I want to begin with a shout out to Thane Stumbaugh. Hey Thane, thanks for having the best summer party I attended this year. It’s my pick of the month. I went with a couple of good friends and when we arrived fashionably late to his fantastic home on NE 25th and Alberta, we found absolutely no parking because there were already so many people there. We got out of the car and heard the sounds of rock music drifting towards us on a cool breeze.
Walking up to the house we saw Thane standing on the porch greeting guests. He looked smashing in a sheer ruffled shirt of many colors. He seemed more mature than I remembered him, but obviously, he’s still a man that was not yet turned thirty.

Anyway, we entered the crowded house and I was floored at how much work he had done on his classic Portland home. The outside had been completely scraped and he said that he had done it all himself, with the help of his business partner, Michael.

Inside there were revelers waiting in lines to both bathrooms as we followed the moving herd through the kitchen full of beautiful people mixing drinks and partying. We slowly made our way to the back door, which spilled out to a fantastic backyard. It was dimly lit with Tiki torches and Christmas lights strung across trees. There were fig, apple and pear trees with a koi pond, bridge and a donkey pinata strung high in a fruit tree. In the garage, people were betting on three card Monty and the glow of smiling faces matched the band playing, which I found out later were called Starbugs.
I liked every song and they had the crowd dancing. Two of the four members are from Russia and the other two are from the states. There were three kegs of microbrews, some delicious hard cider, grilled oysters and Ethiopian food from Queen of Sheba that was spread out on a large picnic table. When Gypsy Caravan arrived looking exotic, everyone cheered while they seduced us with their dancing. The highlight of the evening was Thane’s shirt, but Starbugs were right up there.

As we were leaving, we came upon Thane getting a noise ordinance ticket from a young, handsome Portland Policeman who spoke up and told us that he was sorry he wasn’t invited to what looked like a great party. He explained that there had been a complaint and that the party had to shut down in fifteen minutes, or he would have to call for support. Thane handled it like a polite pro. He graciously said good night and looked honestly disappointed that he had not given us a tour. Oh, the responsibilities of a charming host. I hope he doesn’t get discouraged from having this annual event, because it’s the best home party in town.

Roark Gourley , the Forking Guy and his merry troupe of pranksters, came to town and Forked Portland. We all met up at Groundswell Cafe and Gallery where Styphen Spyrit, Bunny Hoffmeister, Lauren Mantecon and Fuzzee Doodah were wowing the crowd! The Forking of Portland turned out to be a smashing success as well as the Groundswell Cafe and Gallery, Summer Evening Showcase.

Harriet Fassenfess has quite a sweet and happening spot on the corner of NE Alberta and 18th Street. The group of artists that descended on her new café that night of Summer Showcase, was a grand combination of Portland’s most creative and supportive people.

In the gossip wind is a new club called East, owned by John Plummer of Johnny Sole and Mike Quinn of Monqui Presents. I spoke to John Plummer and he said, “ It’s a hole in the wall on NW Everett between 3rd and 4th Street. It’s 3/4’s of the way opened. We’re going to have

a small logo on the door and serve excellent cocktails”. Johnny Sole is also hosting the kick-off NXNW Poster Party at his store on SW Alder, Wednesday, September 20th.

Mike King, artist extrodinaire is organizing it and John says they’re hoping to get a fabulous vodka company to sponsor the annual event.

Also, on the tongues of the hip is Michael Hebb of Ripe Catering. Seems that he and his lovely “expecting” partner are going to be doing the food for the soon to be opening Chinese Garden (The Garden of the Awakening Orchid) in Old Town. This long awaited sacred garden and tea house spot, will be a culmination of many people trying to preserve Old Town.

Fifteen years in the making, this symbolic attempt to combine nature, the Chinese community and the people of Portland, will hopefully succeed. The lesson seems to be that we have to embrace our city and not get hung up on condos and golf courses. (Good Luck!) Write to me: rosebud@teleport.com.