(Win tickets to the Decemberists show! Details at end of post).

Posted by Meagan Kate

In their fifth album release, Portland grown ensemble, The Decemberists, are breaking modern ground by doing something very basic: telling a story.

The Hazards of Love (released in May) describes the life of a woman named Margaret and all she encounters. From her one true love; to a shape shifter; to a forest queen.  Like any good story, it has protagonists and heroes. And like any good story, its excitement perches you on the edge of your seat.

Frontman Colin Meloy devised the concept for the album after, according to a press release, he found a copy of Anne Brigg’s 1966 EP titled The Hazards of Love. The lack of a title track on the EP peaked Meloy’s interest, and he soon began composing one of his own. The idea, however, grew into an entire album following the story line and seventeen beautifully crafted tracks who weave together in the most natural way.  The rest of the band (Chris Funk, Jenny Conlee, Nate Query, John Moen) were along for Meloy’s ride as soon as the idea developed, and their musical talents are more beautifully showcased here.

Songs which pay homage to British and American folk music are regular guests on Decemberists albums, and have a lot to do with the growth of both their fan base and critical acclaim. Past songs such as “My Mother Was a Chinese Trapeze Artist” and “The Mariners Revenge Song” integrate historical themes and events which are suddenly made relevant and memorable for audiences who may have no knowlege of the references to begin with.

Though popular around the world, Portland fans are always thrilled to hear the band’s famous tall tales and sailor legends live; and I am definitely one of them. This weekend, the band plays at Edgefield to a sold out Saturday show and a Sunday show with few tickets left. (We at PDX Pipeline are lucky enough to have a few of those available for our readers!)

Opening the show will be Andrew Bird and Blind Pilot.

Bird is an indie/folk powerhouse whose fans have come to appreciate not only his songwriting but his whistling, violin, guitar and glockenspiel proficiency. If you have never heard a glockenspiel, I encourage you to check out Bird’s MySpace page to hear how he utilizes his skills to craft some really unique sounds and beautiful records which are often haunting.

Blind Pilot, a local indie-pop band, has grown in popularity over the last year after their sing “Go On, Say It” was featured as iTunes’ song of the week. Soon thereafter, the band completed a Bike Tour in 2008, carrying their equipment on their backs as they traveled from Bellingham, WA to San Diego, CA. This Spring, the band completed their first headlining tour and opened for Counting Crows and The Hold Steady in shows on their European tour.

Seeing The Decemberists play live is more intense than I’d expected the first time I saw them at The Crystal Ballroom. The band’s raw musical talent paired with their stage presence and understanding of their fans makes for an intimate affair (even at Edgefield).  With the completion and touring for The Hazards of Love, there is speculation about the band’s next move.

Meloy expresses the same uncertainty on the band’s website: “This album is the apotheosis of my obsession with British folk songs. I’ve been toying with it for so long, I really needed to get this done. Doing The Hazards of Love took a lot out of me. And I’m definitely curious what will come out now that I’ve got this out of my system.”

WHAT: The Decemberists with Andrew Bird & Blind Pilot

WHEN: Sunday, July 19th

WHERE: McMennimans Edgefield

HOW MUCH?: $36 advance ($39 day of show, but this show will likely sell out, too!)

WIN TICKETS: We have 3 pairs of tickets to give out to this show (Sunday). Comment with your favorite Decemberists’ lyrics or songs to win. Will draw winners on Friday afternoon and email them. If you have no email from us by 5PM on Friday, you have not won.

Dave Chappelle
Pioneer Square
Portland, Oregon
July 14/15 2009
Photo by riotgrrrl6161

Related Chappelle-mania:

• Video: Dave Chappelle in Portland, Oregon | Pioneer Square
• Rumor: Dave Chappelle Surprise Midnight Party in Pioneer Square

• More “Daily Stank Image Bank” photos here
• If you would like your picture to appear in the “Daily Stank Image Bank“, add it to the Pdx Pipeline Flickr Group.

Crowd photos after the break….Click pics to make larger. Pics from Neva

Photo by astrogirl

More pics from Benji Bilheimer

Dave Chappelle
Pioneer Square
Portland, Oregon
July 14/15 2009

It is a bit dark. I wish I had better video skills, but this is about as close as you could get to Chappelle. This is as he was leaving Pioneer Square.

