Best of Medford 2010 - Entertainment
FAVORITE CONCERT AT THE BRITT FESTIVAL LAST YEARIt was an outstanding lineup in 2009, and our readers were a little torn between concerts by Blondie, Les Claypool and Pink Martini.
Other hits included:
• Wilco.
• The Moody Blues.
• The Avett Brothers.
BEST PERFORMANCE AT THE CRATERIAN
It’s hard to believe that 13 years have passed since the Craterian Theater reopened its doors after a comprehensive remodel. The folks at Craterian Performances haven’t missed a beat since, bringing world class acts to downtown Medford.
Topping the list in 2009 was Lily Tomlin, followed closely by Tomaseen Foley’s A Celtic Christmas.
MOST FUN PLACE
FOR THIRD FRIDAY ART WALK
It started in 2006 and has been steadily gaining strength ever since. Art, music, street performers, food and drink: what else do you need?
There was a three-way tie for the top spot this year between: Theater Alley, Yesterday’s Blossoms and the blind tasting at Corks Wine Bar. The next 3rd Friday is on February 19. See you there!
FAVORITE LOCAL ARTIST
Their whole mission in life is to create beauty, with a corollary goal of interpreting reality through art. For the ones who are successful, there’s no greater job, especially if they can make money at it. Our readers definitely appreciated their efforts, as they named 16 different artists in this survey.
Leading the way for 2010 was Larry Satley.
BEST PLACE TO GET
A WORKOUT
Staying in shape is always at the top of the list of things we “should” do. Some of us can succeed on our own, but the vast majority need a little push and camaraderie to get the job done.
Where do our readers go? Their top pick was Rasa Center for Yoga and Wellness owned by Mariane Corallo and located at 3132 State Street.
This category received a wide range of votes, including:
• Superior Athletic Club.
• Oz Fitness.
• Poledance Experience.
• Baxter Fitness.
• The new well.
• YMCA.
• Southern Oregon Pilates.
• Women’s Fitness Company.
• The Bearcreek Greenway
BEST YOGA INSTRUCTOR
The body moves in mysterious ways, and if any one section is out of whack, the whole system can break down quickly. Through a series of coordinated movements, yoga attempts to put all the moving and/or stationary parts back into synch.
Ten different yoga instructors were named in this survey by our readers. The top choice ending in a tie between Natalie Stawsky and Beth Sparks, both teachers at Rasa Center for Yoga and Wellness.
Also mentioned a lot were:
• Tricia Prendergast, YMCA.
• Krista Holland, Rasa.
BEST LOCAL BLUES/ROCK ‘N’ ROLL BAND
“The blues … the ball ‘n’ chain around every English musician’s neck … in fact, every musician’s neck.” —Eric Burdon of The Animals, 1968.
“Gimme the beat, boy, to soothe my soul, I wanna get lost in your rock ‘n’ roll, so drift away.” —Dobie Gray, 1972.
There are a lot of local bands entertaining us with both their own unique versions of blues and rock ‘n’ roll. Topping the list this year was the Rouge Suspects.
Other favorite bands include:
• Rogue Rage.
• Tall Boy.
• Dead Sea Pedestrians.
BEST FUNDRAISING
EVENT IN THE LAST YEAR
The economy is on life support right now, and we’re all scrounging to make ends meet. Nowhere is that more urgent than with non-profit groups that depend on the generosity of people and foundations to get them through the day.
15 different fundraising events were mentioned by our readers. The most fun one was the Craterian Theater’s annual GingerBread Jubilee.
Other memorable events included:
• Providence’s Festival of Trees.
• ACS’s Relay for Life.
BEST BAR TO MEET FRIENDS AFTER WORK
Your boss sent out a memo that morning that everyone had to clean out his or her cubicle and make it presentable. The owners of the company (from Tokyo, of all places) were coming through for an inspection, and all those NASCAR posters on the wall had to go. You could hardly wait till 5:00 rolled around, and when it did, you were ready to commiserate with your buddies.
