The Spree, Hassidic Reggae and The McMenamins

I’m scrambling to catch up with my bloggin’ now that I’m actually ‘doing things’ to talk about. Last Thursday my wife treated me to a nice date night. We drove up to a concert east of Portland at the McMenamins’ Edgefield. I hadn’t been to a concert outside of a state fair in ages. Christie remembered that I had wanted to see The Polyphonic Spree if they ever can close. We found out they were playing in Troutdale, and she bought us a couple tickets. The Spree wasn’t the headliner; more of ‘supporting’ act to something bigger, eclectic … a theme that fit in with the setting.
We arrived to Edgefield, one the McMenamins fantastic remakes of the old Multnomah County poor farm into a 100-room hotel, with a working brewery, winery and distillery and a number of hidden pubs. The artists decorated Edgefield was the star of this night, I want to go back and stay in a room. Please go visit the website. Find out why McMenamins is an amazing outfit and Northwest Treasure.The Polyphonic Spree was very good, and although I miss their robes. They were wearing some kind black lab coat/uniform outfit I couldn’t figure out; otherwise it was a good show. But as I looked around I started to pick up who this audience was really here to see. They did some older stuff and stuff from the new EP, including a cover of Nirvana’s Lithium. (one of my favorite of Nirvana)

I like it - Im not gonna crack
I miss you - Im not gonna crack
I love you - Im not gonna crack
I killed you - Im not gonna crack

Just seems different with a choir and horns

We sat on what I think was part of the golf course the Edgefield turned into an outdoor concert arena for the summer. I think we were on the edge of the practice putting green. Staff were walking around with big trays of assorted McMenamins Ales and wines, which I had two ales, yum. But there was no question who the crowd was growing to see. I don’t blame them. The show to follow was great.
I was there for The Spree, but most everyone else was there for Matisyahu & Roots Tonic. A Reggae Hip-Hoppish act like no other - Matisyahu is a Hassidic Jew with untrimmed beard, wide brimmed hat and black suit rolling out rhythmic words to a Marley beat. Fans of all size, age and color enjoyed the show; there was a growing mosh-pit at the stage, with stage divers. In slight contrast older Jewish family and folk with their Yarmulke and dreads were rocking their upper bodies to the very tight beats of Mat’s band Roots Tonic. (they needed to bring out the guitar players volume in my opinion) … the smoke and lights and harvest moon the smell of skunk, cigars and mary-juan-a (can’t be reggae without the ganja ) The lights from low flying commercial jets (apparently we were on the approach pattern for PDX) had just added to the eclectically rewarding evening.

A Very nice evening and I think next year during the summer concert series Christie and I are going to get a room. But if your in the Portland area make sure you make at least take a day trip out there to tour the grounds of the Edgefield. Amazing. Thank you hun.