RIGHT IN OUR BACKYARD!

One block from The Fulton House is magnificent Willamette Park, right along the Willamette River, which runs through downtown Portland.

We've just learned that there will be a series of free mid-week Willamette Park Concerts in July. Here's the line-up.

On the evening of Wednesday, July 16, from 6:30-9:30 p.m., Portland's staunchest country traditionalists, The Buckles quartet, will perform the classics of twang and honky-tonk, right out of the playbooks of Buck Owens and Merle Haggard. The group will close with a highly danceable set which you'll surely enjoy.

Then, on Wednesday, July 23, from 6:30-8:30 p.m., the Touchables, with their authentic tribute to the music of the 1960's, will be up. This quartet has performed with The Animals, Paul Revere and the Raiders, The Turtles, The Supremes, Hermit's Hermits, Tommy Jones and a host of other rock legends.

Next, On Wednesday, July 30, from 6:30-8:30 p.m., come The Freak Mountain Ramblers, performing their unique blend of Rock 'n Roll, Blue Grass, Alternative Country and Country Blues. This group has its roots in the underbelly of the alternative music scene that existed across the country in the 70's and 80's.

Just bring a blanket (we'll supply that), some food (we can pack you a couple of box dinners at a very reasonable price), and your choice of beverages (perhaps your complimentary bottle of wine, some pop or bottled water from The Fulton House). Or, you can buy food at the Park.

Best of all, all the music is a block away from The Fulton House, a totally easy stroll. And there's no admission or cost -- the music is all free!

A SENSATIONAL EVENT!

In my judgment, Portland's three premier annual outdoor events are the Rose Festival, any one of the international craft beer festivals, and the Blues Festival.
The last -- the 2008 Waterfront Blues Fest -- is coming up on July 3-6 at McCall
Waterfront Park, right along the Willamette River in downtown Portland.

It's the largest and finest blues festival west of the Mississippi and, this year, features more than 125 performances on five stages. Also, there's a "Workshop Stage," with more than 25 intimate presentations by Festival artists, and five "Delta Music Experience Blues Cruises." On Friday evening, there's even a magnificent fire works show finale.

Look at some of these great blues musicians and vocalists that will appear over the four days. Isaac Hayes. Canned Heat. Elvin Bishop. Phoebe Snow. Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue in a "Battle of the 'Bones'". Andrew "Jr. Boy" Jones. Charlie Musselwhite. Eric Lindell. Zydeco Swamp Romp, with Rosie Ledet, Chris Ardoin, Cedryl Ballou, Dikki Du & the Zydeco Krewe. Curtis Salgado. James Hunter. And dozens and dozens more!

If you love blues music, you just cannot miss this festival. Tickets for the four-day event are only $30. For further information, check www.waterfrontbluesfest.com

SUMMER TIME IS FUN TIME

When you come to Portland during the summer months, there are all sorts of activities and events. Here are just a few that caught my eye:

1. Lake Oswego (suburb of Portland) Festival of the Arts. This year's special exhibit is called "Painting with Fire: Wood-Fired Ceramics." The event is free and features lectures and demos in many art forms, live music, and a crafts fair. June 20-22.

2. Sandy (another Portland suburb) Mountain Festival. More than 150 artisans showcase their wares, and live music and entertainment fill two stages. There are also 20 food booths, so you won't go hungry while meandering through the park venue. July 12-13.

3. Portland Historic Races. This is a tribute to the great race cars of the past, where more than 200 historic vehicles, lovingly restored to their original condition when they raced, take to the track again. Fans can meet with the drivers and get up close to these historic racing machines. July 11-13.

4. Oregon Brewer's Festival. If you like good beer, you'll really enjoy this annual tribute to America's many microbreweries. Now in its 21st year (and one of Portland's most popular outdoor events), the festival offers the best brews from 72 craft breweries from 16 states. There are also exhibits by hops growers (Oregon and Washington are the two largest hop-growing states), breweriana collectors and national beer writers. July 24-27.

5. Estacada (Portland suburb) Summer Celebration. Three days of live music, art shows and great food in the downtown area of this smaller suburb. July 24-27.

6. Maritime Heritage Festival. Come and celebrate Portland's nautical past and present, including an array of show boats, tours, live music, vintage boat rides, fireboat demos, and water skiing and water sports demos. July 25-27.

It's easy to quickly get to any of these events from The Fulton House, either by automobile or public transportation (we're only a half-block away from a bus stop).

Please book soon....The Fulton House is filling up fast with summer visitors to the Portland area.

See ya!