Gulf Coast Piano Legend Marcia Ball Returns To The Aladdin Theater- Feb 5th

The Texas-born, Louisiana-raised musical storyteller has earned worldwide fame for her ability to ignite a full-scale roadhouse rhythm and blues party every time she strolls onto the stage. Her groove-laden New Orleans boogie, deeply soulful ballads and rollicking Gulf Coast blues have made her a one-of- a-kind favorite with music fans all over the world. In 2010, she was inducted into the Gulf Coast Music Hall Of Fame and in 2012 into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame. She’s received a total of six Living Blues Awards and nine Blues Music Awards (and has a whopping 42 nominations). She’s received five Grammy Award nominations, including for four of her five previous Alligator albums. Always a songwriter of renown, Ball delved deeper into songwriting than she ever had in her career
with her Grammy-nominated 2010 Alligator release, Roadside Attractions, creating
one of her best and most personal albums.

Marcia Ball is currently touring in support of her latest Alligator Records’ release, The Tattooed Lady And The Alligator Man, and she also once again nominated for two Blues Music Awards in 2015. Ball will be performing at The Aladdin Theater, 3017 SE Milwaukie Ave., on Thursday, February 5th, for an all ages (21 & younger when accompanied by a parent or guardian) show starting at 8:00 pm. Tickets are available at the Aladdin Theater box office or through www.TicketFly.com, $27.50 advance, $30.00 day of show.

Fat Tuesday At Duff’s Garage – Feb 14th

Looking for a little Mardi Gras happening on Fat Tuesday? The New Iberians will be joining Bon Ton Roulet, two of Portland’s finest zydeco and Cajun themed acts for their annual Mardi Gras party at Duff’s Garage. This year they will also feature chef Terry Anne who will be cookin’ her famous chicken and andouille sausage file’ gumbo.

For seventeen years The New Iberians have been bringing their fun-filled, energetic dance music that reflect their roots in Louisiana zydeco, Northwest rock and Chicago blues to fans in the Northwest. The band is made up of sensational musicians: bandleader, accordion player and vocalist Evan Shlaes, rubboard player and vocalist Ural Thomas, Clark Salisbury on guitar, Linc McGrath on bass, drummer Fred Ingram and keyboard and harmonica man Claes Almroth.

Bon Ton Roulet has also been a long-time zydeco favorite in what they term “the Willamette Valley Bayou.” And they also feature fantastic musicians with Ted Hart on accordion, vocalist and fiddle player Annie Rosen, Dominic Maze on Bass,  Dave Muldoon on Drums, and guitarist Eran Schweitzer.

This is one event sure to get your gris gris going for Mardi Gras. Fat Tuesday happens this year on Tuesday, February 17th. Duff’s Garage is located at 2530 NE 82nd. Showtime is 9:00 pm. This is a Cascade Blues Association co-sponsored event, so make sure to show your membership card for a $1.00 discount on admission.

Ramblings On My Mind

ramblings201306BNGreg Johnson / CBA President

Well, it happened again this year. The International Blues Challenge (IBC) takes place shortly after the BluesNotes is going to press so we cannot give you any details right away about the outcome. And by the time you receive the paper chances are more than likely that word will already have spread on how our representatives for the Cascade Blues Association and the other outstanding acts representing the various Northwest societies fared. But I’m liking our chances and hopefully the word will be favorable for the musicians from our area.

This year’s IBC will not only feature nine acts from the Northwest, but for the first time a showcase will be held with all of the regional acts displaying their talent in one location. It is pretty much impossible to catch all the acts you want to on Beale Street during the event, so this gives friends and fans an extra chance to see our groups in Memphis.

For me, it is also a special week as the book that I have collaborated on creating with Baton Rouge photographer Jenn Ocken, Blues On Beale Street, Memoirs Of The International Blues Challenge, is being released with a special VIP party and live music from our good friends and past IBC winners Jonn Del Toro Richardson and Sean Carney. I cannot wait to see and hold a physical copy of this work that we’ve been busy putting together for the past two years.

I hope that everybody has a chance to attend this year’s Red & White Blues Dance at the Trail’s End Saloon. Originally titled the Sweethearts Dance, we changed the name because a number of people felt that they were not welcome to attend if they didn’t have a sweetheart. Well, we don’t want anybody to feel left out, thus the new name.

