New Orleans’ Deltaphonic – Three Stops In Oregon: April 6th

Deltaphonic is a band you will remember — a New Orleans based duo that plays with a maniacal, yet cohesive musical energy. Inspired by musical and lyrical giants such as Tom Waits, Taj Mahal, ‘Mississippi’ John Hurt, Dr. John, Jimi Hendrix, and Townes Van Zandt, Deltaphonic experiments with classic sounds and garnishes the result with lyrics that oscillate between extreme satire and affection. On stage, Deltaphonic is all energy and a duo with a surprisingly big sound. Their latest recording, Texas, Texas, is a diverse affair of blues, psychedelic rock, swampy folk, and jam. Since forming in 2014, they have played hundreds of shows across the country.

Deltaphonic will be making a trio of stops in Oregon in late March / early April. On Thursday, March 31, the band will appear in Bend at Velvet, 805 NW Wall Street, for an early 6:00 pm performance. On Friday, April 1, they will be in Hood River at the River City Saloon, 207 Cascade Avenue at 8:00 pm. Then on Wednesday, April 6, they will be performing at Duff’s Garage, 2530 NE 82nd, in Portland at 9:00 pm.

Robert Cray Band Coming Back To Portland: April 6th

“You gotta keep your ears open and expand your mind.”
– Robert Cray

robert-cray[1]Open ears and an open mind are the essence of singer, guitarist, and songwriter Robert Cray’s approach to writing, recording, and playing music. He has created a sound that rises from its American roots and arrives today both fresh and familiar. In just over 40 years Cray and his band have recorded 20 studio releases, played venues and festivals around the world, received five Grammy Awards, a suitcase full of Blues Music Awards, and induction into the Blues Hall of Fame. His latest release, 4 Nights Of 40 Years Live, celebrates the epic journey that the Robert Cray Band has traveled throughout its extraordinary career.

On Wednesday, April 6, the Robert Cray Band will return to Portland — where it spent a good deal of its early years. They will be performing at Revolution Hall, 1300 SE Stark Street, for a 8;00 pm show. 21 and over only, with tickets available through TicketFly.com for $45.00. Robert Cray has had a huge following in the area since the band’s inception, so pick up your tickets early, as this performance is sure to sell out.

Award Winning Stacy Jones Band Returns: April 9th

stacy jonesOne of the most popular blues bands in the Puget Sound area makes its way back to Oregon in April for one night only at the Trails End Saloon. The Stacy Jones Band has been performing all around the country and just returned from a short tour in The Netherlands. Consistently nominated for and winning BB Awards from the Washington Blues Society, Stacy also received an International Music and Entertainment Association Award for Best Blues Song of 2015 for “Can’t Do Nothin’ Right” from the band’s latest disc, Whiskey, Wine And Water. The hard-working band consists of Stacy on multiple instruments and vocals, her father Tom Jones on bass, Rick Bowen on drums, and Kevin Sutton on guitar.

The Stacy Jones Band appears at the Trails End Saloon, 1350 Main Street, Oregon City, at 8:30 pm on Saturday, April 9.

A Sugaray Rayford Weekend at The Birk: April 9th

Sugaray-2When Sugaray Rayford belts out a song, you not only hear it, you feel it. The Texan-born musician began his musical career at the age of seven, singing and playing drums in church, and his gospel influence can be heard and felt in his music. His career has been on a steady uphill path as his accomplishments mount, from taking second place in the International Blues Challenge with Aunt Kizzy’s Boyz in 2006, to fronting The Mannish Boys, to highly acclaimed accomplishments as a solo performer. Those accomplishments include six Blues Music Award nominations, four this year alone, including the coveted BB King Entertainer of the Year. An engaging performer on stage, with his strong, emotional vocals and dance moves that remind people of  James Brown, Sugaray is always a big-time draw.

Sugaray Rayford will be appearing at the Walla Walla Guitar Festival on Friday, April 8

Then he will be performing two days at The Birk. First for an evening show on Saturday, April 9 at 7:00 pm with his band. Then on Sunday, April 10 the Sugaray Rayford Band will be joined by Seattle-based vocalist Lady A for some church time gospel music starting at 1:00 pm. Tickets for each show are $25.00 in advance through Tickettomato.com and $30.00 at the door. Or purchase the two-day deal for just $40.00. The Birk is located at 11139 Hwy 202 in Birkenfeld. Don’t miss out, as these are Sugaray Rayford’s only Oregon appearances for this tour. Remember, The Birk really isn’t that far.

