You can’t ignore its problems, but without the Christian church there probably would not have been a Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

If you’re inspired to build a better neighborhood and world, hear these words from Rev. Dr. W.G. Hardy, at Highland Christian Center‘s MLK Day tribute event:

FRIDAY

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There are so many churches in East Portland, and it’s good to see an effort to help them organize their efforts.

“How can the church collaborate in a neighborhood or across a city? live music, drinks, food & community conversation. This is our first Parish Conversations gathering and we will place the emphasis on discussing collaboration.” (FB invitation).  

Taborspace, 5441 SE Belmont St * 6:30 – 9 pm 

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Taborspace also hosts multiple support and recovery events every day of the week, including Secular Sobriety @ 6:30 pm.

Taborspace, 5441 SE Belmont St

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Eagle Eye is a rad, comfy, delightful bar… that has karaoke Friday through Monday.

Eagle Eye Tavern, 5836 SE 92nd Ave * 9-ish pm  

SATURDAY

“Engage in stimulating conversation about books, exchange perspectives about characters and plot, and get to know your neighbors.

Meet the author! Read “The Sound of Gravel: A Memoir” by Ruth Wariner. The true story of one girl’s coming-of-age in a polygamist family.”

Holgate Library * 10:30 pm – 12 pm 

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Make a winter bird feeder: “Come create a bird feeder for wintering birds.”

Midland Library * 3 pm – 4 pm 

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“Create your own personal desert oasis with Portland nursery employees, Jess, container crafting queen, and Roby, cacti expert and landscape architect. First they will provide an overview of different common kinds of cacti and how to care for these plants. Then they will guide the group through a creative hour of selecting, arranging, and planting cacti in a terra cotta pot to display indoors in a sunny spot. All materials provided. “

Register here.

Portland Nursery, 9000 SE Division St * 1 pm – 2:30 pm * $30

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Live music with The Hot Tub Time Machine:
“This lively group of SE locals lights up the room, everywhere they play! The flavors range from honest gypsy, swing, New Orleans, blues, and latin music (The Sublime) to jug band favs and reefer/drinkin’ songs (The Ridiculous)!”
O’Neill Public House, 6000 NE Glisan St * 9:30 pm – 1 am 

SUNDAY

So apparently there are two orchestras playing in East Portland today…

“The 45th season of the Oregon Sinfonietta offers the following opportunities to experience the orchestra’s lively performances with outstanding soloists under the baton of Dr. Donald L. Appert. The concerts are free and open to the public.”

Sunnyside Seventh-day Adventist Church, 10501 SE Market St * 3 pm * free, donations accepted

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East County Community Orchestra is also having their winter concert:

“… (known as “ECCO” to orchestra members) has been in existence since 1978. It was established by founder and first conductor Harold Webber as a venue for high school graduates and other interested parties to have a place to play. It operates as a non-profit organization, with a full board of directors in addition to the Music Director / Conductor. Concerts are offered free of charge to the community. Operating funds come from donations in various forms as well as occasional grants.”

David Douglas High School, 1400 SE 130th Ave * 3 pm * free, donations accepted 

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“Why There Are Words PDX is coming to Leach Botanical Garden! This award winning literary series, originally founded in the Bay Area in 2010, is bringing the voices of new and established writers to Portland. Starting this winter, the Garden will host this quarterly event in the Manor House… ”

“Please join us for “Evolve”, our inaugural event, held at the Leach Garden Manor House with readings by six acclaimed authors: David Biespiel, Elyse Fenton, Jacqueline Keeler, Margaret Malone, Sara Quinn Rivara and Wendy Willis.”

Leach Botanical Garden, 6704 SE 122nd Ave * 4 pm – 6 pm * $10 suggested