If Thursday night's opening bash was any indicator, The Nines will also be a hot spot for locals to grab a drink or enjoy a fine meal.

Hundreds lined up outside the historic Meier & Frank Building on a crisp, cool evening to explore firsthand the $137 million transformation that turned the upper floors of the building into The Nines.

They were not disappointed. An endless parade of platters tempted the hometown tourists with everything from quiche to pigs feet and foie gras on a stick. For good measure, another army of servers paraded decadent desserts, from coconut creams to chocalate mousse. Meanwhile, those not hydrated by mobile servers could cue up at the 'ice bar' where pink martinis cascaded down the slopes of an elaborate ice sculpture into awaiting glasses.

What better entertainment to accompany such a drink than Portland's own Pink Martini. Thomas Lauderdale, China Forbes and the band had the crowd gyrating in rapture to their worldly sound. The band's local roots and sophisticated style perfectly matched the Nines' own mix of worldly sophistication meets Portland pride.

The night's other entertainment dramatically showcased the most significant aspect of the remodel - changing the top floors of the former department store from a solid box to a hollow square. The resulting seven-story atrium gives every guest room a view, and made the perfect backdrop for a Cirque du Soleil-caliber performance by an acrobat performer who twirled upside down on a tapestry, suspended by giant balloons far above the hotel's main lobby.

From the custom pool table to the Powell's-donated books in the library, every detail is remembered and every touch is first class. The Nines is located at 525 S.W. Morrison St., Portland, Ore. 97204; 503.222.9996; www.thenines.com.

Well an ambitious new project by some local architects is slated for the SE industrial waterfront. not just carving out a loft or basement space, but designing a modern custom live music theater from the ground up.

It's called "300b" and the creators said it will be a 2,000 seat venue. That's big. In the warehouse SE neighborhood, the upper floor looks like it has a cool view of the downtown skyline.

It's also got a "series of warped floors and ramps with expansive pockets that form a sequence of vertical gathering spaces."

Check out more pics and layout here

But beware. The age old questions of sustainable rock clubs remain. Where will you park? Will it draw crowds every night or just for select big shows? Will it be expensive for a fan? Which other mid size venues in town will it draw bands away from?

The Oregonian says there's no permits yet from the city, but designers think it could be under way by 2010.

The youthful cast delivered an energetic performance of the musical, which bluntly explores the issues faced by teens. Spring Awakening tackles teen sex, physical abuse in the home, teen pregnancy, and suicide with musical numbers that range from tender to rocking. For the kids, the favorite number has to be when the entire cast gets to repeatedly belt out what could be a teen anthem: "You're F@#ked!"

As a parent of a teen, I found myself taken along for the ride, feeling the anguish teens experience trying to fit it, struggling with young love and the pressure to succeed. Interestingly, the producers report that many parents who attend the show find it to be a vehicle that helps them have the tough conversations about sex, suidice and success with their own teens. A special web site Spring Awakening for Parents includes letters from parents who've attended the show.

Spring Awakening continues through October 26th. More info at: Broadway Across America

At the Mission - Scott McCoughy and gang The Minus Five take the stage. Can anyone tell me if he has a Portland residence now? I seem to recall asking that awhile back to no one in particular. Yes, that Peter Buck guy will be joining them.

As anyone who's ever gotten permits from the city knows - the gears of government grind slowly, But Mississippi Studios is documenting their radical makeover on the Razing Mississippi site.

Plans were to open the new venue in late fall, but cue in the remodeling thumb rule (twice as long, twice as $$) and the timeline's about right on track.

Videos of live performances amid the rubble and construction updates.

The new venue should be a smashing upgrade to this 'hood.

Hood to Coast of course, huge numbers this year. And please - don't throw your empty beer cans at the runners again.

The Dew Action tour gets real ill at the Rose Quarter. Did you see those ramps this year? Ish baby.

I may head to the Hidaway Cafe on Alberta - supposed to be some FREE outlaw country and Delta bayou blues go' nawn.

Barns and a big alligator - check. Grilled corn dipped in a vat of butter - uh huh. Photo booths, big swings oh yeah. The Oregon State Fair in Salem. This year with more batter than ever!

Liz Phair has been doing a few shows for the anniversary of the Exile in Guyville underground classic - and she will be coming to Seattle's Showbox in October. Pretend you didn't read this and don't buy tickets cause it's not going to sell out. Got it?

-- Inside McMenamin sources tell me the tickets for Sept. 27th the My Morning Jacket show at Edgefiled are going FAST.

-- Bad Religion is coming to the Roseland Sept. 12.

