The second to last time I got off at the 82 MAX station, I had to fight the urge to grab a broom and sweep up a bit. Dirty public spaces can’t be great for civic morale, so it was awesome to see the area cleaned up and this artist hard at work.
I didn’t take note of his name, but he told me the mural represents people and organizations in the neighborhood. How many can you identify? I got three: APANO, NAYA, and Olive & Dingo. He said he’ll send me photos when it’s completed.
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There is just about too much happening this weekend in East Portland– especially Saturday. I won’t rank them by importance, but will put them in an order that gives you a a chance to hit all of them, if you are a beast of a social butterfly.
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There was a Montavilla Neighborhood Association meeting Monday. At issue was whether the four board member removed for improper process would be reinstated by the two remaining board members. Only Jonathan Ogden was reinstated, giving the board the three members required.
You can listen to the meeting here, though some of the voices aren’t entirely clear. Thanks to Benjamin Kerensa for making the recording.
There was also a presentation by Portland Assembly, (beginning @ 1:10:00) and their plan to organize neighbors to respond to community problems without having to contact the police. At 1:23:30, Sarah from PA talks about what she’d do instead of calling the police if she saw someone assaulted.
Between the presentation by the PA, and the homeless sweeps resolution, a group of neighbors are concerned about what they think is a an activist takeover of the NA. So we now have another Montavilla Facebook Group, the Montavilla Initiative.
FRIDAY
Movies in the Park! “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” in Harney Park. Live music from Oleada (Cumbia, psicodelica, chicha, dub, rock) opens the evening.
Harney Park, SE 67th and Harney St *music @ 6:30 pm, movie @ dusk * free
SATURDAY
There is simply too much happening to enjoy this weekend in East Portland– especially Saturday. I won’t rank them by importance, but will put them in an order that gives you an opportunity to hit all of them. If you are a beast of a social butterfly.
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Here’s a short film we did on the PDX Soap Box Car Derby. Out of all the awesome Portland events, this one is my favorite. (The video contains foul language and boxed-wine fueled shenanigans).
It’s non-commercial, grassroots, DIY goodness. Some car builders design for speed, others for artistry… You’ll see a ton of families with kids, plenty of day drinking, both enjoying the spectacle on Mt. Tabor.
If you’d like to volunteer and help make it happen, click here.
Mt. Tabor Park, east side, above the reservoir * 9:30 am – 4 pm * free
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In it’s third year, the Montavila Jazz Festival benefiting the Montavilla Music Fund. A dozen artists from Portland and beyond perform at Portland Metro Arts, a nonprofit arts organization in East Portland.
From the festival’s website:
The MJF team is dedicated to enriching the lives of Montavilla children and youth by supporting education in our neighborhood public schools. As one of Portland’s largest neighborhoods, Montavilla relies on four public schools to serve neighborhood families. These schools are the lifeblood of our community. Due in part to declining funding, these schools are often able to offer only limited opportunities for music education. It is a perpetual struggle to find resources to dedicate to music education even in the best of times.
To bolster music education in our schools, MJF created the Montavilla Schools Fund (MSMF). MJF earmarks a portion of each ticket sold to this fund. Our four neighborhood public schools then have the opportunity to apply for grants funded by these proceeds. The grants help teachers develop unique, robust music programs. We envision children and youth in these programs performing music supported with MSMF funds in varied settings throughout the community for years to come.
The list of artists are here. I’ve heard good things about Portland based Blue Cranes, and I’ve seen the female saxophone Quadrophonnes play, and they are excellent. I haven’t done any other research, but if you like jazz, or support music education for the youth, I bet you’ll like the Jazz Fest.
There’s also an after hours jam session at East Glisan Pizza ( 9 pm to midnight), 8001 NE Glisan St, the restaurant I’ve patronized more than any in the neighborhood.
Portland Metro Arts, 9003 SE Stark St * 2 pm – 8 pm * day passes, $15-30 sliding scale; $5 for Oregon Trail card holders
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The outdoor movie at the Festival Latino in Glenhaven Park is “Moana”. The evening starts off (6:30 pm) with music by Tequila Highway PDX (Cumbia, rock, Latin fusion). The movie will begin at dusk.
Spanish with English subtitles on their big outdoor screen with stereo sound. Bring a blanket or low beach chairs for the movie.
Glenhaven Park, NE 82nd and Siskiyou St * 6:30 pm * free
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“Join us for the fourth annual Jade International Night Market (FB invitation), where Portland’s multicultural communities come out in full force each August to celebrate one of East Portland’s biggest events! Last year over 20,000 people came out to support local small businesses, community organizations, cultural groups, and our anti-displacement efforts.
This year, the Jade International Night Market runs on two Saturdays: August 19th, and August 26th. Come to one of both to enjoy international cuisine from local businesses, cultural performances, and a celebration and recognition of the vibrant community that resides in the Jade District neighborhood and East Portland.”
Read more about it from APANO. If you’d like to volunteer, go here.
SUNDAY
Did ya hear? There’s gonna be an eclipse! Fun fact: The sun and moon appear the same size in Earth’s sky because the sun’s diameter is about 400 times greater – but the sun is also about 400 times farther away.
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“WALK with Refugees and Immigrants: walk to inspire a more compassionate, generous, and welcoming Portland.”
East Portland Neighborhood Office, 1017 NE 117th Avenue * 11 am – 1 pm
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Malden Court Community Orchard planting party (FB invitation):
“We’re gathering together again this month to work at the orchard! The blackberries are growing and need removing, the strawberries are lush and need maintenance, areas need sheet mulching, and we’re going to continue constructing the tool shed! There may be other tasks, too, so come join us and see what you can contribute to our beautiful neighborhood green space.”
7677 SE 87th Avenue, just south of SE Flavel Street * 9 am – noon
Village Portland 