Oscar Hammerstein tribute

I play tonight and tomorrow night at the Portland City Grill, 5 pm.  This beautiful venue offers an  excellent Yamaha grand, an incredible 30th-floor-view of the city, and a warm and animated energy in the guests in the bar and around the piano.  It's one of the happiest happy hours in Portland (and probably anywhere), and for me it's a fantastic place to perform.  Along with the many special requests I receive from guests, this week I will feature some unforgettable songs of Oscar Hammerstein in honor of that iconic lyricist who died on Aug. 23, 1960. Oscar Hammerstein's legacy will continue as long as there are people who love beautiful lyrics and and wonderful Broadway shows. Of course, we all delight in his personal lyrical contribution (especially his numerous collaborations with composers Jerome Kern and Richard Rodgers), but we should also remember his contribution as a mentor and teacher for one particular young and gifted student, Stephen Sondheim.