Barefoot cowboy

I’ve heard of head start, but this is ridiculous. This is the first guitar player I’ve seen at the square who had to drag his instrument around with him. Come back in a couple of years and he will featured at Noon Tunes.

How far from home?

Using the mile-markers at Pioneer Courthouse Square, a visitor can figure out the mileage to their home anywhere on the planet. They just find a city close to where they live and calculate it from there.

Festa Italiana: Day three

Today is the last day of the 19th edition of Festa Italiana at Pioneer Courthouse Square. Personally, this is my favorite event at the square, and I’m not of Italian descent. I once had a girlfriend whose parents were born in Italy, and this event takes me back to all the great times I had in her home. There were some changes this year. It used to be held on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. This year it was Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The other big change was how people paid for food. Instead of paying at each vendor’s booth, they were required to prepay by purchasing Soldi chips in advance. They exchanged the Soldi chips for the food they wanted. The rate of exchange was two dollars for one Soldo, or, twenty dollars for ten Slodi. It’s evident in the bottom photograph that it was difficult to explain. It took three people to make it clear to the customer. They may have to rethink this method next year.

Festa Italiana: Day two

When I visited Festa Italiana today my thoughts turned to Italian food and beverages. Tomorrow, I’ll photograph the other stuff going on at this terrific event. Saturday is the last day!

Festa Italiana: Day one

When I went to the square today to check out Festa Italiana, these guys were hanging around waiting to go to work. They're the Carter Family Marionettes. They had their first show at 3:00 pm, and will be performing again on Friday and Saturday. They’re visiting the square from their home at the Northwest Puppet Center in Seattle. The Carter family has been professional puppeteers since 1976. They trained with the masters of Romania, Sicily and China. Stephen Carter received the Fulbright Award for puppetry studies in 1984 and holds a post-graduate degree from the Institute of Theater and Cinema in Bucharest. Chris and Stephen Carter founded the Northwest Puppet Center in 1986. In 1993 they purchased and renovated a charming church in the Maple Leaf neighborhood of Seattle. The center presents over 250 performances each year by the Carters and selected guest artists. If you miss them this weekend, you can check them out online.

http://www.nwpuppet.org/background.html

Festa Italiana: The tables are ready

Are you of Italian descent? Do you know anyone who is of Italian descent? Have you ever been to Italy? Have you ever heard of Italy? If you answered yes to any of these questions, get down to Pioneer Courthouse Square for Festa Italiana, on Thursday, Friday or Saturday. The festa features three days of non-stop Italian entertainment, food, dancing, wine/beer garden, vendors and children’s activities. Children love the Carter Family Marionettes, Pizza Toss and Grape Stomp. The hours are 11:00 am to 11:00 pm. The blogger gives this event three big thumbs up!

Fleet Forward

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality sponsored today’s event at the square. It was the official rollout of the Fleet Forward, a non-regulatory program that recognizes Oregon truck fleets that voluntarily reduce their diesel exhaust. Oregon's fleets now have another opportunity to make a name for themselves as proactive, environmental leaders. There are cost-effective solutions that allow fleets to take advantage of the benefits of diesel while reducing its impact. Together we can improve the air we breathe.

Just ducky

While walking around the square today, in the late afternoon sun, I started feeling a little sad. I could feel a touch of fall in the breeze, and realized that these beautiful sunny afternoons would soon turn to cold and rain. I visualized myself walking around in my Columbia Titanium raincoat, with a plastic bag over my camera, wondering if anyone would show up. I might have to photograph the rain pounding on my Reebok Gore Tex boots. All those negative feelings disappeared when I saw the “duck” sitting on this guy’s backpack. Why does he have a large yellow duck? I don't know. But, I suddenly realized that my Oregon Duck’s take the field at Autzen Stadium in 12 days, 13 hours, to defend their Pac 10 championship. Who cares about the weather, or who shows up at the square, college football season is coming! GO DUCKS!

Equal spacing

When people have the opportunity, they like a certain amount of space. The few people hanging at the square this morning seem to illustrate how much space they require. The people in the top row left the same space between themselves and Umbrella Man.

