Live and free concerts in the summer, starting quite some time ago with the “Riverfront Park Classics”, continue this season in Sellwood and Westmoreland – thanks to the work of dedicated volunteers of the Sellwood Moreland Improvement League neighborhood association – better known by its acronym, SMILE.
While the Portland Parks & Recreation “Summer Free for All” program will present but a single concert in Sellwood – Kris Deelane and the Hurt in Sellwood Park on August 17th at 6:30 p.m. – the SMILE Summer Music Series will be putting on a half-dozen free shows this year.
“This summer, we’ll have six Saturday evening concerts; three in July starting on July 13, and three in August,” organizer Jim Friscia told THE BEE.
And, new this year, Friscia pointed out, all of these SMILE-produced concerts will be held on the Windermere Building parking lot in Westmoreland, along S.E. Rural Street at 16th Avenue, less than a block south of the Post Office on Bybee.
“Another new wrinkle is that this summer we’re planning to have snacks and beverages – including beer and wine – available for sale, and the proceeds will help fund future concerts,” Friscia said. “We must acknowledge that we could not do these shows without the financial support of the Sellwood Moreland Business Alliance (SMBA), and the many local businesses who sponsor our events.”
Asked how the performers are selected, Friscia responded, “There is no lack of incredibly talented musicians in Portland, and many have asked about being part of our series. Some of them are closely connected to this neighborhood – because they live here, or play in our local venues.
“Overall, we strive for balance among a variety of musical genres, and we want to program music that will be fun and will have broad appeal.”
SMILE Summer Music Series schedule
Behind the Windermere Building (across from Fetch Coffee and the Sellwood-Moreland Post Office) along S.E. Rural Street at 16th Avenue, except as noted
July 13 at 7 p.m.: JT Wise Band ~ Guitar-driven “bluesy roots rock”
July 20 at 7 p.m.: Hank Sinatra ~ Performing some of the greatest songs ever written
July 27 at 7 p.m.: Mbrascatu ~ Bringing a rich fusion of Italian Folk, with the unique musical spirit of Portland
August 3 at 6:30 p.m.: Annette Lowman Quartet ~ Internationally-recognized jazz vocalist
August 10 at 6:30 p.m.: Picante ~ Traditional afro-Cuban music, and a fusion of Latin jazz
August 17 at 6:30 p.m.: in Sellwood Park: Kris Deelane and the Hurt ~ This powerhouse vocalist and her band were featured at the 2024 Waterfront Blues Fest.
August 24 at 6:30 p.m.: Lauren Sheehan & Terry Robb ~ Country blues traditions, from the deep south to the Pacific NW.
But wait! There’s more! On August 4, at “Sundae in the Park” in Sellwood Park, there will be two more live performances – by Padam Padam and by Swank Soul.
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