The largest outdoor amphitheater in the Portland metropolitan area, happens to be… in Washington. It is used for concerts, stage shows and other special events, including the Clark County Fair. And If all the reviews are to be believed, it is a magnificent, if small, venue. Pricey, of course, where isn’t these days. Oh, and arrive early. If you’re getting there at 5 for a gig at 7, you are late, and probably going to spend the next 2 hours getting to a parking space.
“I actually like this venue because IT IS SMALL. Yes – the food is limited and really not that good at all. Three merch areas though, which is pretty decent for a small venue, AND you can order ahead to purchase your merch without waiting in line. (I don’t remember how – google it, it’s really easy and straight forward). However, everyone reading this review really needs to take into consideration just how chilly this venue is after 6pm… the sun goes down, and there are no trees to block the ever present wind. I understand that yall look REALLY SPECTACULAR in those short hoochie skirts and shorts (all genders), but really you should consider bringing a jacket or two. Fashion AND function. Concerts 10/10. Venue food 5/10. Alcoholic beverages 8/10. Bathrooms and cleanliness 8/10. Merchandise shops 10/10, and you can preview and order in advance when you park before you enter the venue.”
Kicking the summer off with pop-punk emo from the early 00s
The first show of the summer concert season kicked off with Avril Lavigne bringing her Greatest Hits to awaken the tie-wearing tween that lives inside all of us 30 something kids. The nostalgia levels were kicked into overdrive before Avril even reached the stage as flippy-haired pop punk bros All Time Low opened the show for her, coming on right after Royal & the Serpent.
Even the song list reads like an emo poem, “Girlfriend”, “What the Hell”, “Complicated”, “Smile”, and “Here’s to Never Growing Up”.
A love letter to classic rock and a massive tribute to Van Halen
The Best Of All Worlds 2024 Tour by Sammy Hagar was something special to see and experience. The show really paid tribute to Eddie Van Halen. Highlights included “Poundcake”, “5150”, “Summer Nights”, “Best of Both Worlds” and “The Seventh Seal” was a nice surprise in the set. Early Van Halen got its nods with performances of “Panama” and a version of “Ain’t Talkin’ Bout Love” with Michael Anthony on vocals. There were Sammy classics from his Montrose days that included “Space Station #5”, solo favorites like “Heavy Metal” and “I Can’t Drive 55” and Sammy really shined on “Eagle’s Fly”. It was during this time, Joe Satriani put down his signature Ibanez and in a rare moment was seen playing a Fender EVH Frankenstein. Pretty cool.
“From the start of the “Best Of All Worlds” show, the fun was back. The vibe at this show felt like the old days. Fans wore old school Van Halen shirts, were throwing up banners to the stage and Sammy was once again doing his thing signing stuff for the upfront fanatic fans.”
Something a little too colorful?
Red Hot Chili Peppers lit up the outdoor stage in May, kicking things off with an introductory jam right after the legendary bassist Flea demonstrated his handstand skills to the crowd and before vocalist Anthony Kiedis joined the rest of the crew for a pumped-up Dani California. Drummer Chad Smith and Flea continued to build on each other’s energy, with the latter often hopping around the entire stage and both of them grinning, clearly enjoying playing off of each other on the stage.
Wrapping up the year of the Dragon
The alt-rock, come indie pop band Imagine Dragons are really on top of the world right now. Their Loom world tour has proved wildly successful, probably beyond even their expectations at this point. With one – word reviews like, “Awesome,” and “Best Show Ever!!” all I can say, if you’re a fan, sorry you missed it.
“We felt “On Top Of The World” Sunday night! ✨ Closed out our 2024 season with Imagine Dragons! 🐉 We couldn’t have asked for a better night!”
Special mention; The best dressed crowd
Pitbull or Slipknot?
Pitbull’s Party After Dark Tour involved a night surrounded by bald men, and women, all in white suits. Meanwhile, clowns and artfully dirty jumpsuits were the norm for Slipknot’s Here Comes The Pain 25th Anniversary Tour.
I mean, you guys really hit it out of the park with the outfits this year. With every gig gaining its own identity, it has truly become magical to see.
Final thoughts, and some great tips from reviewers
“So why the 5 stars? It’s simple. I love the shows. I love music. I always, always, look forward to laying on the lawn and absorbing all the energy from the fans and the artists, drinking seltzers, until the sun goes down. If you have never been to a show here, I highly recommend it. It is one of my favorite places to be in the summer.
Tips, if I may –
- Read the rules about chairs and bags. Security is going to deny you entry, whether you paid 30 bucks for lawn tickets or 300 for VIP. I know, I’ve watched it happen. Your chair should be the low beach kind and your bags should be see through/transparent OR the size of your hand.
- Bring an empty water bottle so you aren’t paying $4 for a single bottle inside. You can fill it at the water station.
- Get there early. I mean, early. Especially if you know the artist is trendy. The gates open at 5, plan to arrive around 3 for big names, or you’ll wind up in line behind 400+ people. Trust me, again. This just happened at the Eric Church/Jelly Roll concert I went to. Luckily, I got there early enough to only end up behind about 50 people.
- ADA parking is limited and as long as you have a valid parking pass, you’ll be allowed in to the back area. This fills up pretty fast though, plan accordingly. Also, it does not give you perks to get into the venue faster. You’ll still have to wait in line. If not in line, security will check where you should be, and you’ll have to wait up front until that spot turns up at the front of line, as though you were waiting in the actual line. Lots of people don’t know this. Just another observation I’ve made on my many trips here.
- Cash is not needed here. It is now a cashless venue, so no need to bring anything but cards here!
Here’s to you and making memories, listening to amazing music. Cheers!”