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Sunday, December 29, 2024

Chance Hayden's Desert Room All Stars

LaRhonda Steele

6:30pm doors, 7pm show

$10 in advance, $15 at the doors

21 and over

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Chance Hayden's Desert Room All Stars

Chance Hayden's Desert Room All Stars

Guitarist, composer and producer Chance Hayden presents the Desert Room All Stars, a monthly series every Last Sunday at McMenamins, Al's Den evoking the venue's storied past in the 50s and 60s as the Desert Room. Formerly a high-class hang for Portland's underworld where anything desired was obtainable, burlesque and jazz were showcased nightly with a long-term house band led by New Orleans native saxophonist Charlie Gabriel who attracted notable guests such as Duke Ellington, Cab Calloway and Sammy Davis Jr.

In a similar format, Hayden leads a trio plus various guests performing two sets of mid-century jazz, blues and original works inspired by that period. Hayden's guitar stylings are rooted deeply at the intersection of these genres, yielding an "adventurous, no-holds-barred sensibility with both bluesy grit and modern-jazz finesse" (Jazz Society Of Oregon).

Though the building has undergone numerous changes through the years and be come more of a singer-songwriter hub under McMenamins ownership, vibes of the Desert Room era remain highly palpable and Hayden will reveal that Al's Den stands as one of one of the city's most iconic rooms for jazz.

 

LaRhonda Steele

LaRhonda Steele

LaRhonda Steele is recognized as one the pacific northwest's best rhythm and blues vocalists. She has been dubbed "The First Lady of Portland Blues"-a title of leadership that she lives up to as she shares songs that carry forth directly from her soul and spiritual life-force. She currently fronts the LaRhonda Steele Band, along with serving as music director of both the Portland Interfaith Gospel Choir and Portland Center for Spiritual Living. LaRhonda's voice can be enjoyed on recordings of national and international artists such as Gino Vannelli, Curtis Salgado, Lloyd Jones, Mary Flower and Norman Sylvester. LaRhondas own discography includes the albums Artistic Differences; My Soul's Song; Rock Me Baby; Yes Please and Song's of Freedom.

Events

About Al's Den

Head downstairs at the Crystal Hotel to hang out in this venue named for Al Winter, Portland's 1940's gambling overlord. Enjoy a craft libation in this intimate, speakeasy-style space where live music and comedy fill the air.

Hours:
Wednesday & Thursday, 3-10pm
Friday & Saturday, 3pm-1am
Sunday, 3-10pm
Closed Monday & Tuesday

Happy Hour drinks served 11am-5pm
Happy Hour food served 2-5pm and 10pm-close

Late night happy hour on Friday & Saturday served 11pm-1am
(21 and over only after 5 pm)

Menus

Afternoon & Bar   Dinner   Late Night   Beverage   Sidewalk Cocktails

The menu features local ingredients, house-baked breads, desserts and pastries from the Crystal Bakery, a specialty cocktail menu and an affordable yet approachable wine list, while a well-trained waitstaff provides a comfortable and welcoming guest experience. No reservations are necessary; stop by for a quick business lunch, a pre-show drink or an evening date night.

Explore the Crystal Blocks

Our Crystal Hotel and legendary Crystal Ballroom are just across the street from each other, each offering their own unique spaces for live music, Northwest style fare and McMenamins hand crafted beverages.  Explore these properties and all they have to offer. 

Crystal Ballroom Property

Crystal Ballroom  Lola's Room  Ringlers Pub  Crystal Brewery

Crystal Hotel Property

Crystal Hotel  Al's Den  Ringlers Annex  Zeus Cafe

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