Where to go? Our readers most often mentioned Porters Dining at the Depot.
Other favorites included:
• Elements Tapas Bar and Lounge.
• 4 Daughters Irish Pub.
• Howiee’s on Front.
• Shenanigan’s Irish Pub.
BEST BAR TO MEET FRIENDS LATE AT NIGHT
Every bar has its own mini social scene with a pecking order that would rival any hen house. Every time the door opens, heads turn to check out the newest arrival, mentally calculating how the dynamics of the room will change.
Well, okay, that may be a little too much pop psychology, and I may have been exaggerating a little, but I think you get the idea. And when it comes to a late night scene, our readers chose 4 Daughters Irish Pub.
Also mentioned a lot were:
• Elements Tapas Bar and Lounge.
• Shenanigan’s Irish Pub.
BAR WITH MOST ROMANTIC ATMOSPHERE
We’re not talking about loud pinball machines and Monday Night Football games, but a more subdued atmosphere that lends itself to quiet conversation and maybe a little footsie under the table.
And in that regard, our readers pick was Elements Tapas Bar and Lounge.
The Top Eleven included:
• 38 Central.
• 4 Daughters.
• Vinny’s Italian Kitchen.
• Porters Dining at the Depot.
BAR WITH BEST LATE NIGHT MENU
You never know when the munchies are going to hit, especially after a martini or two. When you need something to eat, it’s always more fun to be in a place that serves outstanding food.
And in that regard, our readers most often chose the selection at Elements Tapas Bar and Lounge.
Others high on the list were:
• Howiee’s on Front.
• Shenanigans.
• 4 Daughters.
• Trophy Club.
FAVORITE
VINEYARD/WINERY IN
THE VALLEY
Southern Oregon is challenging the Willamette Valley for the title of “wine capital” of Oregon. Every year it seems as if another vineyard is established, so this category is starting to become very competitive.
According to our readers, their number one favorite for 2010 was RoxyAnn Winery, located at 3285 Hillcrest Road in Medford.
Others favorites included:
• Paschal in Talent.
• Troon Vineyards in Grants Pass.
• Trium Wine in Talent.
• Schmidt Family Vineyards in Grants Pass.
• Valley View in Ruch.
• EdenVale in Medford.
FAVORITE THING ABOUT THE THURSDAY GROWERS’ MARKET
We include this category every year, and our readers always mention the fresh, local produce as the number one attraction about the Thursday Growers’ Market.
Other aspects of the market high on the list were:
• The friendly, social atmosphere.
• The Fry Family.
• The donuts.
• The tamales.
• The flowers.
E-mail Categories:
In our last issue we requested our readers to cast their votes via email for a few categories. The response was so great we are already planning to have next year’s entire survey available online.
FAVORITE MASSAGE THERAPIST
Our bodies are not designed like BMW engines, where all you have to do is change the oil every six months. They often become off balance, injured, stiff, and achy. A good massage therapist can take care of all that, no problem. Our readers’ first choice in 2010 was Cara Wirt of Balanced Massage located at 836 E. Main Street.
The Top Eight included:
• Tom Kinsey, Gervais.
• Lanelle Williamson, Balanced Massage.
• Lila Spiritwalker, Gervais.
• Ginger Gartlan, Salus.
• Tracy Deal, Bodyworks.
• Katrina Hackett, Hands On Health.
• Samantha Rose, Dalton’s Therapeutic.
FAVORITE BOOKSTORE
Just as a good massage therapist can heal the body, a good book can heal the mind. This was pretty much a two-way race between Barnes and Noble and Village Books, with the number one nod going to Village Books located in the Harry and David Country Village.
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Ah, after sitting in this windowless basement for a week and composing write-ups for OVER 100 categories, my staff will finally unlock the door and let me out. I am really looking forward to seeing sunlight again. See you in 2011! —N.H.
