhibiting their works of art. For more information, please contact the West Columbia Gorge Chamber of Commerce at 503-669-7473 or visit their website.

• Toyz N More N The Hood: The Jacka, Luni Coleone & Cool Nutz, The Dirtball, Laroo and others will perform at the Roseland (8 NW 6th Ave) at 7:00 pm. A donation of two toys or articles of clothing gets you in free. All ages. 503.224.2038

• Factory Girl will perform at Music Millennium (3158 E. Burnside) at 6:00 pm. All ages. For more information, visit the event website.

• Carley Baer (website) will perform at Wine Unwind (1019 NW 11th Ave) at 8:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Mitzi Zilka (website) will perform at Three Degrees Lounge at the RiverPlace Hotel, 8:00 pm. For more information, visit the PDX Jazz website.

• The Buckskins, Purple Heart, and Force Fed Lead will perform at Red Room (2530 NE 82nd Ave) at 9:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the event website.

• Jack McMahon (website) will perform at Edgefield (2126 SW Halsey St, Troutdale) at 7:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the Edgefield website.

• Gil Reynolds Trio Plus (website) will perform at Rock Creek Tavern (10000 NW Old Cornelius Pass Rd, Hillsboro) at 9:00 pm. All ages until 10:00 pm. For more information, visit the Rock Creek Tavern website.

• Author Nancy Atherton will speak at 7:00 pm at Powell’s Books, Cedar Hills Crossing (3415 SW Cedar Hills Blvd). For more information, visit the event website.

• Author Mario Livio will talk about his book “Is God a Mathematician?” at 7:00 pm at Powell’s Technical Books (33 NW Park Ave). For more information, visit the event website.

• Author John Gibler will talk about his book “Mexico Unconquered” at 7:30 pm at Powell’s City of Books on Burnside (1005 W. Burnside). For more information, visit the event website.

Saturday, February 7

• Fix-It Fair: The Fix-It Fair offers exhibits and workshops on saving money, health, home maintenance, gardening and more. Free on-site child care and lunch from Burgerville provided. George Middle School (10000 N. Burr Ave), 8:30 am to 2:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Portland Taiko (website) will perform at Gresham Library (385 NW Miller Ave, Gresham) from 2:30 pm to 3:15 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Saturday Guided Nature Walks at Tryon Creek State Park: Join a park ranger for a free, guided nature hike to explore the forest and stream ecosystems and natural history at Tryon Creek State Natural Area. Today’s theme is “A Hike Back In Time.” Appropriate for all ages. Parents must accompany kids on all hikes. 10:00 am to 11:30 am. For more information, visit the event website.

• Oregon Symphony Storytime: This series focuses on books, music, instruments, sound and fun musical crafts. Each week features a visit from an Oregon Symphony musician who will play and provide an introduction to his or her instrument and orchestral music. Free tickets for seating will be available 30 minutes prior to the program. Northwest Library (2300 NW Thurman St), 1:00 pm–2:00 pm. Most appropriate for preschool-age children. For more information, visit the event website.

• “The Lucky Teakettle” Puppet Show: Emily Alexander combines puppetry and storytelling as she performs a new version of an old tale from Japan. Woodstock Library (6008 SE 49th Ave), 1:30 pm–2:00 pm and again from 3:00 pm–3:30 pm. Space at this program is limited. Free tickets for seating will be available at 1:00 pm. For more information, click here and here.

• Geri Allen (website) will perform at Kaul Auditorium at 8:00 pm. The Kaul Auditorium is located in Reed College (3203 SE Woodstock Blvd). For more information, visit the event website.

• 200 Candles for Felix Mendelssohn: Organized and led by violist Chris Kelsey, this free concert features members of Portland’s Classical Revolution playing Mendelssohn’s 9th String Symphony and the String Octet in E-Flat Major. Free birthday cake too. Community Music Center (3350 SE Francis St, 503.823.3177), 7:00 pm.

• Oregon Symphonic Band Winter Concert: The concert titled “This Land Is Your Land” includes traditional and popular American songs. Pat McElroy of KBPS Radio will serve as narrator in Aaron Copland’s “A Lincoln Portrait.” Jackson Middle School Auditorium (10625 SW 35th Ave), 7:30 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Gideon Freudmann (website) will perform at Ledding Library (10660 SE 21st Ave, Milwaukie) at 2:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Love Trucker (website) will perform at Music Millennium (3158 E. Burnside) at 6:00 pm. All ages. For more information, visit the event website.

• Lefthand Monkey Wrench (website) will perform at Kay’s Bar (6903 SE Milwaukie) at 9:30 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the event website.

• H Duo (website) will perform at Three Degrees Lounge at the RiverPlace Hotel, 8:00 pm. For more information, visit the PDX Jazz website.

• Mood Area 52 (website) will perform at Press Club at 8:30 pm. All ages. Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St, 503.233.5656.

• Adam + Kris (website) will perform at Edgefield (2126 SW Halsey St, Troutdale) at 7:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the Edgefield website.

• The Brothers Jam (website) will perform at Rock Creek Tavern (10000 NW Old Cornelius Pass Rd, Hillsboro) at 9:00 pm. All ages until 10:00 pm. For more information, visit the Rock Creek Tavern website.

• Book Swap for Kids and Teens at Camas Library: Bring books (still in good condition) that you are done with and trade them for new ones. Swap with others, or with a selection of children’s and teen books the library will provide. 625 NE 4th Ave, Camas, WA. 2:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Tax Help: Trained tax preparers will be at Gregory Heights Library to help you with your tax forms. Bring last year’s return and this year’s paperwork. This program is sponsored by AARP. Gregory Heights Library (7921 NE Sandy Blvd), 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Estate Planning for Traditional & Non-Traditional Families: Receive practical estate planning information to safeguard your finances and healthcare wishes during and after your lifetime. Common myths, wills, living trusts, healthcare directives, and powers of attorney will be discussed. Hollywood Library (4040 NE Tillamook St), 11:30 am to 1:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Author Rosanne Parry will talk about her book “Heart of a Shepherd” at 1:00 pm at Garden Home Community Library (7475 SW Oleson Rd). For more information, visit the event website.

