Lake Oswego actress makes movie debut in 'San Andreas'

Americans love disaster movies, and Marissa Neitling is hoping they love “San Andreas.”

This is a big week for the young actress from Lake Oswego because “San Andreas” is her movie debut, and lots of her friends and family will be able to see it because it is now playing at the Lake Theater in Lake Oswego and Regal Cinemas Bridgeport Village.

This is not just a film by an amateur with a camera but a potential Hollywood blockbuster with big name actors like Archie Panjabi, Emmy Award winner for “The Good Wife”; Paul Giamatti, one of the cinema’s most renowned character actors; and the inimitable action-hero Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. The film will not only feature fine actors but a massive earthquake.

For Neitling, it has all been a ball working with such an illustrious cast on a movie with such potential.

“It was wonderful,” she said. “I spent two and a half weeks in Gold Coast, Australia, and I feel so blessed that this was my first film experience. It was also a very ‘coming full circle’ experience for me as an actor.”

Neitling has certainly come a long way as an actress over the past couple years, since earning a master’s degree at the Yale School of Drama. Her first big break came when she got a role on the TNT series “The Last Ship,” playing the role of Lt. Kara Foster, and now “San Andreas.”

Explaining the plot, Neitling said, “I play Phoebe, a grad student under the tutelage of Paul Giamatti at Cal Tech. The plot centers around the major earthquake that California is 50 years overdue on with the San Andreas Fault. Dwayne Johnson is a distraught father who, along with his ex-wife, is searching for his daughter.”

Will “The Rock” be buried by rocks? Not if scientist Phoebe can find a solution in time.

Neitling has proven that good things happen for those who work hard. Especially if you are beautiful and talented. And also get lots of help from your family. Her home town has been lucky for her.

“I was cast for ‘San Andreas’ off a self-tape that I made while visiting my family home in Lake Oswego,” Neitling said. “Both of the jobs I have booked (including ‘The Last Ship’) have come from an initial self-tape, which is a testament to how the industry is changing.”

While having fun with her mother and sister, Neitling was notified by her manager that she needed to put an audition on tape as soon as possible for “San Andreas.”

“So with the help of my mom and sister (mom reading opposite me while sister Mackenzie manned the camera) I recorded about six different scenes,” Neitling said.

To simulate an earthquake during the taping, Marissa and Mackenzie shook the table. It worked. Now, Neitling is eagerly awaiting for the reviews and box office returns to come in. She is optimistic but cautious.

“If I’ve learned anything the past two years about this business, it’s that artistic careers are never linear,” Neitling said. “You always hope that the show you’re part of does fabulously and is seen by millions of people worldwide. You also never expect anything. The truth is I don’t know what this movie will do for my career. But I have my first film experience under my belt, and that is a place to start.”

Contact Cliff Newell at 503-636-1281 ext. 105 or cnewell@lakeoswegoreview.com.

Last week, June 5

"Entourage"; "Spy"; "Saint Laurent"

This week, June 12

"Jurassic World" (Universal), PG-13, 124 minutes

About — The prehistoric animals had won at last sight of the "Jurassic" story, but years later a dinosaur theme park inhabits Isla Nublar. To boost waning interest, organizers bring in a new attraction, and things go badly. Stars — Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, Ty Simpkins, Judy Greer. Director — Colin Trevorrow.

Next week, June 19

"Inside Out"; "Dope"; "Heaven Knows What"

Home rentals

The latest top 10 digital movie purchases based on transaction rate, by Rentrak:

1. "Kingsman: The Secret Service"

2. "American Sniper"

3. "Still Alice"

4. "Focus"

5. "Interstellar"

6. "The Wedding Ringer"

7. "Jupiter Ascending"

8. "Taken 3"

9. "Mortdecai"

10. "Top Five"

Other favorites recently: "Selma"; "The Homesman"; "Wild"; "The Gambler"

Doc spotlight

Kurt Cobain documentaries

The life of the troubled, but supremely talented late frontman for Nirvana is examined in two documentaries, the newest being "Soaked in Bleach," in which an investigator (Tom Grant) hired by Courtney Love gives his take on Cobain. It's directed by Benjamin Statler. Watch for it in a theater, or DVD or streaming. An earlier HBO release, "Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck," by Brett Morgen, uses Cobain's personal archives to tell the story. The daughter of Cobain and Love, Frances Cobain, served as an executive director. It'll likely be available via streaming or on-demand.

Upcoming events

• By Northwest Film Center and Institute for Judaic Studies, the 23rd Portland Jewish Film Festival takes place June 14-28 at Whitsell Auditorium, 1219 S.W. Park Ave. ($9, $8 students/seniors, nwfilm.org). It'll feature 18 films, including: "East Jerusalem/West Jerusalem," a documentary about Israeli musician David Broza and his efforts to build a bridge between Israelis and Palestinians; "The Mystery of Happiness," director Daniel Burman's delightful hybridization of buddy movie/detective film/romantic comedy; "Magic Men" on opening night (7 p.m. Sunday, June 14), a road trip comedy pairing an aging atheist Holocaust survivor with his estranged Hasidic rapper son; and "Dough," a comedy about a failing bakery in which intergenerational and cultural solutions just might be the answer. For complete info: www.nwfilm.org.

• The nonprofit Columbia River Theatre Organ Society, in partnership with the Hollywood Theatre, will put on the Douglas Fairbanks Sr. Silent Film Festival, starting with "The Black Pirate," 2 p.m. Saturday, June 20, at Hollywood. There'll be live accompaniment featuring the Beverly Ruth Nelson memorial organ. The other movies: "The Mark of Zorro," 2 p.m. July 25; "The Thief of Bagdad," 2 p.m. Aug. 22. For info: www.hollywoodtheatre.org.

Aboriginal paintings speak across cultures in PICA exhibit

At one time, the media for painters wasn’t canvas — for the Aborigines of Australia, it was the ground or rock.

The artists really didn’t make the transition until Westerners showed them how, and brought them canvas. The “No Boundaries: Aboriginal Australian Contemporary Abstract Painting” exhibit, June 20 through Aug. 20, hosted by the Portland Institute of Contemporary Art, gives the public an idea of such ancient artistry and the dynamic painting movement.

“There’s controversy over it, and conversation,” says Kristan Kennedy, PICA visual art curator, of Aboriginal art on canvas. “As far as ethics and intent, the show was organized with great respect, and it involved the artists and tribes. It’s an interesting way to connect to such a unique notion of time and indigenous communities that we’ve wandered away from.”

The major national exhibit will be shown in four cities nationwide, and it’s the first opportunity for U.S. audiences to view the work of several Aboriginal Australian artists in depth.

An opening reception will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. June 20 at Mason Erhman Building Annex, 467 N.W. Davis St., and there’ll be regular gallery hours from noon to 6:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays and noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. For info: www.pica.org.

There will be nine artists featured, only one of them living, Warlimpirrnga Tjapaltjarri, believed to be in his late 50s. The others were born before World War II. The paintings, 75 of them to be shown in Portland, were created between 1992 to 2012 — late in the artists’ lives, and during a time of experimentation and innovation among Australian Aboriginal artists, who transformed traditional iconographies into more abstract styles of mark making.

The artists featured in Portland were each known as a senior Lawman, a respected individual with knowledge of Aboriginal ceremonial traditions — exposed to the deepest tribal education, a developed person with unique style.

“It’s a contemporary artform in its own right,” Kennedy says. “They started painting late in life because that’s when they learned to paint.

“The work is really exceptional, and it defines itself outside the boundaries of Western art history, which is very pervasive, and it isn’t like jumping a tradition of modernism and post-modernism.”

The works are drawn from the collection of Debra and Dennis Scholl, Miami collectors and philanthropists. A filmmaker, scholar, and winemaker in Australia, Dennis Scholl made several trips to Northern Australia, and he and his wife changed their collecting focus after encountering the wealth of talent in the region.

“The artists all have a common thread,” Dennis Scholl says. “Each had reached senior status in their communities and had become abstract painters who transcended the expectations of both the community and the art world.”

The late artist Paddy Bedford once told him that after having painted all of their mother’s “countries” (or territories) and father’s “countries,” the artists simply chose to paint.