Luckily, he came through..so there ya go. Unfortunately, he had a speaker so small that no one could really hear him.  Apparently the power needed for sound is cut off at the Square at midnight.

I never heard what he said, but hopefully someone out there has video and pics and can tell us. Email us @ pdxpipeline@gmail with it.

Videos: place them in our Vimeo Portland video group here.

Pictures: Place them in our Portland picture flickr group here.

Related: Rumor: Dave Chappelle Surprise Midnight Party in Pioneer Square

Better Chappelle video and why so many people came after the break…

Thanks for stopping in. While you are here:

• Portland Info: Bars, Food, Drinks & More
• Large / Important Portland Events

Dave Chappelle live in Portland Oregon
Video by comprevolution

Description: “At 1:00am on July the 15th Dave Chapelle appeared in downtown portland infront of thousands of fans. sadly they didn’t have any audio equipment and all he had was a small amp.”

This is the current rumor on the streets tweets of Portland: Dave Chapelle is here (basically confirmed) and planning a party tonight in Pioneer Square (not confirmed as of yet).

Is he here to party with Carmelo Anthony or possibly get an autograph from UFC legend Randy Couture?

Update: Video: Dave Chappelle in Portland, Oregon | Pioneer Square

We are seeking info now and will let you know.

From Twitter Rumor mill:

• 

  
  PdxPipeline: Anyone? True? RT @savvygrl: Dave Chappelle has been spotted around the city & started rumors of a surprise show at Pioneer Square @ midnight

• 

  
  dondondon: @PdxPipeline He was at Masu last night. Don’t know about the surprise show tonight.

• 

  
  seschloss: @PdxPipeline I dunno, but my husband grew up with Dave & when he was missing awhile back, his dad spotted him @ the coffee shop.

• 

  PdxPipeline: (Dave Chappelle) RT @savvygrl: @PdxPipeline I was able to confirm he is in town which means the “surprise” show is potentially legit…

• 

  
  technoweenie: @PdxPipeline midnight on a tuesday seems like an odd time

• savvygrl Apparently this has come about from him being in Chipotle and 24 hour fitness today announcing it…

HUGE UPDATE AFTER THE BREAK…

Update (2:45): I spoke with Stacey at the permit office and nothing has been issued. Also, Pioneer Square “closes” at Midnight through 5. So…it seems unlikely at this point.

Update (3:37): Thank you for your email.  Our office has no knowledge of such an event occurring at the Square tonight.  Your phone call was the first I’d heard about it! Best regards,
Stacey Schubel
Event Director, Pioneer Courthouse Square

New info/tweets (post 3:45):

• 

  
  PdxPipeline: Just got a call that Chapelle is right by Zach’s Shack right now.

• RT @secretmuffin: @PdxPipeline Dave C is no longer at Zach’s Shack (assuming he was there).*
• 

  
  joey007ster:
  @PdxPipeline he’s staying at the Heathman

WOAH. New updates here at 5:30

• 

  
  local35store: Dave Chappelle has a Local35 rewards card!… I wasn’t here…

• 

  
  local35store: Free Dave Chappelle standup at midnight tonight at Pioneer Square!!!

• 
  
  ByronBeck:
  dave chappelle at the delta cafe so says @CortWebber

Post 7PM (Where Sugar Gallery takes the Rumor to a new level)

• 

  sugargallery: RT @verbz: http://tinyurl.com/kvvyxm (expand) – Article I found from the past week saying that Dave has been doing impromptu shows around in LA.

• 

  
  sugargallery:
  A friend says they are setting a stage in pioneer sq

• 

  
  sugargallery: RT @pdxsucks: Dave Chapelles limo is out front of the Keller blaring Michael Jackson tunes.

• 

  
  sugargallery:
  PIONEER SQ LIVE CAM: http://is.gd/1z7M0

• 

  
  PdxPipeline: Can anyone confirm or deny a stage being built in Pioneer Square right now? The Dave Chappelle rumor says that it is happening now.

• 

  
  ptownaudreality: @PdxPipeline there is a stage being built – no telling what for…? Fingers crossed!

• 

  
  egavette: @PdxPipeline there has been a stage there ALL day. I saw them setting it up this morning at 10am. It was for noon tumes.

This is a shot from KGW’s live cam in Pioneer Square. Is there a stage being built? I can’t tell, but heard there was “nothing” there earlier.

