From the balcony

Saturday afternoon . . . sitting in the empty balcony at Mississippi Studios. There are about a dozen people focused on the tasks at hand to launch the renovated venue. A number are volunteers - musicians and friends just pitching in because there's still a lot to finish. Pitching in out of love and passion for what this reborn venue will be to the music community in Portland.

Anyone who knows me knows I've been a big believer in the venue and its vision since I first discovered the place. I even pitched in to help nurture its growth. As someone for whom music has provided an indispensable life soundtrack, the old studio was THE place to experience live music. The combination of intimacy and sound, passion and care - attention to the experience of both artist and audience - made magic happen in that little room. And, by all I can see, magic will happen again in this new space.

Even with a myriad of details still being checked off the lists, even with insane hours being spent by the entire staff to be sure all is ready to go, there is a palpable excitement that something very special is about to happen.

Though many will miss the old room, Mississippi Studios had to grow up. The seed of Jim Brunberg's vision had to grow into something that could be sustainable as a business. Had to grow into a space that could maintain the intimacy while accommodating larger audiences and bigger acts . . . who in the past would have loved to play in the smaller space, but couldn't because of the economics. Partnering with fellow musician and talent booker Alicia Rose was one of the smartest moves Jim made to mature the vision. Alicia's aim is not just to book the room, but to curate - creating shows that will showcase Portland's outstanding music community and bring in the some of the most musically creative acts from around the country from all genres. Just check out the growing calendar.

This will be special. Or maybe better put in Alicia's words, "This venue will kick ass." Oh yes it will . . . and then some . . . I don't think that's setting the bar too high.

Hope to see you at the official opening on Wednesday. Music begins at 7, doors at 6. Come early, order some food, grab a drink and check out the space. You're gonna love it.