Adds Scholl: “These painters have gone far beyond the boundaries of their community, their ‘country,’ and the very idea of their work as merely ethnographic. They are simply painters — some of the finest abstract painters this planet has ever seen.”

Exhibit organizers scheduled PICA as one of its destinations, and basically “an old warehouse” in Chinatown. Interesting choice, Kennedy says, choosing to work with the smaller nonprofit PICA and considering the other venues, all museums: Nevada Museum of Art, Pérez Art Museum in Miami and Charles H. Wright Museum of African-American History in Detroit.

The show took four years to organize.

“It’s going next to Pérez, a star architect’s building and a much-lauded museum,” Kennedy says.

“The collectors are some of the most voracious contemporary art collectors in the United States, and some are disenfranchised with where contemporary art is going, where the market is pushing it. Having PICA be one of the venues was a conversation about what makes something contemporary and have it contextualized in a new and emerging way. Even though it’s the same work, it’ll look different (at PICA), each incarnation is different.”

Kennedy loves the artistry.

She says: “To me it was really significant. When I saw the work it’s like my body exploded. It’s beautiful, it’s bombastic, gorgeous work. You see contemporary abstraction, emerging trends, and this work battles it one-on-one and you feel reconnected. What does abstraction mean? Looking at this work gives you potent answers. It’s a very diverse show, and each artist has a distinctive style.”

Epic show traces roots of aesthetics

A title doesn’t get much more epic than “Gods and Heroes.”

But, it aptly describes the upcoming exhibit at the Portland Art Museum, a collection of paintings from école de Beaux-Arts, the original school of fine arts in Paris and repository for work by Europe’s renowned 17th-century artists.

Opening June 13 and closing Sept. 13 at the Portland Art Museum, 1219 S.W. Park Ave. (www.portlandartmuseum.org), the exhibit of some 140 paintings, sculptures and works on paper date from antiquity through the 19th century, and it focuses on themes of courage, sacrifice and death.

Featured works include paintings by Jacques-Louis David, Jean-Honoré Fragonard, Anne-Louis Girodet and Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres, sculptures by Antoine-Louis Barye, Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux, Jean-Antoine Houdon and Francois Rude, and drawings by Simon Vouet, Antoine-Jean Gros and Théodore Géricault.

You’ll look at art and be transported back in time, with the carefully delineated anatomy, expressive faces and convincing architectural and landscape settings — the tenets of success for painters, sculptors and sketch artists at école, an ideology rooted in the study of idealized human form.

Deeds of gods and heroes are depicted, from Biblical times and the works of Homer, in which academicians drew inspiration.

“’Gods and Heroes’ will offer unique insight into the development of an aesthetic ideology that fostered some of the western art’s most magnificent achievements,” the Portland Art Museum states.

The exhibition also will feature works that served as models for the students, including ancient sculpture, a drawing by Raphael and prints by Albrecht Durer and Rembrandt van Rijn.

To appreciate the exhibit more, Emmanuel Schwartz, guest curator from école, has written a major essay within a fully illustrated exhibition catalogue.

There’ll be public tours, starting this month: 3 p.m. June 13 and 14, June 20, June 28; and 1 p.m. June 25.

There is a Curator in Conversation talk scheduled for 2 p.m. June 14, involving Schwartz, as well as Dawson Carr, The Janet and Richard Geary curator of European Art at PAM, and Michelle Hargrave, curator of exhibitions for the American Federation of Arts.

Kathleen Nicholson, professor emeritus in the Department of the History of Art & Architecture at the University of Oregon, talks about female, art and academy influences in France in “Making a Case for Goddesses and Heroines,” 2 p.m. July 26.

There’ll be walking tours at 10 a.m. Aug. 1 and 8, and music by Chamber Music Northwest, noon July 2. The film “Jason and the Argonauts” will be shown in the museum’s courtyard at dusk July 16.

June 12

Luna-chick

The Grateful Dead inspired many a jam band to form, but if one seems to have captured, in particular, Jerry Garcia’s guitar stylings by incorporating them into their own sound, it’s San Francisco’s psychedelic roots-rockers Moonalice. (For starters, check out the live recording of “High Five” on YouTube).

Led by Roger McNamee, aka “Chubby Wombat Moonalice,” on bass, guitar and vocals, the band also features Pete Sears on bass, keyboards, accordion and vocals, Barry Sless on bass, guitar, pedal steel guitar and vocals, and John Molo on drums. Every Moonalice show has an original art poster, which is given free to all attendees.

Hailing from the Bay Area, Moonalice mixes a variety of genres and performances feature extended musical improvisations. They’ll be sharing the stage — and members — with former Garcia partner-in-crime David Nelson, whose band includes Molo, Sears and Sless, as well as Mookie Siegel, who’s played keys with Bob Weir’s Ratdog and Phil Lesh & Friends. Patchouli will be mandatory along with your ID.

David Nelson Band, Moonalice, 8 p.m. Friday, June 12, Alhambra Theater, 4811 S.E. Hawthorne Blvd. $25. Info: 503-610-0640, www.alhambrapdx.com.

June 13

The gospel of Mark

Comedian and singer Mark Lowry, formerly of the Gaither Vocal Band and the man who wrote the popular Christmas song “Mary, Did You Know?,” was recently inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and is coming to town to do a show with The Martins and pianist Stan Whitmire.

Lowry met the sibling trio of Joyce, Jonathan and Judy Martin when they gave him a cassette tape at a national convention in 1992. Lowry and fellow Gaither Vocal Band-mate Michael English were so impressed they insisted Gloria Gaither listen to an impromptu audition of the group. She got her husband, Bill Gaither, to lend an ear, and the rest is history as the Gaithers helped introduce The Martins to the world.

Mark Lowry, The Martins, Stan Whitmire, 6 p.m. Saturday, June 13, New Hope Community Church, 11731 S.E.

Stevens Road, Happy Valley. $25, $30. Info: 800-965-9324, www.IMCconcerts.com.

June 14

The right to bare arms

In the days of yore, Tracii Guns formed LA Guns with Axl Rose, among other notables, and also belonged briefly to Guns ‘n’ Roses before Slash took his place. A bluesy rockin’ guitar monster, Guns has played with such outfits as Brides of Destruction and Contraband and will shred ears here along with bassist Rudy Sarzo of Ozzy Osbourne, Whitesnake, Quiet Riot and Blue Oyster Cult, as well as singer Keith St. John of Montrose and drummer Shane Fitzgibbon. The new band’s name is Gunzo, and they’re a pistol packin’ pack of power rockers ready to set your hair on fire and your heart ablaze while your head bangs and your fists fulminate.

Gunzo, 8 p.m. Sunday, June 14, Bossanova Ballroom, 722 E. Burnside St. $12. Info: 503-206-7630, www.bossanovaballroom.com.

At last

A handful of Portland’s finest female singers will pay tribute to the late great Etta James with the annual “Tell Mama” tribute show this week. Duffy Bishop, Lisa Mann, LaRhonda Steele, Lady Kat and Rae Gordon will join the DK Stewart Sextet on stage with guitarist Chris Carlson (who’s also Bishop’s husband).

This annual event honors James, a multiple Grammy winner who was inducted into the Blues, Rock ‘n’ Roll and Rockabilly halls of fame. We’ve heard all these ladies live and can attest to their power, and Stewart, whose keyboard work has been a part of such bands as the Robert Cray, Paul deLay and Curtis Salgado groups, should make a fine conductor.

“Tell Mama: A Tribute to Etta James,” 8 p.m. Sunday, June 14, Alberta Rose Theatre, 3000 N.E. Alberta St. $18 in advance, $22 at the door. $30 preferred seating. Parent/guardian must accompany minors. Info: 503-764-413, www.albertarosetheatre.com.

Quick hits

• Playing rockin’ blues, soulful ballads, originals and covers, Tracey Fordice & The Eight Balls earned the Cascade Blues Association 2014 Muddy Award for the Best New Blues Act. You can hear the band at 9 p.m. Saturday, June 13, at the Mock Crest Tavern, 3435 N. Lombard St. Info: 503-283-5014, www.mockcrest.com.