This event is one of only four that we regularly hold each year, other than the Journey To Memphis. It is also the only one we ask for admission for from our members. The purpose of this event was created to offer a winter time happening from the CBA, but also to try to recoup some of the heavy expenses we incur annually from the summer picnic, holiday party and Muddy Awards. We rely on memberships and BluesNotes advertising to make ends meet during the year, and we receive a good chunk of our income from our merchandise booth at the Waterfront Blues Festival. That Waterfront money is pretty much exhausted with the three late year events, so it is tight making ends meet without holding this show that really does not bring in too much our way, but every penny counts to keep the CBA in business. Believe it or not, the CBA does not roll in money, we wish that we did so we could offer more great events and to offer the musicians in town paid opportunities. We thank those acts who generously offer to perform for us, who tell us that they’ll always be available to us if asked.

Over the years the event has brought great performances from a number of artists. Among those, but by all means not everybody who has played, include acts like The Strange Tones, Duffy Bishop, Mary Flower, Boogie Bone, Atomic Gumbo, Too Scoops Moore, Robbie Laws, Bill Rhoades, Rollie Tussing, Madman Sam, and who could ever forget the set at the very first Sweethearts Dance that found our late pal The Original Snakeboy teamed up with Watermelon Slim. This year’s show will be another fun line-up with Rae Gordon & Gaddis Cavenah, the Bottleneck Blues Band, and Jesse Samsel & the East Wind Band.

We hope that you can make this show; it’s not just another night of great music, it is also a means of helping the CBA keep up with our expenses. And we want to thank you in advance for your support, at this show and all CBA events.

Cascade Blues Association’s Red & White Blues Dance – Feb 14th

The Cascade Blues Association presents its 13th annual Valentine’s Day celebration with the Red & White Blues Dance (formerly the Sweethearts Dance). This year’s event will be returning to Oregon City’s Home of the Blues, the Trails End Saloon, on Saturday, February 14th, starting at 8:00 pm.

We will have entertainment from three terrific acts this year, opening the night with a performance from the Rae Gordon Trio featuring Rae with her sensational vocals, Gaddis Cavenah on guitar and . . . Following Rae will be the hot sounds of the Bottleneck Blues Band, fresh off the release of their great new recording, Twenty First Century Blues, with Noah Bell on guitar, Seth Zowader on keys, Ethan Bear on bass and Devon Shazier on drums. Closing the night will be the always entertaining Jesse Samsel & East Wind, with John Cavanaugh on bass and Nathon Powell on drums providing the strong backbeat to Jesse’s incendiary guitar playing. Three truly smokin’ acts for certain!

poster wendyThe Trails End has put together a special menu for the Red & White Blues Dance featuring great choices like prime rib, house made macaroni & cheese, pork nachos, fish & chips and three choices of salad meals (Greek, BBQ chicken, and chicken Caesar), plus plenty of other options, too.

There will also be raffle tickets and a silent auction with lots of great items, including a package from River Trail Outfitters of your choice of a McKenzie River Fly Fishing Trip or a McKenzie River Rafting Excursion. More information about both of these can be found on www.rivertrailoutfitters.com under the browser tabs ” McKenzie Fly Fishing” & “McKenzie River Rafting”.

Admission for the Red & White Blues Dance is only $10.00 person, or come as a couple and get a bargain rate of $15.00 for the two of you. The Trails End Saloon is located at 1320 Main Street in Oregon City. Hope to see you there.

The 5th Annual Portland Mardi Gras Ball- Feb 14th

WHEN:  Saturday, February 14th 2015 (Doors at 7:00 pm)
WHERE:  Wonder Ballroom, 128 Northeast Russell Street, Portland, OR 97212
WHY: The only authentic Louisiana Mardi Gras experience within 2000 miles!
HOW MUCH: Tickets: $25 – $35 (available through Wonder Ballroom box office or Ticketfly – http://www.ticketfly.com/venue/975)

Contact:  Steve Kerin (503-442-6602)
Email: portlandmardigras@gmail.com
Web:www.portlandmardigras.com

Pomp, Circumstance & Soul!

In sharp contrast to those who view Mardi Gras as an excuse to get wasted, Portland’s Mysti Krewe of Nimbus makes Mardi Gras an event to be savored. The group’s 5th annual Portland Mardi Gras Ball takes place on Saturday, February 14th at the fabled Wonder Ballroom This year’s theme Voodoo Valentine is a mashup that invites attendees to explore the intersection of love and Love Potion #9.