Music, models and hair

Today’s event at the square was called Fashion and Beauty Gala. The event featured music by Drum Jam, fashion from some of the hottest designers in town and hair styling by the Paul Mitchell School of Portland. People wandering in and out of the square were very confused trying to figure out what was going on. There were no signs, and not much coordination. Most of them never figured it out and just rolled with the whole thing.

Flicks on the Bricks: Jaws

Jaws was the last Flick on the Bricks this summer. Let's face it, this film was scary in 1975 when it was released, it’s scary now, and it will be scary thirty-five years in the future. There’s no question about it, this movie is a public relations nightmare for the Great White Shark. Thanks to the technical crew, entertainers, KINK-FM and Cricket Wireless for providing a cool experience for all the "square people" who came to the movies this summer.

Noon Tunes: Thanks KINK!

Tony Furtado (top photo), wrapped up the last of this summer's Noon Tunes at Pioneer Courthouse Square. KINK-FM did a great job sponsoring the concerts. People in the area love to grab lunch, sit on the bricks and enjoy some of Portland’s unique bands. KINK puts the whole series together. We’ll all be looking forward to next summer. Great job KINK! Listen to Tony Furtado: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oI7W_bduzKg

Question of the Week?

Karen asked, “How did the recession affect your life?” Check out the answers:
http://www.reverbnation.com/questionoftheweek

Walkin' and pickin'

Noon Tunes: Choreographer needed

I went to the square today to take some pictures of St. James Gate, the band at today’s Noon Tunes. As I started to take my first picture, it occurred to me that my camera battery was on the charger, at home. Sorry, no photographs of the band. Instead, I shot a video of some dancers in front of the bandstand. Until today, I didn’t have a complete appreciation for of the art of choreography. After watching this video, I have a crystal clear understanding of the need for this art form. If you would like to hear St. James Gate, check out this video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKoKocl_stM&feature=related

KGW live at 7

KGW-TV broadcasts a news show at 7:00 pm from their studio on Pioneer Courthouse Square. On most nights they interview a guest outside the studio. Tonight, they didn’t have a live guest. The cameraman was photographing a panorama of the square. He was talking with the director at the time of the photo. I tried unsuccessfully to get on camera.

India Festival

India Festival celebrates the Indian culture and heritage by bringing a full day of live music, dancing, food and entertainment to the heart of downtown Portland. Pioneer Courthouse Square was filled with the tastes, sights and sounds of India. The India Cultural Association is the sponsor of the event. They are a non-profit organization based in Portland, dedicated to Indian cultural activities. Portland and neighboring suburbs currently boasts a thriving community of nearly 10,000 Indians, primarily in high-tech, engineering, medical, teaching, research and healthcare professions. ICA was established in 1980 and is the only organization in the area that represents all Indians. For the majority of Indians living in this area, ICA is the only link connecting them back to their roots. The annual festival gives the local community a glimpse of India and its subcontinent’s arts, culture, history and people.

What are they looking at?

This is one of several walking tours that visit Pioneer Courthouse Square everyday. They always stare at the sky. Why? They’re looking at the buildings that surround the square. The guide is explaining the historical significance of each building. Over the next few months, I will photograph every building surrounding the square, and tell you about its history. So, don’t worry, if you can’t get downtown, you won’t miss a thing.

Sharing with the pigeons

This little girl was having lunch on the square with her parents. They gave her some bread to share with the pigeons. It wasn’t long until she was overwhelmed by the turnout.

Flicks on the Bricks

Friday's movie was The Muppets Take Manhattan. Pre-Movie Musical Entertainment by Dominic Castillo provided by KINK.FM. Free popcorn provided by Cricket Wireless.

