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Punter’s Holiday
If you can't relate to the fundamental male desire to throw things, you might think your options are limited on Super Bowl Sunday, Jan. 25, when the Broncos take on the Cowboys--no, that's not it...the Lions and the Tigers--no, um...well, whatever. Contrary to popular belief, several less-primal institutions are taking advantage of the honorary holiday. For starters, the Portland chapter of the American Guild of Organists presents the annual "Bach-A-Thon" as a Super Bowl alternative. Six members will perform works by Johann Sebastian Bach at 2 pm at St. James Lutheran Church (1315 SW Park Ave., 227-2439). Another musical option is the Anti-Super Bowl Party with the Portland Opera at Borders Books and Music (708 SW 3rd Ave., 220-5911). Seven singers will showcase a repertoire of opera, operetta and Broadway hits. Complimentary tea, shortbread, crackers and cheese will be served at 3 pm. Did somebody holler "bingo!"? Why sit at home betting on point spreads? Grab some cigarettes and a blotter, and win yourself some cold hard cash at Disabled American Veterans Bingo (8725 NE Sandy Blvd., 255-6002). Sunday's "speed bingo" session starts at 3 pm. At a $5 buy-in, and $1 per game, it's a low risk for a potentially high payoff. If you don't think million-dollar commercials are an art form but still feel like spending Sunday watching TV, MTV will be airing a half-time alternative starring Pamela Anderson Lee and other celebrity puppets such as the Spice Girls and Hanson. Kurt Loder will host nude.
--Cynthia MacKay
We've Got the POWER
The Portland Power have been slumping, but they're still way more fun than the Blazers--and they've only got a few home games left. There are plenty of reasons to go. You'll begin the first period of a Power game feeling relaxed, in part because you won't suffer from depleted wallet malaise (general admission tickets are just $12.50) at the cozy, warmly lit Memorial Coliseum (compared to the bright-enough-to-perform-surgery glare at the Rose Garden). The food selections aren't nearly as elaborate as those across the way, but, hey, it's a sports event. The excellent hot pretzels (served with a cup of mustard) are the best way to spend the $30-$50 you save seeing Natalie Williams--who's one of the ABL's finest all-stars--instead of Kenny Anderson--who's generally injured. Insanely zealous fans (average attendance is in the respectable 5,000-7,000 range) sing and dance every time there's a period break or time-out, and most of the crowd members scream and clap wildly even when Portland is losing--compared with e eerie silence that hangs down from the luxury boxes at the men's games. The players reciprocate, instead of emanating arrogant NBA aloofness, by addressing the fans, smiling and signing autographs after the game. Sometimes they sing and dance, too, especially when "I Got the Power" comes on. Die-hard Blazer fans are won over by the entertaining play--the women actually pass, and the crowd often screams "Shoot!" When was the last time that happened at a Blazers game? Ten-minute periods make the game zoom by in a tidy two hours, and it's easy to park. The Blazer Dancers are the one thing that's missing. But the pervasively enthusiastic vibe at Power games is sure to woo even the most traditional basketball fans. Both the players and audience members are so glad to be there, you'll want to run home and make a "Go Lisa, Sheila, Katy and Molly" sign. Catch the next home game Jan. 22. Call 287-4667 for tickets.
--Brooke DeNisco |
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