What a fun time we have been having on the Rock Block lately! From September through November, bands from the upcoming mogo Portland Music Festival will be dropping in two or three at a time to hang out in our studio and update our listeners on what’s happening in the Portland local music scene. This week we had a special Drop-In Session with Bart Hafeman and Brittany Dixon, who are working together on a new EP, release date to be scheduled soon. Bart is very well-known and loved for his band Hit Machine, Portland’s premier 80’s cover band. He is also a producer, recently working with the band Redcast to release their most recent album. In addidion, Bart has created an album, Zero Gravity, which is sure to lighten your heart and take you away to a positive place. That’s what we at Rock Block love about Bart – the unfailing hopeful and positive energy!

Photo by Teri Briggs

Photo by Teri Briggs

Bart writes best when he’s happy and relaxed, creating songs that take us along on that same journey. I can feel the waves and smell the salt air when I listen to the “beach version” of his song, FLY. His live events invite the audience to dance, sing along, and generally just to have a fantastic time sharing his joy.

Photo by Teri Briggs

Photo by Teri Briggs

Bart wasn’t alone for the visit – he brought Brittany Dixon, the People’s Choice Winner for Top Female Model in the recent Portland Fashion and Style Awards. The charming and effervescent Brittany brought a ray of light into our studio, and gave us a new perspective on how the fashion and music industries complement each other in Portland. She also complemented Bart’s music by adding delightful harmonies.

Photo by Teri Briggs

Photo by Teri Briggs

Bart and Brittany graced us with some tunes live in our studio – several original songs (some as yet unreleased), and a few fantastic acoustic covers. Bart wowed us with 2 Prince songs, and Brittney joined in to bring a smile to our faces with her harmonies on “Raspberry Beret.” It was hard not to sing along, and impossible to sit still while Bart and Brittany entertained us with such a good spirit. You can catch Bart (and hopefully Brittany too) at the mogo Portland Music Festival this November 20 and 21.

PRP