Portland Stories
Dick and his family moved to Lake Oswego in 1986 after many years living in the greater Los Angeles area. His wife, Lee, took a journey up the coast , landing in Lake Oswego, and returning with rave reviews of Portland in general. Dick and his daughter, Melody, took a trip shortly thereafter, agreeing with Lee wholeheartedly. One year later, Lake Oswego became the new home.
Lee is a writer, artist, pianist, and fitness professional. Melody is a photographer, an occasional cartoonist/ flutist. Dick is a musician (woodwinds), singer, cartoonist, and can also fix anythng that is broken.
Dick started the Sucker Creek Dixieland Jazz band (Lake Oswego's original name was Sucker Creek), along with all sizes and style of groups needed for any occasion. An outstanding Big Band, playing music of the fourties, is also available for dances, events, or just a fantastic private party. Music through the eras such as the twenties, thirties, fourties (and beyond) are another specialty.
Locally, Dick plays many private and corporate affairs, fundraising events, conventions, political events, jazz festivals, live shows, art gallery openings, theatrical galas and International events such as Cinco De Mayo, St. Patrick's Day, Bastille Day, and others. French, Greek, Italian, Jewish, Russian, Armenian, Latin, Irish, and any nationality requested is in Dick's repertoire.
Dick's main instruments include flute, piccolo, saxophone (soprano, alto. tenor, baritone), clarinet, and bass clarinet. He is occasionally called upon to play ocarina (sweet potato).
Dick uses the finest musicians in the Portland area, and can provide for all musical needs, including singles, duos, strolling musicians, and whatever you can imagine.
Although Dick continues his work in Southern California, he uses his expertise and experience to bring quality and professional showmanship to any musical venue he provides. Whether playing background music, dance music, or working with a special program, his knowledge of timing (the abilty to keep the flow according to each individual event) , is an invaluable asset to anyone using this extremely talented and much loved musician.
Portland Credits (A partial list)
Portland Trailblazers, Bill Schonely,The Oregonian, Oregon Media Production Association, Norman Leyden and the Portland Symphony Pops, Lake Oswego Chamber Of Commerce, Stumptown Jazz, Garrison Keeler, Ray Charles (L.A. and Portland), Mel Torme (L.A. and Portland), Portland Historical Society, Atwaters Restaurant and Lounge, Shirley Nanette, Margie Gibson (Portland and LA), Portland Creative Conference, Parkinsons Association Walkathon with Ralph Edwards, *SIDS, Oregon Donor Program, La Provence, St. Honore, Bank Of Oswego, Carmen Oaks, The Stafford, University Club, Waverly Country Club, Oswego Lake Country Club, Nichelle Nichols (Star Trek), Zupans, New Seasons, Oregon Media Production Association, *Portland Oregon Visitors Association, Clackamas County Board Of Realtors ~ Milionaires Club Awards.
Dick has also produced the music, as well as performing, for the Lake Oswego Farmer's Market since it's opening in 2000*. You can check out their musical schedule, starting in May, to hear Dick Saunders and the many other wonderful groups he has performing there. Dick does this as a volunteer, and considers himself a "non-commissioned" booking agent.
* Dick has enjoyed working with Kathy Kern (Community Events Coordinator for the Millenium Park) for all those years. Thank you kathy for the great teamwork !
Dick is also working with Jass Two Plus One, music of the twenties and thirties. He is the Plus One. They currently have a CD out ~ Jass For Fun.
*SIDS ~ Dick directed the music at The Resort At The Mountain for the American SIDS Institute Celebrity Golf and Tennis Tournament, starring Pat Boone, Peter Marshall, stars of the Lawrence Welk Show, Shani Wallace, and other celebrity performers.
THE BABY'S CHOICE SIDS CELEBRITY SPORTS CLASSIC
Dear Dick,
The Baby's Choice SIDS Celebrity Sports Classic was a complete success, and we couldn't have done it without you !!
Please accept my sincere thanks for putting a band ~ a terrific band ~ together for us. Your participation and accompaniment for Pat Boone, Alan Campbell, Shani Wallis, Jade Williams, and others was outstanding !
The quality of your perfomance was superb, and far surpassed our wildest dreams.
You are a very special friend of the American SIDS Institute, and we are very appreciative. It appears our first classic raised $15,000 for research. We REALLY could not have done it without you !!
With Special Thanks,
Sherry Alexander ~ Director of Development
POVA ~ Appreciation Breakfast at the Coliseum
Conducted and arranged the music for the Awards Program, plus background music for the breakfast.
Participants included the Trailblazers, Bud Clark, Barbara Roberts, David Frohnmayer ~ Director, Ray Atkinson, and others.
PORTLAND OREGON VISITORS ASSOCIATION ~ POVA
Dear Dick,
Excitement still lingers in the air over the Portland Oregon Visitor Association's recently concluded "Magic Of The Holiday's" gala.You may have noticed it was desribed as "the best holiday party we've had yet at a recent breakfast meeting.
Having the opportunity to enjoy your music from cocktail hour to "last dance" was an instant treat ! Please accept my personal thanks for your "sharp pencil," your wonderful program, Shirley Nanette, and your artistic genius. You created a party atmosphere that few wanted to end.
Again, Dick, thank you for your ongoing support. Member participation such as yours is vital in bringing our events to fruition.
Sincerely,
Dona Jennison ~ Membership Services Manager