Posted by Nathalie Weinstein

Fun on the farm at the 2009 Pickathon

38 bands, six stages, 80 acres of meadow and forested campgrounds, and square dancing are a few of the things Portland music-lovers have to look forward to at the end of the month. From July 31 through August 2, Pickathon Indie Roots Music Festival will again take over Pendarvis Farm with one of the best festival lineups of the summer, including Portlanders Blitzen Trapper, Alela Diane, Laura Gibson, Jackstraw, Fog Horn String Band, Hillstomp, Captain Bogg and Salty and Horse Feathers. Coming from around the country are bands such as Dr. Dog (who remind me of The Beatles, if the Fab Four were raised in Appalachia instead of England), electric honky-tonkers John Doe and the Sadies, and the gentle dream-bop of Vetiver.

But Pickathon isn’t just live music. The festival will also include musical workshops taught by the performing artists, food and craft vendors, and a square dance with the Foghorn Stringband (who played on Modest Mouse’s album Good News for People Who Love Bad News). There is also the beauty of the farm, which includes campgrounds with hiking trails and views of Mt. Hood for when you want to get away from the party.

And this is one party you won’t feel bad about the morning after: the festival features an alternative transportation plan using local mass transit on a biodiesel bus, bike routes and carpool matching, a variety of renewable energy uses, recycling and partnership with green-minded sponsors.

Tickets range between $120-190 for the whole weekend, and $70-80 for one day. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit their site.

Related: Large / Important Portland Events

______________________

Pipeline Posse: Nathalie Weinstein is an editorial assistant at a local paper as well as an event promoter for Back Fence PDX and a lover of Portland arts and social media. Her work can be found in the Daily Journal of Commerce and right here at PDX Pipeline. Keep up with her on Twitter by following storymakerupper.

OK, I don’t know if Carmelo wants to be a Trail Blazer or not, but he does apparently like to get his party on in the Northwest (maybe he heard about the “legalize” movement here…)*.

YOU can party with him..maybe even be his designated driver*. If Melo is there, who else will show up? Bayless? Roy? Oden? Frye? Sergio? It might be worth $10 to find out.

From “Tease Marketing” (does that mean this is a tease?):

YOU ARE INVITED…….

Thursday July 16, 9pm

SOUL PURPOSE
A special evening hosted by CARMELO ANTHONY

Saucebox
214 SW Broadway
Portland

Please RSVP at:  rsvp@teasemarketing.com

The fine print:  You must be 21 and over.  Be sure to RSVP – guest list will be enforced.  Space is limited and not guaranteed.  Please drink responsibly.

Links from the web and Pipeline

• From Bleach Report: Carmelo Anthony vs. Brandon Roy: Who’s the Better Player?
• From Pipeline: Portland Trail Blazers Recap: Paul Millsap Is Rich!
• From Pipeline: Portland Trail Blazers Season Predictions: The Sophomore Slump

* PDX Pipeline does not imply that Melo will be drunk or high at said show. We are pro-Melo and would like him to posterize Kobe many times next season.

Tin House Magazine has a 10 year celebration on Thursday evening in one the best theaters in Portland. We asked Cheston Knapp what this anniversary means to the people involved with the production of Tin House.

From Cheston Knapp
Director, Tin House Summer Writers Workshop

After ten years, Tin House continues to thrive. The vision for the magazine, namely that it be more exciting and accessible than other literary magazines publishing the best literature being made nowadays, hasn’t changed. I’d say it’s shaped and sculpted, though, with each passing issue, both editorially and visually in the design component. We routinely have stories reprinted in Best American Short Stories and O. Henry and Pushcart, and we hope to keep up those successes.

The anniversary party is an easy excuse for us to throw a fun event that helps out a very good cause. WITS is picking up the slack where budget cuts and other administrative crap leaves arty kids in the dark. It’s an easy fit for us. But everyone here knows that in the scheme of things, 10 years isn’t all that impressive or long or noble-sounding. We hope this is the first of many anniversary parties and to continue to help support really important local causes like WITS.

Press Release after the break…

Literary Arts Presents
A Benefit Event for Writers in the Schools

Tin House Magazine’s Tenth Anniversary Celebration!

