Bylaws of the CBA

1999 Restated Bylaws
of the
Cascade Blues Association

As Approved by the Board on February 9, 1999

    Pursuant to the provisions of the Oregon Nonprofit Corporation Act (the “Act”), the Members adopt the following 1999 Restated Bylaws, which shall supersede the heretofore existing Bylaws and all amendments thereto:

ARTICLE 1

Purpose

1.1     The Corporation is organized and shall be operated exclusively for charitable purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or any successor statute (the “Tax Code“).

1.2     The purpose of this Corporation is to provide for the preservation, promotion and enhancement of blues music, on a nonprofit basis consistent with the provisions set forth in the Corporation’s Articles of Incorporation.

1.3     Subject to the express limitations and restrictions contained in this Article 1 and in Article 2 below, the Corporation may engage in any lawful activity for which corporations may be organized under the Act.

ARTICLE 2

Restrictions

2.1     No part of the net earnings of the Corporation shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributable to, its Directors, officers, or other private persons, except that the Corporation may pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and may make payments and distributions in furtherance of its purposes.

2.2     No substantial part of the activities of the Corporation shall consist of carrying on propaganda or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, except to the extent permissible under Section 501(h) of the Tax Code.  The Corporation shall not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distributing of statements), any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for public office.

2.3     The Corporation shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on by (a) a corporation exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Tax Code, or (b) a corporation to which contributions are deductible under Section 170(c)(2) of the Tax Code.

ARTICLE 3

Corporate Offices

  1. The Corporation shall have such offices as the Board of Directors may designate.

ARTICLE 4

Membership

4.1     The Corporation shall have Members as that term is defined in the Act.

4.2     Except by reason of nonpayment of dues, no Member may be expelled or suspended, and no membership may be terminated or suspended by the Board of Directors except pursuant to a procedure which is fair and reasonable taking into consideration all of the relevant facts and circumstances.

4.2.1     Such procedure shall provide:

(a)     Not less than fifteen (15) days prior written notice of the expulsion, suspension or termination and the reasons therefore; and

(b)     An opportunity for the Member to be heard by the Board of Directors, orally or in writing, not less than five days before the effective date of the expulsion, suspension or termination.

4.2.2     Any written notice given by mail must be given by first class or certified mail sent to the last address of the Member shown on the Corporation’s records.

4.2.3     Members may only be expelled, suspended or terminated upon a majority vote of the Board of Directors.

4.3     No person shall exercise any rights of membership if that person’s membership dues are not paid in full.

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ARTICLE 5

Membership Meetings

5.1     Annual Meeting. The annual meeting of the membership shall be held on the first Wednesday of December for the purpose of electing officers, and for the transaction of other business.   If the election of officers cannot be or is not to be held on the date designated for the annual meeting, the Board of Directors shall cause the elections to be held at a special meeting of the Members as soon thereafter as convenient.

5.2     Special meetings. Special meetings of the Members for any purpose may be called by the President or by the Board of Directors.  Notice of special meetings shall be delivered by first class mail not less than seven (7) nor more than thirty (30) days before the date of the meeting to each Member, and shall be deemed delivered three (3) days after deposit in the US mail.

5.3     Monthly meetings. Monthly meetings shall be held on the first Wednesday of each month, at the place and time designated, and Corporate business shall be transacted at each such monthly meeting as needs require, just as in the case of special meetings described above.

5.4     Place of meetings. The Board of Directors may designate any time or place as the place of meeting for any meeting.

5.5     Voting lists. The membership secretary shall maintain a Membership List which includes every Member’s name and address. This list shall be subject to inspection by the Board of Directors at any board meeting or any other convenient time.

5.6     Inspection of the Voting List by Members. Pursuant to the Act, Members shall not have access to the membership list except on the express authorization and at the sole discretion of the Board of Directors. The Corporation shall provide a reasonable means for a Member to mail communications regarding voting at membership meetings to the other Members through the Corporation at the expense of the Member making the request.

5.7     Quorum. A majority of the Members present at any meeting shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.

5.8     Voting. For the annual election of officers, written ballots, will be distributed, one for each Member present, at the meeting held for purposes of election.  Ballots will be given only to Members whose membership status is in good standing.

5.9     Nomination of candidates. A nominating committee shall be appointed by the Board of Directors, which shall prepare a slate of candidates for offices. The slate of candidates for offices shall be mailed to the membership prior to the meeting designated for election. Only Members of Corporation shall qualify for nomination as officers. Members may write in their own candidates for any office on the ballot.

