Top Five Picks This Week: December 6th

Thursday 6th: Meridian: Paintings by Erik Railton.

New paintings by local artist Erik Railton (www.erikrailton.com) Reception 10% off all store purchases during show. 7-9pm. Local 35. 3556 SE Hawthorne Boulevard.

Thursday 6th: Donald Miller Reading at Olio United.

Activist and local renaissance man, author of New York Times bestseller, "Blue Like Jazz," Donald Miller reads from his latest as yet unreleased book, "A Million Miles In A Thousand Years." Come listen to Donald Miller, sip some wine and get 15% off everything in the store (including sale items.) 7pm. Olio United. 1028 SE Water Ave.

Saturday 8th: These Numbers Have Faces- Winter Wonderland Ball 2007:

TNHF is a locally based non-profit which exists to provide a framework of hope as they partner with grassroots initiatives, advocate for social transformation, and change the way we interact with those in need. The Winter Wonderland Ball is their first fundraiser.

When: Saturday December 8th

Where: Franklin High School Gymnasium (5405 SE Woodward St

Portland, OR 97206)

Cost: $10 minimum donation per person. Tickets are selling out really fast so make sure to get yours as soon as possible.
*Buy tickets online at www.thesenumbers.com*

Attire: Formal (but be creative)

The prom kicks off at 7:00pm and features prom photos, a silent auction, the crowning of prom King & Queen, dance contests, and information regarding These Numbers Have Faces and their partnerships in Cape Town, South Africa. Dancing, food, and fun continue until 11:00pm.

Pull out your craziest prom outfit, bring a date if you want, and get ready to dance to the beats of social change. Get ready kids, we're putting the fun back in fundraiser!

*All proceeds go to the volunteer driven These Numbers Have Faces and their work in the township of Gugulethu, South Africa. Check out www.thesenumbers.com to learn more*.

Saturday 8th: Laura Gibson

Local songstress Laura Gibson returns to the homeland after a stint in Europe ready to woo us all with her dreamy ballads and wistful guitars. Catch her tonight with support from the Cave Singers. Doug Fir Lounge, 830 E Burnside, 9pm. $8. Over 21s.

Now Showing: Hear and Now

Delightful documentary by Irene Taylor Brodsky investigating the 45 year relationship between her parents both profoundly deaf since birth and the impact of the cochlear implants which allowed them both to hear for the first time at 65 years old. Opens Fri. Dec 7th. Cinema 21.

This Week's Event Picks: November 30th 2007

Friday 30th: Plastic Cameras: Toying With Creativity.

Learn how to take great photos from cheap plastic cameras. Become a great photographer without any of the hard work or huge costs. Powell's City of Books, 1005 W Burnside. FREE. 7:30pm.

Friday 30th: Found Film Festival

Nick Prueher and Joe Pickett present the best footage culled from videotapes found at thrift stores, garage sales, warehouses and dumpsters across the country. Turn up early as this hilarious event will undoubtedly sell out. Laurelhurst Theater, 2735 E Burnside, 7 & 9 pm, $8. Over 21's.

Sunday 2nd: Iron & Wine

Sam Beam brings his poetically beautiful music to Portland for the evening and plays songs lifted from the much-lauded new record, "The Shepherd's Dog." This is music for those who wish to wrestle their demons, fall in love and drift off to sleep all in one breath. Crystal Ballroom, 1332 W Burnside.

Now Showing: I'm Not There

A handful of different actors including Christian Bale, Cate Blanchett and Richard Gere take their turn at embodying the spirit of Bob Dylan in Todd Haynes ambitious attempt to capture a musical legend. Worth a look for the soundtrack alone. Fox Tower 10, 846 SW Park. Daily.

Wednesday 5th: Celebrate the Repeal of Prohibition

Berbati's are hosting an evening of free live music and fun to celebrate the Repeal of Prohibition. Turn up and enjoy tunes from Viva Voce, Ohmega Watts and Boy Eats Drum Machine plus more. Berbati's, 10 SW 3rd, 8pm, FREE.

