From Hot Tubs To Cool Jazz For A Good Cause

Last Thursday, I was part of the pdx.fm gang that caught a sneak preview of “Hot Tub Time Machine” at the Lloyd Center Cinemas. I hadn’t been to that theater since my radio/media days and it brought back all kinds of memories — most of which weren’t actually very fond. (It had nothing to do with the theater, it had more to do with my radio/media days at that time.)

However, this movie was flat-out hysterical with one caveat: it helps enormously if you are in the 35-45 year old range.

The laughs were constant but it would make more sense to someone like me (I’m 40). I got every single 80s-tinged joke. I loved John Cusack in it — and I wish he would do more movies like this (2012? Oy.). Rob Corddry was a revelation, Craig Robinson was gold (the actor, not the OSU hoop coach though I like him very much) and Crispin Glover was delightful in all of his undeniable strangeness.

So what does this borderline-effusive-definitely-not-from-Shawn-Levy-esque review have to do with Portland? At all?

Well, it’s a movie about going back to the 80s. Therefore, it stands to reason that “I Can’t Wait” by Portland legends Nu Shooz would make an appearance.

And the song does. Briefly, in small riff form, at the front of the movie.

Though I’m proud of this mainstay making the rounds in this uproariously nutty film, I must say that I am more proud of Valerie Day, who was the lead singer of Nu Shooz.

See, she’s a wonderfully talented artist who is headlining at Shadow Jazz 2, a benefit for The Shadow Project, this Saturday, March 6th at the Old Church. The Shadow Project is an amazing organization that helps kids with learning disabilities get excited about learning. I had a chance to interview Christy Scattarella, the founder of the organization, on one of my shows and the stories of success are incredible.

I admit that I got a good chuckle hearing that song in the movie because it fit so well.

But I can’t help but smile even more when I think of all of the good this Saturday’s performance of the song (and many others) will do to help children in our area.