ARTICLE 6

Board of Directors

6.1     Size. There shall be between five (5) and fifteen (15) Directors, including officers. The exact number shall be determined from time to time by the Board.  No reduction in the size of the Board shall serve to cut short the term of any Director.

6.2     Composition and Election. The Board shall consist of five (5) officers and such additional non-officer Directors as are determined under Section 6.1.

6.2.1     Officers shall be elected as provided in Section 7.2.

6.2.2     Non-officer Directors shall be elected by the Board at the first scheduled Board meeting in July.

6.3     Authority. The business and affairs of this Corporation shall be managed exclusively and entirely by the Board of Directors. No Member of the association is authorized to act on behalf of the Corporation without the approval of the Board of Directors.

6.4     Meetings. The Board of Directors shall meet at least monthly to discuss Corporation business, and changes to the Bylaws. Regular meetings shall be arranged, both as to time and location, and noted in the minutes. Any Member of the Corporation may attend the first scheduled Board meeting of the month and address the Board. However, portions of any meeting may be held in Executive Session upon direction of the President. While in Executive Session, only Directors and specific invitees of the President may attend. Special meetings may be held upon call and notice by the president, or upon resolution of the Board of Directors. Directors shall be notified by mail or telephone of such special meetings.

6.5     Annual Meeting. The Board of Directors shall meet following the election of officers.

6.6     Quorum. A quorum of the Board of Directors shall be necessary to conduct business; a quorum shall consist of at least one-third of the prescribed number of Directors.

6.7     Voting. A resolution of the Board of Directors shall be determined by a majority vote of Directors in attendance at the meeting. Written ballots may be requested by any Director.

6.8     Director Conflict of Interest. Any Director can be disqualified from voting when a case of potential conflict of interest is determined by a majority of votes cast by the remaining Directors. A potential conflict of interest exists if one or more Directors could experience direct or indirect personal gain or loss due to the outcome of a Board resolution. Directors have an affirmative duty to disclose to the Board of Directors all material facts of any potential conflict of interest.  Actions of the Board are not voidable on the grounds of conflict of interest except as provided in the Act.

6.9     Term, Commencement of Term. Directors shall serve for a one year term. Officers shall begin serving on January 1st after the election.  At-Large Directors will begin serving immediately after their election or appointment.

6.10     Removal of Directors. At any regular or special membership meeting, one or more of the Directors may be removed by a majority vote of the Members present, and a successor may be elected to fill the vacancy created.  A Director whose removal is proposed shall be given an opportunity to speak to the membership prior to the vote for his or her removal.

6.11     Resignation of Directors. Any Director may resign at any time by giving written notice to the Board, the President or the Secretary of the Corporation. The effectiveness of such resignation shall not prejudice the rights, if any, of the Corporation against the Director so resigning.

6.12     Vacancies. A vacancy which occurs among the Board of Directors shall be filled by a majority vote of the remaining Directors. A Director elected to fill a vacancy shall serve the unexpired term of his or her predecessor in office.

ARTICLE 7

Officers

7.1     Enumeration. There shall be a President, a Vice-President, a Secretary, a Membership Secretary and a Treasurer. No person shall hold more than one office.

7.2     Election of Officers. Officers shall be elected by vote of the general membership at the annual membership meeting held in December as provided in Section 5.1.  Officers shall be elected by individual ballot.

7.3     President. The President shall supervise and direct the business of the corporation. In addition, the President shall preside at meetings of the Members and of the Board of Directors.

7.4     Vice President. In the absence of the President or as occasionally designated by the President or Board of Directors, the Vice President shall perform the duties of the President.

7.5     Secretary. The Secretary shall keep minutes of all meetings of the Membership and Board of Directors, see that all notices are given in accordance with these Bylaws as required by law, and be custodian of the corporate records. The Secretary shall maintain a list of all generally authorized CBA activities.

7.6     Membership Secretary. The Membership Secretary shall keep the Membership roster current and accurate.

7.7     Treasurer. The Treasurer shall have charge of, custody of and control of all funds of the corporation, shall give and receive monies payable and due to the Corporation from any sources and deposit such money in the name of the Corporation in such banks as may be selected in accordance with these Bylaws. The Treasurer shall maintain a list of generally authorized monetary expenditures approved by the Board. The Treasurer shall be custodian of all financial records, invoices and receipts of the Corporation. The Treasurer shall provide a financial status report to the Board each month which includes all financial transactions of the Corporation.

