The big boat is taking a rest. But not a rest from quality curation. They have gathered a show of work from Springfield Oregon's Ditch Projects, a countrified art warehouse space. Ditch maintains a dialog with Portland, including with Rocksbox, and now they have a show at the Labrador themed on the late life of a 1960-1970's-era musician and band.
Ditch artists Mike Bray, Isami Ching, Brooks Dierdorff, Surabhi Ghosh, Nika Kaiser, Donald Morgan, Jack Ryan and Jesse Sugarmann present Dumb Angel.
Pop music takes no prisoners. An example is Dennis Wilson, inspiration for the show. Dennis Wilson was a member of a band, the Beach Boys. He acted in a film, Two Lane Blacktop, a paean to America's highways and drag racing when gasoline was $.28 a gallon. He died 30 years ago. The title also references The Smile Sessions, a sprawling, indulgent, but ultimately doomed recording project by the Beach Boys band.
Recommended. At the 12128 Labrador Project http://www.12128boatspace.com/ It's moored by Fred's Marina 12900 NW Marina Way, Portland. Map More detailed directions, don't get lost, on the website. 7PM-10 Free
The Seed Building holds its annual open house tonight. It is one of Portland's largest working artist studio spaces. Well worth a visit to see artists in situ. There are over 50 studios in three buildings connected by a warren of stairways and corridors. There is a freight elevator, but not sure the building is entirely wheelchair accessible. Not sure if River Studios down the street is open too. Just ask. At the North Coast Seed Studios www.pdxseedstudios.com 2127 N Albina 4PM-10 Free