Here's a worthy-sounding event: In recognition of the fact that the U.S. has been at war with Iraq and Afghanistan for 7 years, more than 350 area musicians (mostly classical and featuring members of the Oregon Symphony) will perform 24 consecutive one-hour concerts, beginning at 7 pm tomorrow, in the WK atrium. Bluehour will be open for the duration, in case classical music makes you hungry. (FINALLY. I can't tell you how many nights I've lurched awake at 4 am, simultaneously wracked with guilt over U.S. foreign policy and craving white truffle risotto.)

As obviously important as it is to stay mindful of what's happened internationally in our name, I gotta admit I'm equally impressed that for once the City that Sleeps is offering me something to do after 2 am. I plan on making it down. The O's writeup is here; schedule here; press release after the jump.

By mid-March, the United States will have been at war in Afghanistan and Iraq for seven years, yet one hardly hears that fact mentioned. To mark this important, if tragic, anniversary, over 150 of the Portland area's best classical, contemporary and world musicians are uniting to make a giant musical gift to the city and region.
Event curators Bill Crane and Thomas Lauderdale have recruited an amazing roster of performers. The public is invited. Titled simply "24/7," it will be a series of 24 dramatic concerts, each starting upon the hour, from 7:00 p.m. Saturday, March 21, and continuing through to 7:00 p.m., Sunday, March 22.

All 24 concerts are FREE and will take place in the auditorium of the Wieden+Kennedy building, 224 NW 13th Avenue, between Davis and Everett Streets, in Portland's Pearl District. Wieden+Kennedy join the performing artists to invite sincerely all area residents of good will to these concerts. No tickets are required. All ages are welcome.

A portion of this event will be broadcast live on our WK Radio website at www.wk.com/radio

The award-winning restaurant Bluehour, next door to the concert venue, will be open all night and the following day. Restaurateur Bruce Carey and chef de cuisine Kenny Giambalvo are planning a special bar menu just for 24/7 performers and audience members.

For a printable schedule of concerts or more info visit: www.wk.com/radio