7.8     Compensation.     No Officer shall receive financial compensation for his or her services as an Officer of the Corporation.

ARTICLE 8

Contracts, Checks and Deposits

8.1     Contracts. No contract may be made in the name of the Corporation without the approval of the Board of Directors. Such approval may be granted in general or confined to specific instances.

8.2     Loans. No loan may be made on behalf of the Corporation unless authorized by the Board of Directors in writing.

8.3     Disbursements. The Board of Directors shall approve the writing of all checks, or payment of money by the Corporation. Such approval may be granted in general or confined to specific instances. Dispersal of petty cash shall adhere to guidelines established by the Board.

8.4     Banking. All funds of the Corporation shall be deposited to the credit of the Corporation in such banks or trust companies or other depositories as the Board of Directors may select.

ARTICLE 9

Limitation of Liability, Indemnification

9.1     Liability:

9.1.1     No Director or uncompensated officer of the Corporation shall be personally liable to the Corporation or its Members for monetary damages for conduct as a Director or uncompensated officer; provided that this Article shall not eliminate liability which may not be eliminated under the Act.

9.1.2     No amendment to the Act that further limits the acts or omissions for which elimination of liability is permitted shall affect the liability of a Director or uncompensated officer for any act or omission which occurs prior to the effective date of such amendment.

9.1.3     The provisions of this Article are intended to be in addition to and not in limitation of any other provisions of the Bylaws or any agreement of the Corporation or any law that eliminates or limits the liability of Directors, officers and others acting on behalf of the Corporation.

9.2     Indemnification. A Director, Officer, employee, Member or agent of the Corporation shall be indemnified against expenses (including attorneys fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by him or her in connection with any civil action, suit or proceeding in which he or she may be named as a party, and which is in connection with his or her duties as a Director, Officer, Employee, Member or Agent of this Corporation if he or she acted in good faith. and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation.

Amendments to Bylaws

10.1     How Proposed. Amendments to these Bylaws shall be proposed by either a majority of the Board or by Members having one-third of the votes entitled to be cast for such amendment. The proposed amendment must be reduced to writing and shall be included in the notice of any meeting at which action is to be taken thereon.

10.2     Adoption. The proposed amendment may be adopted by the membership at a regular or special meeting of the Members called for that purpose. However, those provisions of these Bylaws which are governed by the Articles of Incorporation of this Corporation or by the Act may not be amended except as provided in the Articles or in the Act.

ARTICLE 11

Other Business Items

11.1     Committees. The activities of the Corporation shall be carried out by committees. The structure and configuration of the committees shall be determined by the Board of Directors. Each committee will operate under the guidance of a committee chairperson within parameters defined by its charter, a written statement of its goals and operations. All committee chairpersons will be assigned by the Board of Directors. No committee shall engage in any activity beyond the scope of its charter without the approval of the Board. Committees shall regularly report to the Board of Directors as prescribed by the Board. The Board of Directors shall provide guidance and assistance to the committee chairpersons.

11.2     Fiscal Year. The fiscal year of the Corporation shall begin on January 1 and end on December 31 of each year.

11.3     Corporate Seal. The Board of Directors may provide a corporate seal which shall be circular in form and shall have inscribed thereon the name of the Corporation, the name of the State of Oregon, and the words “Corporate Seal.”

11.4     Notice and Waiver of Notice:

11.4.1     Notice. All notices to the Corporation or to the Board shall be sent care of the President, to the principal office of the Corporation or to such other address as the Board may hereafter designate from time to time. All Member notices shall be sent to the last address designated by the Member.

11.4.2     Waiver. Whenever any notice is required to be given to any Member or Director of the Corporation under the provisions of these Bylaws, the Articles of Incorporation, or by law, a waiver thereof in writing, signed by the person or persons entitled to such notice, whether before or after the time stated therein, shall be deemed equivalent to the giving of such notice.

Billy Price & Otis Clay

This Time For Real
Bonedog Records / VizzTone

This is soul music the way it is supposed to sound. Billy Price and Otis Clay’s new CD This Time For Real has a very distinct Memphis sound to it, created by a guy from Pittsburgh and a legend living in Chicago. Clay was a major influence on Price’s career, and the two had only recently had the opportunity to meet, but when it was decided that they should do a recording together, give whoever thought of that idea the Kewpie Doll because it was pure genius.

