FRIDAY

A post shared by Andrew Wilkins (@atwilkins) on Aug 2, 2016 at 9:40pm PDT

Enjoy the fine art of karaoke at Chinese Village (520 SE 82nd Ave @ Stark) and Candlelight Restaurant and Lounge (7334 NE Glisan St).

9 pm-ish * free

SATURDAY

East Portland neighborhood cleanup events:  Hazelwood, Mill Park, Centennial Neighborhood Clean-up Event & Argay Terrace Neighborhood Association Clean-up.

Bring good, clean reusable items to drop off that others may take — and your bulky waste items. Follow the event link to see location and what items cannot be accepted.

To find your neighborhood association, enter your address here.

9 am – 1 pm 

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At Leach Botanical Garden: “Come visit the Stone Cabin at Leach Garden on National Public Garden Day! … Take the footbridge across the creek and peek into the cabin that was once used for a Grimm setting.” 

6704 SE 122nd Ave * 11 am – 2 pm * free, contributions are welcomed

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Citizen Advocacy 101 – We Can Make Change Happen (event) “Want to improve life for yourself and your neighbors or have a concern about local, state or federal laws? Learn about strategies for change and more: -Information and misinformation -Examples of successful advocacy -Choosing your battles: What matters to you? Who makes the rules? -Getting heard: tools for change -“Tracking” civic/political issues.”

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SUNDAY

Sunday is the second Sunday of the Montavilla Farmers Market. Lent’s Farmers Market opens June 4th!

For a full list of vendors, and new choices at the market, click here. EBT is accepted and the Double Up Food Bucks program (learn more here) will match up to $10 per customer per day for fruits and vegetables.

Montavilla Farmers Market, 7700 block of SE Stark St * 10 am – 2 pm

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Intercambio / Language Exchange at Midland Library:

“Practique inglés o español y ayude a los demás que están aprendiendo en un ambiente amable. Los participantes hablan la mitad del tiempo en inglés y la otra en español. Están bienvenidos los principiantes.”

And now in English: “Practice English or Spanish and help other learners in a friendly atmosphere. Participants speak half the time in English and half in Spanish. Beginners welcome.”

Midland Libary, 805 SE 122nd Ave * 3 pm – 4:30 pm * free

There’s also an event with a Vietnamese author and political prisoner (presented in Vietnamese), Chinese Storytime, and Black Storytime on the Midland Library event calendar.

I hope you enjoyed the tiny taste of summer we got this week, it was a good reminder to plan for summer events. The City of Portland has a new online block party application form (here) and is waiving its fees for events held east of 82nd Avenue.

FRIDAY

The First Friday art show opening at Milepost 5 Gallery is from Jojo Lumiere. The exhibit will be hanging all month, and the gallery is open to the public Monday through Friday 9 am – 5 pm, and Saturdays from 10 am – 3 pm.

“Hearts & Quarks” is a mixed media, multi-disciplinary art show that explores the intrigue of particle physics, heartbreak & shadow. Jojo uses vibrant color in her sculptural paintings, light, & darkness in her digital work and explores color/form in her t-shirt collection.” 

Milepost 5 Gallery, 850 NE 81st * 6:30 pm – 10 pm * free

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Live music with Edge of Ether: “Rock and roll party with all your favorite songs to dance and have fun with!!!”

Montavilla Station, 417 SE 80th * 9 pm – 1 am * free 

SATURDAY

“Montavilla Neighborhood Association will host its annual cleanup event where neighbors can get rid of junk at an affordable fee while supporting neighborhood activities and events throughout the neighborhood. We accept anything that is not curbside recyclable or otherwise possibly hazardous (anything that may have asbestos or other chemical compounds).”

If you have any questions about what’s okay to bring, see the FB event page.

Fees: Carload – $15, Truck Load – $25, Large Truck or Trailer – $40

Montavilla Baptist Church, 9204 SE Hawthorne * 9 am – 3 pm 

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Imani Milele Children’s Choir: A voice for Ugandan orphaned and vulnerable children is performing at Midland Library.

“Imani Milele is a Swahili phrase meaning “Always Believe”. This is the message we give to our children, encouraging them to never give up. … The choir has been treating audiences to fun-filled, interactive and inspirational concerts since 2013. Expect to experience “True Africa”, which is showcased through culturally unique music, dance and well-crafted drum routines.”

Midland Library, 805 SE 122nd Ave * noon – 12:45 pm * free

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Portland Metro Arts’ Once Upon a Time Family Theatre presents: “Chicken Little” “There’s always a slight twist to the traditional story that keeps these productions fresh. Though simply produced, these delightful and engaging productions will soon have everyone fully absorbed in the interaction of live theatre.” For more information and tickets, click here.

9003 SE Stark St * 11:30 am * adults $2, youth $1

SUNDAY

Sunday is the opening day of the Montavilla Farmers Market. For a full list of vendors, and new choices at the market, click here. EBT is accepted and the Double Up Food Bucks program (learn more here) will match up to $10 per customer per day for fruits and vegetables.

