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Michael A. Harrison plays on ‘world’s bestpiano,’ plans Christmas annual concertsso. Some may think of Harrisonas a “local” musician and thathe is, even though he has livedin different locales. He is personable, friendly and eminentlyaccessible both as a performerand as a person. He delights inArticle by Kane Taylor Photo by Jim Dorothylisting the manufacturing elements of the piano, such as thetype of wood in certain parts(quarter-sawn Bavarian spruce)and other points of interest. Youcan read more if you visit theBoesendorfer.com website.Since Harrison owns and hasowned some of the best pianosin the world and uses them inhis public performances, he isaccustomed to instruments thatwill live up to the demands ofa world-class player. He is notdisappointed in the Boesendorfer, but this newer version istruly amazing. He got the veryfirst one in the world. Folks gotto hear him play it on this recentevening and even this writercould immediately tell there wassomething special about it. Hehas decided to name this pianoAurora. Aurora speaks well andsings like an angel. You will behearing this piano when Harrison performs because he has itbrought to the venue and is setup by specialists. The very ideathat this Rose City boy couldMichael Allen Harrision in private concerthave earned such an instrumentshould be a point of pride for all.creatures, go hear Harrison playeach time he performs, Harrison some from the first part of theHarrison continues histhis piano at your first opportu2015 Christmas Show. He willdoes note that quite a few atwork composing, performnity. You won’t see a differencebe bringing back a saxophonetendees have followed him anding and recording his uniquein what is considered to be aplayer (Les Bergen), whosehis music for 25 seasons, butmusic. Even B.A. (Beforestyle is polished and smooth. In “pretty” piano anyway, but youhe always asks who in the audiAurora) he had carved hiswill hear and feel the difference.addition to the classical piecesence is there for the first time.own niche in the local, naHarrison wants to find a way tofor this evening, he also perHe feels his presentation to alltional and world market.formed an authentic “stride pia- bring this piano to the public, sokinds and sizes of audiences isNow he has a “value added”no” version of the popular tune, feel free to discuss this with himthe same. He notes that this isaspect to his performances,if you have the chance.Summertime; clearly this pianohis 25th anniversary season andbut he is the same artist youThe point here is that you canhas a sense of humor and enhe wouldn’t have that if it werehave known and loved allsee Harrison’s photos, samplenot for the people who seek and joys a good double-time shout.along. Things only get better.music, purchase recordingsHarrison has incorporated secenjoy his music. He appreciatesFor more information, go to:and peruse the performancetions of the Journey tune Can’tthe fact that, because his serieshttp://www.michaelallenharrischedule on his website, www.Stop Believing into the introsells so well, it gives him timemichaelallenharrison.com. If you son.com. For tickets: (Concertsductory section of his versionto do work with his Snowmanat The Old Church) 503 568don’t have computer access atof The National Anthem. TheFoundation. He can also affordhome, try the Multnomah County 9134. Ten Grands Productions,arpeggios (long, series of conto give away some concert tickLibrary, and just ask the staff for contact 503-412-9339. Alsonected notes that are executedets to active military and theirin one pass) at the end sounded help getting online for an hour or see www.theoldchurch.org.families, for instance.In this particular private perfor- like the whole orchestra.Harrison notes that evenmance, his selections includedthough the piano is fully set up,tuned, etc., he is still trying outdifferent kinds of style, attack orinterpretation on it. He says thathe tried playing a passage wherehe was thinking “Well, how aboutthat!” and the piano handed itback to him with a surprisingSaturday Dec 12thThursday Dec 31stFeaturing“How about THAT?!” response.Milwaukie ElksMonarch