Page4, Portland Observer October 28 1987
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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!
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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
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the boys next door
Tuesday-October 27
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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
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Tues. Sat. - 9 5
Will accept late appts.