Singer/Songwriter Lauren Kinhan comes to Wilfs for two shows at 7:30PM and 9:30PM on Friday, July 30th! Accompanying Kinhan for this performance is Peter Eldridge on piano, and Portlanders Todd Strait on drums, Scott Steed on bass and Rob Davis on saxophone.

Lauren Kinhan has been creating genre-merging music for years as evidenced in her latest collection of songs. Avalon is another fine example of how she comfortably bridges the jazz and adult alternative worlds. The last 18 years of her career have taken her all over the world and allowed her to work with some of the industry’s great artists. Parenthood influenced the album’s thematic depth and provided a beautiful filter in which to experience this growing repertoire. Avalon speaks elegantly to solitude, love, life, loss and JOY!

With a cool New York vocal vibe … she keeps you interested and in the pocket because she has the chops and she remembers what it is to entertain. In case you ever wondered just where the line is that divides art and artsy, this set will show you how to plant a flag firmly on the art side. Well done. – Chris Spector, Midwest Record

Legendary Phil Ramone describes Lauren as a true songstress, “She is musical, lyrical, and really delivers vocally.” Phil produced Lauren’s debut release, Hardly Blinking, in 2000. Avalon is a good look at some of the mile markers since then. Her versatility in singing and contributing original music is evidenced in her years with New York Voices, and co-founding Moss and JaLaLa. Moss, made up of Luciana Souza, Kate McGarry, Theo Bleckmann, Peter Eldridge and Lauren, released their self titled CD in 2008 to rave reviews. In 2010, it was included in DownBeat’s Best CDs of the 2000s. JaLaLa is short for Janis Siegel, Laurel Massé and Lauren, and they released their tribute to Johnny Mercer, That Old Mercer Magic, in 2009. “Spring, Spring, Spring” was selected from their CD to be on the soundtrack of Clint Eastwood’s documentary of Mercer titled, The Dream’s on Me.

Learn more at Lauren Kinhan’s website.

In June the Chefs who set the foodie world abuzz say thanks. Portland’s acclaimed restaurants, from downtown and beyond will strut their inventive stuff with select 3-course meals for a mere $25. The promotion runs the entire month of June, every evening that Wilfs is open.

Wilfs’ 3-Course offering for Dining Month:

• 1st Course: Savory trio of mushroom bread puddings
• 2nd Course: Seasonal fresh fish fillet or Mediterranean pasta
• 3rd Course: Mixed berry crisp

Wilfs Restaurant & Bar is located at Union Station, just minutes from downtown and the Pearl District. Our chef sources from our local and the Northwest regions to create incredible salads, the best sandwiches, burgers (beef and veggie), prime and tender cuts of beef and lamb. And, fresh halibut, Dungeness crab meat, and seasonal salmon for the seafood lover. Enjoy our specialty house-infused cocktails, local micro brews, and the best wine selection from Oregon and Washington. And the best local and national jazz artists perform Wednesday through Saturday.

Wilfs and our staff have made a commitment to give back to our community, environment, and the World. Each month we will pick a local or national charity or agency which will benefit through the sale of selected items from our menus, both food and beverage items. The staff at Wilfs has even committed to offering their wages and tips on specific event evenings. This month our selected charity is MercyCorps, offering relief and aid to the people of Haiti.

WE live in a country of great opportunity and WE are fortunate to be able to initiate change for the better. For you, it can be as simple as ordering an item you will enjoy.

– Adele’ and the Staff of Wilfs

The best way to ring in 2010 in Portland? Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Wilfs with the Ron Steen Trio featuring Kate Davis and Greg Goebel! We will offer a tantalizing set menu, with three seatings for dinner – reservations begin at 5:30, 7:15, and 9:30 pm. Please make your reservation soon at 503-223-0070, as this is an evening not to be missed! Cover: $10

Guitar & Vocals: Rouke VanDerVeen
Bass & Vocals: Kenny Franklin
Vocals: Claudia Knauer
Drums: Jeff Jones
Sax: Brooks Brown

Guys Singing About Guys…And Love

Please join us on Saturday, September 12th for a special fundraising benefit for Live On Stage, hosted by the incomparable Poison Waters! The evening’s entertainment starts at 7:30PM and features the hot local singing talents of Connor Bond, Dave Cesana, Erin Charles, Anthony Chan, Kaitlin Hall, Jessica Jaeger, Dale Johannes, JP Latchaw, Thomas Lindsley, Matt Sa, Timothy Smith, Paul Trinchero, Tracy Turner, and Jill Westerby. (Click thumbnail to enlarge image).

Libations and food service starts at 5:30, so come early and make it a night to remember!

Tickets are just $15 and are available at Live On Stage.
Call Wilfs at 503.223.0070 to make your seat reservation today.

Friday September 11th, from 8:00PM until Midnight at Wilfs

Don’t miss John singing the songs of “Sinatra” — it’s fabulous! Originally from Los Angeles, John Gilmore is a vocalist and pianist with a 35-year career in music. He has performed at The Beverly Hills Hotel, The Beverly Wilshire, The Hotel Bel-Air and many others, and his many celebrity clients have included Merv Griffin, Billy Crystal and Kenny Rogers.

Gilmore also performed a six year regular engagement at the World-renowned Jimmy’s Restaurant in Beverly Hills–even performing for Frank Sinatra himself. Gilmore’s debut CD, For My Father & Frank is a tribute to his father, Voyle Gilmore, who was Frank Sinatra’s record producer from 1953 to 1958. Please visit John Gilmore’s website to here samples from his CD.