Make sure to tune into WMPG (90.9/104.1FM in Portland) today from 3-5pm to listen to Liberation By Sound with DJ Roy. For the second half of the program he’ll have special guests John, Will, and Alicia from the Tower Of Song on the air, talking about their project and an upcoming festival in the works.

On the first Friday of each month, the streets of downtown Portland fill up with people taking advantage of exhibits, performances, and other attractions during the First Friday Art Walk. Since May of last year, the monthly festivities have had a soundtrack provided by local musicians, playing high above the street in John Fountain’s apartment as part of an innovative concert series known as The Tower Of Song. Live video from inside the room is projected on a window so that people on the street down below can see a bit of what they’re hearing, amplified out the windows and reverberating throughout the city.

The March event included performances from Lady Lamb The Beekeeper and Johnny Fountain (who perform each month), as well as the band responsible for the name of this very site, Phantom Buffalo.

A recent Arthur Mag piece by Peter Smith explains a bit of the experience quite well, though it seemed quite a bit crowded during this latest concert. The Pine Haven Collective also visited last month. I wonder if this semi-private event could soon outgrow its humble beginnings – time will certainly tell, especially as the still-developing Tower Of Song Festival being planned for May gets closer.

It was great to get a chance to see this from the inside after hearing it from the streets for so many months. Check out the full photo gallery. Thanks to Will Ethridge for inviting me up to take photos!