• Singer-songwriter Laura Gibson, whose voice betrays a hint of Bjork, and whose new folk music is eclectic and visionary, has moved from Oregon to New York, but returns here for a must-see show at 8 p.m. Saturday, June 13, at The Old Church, 1422 S.W. 11th Ave. $15 in advance, $18 day of show. Info: 503-222-2031, www.theoldchurch.org.

• Much like the Voidoids here in the U.S., UK Subs were distinguished from other punk bands in the late 1970s by the fact they actually could play. Led by the unstoppable Charlie Harper, they share what promises to be an insane bill with Millions of Dead Cops, Chartbusters and The Whiskey Dickers, at the Panic Room (formerly Tonic), 3100 N.E. Sandy Blvd., at 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 17. $15. Info: 503-238-0543, www.panicroomportland.com.

STAGE

CoHo Summerfest

CoHo Productions continues its summer programming with the fourth year of the event, curated by Philip Cuomo, producing artistic director, and featuring local and touring performances by bold, original theater artists: Gordy Boudreau; Butt Kapinski (aka L.A.-based comedy artist Deanna Fleysher); the Wonderheads; Shaking the Tree; Portland Experimental Theatre and “The Journey Play is the Whole Thing.”

7:30 p.m. Thursdays-Sundays, June 11-July 12, Coho Theatre, 2257 N.W. Raleigh St., www.cohoproductions.org, $55 Summerfest pass, $15 per show

Tony Starlight

One of Portland’s hardest working nightclub acts has a busy June: June 12 with the Dean Martin Birthday Celebration and Show, in which he collaborates with Marianna Thielen and Jillian Snow Harris, who portray Ann-Margret, Peggy Lee, Judy Garland and Liza Minnelli; June 19, The Great Gentlemen of Song, as he and John Gilmore sing the music of Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley and much more; June 26, The Tony Starlight Show, with Starlight singing the Rat Pack and Neil Diamond and more. The venue: Tony Starlight’s Showroom, 1125 S.E. Madison St. For info: www.tonystarlight.com.

‘Two Houses’

The Brody Theater improvisation show returns as the audience casts two families and chooses two actors to portray a couple about to become engaged — and then sit back and watch the saga of lovers unfold.

8 p.m. Saturdays, June 13-27, Brody Theater, 16 N.W. Broadway, www.brodytheater.com, $12, $9 student/senior

Urban Tellers

The Portland Story Theater show of personal narratives includes a young man embarking on a life in theater, a woman searching for the truth of her father’s life, a yoga instructor learning to take her own advice, and a young woman starting her life over in Paris.

8 p.m. Saturday, June 13, Alberta Abbey, 126 N.E. Alberta St., www.portlandstorytheater.org, $15, $18 at door

MISC.

Rose City Book and Paper Fair

The ninth annual event will include thousands of books for sale by more than 40 independent booksellers.

2 p.m.-8 p.m. Friday, June 12, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, June 13, DoubleTree at Lloyd Center, 1000 N.E. Multnomah St., www.pauba.org, $3

Bourbon and Bacon Fest

Entercom Radio/Portland and the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry team up for the first event, part of the OMSI After Dark program. It’ll include more than 30 vendors with a variety of bacon, bourbon, whiskey and brandy samples, as well as music, mixology lessons and local radio personalities.

7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 13, OMSI, 1945 S.E. Water Ave., www.omsi.edu (check for more info)

Buddhist Festival in the Park

“Peace in Oneself, Peace in the World” is the theme for the 12th annual event, which opens with 108 bells and incense.

11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Saturday, June 13, Col. Summers Park, Southeast 17th

Avenue/Taylor Street, www.portlandbuddhistfestival.com, free

Portland Pride Festival

There are scores of events taking place during the annual festival, including the Portland Pride Parade, which starts at 11 a.m. Sunday, June 14, as well as the festival itself with exhibitor booths at Waterfront Park, noon to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, June 13 and 14 ($7 suggested donation). For complete info: www.pridenw.org.

MUSIC

‘The Rake’s Progress’

The opera based on the 1733 historic, eight-painting William Hogarth chronicle inspired Igor Stravinsky to compose musical homage to Mozart (“The Rake’s Progress”) in 1951. Later, in 1975, David Hockney created costume designs for the opera at England’s Glyndebourne Festival. This year, the combined genius of Hogarth, Stravinsky and Hockney comes together in the Portland Opera staging.

7:30 p.m. Thursday-Friday, June 11-12, 2 p.m Sunday, June 14, Keller Auditorium, 222 S.W. Clay St., www.portlandopera.org

Astoria Music Festival

The big event is coming up — June 13 through 28, astoriamusicfestival.org — and, for the fourth year in a row, it kicks off with the Astoria Music Festival Portland Preview, which includes top-notch musicians, Sarah Kwak, Oregon Symphony concertmaster, among them.

7:30 p.m. Friday, June 12, The Old Church Concert Hall, 1422 S.W. 11th Ave., www.brownpapertickets.com, $18 general admission ($25 day of show), $30 reserved

‘Abbaqueen: A Royal Celebration’

Portland Gay Men’s Chorus stages its biggest hit ever during Portland Pride Weekend, with all the spectacle combining ABBA and Queen provides — and songs from “Voulez-Vous” to “Waterloo” to “Bohemian Rhapsody” to “We Will Rock You.”

7 p.m. Saturday, June 13, Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, 1037 S.W. Broadway, www.portland5.com, $15-$48

Just as he performed his solo show “The Lion” at Portland Center Stage, New York honored Benjamin Scheuer.

Scheuer was awarded the 2015 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Solo Performance for “The Lion.” The Drama Desk Awards celebrate excellence in Broadway, Off-Broadway and Off-Off-Broadway theater productions.

Last month, Scheuer was one of two artists selected to win the 2015 Theater World Award in the Off-Broadway category, among his many other honors.

“The Lion” is Scheuer’s true story of love, loss, loyalty and the redemptive power of music.

The Tribune’s Joseph Gallivan saw the show recently, and was moved to write:

“Writer/performer Benjamin Scheuer is mesmerizing in this 70-minute one-man musical, in which he changes guitars and seats, and probably the audience’s hearts. The story pulls in the familiar direction: the protagonist tells of trying to win the respect of his dead father, a mathematician and musician. He must learn to reconnect with the rest of his family and grow up. But Scheuer’s talking blues style has wonderfully original lyrics and an emotional immediacy that keeps everything fresh, even raw. Sit as close as you dare, and wear a brimmed hat for the bright lights and the saliva. Easily one of the best shows you’ll see all year.”

There are still shows left; see pcs.org/lion.

Another artist nominated for Outstanding Solo Performance, Mona Golabek, will perform her show “The Pianist of Willesden Lane” at PCS next season.

RACC proposals

The Regional Arts & Culture Council invites nonprofit organizations and artists from Multnomah, Washington and Clackamas counties to submit proposals for artistic projects and events for 2016. It’s the first step in applying for a RACC Project Grant. An “Intent to Apply” form can be found at racc.culturegrants.org. It’s due by 5 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 5.

About $600,000 is available for projects in 2016. Applicants can request up to $7,000, up from $6,000 last year.

A program overview and list of 2015 projects funded are available at www.racc.org/grants.

New mural

State Rep. Shemia Fagan (D-East Multnomah/Clackamas), Free Arts NW, and the Powellhurst-Gilbert Neighborhood Association are teaming up to bring a mural to East Portland on the newly built retaining walls along Southeast 136th Avenue between Mitchell and Raymond streets.

Fagan says the goal of the mural is to represent the various communities in East Portland and embody the aspects of the neighborhood. There’ll be community meetings about the artwork proposal, and ideas also are being accepted at www.eastportlandmural.com.

Portland Bridge Club

The club has joined hundreds of other bridge clubs in a nationwide event, “The Longest Day,” on June 21, to support Alzheimer’s research through raising money by playing in a daylong bridge game.

The American Contract Bridge League, the sanctioning body for the game of bridge, puts on the event and teams up with the Alzheimer’s Association.

“The Longest Day” symbolizes the challenging journey of people living with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers. The Portland Bridge Club members have vowed to play bridge from sunrise to sunset and will offer free lessons to the public.

Team captain Chris Wiegan wants to raise $1,000 for the cause. In two years, bridge clubs have raised more than $1 million for the Alzheimer’s Association.