Blues Hall of Fame inductee Otis Clay still proves that he is one of the greatest soul singers going. Last year he released a duet album with Johnny Rawls covering OV Wright songs that brought big time accolades and a Blues Music Award nomination. But stand back, this one with Clay collaborating with Billy Price just may outshine that previous album. No knock on Mr. Rawls mind you, but these two sound like they’ve been working alongside one another for an eternity in the heavenly soul choir. It’s just that good.

The title says it all: This Time For Real.

But how do you push two amazing singers to come across so naturally together? Well, one way to do so is to bring in an ace producer who just happens to be one of the best guitar players alive to take on the task: One Mr. Duke Robillard. Add into the mix some of the finest musicians to be found in the New England area, such as drummer Mark Teixiera, keyboardist Bruce Bears, bassist Brad Hallen, and horn players Mark Earley and Doug Woolverton. With that group you might think that anybody would sound good. But don’t be fooled, they’re just that extra amount of sprinkles on the ice cream. They might give it appeal, but the real flavor is with these two singers.

You have to love the song selections, too. Fantastic numbers originally done by greats like Little Milton (“Somebody’s Changing My Sweet Baby’s Mind”), Bobby Womack (“Broadway Walk”), Syl Johnson (“Going To The Shack”), Joe Tex (“I’ll Never Do You Wrong”), and The Spinners (“Love Don’t Love Nobody”). I’m infatuated by the takes on so many of these songs, this disc has become ever-present in my car as I always want to give it another spin.

Yes, soul music done right. By two vocalists that have produced an album that will prove to stand the test of time. This Time For Real — it really is!

Total Time: 49:10

Somebody’s Changing My Sweet Baby’s Mind / I’m Afraid Of Losing You / Going To The Shack / All Because Of Your Love / Love Don’t Love Nobody / I’ll Never Do You Wrong / Don’t Leave Me Starving For Your Love / Broadway Walk / Book Of Memories / Too Many Hands / Tears Of God / You Got Me Hummin’

Pete Karnes Blues Band

Bar Room Blues
Self-Produced

Sitting in the White Eagle Saloon on this early September night last year was like taking a step back into time; Pete Karnes was back in town. Back in the day, so many years ago, he ruled the blues world in Portland and was pretty much the house band for this nostalgic music venue. Here he was returning to the venue where he made a name for himself some thirty years later and sounding every bit as strong and bluesy as ever. Karnes of course falls into that mode that traditional blues stemming from places like Chicago and Texas are the authentic real deal. And of course when you’ve worked with and been friends with the likes of John Lee Hooker, Big Walter Horton, Willie Dixon, Robert Lockwood Jr, Charlie Musselwhite, and JB Hutto (to name but a few), who are we to argue?

Coming to Portland found him reuniting with several of his surviving band members from back in time, alongside his current Florida-based outfit. The song selections stemmed from old chestnuts that were regular staples in Karnes original repertoire with bits and pieces from his most current (and third) studio release under his the Pete Karnes Blues Band name, I’m Still Here. Most are well-known covers such as “I’m Ready,” “Little By Little” and “Mama Talk To Your Daughter.” There are also those fun covers not heard too often by current bands like “Play With Your Poodle” and “My Last Meal.” But he also takes on his original music with his song for his late wife “Rayma’s Song” and a little Latin fare with “South Of The Border” (think of Big Walter doing “La Cucaracha and you’ll have a good idea — in fact Karnes claims to have taught Walter that number).

Being at this show felt like a flashback. Karnes voice sounds and harmonica playing is as brilliant as ever and film man David Jack Jester had set the room up just right to capture the music nicely. It sounds so much like the old band once did that you can compare it with his last release Live At The White Eagle 1982 and it would be hard to pick one over the other, save for the better sound quality nowadays.

Yes, Pete Karnes still knows the blues and how to do it well. Bar Room Blues is testament to that.

Total Time: 77:40

I’m Ready / How Did We Let It Go This Far / Help Me / Rayma’s Song / Boogie All Night / Framed / Play With Your Poodle / Chicken Shack / Ain’t Nobody’s Business / All Your Love I Miss Lovin’ / Mama Talk To Your Daughter / South Of The Border / My Last Meal / Back Door Man / Little By Little

What’s on Tap for November’s General Membership Meeting: The Muddy Awards!!

