"Please make mistakes," Brad Fortier, comedian and educational director at The Brody Theater explains, "they're essential to this art, because a lot of those mistakes can become very brilliant comedy if we utilize rather than minimize the mistakes." Fortier talks casually with students, "Improv training really opens a different way of being — when you eradicate insecurities around mistakes. With improv we're breaking social norms to get to this comedy." People come to the show to be entertained and maybe, with a desire to participate. One of the attractions of the theater is a chance to enroll in classes, overcome your fear of speaking in public, and be spontaneously creative with people.

The Brody Theater has been active in Portland for twelve years and just leased a new home at 16 NW Broadway. It's in the lower part of the Broadway Hotel, between Helen's Market and Ichiban Sushi. The Housing Authority of Portland welcomed the theater to Old Town in hopes of creating a positive alternative to the dive bars and dance clubs in downtown. Check their website for showtimes: www.brodytheater.com

The players start each show with a suggestion from the audience. "In long-form improvisation, a pattern or series of relationships among the characters emerge." Tom Johnson, founder of The Brody Theater explains, "They aren't connected literally but by pattern, theme, and motif. The performers discover and work with the pattern; the theme emerges through the work." Johnson moved to Portland in 1996 and started teaching improv. "Brad was a student. He was in the second session; and Kerry was the first to call and sign up for classes in the Spring of 1996."

"I had done improv in high school," Kerry Leek says, "The English teacher introduced us to the Harold in a really vague sort of way. When I moved to Portland I saw a poster that said, Do you want to do the Harold? And I didn't really know what it was, but I wanted to do it. So I called him almost immediately. I said I didn't have any money — I was 19 — I talked his ear off. I was really excited. He said I could pay in installments."

"Serendipity is what led me to improv," Fortier explains, "I used to ride the number 15 bus, and I saw a guy on the bus reading the same book — we were both reading Joseph Campbell's Power of Myth. I was reading the big picture version and he was reading the regular book. When we got out at the same stop, he stopped at a telephone pole to look at a rock band poster. And I thought, I wonder if I should look? And that's where I saw a flyer for improvisors to join the Brody Theater."

In class, Fortier introduces one of the passwords to improv: follow-the-follower. "In a scene the least you can do is match their energy, match their pace. If someone's giving you a trigger — or what I would call a very good gift — I would let that change you. Even if someone hands you a pencil, I would let that change you." Fortier emotes, "A pencil. I thought I was going to get pen." A basic premise of improv: affirming and adding on to what your partner does.

"Narrative here is a network of relationships over a period of time." Fortier ventures, "The best improvisors are really accomplished at creating funny relationships, not just quippy dialogue. If you create interesting relationships, you will create longer lasting and more meaningful comedy." Fortier says, "In a scene, you let that person affect you and result in a particular emotion." He contrasts this with trying to get them to conform to a preconceived idea and reminds us, "You all have something when you walk up here because we all share social and cultural scripts."

Johnson started out doing stand-up comedy in New York City and moved to Chicago in the mid-80's to study improv. "When I got there I learned about Close — that's why I went to Improv Olympic, because I heard he was there. If you wanted to really learn, he was the man." Del Close taught many of today's most notable comedians. "When I met him he had just turned 50, and he had just stopped drinking. The stories and myths around him are interesting, but what I got from Del Close was his acute awareness of the theatrical value of improv — of what can be accomplished." Johnson emphasizes, "The laugh is a by-product of good improv, it's not the goal. The goal is moments of recognition and connection with the audience and people on stage."

"All ideas are connected," Johnson affirms, "all people are connected one way or another. We're not creating it — it's a fact. We're just finding the connection, tuning into it." Leek's experience with improv has helped her find the patterns in everyday life. "Improv has made me completely flexible," she says, "I think it has made me really analytical about what's going on — how things are going to proceed — but really okay with changing that at a drop of a hat. It's made me tie things together that I wouldn't normally tie together intellectually."

"The best shows are when I feel slightly challenged, slightly nervous. If I'm a little bit nervous, it causes me to be psychologically present." Leek confides, "The best improv is based on reality, based on your everyday experiences. It's much more interesting to watch when it's something you can relate to." Leek creates characters by tapping into her own emotions. "Sometimes it's not how I feel, it's the opposite," she points out, "but it's still something I can relate to — it's from my own experience."

"Improvisors bring their entire life up to that moment onto the stage, because that's where we get the subject matter for the scenes," Johnson confirms. "Some people ask, ‘Where do you get your material?' That's always a strange question for me because the answer is: from our lives. If you come to improv you're seeing a group of people create theater spontaneously as a small community's expression of the world around them. With improv the entire creative process is compressed into one moment."

