Welcome back to Thebeerchaser.  If you are seeing this post through an e-mail, please visit the blog by clicking on the title above to see all of the photos and so the narrative is not clipped or shortened. (External Photo Attribution at the end of the post #1)

I was intrigued recently when our friends David and Kate Dickson invited us to join them for a Saturday evening appearance by Porchello at the Migration Brewery Pub and Patio on Williams Avenue in North Portland.

Five years ago, my family and a number of friends had a wonderful experience at Migration’s original pub and brewery operation at their Northeast Glisan Pub at a “70-30 Party.”  (I had turned 70 and my son-in-law, Ryan Keene, hit 30.) 

The Glisan location is known as a great place to gather and for hosting events and we were thrilled with the result – beer, food and environment.

“The Migration journey all started here in 2010 and is still where we make small batch and experimental beers. With one of the best beer patios in town”  (#2)

I had followed Migration’s impressive growth and culture since then and was anxious to see the Williams Avenue Pub opened in 2021 which they advertise as:

“One of the best beer patios in town, award-winning beer and an elevated food program, it is a true Portland craft beer.”  (#3 – #5)

Now since I had never heard of a group or individual named “Porchello” and David has an excellent, dry sense of humor, I made him confirm that he wasn’t talking about one of the “luminaries” below:

Rick Porcello, Detroit Tigers baseball pitcher, Massimilian Porcello, famous retired German Italian soccer midfielder or possibly Sam Porcello, noted Nabisco food scientist who did pioneering work on the Oreo Cookie.  (This included inventing the white cookie cream filling.)  (#6)

All of these would have been interesting except that the Oreo guy died in 2012.  And while the Oreo is known as “Milk’s favorite cookie,” David was, in fact, talking about a wonderful musical ensemble named Porchello in a Saturday evening performance entitled, “Cellos and Fresh Hop!”

Porchello – the Real Deal

I have to admit that I’ve not been to many breweries which feature music at their pubs or taprooms.  Based on my research and experience, there aren’t that many that offer it and the ones I’ve experienced usually have amateur musicians entertain you – they often play just for tips and at a volume that drowns out conversation.

But Porchello, and its musicians individually, have outstanding backgrounds and musical skill and it was a wonderful evening.  The four of us will definitely see another performance when we can.  I have a lot more to tell you about the cellists below, but first some more on Migration Brewery. (#7)

Migration –  “Every beer we make has the power to ignite a conversation!”

The last five years have been a nightmare for the hospitality industry and the list of brewery closures has loomed large.  A number of the independents such as 10 Barrel, Widmer and Henry Weinhard’s and most recently, Ecliptic, have been absorbed by the giants such as Anheuser-Busch Inbev or Molson Coors.

Thus, it is refreshing to see how four entrepreneurs took a major risk in 2010 and have hit what appears to be a home run in the craft brewing industry.  What makes the story more attractive can best be summed up by an excerpt from “Our Story” on the Migration website:

“On a sunny day in the Fall of 2008, we found ourselves sharing beers and engrossed in a conversation that began about starting a business but quickly delved into personal values and visions of the future. 

The four of us quickly realized that we shared more than a passion for great beer; we shared a value set about life and the role that beer plays in it.” (#8)

For seven years, Migration took the hard road of self-distribution, but in 2017 they partnered with a major distributor to take over distribution and opened a 20,000 square foot production brewery and pub in Gresham.  

“Over the past three years, the company has become one of the fastest growing breweries in Oregon with distribution in Oregon, Washington, California, Colorado, Nevada, Thailand, and Japan.”

The expansive Gresham brewing operation and pub came to life with an incredibly rapid build-out which was accomplished with the cooperation of the City of Gresham.  Migration owner’s have made it a goal to connect with the community.  Co-founder, Colin Rath articulates this well in a website video.   (#9 – #11)

Recent Developments

During a period when many breweries are consolidating their losses, Migration has shown remarkable innovation as evidenced by two recent openings and a Strategic Partnership with  Bend’s Silver Moon Brewing.

Wells Fargo Center – As reported by Oregon Live’s Beer Columnist, Andre Meunier:

“Migration is the latest brewery to declare its love and belief in Portland and back it up with action.”  

The Brewery put a tap room in the Wells Fargo Building – the tallest skyscraper in Oregon. (#12)

On the first floor of the building, they established a taproom for office workers – seating forty and including a patio.  Opened in August of 2023, the concept was so successful that the summer experiment was expanded beyond the original time period ending December 31st.   Willamette Week reported that:

“Migration’s owners also plan to host everything from live DJs to special food pop-ups to holiday-themed events to bring in new clientele throughout the rest of the year…. There are10 taps for beer and wine as well as canned cocktails along with food by Addy’s Sandwich Bar.  3-8 pm Tuesday through Thursday.”

Rooftop Patio on the Canvas Building – Migration reopened its rooftop patio on the ninth floor of the Canvas Building across from Providence Park where the Portland Timbers and Thorns play. It’s a wonderful patio with spectacular views that opened in 2020 during the summer months until 2022.  After a year hiatus, it reopened this July.