For info: www.acbl.org.

Calling bad girls

The “Bad Girls Club,” a reality television show in which housemates get testy with one another (to put it mildly) and behave badly, will be holding a casting call in Portland. It’ll be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 13, at Grand Central Bowling Lounge, 808 S.E. Morrison St. Casting directors from Bunim/Murray Productions are looking for “show-stopping” sisters and twins “who are independent, spirited, opinionated, outspoken and endlessly entertaining,” for the new season. The show will bring together a cast of sisters to live in a beautiful mansion.

Bunim/Murray Productions also is the creator of “The Real World” and “Keeping Up With the Kardashians.”

Applicants must bring a recent picture, photo ID and their sister (or sisters). The minimum age to apply is 21. Applications can also be submitted online; see bmpcasting.com/casting/bgc for info.

For more info: www.bunim-murray.com.

New digs

It’s official: Polaris Dance Theatre has moved to a new space in Northwest Portland, at 1826 N.W. 18th Ave., between Thurman and Upshur streets — just blocks from the Pearl District and downtown. It’s a 6,000-square-foot space with 19-foot ceilings. The bigger building will be renovated and will allow for more classes for youths, teens and adults. Polaris resided at 1501 S.W. Taylor St. for six years. For more: polarisdance.org.

The Circus Project also moved and celebrated with a gala on June 4. The 4,200-square-foot space at Northwest 17th Avenue and Pettygrove Street in the Pearl District represents the completion of the first phase of an expansion plan. The company now needs to raise $200,000 by Sept. 30 to expand social circus outreach and support new artistic work. For info: www.thecircusproject.org.

I was a little disappointed with the 2016 Mazda6 the first day I had it. Don't get me wrong, it's a good looking, well designed midsize sedan. And I was pleased to see it was getting good mileage. And it drive just fine, but seemed to lack that certain something from a company whose slogan is "Zoom-Zoom."

Then I noticed the little switch behind the transmission shifter on the console that said SPORT in tiny black letters.

As Homer Simpson would say, "D'oh!"

Flicked into the sport mode, the Mazda6 drove much more like a, well, like a Mazda — quicker and more responsive. Mileage dropped slightly over the next few days, but that's probably because I drove it more aggressively, since it was more fun to drive. The Sport mode for the six-speed automatic is new this year, giving drivers more choices for how they want their car to perform, since it also has a manual shift mode.

Other than that, the 2016 Mazda6 is largely unchanged from last year. My test version was the top-of-the-line Grand Touring version that features special 19-inch wheels, a rear spoiler, leather upholstery, an eight-way power driver seat with power lumbar support, a six-way power passenger seat and driver memory settings.

It also had a GT Technology package that includes an energy capture system called i-Eloop (for "intelligent energy loop") that improves mileage by capturing and storing energy during deceleration, which can then power air-conditioning, lighting and accessories. With that, the Mazda6 was EPA rated at 28 miles per gallon in the city and 40 on the highway, which makes it just about the most economic non-hybrid midsize on the market.

When it comes to style, the Mazda6 looks like a scaled down Jaguar sedan with a long nose and sloping roofline that rises into a subtle rear spoiler. The interior continues the theme, being far more restrained and tasteful than most competitors.

On the road, the Mazda6 has a supple ride that falls between too soft and too hard. Acceleration is smooth and, in the Sport mode, genuinely sporty. The overall feeling is one of nimbleness, making it feel smaller than it actually is.

The 2016 Mazda6 has only a few shortcoming that might make some potential buyers look elsewhere. It only comes with a single engine, a 2.5-liter inline 4. Those lusting for a turbocharged 4 or V6 might be disappointed, even though the available 184 horsepower and 185 foot-pounds of torque were more than adequate for most situations.

In addition, the 7-inch touchscreen is mounted on top of the dash instead of integrated into it, which looks a touch aftermarket. Most potential owners might not mind, however, since even some far more expensive cars, like a number from Mercedes-Benz, are similar.

The midsize sedan market is incredibly competitive these days, with manufacturers introducing all new or completely revised models every few years. That makes practically every one worth looking, but for those who value driving fun, the 2016 Mazda6 should be near the top of the shopping list.

2016 Mazda6

Base price: $24,950.

Price as tested: $33,395.

Type: Midsize sedan.

Engine: 2.5-liter inline 4 (184 hp, 185 lbs-ft).

EPA estimated mileage: 28/40 (as tested).

Overall length: 192.7".

Curb weight: 3,179 to 3,250 lbs (as tested).

Final assembly: Hofu, Japan.

Last week, June 12

“Jurassic World”

This week, June 19

“Inside Out” (Walt Disney), PG, 94 minutes

About — By Pixar and Walt Disney Pictures, it’s the animated story of a happy 11-year-old Midwestern girl who moves to San Francisco. Emotions get the best of her as she tries to adjust to her new city, house and school. Stars — Amy Poehler, Bill Hader, Lewis Black, Mindy Kaling. Director — Peter Docter, Ronaldo Del Carmen.

“Dope” (Open Road), R, 115 minutes

About — Malcolm survives as a geek, and his life takes off on an L.A. adventure. Stars — Shameik Moore, Tony Revolori, Kiersey Clemons, Kimberly Elise. Director — Rick Famuyiwa.

Next week, June 26

“Ted 2”; “Max”; “Big Game”

Home rentals

The latest top 10 digital movie purchases based on transaction rate, by Rentrak:

1. “American Sniper”

2. “Kingsman: The Secret Service”

3. “Whiplash”

4. “The Wedding Ringer”

5. “Interstellar”

6. “Still Alice”

7. “Taken 3”

8. “Jupiter Ascending”

9. “Strange Magic”

10. “Focus”

Other recent favorites: “Mortdecai”; “Top Five”

Doc spotlight

“Batkid Begins”

Watch for the theater showing, DVD or stream of the documentary about the city of San Francisco — and world, with nearly 2 billion people reached through social media on the subject — rallying to help 5-year-old cancer patient Miles Scott, who, thanks to the Greater Bay Area Make-A-Wish Foundation, dressed as “Batkid,” and how and why people rallied to his cause. For more info: www.batkidbegins.com.

Upcoming event

Who doesn’t love movies shown outdoors during warm summer nights? We’ll have more later, but Portland Parks & Recreation’s Movies in the Park begins in early July — with “Despicable Me 2” at Peninsula Park, July 8 — and continues into September. For info: www.portlandoregon.gov/parks.

PSU history professor takes first-hand look at tumultuous period

David A. Horowitz has been teaching history at Portland State University since 1968. Horowitz often would share his own experiences about growing up in America and being on the edge of various social movements with his classes. The anecdotes were so well received that his students encouraged Horowitz to put them down on paper.

Eventually, Horowitz decided to follow his students’ advice. Twelve years later, Horowitz has published his memoir “Getting There: An American Cultural Odyssey.” The memoir is Horowitz’s firsthand account of the tumultuous period between the 1950s and the early 21st century.

Horowitz has lofty goals for “Getting There” ($17.95, $3.99 Kindle, Inkwater Press, 429 pages).

“I’d like to encourage a world view that is not mechanistic in looking at society, that leaves room for mystery and surprise,” Horowitz says. “I want to encourage readers to appreciate some of the wonderful expressive culture that’s come out of American society. I particularly want to influence people whose sympathies are with the progressive communities to appreciate some of the richness of American culture and society and to understand some of those they disagree with.

“I sort of want an inspired view of life. I want people to have a sense of awe ..., not just some negative criticism. People need to keep up hope, because once you retreat into bitterness it’s a complete dead-end. You can’t go there because then you’re completely useless.”

A West Bronx and Long Island, N.Y., native, Horowitz was born into a family of writers.

“Everyone has always been a writer in my family,” Horowitz says. “Both of my parents were writing from when they were children. They were writing musical parodies and skits and theatrical pieces and poetry. They had a play produced Off-Broadway in 1953 that ran in a church basement. It got panned, but they got it on stage.”

Horowitz’s previous writing experience was publishing history books (“America’s Political Class Under Fire: The Twentieth Century’s Great Cultural War”, “The People’s Voice: A Populist Cultural History of Modern America”). Horowitz did have some experience in memoir writing, though.

