BAD DATES presented by Portland Book of Dates & BACKFENCE PDX

DOORS 7:30/SHOW 8:00 21+

What’s the universal experience tying all humans together? The answer of course is, we’ve all been burned, or maybe even burned someone else, in the romance department. And we love to talk about it.

BAD DATES is a live talk show where authors, Eden Dawn and Ashod Simonian, interview well known Portlanders about their cringiest (and most entertaining) dating experiences gone awry.

This pair knows all about dates. To coauthor the PNBA bestselling Portland Book of Dates, the married duo went on hundreds of dates to find the best to include in the cheeky guidebook. In between guests, BACKFENCE PDX host/producer Frayn Masters will pull stories from the two on what dates didn’t make the cut, and the ones they think are the outstanding.

GUEST STARS FOR BAD DATES: CANDACE MOLATORE, JESSI DULEY, VIN SHAMBRY, AARON SCOTT

Hosted & Produced in collaboration between BACKFENCE PDX (Frayn Masters & Mindy Nettifee) & Portland Book of Dates authors Eden Dawn and Ashod Simonian.

IG: @hey.candace Candace Molatore is a self-love advocate, a photographer, and a branding consultant for companies like West Elm and Bumble. Not to mention being a lifelong Oregonian. With a passion for building community, Candace uses her photography and writing skills to broadcast the message of self-confidence body positivity and inclusivity online. Her Instagram will also inspire you to really go for it with your next outfit.

IG: @mrsduley Jessi Duley is the founder of Burn Cycle and its experiential fitness style, a curator of global travel adventures for her fellow reckless optimists, and can catch a beer in a moving raft. Her goals of empowering those around her have led to multiple recognitions including Portland Business Journal’s 40 Under 40, PBJ’s 2017 Women of Influence, The Pearl Business Association’s Business Person of the Year, a top 3 final nominee for Oregon Entrepreneur of the Year and Portland Monthly’s Women Who Move the City to name a few.

IG: @vintime Vin Shambry Bio coming! 

IG: @aaron_the_scott Aaron Scott is co-host of NPR’s daily science podcast, Short Wave, a curiosity-fueled voyage focused on the big (and little) stories behind the science. He can also throw a fabulous cocktail party from a remote desert cabin. Prior to joining NPR he was a producer/reporter for OPB’s science and environment team and created the award-winning podcast Timber Wars. Before that he produced OPB’s arts show State of Wonder, was a fellow at This American Life, and directed publicity for Portland band Pink Martini.

Bad Dates was initially conceived for the Portland Book of Dates launch in February 2021 as a virtual event hosted by, and in support of, The Hollywood Theater. Over 300 attendees tuned into the live stream to see guests like Colin Meloy (The Decemberists/author, Wildwood), Carson Ellis (artist/illustrator), Dave Depper (Death Cab for Cutie), and Poison Waters (a drag legend).

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ADA NOTES: The 113-year-old building is, unfortunately, not ADA friendly. Show guests should feel comfortable walking 16 total steps along a 40 foot walkway to enter the second floor ballroom.