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Melody Ballroom, 615 SE Alder St., Portland
Wednesday, November 4, 6:30 pm
Members always Free – Non-members attending the Muddys $5.00

It’s here again. The biggest night for the blues in the City of Portland as the Cascade Blues Association honors those deserving musicians, venues, events, recordings, and individuals with the highly coveted Muddy Awards for outstanding achievement during this past year. Twenty-two categories will be presented by members of the CBA Board of Directors, noted artists and other friends of the blues recognizing those chosen as recipients by the members of the Cascade Blues Association by ballots the past two months.

Be sure to arrive early since this annual event draws over 500 attendees and tables fill up quickly. It is a gala event, so feel free to dress up a little, but it is not required. Because of the early start, The Melody Ballroom will have dinners available for purchase.

Since we are honoring our local musicians, it is only fitting that we have live performances to enhance the evening. Opening the night will be the Cascade Blues Association’s 2015 Journey To Memphis winners, Sister Mercy, at 6:30. The Awards presentations will begin right around 7:30 following a tribute to those artists we lost in the past year since the last Muddy Awards ceremonies. Mid-way through the awards, we will continue with tradition with a musical interlude featuring our 2015 Journey To Memphis solo/duo winners, traveling all the way from Medford to participate, Rogue Rage Duo. After the conclusion of the awards, it’s time to party. Every year we invite a musician to put together an all-star jam band including past and present Muddy Award nominees and recipients. This year’s guest band leader is two-time International Blues Challenge finalist and rising blues star Ben Rice. Ben has already pieced together an impressive line-up, but he is still talking to others for commitments. At this time expect to enjoy performances including: Big Monti Amundson, Dave Fleschner, Dave Melyan, Karen Lovely, Kevin Selfe, Lisa Mann, Rae Gordon, and Rich Layton. This is quite an impressive grouping indeed.

The Muddy Awards is an event not to miss. Please join us for what is always one of the highest anticipated nights for the Portland Blues Community. If you’re not a member, you can always join at the venue if you’d like. This, like all Cascade Blues Association monthly meetings, is open to all ages.

2016 CBA Officer Election Coming In December

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Every December, the Cascade Blues Association asks its members to attend the monthly membership meeting to cast their votes for the people who they would like to run the organization for the coming year. All five officer positions (President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, and Membership Secretary) are open for anyone who would like to seek the positions. We do request, however, that for the Membership Secretary position that you have knowledge of spreadsheets and mailing, and for Treasurer you have a firm grasp of accounting and filing taxes.

If you would like to place your name on the ballot for any of the CBA positions, please submit a letter stating your intent to run and outlining your qualifications no later than Friday, November 27. If you would like your letter published in the December BluesNotes, please submit the letter by November 15. You may mail your letter of intent to Cascade Blues Association, PO Box 6566, Portland, OR 97228-6566.

The Blues Cabaret CD Release Concert – Nov. 7th

Earl Thomas - photo by Greg JohnsonPortland’s own piano master, Dave Fleschner, has composed, written, and arranged his own two-set musical The Blues Cabaret, which has been presented at various venues along the West Coast. Now the show is being released on CD and to celebrate a special performance of The Blues Cabaret will be held at the Alberta Rose Theatre on Saturday, November 7 at 8:00 pm.

Once again joining Fleschner for this performance will be Grammy-nominated blues vocalist Earl Thomas and Portland Gay Men’s Choir soloists Billy Mixer and Jimmy Wilcox, all who appear on the album, too.

The Blues Cabaret is a dynamic new song cycle about a wistful musician who finally walks the road not taken years earlier. It’s a heart-rending, knee-slapping ride through love lost, gained, and squandered, told through thirteen-plus songs, four soulful singers and swinging band.

Tickets for The Blues Cabaret are available at albertarosetheatre.com, $15.00 general admission or $30.00 including a copy of the CD. VIP early seating, CD and pre-show champagne reception tickets are also available for $60.00. This is an all ages event with minors permitted with a parent or legal guardian. This is a CBA co-sponsored event and members may receive a $2.00 discount on tickets when ordering online and using the code “CBA.”

British Blues Explosion Returns To Duff’s Garage – Nov. 7th

In the early 1960s, while the blues languished in obscurity here in the United States, teenage guitarists all across England were wearing the grooves out of scratched 45s by Howlin’ Wolf, Muddy Waters, Jimmy Reed, Bo Diddley, and dozens of other American blues artists. The first wave of the British Invasion was not led by The Beatles, but by working class bands that first put their own stamp on classic blues covers, and then tapped the blues idiom for a new generation of original rock & roll. The third annual British Blues Explosion (BBE3) taken place at Duff’s Garage on Saturday, November 7, pays tribute to those English lads who kept the blues flame alive until we rediscovered it here.