• “Apples to Oregon” Stories & Crafts: Celebrate the beginning of Oregon Reads with stories and crafts related to the Oregon Reads selection for young readers, “Apples to Oregon.” Hillsboro Main Library (2850 Brookwood Pkwy, Hillsboro), 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

Sunday, February 8

• Free Admission to Portland Classical Chinese Garden: Admission to the garden will be free from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Japanese Tea Demonstration: Located in Portland, Oregon, Wakai Tea Association is a local chapter of the Urasenke Tradition of Tea, Kyoto, Japan. Watch the graceful tradition of the Urasenke Tea ritual. The ceremony is simply the preparation, serving and drinking of powdered green tea; yet within this simplicity lies the very heart of Japanese culture. Central Library (801 SW 10th Ave), 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Tales of Japan: Tears of Joy Theatre will present two stories appropriate for families. In “Gift,” Myoga and his comical goat meet a magical princess and learn that even a great and wonderful gift can have drawbacks. In the second story, the classic folktale “Momotaro” is told using an array of rod puppets and audience participation. Free tickets for seating will be available 30 minutes prior to the program. Midland Library (805 SE 122nd Ave), 3:00 pm to 3:45 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Caroline Oakley & Pete Leone (website) will perform at Edgefield (2126 SW Halsey St, Troutdale) at 5:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the Edgefield website.

• “Nine Queens” will be showing at Press Club at 8:00 pm. All ages. Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St, 503.233.5656.

• African American Read-In: Local celebrities, community leaders and students will read from works by their favorite African American writers. Fiction and non-fiction for children and adults will be featured in an afternoon of good words from great works. North Portland Library (512 N. Killingsworth St), 2:30 pm–3:45 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

If you know of any other free events happening this weekend, please write a comment about it. If you’d like me to include an event in a future round-up, please contact me.

1 comment February 5th, 2009

Free Events This Weekend in Portland: Jan 30–Feb 1

Reminders: On January 30, TriMet is offering free rides on WES from 11:30 am to 3:30 pm. On February 1, admission to OMSI is just $2. All weekend, you can get a free breakfast at IKEA with this coupon.

Admission is free for all events below. Have a great weekend!

Friday, January 30

• “Battlestar Galactica” Final Season: Join KUFO’s Cort and Fatboy each Friday night from January 16 through March 10 to watch the final 10 episodes of “Battlestar Galactica.” Bagdad Theater (3702 SE Hawthorne Blvd). Doors open at 9:30 pm; show at 10:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, contact the Bagdad Theater or KUFO.

• Jason Carter (website) will perform at Wine Unwind (1019 NW 11th Ave) at 8:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Chance Hayden (website) will perform at Three Degrees Lounge at the RiverPlace Hotel, 8:00 pm. For more information, visit the PDX Jazz website.

• SweetJuice (website) will perform at LaurelThirst Public House (NE Glisan and 30th) from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Kaitlyn ni Donovan (website) will perform at Press Club at 8:30 pm. All ages. Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St, 503.233.5656.

• Sallo, Red Dakota Revival Show and Pressure Code will perform at Red Room (2530 NE 82nd Ave) at 9:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the event website.

• Eddie Parente (website) will perform at Edgefield (2126 SW Halsey St, Troutdale) at 7:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the Edgefield website.

• Catherine Welson and Strawberry Roan (website) will perform at Rock Creek Tavern (10000 NW Old Cornelius Pass Rd, Hillsboro) at 9:00 pm. All ages until 10:00 pm. For more information, visit the Rock Creek Tavern website.

• Write Around Portland Anthology Release Party and Community Reading: Write Around Portland is celebrating the release of their new anthology, “Now/Past/Future,” featuring the writing of adults and youth living with mental illness, people affected by HIV/AIDS and cancer, burn survivors and many others. Light snacks and drinks provided. Donations of new journals accepted and appreciated. First United Methodist Church, Collins Hall (1838 SW Jefferson), 6:30 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• “Peaches and Bats” Release Party and Reading: Celebrate the release of a new issue of “Peaches and Bats.” Poets David Abel, Joseph Bradshaw and Kaia Sand will read. There will be music by Warren Lee (harmonium), Ian Ackerman (violin) and Gabriel Will (viola). The Waypost (3120 N. Williams Ave), 7:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

Saturday, January 31

• Saturday Guided Nature Walks at Tryon Creek State Park: Join a park ranger for a free, guided nature hike to explore the forest and stream ecosystems and natural history at Tryon Creek State Natural Area. Today’s theme is “Woodpeckers.” Appropriate for all ages. Parents must accompany kids on all hikes. 10:00 am to 11:30 am. For more information, visit the event website.

• Japanese Heritage Event: Celebrating Oregon Reads 2009 and its selection “Stubborn Twig,” the true story of three generations of a Japanese-American family, Tigard Library will host an event featuring the Minidoka Swing Band, Japanese desserts, craft time for the kids, and an exhibit from the Oregon Nikkei Legacy Center. Library card holders can pick up a free copy of “Stubborn Twig” while supplies last or download the audio book at http://www.wccls.org/oregon_reads/2009/read.php. 13500 SW Hall Blvd, 12:30 pm–2:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Gray Matters, Serge Severe, The Wright Family, Diezel P, and others will perform at Berbati’s Pan (10 SW 3rd Ave) at 10:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the event website.

• Levator (website) will perform at Music Millennium (3158 E. Burnside) at 6:00 pm. All ages. For more information, visit the event website.

• Love Trucker (website) will perform at Kay’s Bar (6903 SE Milwaukie) at 9:30 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the event website.

• Clay Giberson (website) will perform at Three Degrees Lounge at the RiverPlace Hotel, 8:00 pm. For more information, visit the PDX Jazz website.

• Doc Ocular, Lions and Eagles, and The Heirs of Eiffel Tower will perform at Red Room (2530 NE 82nd Ave) at 9:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the event website.

• Miss Michael Jodell and the Dim Sons (website) will perform at Press Club at 8:30 pm. All ages. Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St, 503.233.5656.

• Eric John Kaiser (website) will perform at Edgefield (2126 SW Halsey St, Troutdale) at 7:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the Edgefield website.

• The Cowboy Heroes (website) will perform at Rock Creek Tavern (10000 NW Old Cornelius Pass Rd, Hillsboro) at 9:00 pm. All ages until 10:00 pm. For more information, visit the Rock Creek Tavern website.