“We’re excited to get the Rooftop back in action,” says Migration CEO and Co-Founder McKean Banzer-Lausberg, in a June 11 Brew Public article: “As a company we really value local partnerships and have always enjoyed working with Urban Renaissance Group.  This will be a truly unique craft beer experience.” (#13 – #14)

And That Gets Us Back to Porchello

Originally the Porchello concert was to be held at the Canvas Building patio, but the weather turned sour and it was relocated to Migration’s Williams Pub – also a wonderful venue for a musical event with a large, heated patio.

Now my perception of cello numbers was from esoteric and non-melodic classical scores such as 18th century famed cellist and composer Ridolfo Boccherini, but Porchello had its audience captivated the entire evening – first with upscale classical music, but then offering a diversified mix of classic rock, Big Band favorites, Beatle tunes and movie showpieces. (#15 – #16)

And the good news is that you also have the opportunity to see them even later this month as they will have a repeat performance at Migration on November 30th and then Christmas shows on the Willamette Shore Trolley on Dec 19th and 20th.

Who Are These Guys?

Since my Beerchasing journey began in 2011, I have been to over 400 bars and breweries throughout Oregon, in many regions of the US and even a few internationally.  Although I haven’t heard a lot of music during these visits, the groups I’ve heard have usually been amateur musicians – garage band variety.

Well, Porchello pleasantly breaks the mold – the four musicians (three cellos and an upright bass) are all classically trained and collectively have almost a one-hundred years of performing experience.   I’ll briefly describe them below, but first a bit about the group itself and the leader, Dieter Ratzlaf.

And I might add that Porcello and Migration Brewing have a lot in common.  They are both involved and giving to their communities, creatively entrepreneurial evoking memories of reading  “The Little Engine That Could”  – a story of optimism and hard work. Migration was the first brewery in which Porchello performed.

Porchello was formed in May 2020.  Dieter and his wife Erin, were freelance musicians, cello instructors and performing with the Vancouver Symphony (where they both met in 2006). 

 All of their scheduled performances were canceled so to give back to the community, they gave a spontaneous porch performance.  (I didn’t ask Dieter if he and Erin or the attendees wore masks…) 

This well-attended “concert” and the thanks of their neighbors for some joy during the darkest days of the pandemic, motivated them to do more and even live-stream. (#17 – #19)

Realizing that they could attract larger audiences, they recruited another cellist and a contrabass and formed Porchello.   Rather than just offer classical pieces, their repertoire included pop, movie and rock numbers.

“We believe the cello and Porcello can bring great joy to many with its versatility, virtuosity, soulfulness and deep expression.”

Before I tell you about the others, let’s look at Dieter’s history and why I asked him how he got along with what had to be only three or four hours of sleep each night starting in high school. (#20)

He was an athlete at Portland’s Grant High School, not only playing basketball, tennis and golf, but concurrently a member in the prestigious Portland Youth Philharmonic – the oldest youth orchestra in the United States – conducted by the legendary Music Director  Jacob Avshalomov.  He went on tour with the PYP in 1989.

Dieter graduated in Economics and German at Willamette University on a music scholarship and where he once  performed with Yo Yo Ma, which he described as “An amazing experience!”  His education continued with a Master of Arts in Cello Performance at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music – also on scholarship. (#21 – #22)

Dieter was appointed principal cello of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra in 2005 and the Hood River Philharmonic in 2012, positions he currently still holds.  And to ensure that he does not sit idle, he also has a practice as a residential realtor for Prudential.

He has appeared with multiple arts organizations in the Pacific Northwest including the Oregon Symphony, Eugene Symphony, Portland Opera Orchestra (18 seasons) and the Oregon Ballet Theater Orchestra (10 seasons).  (#23)

Erin Ratzlaf, although a member of Porchello, did not play the night we were at Migration, but  is also a professional musician playing in the Vancouver Symphony and instructing at the Ratzliff Cello Studio.   She graduated from Northwestern University and received her MS in Counseling at Portland State.

In addition to her musical work, Erin is an outpatient crisis counselor and provides crisis counseling, urgent intake assessments, mental health evaluations, individual therapy and access and referral to adults.  She also served on the Board of Portland Chamber Music. Erin and Dieter have three children. (#24)

And to complement the musical pedigree of the Ratzlafs, let’s look at the other two members of Porchello:

Clinton O’Brien – I really enjoyed how the solo bass complemented the three cellos at Migration.   Clint is currently Principal Bass of the Portland Opera orchestra and the Portland Columbia Symphony orchestra and Assistant Principal Bassist with the Vancouver Symphony in Washington. He is also a member of the Rogue Valley Symphony and Hood River Sinfonietta.

