Q. Are people under the age of 21 allowed at Blue?
A. Yes, we welcome folks of all ages.
Q. Is there a minimum?
A. Yes. Blue is a small room and in order for us to remain viable, we simply ask that each customer make at least one purchase. This one purchase, per person, really makes a difference and we greatly appreciate your support!
Q. Does Blue have a cover charge?
A. No, however, we do suggest a donation for each show via the basket. 100% of your donations go to the musicians. If you appreciate seeing your favorite artist in an intimate room such as Blue, a small donation of $3 or $5 or $10 is a great way to support them! Occasionally (i.e., once a month or less), we will host a ticketed show for which tickets are sold in advance and/or at the door. This would be indicated on our website.
Q. Does Blue accept credit cards?
A. Yes, we accept all major credit cards.
Q. What are Blue’s hours of operation?
A. Tuesday from 7-11PM (Spoken Word Night). Wednesday~Saturday at 6:00pm: The Blue Happy Hour is from 6 to 8PM (half off all draft beers)
Q. How often does Blue have live music?
A. We host live music Wednesday~Saturday from 8-9:30 & 10-midnight. It’s best to check our calendar for specific details.
Q. Does Blue serve spirits?
A. No.
Q. So what does Blue serve?
A. Have a peek at our beer, wine, non-alcoholic and food offerings. In addition, we’ve created a rotating wines-by-the-glass featured wine board to bring folks new and interesting wines on a regular basis.
Q. And what about those featured cheeses I keep hearing about ?
A. We offer three rotating artisan cheeses at a time, all picked from our friends at The Cheese Iron. Our three featured cheeses are served on a heavy slate with marcona almonds, honey and/or preserves & a baked baguette at a cost of $8 for one cheese, $12 for two or all three for $16. You really must come in for some cheese one of these nights!
Q. Does Blue host private parties ?
A. Yes. Blue is an ideal room for many parties of twenty to fifty or so guests. We’ve hosted anniversary, holiday, birthday, Jack & Jill, and more. See our “private parties” page for more information.
Q. I noticed that there’s no TV at Blue. Why is this ?
A. We are always trying to create an atmosphere that is as supportive as possible of the artists who perform at Blue. We believe that the presence of a television would undermine this goal and ultimately compromise live musical performances.
Q. How long has Blue been around?
A. Blue was born at precisely 5:00 P.M. on Friday, April 29, 2005. Every year, on April 29th, we celebrate the Blue Birthday. It’s always a big, festive affair with music, food, specials and various prizes.
Q. Who owns and operates Blue?
A. On Wednesday, September 15, 2010, Terez Fraser acquired Blue. Since early 2008, Terez Fraser worked very closely with the former owner of Blue, Barry P. Martin, on virtually all of the day-to-day operations and is responsible for so much of what you’ve come to know and love about Blue. Over the five plus years of its existence, there have been so many kind and wonderful supporters of Blue (i.e., friends, family, customers, employees, etc.) In early 2009, we were joined by Aleric “Vince” Nez, who has since become part of the family. And upon bidding farewell to Barry this past fall (October 2010), Blue added two new family members, Lori Eschholz (part owner of the Ohno Cafe) & Justin Boss.
Q. Why aren’t the walls painted blue in Blue?
A. Next question.
Q. Do people ever get shushed at Blue ?
A. As with any live music venue and, particularly with Blue, the most intimate live music venue in Portland, many people come to listen. Depending on the show, one may, by one’s fellow listeners, become the unwitting victim of a “shush” now and then. Don’t be alarmed or take it personally…it’s even happened to the proprietor a few times! We would simply ask that people take note of the room and the show. If a quiet performance is going on, please be respectful and try to talk quietly.