Noon Tunes: Brandon Chandler

Brandon Chandler and his band entertained the crowd today at Noon Tunes in Pioneer Courthouse Square. The Noon Tunes lunchtime series is sponsored by radio station KINK. They have a booth where they hand out literature and a free CD of local bands. In the bottom photo, Jason is going over all the KINK stuff with his infant son Dane. They were both having a great time at today’s concert. Listen to Brandon Chandler: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BRteNSnlmac

Pickin’ up pointers

Chess is the most popular activity at Pioneer Courthouse Square, with several games in progress throughout the day. It’s never too early to learn the game. This kid found a great vantage point to check out some moves.

Noon Tunes: Kolvane

Kolvane and the band put on a great show at the square today. On top of a dynamic sound, Kolvane brings a youthful, energetic element to its performances. Joining founding member Kolvane are Louisiana native Steve Kerin on keyboards, Los Angeles powerhouse drummer Thom Sullivan, and bassist Curtis Christian.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ly_wv600xsE

Different perspective

This guy takes computer gaming to a new level. Just get comfortable on the bricks at Pioneer Courthouse Square, flip you laptop on its side and go for it. If he keeps this up, he should stuff an inflatable pillow in his backpack

Chelsea and Shelby

When I first saw Shelby from a distance, I thought, “Wow, he needs an ice bag on that eye.” As I got closer, I was relieved to see that it was his natural look. He seemed to be enjoying his morning at the square, with his owner, Chelsea.

A pleasant surprise

I wasn’t sure what to expect today as I headed down to the square to check out the Northwest Book Festival. It was a collection of authors showcasing and signing their books. They covered a wide range of subjects, including travel, romance, poetry, health, food, science fiction and memoirs. I figured to take a few pictures, have lunch, go home and post the stuff on my blog. What I didn’t figure to do was spend $15.00 for a book. That’s before I met Michele Longo Eder and learned about her book, Salt in our Blood, The memoir of a fisherman’s wife. It was awarded the 2009 WILLA Literary Award, in the category of creative non-fiction. The book recounts the story of Michele, a commercial fisherman’s wife, who is both a mother and a successful attorney on the Oregon Coast. Set against the sudden loss at sea of the Eder’s oldest son, Ben, it is a story of indescribable sadness but also one of resilience and courage. The book is an offer of healing to her family, her community, and to fishing families everywhere. I’m looking forward to reading it. Congratulations to all of the authors who attended this event. Next year I plan to spend more time visiting with them.

Noon Tunes: Jake Oken-Berg

Check out Jake Oken-Berg’s “Far From Home” (the groups official music video): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcBZ6lceOEU

Walking the cat?

The great thing about the “square” is that the unusual is ordinary. Personally, I’ve never seen anyone walking their cat on their shoulders. So, was I surprised to see this happen? No. It didn’t seem at all unusual for Pioneer Courthouse Square.

Question of the Week

Karen asked, “What is your favorite comfort food?” The people she talked to at the square today, had these answers: http://www.reverbnation.com/questionoftheweek

Noon Tunes: Intervision

Intervision combines elements of soul, rock, jazz and pop, while creating their own intensely unique sound. From their roots as young music students at Clackamas College to one of Portland’s most popular groups, the band has enjoyed distinguished performances at the Bite of Oregon, Musicfest NW, Aladdin Theatre and today at Pioneer Courthouse Square. The big surprise today was the talented and seasoned dance troupe that showed up to entertain the crowd in front of the bandstand. Actually, they stole the show! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HN2nECBsCf0

Takin’ a break

Thousands of people come to the square every year supporting hundreds of causes. Many of them bring literature to hand out. Talking to people about a cause and handing out literature is exhausting work. Sometimes you need to take a break.

3v3 Street Soccer

Everyone has played miniature golf. Check out miniature soccer. This is a stripped down version of the world's most popular sport. No pristine fields, no keepers, no stoppage time, just a ball, a goal and 20 minutes to bring your best. Today, the first 3v3 street soccer tournament was held at Pioneer Courthouse Square. The players told me 3v3 soccer helps develop skills for the real game. Personally, I like it better than the real game. Anyone want to start a professional street soccer league. The start-up costs are really low. All you need is three players, a street, some plywood and you're in business. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZjl_4feEZw