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June 7, 2019
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
One of the online journals I follow on a regular basis is Daily Good. In my job, because I work with so many nonprofits fighting the good fight, I'm often acutely aware of how much evil exists in this world. Reading the Daily Good is a much-needed antidote. Today's message centered on "what/how do you want to be when you grow up?". As a child of the fifties and the sixties, born in the Bible Belt and to a fundamentalist Christian family, I was supposed to be a wife and mother when I grew up. If I wanted a career, choices were limited. I could be a teacher or a nurse, maybe a secretary, but I wasn't pretty enough to be an actress or a stewardess. "Being" consisted of the job or work I might have, not at all how I wanted to live in this world.
Fortunately for our species, the younger generations--the millennials and whatever comes next--measure success not in terms of how much money they make or how big and fast a car they drive, but in whether or not they are living authentic lives centered in the present moment. Their concern for the future extends far beyond their own lives and most seem willing to face what it takes for our species to survive longer than a few generations.
I'm not sure what it takes to teach that "how to be" is more important that "what to be." Everything still seems geared towards success being measured in terms of "best" or "most." Goodness knows, we hear that all the time from #45. Everything is looked at through that lens, whether it be a piece of chocolate cake or the crowd size at an inaugural. I, myself, get down on myself when I have low attendance at events or I'm juggling/struggling to pay bills at the end of each month. I need to remember that it's not size that counts. I'm amazed all the times when folks show up for something at the Clinton and somehow something transformative happens. It might be someone new they meet, a conversation with an old friend, encountering an entirely new way to think about something, feeling drawn to a cause and finding a purpose in life.
We are all such beautiful and complex beings, and allowing ourselves to push our boundaries opens up such wonderful possibilities. This week, in addition to doing the "what," let's all focus on the "how," and move through our lives with integrity, fearless, resilient, vulnerable, open.
For Keeps
Joy Harjo - 1951-
When the milk is sour,
it separates.
Sun makes the day new.
Tiny green plants emerge from earth.
Birds are singing the sky into place.
There is nowhere else I want to be but here.
I lean into the rhythm of your heart to see where it will take us.
We gallop into a warm, southern wind.
I link my legs to yours and we ride together,
Toward the ancient encampment of our relatives.
Where have you been? they ask.
And what has taken you so long?
That night after eating, singing, and dancing
We lay together under the stars.
We know ourselves to be part of mystery.
It is unspeakable.
It is everlasting.
It is for keeps.
MARCH 4, 2013, CHAMPAIGN, ILLINOIS
WHAT'S HAPPENING THIS WEEK
FIRE Ten Minute Play Festival
We've got three more performances of what is easily the best entertainment in Portland for the least amount of money. Can you believe that tickets are only $5?! Monkey With a Hat On, the production company that puts on this hysterically funny playfest three times a year, has a mission to bring live theater to everyone. You, you, you and me--we all need to be with friends and cut up and laugh whenever we can or else we would die from crying in the face of the continual assault on our rights and freedom.
Come experience human's first pre-historic spark, an urgent 911 call that goes terribly wrong, a seemingly innocent landlady interviewing potential tenants, a couple fighting while trying to evacuate a wildfire, the dark backstory of a man facing a firing squad, the love between a moth and a lamp, a fire station that doesn't take life too seriously, and what it takes for a demon to get ahead in corporate America.
Doors at 6pm, show at 7pm this Friday, Saturday and Sunday, June 7 - 9. This play fest sells out every time, so ADVANCE TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE ONLINE.
I don't know much about hockey, but I watched this documentary last weekend, and while I still don't know much about how the game is played (except there's a big difference in how it is played in Canada and Russia), I loved the intrigue involved in bringing these players to the United States, I rooted for the Red Wings time and time again as they kept getting shut down by the Colorado Avalanche, I cheered for their subsequent Stanley Cup wins, and I cried when tragedy struck the team.
Whether or not you like hockey, this is an engaging documentary from start to finish. Saturday, June 8 @ 2pm. Tickets $8 suggested.
ON THE LIST: Bird Walk / Music Talk
Sunday, June 9 @ 2pm. This fundraiser for the Portland Audubon Society consists of three 22-minute episodes of the TV show "On the List: Bird Walk / Music Talk" with Freddy Trujillo, a Portland resident who is both a musician and an avid birder. The three episodes feature Portland artists Curtis Salgado, Jenny Conlee from The Decemberists, and Willy Vlautin.
 
We continue our Pride Month Resistance screenings with Gus Van Sant's debut feature. This this independent, low-budget comedy-drama based on an autobiographical novel by Walt Curtis was produced on black-and-white 16 mm film for only $25,000.
Of all Van Sant's movies, Mala Noche is the rawest, most personal, and least freighted. It's the one fans should see for the simplest inkling into Van Sant's complex artistic roots.
Wesley Morris, Boston Globe
Our nonprofit partner is Triangle! Productions, a theater company that exists to entertain and educate through the celebration and presentation of contemporary live theater, and to promote diversity and acceptance through the presentation of accessible, high-quality productions addressing a broad range of social and political issues.
Monday, June 10 @ 7pm. FREE, please consider making a donation to Triangle! Productions.
Tuesday, June 11 @ 7pm. $10-20 suggested donation; no one turned away for lack of funds.