• World Travel 101: This budget and travel workshop is geared toward the first-time traveler planning a trip abroad. Veteran travelers will offer tips on everything from budgeting, packing, finding accommodations, managing health issues, cultural behavior, transportation, language barriers, getting the most out of your trip and more. Hillsdale Library (1525 SW Sunset Blvd), 2:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• William Stafford Birthday Celebration: Frances Payne Adler, Christine Delea, Robert McFarlane, John Morrison, Emma Oliver, and Dennis and Helen Schmidling will read. Audience members are invited to bring their favorite Stafford poem to read for the rest of the group. Looking Glass Bookstore (7983 SE 13th Ave), 3:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• SPOKES 4 FOLKS: Concerned and community-minded urban cyclists will gather to create a number of care packages on Saturday night, then deliver them by bicycle to Portland’s cold and wet “outside dwellers” early on Sunday. The packages may include food, hygiene supplies, water, stamps … anything that is tough to come by and sorely needed as the weather rolls in. Saturday, January 31, at 7:00 pm is the care package creation get-together. Sunday, February 1, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm is the care package delivery throughout the city. All events are held at 1716 NE Clackamas St., Portland. Donations and generosity are welcomed and appreciated. For more information, contact spokes4folksevent @ gmail.com.

Sunday, February 1

• Super Bowl at McMenamins: The Super Bowl will be playing at St. Johns Theater (ages 21+), Bagdad Theater (minors welcome with an adult), and Mission Theater (ages 21+). Doors open at 1:30 pm; game starts at 3:00 pm.

• Portland Opera Preview: “Turn of the Screw”: This lecture/concert covers the historical background, composer information and musical selections of the show. Central Library (801 SW 10th Ave), 2:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Atole and E*ROCK will perform at Someday Lounge (125 NW 5th Ave) at 9:30 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the event website.

• Origami Ghosts, Inside Voices, and Hello Loneliness will perform at Valentine’s (232 SW Ankeny) at 9:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the event website.

• Andrew Calhoun (website) will perform at Edgefield (2126 SW Halsey St, Troutdale) at 5:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the Edgefield website.

• “Memento” will be showing at Press Club at 9:00 pm. All ages. Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St, 503.233.5656.

• Sunday Cinema Classics at St. Johns Library: “Some Like It Hot” will be showing at 2:00 pm. Free tickets for limited seating will be available at 1:30 pm. 7510 N. Charleston Ave. For more information, visit the event website.

• Author Lois McMaster Bujold will talk about her book “Horizon” at 6:00 pm at Powell’s Books, Cedar Hills Crossing (3415 SW Cedar Hills Blvd). For more information, visit the event website.

• Kimono Workshop: There are many rules to wearing a kimono. A member of the Wakai Tea Association will model how to choose and wear a kimono. Midland Library (805 SE 122nd Ave), 1:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Women and Wellness: Eating and Mindfulness: Our fast-paced lifestyles and obsession with thinness has led to a culture of weight and nutrition related problems. Learn how to develop a healthier relationship with your body and food by slowing down and becoming more mindful of your emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. Presented by the offices of Kate Donchi, MS, LMFT, Beth Westbrook, PhD, Ryan Spokes, PhD. Hollywood Library (4040 NE Tillamook St), 2:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• SPOKES 4 FOLKS: Concerned and community-minded urban cyclists will gather to create a number of care packages on Saturday night, then deliver them by bicycle to Portland’s cold and wet “outside dwellers” early on Sunday. The packages may include food, hygiene supplies, water, stamps … anything that is tough to come by and sorely needed as the weather rolls in. Saturday, January 31, at 7:00 pm is the care package creation get-together. Sunday, February 1, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm is the care package delivery throughout the city. All events are held at 1716 NE Clackamas St., Portland. Donations and generosity are welcomed and appreciated. For more information, contact spokes4folksevent @ gmail.com.

If you know of any other free events happening this weekend, please write a comment about it. If you’d like me to include an event in a future round-up, please contact me.

Add comment January 29th, 2009

Free Events This Weekend in Portland: Jan 23–25

Admission is free for all events below. Have a great weekend!

Friday, January 23

• “Battlestar Galactica” Final Season: Join KUFO’s Cort and Fatboy on Friday nights from January 16 through March 10 to watch the final 10 episodes of “Battlestar Galactica.” Bagdad Theater (3702 SE Hawthorne Blvd). Doors open at 9:30 pm; show at 10:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, contact the Bagdad Theater or KUFO.

• Royal Bliss (website) will perform at Music Millennium (3158 E. Burnside) at 6:00 pm. All ages. For more information, visit the event website.

• Hello Loneliness, Shoeshine Blue, and Pancake Breakfast will perform at The Waypost (3120 N. Williams Ave) at 8:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Dan Balmer (website) will perform at Three Degrees Lounge at the RiverPlace Hotel, 8:00 pm. For more information, visit the PDX Jazz website.

• Quick & Easy Boys (website) will perform at LaurelThirst Public House (NE Glisan and 30th) from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Will West Duo will perform at Press Club at 8:30 pm. All ages. Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St, 503.233.5656.

• Arz and Fractal will perform at Red Room (2530 NE 82nd Ave) at 9:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the event website.

• Beth Willis (website) will perform at Edgefield (2126 SW Halsey St, Troutdale) at 7:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the Edgefield website.

• The Checkered Present (website) will perform at Rock Creek Tavern (10000 NW Old Cornelius Pass Rd, Hillsboro) at 9:00 pm. All ages until 10:00 pm. For more information, visit the Rock Creek Tavern website.

• Authors Gar Alperovitz and Lew Daly will talk about their book “Unjust Deserts: How the Rich Are Taking Our Common Inheritance” at 7:30 pm at Powell’s City of Books on Burnside (1005 W. Burnside). For more information, visit the event website.

Saturday, January 24

• End Joblessness—A Mini Job Fair: This is an opportunity for potential employers and job seekers to come together. Employers will talk about their job openings, contracts and other opportunities. Ample time to mingle. OTBC (12725 SW Millikan Way, Beaverton), 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Free Dance Classes at BodyVox: Click here for more information. 

• Free Yoga Classes at Belmont Yoga: In honor of Yoga Day USA, Belmont Yoga (4246 SE Belmont, #4) will hold two free yoga classes. For more information, click here.

• Tea Party at Seattle’s Best: In celebration of National Hot Tea Month, participating Seattle’s Best Coffee cafes will host a tea party from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Complimentary samples of the new Vanilla Red Tea Latte as well as samples of other tea lattes and full leaf teas will be served. Please contact your local Seattle’s Best to see if it is participating. 

• Oregon Symphony Storytime: This series focuses on books, music, instruments, sound and fun musical crafts. Each week features a visit from an Oregon Symphony musician who will play and provide an introduction to his or her instrument and orchestral music. Free tickets for seating will be available 30 minutes prior to the program. Hillsdale Library (1525 SW Sunset Blvd), 11:00 am–noon. Most appropriate for preschool-age children. For more information, visit the event website.

