Foals at Wonder Ballroom

From submitting my Perfect Playlist to 947.fm, I got free tickets to see a band called Foals.  I knew nothing about them or the other bands, but was excited to see a show at the Wonder Ballroom.  The venue is pretty nice and not worn out like many other concert halls.  It has an awesome upstairs bar and seating area.  It's great, but I don't think the bar should be upstairs as I saw plenty of tipsy people falling down on the stairs.

Freelance Whales were just before Foals.  They are an Indie rock band from New York.  They sounded like Postal Service mixed with Mumford and Sons.  They were really close to being good, but just didn't sound quiet right.  They seemed to build a repetitive track rather than a solid sound.  They had lots of instruments and it seemed like each band member was a good musician, but all together the sound was very mundane and boring.  They must be good and have a following though because they are playing at a lot of great upcoming shows.  I assume people are going towards a folk sound like Mumford & Sons a little more every day, but I'm hoping this is a phase.  I would keep an eye on Freelance Whales because they might change just enough to be really good, but as of now, not so perfect.

Foals, the headlining band from England, was a little funny looking as they walked out on stage, but as soon as they played it was money.  The lead, Yannis Philippakis, has voice just like Robert Smith of The Cure.  Overall I thought they did sound like The Cure, but with a lot more rock.  According to their wiki page, it says they are linked to “dance-punk” and that sounds just about right for them.  They are fantastic musicians and every other song felt like a live jam session.  They were awesome and constantly had a fantastic bass line and beat.  I just thoroughly enjoyed one song to the next and was always loving the sound that came from them.  I highly recommend them and if you are unsure, see them in concert for the jam session vibe because they are fantastic live.

Papa Haydn

Papa Haydn’s was introduced to me by friends. Apparently it is a local staple for Porlandians. It’s most famous with the teen crowds for proms and for romantic events, however, it’s busy no matter what the time.

It is a restaurant and I can’t say I’ve had the food yet because the real show stopper is their desserts. When you enter Papa Haydn’s you can select if you want the dinner or just dessert side of the restaurant. They have two locations now, but I visited the NW location. It’s cozy and has a wonderful large fireplace and candle light on the table, which of course must be why it’s so popular for romantic occasions.

The dessert selection is as large as a Denny’s menu. There are so many choices and many are not “typical.” Yes there’s cheesecake and chocolate cake, but there are unique variations as well as flavors. Each dessert is to die for and the most delicious thing you have ever eaten. Do not go if you’re on a diet because you cannot contain yourself once you have a bite. You get just about any slice all for the same price and they fill you up very well. They are so rich no matter the flavor, but you’re welcome to order a glass of milk which suits the dessert perfectly.

This is a must do if you are in Portland. The flavors will rock your world and when your done or waiting, you can cruise the cute North West neighborhood and enjoy quaint stores.

Portland Fashion Week

Portland Fashion Week was October 6-10th.  My wife and I went on the 9th to see her favorite designer, Seth Aaron Henderson.

The video is of his collection, inspired by SolarWorld.  It was very exciting and the crowd loved each piece.

The other designers were fun as well and also all from Project Runway, but I would say the next best was Gordana, with her line "Goga."  Most of her clothes seemed wearable and interesting.  Jonathan Joseph....snooze.  Jay Nicolas Sario...eh.  Now I'm no fashion expert, but I do not what is wearable and comfortable and on those terms "Goga" won.

It was fun to see a Fashion Show so up close.  We will be working on getting in Swag bags next year.