HotelFor those who feel that musiBandBandcal instruments are a lot like liveMichael Allen Harrison, pianistextraordinaire, recently conducted a private performance forlimited guests in his own studio.This was followed by a tour ofthe store Classic Pianos and amini-master class regarding theBoesendorfer pianos, comparingthe current models with his newest, upgraded model, a Boesendorfer 280. Previously noted as“the world’s best piano,” it wasthe first one to come from themanufacturer, including sometechnical improvements; and Harrison owns this “world-first” piano.There is a second one now enroute to a buyer in Seattle, Wash.Harrison is best known in thisarea for his various recordings andspecial concerts. Coming soon isthe Christmas Series at The OldChurch, 1422 S.W. Hall, originallyplanned for one performance.Because it kept selling out, he hasadded more dates over time, butthey still can sell out, so get yourtickets now! Concerts are Dec. 9through Dec. 26 (25 shows). Seead page 4 for schedule.A “Portland area” guy, Harrisonis a world-class performer andis well-known and loved in manylocations around the globe; it is nosecret that the Pacific Northwest ishome to other world-famous artistsand musicians and Harrison is oneof the best examples. He statesthat, early in his career, he felt theneed to impress audiences withhis music, dazzling performanceand enhanced technical skill. Henow feels that he can preface hisperformances with a brief talk, ona personal level, for the audience,having made the “connection” withpeople before he ever plays anote. He does recall playing at theHeathman Hotel for Tea, where hecould “let go” and let his thoughtsmelt away, casting himself intoan altered state as he played.No doubt listeners, whether theycould describe it, felt the differencebetween his delivery and that ofsome other artists. Even thoughhe is tired after a performance,Harrison says, “When you’re playing, you get energized.”When he greets his audiencesChinese GardenRestaurantNEW Sports Bar“Thrillride”XMAS Party with Santa!All your Favorite Sports Events“Kooltones”NEW YEARS EVE PARTY(See Website for Details)6 NEW TVs One 70” TVPool Tables Dartsbbboomers1@msn.comAll Events 7pm to 11pm503.546.5898MILWAUKIE ELKS -13121 SE McLoughlin Blvd, Milwaukiewww.babyboomerssocialclub.comCover 5 Members 10 Non-MembersBand Nights 8 Members 12 Non-MembersSee ALL your FootballGames HERE!k!Friday Dec 4thMilwaukie ElksBand“Fabulous Essentials”LoungeFood & Drink Specials during Games!EDITOR / PUBLISHER:Bonnie Carter410 S.E. 162nd & Stark Gresham503-261-9442COVER PHOTO: Jim DorothyWRITERS: K.T., Patrice Raplee, LaureeCarlsen, Nico Wind, Dan Crothers,Dorothy Garrison, KR Laurent, TaskaBarlow, Kathy L Rankin, Linda Phillips, TimSimpson, Alistair Case, Brian Burdette,Brad D. Morley, Ginger Caviness, EdJordan, Tom Harmon, George Dant, PaulKearney, Jeff Shivers, Kathleen Aker,Emma Browne, Angelina Bieker, Steve &Deborah Johnson, Rod Mayberry,Merridawn Duckler, Abie HardingTravel Excursion EDITOR: Patrice RapleePHOTOGRAPHERS: Bonnie Carter,Patrice Raplee, KT, Gerry Villani, Ken Bratz,Eric Tworivers, Paul Kearney, Alistair Case,Kathy L Rankin, Anton Long, Eddie Morgan,Jim Dorothy, Emma Browne, MerridawnDuckler, Abie Hardingsaturated phatsADVERTISING: Bonnie Carter,Kathleen Aker,PRODUCTION: Bonnie Carter, K.T.,Mary Ann Carter, Kelsie DanielsCROOKED ARROW eeditor@comcast.netDecember 2015The New Iberians Zydeco Blues BandAppering with Atomic GumboDecember 4 @ Duff’s Garage2530 NE 82nd Ave, Portland, OR503-234-2337For updates, go to www.newiberians.comor call 503-319-8687Page 3

Michael Allen HarrisonChristmas At The Old Church Twenty Fifth Anniversary Season ÒOne of PortlandÕs Most Beloved Holiday TraditionsÓ The Oregonian December 9th Ð 26th (25 shows)Tickets Ð www.michaelallenharrison.com To Order Reserved or GA Tickets, go ng mah07To Reserve A Group SectionCall 503-568-9134Group Discounts On Michael’s Two New CDs for the Holidays Christmas At The Old Church CDCelebrate the legacy of Christmas atThe Historic Old Church with Michael Allen Harrison andhis musical Friends & Family. A Limited Edition forMichael’s Twenty Fifth Anniversary Season. A compilationof all your favorite songs and performances.Calling On Angels CDPerformed on his new Boesendorfer Concert Grand. Inspired by one of Michael’s new songs“Calling on Angels” which led Michael to writing aten-movement suite. Ethnic flutes, strings, harps and thevoices of children dance around the piano throughoutthis musical journey.Retail price - 15.00 Group price over 10 CDs 10.00Page 4December 2015