• ”Raven Steals the Sun” Children’s Puppet Show: Created and performed by Emily Alexander of Tears of Joy Theatre, this show tells how Raven the trickster brought light and warmth to the world. Most appropriate for grades K–5. Sellwood-Moreland Library (7860 SE 13th Ave), 11:00 pm to 11:30 pm, and 12:00 pm to 12:30 pm. Free tickets for seating will be available at 10:30 am. For more information, click here and here.

• Naysayers will perform at Music Millennium (3158 E. Burnside) at 5:00 pm. All ages. For more information, visit the event website.

• when the broken bow, The Chair Project, and Resin Hits will perform at The Waypost (3120 N. Williams Ave) at 8:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Matt Tabor will perform at Three Degrees Lounge at the RiverPlace Hotel, 8:00 pm. For more information, visit the PDX Jazz website.

• Casey Neill & friends will perform at LaurelThirst Public House (NE Glisan and 30th) from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Chickweed (website) will perform at Kay’s Bar (6903 SE Milwaukie) at 9:30 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the event website.

• Damage Overdose and The Butchered Fixation will perform at Red Room (2530 NE 82nd Ave) at 9:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the event website.

• Rachel Taylor Brown (website) will perform at Press Club at 8:30 pm. All ages. Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St, 503.233.5656.

• Reina Collins (website) will perform at Edgefield (2126 SW Halsey St, Troutdale) at 7:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the Edgefield website.

• Matt Meighan (website) will perform at Rock Creek Tavern (10000 NW Old Cornelius Pass Rd, Hillsboro) at 9:00 pm. All ages until 10:00 pm. For more information, visit the Rock Creek Tavern website.

• Children’s Book Author Allen Say will talk about his new book “Erika-San” at A Children’s Place Bookstore (4807 NE Fremont St) at 1:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Children’s Book Author Addie Boswell will talk about her book “The Rain Stomper!” and lead kids in a craft activity. Coloring sheets and bookmarks will also be provided. Capitol Hill Library (10723 SW Capitol Hwy), 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm. Free tickets for seating will be available 30 minutes prior to the program. For more information, visit the event website.

• Happy Valley City Hall Open House: The City will host an open house for the public from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. Staff will be providing tours of the new facility and light refreshments will be served. For more information, visit the event website.

Sunday, January 25

• Crystal Ballroom 95th Birthday Free-for-All: All four floors of Portland’s historic music venue will rock ‘n’ roll in exuberant celebration of the Crystal’s 95th birthday. Blitzen Trapper, Blue Giant, Greensky Bluegrass, Rock ‘n’ Roll Camp for Girls, and more. Doors open at 12:30 pm. All ages (except Lola’s and the Annex, which will be open to ages 21+). For more information and complete schedule of events, visit the event website.

• 10 Steps to Starting a Business: This seminar covers basic small business startup information in 10 steps. The presentation is designed for individuals in the thinking stage of starting a business. Midland Library (805 SE 122nd Ave), 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Njuzu Mbira: Music of Zimbabwe: Enjoy the traditional dance music of the Shona people of Zimbabwe played on the mbira, an instrument played for at least 1,000 years. Usually two or more musicians play interlocking parts, creating a multitude of melodies and rhythms, and are accompanied by hosho (shakers). Central Library (801 SW 10th Ave), 12:30 pm–1:30 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Steve Cheseborough (website) will perform at Music Millennium (3158 E. Burnside) at 5:00 pm. All ages. For more information, visit the event website.

• Jazz Stories 2009: Jazz Stories is a series of spoken word/live jazz narratives. In original stories accompanied by live jazz, writer Lynn Darroch, guitarist John Stowell and saxophonist Rob Davis celebrate musicians such as Ray Charles, Phil Woods, Charles Lloyd, Betty Carter and Red Rodney. St. Johns Library (7510 N. Charleston Ave), 2:00 pm–4:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Jon Koonce (website) will perform at Edgefield (2126 SW Halsey St, Troutdale) at 5:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the Edgefield website.

• “Eat, Drink, Man, Woman” will be showing at Press Club at 9:00 pm. All ages. Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St, 503.233.5656.

• Children’s Book Author Addie Boswell will talk about her book “The Rain Stomper!” and lead kids in a craft activity. Coloring sheets and bookmarks will also be provided. Gregory Heights Library (7921 NE Sandy Blvd), 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• William Stafford Birthday Events: Three events today:

  • Poetry readings and presentations will be given by Jim Scheppke, Ellen Louise Hart, Holly Springfield, Don Colburn and Kirsten Rian. Central Library (801 SW 10th Ave), 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

  • Marie Buckley, Sue Einowski, Lucinda Huffine and Celeste Thompson will read Stafford poems. Birthday cake and light refreshments will be provided. Hillsboro Main Library (2850 Brookwood Pkwy), 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

  • David Benedicktus, Dennis Cole, Den Mark Wichar, and Sharon Wood Wortman will read. Vancouver Community Library (1007 East Mill Plain Blvd), 2:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• 100 Poems by 100 Poets From the Past 100 Years: From Willamette Week: “Experimental writing haven and reading series Spare Room celebrates its 100th reading with a mondo poetry blowout that careens through a century of spoken history and subject matter. Poems will be read by Spare Room organizers and friends, from David Abel to Rodney Koeneke, plus ’sound poetry’ performances by Linda Austin and Lisa Radon, among others.” Gallery Homeland (2505 SE 11th Ave), 2:00 pm. All ages. For more information, click here.

• Art Tour of Portland’s Chinatown and Japantown (RSVP Required): Click here for more information.

• Kwan-Yin Healing Arts Open House: Kwan-Yin Healing Arts, a natural health clinic, is having an open house featuring free sample treatments and refreshments from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm. For more information on Kwan-Yin, visit www.kwanyinhealingarts.com.

If you know of any other free events happening this weekend, please write a comment about it. If you’d like me to include an event in a future round-up, please contact me.

Add comment January 22nd, 2009

1/20–1/24: Free Dance Classes at BodyVox

From January 20–24, BodyVox will offer free dance classes for children, teens and adults.

All levels and abilities are welcome.

Schedule of free classes:

Stackrobats
Teacher: Ramman Turner
Tuesday, 1/20/09, 4:00 pm–5:00 pm
Recommended for children 8–11 years of age. Stackrobats combines basic gymnastics and tumbling with dance movement and balance.

Grounded Levitation: Freestyle-acrobatic break dance
Teacher: Ramman Turner
Tuesday, 1/20/09, 5:00 pm–6:00 pm
Recommended for teens. Grounded Levitation is a powerful fusion class that includes elements of break dance, acrobatics, free-style, and martial arts.