“Years ago, we brought a speaker into Portland State to speak about writing,” Horowitz says. “He said that people have the most vivid memories from the time they’re between about 8 and 12 years old. He said once you turn 12 you get so self-conscious that your image of yourself interferes with your memory.

“He asked us as a writing exercise to write a page about what we remembered about that time period. That was the time I was growing up in the West Bronx. I started writing it, and I realized he was totally right. I had all these vivid memories. I later published a version of that in the early 1990s in a newsletter that was called ‘Back in the Bronx.’ ”

As he began working on “Getting There” in the summer of 2003, Horowitz began by examining the lives of his parents.

“I had so much material from my parents,” Horowitz says. “My dad had written a typed, unpublished memoir of his entire childhood up until he got married. My mother and father had desk-published poetry. I had my parents’ letters. When I started it, I started thinking, ‘God, my parents’ history is more interesting than my own.’ There was a lot of material on my family history.

“By the time the manuscript was ready to be submitted, I submitted it to one university press in the region and they asked me to cut it by a third. I had to cut out a lot of the family history. There was too much. It was another book. I wound up incorporating some of the family history in flashbacks, though.”

Pair's trip explores Oregon through lens of artisans' work, communities

They decided to take a craft tour of Oregon.

Portland’s Museum of Contemporary Craft curators Nicole Nathan and Namita Gupta Wiggers hit the road to meet new makers and build an exhibit of 21st-century Oregon craft. They brought along a film crew and documented the trip, conducting interviews with artists and capturing footage along the way.

More than 50 works by 15 artists and makers and craft-based companies from the across Oregon are represented in the State of Oregon Craft show, open now at the Museum of Contemporary Craft in the Pearl District. Exhibitors include individual artists and those who belong to guilds and collectives. From traditional craft forms to pieces that upend ideas of what craft can be, it’s all here.

“We pretty much cold-called the artists, but people were so welcoming, even as we descended upon them,” Nathan says.

The craft-hunters wanted to get off the beaten path, to dig into “the dry side” of the state. “We wanted to look at the state as a whole and get out into different places outside the I-5 corridor,” Nathan says. “We also wanted to really investigate place, and the effect that it has on the work.”

They were also keenly interested in how artists share information within their networks. Portland-based sculptor Eric Franklin has a mainly solo studio practice but has 5,000 followers on Instagram, Nathan says. His flameworked glass sculpture of a human skeleton made of Pyrex and filled with luminous krypton gas is being shown for the first time at the show.

Whatever form craft happens to take, “it’s usually based on communities sharing their skills and knowledge with one another,” Nathan says.

A highlight was a trip to Hamley and Co., a heritage leather works store that’s been in Pendleton since 1883.

“We knew that Hamley’s was in Pendleton and that they had been there a long time,” Nathan says. “And that they also have in-store workshops in leather and silver work that are like residencies.”

Parley Pearce, who owns Hamley’s, welcomed them with open arms, Nathan says. Two saddles and a pair of leather chaps made at Hamley’s have a prominent spot in the show.

The team also traveled to Warm Springs, where artist Natalie Kirk lives. A member of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, she is a full-time curator at the Museum at Warm Springs. The day job informs her craft — she doesn’t have time to make materials from scratch — so she uses Walmart yarn and beads to craft small baskets using traditional Plateau methods. A small basket with loops, “Momo’s Wapus” is a very physical manifestation of a mother’s love. It’s made of buckskin, wool yarn and cut-glass beads.

They also visited East Creek Anagama, near the town of Willamina, where ceramics are made in wood-fired kilns modeled after centuries-old kilns from Japan and Korea. Anagama is Japanese for “cave kiln,” and one of the kilns there is the second oldest of its kind in the Western Hemisphere.

“It was intense there,” Nathan says. “The process takes place over a few weeks, and then you stay up all night stoking fires that burn for three days. Seasoned ceramic artists work alongside high school students delving into ceramic studies, and they all come together over food, conversation and the kiln.”

Thirteen East Creek artists are represented in the show.

Studio Art Quilt Associatesis a 3,000-member group focused on the art quilt. Its members are primarily from Sisters and Sunriver. Wendy Hill’s “Autumn Textures” is made of cotton, batting and layers of zippers. SAQA’s other contribution to the show is a swirling, kaleidoscopic force of nature that also happens to be a quilt.

A quilt from the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show leads up to the gallery’s second level. Founded in 1975, the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show is the biggest show of its kind in the world, attended by more than 12,000 people. The quilt is a joyful paean to Central Oregon and depicts the snow-capped Three Sisters mountain range, sunbursts and ponderosa pines.

Craft is funny, too. Brightly glazed ceramic banks — an alligator, a pig — by Mudshark Studios are ready to display on shelves in the well-curated Oregon home. And the immaculately crafted ceramic growlers? That’s about as Oregon as it gets.

Often citied as the fastest-growing sport in North America, pickleball is taking up residence at Hillendale Park in Oregon City, one of the first public courts on the east side of the Willamette River.

Having obtained the approval of the Oregon City Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee, the USA Pickleball Association this weekend will be restriping tennis courts at Hillendale Park to convert them into multiuse courts.

Described as a combination of tennis, badminton and pingpong, the game is played on half of a tennis court with a paddle and a wiffle ball. Although people of all ages have taken up pickleball, many active senior citizens are drawn to the game as it is quick to learn and gentler on the body than tennis.

Oregon City resident Rita Maynard and her husband, Robert Small, have led the effort to bring the sport here. They became hooked on pickleball immediately after being introduced to the sport last year. Finding no local pickleball courts, they put on a well-attended demonstration last year at Clackamas Community College, taping pickleball court lines on the tennis courts. That event gave them momentum to lobby Oregon City Parks and Recreation to transition tennis courts to include pickleball at a city park.

“There is now the ability to have five pickleball courts in active play,” Maynard said. “This is great news as many pickleball enthusiasts enjoy having scheduled play time so they can compete with different players. Pickleball is a sport that welcomes folks at all levels.”

At 9 a.m. Saturday, June 20, the group will launch the new Hillendale Pickleball Park with a free barbecure, prizes, refreshments and gifts. There will be coaches on hand with loaner paddles ready for new enthusiasts to learn the sport.

For more information, contact Tom Widden, pickleball district ambassador, at 503-718-4496, wibblecompany@msn.com, or call Robert Small 503-750-3167.

“J.A.W.Z. The Musical — In 3D” hits the stage at Alberta Rose Theatre the weekend of June 25-28 — the same weekend as the movie “Jaws” showed at the same venue, at 3000 N.E Alberta St., 40 years ago.

The Portland-based production last year played to packed houses at the Alberta Rose, in San Francisco and Hollywood, Calif., and at the Oregon Country Fair in Veneta. The upcoming Alberta Rose dates — 9 p.m. June 25-28, as well as July 2-3 — are being billed as the final encore performances, after three years of the staged comedy farce.

It’s directed by Noah Veil and Jason Wells, and produced by Wells. The Saloon Ensemble are the writers and performers.

Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door. For info:

www.jawzthemusicalin3d.com and www.albertarosetheatre.com.

It’s recommended for people 18 and older.

The Saloon Ensemble has been entertaining crowds for 10 years with original, danceable and comedic musical productions. After its successful “The Nitemare B4 Xmas,” members studied “Jaws,” an all-time favorite of Wells’, and the seven musicians teamed up with actors and director Veil to put the show together for the Clinton Street Theater.

Says a news release: “Then, after four months of rehearsals, costuming, props, choreography, arranging, editing,and memorizing their lines, they birthed this all-original, multidimensional, sing-along-able, live musical-comedy which, though it follows the basic Peter Benchley story to satisfy die- hard fans, takes many unexpected twists and turns for a unique, hysterical and absurd experience of this legendary shark tale. It was a massive hit.”

The run at Alberta Rose and the Oregon Country Fair and in California followed. Now, it’s back.

Talk about a massive music marathon.

An event that started from the Fete de la Musique in Paris and touts music being played in 725 cities around the world, the “Make Music Day” has arrived in Portland, and there’ll be 60 scheduled performances in 15 different venues, encompassing all genres of music — from alternative to bluegrass to classical to zydeco — from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Summer Solstice day, Sunday, June 21. All events are free and open to the public.

