Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Portland observer. (Portland, Or.) 1970-current | View Entire Issue (Oct. 28, 1987)
Page4, Portland Observer October 28 1987 F 4» I EE Act One by Ken Covington Andy Stokes: Straight From the Soul You hear a muffled throb through the bedroom door. Laying a careful hand on the doorknob, you turn it ever so slowly and push it open. A little brown skinned boy is in the mirror with his eyes shut, clutching an empty toilet roll, adolescent but soulful notes escape from this little manchild bayba, baaayba," he sings from somewhere deep in his youthful soul. dreamed that music would be what I do for a living. If you'd have asked me that very same question even five years ago, it would have been a totally different answer." Andy migrated to Portland five years ago on a football scholarship from Mt. Hood College. Back then his one and only dream was to play professional football with the elite players of the NFL. Upon his arrival in the Rose City, a transitional period was to take place above and beyond the expectations of Mr. Stokes "I was just a simple country boy, so, when I arrived here, it was a real culture shock —socially, verbally and most of all mentally." "Portland has really shown me a lot since I've been here. I like to think that the city and I have grown together." Andy was really not much different from your normal collegiate ath lete: when not in class or at practice — an avid party animal. Andy s favo rite place to hang then was at a Beaverton night spot known as The Chase" where his love of music had him usually around the DJ's booth where he used to sing along with the records being played. As Andy sang, some of the clientele listened along with the DJ, who one night put on a record and handed Andy the mike. When the song was over, the crowd went crazy and a star was born. I first ran across Andy when he was with "Lights Out" back in the rodeo days. Then Andy was good, in my opinion, with a nice distinctive tenor range and knew how to sing a song. Now, Andy is awesome and does anything from originals to standards in his own style, his own timing, his own way. His style is soulful and seems to come straight from his heart. Aside from singing, he has become a seasoned entertainer and often brings the crowd to a screaming frenzy with his smooth steps, style and delivery. As much as his singing is responsible for this, let's not forget that he is a member of Portland's number one dance band, "Cool R", that keeps the clubs packed and the people jammin'. A lot of people remember Cool 'R when they first hit Portland night spots and figure that they might have seen the band's show. But I m here to tell you that even expensive wine that's good from the start even gets better with time, and Cool 'R is hotter than ever. How could they lose with a vocalist like Andy Stokes serving those lyrics with "M o' than a li’l bit o' soul". Check it out for yourself, and good luck to Andy and all the members of Cool 'R from the Portland Observer. It's H a llo w e e n -L e t's Party! « « 1 Photo by Richard J Brown Andy Stokes. Then he turns to the stereo speaker to his left and yells, "Take it, fellas! And the tiny bedroom is filled to overflowing with sound from the golden age of Motown. The scenario you have just read is true and taken from the pages of "The Life of Andy Stokes", a book written and stored in the mind of the author of the same name. It's a story started some twenty-odd years ago in a tiny town in Virginia known as Danville (pronounced Day-en-vio by the residents). Back then," says Andy, "I used to just pretend for the sake of pre tending. As much as I loved music, and you had to in our house, I never For a Halloween party that's safe and fun, look no further than Port land Parks and Recreation. Children ages 4 to 7 can join the Happy Halloween Happening at MATT DISHMAN COMMUNITY CENTER, 77 NE Knott, to make cookies and pumpkin pins and to decorate pumpkins. The Happening takes place October 29 from 3:30 to 5 p.m. The fee is $2.00. Come in costume to the Halloween party at FULTON PARK COMMU NITY CENTER, 68 SW Miles. There will be crafts, games, witches' brew, and monster puffs for children ages 2 % to 5. The party is October 30 from 3 30 to 5 p.m. The fee is $3.00. The Halloween party at UNIVERSITY PARK COMMUNITY CENTER, 9009 N. Foss, offers special treats, games, and face-painting. Wear your favorite costumer if you choose. The party takes place October 30 from 3:45 to 4:30 p.m. for preschoolers through age 7 (children 5 and under need to be