“Tin House is offering a roof — despite the toxins of commerce — shelter meant to keep our language alive. While New York publishers star-search for this year’s single lollipop best-seller, Tin House recalls what literature can give one honest reader.”  – Allan Gurganus

Thursday, July 16, 2009 at 7:30pm.
Newmark Theatre – 1111 SW Broadway, Portland

Emcee – Colson Whitehead
Colson Whitehead is the author, most recently, of Sag Harbor, his first “autobiographical” novel. Whitehead is also the author of three previous novels The Intuitionist, John Henry Days, which was a finalist for the National Book Critic Circle Award and the Pulitzer Prize, and Apex Hides the Hurt, as well as a collection of essays, The Colossus of New York. He received a 2002 MacArthur “genius grant,” and the judges called him “a bold experimental writer whose social and philosophical themes speak to the heart of American society.” Whitehead’s articles about music and television have appeared in The New York Times Magazine, Spin and Village Voice.”

Readers/Presenters
Aimee Bender
Matthew Dickman
Michael Dickman
Jim Shepard
Dorothy Allison
Steve Almond
Charles D’Ambrosio
Peter Rock
Ron Hansen
Lee Montgomery
Rob Spillman
Elissa Schappell
Win McCormack.

Individual Tickets:
-Prices: $12-$14
-Order Online at www.ticketmaster.com, call Ticketmaster at 503-224-4400, or at any Ticketmaster location
-Portland Center for the Performing Arts Box Office, SW Broadway and Main Street

Founded in 1999 by longtime Oregon publisher, Win McCormack, Tin House has for the past decade been a quiet force in the literary world, with its headquarters in the distinctive zinc-sided house in NW Portland. In its 40 issues it has been privileged to print some of our nation’s finest fiction writers and poets, such as Richard Ford, Denis Johnson, Deborah Eisenberg, Billy Collins, Frank Bidart and Matthea Harvey. From its conception, too, it has been devoted to discovering the next generation of talent, like Portland’s own darling poets, Michael and Matthew Dickman.

This event will celebrate Tin House’s 10th Anniversary by gathering some of this country’s most exciting established and emerging writers who’ve been published by the magazine in the past decade. With readings, personal anecdotes and short interviews, the night promises to be a snapshot of what the magazine offers in each of its issues, quality fiction and poetry with, most importantly, personality to spare.

Proceeds from this event will benefit WITS (Writers in the Schools), a program of Literary Arts.

About WITS (Writers in the Schools)
Established in 1996, WITS is a comprehensive program that cultivates young writers and supports Oregon authors through semester-long writing residencies in the Portland public high schools. WITS employs poets, fiction writers, essayists and playwrights to engage students in reading and writing across the curriculum.

Posted by Mike Harper

YACHT – Summer Song

Summer is truly upon us now: the remnants of July’s celebration mortar lining the slightly singed Willamette shore, a real reason for sunglasses and sunscreen hanging in the sky, and bands softly singing for Mayor Sam in front of city hall. What? Seemingly non sequitur, yet oh so Portland!

From PDX Pop Now!
“In conjunction with the Office of Mayor Sam Adams, we (pdxpopnow.com) are pleased to present an early evening, outdoor, summertime concert of spectacular Portland tuneage free and open to the public. The tradition returns!”

And what a perfect little lineup to rep Portland in this free, city sponsored busk.

w/ Claire L. Evans (Photo by Steve Schroeder)

YACHT website
The oh so dancey solo doings of Portland’s own Jona Bechtolt (formerly of The Blow myspace). Despite YACHT’s semi-recent popularity, he still retains a hometown collective feeling, focusing on musical immersion and inclusion of anybody, saying “All people are welcome to become members of YACHT.” Note the caveat “YACHT is not a cult.”

Point Juncture, WA (website)

Danceable to chillable (yes, I said chillable), Point Juncture, WA, has got fence hopping between indie folk and indie rock down pat. Simple tunes with a few hidden harmonies (at times Pixiesesque, in a good way), definitely good out loud in the city music.

Video: vimeo.com/2206859

Y La Bamba (myspace)
Lo-fi folk, acoustically orchestral in an old fashioned spiritual kind of way, Y La Bamba will capture your ears and tug at your heart with soft riff guitar strings.  “Doing Portland proud.” – Billboard

Video= www.youtube.com/watch?v=aup3vJUtnQ

PDX Pop Now! at Portland City Hall
Thursday, July 16
5:30-8:30pm
Portland City Hall (1221 SW 4th Ave.)
Free!

