From: elana@agora.rain.com (Elana Beach)
Newsgroups: pdx.general
Subject: Local organization needs meeting place
Date: 31 Dec 92 01:59:11 GMT
Article-I.D.: agora.C03pIp.8su
Distribution: pdx
Organization: Open Communications Forum

LOCAL ORGANIZATION NEEDS NEW MEETING PLACE
 
 Electronic Dreams is a supportive action organization of
 listeners, collectors and artists in support of "E-music."  This
 is a progressive style of instrumental electronic music which is
 not well-known in the United States.  Artist/groups that are part
 of this genre include Tangerine Dream, Klaus Schulze, Vangelis,
 Jean-Michel Jarre, Larry Fast of Synergy, Mike Garrison.  We are
 working towards a recognition of the music as being it's OWN
 music apart from any other genre (i.e. it's "E-music," NOT jazz
 or New Age).  We have an international membership via our
 quarterly newsletter known as DREAMS WORD.  

 
 Our Portland core group meetings are usually small (around 8-15
 people) and are traditionally held on the second Saturday of the
 month at 4 PM.  Our meeting are relaxed, casual and fun. 
 Sometimes there is a potluck dinner.  The meetings are a positive
 haven for anyone who has ever loved this unique music and could
 never find anyone else to talk to about it.  In the midst of this
 friendly atmosphere, we get a lot of tasks accomplished.  Editing
 our newsletter is one.  Sorting, filing and answering of all our
 international mail is another.  All of our work is done on a
 volunteer basis.  

 
 Then there is the famous Electronic Dreams "Torture Test". 
 That's where we do a double-blind test of all the latest albums
 that have come into our PO Box in the last month.  Whoever is in
 charge of the stereo that day will play each CD at random without
 telling the rest of us who created the music.  After we decide
 whether it passes or fails, only THEN do we learn who the artist
 is.  That way we keep a certain objectivity.  We try to give
 everyone an equal chance.  The albums are then mailed to our reviewers..
  
  For the last two years, we have been meeting in a tiny apartment
  living room on the near SE side.  It's been fun, but it's time to
  give our apartment friend a break.  

 We need a new meeting place.  
 The meeting place must be a reasonable driving distance from the
 center of Portland, and be easily accessible by Tri-Met.  It must
 be reliable, i.e. when we need it for our second-Saturday-of-the-
 month meetings, the space will always be available.  Some way of
 playing the music would be nice, but if absolutely necessary, we
 can bring our own stereo equipment.  The place can be the
 basement of somebody's house, or perhaps a back room at some
 community center, or (???).  We are flexible and are open to
 suggestions.
  
Since we are a volunteer organization and thus cannot pay rent,
we have something unique to offer instead.  Perhaps you have a
basement or a nice back room that you need cleaned, painted or
maintained.  Want it done for free?  Let US do it!  We are
willing to WORK in exchange for a good meeting place.
 
 Then every month, we will maintain that space so you don't have
 to.  It's an equal exchange: you need that place to be properly
 taken care of, and we need a place to make contact and get the
 work done once a month.   

 
 Need references?  We can give you names and phone numbers of
 people who have hosted us in the past.  We have pride in who we
 are and in the work that we accomplish.  This sense of pride and
 respect shall be self-evident in the care that we will give to
 our new meeting place.  
  
  Creative suggestions and ideas ARE needed.  
   
   If you know someone who has some kind of possible meeting space,
   please give a copy of this post to them.  Pass the word on to
   anyone who may be able to help.  We would appreciate it!
    
    Thanks in advance for any help that anyone can give.  
     
     Sincerely,
     E.M. Beach
     Coordinator/Editor
     Electronic Dreams/DREAMS WORD
     
     E-mail: elana@agora.rain.com
     Voice phone: (daytime) 227-0417
      
      ****************************************************************
      "Electronic Dreams is like a neutron star.  We may be small, but
      we are powerful and we pack a LOT of energy!"
      ****************************************************************