accompanied by an adult), 4:30 to 5:30 for ages 8 to 12. The fee is 50$ or a can of food. The Pumpkin Party at GREGORY HEIGHTS COMMUNITY SCHOOL, 7334 NE Siskiyou, features crafts, games, prizes, and snacks for costumed revelers ages 4 to 7. The party is October 30 from 3.30 to 5 p.m. The fee is $4.00. Attention All Lovers of Good Entertainment! My number one recommendation for fun from tonight through this weekend is at the Shanghai Lounge down on the waterfront. The group "H ot Lunch", alias "The Funk Specialists , specializing in hard core funk and just good dance music, will only be here through Satur day; so go early to ensure good seats and avoid the long lines I saw wrap ped around the club last weekend. This group is one of the best lounge acts (should be concert bands) I have seen in all my years in entertainment. Originating from Denver, Colorado, the group delivers tight, five-part harmony plus outstanding lead vocals and instrumentation that will surely satisfy any one’s entertainment needs. Their repertoire includes old standards like "M y Girl by The Tempta tions all the way to Janet Jackson's "Pleasure Principle". Now, let me make it clear that even though the copy tunes are tight and sound good or better than the original record, it's the original music that's laid down that lets you know that this 6-piece band means business. There's no way you would ever guess that they've only been together for 15 months. Band leader Louie Chavez says, "Man, the tightness you see and hear on stage comes from the inside. We're all from the ghetto and know a lot about not just music but where music really comes from.' Do yourself a favor and catch some rising stars. You may even want to buy their new 12-inch single, if there are any left. You know how much we all like a "H ot Lunch". Catlin Gabel Rummage Sale This year's Catlin Gabel Rummage Sale is located at the Multnomah County Exposition Center, near Jantzen Beach. Sale times and dates are Friday, November 6, 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.; Saturday, November 7, 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.; and Sunday, November 8, 10:00 a m. to '3.00 p.m. On Thursday, November 5, there is a special Pre-Sale from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. (25% mark-up). Admission is free. African American Male Forum The African American Male Forum will commence monthly meetings starting November 4, 1987. The group was organized to promote culture through seminars, lectures, and forums; and proposes to assist youth in character development and to build a strong economic base. The initial event is scheduled for 7 p.m., at 828 N. Killingsworth. Those interested can obtain additional information by calling 289-4915. hey L4RG Jaycees' Haunted House 31 NW FIRST The Portland Jaycees are sponsoring a Haunted House from October 24 through October 31, 1987. The Haunted House is located at Clackamas Town Center and will be open from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. the 24th throught the 29th and 7 p.m. to midnight October 30th and 31st. The cost is $2.00 per person and the proceeds will benefit many impor tant causes such as Camp Opportunities For Abused Children. with coupon only *Javezn 818 N.E. Dekum St., Portland sov) 1 FREE Pool dr Dart Game Hot Dogs 3/$1.00 if you bring a friend with this coupon only Join us for DARTS - MUSIC - GAMES No true cash value. You must be 21 yrs. of age or over We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone. 983-9919 NIGHTLY ENTERTAINMENT Monday-October 26-^ues A«ey" 6pm-8pm DAVE STEWART TRIO Monday-October 26 _ the boys next door Tuesday-October 27 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I -J THIN M A N Wednesday-October 28 groove co . Thursday-October 29 dang hummers Friday & Halloween-October 30 & 31 DADA NEROS ROME Sunday-November 1 BILL ROADES A THE PARTY KINGS W hat's Hot - W hat's New? The All New Come Try Our Outrageous Dinner: Stuffed Round Steak American Southern M 50 Food is very new and featured . at Tiffany II 4 Leisure Curl gives you the versatility of a curl and the look of a relaxer. Indonesian Pork M 50 Chicken Gumbo. Creole »3.50 $65 00 Terriakki Chicken Japanese *3 50 Canadian Hot Dog »1.50 /« Hot Dog With Chili »2.00 m HAS IT Kulbassy Sausage »2.00 3133 N.E. Prescott Sausage With Chili »2 50 J.B.'s Paradise Room 3530 N. Vancouver Ave. P o rtlan d 's L arg est D an ce Floor Phone: 235-0027 A dvance T ickets on S a le Now! U sual O utlets Tiffany's II 288-1196 287-6557 Mondays — 12-5 • Tues. Sat. - 9 5 Will accept late appts.