Patrice Raplee’s Travel Excursion - Central LondonRegent Street of London graces city’s heartLondon, England, is a destinationwhere chic meets heritage in a balance that graces the city’s heart.Stroll any street in Central Londonand you’ll find a stylish parade ofcutting-edge fashion and stunningarchitecture. However, the thoroughfare that defines fashion andregal architecture is Regent Street.Originally designed as Europe’s initial shopping street by John Nash in1811, this posh avenue with its elegant columns, wide-boulevard andprominent, Portland Stone Facadesis premiere for luxury shopping, flagship stores, restaurants and hotels.The perfect place to begin yourshopping adventure along the “Mileof Style,” is at the intersection ofRegent Street and Piccadilly. Heada block north on Regent Street andPiccadilly Circus is located on yourright side; just two blocks furtherand the fabulous five-star CaféRoyal Hotel is situated on the righthand-side of Regent Street. For 150years, the gorgeous Café Royal hasbeen an iconic landmark on London’s social scene for celebs androyalty. At the turn of the 19th century, The Café Royal was renownedas possessing the greatest wineArticle & PhotosBy Patrice Rapleeever, when heritage, innovation andfunctionality come together, Hunter,since the late 1850s, is the forerunnerin Britain. Located on 83/85 RegentStreet, Hunter’s flagship store carries a complete array of Wellingtonsfootwear (boots), clothing, accessoriesand bags to guard against the elements. Hunter’s boots are unquestionably fashionable and worn by royaltyand celebs alike; even fashion modelKate Moss sports knee-length huntersin wet, mucky weather. The RegentStreet store covers three floors andoffers excellent displays of numerousdesign combinations, especially theKid’s department, which is a blast tovisit. Browse through the collectionsand you’ll find a range of fringed andcolorful boots to original Vinyl Zip-frontCoats and traditional wear. AmongHunter’s exceptional designs are theirbags, such as the brilliant, originalRubberized Leather Backpack and thewomen’s Silicone Tote Bag in pastel toneutral hues. Hunter’s boots and urban rainwear make it fun to go out andsplash in the rain! For additional information, visit www.hunterboots.com.East India Company Londoncellar in the world at the time. However, after over four years of renovation in 2008 and an expansion,the Café Royal Hotel today features160 contemporary guestrooms,49 suites and six signature suites.Each room or suite’s decor proffersrefined and modern decor with lovely marble bathrooms. In addition,the hotel also features a cabaretand an array of excellent bars andrestaurants, as well as their signature Café. The Café fronts bustlingRegent Street, yet the interior withits warm, golden marble surroundand tables, provides a relaxed oasisto sip an espresso and enjoy a selection of enticing pastries or cakes.For additional information, visitwww.hotelcaferoyal.com.The appeal of British fashionderives from a venerable combination of style attributes, whether thedesigns are conservative, imaginative, playful or innovative. How-Men’s fashions are equally centerstage in Britain and Hackett, locatedon 193/197 Regent Street. It catersto the quintessentially dressed Britishman. Hackett produces the highestquality clothing and accessories formen and displays their fabulous linesin an environment that is conducive toa thoroughly enjoyable shopping experience. The Regent Street Hackettis the largest in the world and offersa truly, one-stop shopping spot formen who want a personal look, basedon British style. In addition, Hackett’sJunior and Kid’s department offers asplendid line of accessories and clothing as well. For additional information,visit www.hackett.com.Women’s