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Ray's Ragtime will keep on playing the same song. But now that'll be on the eastside.
In February, the longtime Portland vintage store was in danger of no longer existing. Ray Tillotson's beloved 30-year-old vintage store announced it was facing eviction after unpaid rent. Tillotson said rent had increased 50 percent over recent years, and he was no longer able to pay.
"I thought I could make it," Tillotson told WW. "I probably should have closed when he raised the rent, but I couldn't do it."
Ragtime had long been a stopover for bands playing at the Crystal Ballroom, and was beloved among the local music community, including—at one time—Courtney Love, along with Courtney Taylor-Taylor of the Dandy Warhols.
"It's really disheartening for me," Tillotson told WW in February. "Portland has stopped being nice to people."
But after a GoFundMe campaign by Lisa Beyer raised $5,400 on behalf of Ray's, it looks like Ray's Ragtime will have a new lease—and a new lease on life—across the river, in the vintage-happy Hollywood District, right by the Hollywood Theatre.
The send-off party will be March 27 at the old West End location, with music and up to 50 percent discounts. Ray's Ragtime's new location is 4059 NE Sandy Blvd., in a former Western Union station.
Tillotson wrote on the store's Facebook page:
"Lisa [Beyer] just signed the lease on the new RAYS RAGTIME HOLLYWOOD at 4059 NE Sandy across the street from the Hollywood Theatre. Opening soon. We are running behind and can't do our dumpster party on Sunday. We will be open many things 50% off and also some free stuff so come say goodby. Last day is Tuesday. Special thanks to everyone who donated to Lisa's go fund me and made this move possible!"
Willamette Week