Vancouver, WA

It was just this past year that I finally stopped in at Borders, located at 811 SE 160^th, just off the southeast end of Mill Plain. I’ve been avoiding it because I have an addiction to books; ancient history and mysteries being my favorites. But at this time I was searching for information about writing a short genealogical history and couldn’t find what I wanted. I finally headed for the information desk and was amazed at how knowledgeable their staff was. Not just about the books they have available in the store and through their website, but about what is involved in writing a book and getting it out to the public.

Shortly after that I discovered another little pearl about Borders, they offer free entertainment in their café. I’ve been in the store a couple of times when the crowds in the café caught my attention, but I was not able to get near because people were spilled out into the store; I’m short, couldn’t see a thing.

So I checked out the schedule at Borders, which can be done three ways: Through flyers at the store, located at the information desk; on their in-store computers, just click the events button; and on the internet, http://www.bordersstores.com/stores/store_pg.jsp?storeID=629.

It wasn’t a hard decision for me because I have always loved music. Unfortunately for the entertainer, Rene Corbin, a local singer and songwriter, a heat wave hit town after months of cold weather and everybody and their brother was out taking advantage of it.

The entertainment is held at Seattle’s Best Coffee in the rear right corner of Borders, and since I arrived early, I ordered a large iced tea, sat down with a couple of books, saved a seat for my friend who was joining me later, and settled in to wait for the entertainment was to start. I love reading, so the time was well spent.

The music got off to a rocky start because the amp wasn’t working properly, but with a switch in seating for Rene, we now had a more intimate group with a real acoustic instead of the amplified boost.

Rene Corbin is a versatile musician, segueing from the lilting music of the British Isles, to the bolder ballads of Appalachia, ending the first set with the more modern work of Joni Mitchell’s Both Sides Now. Though there were a few men in the audience, it was women like myself who, attracted by the achingly beautiful music, came, and stayed to listen. [KL1]

It was hard to believe the store could offer still more, but for those of you who have talent and would like to introduce yourself to the world, this could be a great venue. Pay it a visit and see if it appeals to you, there is some competition with food preparation noises and orders being made. If you can handle that and have poetry, short stories, play music and/or sing, call the store and ask for Dan Eichler, Area Marketing Manager; you may get your first gig!