Knot Springs: For health, for community and for kindness
Every summer, this extraordinary wellness facility donates 20 percent of the proceeds from its concert series to The Jeremy Wilson Foundation. Catch a concert in August and hear an exciting selection of musicians while enjoying a view of Portland’s skyline. Pictured: Musician Ron Artis
By Claire Levine
In 2015, a group of health advocates came together to create a new kind of wellness establishment. Alli Lurie, Director of Hospitality, talks about their enterprise, Knot Springs, this way:
“The intention was to create a social wellness club – something a little different from your typical spa. We wanted to establish shared wellness, shared experiences.
“Our mission is to empower individual wellness through real community,” Alli said.
Knot Springs sound like the kind of place you’d visit on your vacation in wine country or during a special get-away in the Columbia Gorge. But it’s as central to Portland as you can get – at the east end of the Burnside Bridge.
The Springs, consisting of three soaking pools, a cold plunge, steam room and sauna, are available to individuals and groups on a reservation basis, as are a broad array of massages, foot massages and skincare treatments. While the gym is for members only, non-members are welcome to participate in any of the 40 fitness classes a week.
Allie, who’s a singer as well as a great organizer, said Knot Springs originally set up concerts inside the building, to entertain the people soaking and socializing in The Springs.
“I wanted to create a safe space for people to see amazing live music, but in a wellness setting,” a social, alcohol-free, early evening experience for those who want to enjoy music in a laid-back environment. And it’s a gratifying place for musicians to play.
Those first performances led to the Thursday evening summer concert series – when Knot Springs opens the big glass doors for the enjoyment of those in the pool as well as listeners on the deck.
Alli said their intention in hosting concerts was “to create a very social, happy, vibrant feel. So, we play unique music here,” she said, more upbeat, “definitely different for a spa setting.”
She works hard to find the right blend of musicians, “anything from country to DJ to jazz to ethereal music to instrumentals. It’s all over the place, giving so many people an opportunity to hear the music they prefer.”
Small Skies is a one-person music project based in Portland, Oregon crafted by Benjamin Tyler. Blending ethereal synths, delicate samples and live improvisation, Small Skies creates immersive soundscapes that evoke the misty forests and open skies of the Pacific Northwest. Performing with a minimal yet captivating setup, Small Skies weaves introspective, atmospheric compositions that invite listeners into moments of calm and reflection. When not playing drums for fellow Portland band Small Million, Tyler has taken Small Skies through many different iterations, enchanting audiences all over the West Coast, offering a sonic escape from the everyday. - Performing July 31 at 6 PM
Contributing to The JWF. Alli has seen how hard it is to make a living in the music business. So, she said, “I love the message and the intention of the Jeremy Wilson Foundation,” helping musicians meet their health care needs. “It’s a special opportunity for me to tie in my love of music with the health and wellness goals of Knot Springs.”
Since beginning the association with The JWF, Alli said, “every year we’ve been able to raise enough money to provide one full grant for a musician in need. It’s been a really special accomplishment.”
Check out the wonderful concerts scheduled weekly through Aug. 21, and reserve a spot on the deck or in the pool to participate in a delightful musical experience.
And check out Alli’s own New Orleans jazz-style music, with The Bundy Band and Sweet Preserves.
And have a terrific summer.
