slides: Party Report: Thomas Lauderdale & Friends Holiday Sing-A-Long

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Monday, December 29, 2014

Byron Beck, GoLocalPDX Features Editor

There are parties. And then there is "The Party." 

"The Party" is hosted by Pink Martini band leader Thomas Lauderdale who—with the help of his friends—puts together his "Thomas Lauderdale & Friends Holiday Sing-A-Long." 

It has become so legendary many people simply refer to it as "The Party."  As in "are you going to The Party?," and more importantly, "what are you wearing to The Party?"

And yes, it is definitely the party of the year. It always is.

It all happens in downtown Portland, always around this time of year, at the world headquarters for Pink Martini. This is the night Thomas throws open his doors to a magical musical kingdom. And, much like Willy Wonka or Pee-Wee Herman, Thomas gives us a glee-ful peek into the wonderful world that is unlike any other place in Portland or perhaps the world.

See Slideshow Below of Thomas Lauderdale & Friends Holiday Sing-A-Long

The party always starts a little bit after 8 pm and goes promptly until midnight (but there are always a few who stick around making sure the soiree goes late into the morning). There is always singing. Lots of singing, by folks with last names that sound like music, such as the von Trapps. There is always a three-story, real, live holiday tree  (that had just been cut down in the forest just a few days before) and there is always amazing food (courtesy of Nong’s Khao Man Gai and Salt & Straw). And, there is always Mint's Lucy Brennan holding court over the various cocktail bars featuring a "Pink Martini," a fruity concoction perfect for sipping.  

But, more than anything, there is always good company. 

The party attracts all those who make Portland so Portland. The best of the best. And then there are the guests from the world over, like the executive producer of the Middle East's version of "The Voice" who flew in from Beirut just for the party. Or National Public Radio (and sometimes Pink Martini singer) Ari Shapiro who was trapped in one of the bathrooms during the party when a doorknob broke off in his hand. It's not unusual to see a bike-friendly congressman speaking to an Oregon Symphony violinist who just finished a conversation with a indie film producer who can't wait to talk about his next project, but is sworn to secrecy...okay...maybe he will share a few bits of gossip about it...that is once he gets done checking out all th art on the walls. 

Alongside all the wall-to-wall art, this party is wall-to-wall with conversations by stimulating, provocative and interesting people.

The party also gives so much hope for the new year. 

Maybe that's why it is always the party of the year. Or it could be the singing. 

To see nearly 200 party photos from The Thomas Lauderdale and Friends Holiday Sing-A-Long click here. 

 

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Related Slideshow: Party Report: Thomas Lauderdale & Friends Holiday Sing-A-Long

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