Drums on the Square

The Northern Alliance Drum Corp entertained the folks at Pioneer Courthouse Square today at noon. This was a spirited group of drummers. I love that so many groups are willing to come to the Square to entertain the downtown visitors during the holidays.

Buckman Elementary Chorus

The Buckman Elementary School Chorus performed holiday music from 12:00 P.M. to 1:00P.M. today on Pioneer Courthouse Square. There's more music to come in the next few days. Don't miss the fun, check the Square calendar.

Tuba time

The 21st annual Tuba Christmas Concert was held today at Pioneer Courthouse Square. The tent wouldn’t hold all the participants in this year’s concert. Many had to stand at the back of the tent to perform. The Square was packed and everyone had a great time. It was dry and cold today, compared to the huge rainstorm during last years concert. The performers did a great job and the audience really enjoyed the festivities, myself included.

Choir time

This is choir time at the Square. Check the Square event calendar for upcoming concerts. The Cascadia Choir performed at Pioneer Courthouse Square on Tuesday evening. Cascadia is made up of elementary school students, and is one of eight choirs associated with the Pacific Youth Choir. Pacific Youth Choir is dedicated to enriching students’ lives by developing their choral artistry in a joyful, caring and nurturing environment. The choir’s excellence is recognized locally and nationally. Check out the Pacific Youth Choir at: http://www.pacificyouthchoir.org/index.php

2011 Holiday Tree

Tree time

They’re at it again. The tree assembly crew has just about finished their work on the 2011 Christmas tree in Pioneer Courthouse Square. Every year a crew of three or four workers spend several cold and rainy days adding additional branches and lighting to the tree, in preparation for the lighting ceremony. The festivities begin at 5:30 P.M. on Friday, November 22. This year's event will feature a holiday sing-a-long featuring Pink Martini, members of the Oregon Symphony, and the Pacific Youth Choir. For the complete scoop of the tree preparation, check out our links from November 2010.

Tree arrival: http://squarepeople.blogspot.com/2010/11/tree-arrived.html

Assembly required:http://squarepeople.blogspot.com/2010/11/assembly-required.html

Heres the scoop: http://squarepeople.blogspot.com/2010/11/heres-scoop.html

A fishy story

When I visited the Square today, I was pleased to find an organization with a clever idea to raise money for the Oregon food Bank, and promote their new restaurant at the same time. The Portland Seafood Company opens today at Mall 205 in Southeast Portland. To announce the opening they were on the Square to show people a sample of their seafood and give away free shrimp cocktails. What I liked most was the fish toss. People could purchase rubber fish for one dollar each, and attempt to toss them into a guy’s mouth for a chance to win a gift certificate to the restaurant. All the money received from the rubber fish toss will be given to the Oregon Food Bank. It was a cool idea for a really good cause.

Be seen, be safe

Sorry folks, I’m a little late posting this cool event on the blog. It’s Trimets second annual safety event held at Pioneer Courthouse Square last Friday evening. It’s was all about being visible when you’re walking or riding a bike after dark. It was loaded with ideas for being seen at night. They had a fashion show to prove that you can be fashionable, and seen by motorists at the same time. The event also featured entertainment and an evening bike ride. It was a fun event, but it made a serious point. Be sure you can be seen at night when walking or riding. Stop by a bike shop or sporting goods store and get some gear that will light you up at night. As I left and got on my bike to ride home, I noticed I need a new battery for my headlight, and a large blinking light for my backpack. Thanks Trimet for reminding me, I will take your advice!

This Square is Your Square

The event held at noon on Friday at Pioneer Courthouse Square, was billed as the “This Land is Our Land” rally. It was held in support of Occupy Portland. Music was provided by Pink Martini, a Portland based band. Speeches were provided by a variety of speakers, including congressmen Blumenauer and Defazio. The high point of the rally was when Pink Martini played Woody Guthrie’s great song “This Land is Your Land”, as the crowd sang along. I heard many things expressed that I agree with, and I heard many things expressed where I’m in disagreement. We all know that our country is hurting, and all American’s have to work together to bring about solutions. What I found comforting was, as an American, if I disagree I can organize a group and come to this great Square in the heart of the city, and peacefully present an opposing viewpoint. This Square is our Square!

Occupy Portland and allies

People from the Occupy Portland encampment and a coalition of labor groups met at Director’s Park (one block from the Square), for a rally this evening. After the speeches, the combined group headed to Pioneer Courthouse Square for further protests. Just another great example of people gathering in this amazing Square in the center of our city, to have their voices heard. I have a feeling we’re going to see a lot more of these gatherings in the near future.