It was 38 years ago in 1980 that Mt. St. Helen’s erupted here in Portland. This is significant for me because it was a few months after the explosion that I arrived in Portland to see the city for the first time. I was visiting a friend that is still in the area after all these years, and only bits and pieces of that trip are still in my memory. I remember that I was expecting to see beautiful mountains and spectacular vistas, but there was a gray shroud that blanketed any signs of recognition. It was not the breathtaking Portland that I call home today.

I was a visitor again on several other occasions, including ski trips to Mt. Bachelor and a 1989 Indy Car race won by Emerson Fittipaldi. (See Post #330). Music was a big part of these adventures, with concerts by John Klemmer, Curtis Salgado, and Seafood Mama. (See Post #176). I was reminded of this on last night’s Uber ride to the Love Never Dies performance at the Keller Auditorium. The driver, John, who indicated that I was just his second passenger, had just retired, but continues to perform as a musician. He was trying to save some money to buy himself a Mustang Cobra – I tried to help with the tip. He had a fascinating story.

John was the bass player for John Lee Hooker, the Doobie Brothers, and Curtis Salgado & The Stillettos, as he shifted from tour to tour throughout his career. He still jams with Portland’s Salgado on Tuesday Nights. I would have seen him play back in 1980 in a ash-covered bar when I was in town. Curtis Salgado inspired John Belushi’s creation of the Blues Brothers, and originally played with the Robert Cray Band. Since there actually is a “Karaoke Uber” here in Portland, I suppose that “Uber Blues” could catch on, as well. It’s better than sadly being homeless, like so many good musicians.

Love Never Dies, the Phantom sequel, was my fifth Broadway performance this week, and another disappointing waste of time and money. I’m glad that it will be four months until our next show, The Waitress.  I can wait! In the meantime, it’s back to concerts with Paul Simon, Steeley Dan, the Doobie Brothers, James Taylor, Bonnie Raitt, Hall & Oates, Train, Def Leppard, and Journey on the horizon. We also bought tickets for Elton John early next year. This is all between trips to St. Louis, Chicago, Indianapolis, Austin, Washington D.C., Bend, and Crater Lake. As you can see, retirement can be very busy!

Fortunately, I continue to stay on the safe fringe of volcano activity. We were not at all affected during our trip to the Big Island last week, but explosions continue to rock the island. Similarly, I only experienced the fall-out from Mt. St. Helen’s 38 years ago. I’ve also been good at avoiding earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, mudslides, and other natural disasters, as I continue to lead a charmed life with no need for the blues.