The Portland venues: Outdoors — Arbor Lodge Park (1-2 p.m.), Dawson Park (noon-8 p.m.), Director Park (noon-8 p.m.), Eastside Esplanade (noon-5 p.m.), Holladay Park (noon-8 p.m.), McCoy Park (11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.), Market Street Pub (1-7 p.m.), Sellwood Park (noon-8 p.m.). Indoors — Edgefield (1-6 p.m.), The Jazz Salon (5:30-7 p.m.), Monti’s Cafe (1-3:30 p.m.), Music Millennium (11 a.m.-8 p.m.), O’Connor’s Vault (noon-4 p.m.), Portland Piano Company (11 a.m.-6 p.m.), Re:Sound (11 a.m.-5 p.m.). Mass appeal events — Guitar Center in Beaverton (ukulele/harmonic, 1-3 p.m.), Home Depot in Beaverton (Make a Music Instrument Workshop, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.), Pioneer Courthouse Square (ukulele event, 6 p.m.).

Complete information, including a list of musicians taking part, can be found at www.makemusicdaypdx.org.

MISC.

Helium Comedy Club

Jay Mohr appears at the Portland club, at 1510 S.E. Ninth Ave., 8 p.m. Thursday, June 18, and 7:30 and 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, June 19 and 20 ($30-$38). Then, comedian Doug Benson records his podcast live, “Doug Loves Movies,” at 4:20 p.m. Sunday, June 21, at Helium ($22-$28). For info: www.heliumcomedy.com/portland.

Cider Week

A reminder that the fifth annual festival features more than 190 ciders from 49 producers from seven states (including Oregon and Washington) and six countries. There’ll be live music, too.

2 p.m. Friday, June 19, noon Saturday, June 20, The Fields Neighborhood Park, Northwest 10th Avenue/Overton Street, www.cidersummit.com, $30 purchased online, $40 VIP

‘No Boundaries’

A reminder that the Portland Institute of Contemporary Art features an exhibit by Australian Aboriginal abstract painters for the next couple of months.

7 p.m. Saturday, June 20, noon-6:30 p.m. Thursdays-Fridays, noon-4 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays, through Aug. 20, Mason Erhman Building Annex, 467 N.W. Davis St., www.pica.org

Rugged Manic

Care to participate in the 5K Obstacle Race or watch the adventurous racers tackle 25 epic obstacles? It’ll be held at Portland International Raceway, 1940 N. Victory Blvd., again this year, Saturday, June 20. For more:

www.ruggedmaniac.com/events/portland.

MUSIC

Portland Piano International

The Summer Festival honors the artistry and legacy of the late legendary Russian pianist Sviatoslav Richter, with recitals, lectures, films, classes and wellness sessions throughout each day, curated by Arnaldo Cohen, Portland Piano International artistic director.

9 a.m.-10 p.m. Thursday-Sunday, June 18-21, Agnes Flanagan Chapel and other venues, Lewis & Clark

College, 0615 S.W. Palatine Hill Road, www.portlandpiano.org, $20 single recital, $145 one-day pass, $530 full pass (with lodging and meals)

Ed Sheeran

The popular musician stops in Portland on his worldwide tour. Tickets are still available.

7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 20, Moda Center, rosequarter.com, $53.50, $63.50

Music festivals

Chamber Music Northwest puts on its Summer Festival at various venues, June 22 through July 26. For info: cmnw.org. The Oregon Music Festival, featuring symphonies, puts on performances from June 20 through July 1 at multiple locations. For info: www.oregonmusicfest.org.

The Assad Brothers

Sergio and Odair Assad, maybe the most celebrated classical guitar duo in the world, team with Romero Lubambo as they celebrate their 50th anniversary of performing Brazilian music.

7:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 24, Winningstad Theatre, 1111 S.W. Broadway, www.portland5.com, $42

June 19

Missing Lenka

Hailing from Australia, pop singer Lenka has an easy-on-the-ears alto soprano voice that gives shape and form to her cheery straight-to-the-point numbers, the melodic grandchildren of songs popularized by doo-wop outfits, girl groups and Motown. You’ve heard her more than you realize, especially if you’ve watched such shows as “Ugly Betty” and “Grey’s Anatomy,” not to mention the movie “Moneyball,” all three of which have featured her music.

She released a new album “The Bright Side” this month, which features “Blue Skies,” a Yaz-meets-spaghetti-Western melody sure to be a summer theme tune. If you don’t develop a crush on the barista serving you coffee as one of Lenka’s tunes plays in the shop, you probably should turn in your human card.

Lenka, Nick Howard, 9:30 p.m. Friday, June 19, Doug Fir Lounge, 830 E. Burnside St. $15. Info: 503-231-9663, www.dougfirlounge.com.

Ten gallons of Waylon

Portland’s punk-flavored y’all-ternative band The Lonesome Billies sound like a country-western outfit from the late 1950s, making references to Mexico, jail, devils-dressed-as-damsels and Rasputin. Yes, even the famous deranged mystic and Czar Nicholas’ adviser makes his way into one of the band’s tunes.

Puttin’ the honk in honky tonk and the haw in yee-haw, the Lonesome Billies — Clayton McCune (lead vocals, guitar), Jeff Gaither (lead guitar, vocals), Mike Scheidt (bass, vocals) and Glen Scheidt (drums) — haunt the same bar where Johnny Cash and the Flying Burrito Brothers are shooting pool against Whitey Morgan and Sturgill Simpson. This show doubles as a fundraiser for the band’s album.

The Lonesome Billies, Roselit Bone, An American Forrest, 9 p.m. Friday, June 19, Kelly’s Olympian. Free. $15 gets you a poster and digital tune download; $25 gets you all that as well as a 7-inch vinyl record. Info: 503-228-3669, www.kellysolympian.com.

June 20

Just their imaginations

Drew de Man and Brianna Blackbird call themselves Pretend Sweethearts but there’s nothing illusory about the lovely music these two make together. Echoing influences ranging from old-timey folk music, early ‘70s country rock, and the folkier side of the Beatles and Fleetwood Mac, the duo also has drawn comparisons to such contemporaries as Gillian Welch and The Civil Wars.

De Man and Blackbird live in Bolivia with two children, having previously resided in our fair city. Both play guitar and Blackbird is an accomplished pianist.

Meanwhile de Man uses pedal steel guitar to good effect on their first full-length album “Becoming the Tender Animal.” The 11 songs here deliver a rich, meditative listening experience with subtle humor. (How many songwriters are gutsy enough to write this line? “I’m not much of a lover/It’s true ... But I’m sure wanting you.” Now there’s a pickup line).

Pretend Sweethearts, Lewi Longmire, Joe Stevens, 9 p.m. Saturday, June 20, Secret Society Ballroom, 116 N.E. Russell St. $10. Info: 503-493-3600

June 23

Music as a second language

Consisting of Takaakira “Taka” Goto on guitar, Tamaki Kumishi on bass, Yasunori Takada on drums, and Yoda on guitar, the Japanese band MONO have been mastering the fine art of instrumental music since 2000. Combining rock, classical music, noise and shoegaze, for the uninitiated, this is your band if you’re into Radiohead, Pink Floyd, Sonic Youth and Tool.

Mono, Holly Hunt, 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 23, Wonder Ballroom, 128 N.E. Russell St. $13 in advance, $15 at the door. Info: 503-284-8686, www.wonderballroom.com.

Quick hits

• Great White played the Rose Festival. However, they didn’t feature their former lead singer Jack Russell, who tours with a band called Jack Russell’s Great White. So if you want to hear Great White again, but with the original singer, as opposed to Great White again, without the original singer, head down to the Bossanova Ballroom, 722 E. Burnside St., at 8 p.m. Friday, June 19. $25 in advance, $30 day of show, $100 VIP. Info: 503-206-7630, www.bossanovaballroom.com.

• Pinehurst Kids and their rock ‘n’ roll mates The Welfare State join Safari Club for an 8 p.m. show Friday, June 19, at Turn! Turn! Turn! 8 N.E. Killingsworth St. $3. Info: 503-284-6019, www.turnturnturnpdx.com.