Dance Foundations Through Fantasy
Teacher: Sarah Carl
Wednesday, 1/21/09, 4:00 pm–5:00 pm
Recommended for children 5–7 years of age. Dance Foundations teaches dance basics and includes improvisational activities, controlled movement, stories, games, explosive traveling, music, rhythm, and verbal reflection.

Discovering My Rising Star
Teacher: Renee Adams
Thursday, 1/22/09, 1:15 pm–2:00 pm
Recommended for children 3–4 years of age. My Rising Star helps students discover their personal movement power and potential. Stories, songs, games, and concept-focused lessons will help strengthen their bodies, stretch their minds and teach them to interact with music, movement and each other.

Move Together
Teacher: Renee Adams
Saturday, 1/24/09, 9:00 am–9:40 am
Recommended for children 14 months to 2 years of age with a parent. Move Together is a fun and creative way for kids and a parent or caregiver to bond in an exploration of movement and imagination. Children develop brain-body skills, strengthen coordination, and learn social skills and cooperation through moving and playing together.

BodyVox Technique
Teacher: Ashley Roland
Saturday, 1/24/09, 12:00 pm–1:30 pm
Recommended for adults who are at an intermediate dance level. BodyVox Technique stresses the importance of core strength and inner origin of peripheral events. Some yoga is included for centering, flexibility, focus and strength.

Contact information:
BodyVox
1300 NW Northrup
Portland, Oregon 97209
503.229.0627
www.bodyvox.com

Photo by Polara Studios

Add comment January 16th, 2009

Free Events This Weekend in Portland: Jan 16–18

Admission is free for all events below.

Also, January 17 is the third Saturday of the month and the Oregon Historical Society’s discount day. However, admission is no longer totally free. Instead, two children will be admitted free per one paying adult. Click here for more information.

Have a great weekend!

Friday, January 16

• Kidical Mass is a chance for kids to ride bikes with their families and other kids in a big, safe, fun group. Rides are easy-going, legal, and governed by the slowest riders. In celebration of MLK weekend, families are encouraged to dress and decorate in the spirit of peace and diversity. It will be dark so do not forget to bring FRONT and REAR lights. For more information, contact Carl Larson at Bicycle Transportation Alliance. Rides:

  • Downtown Kidical Mass: Meet at 5:30 pm at North Park Blocks playground (NW 8th and Couch), ride at 6:00 pm.
  • Northeast Kidical Mass: Meet at 5:30 pm at Alberta Park (NE Killingsworth and 19th), ride at 6:00 pm.

  • Southeast Kidical Mass: Meet at 5:30 pm at Sunnyside Park (SE 35th and Taylor), ride at 6:00 pm.

• “Battlestar Galactica” Final Season: Join KUFO’s Cort and Fatboy each Friday night from January 16 through March 10 to watch the final 10 episodes of “Battlestar Galactica.” Bagdad Theater (3702 SE Hawthorne Blvd). Doors open at 9:30 pm; show at 10:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, contact the Bagdad Theater or KUFO.

• Reed Wallsmith (website) will perform at Three Degrees Lounge at the RiverPlace Hotel, 8:00 pm. For more information, visit the PDX Jazz website.

• Floating Glass Balls (website) will perform at LaurelThirst Public House (NE Glisan and 30th) from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Palatine Hill (website) will perform at Kay’s Bar (6903 SE Milwaukie) at 9:30 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the event website.

• Loque Le Monde will perform at Press Club at 8:30 pm. Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St, 503.233.5656.

• Destroy Nate Allen, Butterfly Bones and Purple Heart will perform at Red Room (2530 NE 82nd Ave) at 9:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the event website.

• Mark Alan (website) will perform at Edgefield (2126 SW Halsey St, Troutdale) at 7:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the Edgefield website.

• Lewi Longmire Band (website) will perform at Rock Creek Tavern (10000 NW Old Cornelius Pass Rd, Hillsboro) at 9:00 pm. All ages until 10:00 pm. For more information, visit the Rock Creek Tavern website.

• Contributors Karen Karbo and Melanie Thernstrom present “The Secret Currency of Love,” an anthology of original essays that explores the fraught and powerful connection between two of the most driving forces in women’s lives: love and money. Powell’s City of Books on Burnside (1005 W. Burnside), 7:30 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

Saturday, January 17

• J.R.R. Tolkien Birthday Celebration: This is an event for all ages featuring jugglers, live music, the entire “Lord of the Rings” trilogy, costume contest and more. Admission is free, except for the trilogy. To watch the movies, you must bring two canned goods for the Oregon Food Bank. Kennedy School (5736 NE 33rd Ave), 11:00 am ’til close. For a detailed schedule, visit the event website.

• Free Events at Portland Old-Time Music Gathering: On Saturday from noon to 5:00 pm, come to Norse Hall (111 NE 11th Ave) for kids’ activities, singing and dancing workshops, concerts, and more. On Sunday, the Mission Theater (1624 NW Glisan) will host a cabaret show at 1:30 pm (doors open at 1:00 pm). All ages are welcome to attend; minors with parent. The show will feature short performances. Some slots will be available for signup at Norse Hall on Saturday on a first come, first served basis. For more information, visit the event website.

• Bilingual (Spanish/English) Environmental Fair: The Miracle Theatre Group will host a bilingual (Spanish/English) environmental fair from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm at El Centro Milagro (525 SE Stark St). Visitors will have the opportunity to learn more about local environmental organizations, including Verde, SOLV, Friends of Trees and Equal Exchange. For more information, contact the Miracle Theatre Group.

• Kidical Mass is a chance for kids to ride bikes with their families and other kids in a big, safe, fun group. Rides are easy-going, legal, and governed by the slowest riders. In celebration of MLK weekend, families are encouraged to dress and decorate in the spirit of peace and diversity. Today, there’s an Outer Northeast ride. Meet at 3:00 pm at Knott Park (NE 112th and Russell), ride at 3:15 pm. For more information, contact Carl Larson at Bicycle Transportation Alliance.

• Oregon Symphony Storytime: This series focuses on books, music, instruments, sound and fun musical crafts. Each week features a visit from an Oregon Symphony musician who will play and provide an introduction to his or her instrument and orchestral music. Free tickets for seating will be available 30 minutes prior to the program. Hillsdale Library (1525 SW Sunset Blvd), 11:00 am–noon. Most appropriate for preschool-age children. For more information, visit the event website.