I took Sand in the City photos a couple years back. I didn’t make it out last year, but it is always a  great time and for a great cause. If you can’t afford $35 tickets, you can still go over there and see a lot of it…just can’t get in super close.

Press info and pictures (including Greg Oden sand sculpture) after the break…Full flickr set of the Sand in the City 2007 here.

From Powerful Puppetry:

Please join us for a LOKE LUAU!
Saturday, July 18, 6 to 9 PM at Pioneer Courthouse Square.

Savor great food and drink, kick up your heels to tropical music, stroll amid the giant Sand in the City sand sculptures and enjoy watching local Hula dancers.

Tickets are just $35 each! To order, call 503-736-3200 Rain or shine. This event is appropriate for adults only. *Limited number of tickets available so call soon!*

For the past thirteen years, Kids on the Block has presented one of Portland’s major events -Yoshida’s Sand in the City – which boasts an average attendance of over 50,000 visitors during the event week-end and brings 450 tons of sand in downtown portland.

Held at Pioneer Courthouse Square every July, this event defines Portland culture and is one of the Pacific Northwest’s premier charity events.

100% of procceds from the event support Kids on the Block programs. With the help of our corporate sponsors, we are able to raise close to one third of Kids on the Block’s operating budget with this one event!

Posted by Meagan Kate

Today. July 14th.  I will meet one of my favorite athletes. Randy ‘The Natural’ Couture and I will sit in the same room and he will talk to me. Like a real person. Like a fan. I am so thrilled to get the chance to ask him about his training, his roots here in Oregon, and UFC 102 – which will take place here in Portland on August 29th.

I am told Randy will be signing autographs and meeting fans later this evening as a part of the UFC 102 media tour at 7pm in the Rose Quarter. This is a great chance for any of you fans to meet one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time, and the only man in the sport to become Champion in both Light Heavyweight and Heavyweight classes. He is quite simply a legend.

My interview with Randy along with photos of me sobbing uncontrollably at his side will come later this week.

I just received this message from Shannon of Shanrock’s trivia and it appears KGW’s “Live at 7″ show will be out there tonight. The rumor is Mr. Zafino will be on the spot.

From Shannon’s Facebook Message:

KGW News Crew Tonight at Triviology = Fame Complete!

“It’s official – KGW will film my quizzery tonight at Ella Street Social Club, so I will soon be a D-List celebrity! We’ll start the Ella quiz around 6:30, and be included in the “Live at 7″ segment tonight. If you’re running late, please come anyway – we need you there! Sweet happy hour prices abound – $1 PBRs & $2.50 wells. Ella is located at 714 SW 20th Place, just south of Burnside near The Bitter End. Today, Portland – tomorrow . . . still Portland.”

The “Twitterverse” tells all after the break..

• 

  triviology: 07/13 Trivia tonight – 6pm at Ella St. Social Club w/@portlandbarfly http://pdx.be/zvg / 8pm at Hawthorne Hideaway http://pdx.be/zwh

• 

  
  TheSquare: RT @portlandbarfly: See ya tonight for trivia at Ella St. Social Club! http://pdx.be/zvg Come to play around 6pm. @zaffino 7:15 live shot!

• 

  portlandbarfly: “Mr BarFly” Kyle hosts Triviology @ Ella St Social Club (714 NW 20) @ 7pm. KGW’s doing a live segment – represent, yo! See http://pdx.be/zvg

(Win Tickets to Filmusik’s Wednesday screening. Details at end of post)

Posted by Dan Wheeler

It started last November with a program of classic Superman cartoons from the 40’s. Then, a few weeks ago, Portland got hit with a with a one-two punch of classic sci-fi B-movies: Missle to the Moon and Plan 9 from Outer Space. What’s next? Filmusik takes on the Spaghetti Western.

This promises to be a powerful experience. For the 40th anniversary of Guilio Petroni’s Death Rides a Horse, the 40 members of the Eugene Contemporary Chamber Ensemble and the Opera Theatre Oregon Chorus will perform an original score composed by Gracin Dorsey and Sam L. Richards (director of ECCE). There was a time that live music accompanied every movie screening, Filmusik aims to showcase the strength of that tradition as well as the talents of local musicians.

I honesty believe that anyone that goes to see this WILL be knocked on their ass.

