Portland Folk Festival 2024
A fun thing happened last night – and it couldn’t have without a lot of different things coming together at once. It all started with an email yesterday afternoon.
I was preparing for an evening of pre-storm pj’s and a movie. Cozy. Warm. Home. Instead, I said “Yes!” and off I headed into a night of fun and adventure. Normally, receiving some gifted tickets to something wouldn’t warrant a blog entry, but there’s more fun to share. On the way to the show, I got a follow-up email that there was a second ticket available. This led to me scrambling to find someone to go with.
I turned to my Constant Contact mobile app (I was on the bus into town at this point) and sent a note to my “Tag along at the last minute” list – to see if anyone wanted to join me. That only turned up a friend from Seattle saying hi. But the fact that I could do this felt very fun and sometimes it works like a charm.
I got into the Crystal Ballroom and there were vendors and seating and fewer people than I’d ever shared that room and dance floor with. It was super sweet and people were in a great mood. The music was lovely, too. I got to hobnob with some Portland music legends – Worth, and Louie Longmier – both folks I’d been wanting to meet over the years. The artists also seemed really pleased to be playing for this festival. The Festival raises money for homeless projects around Portland.
Music Portland was there and I got to speak with one of their board members, Rose Gerber, who shared what the organization needs volunteer-wise. I may plug in and help. Also, $ raised by the event is going to All Good Northwest.
I ended up talking to the folks at Shady Pines Radio and they invited one of their staff to take the extra ticket and she showed up with a big smile on her face!
At the end of the night, the person who had gifted me the ticket introduced herself and we shared a Lyft home. What a fine way to spend the evening than home alone! And a Folk Festival – in Winter! I hope they do a Summer one – I’ll help and volunteer!!!
They’ve canceled tonight (Saturday’s show), but intend to pull it all together for Sunday. I’ll likely go! Join me!
It all started because someone I don’t know but who is on my email list (who receives my newsletters) reached out to me. Albert smiling.
PS – I did some live streaming (not fantastic quality, but hey) on my Facebook account here.
PPS – Here’s a Spotify playlist of the many groups that play this festival!
Plushrooms! the vendors were great!
Here’s a write-up of part two which was smooshed into one day a few weeks later. It was a great day and I took some pics and videos located here.
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