"We reach the truth in life to get to this humor," Fortier exclaims, "comedy is that: it's truth. It's our job: to be funny, to be profound. That's what improv is — having on the ground, real human interactions. That's how we make something from nothing on the improv stage."

When students get their first really successful scene experience, it's almost like therapy. It's rare that something gives connection of our identities or our lives and all those around us. While taking improv classes at The Brody Theater, one learns about the role of uncertainty, ambiguity, and newness in the ability to be spontaneously creative. "There's two enemies to improv: being sorry and being worried." Brad explains, "Being sorry is focused on the past. Being worried is focused on the future. If you're bouncing between those, you can't be present and focus on the situation at hand."

"A lot of the satisfaction in the audience is to see a clear line of build from their idea," Fortier says, "that leads to their sense of investment, their sense of involvement in this. To see their idea turn into an integral part of the performance, a sense of being ‘completely in on it' emerges." At those moments people can really grasp and experience the magic of improvisation.

"Brody" is a slang term introduced in the early 20th century when a guy named Steve Brody jumped off the Brooklyn Bridge, and lived. Johnson explains, "He did it on a dare, and not as a suicide. And so the term ‘to do a brody' became: to do something daring and dangerous, but with a successful outcome — to take a daring leap."

The Brody's Grand Opening Friday and Saturday the 23rd & 24th
Shows start at 8pm. Tickets $10/$7 student with ID
Location: 16 NW Broadway
————————
Arthur Smid writes about events and people in Portland. If you have a story to tell, or a new business you want people to hear about — even if you just want someone to listen — please contact me: smidarthur (at) gmail.com

October 23rd, 2007 — Julian Chadwick | Edit

Just got this…good show and hey, free MP3s!

MASTANMUSIC LAUNCHES LABEL, HOSTS LABEL SHOWCASE AND PARTY AT DOUG FIR LOUNGE; SHOW SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 18TH

Portland music veteran and MastanMusic label head, Jeremy Wilson will host a label launch party and showcase the MastanMusic Label line-up on one bill, November 18th at Doug Fir Lounge. Doors are at 8pm, show at 9pm. Cover is $6.00 and is 21+. The bands being showcased are Tony Smiley, Silverhawk, and Dry County Crooks, each offering up their own distinct brand of rock.

This show is in collaboration with the Doug Fir Lounge's popular "Log Love Showcase" series.

Headliner Tony Smiley gives a phenomenal one man show, mixing up dance beats, guitar histrionics, and eclectic song-writing instincts comparable to David Bowie or Beck….MP3s and more after the jump

When Tony Smiley is onstage, it's hard to sit still because there's a dance party going on.

"It's all about the songs," says Sam Densmore of Silverhawk, the middle band on the bill. Combining elements of 60s psychedelic and classic Americana, Portland's Silverhawk, (led by the Densmore Bros., Sam and John) rocks out with the musical familiarity only present in a family band. Rounding out the line up is veteran drummer Rob Allison (Two Ton Boa, Bipolar Star), and keyboardist Anthony James Cotham.

Opening the showcase is Portland¹s rockabilly/country group with a punk edge, The Dry County Crooks. An authentic working band counting Johnny Cash and Social Distortion as influences, they regularly make the rounds playing rural club circuits in Oregon and Washington.

All three bands will be playing songs from their upcoming CD releases on the MastanMusic label. Advance copies of "Driving Myself Sane" by Tony Smiley and "Hangover Bicycle Ride" by Silverhawk will be available at the show.

• More Doug Fir Music and Events Information on the Pipeline
• More Portland Music Events and Information (a lot—180 and counting— of past and present…and future) here on the Pipeline
• More Burnside Pictures, Information, Events, etc on the Pipeline

You can listen to a track from each of the artists¹ records at here
These are the MP3s you can download there:
Tony Smiley – From the album Driving Myself Sane Driving Myself Sane – mp3
Silverhawk – From the album Hangover Bicycle Ride Cry Cry – mp3
The Dry County Crooks – From the upcoming album (not yet titled) Runaway Train – mp3

Posted in MastanMusic, burnside, doug fir, music.

MASTANMUSIC LAUNCHES LABEL, HOSTS LABEL SHOWCASE AND PARTY AT DOUG FIR LOUNGE; SHOW SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 18TH

Portland music veteran and MastanMusic label head, Jeremy Wilson will host a label launch party and showcase the MastanMusic Label line-up on one bill, November 18th at Doug Fir Lounge. Doors are at 8pm, show at 9pm. Cover is $6.00 and is 21+. The bands being showcased are Tony Smiley, Silverhawk, and Dry County Crooks, each offering up their own distinct brand of rock.