• Mz. Pearl’s Variety Show is a solo clown show filled with physical comedy, juggling, magic, dance and word play. The audience is really involved in Mz. Pearl’s show—in their seats, as volunteers, and in a mini-workshop at the end. Most suitable for grades K–5. Sellwood-Moreland Library (7860 SE 13th Ave), 10:30 am–11:15 am, and noon–12:45 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• ”Raven Steals the Sun” Children’s Puppet Show: Created and performed by Emily Alexander of Tears of Joy Theatre, this show tells how Raven the trickster brought light and warmth to the world. Gresham Library (385 NW Miller Ave), 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm. Most appropriate for grades K–5. For more information, visit the event website.

• ”8-Bit Resolution” Benefit Concert: 8-Bit Resolution is a chiptune (old-school video game-style music) fest featuring The 486 Kid, Waxin’ Wary, Mos-8, and the easterislandhead. Visuals by VJ Cupcakes. Donations will be accepted at the door for Child’s Play, but are not required to get in. All ages. Chaos Cafe (2620 SE Powell Blvd), 8:00 pm, 503.546.8112.

• Michelle Medler Trio will perform at Three Degrees Lounge at the RiverPlace Hotel, 8:00 pm. For more information, visit the PDX Jazz website.

• Lucky Tiger, Honus Huffhines, and The Welfare State will perform at Red Room (2530 NE 82nd Ave) at 9:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the event website.

• Jim Page (website) will perform at Edgefield (2126 SW Halsey St, Troutdale) at 7:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the Edgefield website.

• Vivid Curve with James Faretheewell (website) will perform at Rock Creek Tavern (10000 NW Old Cornelius Pass Rd, Hillsboro) at 9:00 pm. All ages until 10:00 pm. For more information, visit the Rock Creek Tavern website.

• William Stafford Birthday Events: Two events today. More information can be found here.

  • Ritz Kyoko Mori, Dorothy Stafford, and Pat Carver will read at 3:00 pm at Holy Names Heritage Center (17425 Holy Names Drive, Lake Oswego).

  • Emily Frey, Jane Glazer, Melanie Green, Diane Holland, Mike Langtry, Stephen Pearce, Suzanne Sigafoos, and Sulima Malzin will read at 7:00 pm at Eliot Chapel, First Unitarian Church (1011 SW 12th Ave).

• Author Kurt Nelson will discuss his book “Fighting for Paradise: A Military History of the Pacific Northwest” at Hillsboro Main Library (2850 Brookwood Pkwy, Hillsboro) at 2:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Author Lisa Schroeder will talk about “Far from You,” her new young adult novel-in-verse, at 2:00 pm at Powell’s Books at Cedar Hills Crossing (3415 SW Cedar Hills Blvd). For more information, visit the event website.

• Author Bob Gaulke will talk about his new book, “Embrace Your Insignificance: Lessons Learned Teaching English in Japan” at Press Club at 8:00 pm. Bob will be joined by Chuck Thompson, another popular local travel writer. Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St, 503.233.5656.

Sunday, January 18

• Washington County Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration: Featuring the New Thought Choir, Beaverton Human Rights Essay Contest winner, presentation of the Everyday Hero Awards, Fusion Dancers, and keynote address by Alfonso Lopez-Vasquez, Assistant to the Provost on Diversity, and Assistant Professor of Education at Pacific University. The Kingstad Center (15450 SW Millikan Way, Beaverton), 4:00 pm. Hosted by the New Thought Center for Spiritual Living. Please bring warm coats and new socks (only) to donate to the 2009 Washington County Project Homeless Connect event happening on Wednesday, January 28th. For more information, visit the event website.

• Free Events at Portland Old-Time Music Gathering: On Saturday from noon to 5:00 pm, come to Norse Hall (111 NE 11th Ave) for kids’ activities, singing and dancing workshops, concerts, and more. On Sunday, the Mission Theater (1624 NW Glisan) will host a cabaret show at 1:30 pm (doors open at 1:00 pm). All ages are welcome to attend; minors with parent. The show will feature short performances. Some slots will be available for signup at Norse Hall on Saturday on a first come, first served basis. For more information, visit the event website.

• The Catillacs (website) will perform at Music Millennium (3158 E. Burnside) at 5:00 pm. All ages. For more information, visit the event website.

• Progression: Progression is what every other jam session isn’t. Original compositions, odd time signatures, free form improvisation, and no rules. Hosted by Ben Darwish. Someday Lounge (125 NW 5th Ave), 8:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Jazz Stories 2009: Jazz Stories is a series of spoken word/live jazz narratives. In original stories accompanied by live jazz, writer Lynn Darroch, guitarist John Stowell and saxophonist Rob Davis celebrate musicians such as Ray Charles, Phil Woods, Charles Lloyd, Betty Carter and Red Rodney. Sellwood-Moreland Library (7860 SE 13th Ave), 2:00 pm–4:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Sonny Hess and Lisa Mann will perform at Edgefield (2126 SW Halsey St, Troutdale) at 5:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the Edgefield website.

• “Like Water for Chocolate” will be showing at Press Club at 9:00 pm. Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St, 503.233.5656.

• Screening of Benjamin Bagby’s “Beowulf”: See a special screening of Benjamin Bagby’s legendary performance of the Anglo-Saxon epic “Beowulf” recorded live in Helsingborg, Sweden. Central Library (801 SW 10th Ave), 2:00 pm. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, visit the event website.

• “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” will be showing at Tigard Library (13500 SW Hall Blvd, Tigard) at 1:30 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Poets John Witte and Ana Callan will talk about their respective books at 4:00 pm at Powell’s Books on Hawthorne (3723 SE Hawthorne Blvd). For more information, visit the event website.

• Cristy Road, Rhiannon Argo and Nicole Georges will talk about their respective books at 7:30 pm at Powell’s City of Books on Burnside (1005 W. Burnside). For more information, visit the event website.

• Native American artist Lillian Pitt will give a slideshow presentation and talk about the historical background related to her art. She has chosen to work in clay using Asian techniques like raku and anagama, to work in bronze or precious metals, to incorporate wood, copper, glass, shell, leather, feathers, and a wide variety of materials, and to mix media and technologies from around the globe. Hillsboro Main Library (2850 Brookwood Pkwy, Hillsboro), 2:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Winter Palm Tree Bike Ride: Come along for a bicycle ride passing by the multitude of palm trees and other tropical and evergreen vegetation growing in the city. This ride will be a bit different than the ones we have done in the past, we’re going to explore some different areas. Ride should last about four hours or so, with plenty of stops and maybe a refreshment break. Meet at 11:00 am at Seven Virtues Coffeehouse (5936 NE Glisan St). THE IMPORTANT DETAILS: Ride not a loop. Rain or shine! (We haven’t canceled one yet, and don’t intend to!) And wear shorts! For more information, visit the event website.