Presented by Portland Psychedlic Society, this month's speaker series gives YOU the opportunity to bring your questions, your experiences, and your psychedelics-curious friends and family for this open exploration session about psychedelic medicines. Portland Psychedelic Society leaders Valis Sim, Joe Eaton and Elizabeth Price will discuss guides, trip sitting, microdosing, macrodosing, different medicines, how to stay safe, and everything in between!
This event is for education and harm reduction only - no illegal activity will be tolerated!
MY WONDERFUL WEST BERLIN
For PRIDE Month, the Portland German Festival Monthly Series presents this documentary that recounts the lives and struggles of gay men in West-Berlin. Through present-day scenes and never before seen archival footage, a fascinating picture emerges of a city that today characterizes itself as a dream destination and place of refuge for gays.
Wednesday, June 12 @ 7pm. Tickets are $8 students/seniors, $10 general admission.
NW Documentary's D.I.Y. Docs
Thursday, June 13 @ 7pm. Tickets $5.
NW Documentary believes that stories create community. D.I.Y. Docs is a 2-times-annual event showcasing a series of varied documentary shorts produced by students in NW Documentary workshops & emerging local filmmakers & artists. Join us in sharing & celebrating local community, art, & storytelling! Stick around for a filmmaker Q&A following the screening.
COMING SOON
Clinton Street Resistance Series: BUT I'M A CHEERLEADER, June 17; DESERT HEARTS, June 24.
Foreplay is for sissies! Real men go in, unload and pull out!
Oregon State International Film Festival was founded by film enthusiasts teaching international cinemas at Oregon State University. OSIFF presents award-winning films from across the globe, many of which premiere at Berlinale, Cannes, and Sundance, and it's coming to the Clinton on June 14 & 15. Two screenings each day--one a shorts collection and one a feature. Go to our website for detailed information about each screening.
Shorts Program 1 on Friday, June 14 @ 7pm--Contemplation
Feature Program on Friday, June 14 @ 9:30--FLESH CITY
Shorts Program 2 on Saturday, June 15 @ 6pm--Agitation
Feature Program 2 on Friday, June 15 @ 8pm--WILD HEART
How many Pride movies can you watch at the Clinton in June? New indie feature INTO THE MIRROR is Friday, June 21 @ 7pm, cult classic THE ADVENTURES OF PRISCILLA, QUEEN OF THE DESERT is Saturday, June 22 @ 8pm.
The Worst Idea of All Time is coming back to Portland on Wednesday, June 26! Guy and Tim have been watching and reviewing Sex and The City: The Movie twice a week for close to six months and we want to see you as we approach the home stretch. Our brains are mush, but our hearts are open. Catch the Frosty Fellas in the room with a special screening that’s not to be missed.
Meet the iconic Tramp character who conquered the world with his comic antics. Charlie Chaplin was the first truly global superstar, drawing crowds in the tens of thousands wherever he traveled. This entertaining and informative presentation by Dan Kamin will be illustrated with rare and fascinating images, music and pristine restored film from the period, including Chaplin’s blockbuster war comedy Shoulder Arms, released while World War One was still raging. Don’t miss this excursion into the public and private worlds of the comic legend whose films still make audiences roar with laughter. ONE NIGHT ONLY--July 6th!!
Local-produced indie Feature ZILLA AND ZOE has a 3-day run in July! ZILLA AND ZOE started with a script that was quarterfinalist in Francis Ford Coppola's Zoetrope Screenwriting Contest and now filmed has turned into a movie that critics say "has the potential to become a classic family film" and "is a great first effort from a director ...of creativity and talent with …potential for future success". In the film, 10-year old Zoe is obsessed with making horror films. Sound familiar?
We only have less than a dozen pics on our instagram account, and we used to have more than 1,000. It's a sad tale of loss and betrayal, too long and ugly to share here, but our Intagram account was hijacked (twice), and we've lost all of our photos and followers. If you've ever shared pics of the Clinton Street Theater and our events or you want to share some now, the new official instagram account is cst_pdx. Thanks.
Another group in town is using Portland Underground Film Festival in its name, but DON'T BE FOOLED BY IMITATIONS!!! Since its inception in 2004, the Portland Underground Film Festival has been part of the fabric of the Clinton Street Theater. We do not charge a fee for submissions and our tickets for the festival are "pay what you can." We don't focus on horror, grindhouse, or whatever genre "gross-out" might be, although we always have one or two shorts programs that focus on these gory gems. Our primary intent is to honor those films that excel in pushing the boundaries of the cinematic arts to create a new audio-visual language. SUBMISSIONS ARE OPEN NOW, and the true PUFF is coming the weekend of October 17 to 20.
I'm proud to announce that this year the Clinton Street Theater is one of the Pickles sponsors! Never heard of the Pickles? Go to the website and find out more!
Going to the coast this weekend?
Just one more reason to spend the day there....it's the 55th Annual Sandcastle Contest in Cannon Beach on June 8th. Contest starts at 9:30AM. Cars off the beach by 3PM. Live Music 7PM Bonfire 8PM-10PM.
The 2019 Portland Pride Waterfront Festival takes place at Tom Mcall Waterfront Park Saturday, June 15 and Sunday, June 16. The Pride Parade kicks off at 11am on Sunday, June 16. Come cheer our own Clinton Street Cabaret as they strut their stuff on the streets of downtown Portland and visit their booth at the festival.
Celebrate the 35th annual Tigard Festival of Balloons June 21-23, 2019!
Every day I feel is a blessing from God. And I consider it a new beginning. Yeah, everything is beautiful.
— Prince
Don't be a stranger. Come see us soon.
Kind regards,
Lani Jo
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