[March 5th, 2008]

Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall. Verily, our improving Blazers team has hit a rough patch: The team is mired in a losing streak, GM Kevin Pritchard couldn’t quite swing a trade for Jason Kidd, and last week All-Star guard Brandon Roy sat out an L.A. road trip with a severe ankle sprain.

But look: a glorious light! It is Greg Oden , and he comes crowned with an inspirational Mohawk. The central ridge of hair points his teammates forward; the thinly cropped sides allow him increased ability to hear the encouragement of the crowd (and his favorite animal companion, Charles Barkley McLovin). In a time of crisis, he has taken guidance from the original Mohawked Messiah, Mr. T —a hero with his own art show opening this Thursday night. (See Queer Window.)

Oden’s old-school coif has even caught the eye of Sen. Barack Obama : When Oden endorsed the presidential frontrunner in a two-minute phone call last week, Obama “said he wasn’t feeling my Mohawk,” Oden reported on his blog. “I laughed and explained to him that it’s just a haircut to me.”

But it’s not just a haircut, as Barack Obama understands full well. It’s hope. It’s change. It’s that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of the Blazers franchise in three simple words—yes we can. And if we spread that haircut from head to head, we Portlanders can be the change we seek. We simply ask these local leaders to take the first, brave clip.

Greg Oden: The first-drafted NBA baller is also the first to sport the Prohawk , and believe in its power.

Lars Larson: Even a conservative blowhard can join the movement—if he just adds a Blowhawk .

Sho Dozono: He doesn’t need to spend $27,295 on polling before deciding on a Shohawk . (The haircut won’t be publicly financed, though.)

Ken Forkish: The Ken’s Artisan Bakery breadmaker can satisfy his customers’ hunger for change with a Doughhawk .

Jack Bogdanski: The relentless bojack.org blogger has already joined Obamania, but only by donning a Bohawk will he show his commitment to the Blazer cause.

John Canzano: He will not sport a hawk of any kind. He is a Nohawk , a truly independent man. He is not owned by anybody.

WEDNESDAY MARCH 5

[MUSIC] PWRFL POWER, CAPILLARY ACTION, WE QUIT

Seattle-via-Japan singer-songwriter Kazutaka Nomura (PWRFL POWER) writes some of the most refreshingly honest, charming pop we’re heard in ages. Rotture, 315 SE 3rd Ave., 234-5683. 9 pm. $7. 21+.

THURSDAY MARCH 6

[WORDS] RICHARD POWERS

One of the lit world’s most compelling “smart” guys gets all scientific. Portland Art Museum, Fields Ballroom, 1219 SW Park Ave., 226-0973. 7:30 pm. $15.

[VIS ARTS] JIM RISWOLD

First Thursday’s all about Riswold’s irreverent portraits of kitschy Jesus memorabilia. Augen Gallery, 716 NW Davis St., 224-8182. Closes March 27.

FRIDAY MARCH 7

[music] ATLAS SOUND, VALET, WHITE RAINBOW

Deerhunter frontman Bradford Cox is joined by local psych faves White Rainbow and Valet for sleepy, trippy bedroom pop. Holocene, 1001 SE Morrison St., 239-7639 9 pm. $8. 21+.

[screen] GIRLS ROCK!

PDX’s Rock ’n’ Roll Camp for Girls gets its self-esteem boosted with a full-length, nationally released documentary. Cinema 21, 616 NW 21st Ave., 223-4515. Screenings Friday-Thursday, March 7-13. $4-$8. See review.

SATURDAY MARCH 8

[classical] OREGON SYMPHONY

Pietari Inkinen has conducted world-class orchestras on four continents. Now he’s coming to Portland. Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, 1037 SW Broadway, 248-4335. 7:30 pm Saturday and Sunday, March 8-9; 8 pm Monday, March 10. $30-$103.

SUNDAY MARCH 9

[catharsis]MORTIFIED

Portlanders read letters and diary entries from high school in front of hundreds. It’s shame-tastic! Someday Lounge, 125 NW 5th Ave., 248-1030. 8 pm Saturday-Sunday, March 8-9. $10, $12 at the door.

MONDAY MARCH 10

[DISH] ELIZABETH HENDERSON

The godmother of community supported agriculture talks dirt with PDX’s farm scene. Powell’s on Hawthorne, 3723 SE Hawthorne Blvd., 238-1668. 7:30 pm. Free.

TUESDAY MARCH 11

[STAGE] TWELVE ANGRY MEN

Scott Ellis’ revival of the courtroom drama hits town for one week only. Keller Auditorium, 222 SW Clay St., 241-1802. 7:30 pm Tuesday-Friday, 2 and 7:30 pm Saturday, 1 and 6:30 pm Sunday, March 11-16. $23-$60.