Like its predecessors, BBE3 celebrates the blues as interpreted by groups like The Animals, The Kinks, Peter Green’s Fleetwood Mac, John Mayall, The Rolling Stones, The Yardbirds, and many, many more. Expect a mix of familiar classics and obscure nuggets dug up by the evening’s performers. The line-up confirmed so far includes Greg Georgeson, Jon Koonce, Robbie Laws, Rich Layton & The Troublemakers, and Jon Wallace.

Once again, the event has a genuine thread back to where it all began with British saxophone legend Chris Mercer, a charter member of John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers. That thread connects to a new generation of blues artists this year, with performances by “young guns” Ben Rice and Kivett Bednar.

Duff’s Garage is located at 2530 NE 82nd, showtime is 9:00 pm. This is a Cascade Blues Association co-sponsored event, so bring your current membership card to receive a $1.00 discount at the door. Please note, both BBE1 and BBE2 were sold out shows, so be there early to guarantee entrance.

14th Annual Musician’s Toy Run Benefit – Nov. 7th

The 14th Annual Musician’s Toy Run Benefit, hosted by Francine West & The High Speed Wobblers, will take place on Saturday, November 7 at the Trails End Saloon. The day-long concert is aimed at helping the Portland Shriners Hospital for Children bring holiday joy to its patients and also acquire much needed medical equipment. Admission is either a new toy or a minimum $5.00 donation, with monies being used to purchase medical equipment. All performers at the show are playing for free so that all funds received will go directly to the hospital.

Alongside Francine West & The High Speed Wobblers, other artists appearing throughout the day will include Norman Sylvester, Jim Mesi, Robbie Laws, Big Yellow Taxi, Bad Motor Scooter, Probable Cause, Rose City Rattlers, and Better Than Street Racket.

The event will begin at 3:00 pm and will run until midnight. The Trails End Saloon is located 1320 Main Street in Oregon City. Door prizes will also be available to further raise funds for the benefit.

Help bring happiness to the children this holiday season and attend the Musician’s Toy Run Benefit

Acoustic Showcase Fundraiser To Send Justus Reece To The IBC – Nov. 8th

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For the first time during the Cascade Blues Association’s relationship with The Blues Foundation, we will be sending a performer to the Foundation’s International Blues Challenge Youth Showcase. Nineteen-year-old Justus Reece is a solo guitarist who competed with the adults in this year’s Journey To Memphis, and because he was the only artist under 21 in the event was asked if he would consider representing the CBA.
Traveling to Memphis is expensive, so Justus is hosting an Acoustic Showcase at The Venetian Theatre & Bistro, 253 E Main Street in Hillsboro on Sunday, November 8. Joining Justus will be Oregon Music Hall of Fame inductees Terry Robb and Jon Koonce. Also appearing will be 2014 CBA solo/duo representative at the IBC, Tevis Hodge Jr. Showtime is from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm and admission is $10.00. This is a family friendly event open to all ages, with children under 12 getting in free of charge.
Your attendance at the Acoustic Showcase will help get Justus to the IBC, where the future of the blues is discovered every year, not only in the competition, but in the Youth Showcase as well. Justus will be able to meet other young blues artists from around the world, participate in jams for both young musicians and those hosted by recognized touring musicians, as well as being able to explore Beale Street, Memphis, and the Delta firsthand. Let’s give Justus the experience of a lifetime.

Cigar Box Guitar Scratch Off With Nathan James and Ben Rice – Nov. 9th

Nathan James - photo by Jon NaugleWhat could possibly be better than an adept guitarist working a slide on a cigar box guitar? How about two such masters working together? That is exactly what you’ll be hearing at The Lake Theatre & Café on Monday, November 9 as Nathan James and Ben Rice join together for what is sure to be a thrilling night of blues. And since both tend to use their own creations combining cigar box and washboards, the event will be known as a “Scratch Off” noting the distinct sound the instruments can produce.

Nathan James has long been known as one of the finest guitarists in California, having worked many years with James Harman, as an International Blues Challenge winning team with Ben Hernandez, and most recently with his own band The Rhythm Scratchers. Ben Rice, of course, is our own local young guitar slinger, multiple Muddy Award recipient, and the winner of the St Blues Guitar Award at the 2015 International Blues Challenge having reached the finals two straight years.

This not to miss show begins at 7:00 pm and admission is $10.00. The Lake Theatre & Café is located at 106 North State Street in Lake Oswego.