Long-time Portland cartoonist, writer and songster, John Callahan died on July 24th, 2010 from complications due to his paralysis.

I remember seeing John in his wheelchair, cruising through the streets of North Portland. He was quite a character and completely unmistakable with his shot of bright red hair. His oh-so politically incorrect cartoons is what John was most known for. Since he was a quadriplegic himself (resulting from an alcohol-related car accident when he was only 21), he was allowed and boy were they funny.

The man had absolutely no problem making fun of himself and the handicapped, taking every opportunity he had to do so. Those who don’t take life so seriously (myself included) looked forward to his contributions to the world of cartoons and humor in general. John Callahan did a lot more, but I wasn’t privy to much of his other works. Perhaps I’ll take some time to discover more about him now. His single box cartoons is what I knew him best for.

John died at Good Samaritan Hospital. He was 59. He will be missed.

You can visit John Callahan online at http://www.callahanonline.com

The first ever PDX Bridge Festival kicks off tomorrow, July 23.  This is a huge, two week event, celebrating the gorgeous Portland bridges that span the Willamette.  A very cool Portland event for me since I’m so in love with the bridges already!  It all starts at the early hour of 6am.

The PDX Bridge Festival will host special speakers, music, bridge tours, and a ton of other fun things to do in Portland.

If you’re someone who appreciates the artistic side of these wonderful bridges as well as the romance, set some time aside over the next two weeks for the festival and be a part of history in the making.

For more information and the full schedule of what will be happening, hit the PDX Bridge Festival web site.

Maybe we’ll bump into each other!

I love when Spring time hits and Summer is right around the corner.  That signifies to me that Portland is going to be jumping more than normal.  Right now, ticket have just went on sale for the 32 annual Summer Concert series at the Oregon Zoo.

These outdoor concerts smack dab in the middle of the Zoo’s lawn are so much fun. Running from June through August, the 2010 Summer Concert series is bringing 15 artists to town for this summer long event.

Jewel, Portland’s own Pink Martinis, Chris Isaak, the B-52s and others are all coming to Portland to entertain zoo goers and music lovers.

The Summer Concert series at the Oregon Zoo is an extremely popular event and tickets have just gone on sale.  As is the usual case, they are going to sell quickly.  Get your tickets right here and have a fantastic time!  Maybe I’ll see you there!

On March 6th and 7th, Portland artists get the chance again to show off what they do best.

It’s time for the 7th annual Portland Art Walk.  This is really an amazing time of viewing what local Portland artists are doing.  People can meander through the southeast sections of the city, from studio to studio, and enjoy a time of culture and making new friends.

You’ll have the opportunity to meet the artists and view their works in their native environments, purchasing at reduced rates, if the art so moves you!  It’s always a great time to be had.

The event kicks off on Saturday at 10am and runs, both days, until 5pm.  Admission is free.

For more information, head over the the Portland Art Walk web site.

The 7th annual Portland Jazz Festival, held this year from February 21 through 28, means a week of music, culture and fun for everyone who wants to partake.

This year’s them for the Portland Jazz Festival is, “Is Jazz Dead (Or Has It Moved to a New Address)? – New Music from Norway.”  This annual time of local, national and international jazz attracts some of the top artists in the industry.  But, that is just the tip of the iceberg. We’re talking Portland here, folks, and when we have an event, it’s a city-wide one.

Discover all the exciting things to do that Portland has to offer.  Bring the family and wander through the art galleries, boutiques and eat at some of the finest restaurants in town.

Stay at the exceptional and historic hotels in the area.  Put on the Ritz!

In other words, don’t miss a single minute of the Jazz Festival and take advantage of every moment you have while in Portland, Oregon.
Click for more information on the Portland Jazz Festival and get your tickets today.  Have a fantastic time!

I just received word from John Cleese’s marketing people that the Monty Python alumni will indeed be invading Portland on Monday, November 2nd at 8pm.

I remember discovering the zany comedy of the Python’s when I was a teen and I loved it. Mind you, it’s not your upper-brow type of humor and that is exactly why it suited me so well. I like the obscure stuff…the slapstick…the weird.

Honestly, if you told me a very well thought out story joke that was all the recent rage, I may or may not laugh.I just can’t guarantee you anything. But, if you happened to pass wind while telling me that joke, I’d break up laughing. Sorry, folks…it’s all in the delivery….or something of the sort.

Anyway, John Cleese has that wacky sense of humor that will keep an audience in stitches. He is the epitome of a master story teller as well as a crafted comedian and actor. Can you get a better package?

John will be at the Newmark Theatre, 1111 S.W. Broadway, discussing his career in the world of comedy, as well as his most pressing medical problems, his inability to find a suitable female companion, his mistrust of folk-dancing, and his latest plan for world peace. At the same time, his famous BBC series, Fawlty Towers, is being released as a remastered DVD set to a whole new generation. Right up there with Monty Python, Fawlty Towers highlighted the comedic talent of John Cleese as well as anything could.

This Portland event is right around the corner, so hurry over to Ticketmaster and grab your tickets before they’re all gone. This will definitely be a night you won’t forget! Hope to see you there.

Portland has and always will be a potpourri of cultural activity. You can always find happenings around the city to stretch your mind and expand your horizons.

The Oregon Day of Culture falls upon out fair city on Thursday, October 8.  With the weather supposed to be in the mild 60s, it will be a perfect day to head downtown to enjoy what is offered up. Treat your kids to the arts and culture at an early age….they’ll thank you for it when they’re older.

Personally, I’ll be heading to the Portland Classical Chinese Garden to soak in the Asian culture and lavish in the beauty and peacefulness there. Admission is free on this day, so if you’ve never been, now is the time.

There are many other things open to the public on Thursday (either free of discounted), so hop over to the Oregon Day of Culture’s Events page and map out your day.

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Discover more events, attractions and things to do in Portland at Uniquely Portland Oregon.com

Art and Culture has always been a big hit throughout Portland. Just as a child thrives and blooms when they have a loving family supporting them, so do the artists that live in Portland. We have their back and now is your chance to truly watch them in their element.

Watch Artists at Work in all media during the 10th anniversary Portland Open Studios on October 10,11 & 17 ,18. at  100 artists’ workplaces all over Metro Portland.

Go behind the scenes to see where, how, and why painting, sculpture, etchings, weavings, ceramics, and more are made in an up close and personal view.

The $15 Tour Guide with 2 tickets good for all 4 days, maps, and pictures is available at Art Media, New Seasons and other stores listed on www.portlandopenstudios.com. Children free.

PORTLAND OPEN STUDIOS
Watch Artists at Work
October 10, 11, & 17,18
10:00 am to 5:00 pm
100 locations in Metro Portland
www.portlandopenstudios.com
info@portlandopenstudios.com
503 285-3131
Tickets:  $15 for 2, children free