Press Release

This week at the Hollywood Theatre, something big is happening.  When the lights go down and the projector rolls, an orchestra and chorus bring new life to an old classic with a thundering orchestral score performed live in the pit. With its original soundtrack  removed, the orchestra and chorus bring you a new sonic world created by Eugene composers Sam L. Richards and Gracin Dorsey.

Death Rides a Horse is the story of one gunslingers quest for revenge in the old west, starring Lee Van Cleef and John Phillip Law, a stunning example of the spaghetti western genre (films set in the west but produced in Italy and Spain).  The ECCE New Music Orchestra of Eugene and the Opera Theatre Oregon Chorus of Portland come together in a stunning performance of film that touches you, grabs you, shakes you and doesn’t let go until you pry yourself from its cold dead fingers!

FILMUSIK: Death Rides a Horse
July 15th and 17th; 7 PM
Tickets $10 – Students/Seniors $8
Hollywood Theater
4122 NE Sandy Blvd
Portland, OR‎
(503) 281-4215‎

Win Tickets: We have two pairs of tickets to Filmusik. Simply comment on this post on why you’d like to go to this show. Winner drawn Tuesday afternoon. I will email the winner. Check your email at 5 on Tuesday to see if you have won.

Last season, four rookies saw substantial playing time for the Blazers: Greg Oden, Jerryd Bayless, Rudy Fernandez and Nicolas Batum. With sophomore slumps being somewhat common occurrence in the NBA, one of them is bound to stumble out of the gates this season. In this post I attempt to discern just who that will be.

Greg Oden

This section initially started with a with a rundown of Greg’s unfortunate NBA beginnings, it’s been covered ad nauseum and I scrapped it. If you need catching up, it’s out there somewhere.

Greg showed flashes of brilliance here and there, but mainly just looked nervous, flustered and lost. Most of his troubles can be traced back to getting injured right out of the blocks; which nullified all his preseason conditioning and axed what little confidence he had.

Offensively, Greg never looked comfortable. His jump hook was ghastly… Did he make more than 5 all season? He was at his best when he was cleaning up via offensive rebounds or when he got the ball with a running start and was able to attack the rim (who’s going to get in this way?). That said, offense has never been the priority with Greg. The Blazers drafted him for his defensive potential.  His role is controlling the paint: rebounding, altering and blocking shots. He’s certainly big and strong enough to hang with anyone. Over short spurts, Greg held his own with the best the NBA has to offer in the middle.

Overall, he struggled with confidence and week side help timing. His sometimes meek body language and lack of commitment didn’t earn him any help from David Stern’s Yes-Men the NBA refs.

At the end of the day, it’s up to Greg. Will he put in the time and effort required? His problems are correctable and in his case, the tools inherent. An off season’s worth of hard work to bolster his game and confidence paired with a healthy start to the 09-10 season should be all Greg needs to dominate.

Jerryd, Rudy and Nicolas after the break…

Jerryd Bayless

After dominating 1 on 1 league summer league last year, he was looking a lot like the final piece of the Blazer’s championship puzzle. And then team basketball happened.

It’s clear that Jerryd’s a great athlete, but aside from Jerryd’s strength, stubby arms and low center of gravity, he didn’t bring much to the table last season. He learned the hard way that a point guard that cant shoot a set shot or pass is a hindrance, or in his  case: 3^rd string PG.

Game planning against somebody so one-dimensional is easy:

Can he shoot? Not really.

Can he pass? No.

He can drive? Yeah, he’s got that down.

We’ll just sag off. Okay.

…And Jerryd’s been neutralized. That took me all of 15 seconds.

The good news: Sergio’s been thrown away and there’s nobody but Jerryd around to inherit his minutes. Jerryd’s shortcomings were identified early on last season. He’s had over a year to focus on becoming a guy that can help his teammates. Hopefully, he spent his time the working on a spot up jumper, improving his passing and developing a sense of team basketball. If he’s figured out those facets of the game come the end of October… he’ll be deadly.

Rudy Fernandez

Like teammate Greg Oden, Rudy spent a season on ice before becoming a Blazer, playing out his contract for the ACB league’s DKV Joventut. Blazer and NBA fans alike spent a year watching Rudy play on live streams and marveling over his Youtube compilations. He was a fan favorite long before he ever donned a Blazer jersey.