understated luxury designs are a trendy favorite and Goat,located just off Regent Street on 4Conduit Street, sets the standardwith their exquisite flagship boutique.Goat’s sophisticated, yet relaxed andrefined fashions focus on paired downCafe Royal Hotel Regent StreetDecember 2015aesthetics. They have garnered adevoted following of discerning clients and a quiet celebrity clientele,such as Gwyneth Paltrow, SiennaMiller and Victoria Beckham. Goat’sdresses are especially appealingwith their beautiful fabrics and flattering lines and their sublime coatsand jackets are essential for those infashion. For additional information,visit www.goatfashion.com.For those who thrive on excellenttea and coffee, a visit to The East India Company, located just off RegentStreet on 7/8 Conduit Street, will captivate you. The company’s British-Indiachic interior is replete with displaysof exquisite china teapots, tea wareand a selection of over 140 differentteas. Rows of elegant brass tabletopsfeature treasures from exotic spicesand enticing gourmet delicacies, suchas fine chocolates, biscuits, artisanpreserves and luxury hampers.Several notable East India Company teas to peruse are Boston TeaParty and Royal Flush. The BostonTea Party blend combines blackChinese Keemun tea with black andgreen Yunnan teas, for a full-bodiedand hearty tea. It is also based onthe teas thrown overboard duringthe infamous Boston Tea Party of1773. The inspiring Royal Flush ismedium-bodied, delicate and stemsfrom a tea bush planted by PrincePhilip during his visit to Ceylon. Foradditional information, visit www.theeastindiacompany.com.Regent Street offers visitors tremendous shops and boutiques alongits famous mile-long street and sidestreets with fashion to perfume andspecialty shops to restaurants, cafesand historical tours. With a few hundred shops and sights to visit andsee, it may seem an impossible featjust to keep track of where you visitedand what you might like to visit. Now,Regent Street is Europe’s first shopping street to pioneer a personalizedmobile phone app with Beacon technology. The cool purpose-built appprovides exclusive offers tailored toshoppers’ preferences while keepingtheir data private. The app uses Bluetooth technology to communicate withbeacons in each, so that as shoppers walk past, they receive alerts totheir mobile phone about a range ofthings from information about newproducts and upcoming events, mapsand exclusive offers only available tothose shopping on the street that day.The app currently works with iphone;for additional information on RegentStreet and to download the app, visitwww.regentstreetonline.com.If you go:Recommendations for restaurantsare Gordon Ramsay’s Heddon StreetKitchen, Frescobaldi and Veeraswamy. Gordon Ramsey is oftennotable for his dynamic BBC AmericaRamsey’s Kitchen Nightmares andhis many fine restaurants throughoutLondon. His newest, Heddon StreetRegent Street LondonVeeraswamy Restaurant London Regent StreetKitchen, located just off RegentStreet on 3/9 Heddon Street, is openall day and features lunch, dinnerand Sat.-Sun. brunch menus witha quick lunch or pre-theater menusas well. The warm gold-toned interior spans two floors with table andbooth seating. The menu leans toBritish-inspired with glorious comfortitems, such as Heddon’s scrumptious Macaroni Cheese and BakedSpinach Ricotta and Artichoke Cannelloni. If you need a delicious buton-the-go- salad, try Heddon’s WarmBang Bang Chicken, with watercressmouli, beansprouts, radish andpeanuts. For additional information,visit hen.Frescobaldi, located just off RegentStreet on 15 New Burlington Place,features outstanding traditional Tuscany regional cuisine with a twist. Theinterior is beautiful with Italian-themedcharacter art and intimate tableseating. In addition, the Frescobaldifamily has been one of Italy’s mostcelebrated wine dynasties for the past700-years and their restaurant winecellar is stellar. Try the beef filet withspinach and artichoke paired with anAmmiraglia Syrah for an exquisite dinner option. For additional information,visit www.frescobaldi.london.Veeraswamy, located on 99-101 Regent Street, is the oldest and one ofthe absolute best