These Numbers Have Faces: Winter Wonderland Ball 2007

These Numbers Have Faces

Winter Wonderland Ball 2007

When: Saturday December 8th

Where: Franklin High School Gymnasium (5405 SE Woodward St

Portland, OR 97206)

Cost: $10 minimum donation per person.
*Buy tickets online at www.thesenumbers.com*

Attire: Formal (but be creative)

The prom kicks off at 7:00pm and features prom photos, a silent auction, the crowning of prom King & Queen, dance contests, and information regarding These Numbers Have Faces and their partnerships in Cape Town, South Africa. Dancing, food, and fun continue until 11:00pm.

Pull out your craziest prom outfit, bring a date if you want, and get ready to dance to the beats of social change. Get ready kids, we're putting the fun back in fundraiser!

*All proceeds go to the volunteer driven These Numbers Have Faces and their work in the township of Gugulethu, South Africa. Check out www.thesenumbers.com to learn more*

Top Five Picks This Week: November 1st

Thursday 1st: Catlin Gabel sale

One of the world's largest rummage sales kicks of tonight with 100,000 square feet of other people's stuff ready for you to snap up. Proceeds go towards financial aid at the school. Portland Expo. Center, Halls A & C, Thurs. 5-9pm (items marked up 35%), Fri. 10am-8pm, Sat. 10am-6pm, Sun. 10am-1pm. FREE


Friday 2nd: 25

25 Objects. 25 Photographers. A fantastic new exhibition featuring work by 25 local photographers, capturing the objects they were given in a variety of different settings. Nemo: 1875 SE Belmont. Opening reception 7pm


Saturday 3rd: Breanna Paletta

Breanna Paletta plays her first show with full band in almost a year. With support from One Horse Shy. White Eagle Saloon. 9:30pm - $6


Saturday 3rd: Wordigo 2.

Join Write Around Portland for their annual fall fundraiser and celebration of writing in community. This uniquely Portland event will include word games, local musicians, Monica Drake, author of Clown Girl and Tom Spanbauer author of Now is the Hour. Erin Ergenbright of the Loggernaut Reading Series will host the evening.

7:30 - 10:00pm

Portland Art Center, 32 NW Fifth Ave.

General Admission Tickets: $25 advance/$35 at the door

Supporters: $50

Buy your tickets now.

Desserts by Vibrant Table and wine by A to Z Wineworks.

This event is generously sponsored by Stoel Rives LLP and Powell's Books.


Tuesday 6th: Feist.

Canada's finest arrives in Portland to woo us all with her unique voice and sharp-witted lyricism. Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, 1037 SW Broadway, 8pm, $26.75 - 35.75. All ages.

Event Picks: Friday 26th October - Thursday 1st November

Friday 26th: PIZZAZZ!

Portland's great, good and downright weird turn out to try their hands at taking home the $1,000 prize money. It's Portland, it's a talent show, it's bound to have more than its fair share of crazy folk. Wonder Ballroom, 128 NE Russell, 8pm, $10, Over 21s.

Friday 26th: Found Magazine Party

Davy Rothbart and his singing brother are in town to promote Found #5 The Crime Issue. Come here them tell goofy stories, sing quirky songs and share the best of the best of America's garbage cans and lost and founds. Holocene, 1001 SE Morrisson. Over 21s. $8. 8pm.

Saturday 27th: Kevin Drew

Broken Social Scenester Kevin Drew makes his quasi-solo debut flanked by much of the BSS collective, the result is a record which makes your head fuzz and spin reminding you why Broken Social Scene are the second best band to cross the Canadian border in the last five year. Aladdin Theater, 3017 SE Milwaukie. All ages. $22-24. 8pm.


Sunday 28th: Seventy.

Seventy is an exhibition by local photographer Becca Blevins, exploring the themes of the human body and water. With live music by Annie Bethancourt. Twin Paradox Café, 8609 SE 17th Ave. 6pm. All ages. FREE.


Tuesday 30th: Scary Stories.

Turn up at the Kennedy School to hear Chelsea Cain, Willy Rabinovitch, Natalie Serber and more read some spooky stories. Kennedy School, 5736 NE 33rd, 7pm FREE.

TOP 5 PICKS This Week

Thursday 11th: Patrick Wolf.

Flamboyant 24 year old songster Patrick Wolf brings his own brand of heartfelt angst to the Hawthorne Theater. Worth checking out if you like Rufus Wainwright or Antony. Hawthorne Theater, 1507 SE 39th. Doors 8pm. All ages.