With the loss of Martell Webster, Portland was in dire need of a reliable outside threat to keep defenders honest. Rudy stepped in and filled that void immediately. He set a rookie record knocking down 159 three point field goals, another one for making a three in his first 20 NBA games and a third for connecting from deep in 33 consecutive. Rudy’s penchant for backdoor cuts and fantastic hybrid layup/dunk finishes got him written into the 2009 NBA dunk contest. Unfortunately, the script didn’t have him going past the first round.

He did well from beyond the arc and at the rim. Where did he fall short? Almost everywhere else. His average ball handling skills combined with his lack of strength made creating his own shot difficult against bigger and stronger players. His mid range game was nonexistent.

It won’t be easy for Rudy to match and/or exceed his production after setting the bar so high. Can he maintain his high level of shooting from beyond the arc? What kind of drop off in minutes will he see with Martell’s return? Can he add a couple more offensive arrows to his quiver?

If given the minutes, Rudy will produce; doing his damage by creating turnovers and scoring in transition, or burning teams from distance. Improving his strength, ball handling and mid range jumper would be enough for Rudy to take his game to the next level.

Nicolas Batum

After Nicolas’ poor performance in summer league last year, many wondered if he would ever be a legitimate NBA player. KP’s then impeccably clean draft history was beggining to look like it had acquired it’s first blemish. Two months later he’s our starting small forward. Turns out that his combination of his size, length and speed made Nicolas a 19 year old defensive specialist.

With Martell Webster out with an injury, Nicolas drew all the arduous defensive back court assignments. He stood toe to toe with the NBA’s marquee names: Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony and even checked the lightening fast Tony Parker.

Last season, his defensive presence was enough for him to start the1st and 3^rd quarters, but not enough for him to ever reenter after being sat down. In order to get back into games, Nicolas must force defenders to respect him as an offensive threat; knocking down open jumpers and attacking the basket off the dribble.

The biggest hurdle for Nicolas next season is minutes. With the return of Martell, there’s a biblical logjam at SF (Rudy, Travis, Martell and Nicolas). He’ll be competing directly for the starting spot with Martell.

The 4 players ranked in order of sophomore slump likeliness:

1. Nicolas Batum
2. Rudy Fernandez
3. Jerryd Bayless
4. Greg Oden

With so much talent at the SF position, it comes down to who earns the minutes.  While it might prove to be a little frustrating for the players that end up at the bottom of the depth chart, the competition at SF is fantastic for Portland.

You can contact Andy Popp at either andypopp@gmail.com or BlazersPipeline on Twitter. When he’s not at PDX Pipeline, you can find him at lowposts.com.

Posted by Kodin Lanewave

July 16th at the Roseland, Portland will get a visit from Infected Mushroom, one of the most highly regarded and unique DJ duos in the world.  Born and raised in Israel, Infected Mushroom is comprised of Erez “I.Zen” Aizen, and Amit “Duvdev” Duvdevani.; the two moved to Los Angeles in 2004 and have continued to grow in popularity and push the boundaries in their genre.

Considered the most popular psytrance group in the world,  these two have  created a completely unique sound in an already unconventional genre. Their music combines synthesized instruments with everything from electric guitar to violin; nothing is off limits – and that’s exactly what their fans want.  Averaging about 120 shows per year, the duo are finally making it to Portland for the first time.

Their new album ‘Legend of the Black Shawarama ‘ will be released on September 8th, and there is no doubt that the new material will be refreshing for new fans and exciting for the loyal ones. Their Portland show will also feature local groups Phutureprimitive and Pipedream; if you’ve never  gotten a chance to check these to bands out,  this concert will be a great showcase for both.

“Smashing the Opponent”

Who: Infected Mushroom
When: July 16th, at 9:00 PM. (Open to all ages)
Where: Roseland Theatre – 8 NW Sixth Ave. Portland, OR 97201
How Much?: $20

Some links for you to check out:

Infected Mushroom
http://www.myspace.com/infectedmushroomcentral
http://www.last.fm/music/Infected+Mushroom
http://twitter.com/infectedtwitt
Phutureprimitive
http://www.myspace.com/phutureprimitive
http://www.last.fm/music/Phutureprimitive

_______________________

More about Kodin Lanewave here: Pipeline Posse

There seems to be a beer related event in Portland every week now. July is Oregon Craft Beer month and there are at least two beer festivals taking place. In less than two weeks from now, the Oregon Brewers Festival kicks off on the waterfront. Can’t wait that long? No worries–Portland’s International Beer fest is right around the corner.