I assume the auditions for these ensembles based on his training – he attended the Oberlin Conservatory of Music and the Cleveland Institute of Music – were not nerve racking. While studying at Oberlin he was appointed as 3^rd chair bass with the Canton Symphony (OH). He plays an Alessandro Gagliano double bass made in 1713, generously on loan from Mr. Bill Ofstad. (#25)

Jonah Thomas –  He also performs with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and as a chamber musician for Portland Chamber Music.  He holds a Bachelor’s degree in cello performance from the Juilliard School. Jonah is also a composer of chamber and solo piano works.  (#26)

Just reviewing the abstracts of their careers, I was amazed at how close knit and connected the community of classical musicians is in the Northwest.  Before the music began at Migration and seeing that he and his wife played with the Vancouver Symphony and his association with the Eugene Symphony and the Portland Ballet Orchestra, I asked him if he knew my oboe instructor, Kelly Gronli. 

Kelly was one of my Beerchasers-of-the-Quarter and put up with my attempts to master this double-reed woodwind for over six years. I texted her a picture of Porcello getting ready to play and Kelly had a one-word response “Dieter!” (#27)

To Finish!

Perhaps because of all the other background, I didn’t adequately cover Migration’s Williams Pub, but suffice to say, the food was great (wonderful hamburgers), the beer selection robust (try the Cannonball Northwest Red), the environment was family and pet-oriented and bright and the patio was a superb setting to listen to music for which there was no cover charge. (#28 – #30)

Now you also have a chance to see Porchello perform in both November and December with three dates scheduled currently and look for others during the Holiday Season.  We will probably try the Willamette Shore Trolley trip – which is a great ride in December even without good music. (#31)

Migration Williams Pub on November 30   

Witness some holiday film magic. Porchello will be debuting several new pieces including Star Wars, Pirates of the Caribbean, and others. Migration is a family friendly venue, serving beer, wine, cider and food.  Arrive early for best seating. 

Willamette Shores Trolley on December 19 – 20  (Make your reservation now) (#32 – #33)

Cheers!

External Photo Attribution

#1. Migration Brewery Website (Core Beers | Award-Winning Portland Brewing Company (migrationbrewing.com).

#2. Migration Brewing Website (migration brewing williams pub – Search (bing.com).

#3. – #4. Migration Brewing Website (migration brewing williams pub – Search (bing.com)

#5. Migration Brewing on Williams is now open — New School Beer + Cider (Patio picture).

#6. Public Domain – Wikimedia Commons (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Oreo-Two-Cookies.jpg)  I, the copyright holder of this work, release this work into the public domain. This applies worldwide.  Author:  Evan-Amos: 16 February 2017.

#7. Porcello Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=737756578154613&set=pb.100057608312250.-2207520000&type=3).

#8.  Migration Brewing Website (https://migrationbrewing.com/about/)

#9. – #11. Migration Brewing Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/MigrationGresham/photos/pb.100089827933506.-2207520000/561939337533490/?type=3).

#12.Wikimedia Commons: (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Wells_Fargo_Center_from_6th_%26_Columbia_-_Portland,_Oregon_(2014).jpg)  Licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported) license.  Author:  Steve Morgan – 6 July 2014.

#13. Migration Canvas Pub Facebook Page by Luis Peña (https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=10227406652205788&set=).

#14. Migration Canvas Pub Facebook Page by Deanna Stanton   (https://www.facebook.com/deanna.m.conn?__tn__=-UC*F). 

#15. Wikimedia Commons (File:Cello front side.png – Wikimedia Commons) Licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported license.  Author:  Georg Feitscher  11 February 2010.

#16. Wikimedia Commons (Music_cello_note.JPG (156×81) (wikimedia.org)  The copyright holder of this file allows anyone to use it for any purpose, provided that the copyright holder is properly attributed. Redistribution, derivative work, commercial use, and all other use is permitted.  Author: The original uploader was Ofeky at Hebrew Wikipedia.  12 June 2005.

#17. – #19)  Porchello Facebook Pages (https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=487005606563046&set=a.487005586563048) 

#20. Vancouver Symphony Website (https://vancouversymphony.org/dieter-ratzlaf-principal-cello/).

#21. Wikimedia Commons (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Yo-Yo_Ma_-_World_Economic_Forum_Annual_Meeting_Davos_2008.jpg)  Licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license.  Author:  World Economic Forum – 25 January 2008.

#22. Wikimedia Commons (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:San_Francisco_Conservatory_of_Music_Building.jpg)  Licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license.  Author: Carlin Ma – 3 March 2017.

#23. Vancouver Symphony Website (https://vancouversymphony.org/).

#24. Linked-in (https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-winemiller-ratzlaf-8548a418/)

#25. Clint O’Brien Facebook Post (https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10227809609056515&set=pb.1558293456.-2207520000&type=3).

#26. Portland Chamber Music Website (https://www.pdxchambermusic.org/musicians).

#27.  Portland State School of Music and Theater (https://www.pdx.edu/music-theater/profile/kelly-gronli).

#28. – #30. Migration Brewing Williams Pub Facebook Site (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090045843737).

#31.  Image provided by Porchello.

#32. Willamette Shore Trolley Website (https://wst.oregontrolley.com/).

#33. Wikimedia Commons (Willamette Shore Trolley car 513 passing the Sellwood Bridge (2018) – Willamette Shore Trolley – Wikipedia)  Licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license Author:  Steve Morgan – 5 August 2018.