Opens Friday 12th: The Darjeeling Limited

Wes Anderson's latest cinematic offering features Adrien Brody, Jason Schwartzman and Owen Wilson as three estranged brothers traveling across India in a train. Of course it's going to be marvelous. At theaters across the city from Fri. 12th.


Saturday 13th: Into The Elements: hosted by Don Miller.

Into the Elements is a one day seminar, designed for novelists, filmmakers, short-story writers and public speakers who want to improve their ability to relate to their audience. Please join us for an informative and engaging morning with Don Miller as he unpacks the elements of story and offers great advice for storytellers who want to improve their art.

Location: Hollywood Theatre (4122 N.E. Sandy Blvd Portland, OR 97212).
Date: Saturday, October 13.
Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Please bring your own lunch.
Required Reading: “Plot and Structure.” James Scott Bell. Available at Powell’s Bookstore. Please read the book and bring it along to the seminar.
Cost: $15 per person. (Including a donation to the Belmont Foundation. www.belmontfoundation.org)

Seminar places are limited and specifically geared to storytellers and writers. For more information please email jan@imagodeicommunity.com.

Sunday 7th: Chuck Close Lecture


Monday 15th: Allan McCollum Lecture

PSU's Monday night lecture series plays host to acclaimed artist Allan McCollum as he talks about his recent "shapes Project;" an ambitious attempt to create a brand new shape for each person on the planet. Fifth Avenue Cinema, 510 SW Hall. FREE. 7:30pm.


Wednesday 17th: The Go! Team

Dust off your leg warmers and your best disco moves and enjoy a night in the company of Brighton's sample heavy, dance collective the Go!Team. Stock up on energy drinks beforehand and prepare to smile very hard . Doug Fir Lounge, 830 E Burnside, 9pm. $14 - 15. Over 21s.

WORDIGO 2: A Celebration of Writing, November 3rd

Write Around Portland: Fundraiser:

Join Us for Wordigo 2: A Celebration of Writing


Join us Saturday, November 3rd for Wordigo 2, Write Around Portland's annual fall fundraiser and celebration of writing in community. This uniquely Portland event will include word games, local musicians, Monica Drake, author of Clown Girl and Tom Spanbauer author of Now is the Hour. Erin Ergenbright of the Loggernaut Reading Series will host the evening.

Saturday, November 3rd

7:30 - 10:00pm

Portland Art Center, 32 NW Fifth Ave.

General Admission Tickets: $25 advance/$35 at the door

Supporters: $50

Buy your tickets now.

Desserts by Vibrant Table and wine by A to Z Wineworks.

This event is generously sponsored by Stoel Rives LLP and Powell's Books.

TOP 5 PICKS This Week

Friday 5th and Saturday 6th: Bouand Dance Company's Fall Performance. Bouand Dance Company's Fall Performances featuring 3 new works by European choreographer, 2 new works from Alexandrous Ballard, and an exciting collaboration with local musicians, 3 Leg Torso. 7:30 (both nights) PSU's Lincoln Hall Auditorium. Tickets $22 at the door or reserve them online at www.bouanddancecompany.org

Opens Friday 5th: Into The Wild. Sean Penn's greatly anticipated adaptation of John Krakauer's well-loved book, follows Christopher McCandless as he gives away his money, drops out of society and dies in the Alaskan wilderness. A beautiful movie with a fair amount of insight into modern life. Well-worth the journey. Fox Tower 10, 846 SW Park, from Fri. 5th.

Saturday 6th: Loch Lomond. Local acoustic legend Ritchie Young and his ever-growing troupe of friends unleash their own brand of wistfully, melodic romantic mutterings on a brand new record, Paper The Walls. Come join them in the Mississippi studios tonight for their release party. Mississippi Studios, 3939 N Mississippi. 7pm (w/Nick Jaina) 10pm (w/Strangers Die Every Day)$7-8.

Sunday 7th: Chuck Close Lecture. University of Houston's Blaffer Gallery Curator, Terrie Sultan will be delivering a lecture to coincide with the current Chuck Close show, Process and Collaboration. Come here about Close's methods, partnerships and work. Portland Art Museum, 1219 SW Park. 2pm. $5 - 10.

Wednesday 10th: Ohmega Watts. Local emcee Ohmega Watts raises the bar for Portland hip hop with his new release Watts Happening. Join him for his record release party. Doug Fir Lounge, 830 E Burnside, 9pm. $10. Over 21s.