• The Red Ride Tour features a collective of Aboriginal musicians from Canada including Tlingit/Aleut artist Silver Jackson, grunge musicians Kristi Lane Sinclair and DJ OC Notes, as well as Seattle band Grey Waves. You can catch them at 9 p.m. Wednesday, June 24, at Dante’s, 350 W. Burnside St. $8. Info: 503-226-6630, www.danteslive.com.

• Portland/L.A. singer-songwriter Bert Sperling combines honky-tonk, pop, British Invasion and indie folk sounds on his new CD “Renaissance,” the release of which he’ll mark by sharing the stage with Hank Sinatra & His Atomic Cowboys, at 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 24, at the Alberta Street Pub,1036 N.E. Alberta St. $5. Info: 503-284-7665, albertastreetpub.com.

• Seattle’s indie folk-popsters Motopony share a bill with Tristen and Big Harp at 9 p.m. Thursday, June 24, at Mississippi Studios, 3939 N. Mississippi St. $12. Info: 503-288-3895, www.mississippistudios.com.

Live music fills the calendar, so make your plans

Summer starts on Sunday, June 21, which means ... outdoor concerts!

Summer means voices and instruments entertaining folks from Troutdale to Portland to the fairs and places beyond.

Here’s a rundown of some of the summer’s hottest onstage action:

McMenamins Edgefield 2126 S.W. Halsey St., Troutdale

It’s the 10th year of Concerts on the Lawn, and it’s already begun. There are tickets remaining to a slew of events, including: Sheryl Crow, Lera Lynn, July 7; Morrissey, July 23; Steve Miller Band, Aug. 4; Pink Martini, Aug. 28-29.

Many events have sold out on the spectacular schedule, including Willie Nelson and Alison Krauss, Wilco and Brandi Carlile. The Decemberists also likely will be sold out, organizers say — but, hey, maybe you know someone with tickets (although Edgefield warns against buying tickets off Craigslist).

Edgefield’s lawn holds

about 5,000 rumps. For info: www.edgefieldconcerts.com.

Main Street fun

Southwest Main Street, between Broadway and Park avenues

Each Wednesday, on the street next to the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, there’ll be a stage set up with entertainers doing their thing at noon and then more at 5 p.m., free to the public.

The Summer Arts on Main Street and Noontime Showcase and the Music on Main Street summer outdoor concert series present:

July 8 — noon Kate Power and Mark Einhorn (quality folk); 5 p.m. The Minus 5

July 15 — noon Unit Souzou Drummers; 5 p.m. Joey Porter’s Tribute to Stevie Wonder

July 22 — noon Pendulum Aerial Arts; 5 p.m. The Shanghai Woolies

July 29 — noon Marti Mendenhall (jazz); 5 p.m., 3 Leg Torso

Aug. 5 — noon Hot Club of Hawthorne (jazz/swing); 5 p.m. Melao de Cuba

Aug. 12 — noon JT Wise Band; 5 p.m. Freak Mountain Ramblers

Aug. 19 — no noon or 5 p.m. shows

Aug. 26 — noon The Beat Goes On (marching band); 5 p.m. Brothers and Sisters

Sept. 2 — noon Beacock Music Swing Band; 5 p.m. Jujuba

For more: www.portland5.com.

Noon Tunes

Pioneer Courthouse Square

The 24th season of free concerts, curated by 101.9 KINK-FM, doesn’t start until mid-July, but plan to hear any of the following during the lunch hour (noon to 1 p.m.): Jeremy Wilson, July 15; Shoebox Letters, July 17; Lilla, July 22; Matt Brown, July 24; Ashleigh Flynn, July 29; John Thayer, July 31; Lincoln’s Beard, Aug. 5; Dresses, Aug. 7; Jared Evers, Aug. 12; Hawks Do Not Share, Aug. 14.

For info: www.thesquarepdx.org.

Concerts in the Park

Portland parks

The sheer number of concerts and the variety of performers make the Portland Parks & Recreation annual concert series one of the city’s must-do activities. It’s part of the parks’ Summer Free For All, and all concert info can be found at www.PortlandParks.org.

All concerts begin at 6:30 p.m.

Here’s an educated guess on some of the better concerts at each park:

Sellwood Riverfront — Chervona, July 6; Mount Tabor — Lisa Mann and Her Really Good Band, July 28; Columbia Park Annex — The Quadraphonnes, July 21; Kenton — Norman Sylvester Band, Aug. 4; McCoy — Andy Stokes, Aug. 25; Dawson — Pilon D’Azucar Band, July 29; Willamette — Darrell Grant, July 8; Ventura — Obo Addy Legacy Project: Okropong, Aug. 26; Wallace — Karen Lovely, July 16; Glenhaven — Vagabond Opera, July 16; Berrydale — Tony Starlight, Aug. 6; Couch — Lloyd Jones, Aug. 13; Fernhill — Hank Shreve Band, July 10; Lovejoy Fountain — Curtis Salgado, Aug. 14; Unthank — Melao De Cuba, July 12.

There’ll also be independent concerts by the Portland Festival Symphony, 6 p.m. July 25 (Cathedral), Aug. 1 (Laurelhurst), Aug. 2 (Peninsula) and Aug. 8 (Grant).

The big park event is the Washington Park Summer Festival, featuring: Brass Ops, Aug. 7; Operarama in the Park, Aug. 8; Portland Festival Symphony, Aug. 9; Reggie Houston’s Crescent City Connection, Aug. 10; Johnny Limbo & The Lugnuts, Aug. 11; The Many Colors of Edna Vazquez, Aug. 12; Tizer Quartet, Aug. 13; “Grease” the movie, Aug. 14.

Oregon State Fair

Salem

Musical lineup for the 150th Oregon State Fair: Everclear, Aug. 28; Gary Allan, Aug. 29; Becky G, Aug. 30; Gabriel Iglesias, Aug. 31; Vince Gill, Sept. 1; Casting Crowns, Sept. 2; Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo, Sept. 3; Jerrod Nieman, Sept. 4; Eric Burdon & The Animals, Sept. 5; Dan & Shay, and Kelsea Ballerini, Sept. 7.

For more: www.oregonstatefair.org.

Among other fair concert highlights: Flo Rida will be at the Washington County Fair,

July 31 (bigfairfun.com); Kansas (Aug. 7) and Montgomery Gentry (Aug. 9) are two acts at the Clark County Fair (www.clarkcofair.com).

Oregon Zoo

4001 S.W. Canyon Road

There are some sold-out shows, including Chicago on June 21 and “Weird Al” Yankovic in September, but there are tickets available for most shows: The B-52s, June 27; Indigo Girls, July 11; Bruce Hornsby and The Noisemakers, July 24; Mavis Staples (and others), July 25; John Butler Trio, July 26; Emmylou Harris/Rodney Crowell, July 31; Ziggy Marley, Aug. 8; Trampled By Turtles, Aug. 15; Chris Isaak, Aug. 22; Peter Frampton/Cheap Trick, Aug. 27; “A Prairie Home Companion,” Aug. 28; Huey Lewis and the News, Aug. 29.

For info: www.zooconcerts.com.

Maryhill Winery

9774 Highway 14, Goldendale, Wash.

It’s a popular out-of-the-city destination — and it also has wine! The venue books free concerts, 1-5 p.m. each Saturday and Sunday through September. Upcoming shows: Brian Copeland Band, June 28; Sara Jackson Holman, July 19; Karen Lovely Band, Aug. 1 and 28. For info: www.maryhillwinery.com.

Amphitheater Northwest

17200 N.E. Delfel Road, Ridgefield, Wash.

Technically it’s outdoors, but it can be indoors during bad weather. This year promises another stellar summer lineup, including: Van Halen, July 7; Zac Brown Band, July 12; Train, July 24; Aerosmith, July 28; Fall Out Boy/Wiz Khalifa, Aug. 1; Kid Rock, Sept. 4; Tim McGraw, Sept. 5; Def Leppard, Sept. 17.

For info: www.sleepcountryamphitheater.com.