This show is in collaboration with the Doug Fir Lounge's popular “Log Love Showcase” series.

Headliner Tony Smiley gives a phenomenal one man show, mixing up dance beats, guitar histrionics, and eclectic song-writing instincts comparable to David Bowie or Beck….MP3s and more after the jump

When Tony Smiley is onstage, it's hard to sit still because there's a dance party going on.

“It's all about the songs,” says Sam Densmore of Silverhawk, the middle band on the bill. Combining elements of 60s psychedelic and classic Americana, Portland's Silverhawk, (led by the Densmore Bros., Sam and John) rocks out with the musical familiarity only present in a family band. Rounding out the line up is veteran drummer Rob Allison (Two Ton Boa, Bipolar Star), and keyboardist Anthony James Cotham.

Opening the showcase is Portland¹s rockabilly/country group with a punk edge, The Dry County Crooks. An authentic working band counting Johnny Cash and Social Distortion as influences, they regularly make the rounds playing rural club circuits in Oregon and Washington.

All three bands will be playing songs from their upcoming CD releases on the MastanMusic label. Advance copies of “Driving Myself Sane” by Tony Smiley and “Hangover Bicycle Ride” by Silverhawk will be available at the show.

• More Doug Fir Music and Events Information on the Pipeline
• More Portland Music Events and Information (a lot–180 and counting– of past and present…and future) here on the Pipeline
• More Burnside Pictures, Information, Events, etc on the Pipeline

You can listen to a track from each of the artists¹ records at here

These are the MP3s you can download there:
Tony Smiley – From the album Driving Myself Sane Driving Myself Sane – mp3
Silverhawk – From the album Hangover Bicycle Ride Cry Cry – mp3
The Dry County Crooks – From the upcoming album (not yet titled) Runaway Train – mp3

Home > News & Meetings > News Releases > Burnside Bridge reopens

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October 16, 2007

Burnside Bridge reopens

The Burnside Bridge reopened Tuesday, October 16, following a month-long closure to replace two counterweight hinges on the lift span.  The bridge reopens with a single traffic lane in each direction and sidewalks open on both sides.

The bridge is in the final phase of a two-year project to replace the lift span deck and complete mechanical repairs to the lift span.  The $9 million project is scheduled to be completed at the end of this year.

Multnomah County maintains the Burnside Bridge, five other Willamette River bridges, and more than 300 miles of roads.

It would appear that Google's Street View has finally come to Portland. They must have come by on a weekend or really early in the morning, as my car is in the driveway.

I am big fan of google, and they just made my own StreetsPDX more interesting as I can now add more info and not take 200,00 shots….and the iGoogle plus Firefox add-on–yeah, that's good stuff

Update: I see that in addition to the email he sent me, he also posted up more info at Livejournal:

In case you hadn't noticed, we finally have finally gotten Street View for Portland in Google Maps!

Sunday, October 7

• All ages are invited to the Bagdad Theater for a free showing of Harry Potter & the Order of the Phoenix at 2:00 pm. Kids will get free popcorn. For more information, visit the Bagdad website.

• The Greek Festival is happening all weekend at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church. Folk dancing, food, children's activities, and cooking demonstrations. 10:00 am to 10:00 pm on Friday and Saturday; noon to 8:00 pm on Sunday.

The Holy Website (goholytrinity.org)

• Felicia Luna Lemus, Chris Abani and Joe Meno will be at Powell's City of Books on Burnside, 7:30 pm. For more information, visit the Powell's website.

• More Portland/Pipeline information on Harry Potter
• More Portland/Pipeline information on the Greek Festival (Oct 5, 6, 7: Go Holy Trinity! Greek Festival Starts Today)
• More Portland/Pipeline information on Bagdad Theater
• More Portland/Pipeline information on Powell's City of Books
• More Portland/Pipeline information on Books (events/sales going on right now and throughout October)
• More Portland/Pipeline information on Hawthorne
• More Portland/Pipeline information on Burnside

Pictures of the Harry Potter Line at Powell's on SE Hawthorne/across from the Bagdad Theater in July after the “More Jump”

July 22 Daily Stank Image Bank II: Harry Potter Line at SE Powells

July 22nd, 2007 — Julian Chadwick |Rather interesting stuff…and there was a guy highlighting the Bagdad with some projection action…video of that later…

This is from their orignal show there

Sunday: The Hive Has a Message for Dave Matthews

September 1st, 2007 — Julian Chadwick

The Hive makes its big move to Plan B (formerly Acme) tomorrow. It should be interesting and you can read more about the Hive show at this earlier post (And The Lord Said, On Day Seven, I Will See Hive at Plan B Bar)

I asked Ms. Chris if she thought Dave Matthews was a musical genius or a musical prodigy—I mean come on—Dave Matthews* is changing people's lives! Her response follows:

I'm sooo not a fan. I think he starts and ends every song very well, I actually like those parts, but the bridge is my kryptonite. So I'm being diplomatic and not siding either way. Better to just stay silent. Now if you asked about the Clash or Depeche Mode or The Guess Who. I could give you my opinion.