If you know of any other free events happening this weekend, please write a comment about it. If you’d like me to include an event in a future round-up, please contact me.

Add comment January 15th, 2009

1/19: Free Admission to Oregon Zoo

Admission to the Oregon Zoo will be free on Monday, January 19, aka Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

The zoo will be open from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Parking is $2 per car, or you can take the MAX or bus #63. Visit the TriMet website for fare and schedule information.

For more information on the zoo, visit the Oregon Zoo website. 

Thanks to Portland on the Cheap for the heads up!

Add comment January 14th, 2009

$10 Tickets for Playhouse Disney Live

Playhouse Disney Live is coming to the Rose Garden on January 30, and $10 tickets are now available for the 3:30 pm show.

These discount tickets are normally $22 and $27. Ticket prices do not include service charges.

To buy tickets:

1. Go to this Rose Quarter webpage.
2. Enter the code word POOH in the box labeled “Enter Presale or Promotion Code.”
3. Press the “Go” button, and you’ll be sent to a page where you can buy the tickets.

Discount ends on Sunday, January 18, at 10:00 pm. 

FYI: Children one year and older must have a ticket.

If you’ve got a group of 10 people or more, call 503.963.4400 to learn about group discount prices.

Add comment January 13th, 2009

Free Workshops on Lowering Energy and Food Bills

ROSE Community Development is sponsoring two money-saving workshops. Both workshops are free and open to all.

Weatherization Workshop
When: Wednesday, January 21, 2009, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Where: Lent Elementary School, 5105 SE 97th Ave, Portland
Description: Find out how to save money on your energy bills, keep your home warmer and conserve energy. Free childcare and snacks will be provided. Income-qualified Portland residents can receive a free kit of weatherization materials ($150 value).
Please RSVP to 503.916.6322.

“How to Buy Food on a Budget” Workshop
When: Wednesday, January 28, 2009, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Where: Lent Elementary School, 5105 SE 97th Ave, Portland
Description: Find out how to save money, feed your family, and eat healthy while shopping at the grocery store. The workshop includes a cooking demonstration, grocery shopping tips, resources, a raffle and more. Free childcare and a light dinner will be provided.
Please RSVP by Monday, January 26, to 503.916.6322. (Class limit: 25 adults + children)

For more information, visit the ROSE Community Development Events page.

Photo by Andreas Kollegger

Add comment January 12th, 2009

Willamette Week’s Deal Box Needs You

The folks behind Willamette Week’s Deal Box are looking for tips on freebies and cheap deals in Portland. If you’ve got tips, send them to deals @ wweek.com. You might get free stuff in return.

For details, visit the Willamette Week website.

Thanks to Our PDX Network for the heads up!

Add comment January 12th, 2009

Free Events This Weekend in Portland: Jan 9–11

Admission is free for all events below. Have a great weekend!

Friday, January 9

• Art Opening at Launch Pad Gallery: The gallery presents “Apples,” a multimedia group show about collaboration, interconnectedness and friendship. The show features 2-D work, film and music by thirteen artists and two bands. Live music by Kaitlyn ni Donovan (9:00 pm) and Point Juncture, WA  (10:00 pm). All ages. 534 SE Oak St, 6:00 pm to 12:00 am. For more information, visit the event website.

• Art Opening at The 100th Monkey Studio: This month’s show is called “Consumerism” featuring artwork by 10 artists. Live music by Kotogoto. All ages. 110 SE 16th Ave, 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Learn How to Start a Blog: On Friday and Saturday, a group of local bloggers called Beer & Blog  will host workshops on how to start a blog. Much of the time will be devoted to helping people one on one, so bring your laptop if you’ve got one. Friday’s session will focus on how to get a hosting account and domain name. The session will take place at Green Dragon Bistro & Brewpub (928 SE 9th Ave) from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. For more information, click here. On Saturday, a series of workshops will be held at CubeSpace from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm and will focus on installing your blog, customizing it, etc. For more information, click here.

• Gordon Lee will perform at Three Degrees Lounge at the RiverPlace Hotel, 8:00 pm. For more information, visit the PDX Jazz website.

• Joe McMurrian Quartet (website) will perform at LaurelThirst Public House from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. NE Glisan and 30th. For more information, visit the event website.

• Kirk Duncan & the Localized Juice Embargo (website) will perform at Kay’s Bar (6903 SE Milwaukie) at 9:30 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the event website.

• The Dust Bowl Refugees will perform at Press Club at 8:30 pm. Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St, 503.233.5656.

• Steve Cheseborough, Mackintosh Braun, Brian Rozendal, and The Goodwill River will perform at Red Room (2530 NE 82nd Ave) at 9:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the event website.

• Ritchie G. and Tutu Kane will perform at Edgefield (2126 SW Halsey St, Troutdale) at 7:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the Edgefield website.

• Jim the Bad Goat (website) will perform at Rock Creek Tavern (10000 NW Old Cornelius Pass Rd, Hillsboro) at 9:00 pm. All ages until 10:00 pm. For more information, visit the Rock Creek Tavern website.

• Author Philip Niles will talk about his book “Beauty of the City,” a biography of Albert E. Doyle, at Powell’s City of Books on Burnside (1005 W. Burnside), 7:30 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

Saturday, January 10

• Fix-It Fair: The fair includes workshops on a variety of topics including money-saving tips, home care, health and safety. Free professional child care will be available, and giveaways will be going on all day. Parkrose High School (12003 NE Shaver St), 8:30 am to 2:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website (be sure to click the links on the right side of the page).

• Slavic New Year Celebration: Celebrate the new year with Russian music, dancing, crafts and treats. Midland Library (805 SE 122nd Ave), noon–5:00 pm. For a schedule of activities, visit the event website.

• Learn How to Start a Blog: On Friday and Saturday, a group of local bloggers called Beer & Blog  will host workshops on how to start a blog. Much of the time will be devoted to helping people one on one, so bring your laptop if you’ve got one. Friday’s session will focus on how to get a hosting account and domain name. The session will take place at Green Dragon Bistro & Brewpub (928 SE 9th Ave) from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. For more information, click here. On Saturday, a series of workshops will be held at CubeSpace from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm and will focus on installing your blog, customizing it, etc. For more information, click here.

• Oregon Symphony Storytime: This series focuses on books, music, instruments, sound and fun musical crafts. Each week features a visit from an Oregon Symphony musician who will play and provide an introduction to his or her instrument and orchestral music. Free tickets for seating will be available 30 minutes prior to the program. Hillsdale Library (1525 SW Sunset Blvd), 11:00 am–noon. Most appropriate for preschool-age children. For more information, visit the event website.