VOODOO OUTLINE REV 4 FINALThe annual ball is the highlight night for Mysti Krewe of Nimbus, a membership organization styled in the tradition of a New Orleans’ “social and pleasure club.” The group’s 100+ members range from native Oregonians to Gulf Coast transplants, bonded by their love and appreciation of the culture, food, and music of the region. The Krewe’s dedicated mission is celebrating that rich cultural heritage …and, having a kick-ass time when they do.

For the first time, this year’s ball will be graced with the presence of New Orleans musical royalty, as R&B powerhouse Charmaine Neville joins the entertainment lineup. Charmaine, daughter of saxophonist Charles Neville, represents the 3rd generation of a dynasty that has kept faith with the musical traditions of Mardi Gras and New Orleans for more than seven decades. An established artist in her own right, Charmaine performs around the world, electrifying crowds with a powerful, soul-drenched voice and non-stop energy. She brings with her a soul-deep connection to the spirit of Mardi Gras and les bons temps rouler.KONICA MINOLTA DIGITAL CAMERA

It will be a veritable New Orleans musical summit when Charmaine takes the stage with native son and saxophonist Reggie Houston and Crescent City Connection. Also on hand is Portland’s own Too Loose Zydeco Band doing its part to keep the dance floor rocking. The evening kicks off with a second line parade, followed by the Northside Skull & Bones Gang. They take the crowd all the way to the streets of New Orleans’ 9th ward for an authentic Mardi Gras Indian experience.

And, yes, there will be beads. Lots of beads.    (See more next page)

Lagniappe (a little something extra)

  • 21 and over only
  • Full cash bar
  • Light taste of Louisiana cuisine included
  • Fresh Louisiana-style, you-peel shrimp available for an additional fee ($11)
  • Plenty of traditional Louisiana King Cake
  • Costume contest & prizes (costumes encouraged, but not required)
  • See the crowning of the new 2015 King and Queen of the Mardi Gras Ball

About the Krewe

The Mysti Krewe of Nimbus brings Louisiana Mardi Gras culture and traditions to the Pacific Northwest via:

  • The Annual Mardi Gras Ball
  • Mardi Gras Day Parade on Mississippi Ave (on February 17th 2015)
  • Second Line Parades at the Safeway Waterfront Blues Fest and Bite of Oregon
  • An award-winning Rose Festival Starlight Parade float.​

The inspiration for the Krewe began with Louisiana natives Steve and Jane-Clair Kerin. Transplanted to Portland, they had hoped to see the kind of Fat Tuesday celebrations they were used to at home, but all they found were drink specials in local bars. So, they gathered other Louisiana transplants and their friends, and launched the Mysti Krewe of Nimbus with the goal of bringing some Louisiana-style Carnival mojo to the Rose City.

A little Mardi Gras history:

Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday, is the day before Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the Lenten season in the Catholic calendar. The idea of Carnival, which culminates with Mardi Gras, is to have as much fun as possible in the weeks preceding Lent, the 40-day period of fasting and reflection before Easter. This festival has its roots in various pagan celebrations of spring, some dating back 5,000 years. In 1582 Pope Gregory XIII made it a Christian holiday (guess “Pope G” liked to party, too). People in New Orleans and Louisiana have been celebrating Mardi Gras since the 1700s.

Portland, it’s time to join the fun!

Walla Walla Guitar Festival- March 13 & 14

The 4th annual Coyote Kings Invitational Walla Walla Guitar Festival is scheduled to take place on Friday, March 13th and Saturday, March 14th. Fifteen bands will take part in this year’s event in three venues in Downtown Walla Walla for the weekend. Acts to include sets from The Coyote Kings, Kevin Selfe & The Tornadoes, The Strange Tones, Rafael Tranquilino Band, Rae Gordon Band, Junkyard Jane, Randy Oxford Band, Monti Amundson and much more.

Tickets including festival admission and lodging are now available at early bird prices through www.ticketbud.com with prices ranging from $40.00 – $269.00.

Don’t forget that every Thursday night at Sapolil Cellars is the Coyote Kings weekly jam which is just one more reason to head up to Walla Walla and spend an extra day before the festival.

 

The Dance For Romance Is Set For February 14

Spend your Valentine’s Evening at The Dance For Romance at the Bossanova Ballroom. Award-winning live blues musicians and out-of-town fusion DJs with a dance floor, lounge, bar, and stage. There will be special guest performances of belly dancing, dance lifts and burlesque. Early arrivals can get a dance lesson for newb’s or advanced dance dips lesson, and watch some of Portland’s finest prize-fighting poets compete in a poetry slam.