Montavilla Farmers Market, 7700 block of SE Stark St * 10 am – 2 pm

Lentil Bowl, a Green Lents fund raiser:  “… bring the family to this event and get to know your neighbors.  It’s also a fundraiser and promotional activity for Greet Lents. One fee includes two hours of unlimited bowling and shoe rental. Proceeds from the event go towards sustaining Green Lents so that we can continue the services we offer to the neighborhood through our four core programs: the the Tool Library, Malden Court Community Orchard, pollinator habitats, and community listening projects.” Register here.

KingPins Family Entertainment Center, 3550 SE 92nd Avenue * 12 pm – 2 pm * $12 per person

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Taborspace, a project of, has gatherings throughout the week. See the schedule here. On Sunday, for example, the eleven events scheduled include: meditation, yoga, singing, and recovery programs for many different addictive behaviors.

Taborspace is an amazing example of a church that has pivoted and expanded its ministry to serve its community.

Taborspace, 5441 SE Belmont 

FRIDAY

The Pepper Grinders @ O’Neill Pub: “Using the cream of the crop of amazing Portland players, the band is dedicated to the sound of the jump blues bands and the screaming sax greats from the late 40’s and early 50’s. The set list will include covers by the likes of Big Jay McNeely, Earl Bostic, Willis Jackson and more.”

Is there more live music I’m missing in East Portland? Sadly, Duff’s Garage closed, and Montavilla Station (video) only advertises its bands Friday and Saturday bands on their chalkboard, so I’m thinking there are other musical

O’Neill Public House, 6000 NE Glisan * 9:30 pm * free

SATURDAY

New Year in the Park – Celebrating Cambodian, Lao, Thai, and Burmese cultures, with cultural performances, food, traditional games, and more. The schedule is here.

Glenhaven Park, NE 82nd Avenue and Siskiyou Street * 9:30 am – 6 pm 

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A Neighborhood Emergency Teams training begins this weekend. “NETs are Portland residents trained by PBEM [Portland Bureau of Emergency Management] and Portland Fire & Rescue to provide emergency disaster assistance within their own neighborhoods.”

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Organizers of this FB event, complete with burning American flag photo, are promising to shut down the Patriot Prayer event, a Vancouver, Washington based group who planned the march after the cancellation to protest what they think are free speech restrictions.

If you like pro wrestling, this PP video is worth a watch. And then there’s also this other  counter event (FB event) that prioritizes food and dancing, and asks participants not to engage with the Bible Believers. Make your own choices, but it seem like an unproductive and possibly violent way to spend your day.

Even though the parade is cancelled, Montavilla Co-op is still having a volunteer appreciation gathering (FB event) with Mexican food from Mixteca Pdx, bubbles, candy, their parade banner. I’m really excited to know when the co-op’s opening.

8104 SE Morrison St * 11 am – 3 pm

SUNDAY

“Get to know Zenger Farm and learn all about our Summer Camps! The whole farm will be open for exploration and we’ll have some of our favorite camp activities set up so you can see what camp is really like! Our Camp Counselors will be on hand to answer all your burning questions and to help you sign up on the spot, if you’re ready. Free food will be provided!”

The event is free, but they request that you register (here).

Zenger Farm, 11741 SE Foster Road * 1 pm – 4 pm * free 

FRIDAY

Live music with Bahttsi.

Malden Court Community Orchard planting party: “They provide tools, materials, coffee and snacks; and ask that you bring water, closed-toed shoes, as well as friends, families and neighbors! No RSVP is required. Questions? Want to get involved in orchard leadership? Contact Michelle at orchard@greenlents.org.”

7677 SE 87th Avenue, south of SE Flavel Street, next to the Springwater Corridor Trail, park on Flavel Street * 9 am – noon 

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“PORTLAND MERCADO CELEBRATES 2 YEARS OF BRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER! (Event) For the last two years Portland Mercado has transformed the block on 72nd and Foster into a vibrant place for over 50 small businesses, neighbors and cultural communities to gather and support each other. It’s time to celebrate that!” Food, drinks, face painting, live music, and community.

Live music with Edge of Eether at Montavilla Station. “An escape from reality. Three guys looking to make your night amazingly awesome. Rock out to the sounds of some of your favorite songs!”

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Mancala: An African Counting Game: “Learn about the origins of Mancala, the rules of the game, and strategies for winning. Players will then have the opportunity to compete. Best for kids ages 8 and up.” For more information, call 503-988-5123.

Midland Library, 805 S.E. 122nd Ave * 1 pm – 2 pm * free 

SUNDAY

The Foster-Powell Community Garden (site)  has their only fundraiser of the year this weekend:

“Happy Spring, Happy Weekend, Happy Easter, Pesach Sameach (Happy Passover)! … Sunday … is our annual plant sale and raffle, and the garden is open for the public to visit. The plants, gathered from neighbors, are at yard sale prices. There will be hidden eggs with candy and a painting project to add more flowers to the fence. We’ll have some refreshments, too.”

Saturday the garden is accepting donations of extra plant starts and divisions (no large shrubs or trees, please).

Foster-Powell Community Garden, 62nd Ave & Powell Ave * 9 am – 3 pm

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Along with several other second run movies, Academy Theater is showing 1999’s “The Matrix”.