• Mz. Pearl’s Variety Show is a solo clown show filled with physical comedy, juggling, magic, dance and word play. The audience is really involved in Mz. Pearl’s show—in their seats, as volunteers, and in a mini-workshop at the end. Most suitable for grades K–5. Rockwood Library (17917 SE Stark St), 2:00 pm–2:45 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Second Saturday at Vancouver Water Center: Each second Saturday of the month, kids and their families are invited to explore a different topic through hands-on activities, games and stories. This month: Discover how a snowshoe hare, Canada goose and western toad adjust to winter. Make a winter animal paper weight. Weave a hot pad from fur-like yarn to experience the heavy coat some animals have to survive cold winter weather. 4600 SE Columbia Way, Vancouver, 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Belinda Underwood will perform at Three Degrees Lounge at the RiverPlace Hotel, 8:00 pm. For more information, visit the PDX Jazz website.

• Tim Connell’s Brazillian Mandolin Duo will perform at Press Club at 8:30 pm. Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St, 503.233.5656.

• Little Sue Band (website) will perform at LaurelThirst Public House from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. NE Glisan and 30th. For more information, visit the event website.

• Hit Me Baby, Attack Ships On Fire, Muddy River Nightmare Band, and Keel Over will perform at Red Room (2530 NE 82nd Ave) at 9:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the event website.

• Walsh Shuttle Pipes Performance: Cedar Mill resident Matt Rucker will play Scottish and Irish tunes on the Walsh Shuttle Pipes. These bellows blown pipes are similar in style and shape to pipes dating back to 1695 and are ideal for intimate performances where the Highland pipes would prove too overpowering. Cedar Mill Community Library (12505 NW Cornell Rd), 2:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Ritchie G. and Tutu Kane will perform at Edgefield (2126 SW Halsey St, Troutdale) at 7:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the Edgefield website.

• Garcia Birthday Band (website) will perform at Rock Creek Tavern (10000 NW Old Cornelius Pass Rd, Hillsboro) at 9:00 pm. All ages until 10:00 pm. For more information, visit the Rock Creek Tavern website.

• Saturday Guided Nature Walks at Tryon Creek State Park: Join a park ranger for a free, guided nature hike to explore the forest and stream ecosystems and natural history at Tryon Creek State Natural Area. Today’s theme is “Cones, Cones, Cones.” Appropriate for all ages. Parents must accompany kids on all hikes. 10:00 am to 11:30 am. For more information, visit the event website.

• Author Michele Ulrickson will read from her memoir “Reform at Victory” at In Other Words Women’s Books and Resources (8 B NE Killingsworth St) at 3:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• William Stafford Birthday Event: This event features readings by Judith Barrington, Marlene Hill, Susanna Lundgren, Helen McNaughton, Heidi Pullen, Ron Rasch, Susan McKee Reese, and Paulann Petersen. Milwaukie Ledding Library, Pond House (2215 SE Harrison, Milwaukie), 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. More information can be found here.

• Sketchcrawl: To celebrate the 21st Worldwide Sketchcrawl, Portlanders will gather at 10:00 am to sketch what they see and enjoy the challenge of drawing new things. The group will meet at Pioneer Place mall downtown by the ground-floor Starbucks. Look for folks with sketchbooks, sketching! For more information, contact the Portland Sketchcrawl group. 

Sunday, January 11

• Jazz Stories 2009: Jazz Stories is a series of spoken word/live jazz narratives. In original stories accompanied by live jazz, writer Lynn Darroch, guitarist John Stowell and saxophonist Rob Davis celebrate musicians such as Ray Charles, Phil Woods, Charles Lloyd, Betty Carter and Red Rodney. Woodstock Library (6008 SE 49th Ave), 2:00 pm–3:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Epiphany Choir Fest: Several local church choirs will perform holiday carols at Gethsemane Lutheran Church (11560 SE Market) at 3:00 pm. The concert is free to the public, and refreshments and child care will be available. A goodwill offering for Daybreak Shelter Network will be accepted at intermission. Daybreak Shelter Network is a shelter and housing placement program for homeless families. For more information, visit the event website.

• Classical Music Performance—Violin and Flute: Violinist George Shiolas and flutist Abby Mages will present a program of classical selections from Bach, Vivaldi, Bartok and others. Hillsboro Main Library (2850 Brookwood Pkwy, Hillsboro), 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• “The Flight and The Fall”: “The Flight and the Fall” is a podcast by Abraham Ingle in which he records locals talking about their neighborhoods. This debut of the second episode of the series will include live voice-overs, as well as guitar and keyboard accompaniment. Prior to that, Root Beer and French Fry and The Wedding Singers will perform. Valentine’s (232 SW Ankeny St), 9:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the event website.

• Music at LaurelThirst Public House: Freak Mountain Ramblers will perform at 6:00 pm. Billy Kennedy and Tim Acott will perform at 9:00 pm. NE Glisan and 30th. For more information, visit the event website.

• Vinny D. (website) will perform at Edgefield (2126 SW Halsey St, Troutdale) at 5:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the Edgefield website.

• “Big Night ” will be showing at Press Club at 9:00 pm. Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St, 503.233.5656.

• Oregon Poets, Oregon History: Oregon Poet Laureate Lawson Inada and William Stafford archivist Paul Merchant will read at this free literary event. The event will commemorate William Stafford’s life as a conscientious objector as well as the WWII internment experiences of the Yasui family relayed in “Stubborn Twig,” by Lauren Kessler, the book chosen for Oregon Reads 2009. Beaverton Library (12375 SW 5th Street, Beaverton), 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Author Arlene Sachitano will talk about her book “Quilter’s Knot” at Murder by the Book (3210 SE Hawthorne Blvd) at 5:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Author and filmmaker Faythe Levine will talk about her book “Handmade Nation: The Rise of DIY, Art, Craft, and Design” at Powell’s City of Books on Burnside (1005 W. Burnside), 7:30 pm. Joining Levine will be contributing writer, Susan Beal; featured artist, Jill Bliss; and the illustrator for the book, Kate Bingaman-Burt. For more information, visit the event website.

• Wills, Trusts and Estate Planning Workshop: Learn the basics of wills, living trusts, powers of attorney and healthcare directives with attorney and author Richard Schneider. Gresham Library (385 NW Miller Ave), 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

If you know of any other free events happening this weekend, please write a comment about it. If you’d like me to include an event in a future round-up, please contact me.

4 comments January 8th, 2009