[dog] and [pony] recommends:

Ctsy: portcityblue.com

"This is my bible burning song," the singer says, "Can't say that everywhere, but here at Blue, the candles are fake. So any Molotov Cocktails will just sort of... short out."

He's right, the candles are fake. But it is more the atmosphere than the candles at Blue that allowed the artist to make that comment.

Within spitting distance from Longfellow Square lies one of Portland's best bars. Blue is a cozy den for appreciating music, food and booze.

Before I get into the details, I want to describe a favorite scene of mine:
At Blue, musicians play back-to Congress Street. A large window at their backs, as you watch the musicians you can see the street life passing by. People passing to-and-fro. My favorite moments are when a song is under way, and you see the flashing red across the musicians cheeks. The intensity builds and builds and an ambulance roars by behind the musicians. It is intense and serendipitous in a way that only live music and good bars can be.

This happens most nights and there is a certain magic in it you really have to experience.

Stepping off Congress Street into the dark red establishment, your eyes are drawn to the stage. This is a simple trick of the brain, eyes are drawn to contrast and the stage is brighter than the rest of the room. Lights ring the bar, too, also important as that is where you get your booze. But the main draw is the stage where you can see foot-stomping blues, educated jazz and even a Celtic music night.

The bar itself is dim, but not a sad dim. The colors are vibrant and the paintings on the wall help to lighten the atmosphere. Patrons whisper amongst themselves, enjoying some of the featured cheeses, the simple menu or any of the many wines and beers available. You won't find liquor at Blue, that helps to keep out the riff-raff and the people looking to drink only to get drunk.

Barry and Terez, the proprietors, are happy and quick to serve. Barry stands as the host, introducing bands, requesting donations. Chronic drunks and cover charges have something in common at Blue... you won't find them there. Stumblers through the door are greeted by a quick, firm and polite Barry, suggesting they might find booze elsewhere. Cover charges are few and far between. Once in a blue (!) moon you'll be charged at the door, and that's generally only for a high-profile act or some sort of party. Donations are the standard, and every cent thrown in the wicker basket goes straight to the artist's pocket.

The walls are lined with art. It changes frequently, so heads up. Blue participates in First Friday art works.

The booze at Blue is choice. The chalkboard on the wall lists all the beers, including PBR for cheapskates like myself, and another board lists the featured wines. Cane-sugar sodas, coffee, tea, featured cheeses, a simple (but delicious!) menu and desserts for the sweet-toothed are also conveniently listed for the hungry.

Blue caters to the local art scene. Features local painters and photographers on the walls, hosts local musicians on the small stage. The stage is small, but I've seen bands upwards of five members cram themselves up there. The hollow space under the floor helps with the stompers - Like Sam James and Dana Gross who I recommend you go catch (most) Thursdays - providing a solid bass thump to accompany their pickin' and strummin'.

Problems do exist in the Portland Music Scene. You won't find them at Blue.

Blue can be found at 650A Congress Street.
You can check 'em out online at www.portcityblue.com
Give 'em a call to find out what is happening tonight: 207.774.4111
They're open Tuesday through Saturday.

Posted by Krister