By LESLEY MCLAM

This neighborhood, in the heart of Portland, is bursting full of tasty treats, inspiring organizations, and exciting events!

This November, and throughout the winter season, there are a variety of ways to keep the Kerns neighborhood lively and warm! From volunteering with community groups to exploring new hobbies and foods, this neighborhood always has something going on.

Opportunities to Engage:

KBOO Community Radio
20 SE 8th Ave
kboo.fm

KBOO is always offering opportunities to become a member and help give back to the community. The radio station aims to help the underrepresented voices in Portland find their own voice and speak out. 

Some of the upcoming ways to start getting involved are below.

Tabling 101:

“KBOO represents in our community by tabling at events throughout the year; from the Blues Fest to College Fairs.”

Friday, Nov 22nd, 1 pm – 3 pm * free

Mini-Show Opportunity:

“One of our board Ops is opening up this air time for people interested in doing their own mini-sets. If you are interested email our Program Director, Erin Yanke, at program@kboo.org.”

Friday, Nov 29th, 8 pm – 10 pm * free

The Book & Record sale is back!:

You can help sort books before the event, or help it make it happen on December 21st from 12 pm – 10 pm at Jupiter NEXT Hotel (900 E Burnside St).

For the businesses out there, KBOO is offering a 30% discount on Underwriting on KBOO for the Month of November! For more information, email membership@kboo.org or call 971-801-1381.

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All Hands Raised
2069 NE Hoyt St
allhandsraised.org

This non-profit is founded on the belief that “transforming children into educated, independent adults is the job of the entire community. Getting out into the community and getting engaged in our work is the easiest way to get a better idea of both the need that exists and the practices that are being tested and spread.”

Things To Do / Places To Go:

Doug Fir  
830 E Burnside St
dougfirlounge.com

This well-known and popular venue consistently hosts a plethora of quality entertainment. For a listing of their upcoming shows, click here.

The Building with Heather Woods Broderick:
Thursday, Nov 7th @ 8 pm * $12

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Imago Theatre
17 SE 8th Ave
imagotheatre.com

“Founded in 1979 by Carol Triffle and Jerry Mouawad, Imago Theatre’s original productions have toured internationally for over two decades.The universal nature of Imago’s work has won audience and critical acclaim in tours across Asia, Europe, Canada and the U.S. Imago has been hailed by critics worldwide for its sophisticated, highly entertaining works for all ages.”

ZooZoo (runs Dec 13th, 2019 – Jan 5th, 2020):

“Bugeyes, hippos with insomnia, arrogant anteaters, introverted frogs, paradoxical polar bears, acrobatic worms, self-touting accordions and tricky penguins fill the stage with wonder, awe and humor. ZooZoo has toured internationally since 2009, following on the heels of Imago’s signature work FROGZ.”

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The Bossanova Ballroom
722 E Burnside St
bossanovaballroom.com

A very busy, and popular, event venue, The Bossanova has a large ballroom with a professionally lighted stage, plus a mezzanine with it’s very own mini-stage, bar, and pool tables.

Blow Pony: A salaciously adult-themed event with non-stop entertainment, music, dancing, and fun. 

Saturday, Nov 23rd @ 9 pm – 3 am * $13

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The Eastburn
1800 E Burnside St
theeastburn.com

Trivia in the Taproom with Shamrock:
Thursdays @ 7 pm and Sundays @ 5 pm * free

Whiskey Wednesdays & Open Mic:
8 pm * free

Standup Comedy Showcase with host Barbara Holm:
Mondays @ 9 pm * free

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The Blue Diamond Bar & Grill
2016 NE Sandy Blvd
bluediamondpdx.net

“Blues is our business and the food is good.” This blues bar & grill has live entertainment most nights, as well as special musical guests. 

The Blue Diamond was a top-three pick for Willamette Week’s “2013 Bar of the Year” award and boasts of the “best blues and jazz music on the West Coast.” 

Fenix Rising with guest Myrtle Brown:
Nov 20th & 27th @ 8 pm – 11 pm * free

DK Stewart with Peter Dammam, Don Campbell, and Carlton Jackson:
Saturday, Nov 23rd, 6 pm – 8 pm * $15

Explore Different Foods:

If you are concerned about the environmental impact of local eateries, supply chains, or just want to investigate somewhere different for dinner, Kerns has plenty to choose from. 

I’ve selected just a few places, which will hopefully help you begin your food adventure!

Bamboo Sushi  
310 SE 28th Ave 
bamboosushi.com

This amazing sushi restaurant prides itself on a transparent and sustainable model. The website allows visitors to view the suppliers and from where the ingredients are sourced and mentions that “In 2008 Bamboo Sushi became the world’s first certified sustainable sushi restaurant.” 

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Church  
2600 NE Sandy Blvd 
churchbarpdx.com

This isn’t your Grandparents’ kind of church. Church is a bar that hosts local DJs, and the occasional Emo or karaoke themed evening. As the website states: “the aim is to create an interactive experience born of communion, making Church much more than your local watering hole.”

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Contact Lesley:
Human42LM@gmail.com