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Bossanova Ballroom Bossanova Ballroom has risen on East Burnside. Ambitiously
calling his new venture the “new trend”, co-owner and local
business owner Philip Ragaway hints that perhaps the time has come for
that other ballroom across the river to quietly set in the west. His
other ventures, including Tiny’s Coffee, Shanghai Tunnel, Bar
of the Gods, and, recently, Genie’s Café have become dining
and entertainment staples in Portland culture. As long as his Midas
touch is an everlasting superpower, Bossanova could turn out to be the
preferred venue for out of town acts attracting crowds of 300-700. Ragaway and his partners have surgically modernized the old Viscount and aesthetically restored it to it’s original, 1907 grandeur. In other words, this ninety-seven year old lady has the ticker of a newborn and can outrun Carl Lewis. The main stage is in the chandeliered ballroom, flanked by grand windows. A full service lounge off to the left includes several tables and comfortable booths. Then, upstairs, there’s a pool hall and another bar/lounge, all of which overlooks the downstairs stage by way of the windows that have been cut out all around the perimeter of the upstairs. The red and amber glow of Bossanova is classy, but comfortable enough to still feel like Portland. Most shows at Bossanova will likely be touring bands, due
to the restrictive minimum draw of 300. However, local bands should
contact Kristen Overstreet to book as openers or play events. One of
the updates to Bossanova is a new sound system by Rat sound (); its
board is housed in a glass booth as you enter the ballroom, and I think
my boyfriend nearly broke his nose when its magnetic pull lured him
closer. No worries for those dancers out there who’ve missed their weekly boogies at the Viscount, Bossanova will continue that tradition. But Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights will be reserved for shows. A sampling of what’s to come includes Hot Snakes, Secret Machines, …Trail of Dead, and Pinback. Bossanova has yet to define its place in Portland music. The venue is beautiful and its staff is friendly, but as with most businesses in Portland, its patrons will define this ballroom. Right now, it’s too early to see whether notoriously fickle Portland music fans will sink their teeth into this new trend. Bossanova Ballroom 722 E. Burnside Avenue, Portland, OR 97214, 503-233-7855,
Open 7PM daily. |
