Tag Archives: music

Jade Lounge this Wednesday Evening

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.

Let The Music Play

Leave a reply

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.

Two New Instrumental Songs

Leave a reply

I have always been a fan of instrumental piano driven music. George Winston and Keith Jarrett’s more contemplative compositions come to mind. I’ve recently recorded two instrumental songs. One song, “Goodbye,” I have been performing for more than 30 years and it was used in a video celebrating my church’s 50th anniversary.

The newest song, “Sabbath,” uses a simply chord pattern with strong melody line. Both songs are reflective and emotional.

Covering A Classic

Leave a reply

This was the first Elton John song I ever learned. I can still remember being in the basement of my dad’s church where there was an upright piano. On the piano itself, an Elton John songbook. I opened the book to “Your Song,” and quickly learned it.

This version was fun to record in my own studio. I get help from Norm Bowler, whose the president of the independent label I’m with, Grumpy Old Bear from Seattle, WA. I sent him my recorded tracks and he mixed it together. I hope you enjoy “Your Song.”

With my high school cover band – “Bobby Bullet and the Revolvers.” I was a revolver.

Tribute to my sister

Leave a reply

October 24th would have been my sister Martha’s 58th birthday. She died at the tender age of 3 1/2 from a Wilms tumor. Which today, she would have most likely survived.

She has always been a big part of our family history, even though I was too young to remember her. Over the years I’ve written a few songs in her memory and as tributes to her short life. This is my most recent song written earlier this year.

Fun Evening at Artichoke Music

Leave a reply

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.

Performing This Friday Evening Oct 11

Leave a reply

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.

In-House Concerts: Booking Now

Leave a reply

I love performing at in-house concerts. I love the intimacy, the interaction, the laid-back, relaxed nature of it all. It is a perfect receipt for a truly memorable evening for both performer and audience.

“With about 30 dear friends and guests gathered in our living room, Chris gave us two of the most wonderful hours of his music, his humor, and his incredible talent. We savored every minute.” Kathy Peterson, Coeur d’Alene, ID.

I’m booking house concerts for this fall, and would love to celebrate an evening of music and stories in your home. You can contact me here.

Live performance June 11

Leave a reply

Enjoyed my time at Torta-Landia this past Tuesday evening. Hope to have a return engagement soon.

I’ll be at Torta-Landia in SE Portland this Tuesday evening beginning at 7pm. Got some new songs to share along with some of my favorite cover tunes, instrumentals and whatever else might come to mind. Stop on by. I’ll have some of my CDs of “In Those Days,” for sale for $10 bucks. Might be a good father’s day gift. Or this could be a special date night for you, too. No matter, come on by and sit a spell.