Related: Large / Important Portland Events

From Website Facts Section:

When is the 2009 PORTLAND INTERNATIONAL BEER FEST held?
July 17 – 19, 2009

Where is the event held?
In the grass of Pearl District North Park Blocks, between NW Davis & Everett. PIB is one block West of NW Broadway and just two blocks North of Burnside, right next to downtown proper.

How much does it cost to get in?
Beer drinkers pay $20 for 10 beer tickets and official PIB glass. Additional tickets are just $1 each. (See “SAVE MONEY” for additional discounts). Each serving is 4oz. Beers cost 1 to 4 tickets depending on “*swank factor” (*how expensive it is to us).

There are a lot of 1 ticket beers, so don’t worry if you’re on a budget.Tickets are non-refundable.

$5 cover for non-drinkers/designated drivers (included free N/A bevs.)

Why do some beers cost more than others?
Part of what makes PIB special is the incredible range of beers we offer, both draft and bottle. The number of tickets a beer costs is based on how much the event paid for that particular beer. Some of them are among the most exspensive beers in the world. Others are medium priced craft beers from breweries in the area. And then there’s everything in between.This system alone makes our event a true rarity and enables the consumer to try $15 per bottle beers for just a couple of bucks

Can I buy advanced tickets?
Not this year… maybe next time around.

Does PIB accept credit cards or checks?
We are still somewhat “olde school” when it comes to methods of payment. Our event is cash only. We have an ATM machine nearby.

What is the appropriate ID to get in?
The OLCC will accept 1) a VALID driver’s license with a photo from any state; 2) a current passport; 3) a DMV Identification card; and 4.) a military card. The state identification card and/or the military card must bear a picture of the person, the person’s name, address, date of birth, a physical description and the signature of the person.

Can I bring my child?
No, but you can bring your dog!

When do taps shut down?
No beer will be served after 9:40 p.m. on Friday & Saturday, 6:40 on Sunday. The event closes at 10pm Fri/Sat, and 7pm on Sun, so there’s still time to hang out after last call and the end of beer service.

Is there any food on site?
PIB will offer several food options.

Can I come back the next day if I have extra beer tokens?
Yes. You must have your glass and wristband from the previous day. No exceptions. Beer tickets are good for all 3 days.

What’s the deal with the GRANDE BEER GARDEN?
For people who appreciate a great value and just want to come hang out in the park while having a delicious frosty cold pint as their beer geek friends try 130 different beers, we created the GBG with that in mind. Full pints are only $3 and you can take them anywhere in the park. Beers featured are Peroni (from Italy) and Pilsner Urquell (from Czech Republic).

2009 Dates and Times





Friday
July 17
4pm-10pm


Saturday
July 18
12pm-10pm


Sunday
July 19
12pm-7pm

Cost

Beer drinkers pay $20 for 10 beer tickets and official PIB glass.
More tickets available for $1 each
All beers are 4oz. servings

Each beer costs 1 to 4 tickets depending on "swank factor".
Usually at least half are just 1 ticket.

**$5 for non-drinkers/designated drivers
**includes free N/A bevs.

Re-Entry Policy

Free re-entry: COME BACK ALL 3 DAYS!
(must have glass & wristband.  NO Exceptions)
Fair Warning

With this many great beers, it’s hard to keep them all in stock
throughout the weekend. Please come early to avoid missing
out on the Best of the Fest.  Selections may be limited on
Sunday. There are no refunds for unused tickets or because
certain beers are out of stock. If we are out of your favorite
beer, it is most likely because Jack Hooley drank it all.
Free darts, chess, checkers and backgammon!

Were can I find parking?
Diamond Parking:
NW 10th & Hoyt
DPS Parking:
NW 9th & Hoyt

Chinatown Parking:
NW 5th & Davis U-Park
NW Glisan & Park
NW 6th & Couch
NW 5th & Glisan
NW 4th & Flanders
NW Hoyt & Broadway
NW 6th & Irving

City Center Parking:
NW 4th & Glisan
NW Couch & Broadway
SW Pine & Broadway

Public Parking:
NW 6th & Everett