I’m looking for work! 

It’s true. I took a freelance job with MasterClass and they kept extending my contract and extending my contract, and of all a sudden better part of 3 years went by! But yesterday was my last day.

So I’m back on the market. 

I don’t talk about my day job here much, so it’s fair to wonder what exactly do I do? 

While I love auctioneering, hosting the Moth and making performance art… I make most of my living as a creative director or copywriter. 

I got my start at Wieden+Kennedy writing ads for Travel Oregon and Old Spice, and went freelance over a decade ago, doing everything from writing huge TV commercial campaigns for Apple to writing the monthly flavor descriptions for Salt & Straw. 

But ultimately what I do is help companies and non-profits solve problems. Usually through communication, but often through creative consulting which is really just a fancy phrase for coming up with a smart solution to a problem or opportunity and knowing how to help implement it. 

So if you know someone, or know someone who knows someone or are someone looking for some help - I’m here! 

Oh, and I should say, it’s been said you can cheap, good or fast. I’m very, very good, and extremely fast! 

Gala Season is on! 

I’m auctioneering 8 Gala’s this spring. A record number in a season for me. 

You know what I’ve realized? I’m a very good auctioneer.

But what I’m really great at is helping schools and non-profits structure the evening so it’s a success. Everything from how to order the live auction items, and how many is best, to where to put the paddle raise and how to make it a success and even when to open the doors and how many lines you need for the buffet line. 

So if you’re looking for some help with an event… get in touch! My calendar is start to fill up for both this fall and Spring of 2027.

I just back from Federal Way, Washington helping Centerstage with their most successful gala to date.

This Saturday, May 9th, I’ll be on hand for the absolutely not to be missed PICA Funhouse themed Gala. Tickets are still available!

May 16th I’ll be hanging with Central Eastside Rotary! 

And then Thursday May 28th I’ll be on hand supporting the awesome work of Gather : Make : Shelter. 

Pearl!

Proud parent moment. 

My oldest kiddo is graduating from high school.  Cleveland high school class of 2026! 

Super proud of her. 

She’s got a gauntlet of birthday celebrations, last improv show, last choir concerts, graduation, and then a bevy of trips and adventures this summer (including her first two non-Canada international trips!) ((not that going to Canada isn’t exciting)) before heading off to University of Oregon this fall. 

So proud of you Pearl!

Although I don’t think you get this newsletter so I’m not sure you’re going to read me type shouting this! 

Storytelling

There are so many great storytelling events happening in Portland (and probably close to wherever you live - storytelling is everywhere these days!)

One Portland show that I just learned about is on the theme of “Late Bloomer” and it’s at Kickstand comedy on May 29th- hosted by Chris Williams and Lauren Sinner. Storytellers include one of my faves - Samira Sahebi. 

As far as upcoming shows I’m hosting… 

I’ll be hosting the Moth StorySLAM June 1st at the Old Church. And my Dad will be in town for Pearl’s graduation. So a rare Portland Paul Dickson appearance! 

And then again October 5th, again at the Old Church. 

And this just in. I’ll be hosting the Moth GrandSLAM November 17th at the Aladdin. 

And no matter where you live, please pretty please give the BACKFENCE Unhinged podcast a listen if you haven’t. 

Recent episodes include an insane story about a DVD that keeps popping up at the wrong moments from Britton Taylor, a fun story about playing dare with a pond while riding a golf cart from Chris Williams, and special host story episodes from myself and my fabulous co-host Frayn Masters.

Oh, and I should mention that Frayn is one of the best storytelling coaches on the planet and has an upcoming showcase of her current storytelling class at Powell’s Books on May 21st. These shows are fantastic!

10 Things

Inspired by David Letterman, ArtForum and list makers everywhere, I’m experimenting with a top 10 list this month. 

Here goes! 

10. Brawler - I’ve always really liked Lauren Groff’s books but her latest book of short stories is so good. Thanks for the lend Sara! 

9. Top Chef - would have been higher on the list, but the married couples and twins are adding unnecessary drama. Also as my wife Susan often reminds me “the Carolinas” isn’t really a thing. 

8. The good WinCo. Groceries prices are insane, bro. For you SE Portland folks it’s well worth going to the Clackamas location and forsaking the Powell and 81st option. Although the latter is my usual spot. 

7. LP Records. We moved our stereo from our living room into our dinning room and have made putting on a record part of the setting the table ritual and it’s paying off. 

6. Oma’s Hideaway. James Beard recognized Indonesian maximalist restaurant that just happens to be two blocks from my house! 

5. Avocados. I’m just really into them right now. 

4. Big Boggle. You know what’s even better than Boggle? Big Boggle. It’s got an extra row which means you can make way more and longer words. You might be thinking, what about Extra Big Boogie - to which I’d say, easy now. That’s a bit much.

3. Sean J Patrick Carney. Erin Boberg asked me to mentor him through the PNCA graduate degree program years ago. He’s become a super successful arts writer, so much so he’s coming back to teach at PSU. Welcome back to Portland, Sean! 

2. Dr. V. My kids have had a doctor whose last name starts with a V. My old doctor moved to Cleveland so I got a Dr. V of my own! And been seeing quite a lot of Dr. Virtue to make sure the next decade or two are smooth sailing health wise. 

1. The Lloyd Center Barnes and Nobles going out of business sale!  I’m not sure what’s left, and I think May 2nd was actually the last day. But they were running a $5 on everything save for cookbooks and fiction (which was half-off). Darn it, should have sent this on Friday!

Okay, thanks reading!

Andrew

PS - Andrew Dickson: Life Coach continues to press forward. We are deep in the edit and are hoping to achieve picture lock soon.

I’m really excited about how it’s turning out!