WHO: Kevin Selfe, Karen Lovely, Karen Maria Capo
WHAT: Valentine’s Day: The Dance For Romance
WHEN: 9pm-1am Valentine’s Day, Saturday, February 14th, 2015
WHERE: Bossanova Ballroom, 722 East Burnside Street, Portland, OR 97214
WEBSITE: www.ValentinesBlues.com
COSTS: Prices Vary (see website)

Tommy Castro & The Painkillers To Rock The Alberta Rose Theatre- Feb. 25th

Tommy Castro - photo by Greg JohnsonTwo-time Blues Music Awards BB King Entertainer of the Year winner Tommy Castro returns to Portland with his band the Painkillers for what will definitely be another dynamic night of high energy blues on Wednesday, February 25th 8:00pm at the Alberta Rose Theatre. After a number of highly successful years playing as a horn-fueled band, Castro decided to strip down the band to its raw, basic form in the original style of hard rockin’ blues that he had begun his career with. The Painkillers consist of Castro on guitar and vocals, joined by only drums, bass and keys. This format has proven to be a crowd pleasing approach as his latest release The Devil You Know has garnered much acclaim and awards, including the Cascade Blues Association’s Muddy Award for National Recording of the Year in 2014.

The Alberta Rose Theatre is located at 3000 NE Alberta Street and Tommy Castro & The Painkillers is an all ages event with minors okay when accompanied by a parent or guardian. Tickets are $20.00 advance and $25.00 day of show and are available at www.AlbertaRoseTheatre.com.

Sister Mercy

Head Over Heels
Self Produced

Sister Mercy CD coverIs there something in the moist Portland atmosphere that brings out the best in female vocalists? The city is filled with sensational singers that easily rival any other scene in the nation. Well now you can add to the mix the voice of April Brown. Originally from the Los Angeles area where she worked the music and comedy clubs, she relocated to the Portland area and put together an exciting band made up of well-seasoned local veterans of the community under the name of Sister Mercy. Their self-produced debut release Head Over Heels is packed full of vocal pleasure and should become a favorite within Portland’s blues and R&B in no time.

Musically, this is a band that delivers. With brilliant guitar playing from Steve Savoie tearing into songs like Blind Willie Johnson’s “Nobody’s Fault But Mine,” “Sister Mercy,” “Heavy Load” and “I’m Done” accented with nicely executed piano from Debby Espinor, the album consistently captures attention deeper with each listen. Former Rose City Kings drummer Roger Espinor, who also produced and wrote many of the songs for this disc, paces the rhythm with Gary Giacci on bass (the band is now filling the bass position with another former Rose City King member Ron Camacho). Add to this Kelsey Brown as vocal partner alongside Brown and it comes across with depth and passion.

Head Over Heels is an exceptional debut that will garner a lot of attention for a band brimming with talent. Sister Mercy is destined for success and this is the right step in that direction. Well done!

Total Time: 44:58

My Mind’s Made Up / Upside Down Inside Out / Syrup & Honey / Nobody’s Fault But Mine / The Way / Holding On to Love / Come To Me / Sister Mercy / Heavy Load / I’m Done

Second Season Concert Series Set To Commence – February 1st

Second Season Productions (SSP) is proud to announce the launch of their concert series on Sunday, February 1, 2015 featuring a trio of Portland’s favorite acts to get the project started. The brain child of Ellen Whyte and her partner in this series Craig Howard, she states, “it takes an audience to raise a musician.”  The goal of SSP is to connect accomplished musicians with new audiences in a family friendly environment.

The Second Season Concert Series will take place at The Alberta Rose Theater, 3000 NE Alberta Street. The opening showcase will feature sets from world-renowned fingerstyle and lap guitar master Mary Flower; three-time entry level Grammy nominee Ellen Whyte with her trio including pianist Jean-Pierre Garau and bassist Gene Houck; and Oregon Music Hall of Fame member and Cascade Blues Association Lifetime Achievement recipient the Norman Sylvester Band.

Tickets are available on line at www.albertarosetheatre.com, with discounts for AARP and Cascade Blues Association members (use the code when asked online, “Members”. These shows will all take place on Sunday afternoons with three acts from 4:00 til 7:00 pm, so they will be time friendly for all. Admission is only $15.00, or $12.00 in advance, $10.00 for children (with parent or guardian).

As Craig Howard adds:  “We have some of the finest musicians in the land, right here in Oregon.  And you can’t beat this lineup, the location, the time of day, and the price.  Come out and join the celebration!”

For further information contact Ellen Whyte: 503-657-9801