Indian restaurants inLondon. The second floor interior imbues the lavishness of Royal India inthe 1920s with intimate lighting and aclassically inspired menu from severalregions. Veeraswamy’s curries arecomplex and heavenly and their large,curried prawns attract guests from allover Europe and the U.S. The romantic restaurant is a complete and satisfying stimulation of all the senses, inan atmosphere you will wish to lingerin long after the cuisine has disappeared. http://veeraswamy.com.Hyper charge your deviceswith mycharge HubPlusBy Patrice RapleeThe awesome new portable charger for smartphones this season isthe myCharge HubPlus. The well-designed and compact HubPlus delivers the fastest possible recharge for smartphones, tablets, E-readers,MP3 and BT speakers. This cool unit eliminates the need to lug cordsaround with you while traveling due to the charger’s neatly integratedwall prongs, an Apple lightening cable and micro USB cable. The HubPlus can charge two devices at once and with its 6000 mAh capacity, itcharges four times faster than other power banks! In addition, the HubPlus recognizes the type of device you plug into it so the correct level ofpower is delivered while charging your device faster without frying it.Another great feature of the HubPlus is the four, flush-mounted LEDlights that let you know how much charge is left on the unit with just apress of the battery level button. The LED lights blink while plugged intoa wall outlet to indicate the charge level and four LED lights stay solidafter the HubPlus is fully charged. Moreover, with 45-hours of power, youwon’t worry about talking, texting, browsing or playing games on yourdevice and running out of a battery charge. And, the extremely usefulHubPlus is great for using at home as well. Wall outlets are not alwaysconvenient and hassling with cords or remembering where you put themis also annoying. Just plug your smartphone or tablet into the unit andrelax in your armchair or in bed without getting up.Many tech devices come onto the market every day but the pre-chargedand ready to use myCharge HubPlus is one of the best products out thisyear. The robust charger makes a perfect holiday gift for the avid traveleror those tired of carrying cords. For additional information, visit shop.mycharge.com/products/hubplus-1Patrice Raplee is a monthly columnist for theAward-Winning “Offbeat Travel” and a travel radiocorrespondent, as well as a member of the NorthAmerican Travel Jornalists Association, InternationalFood Wine & Travel Writers Association & Recording AcademyPage 5

Women’s R&B Christmasconcerts set for Dec 10, 13Be sure to mark your calendars Dec. 10 and Dec. 13 for the 17th Annual Women Rhythm & Blues Christmas Concerts! (See ad on right.)With the slogan “We’ve got the rhythm. This Christmas,you bring the soul,” it promises to be one of the most exciting events of the season. Watch for Portland’s finest “womenin rhythm and blues” including Sonny Hess, Vicki Stevens,Lady True Blue, Sarah Clarke, Lisa Mann, Ellen Whyte,Katherine Grimm, LaRhonda Steele and Rae Gordon.The dinner and concert on Thursday, Dec. 10, is at Carvlin Hallat St. Phillip Neri Church, 2408 S.E. 16th & Division. Doors openat 6 p.m. The concert on Sunday, Dec. 13 is at Trail’s End Saloon, 1320 Main St., Oregon City. Doors open at 4 p.m.Tickets range from 20 for the concert only, to 37.50 for dinnerand concert (Dec. 10), available at www.nwwomenblues.com.Sonny Hess (Musicians for the Cure) produces this eventevery year. As a breast cancer survivor, Hess is giving backto the community to help kids who suffer from cancer. A silent auction and raffle benefits The Candlelighters, an organization that helps children with cancer.For more information, email: nwwomenblues@gmail.com orcall 503-319-1333. See you there!Boogie Cat ProductionsPresents:NORMAN SYLVESTER BANDAppearingDec 4 Billy Blues, 7115 NE Hael Dell A

Forest Grove Elks, 2810 Pa-cifi c Ave, 8-midnight www.alaskataska.com THRILLRIDE Dec 5 CI Bar & Grill, 18785 SW Boones Ferry Rd, Tualatin 12 Milwaukie Elks, Milwaukie 31 New Year’s Eve @ Coyotes, Hillsboro www.thrllrideband.com As we aim towards Christmas, remember the reason