OK here's the scoop on the Adult Soapbox Derby - still no website but the Merc has a pretty amusing take on it and safety tips here. Last run is at 4.

After, there's a post party at the Plan B.

You should also go to a benefit for The Prids who are recovering physically and financially from a horrible van rollover in Calif. last month.
It's at the Know on Alberta with We're From Japan, Reverse Dotty and Bumtech.

Take this past weekend as a perfect example, The Bite was in full swing, saw several friends playing on the stages while taking in tastes smells and familiar faces. Like this one you may know as IRON CHEF AMERICA CAT CORA!!!

She was really cool, kept referring to all the Oregon ingredients she was using in the blackberry Oregonzola salad and a rack of lamb with asparagus salsa verde. Good tips about them tips. Video here

Fear not end of summer: The Adult Soapbox Derby will save the day. Saturday at Mt Tabor wheels of danger, throngs of freaks and normal people, thrill to the hill sliders.
You know the drill.
Unfortunately, I can't find their website, the one from last year is down.
Anyone got one? Email me.

First: The Waterfront is getting no lack of action this summer as the Bite of Oregon kicks off with exploding deliciousness for all senses. Besides the food, beer and wine there's Soul for the soul - the music, man! Whatever you're doing to relax can't beat good food, beer and rock. Work hard, play easy.

Holy cow - Iron Chef America's CAT CORA is gonna be there around 2:45, haatchi maatchi, I love that show. The Iron Chef Oregon competition will be happening off and on Friday and Saturday.

Big blue
Rad rad: In Hillsboro the annual Oregon Air Show up up and away. This year, The Smoke-n-Thunder Jet Car, the Army's Golden Knight's parachite crews, and the US Patriots bring the big aerial adventure. plus fireworks!

And just to prove I'm not some hedonist non-do-gooder, Providence Portland is just one of the hard working medical marks of excellence in this town. The heart and vascular institute will benefit from the Bridge Pedal Sunday morning. (Oh yeah, beware drivers, they close em all for that one) Saturday, the health and wellness fair is FREE at the Double Tree hotel at Lloyd Center.
Plus later in the month some local bands are doing a benefit for Providence cancer institute, more on that next week.

Bowltending

Still with me? As the real Olympic coverage begins, this next mind-blowing event has so many wonderful things in it I'll feel like a Wonka factory winner.
Willamette Week and Pabst are cosponsoring the Bartender Olympics at the bowling alley on SE Powell Sunday.

To enter, it's $10, ya gotta pre register. Get this: PBR shotgunnin', beer mat toss, pinball comp and sudden death bowl-off, drink mixing competition,and a BINGE EATING competition! Did I mention that's it's all happening at a BOWLING ALLEY? Hot dang!

Everyone's buzzing about the FlugTag down at Waterfront Park - I'm hoping it won't be too crowded, as the flying machines dunk into the river Saturday afternoon.

Of course, the MAX closure on the Steel Bridge may affect your travel time downtown, so beware.

Up north, all the animals from the farm will be aout to play among rides, treats, tunes and monster trucks at the Clark County Fair. Yes, "Dock Dogs" -- the single greatest entertainment value of all time -- will be leaping into action.

More dogs, MORE - in Hillsboro, the long paws of the law K9 trials will show off these canine crimefighters.

And music of course - if you don't make it to the Marvin Gaye Sam Cooke tribute Friday night at the Wonder, you're totally missing out. But don't fear - the Portland Pickathon is going on all weekend near Mt. Scott at Pendarvis Farm.

Sheesh, this old man needs a nap.

Non sequiter: meanwhile, I hear some Bojack posters are referring to the Pearl District as 'fake New York.'
Love it.

If you're venturing downtown for beers, it's the big one, Oregon Brewer's fest at Waterfront. Get there early or don't bother, the crowds grow bigger, louder and dirtier as the sun gets lower. I also heard costs are a bit up this year because of a hops shortage, and the gas prices of course.

Music: PDX Pop Now has rounded up a fine little organization over the past couple of years, and their festival is free too. It runs July 25-27 at Rotture (315 SE 3rd Ave) AND is all-Ages.

OK - the amphitheater at Clark County is apparently losing money hand over fist and commissioners want around $9 billion to bail it out and pay the rent.
The Columbian reports many factors are contributing, economy, less touring acts etc.
But if I may put in my two cents since seeing the Police a couple weeks ago - maybe it's because it's the WORST outdoor music venue I've ever been to in my life. The layout is abyssmal, the acoustics muted, and access limited, although not as bad as expected getting out. There, I said it. Sorry, Clark County.

Anyhoo, I'll see you at The Melvins (Wonder Ballroom, Friday).