Art, bagels and all that jazz: Jazz Breakfast at PMA

Sundays were created for relaxation (or recuperation, depending on how late your Saturday went). And brunch exists because - let's face it - being functional at 9:00 a.m. on a Sunday just isn't right.

Besides, it feels good to roll out of bed late in the morning, hover over the coffee pot in your PJs and then kick back on the couch for some well-earned TV time.

But it is possible to maintain that leisurely Sunday sentiment and still DO something. Heck, even something cultural [gasp!].

The Portland Museum of Art hosts Sunday Jazz Breakfasts from 10:30 a.m. to noon every Sunday from fall through spring. The featured band each week includes the likes of Port City Jazz and Sean Mencher and his Rhythm Kings.

Enjoying the jazz is free with the cost of admission ($10 for adults) so once the music stops you can still roam the exhibits.

Even better - the art and jazz combo.

When we entered the museum a couple Sundays back, the music welcomed us in just as clearly as the woman at the admissions counter. I didn't need to ask where to head for the jazz breakfast - I just followed my ears.

From the main floor you can peer down into the cafe and watch the band from above (and pretend to be the Puppet Master, if that's your idea of fun). Thanks to the open architecture of the building, the jazz tunes float throughout the museum. The music makes an ideal soundtrack to an art appreciation morning.

But if you're hungry you can head down the stairs and take advantage of the a la carte breakfast spread. Choose from bagels, croissants, scones and a featured hot entree (quiche perhaps). There's fruit salad, too, in case you're trying to adhere to your new-found passion: the gluten-free diet.

It's a cafeteria-style set up - well, minus the cafeteria tables. There are 10 or so tables at the back of the room, though those were well-crowded when we got there.

Instead, find a seat in one of the rows upon rows of folding chairs. It isn't as easy to chow your bagel and hold your coffee at the same time here, but you can make it work.

There's definitely an excellent turnout for these regular breakfasts - and you may be shocked to learn that the crowd errs on the side of "older."

Yes, it's true. Gray hair and orthopedic shoes were in abundance. But don't let that deter you young whippersnappers. The jazz is fabulous, the coffee well-caffeinated and the art patiently waiting your perusal.

Only one Jazz Breakfasts left this spring: Sunday, May 17 Tom Snow.