(Written between March 2004 to March 2005 enjoy)

Having awaken late from an all-nighter from the party before I would find myself having a bite to eat in the sun and it's almost sunset with my friends who traveled down from Washington for the party. Would receive a phone call about Oregon Park having some people setting up for a variety of performances in the park and for invites to Church(Freak Mt. Ramblers @ Laurelthirst). Then being told about others spending this Saturday morning at Saturday Market it all became clear to me.
I started this adventure in March of last year and found that it was very easy to see shows. To go out and see music to spend my evenings out enjoying what Portland had to offer. But it was this day that made it clear as to why.

The sun.

In Portland and the Northwest we tend to worship the sun a bit. Ok, A lot! It is a strange thing that I have seen only here. I'm sure other areas of the world that seen the sun seldom as us follow suit. It is this following of the sun, this acknowledging that the seasons have change and our passion for a beverage that drives us out from our winter gloom. To commence this event in Portland we have the Portland Saturday Market. It actually became so big that they have it on Sunday too. None the less it starts the first weekend in March and ends the day before Christmas(yes, I've shopped there that day). The have two stages now and many performers throughout the day. It was that sunny Sunday afternoon in March on the first weekend that I realized that the Saturday Market actually Commences the start of the the " Sunny Season " in Portland. Now, it could rain any day of the year here but it was a bright sunny day for the first weekend and the idea and concept still holds. March is traditionally the first Month of the year where you will most likely see sun. Now this year we never really saw any snow. In the city of in the mountains. We'll see how that pans out for us later this year. I did realize that with the sun brings so many great things to Portland. The music scene being one. Music in the next few months will be popping up every where about the city. All day Saturday and Sunday at the Market, and soon to follow Music on the Lawn at the Grand Lodge, and then my favorite the Portland Park Series. Outdoor music is something I enjoy the most. I have traveled far just to see some of the best and I imagine I'll do more in my life.
So, this sunny afternoon I come to know the reason why seeing music every day for a year in Portland really wasn't so difficult. In fact, it wasn't until January and February that I started to have some disappointment in what was available. Yes, there was still music and I'm sure I missed some good shows but on average the shows stop or drop during the same two months that the Portland Saturday Market takes a break.
I'm now excited again about what is coming and what is to happen this summer in the music scene. Already I have seen 5 new bands this year and have ideas yet to promote the music scene in Portland.

Thank you again to all who play, hear, see, and support the music that is in our backyards.

Josh

Wow! That is all I can really say about the party. It is now a couple weeks past and I have had a bunch of time to relax, think and digest the last year. I now have many more things I going to do to help promote music. I have been contacted by others in the industry and asked to do things as well as started to share some ideas. Today is actually March 21st and I just saw Carban Leaf and Big Head Todd @ the Monsters. The inspired me on a few more items and to that I have more to do. I have been thinking about many things to come but first the anniversary.
So, Buds of May, Sweetjuice, and Higherground all played at the Imbibe. Personally for me it was the most crowded show at the Imbibe that I've seen. I was treated to some of the best musicians in town playing many great songs. Have been told many times over by many people how much they enjoyed the time.
The music would continue with many more musicians playing till 4am at a house party down the road. That time was even more special for many more. The comments from those who had the opportunity to sit in and play acoustically in the house was just amazing. Great musicians from around town and from other states came and played. It is these times in music that I really enjoy. Watching one person lead the way and others follow then another take the lead the music change. This musical jam creation is some all musician lovers would enjoy. Something everyone who loves music should experience.
Need less to say one of the best nights of music I saw in the last year. I truly great experience that I will remember for the rest of my life and something that has inspired me to do more. What that is will come to fruition soon.
To everyone who supported me, played for me, saw me, or suggested a song, band or venue or in anyway helped me along my journey I would like to thank them beyond words. They all have given to me something to continue and something to remember.

So, I took what I thought would be a little relaxing day at Biddy's to HG before my big party but ran into many people who would have many great things to say about the party and wanting to know more details. Would spend the night dancing, chatting about and enjoy music. Many people were there who play, promote and enjoy the music scene around town.

So, it has been one year. With tonight I will have been out for a year. Of course I plan on seeing music for the next 2-3 days. I have my big party on Saturday and others to support on Friday I'm sure some where.
Not even sure where I'll tread tonight. Feeling better today so I need to do some research into what is happening about town today. I'll have to see what places I find that I have yet seen and if they are showing something. Was invited out last night to the Open Mic at the 45th St. Pub which I haven't seen. I was told it was more like an open mic for bands then song writers. Evidently a large event so I'll have to check that out on a future Wednesday. It's always great to hear of more places promoting music.

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Well I ended up spending my birthday with some of the people that have supported me from day one down at the Buffalo Gap for the First Thursday Variety Night. These and more I'll be spending my days with for the next 3 days. These of course are artist and other music lovers like myself. They have all encouraged me to go out and seek new music, introduce me to new musicians and venues, and applaud my efforts.
So being a year old now I realize that other things I enjoy have been set aside while I stuck to my goal. It was like deciding you want to run a marathon then actually putting in the effort to achieve the goal. Sure their are days when you just want to stay in and not go out. Days of complete musical boredom, but I hardly had a day past when I didn't smile while out, be cheered up by the sounds of a familiar instrument. These days I'll cheerish the most as I wasn't expecting much, just some run of the mill players and to find a great guitar player or be dazzled over a new instrument. These things kept me going and wanting to find more.
I only hope that perhaps this encourages others to go out and see live music. Support local bands. The type of music is unimportant but the supporting and encouragement of music at all ages is something that we all can use. When I was just a lad I was forced at times to practice piano and other instruments and now I'm happy I had the oppurtunity. I better appreciate what it takes to play well and since I've seen many of these bands numerous times to play consistant is also a great achievement. Cheers to them all. Hope to see all of you on Saturday for a pint or three.

So, I was hoping to finish off this week going to all new venues once more but as it turns out I were to become ill and limit my decisions based upon how far to travel, environment and time of day.
Today I went to Sweet Oregon Grill to listen to the Rouge Bluegrass band. Had some medicine before heading out and then over a bowl of veggie soup and a beverage enjoyed the music. It reminded me of Northwest String Summit which happens in June. Just people playing the songs they enjoy. Even did some request from the audience.

So, I became a sick in this last week. I guess I'm being pushed to actually finished this year. None the lest I went out for a while and saw some not a new venue to me but a new event. At the Bethany Village Grill every Tuesday is the Westside Jazz Jam. I have wanted to stop by since I've seen this advertised. The place brings out a good crowd mostly consisting of the variety of Jazz players. It is great to see this venue which I've seen change hands many times finally be backed by someone interested in music and serving good food. I good westside venue for Jazz and other music all week.