Thanks,

MS!!! Chris

HIVE
Plan B (formerly ACME)

Portland, OR 97214

(Corner of SE 8th & SE Main)

Every Sunday 9pm-2am

21+ $3 cover

www.darkhive.com

www.myspace.com/darkhive

hivepdx@gmail.com

*Reference Quota: Never, ever, ever, eva bet with Dave Matthews. It's easier to play Joseph Hachem in Poker…

BUT…Heidi is bar tending at the B-Side tonight (Tanya's on vacations- lucky!). Yes, that Heidi, The one from Meat, and formerly of the BOG (Bar of Gods).

When I first moved to Portland, I met up with the mayor the second evening. He wasn't the M.O.B yet, as he was living off Hawthorne (South of Hawthorne and north of 39th=dirty laundry= mayoral recall).

Anyway, he (and some others) took me up to the Bar of Gods where we drank many $2 special beers and dropped about $50 to get past level 4 or 5 of Archanoid table-top (where did it go?!).

That is where I met Hiede. So, Heidi is my first Portland bartender, and she was top of the game before moving onto MEAT. Now, I don't have a pet, but I've been to MEAT, see MEAT hoodies everywhere, and friends who have gone their swear by it–plus, ummm, it's called MEAT!

From Meat's Website:

meat proudly supports and supplies the raw food diet for dogs and cats. Haven't heard or tried the raw diet before? We will walk you through each step of the way to help integrate raw meat into your pet's diet.

Meat
2250 E. Burnside
Portland, Or 97214
503-236-6971
fax 503-236-8039
mon-fri 11-6pm sat 11-5pm sun 12-5pm

*Picture of Heidi from Motokitty with Motokitty Bag*

From B-Side's Myspace Page:

About me: Beer,Whiskey,Pinball, 632 e. burnside PDX, OR,97214
Who I'd like to meet: People who like to drink beer,whiskey & play pinball

Friday, Oct 5: Attend the HP Lovecraft Film Festival at the Hollywood Theater. If you try to keep Portland weird, then this is your scene. In the early 20th century, Lovecraft wrote a series of strange and horrific stories that influenced writers like Stephen King, Neil Gaiman and Michael Chabon. The Festival presents a variety of professional and amateur Lovecraftian films on three screens. Get there at seven for the Cthulhu blessing. If you want to try before you buy, read At the Mountains of Madness or Cthulhu 2000, a collection of stories inspired by Lovecraft. The Festival runs Friday through Sunday night.

Saturday, Oct 6: Attend the Friends of the Library Book Sale at 3016 SE Division (the former Wild Oats.) This sale features tens of thousands of books for as little as a dollar. These aren't crummy cast-offs either, these books are donated by your book-loving Portland neighbors, so the selection is excellent. You might want to give yourself a limit on how much you can buy. Mine is the amount I can comfortably carry. Sale starts on Friday for members ($30 at the door) and is free for all starting Saturday.

Sunday, Oct 7: Head to Burnside Powells at 7:30PM to see three small-press book authors from Akashic books. Chris Abani (Song For Night,) Joe Meno (Tender as Hellfire,) and Felicia Luna Lemus ( Like Son,) will read from their books and take questions. Akashic's mission is the “reverse gentrification of literature,” and the subject matter, which includes Nigerian child soldiers, alienated youth and gender identity, reflects it. Here's your chance to meet some new authors.

Click here for more Portland Book Information here on PDX PIPELINE

The Aliens, former members of the Beta Band, have a lovely remix of their track Robot Man by Hot Chip. They play Doug Fir on October 3rd.

From their website – Armed with a bottomless bag of psychedelically inclined rock and acid dipped electronics, The Aliens bring a freedom of spirit and a certainty of intent that immediately sets them out from the current crop of guitar slingers. Inspired by Sergio Leone and Serge Gainsbourg, Brian Eno and Brian Wilson, Larry David and Ol' Dirty Bastard, their songs in the key of Fife reference the past whilst belonging resolutely to the future. These Aliens have history – between them they have been behind some of the most enthralling British music of the last decade. John Maclean and Robin Jones were members of the Beta Band. Gordon Anderson was a founding Beta Band member who went on to record two albums under the Lone Pigeon moniker.

The Aliens – Robot Man (Hot Chip Remix) [MP3]

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