“A computer hacker learns from mysterious rebels about the true nature of his reality and his role in the war against its controllers.”

Academy Theater, 7818 SE Stark * 4:10 pm, 9:25 pm * adults $4, seniors and children $3

FRIDAY

The first Friday art opening at Milepost 5 is “They Come and Go / Y Van y Vienen” from Ivan Salcido. An excerpt from his artist statement:

“My work is an honest portrayal of my experiences and skills, allowing me to draw inspiration from personal history, pop culture and the environments I have explored. From the rugged deserts and urban landscape of El Paso, Texas to the majestic and fertile terrain of the Pacific Northwest, the diversity of cultures, topography, textures and shapes of the world continuously influence me.”

Milepost 5 Gallery, 850 NE 81st Ave * 6:30 pm – 11 pm * free 

Foster Powell Community Garden Annual Plant Sale and Fundraiser: “Get yard sale prices on plant starts and divisions, enter the raffle for great garden prizes, and enjoy some snacks with your neighbors!”

Foster-Powell Community Garden, SE 62nd Ave & Powell Blvd * 9 am – 3 pm

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FRIDAY

“Weekend Assembly is a five piece, cross-genre, cross-generational musical project that blends roots rock with blues, country, folk and indie music.”

O’Neil Public House, 6000 NE Glisan * 9:30 pm – 1 am * free

SATURDAY

Portland Metro Arts’ Once Upon a Time Family Theatre presents: “The Princess Who Never Smiled.” “There’s always a slight twist to the traditional story that keeps these productions fresh. Though simply produced, these delightful and engaging productions will soon have everyone fully absorbed in the interaction of live theatre.” For more information and tickets, click here.

9003 SE Stark St * 11:30 am * adults $2, youth $1

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“Are you struggling with everyday needs? Are you needing help, but don’t know where to find it? Our Pantry wants to help! You are important to us. We want to unite and share the Light of hope to those in our community. Join us for a free dinner on Saturday, April 1. We look forward to meeting you! For more information, please call: 503-442-8228.”

Portland Open Bible Church, 3223 Se 92nd Ave* 3 pm – 6 pm * free

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“Artist Dave Ewing and spent years editing Back to the Future I, II, and III together chronologically. Like a secret message from the cosmos, from the middle section of this meticulous recut emerged a fourth fully formed film with its own brilliant story arc. Must be seen to be fully comprehended. Great Scott!”

Milepost 5 Theater, 8155 NE Oregon * 6 pm – 10 pm * free

SUNDAY

Along with seven other great second-run films, Academy Theater is showing 1988’s “They Live.”

“A homeless drifter discovers a reason for the ever-widening gap between the rich and the poor: a conspiracy by non-human aliens who have infiltrated American society in the guise of wealthy yuppies.”  

As part of this community journalism project, I’m compiling a list of organizations hosting events and workshops in East Portland. It’s not quite in East Portland, but Taborspace (5441 SE Belmont) is an interesting organization.

They host a variety of events and classes, serve coffee, and are a good example of a church who has pivoted its mission to better server its community. Taborspace’s calendar of events is here.

For spring break next week, the Leach Botanical Garden is hosting  classes for youth ages 9 – 14. Zenger Farm also has spring break classes for youth K – 6th grade. At Taborspace, Mr. David’s School of Film is also hosting several green screen and stop motion Lego classes (registration). If you’ve run across other good spring break ideas, feel free to post them in the comments.

FRIDAY

The Jumptown Aces (jump blues) swing it at Duff’s Garage. From 6 pm – 8 pm: Bridgecreek (acoustic).

2530 NE 82nd Ave * 9 pm * $5

SATURDAY

There’s only a few seats left for this adult class: Start Here – Learning to Program with Games, at Holgate Library. Registration (required) here.

“Do you have no experience programming? Are you curious about what it’s like? This is the class for you. We will be learning some of the basics of programming by writing code for a game!”

7905 SE Holgate Blvd * 2 pm – 4 pm * free

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Tax help, Black Storytime, and Read to the Dogs are all at noon at Midland Library. There are so many great events at your local libraries. Find other Midland events here.

805 SE 122nd Ave * free 

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Touting Trillium – Facts & Falacies is a class hosted at Leach Botanical Garden (website): “Russell Graham, from Purveyor of Plants, will separate facts from fallacies concerning Trillium, one of our favorite NW native early bloomers! He’ll address the nomenclature, identification, culture, and propagation of trilliums while exploring some of the myths, lore and reality surrounding the genus, with most of the emphasis on our western species.”

Register here.

6704 SE 122nd Ave * 10 am – 11:30 am  * $10 LGF member, $15 nonmember 

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SUNDAY

It’s a double feature movie night at the Milepost 5 Theater with Psychedelic Psynema (FB page)!  Movies start at 6:30 pm, with a short introduction from our esteemed host.

MP5 Theater, 8155 NE Oregon * free 

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Outbound Traveler (upbeat campfire music, FB page) at the O’Neill Public House, with a traditional Irish jam afterwards.

6000 NE Glisan * 7 pm * free