Waterfront Blues Festival

Waterfront Park

And we can’t forget about the Waterfront Blues Festival, maybe Portland’s ultimate summer concert. It’ll feature the likes of Buddy Guy, Gregg Allman and Macy Gray, July 2-5 (www.waterfrontbluesfest.com).

Red Yarn, an irrepressible star of the independent family music scene, will host two Father’s Day concerts on Sunday, June 21, at The Old Church in Portland.

These highly interactive all-ages shows each feature special musical guests and a full band, plus Red Yarn’s suitcase full of puppets, to celebrate the release of Red Yarn’s second album of all-ages acoustic Americana music, “Deep Woods Revival.”

Tickets ($8 advance, $10 door; babies in arms are free) for the 3:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. performances are available now via BrownPaperTickets.com. The Old Church is located at 1422 S.W. 11th Ave. in downtown Portland.

Red Yarn, aka Andy Furgeson, burst on the “kindie” music scene with his collection of animal-themed folk songs, “The Deep Woods,” in fall 2013. In live performances, the ginger-bearded Red Yarn shares adventures with his critter friends, entrancing toddlers and delighted parents and grandparents with his folksy, interactive style. His energetic musical puppet shows reinvigorate American folklore for younger generations.

He likes nothing better than getting the whole family to sing and play along with his music. Since 2008, Red Yarn has collected American folk songs about animals, built puppets and performed for family audiences.

With “Deep Woods Revival,” Furgeson adapts songs from the great American folk music song bag. Guest artists on “Deep Woods Revival” include luminaries of Portland’s music scene, including Laura Veirs and Scott McPherson.

Adam Seltzer produced the album at Type Foundry studio in Portland. Even Grammy-winning, Hudson Valley-based producer Dean Jones adds to the rich sonic experience. The Deep Woods Choir, composed of dozens of voices from Portland’s family music scene as well as Red Yarn fans, backs up several tracks.

The album will be available from Red Yarn Productions and various retailers on June 23.

A vinyl edition also will debut this summer.

Visit redyarnproductions.com and Red Yarn’s Facebook page for the latest information, and catch a Red Yarn concert virtually by visiting his YouTube channel.

Sara Tetreault grows padrón peppers in her Mount Tabor backyard garden — the kind you can put over a fire, blister till they bubble, and then just eat by the mouthwatering handful.

She has rows of apple trees and raspberries, blueberries and strawberries, tomatoes and arugula, basil, dill and lettuce.

That’s nothing special in her neighborhood and others throughout Portland, where “we have all these artists, artisans and backyard growers,” she says.

But while it’s commonplace in Portland to put a bunch of extra zucchini out front with a “free” sign on it, there’s no other way for everyday folks to share or sell or trade their food-related goods — short of being a vendor at a farmer’s market.

That’s why Tetreault co-founded Just Freshy, an online marketplace that launched in Portland two months ago with a groundswell of support from neighbors, farmers and other local artisans and growers (justfreshy.com).

She and co-founder Chris Holland see it as a combination of the best parts of Craigslist and Etsy, the latter that features handmade goods like artwork, jewelry, clothing and furniture for sale.

“We’re total believers in the sharing economy,” says Tetreault, who has traveled at least 10 times with her husband and two kids, 16 and 18, by house-swapping. “We all have these resources right in our homes. Why not share our talents, share our gifts, share what’s cooking. It’s all readily available. Why not leave big companies out of the loop?”

Both Tetreault and Holland are fans of Craigslist and Etsy, but see Just Freshy as filling the gap in between. “Craigslist is (selling) used items,” Holland says. “We’re about items grown or crafted by hand.”

And while Etsy is about handmade goods, that business model charges a seller fee. Just Freshy does not.

Etsy also involves shipping of goods from seller to buyer. Just Fresh does not. Its micro-local approach lets users arrange their own pickups as well as search by ZIP code, so they make connections with like-minded neighbors and walk down the block to pick up some raw honey and fresh eggs rather than drive to a store.

Users can create a wish list and be alerted every time their favorite seller posts something for sale or trade.

Two months in, there’s a bounty of food items for sale: strawberry honey in Beaverton listed for $5; arugula seeds from Portland for trade; pasteurized, organic chicken eggs from Lake Oswego for trade; fresh organic horseradish for $7; and wheat beer from Portland for trade.

There’s homemade shortbread cookies, fresh goat milk, raw honey, vegetable starts, sourdough starter, kefir grains and kombucha starter, called SCOBY (symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast).

The homemade, non-edible items include crocheted scarves, woodwork plaques, handcrafted birdhouses and goat feeders, candles, goat milk soap and more.

“Listing stuff like that, it’s kind of a no-brainer,” says Tetreault, who’s written about clean food, recipes and green living on her food blog, Go Gingham, for the past five years.

Holland, a former investment manager who lives in the small community of Bath, Pa., tends to Just Freshy full-time.

He says the site will always remain free to sellers and buyers, but they’ll be exploring ways to monetize it in the future. He and Tetreault say if it takes off in Portland, they’d love to see it expand to other cities.

“I just come from a family of gardeners,” Holland says. “My wife and I just got to a point where we had 300 cucumbers, but our tomatoes wouldn’t ripen. What could we do with our cucumbers? We love Craigslist, but it’s such a vast amount of stuff there. Things can get missed. We thought it would be great if there was an online destination where people could list things they grow locally or craft with their hands.”

After a year in development and now the Portland launch, he imagines that when it spreads to other cities, it’ll be like sharing a little bit of Portland culture with the world.

“We’re just really excited,” Holland says, “I feel like it’s something people will

appreciate.”

@jenmomanderson

The 2016 Acura MDX was chosen Best Premium Utility Vehicle at this year's annual Mudfest outdoor vehicle competition conducted by the Northwest Automotive Press Association. As the name of the event implies, that's because it was pretty capable of going off road, thanks to its option Super Handling-All Wheel Control all-wheel-drive system.

But the MDX also won because it aced the on-road portion of the competition with decent acceleration, a stable ride, and surprisingly good handling, considering that it can hold seven passengers in its three row of seats. It is also remarkably quiet at all speeds.

On paper, the MDX shouldn't be this good. Acura, the luxury brand of Honda, makes nice vehicles but they are not as sophisticated as those by Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz. And the MDX only comes with one engine, a 3.5-liter V6. Other manufacturers offer turbocharged and even diesel options.

On top of that, the standard nine-speed transmission in my top-of-the-line test model had an overly complicated gear selector system that featured buttons that had to be pushed and pulled. It was less than intuitive and still uncomfortable to use after a week of driving. A dial selector would have been easier.

But the bottom line is, everything else about the 2016 MDX is incredibly well designed and put together. The exterior styling is contemporary without being attention seeking, the interior is cleanly laid out and benefits from dual display screens that reduce the number of knobs and buttons, and the fit of the numerous inside components is as good as more expensive brands, even if there is more plastic than in some of them.

And although there's only one engine, its 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque is more than enough for most situations, including getting up to freeway speeds and easily passing long trucks.

Like most vehicles with three rows of seats, the last one is relatively small and hard to reach. It is bet used by children who don't mind scrambling in between the second row to reach it. But it will work in a pinch for adults, and can be easily folded down to increase the cargo space when needed.

Like any true luxury vehicle, the base 2016 MDX still includes a lot of features and it can be heavily optioned. Our test version came with both Advance and Entertainment packages that included collision warning system and a DVD player with a 16.2 inch screen for the last two row of seats.

Upscale Japanese brands like Acura, Infiniti and Lexus are getting squeezed from all sides these days. Non-luxury American brands like Chevy and Dodge are making good crossovers with premium touches. So are mainstream Japanese brands like Honda, Nissan and Toyota, which ironically own the upscale brands. And so are the South Korean companies. On top of that, European luxury companies are starting to offer lower priced vehicles to lure less wealthy buyers.

So the fact that the MDX sells in large numbers is a sign of just how much it has to offer. That and its recognition at the 2015 Mudfest, of course.

2016 Acura MDX

Base price: $42,865

Price as tested: $58,000

Type: Four-door, seven-passenger, all-wheel drive midsize hatchback

Engine: 3.5-liter V6

EPA estimated mileage: 27 city/36 highway

Length: 193.6 inches

Curb weight: 4,332 pounds (as tested)

Final assembly: Lincoln, Alabama