This Friday evening, April 17, I’ll be at Cellar 55 in Vancouver, WA., from 7-9pm. Playing tunes from Billy Joel, Elton John, James Taylor, The Beatles, Elvis Presley, Christopher Cross, Kenny Loggins, Jackson Browne, Neil Diamond, Fleetwood Mac and many others. I may throw in an original or two as well.
End your long work week and begin your weekend at Cellar 55.
It starts with the 11 piece band HomeBrew. We’re creating a party for our fans who’ve asked us, “when are you playing next?” That “next” is December 17. HomeBrew is a classic R&B party dance band that has been together 30 some years. We still have a few original members. I joined the band back in July of this year.
We’re calling this: “HomeBrew’s – Holiday Sock Hop.” We’ll be at Curious Comedy Theater, Wednesday Dec. 17, from 7-11pm. Our first set starts at 8pm. Come early because we are creating a festive event for the entire family. Song list includes, Van Morrison, Steely Dan, Stevie Wonder, Brian Setzer, Chicago and many others.
Two days later, on Friday Dec. 19, I’ll be back at Cellar 55 in Vancouver, WA from 6:30-8:30pm. Falling in love with this place. Nice getaway at the end of the work week. Looking for a nice date night and wine? Cellar 55 is the ticket.
The following evening, Dec 20, I’m back at Torta-landia in SE Portland. Humble little Mexican cafe styled eatery. This will be my third time in this cozy little corner in SE Portland, just a block north off Foster Road and SE 60th.
My song set for these two events include covers by Stevie Wonder, Gordon Lightfoot, James Taylor, Elton John, Billy Joel, Otis Redding, Chicago, Beatles, Elvis, Little River Band and many others. I’ll sprinkle in some originals, too.
All of this in one week, no less!!
Would love to see some familiar faces.
One of my new favorite places to play is Cellar 55 in Vancouver, WA. I’ve been invited back to perform on consecutive weekends. This Saturday evening, Oct 18, I’ll be performing cover tunes from Billy Joel, Elton John, Stevie Wonder, The Beatles, Michael McDonald, Bill Withers, Bob Dylan and many others. I’ll perform some of my own originals including songs from my album “In Those Days,” along with some original instrumentals and whatever else comes to mind. This Saturday’s gig is from 6-9pm.
Then the following Friday evening, Oct. 24 I’ll be performing from 6:30-8:30pm at Cellar 55. I’d love to see some familiar faces.
It’s the 4th Wednesday of the month, which means the Jade Lounge band I’m in will be prepping the stage, or in this case the sofa, for some very special guests. A group called The Better Halves will play an hour long set at 8pm.
You just never know what might happen when a group of music enthusiasts combine their talents to see what happens.
It all starts at 7pm. Stop on by the Jade Lounge 2342 SE Ankeny St Portland, OR 97214.
This Saturday evening, June 7, from 7-10pm I’ll be performing at Torta-Landia in SE Portland. This will be my second time around with them. Quaint little casual Mexican place and a wonderful intimate atmosphere to perform. My set will include originals, my own take on some cover tunes and instrumentals. I hope to see you there. Here’s their Facebook page.
Transitions. I think I’ll name my next album, Transitions.
I’ve been transitioning in my personal growth and as a husband. Recognizing the mistakes I’ve made in my marriage, but instead of beating myself up for them (as I would have in the past) changing myself for the better instead.
My family is transitioning, as my two young-adult children are beginning to explore the world and discover their callings.
I’ve transitioned out of my church of nearly 40 years. A very difficult transition, but one I had been mulling for several years as I’ve sought how to reflect ethical authenticity and compassionate love.
I’m transitioning as a musician. I’ve learned that I’m seen as a singer/songwriter. Never knew what to call myself before that, but I like that moniker.
All those transitions, and many others, have influenced my guitar/piano-based songs, with more organic arrangements, simple melody lines, and lyrical depth that help tell my changing story.
I still celebrate being in love: So many of my newer songs reflect my 26 years with my wife Barb. I tackle songs that deal with loss and grief and how we’re all touched by these emotions – not hiding from them, but embracing and working through them.
I’m reconnecting with some of my instrumental roots, too. Performing songs I wrote nearly 30 years ago that still stand the test of time, along with newer songs that reflect thoughtful, playful vibes.
I continue to live, breathe, and write as a Portland Oregon resident, which gives me a gentle and nurturing platform for exploring transitions.
Here’s to opening new places, new journeys, new hope through transitions.
Chris Taylor
I am so looking forward to my first performance at the Jade Lounge in SE Portland this Wednesday evening as part of the Songbird Showcase open mic, hosted by Cynthia O’Brien. Cynthia, along with the talented Doug McCleary, percussionist John Hasenjaeger and myself, are putting a fun set together of cover tunes from Bruce Cockburn, Vigilantes of Love, and others. Plus, we’ve worked up one of my originals, which is always cool.
Things get underway Wednesday, Feb. 26 at 7pm. Take a mid-week break and join us at the Jade Lounge.
Over the past few months I’ve been involved in some really fun musical moments. I regularly play at Artichoke Music in SE Portland, on Thursday evenings. One week it’s Songwriters Roundup, where all kinds of songwriters offer up one original song and have a very attentive audience. Every other week it’s Acoustic Village. This is usually a themed night of music. Recently, we’ve done tributes to Elvis Presley, Pete Seeger and John Denver. We did an evening of, “Songs of Hope, Protest and Change.” Great stuff. Plus, the audience at Artichoke loves to join in making the evenings extra special as a performer and audience member.
Along with my regular responsibilities with my church’s contemporary worship band, I’ve been part of an acoustic band playing for a chapel service at Westminster Presbyterian Church on Sunday evenings. Some new friends and musical allies makes for wonderful music and fellowship.
In the wings, a possible on-going gig at a popular sandwich shop and a return to Whole Foods in NE Portland with my H-Duo partner, Jeff Haagenson.
A wonderful evening at Artichoke Music in SE Portland. I was honored to share the stage with such a talented group of musicians. From a banjo playing, singer/songwriter from California, to a husband and wife duo, to two guys from eastern Oregon, the evening was filled with music, stories and the warmth and charm that is Artichoke. Looking forward to more time with my Artichokian friends.
I’ll be doing a 30 minute set of original songs this Friday evening Oct. 11 at Artichoke Music in SE Portland, from 7:30-8pm. If you’re looking for a wonderful, relaxed evening of local music in a cozy environment, Artichoke is the place. Doors open at 7pm and there’s a $5 donation suggested.
Artichoke recently upgraded their sound system, so I’m looking forward to performing songs using the new system, on both guitar and keyboard this Friday evening. Would love to see some familiar faces in the crowd. Plus, stick around, you never know what you’ll hear at these coffeehouses.
Chris Taylor Tunes 