The 44s Bringing West Coast Blues At Its Best To Duff’s Garage: April 10th

The 44s - press photoThe 44s “play like their life depends on it,” declares guitarist Kid Ramos. “One of the hardest working, hardest playing blues outfits anywhere.”

The Los Angeles-based band plays blues-roots music and have been taking command of stages across the country with its in your face, yet highly contagious sound. Through their vintage instruments and non-stop touring, The 44s have a knack for inciting a party with their feisty stage presence everywhere they appear. It’s raw and greasy, led by the tone-rich guitar work of Johnny Main, with Eric Von Herzen on harmonica, Jason Lozano on drums, and Mike Hightower on bass. Since their band’s inception a decade ago, The 44s have been redefining the West Coast blues sound.

The 44s are one of Portland’s most favorite touring acts, and the attraction’s mutual. Their shows fill up quickly, so make a point to be at Duff’s Garage, 2530 NE 82nd, on Sunday, April 10 for a 8:00 pm show. This is a Cascade Blues Association co-sponsored event, so make certain that you show your current membership card at the door to receive a $1.00 discount on admission.

Multi-Talented Guitarist Jackie Greene At Mississippi Studios: April 10th

Jackie Greene - photo by Greg VorobiovGuitarist Jackie Greene first made his impression on local fans through his appearances at the Waterfront Blues Festival. Nowadays, from The Black Crowes, to Phil Lesh & Friends, and  to his solo albums, he jams across genres singing in a honeyed tenor over music that synthesizes elements of classic rock, folk, soul, blues, country, psychedelia, and A.M. pop – think the Band, Bob Dylan, and Tom Petty after soaking up a few 70’s So-Cal rays.  If you’ve seen him, you know the guy rules at guitar and performance.

As his star continues to rise, Jackie Greene will be heading back to Portland for night of acoustic music celebrating the recent release of his album Back To Birth at Mississippi Studios, 3939 North Mississippi, on Sunday, April 10. This will be a 9:00 pm show with mostly standing and limited balcony seats available. 21 and over only. Admission will be $22.00 at the door, or tickets can be purchased in advance for $20.00 at TicketFly.com.

Gary Clark Jr – Roseland Theater Sold Out Performance: April 14th

SGary Clark Jr - press photoince 2010, Gary Clark Jr. has wowed audiences with electrifying live sets everywhere, while his modus operandi has remained crystal clear: “I listen to everything…so I want to play everything.” Growing up in Austin, the virtuoso guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter found himself learning first-hand by sitting in with blues legends like Hubert Sumlin, Pinetop Perkins, and Jimmie Vaughan while also soaking in a love of the music of BB King, Curtis Mayfield, Miles Davis, Jimi Hendrix, Marvin Gaye, Parliament-Funkadelic, and Tupac and Biggie. Clark’s music developed into an amalgamation of this myriad influences and inspirations, and has brought the young prodigy renown as a modern interpreter of the evolution of rock and roll and as a savior of the blues.

Touring in support of his most recent recording, The Story of Sonny Boy Slim, Gary Clark Jr has been selling out venues across the country. His April 14 show at The Roseland Theater, 8 NW 6th Avenue has been sold out for months, but tickets can be found through various ticket brokers online (take care to make sure that these brokers are legitimate and expect high prices). This is a 21 and over only show, starting at 8:00 pm.

Fifth Annual Inner City Blues Festival – April 16th

The fifth annual Inner City Blues Festival will be held on Saturday, April 16 at The Eagles North Portland FOE 3426. Once again this event will help benefit Health Care for All Oregon in its continuing advocacy for publicly funded, universal healthcare for all people in Oregon. Last year’s event  raised over $24,000 and the goal this year is to surpass $40,000.

This year’s festival has a stellar line-up, featuring Steve Cheseborough, The Augustana Jazz Quartet with Marilyn Keller, Roseland Hunters with LaRhonda Steele, Terry Robb, Tevis Hodge Jr, Blaco Allegria, NW Women in Blues with Sonny Hess, Bonnie Lee, Rae Gordon, Lady Kat, and Vicki Stevens, the Norman Sylvester Band with Shoehorn, Mad as Hell Doctors, Leanne Sylvester Miller, and Sara “Sweet Thangz.”

This is a 21 & over event. Food and a full service bar will be available. The Eagles is located at 7611 North Exeter and show time starts at 6:00 pm. Tickets are $20.00 advance available at Music Millennium, Musician’s Union, Geneva’s, Peninsula Station and TicketTomato.com. This is a Cascade Blues Association co-sponsored event. Members will receive a $1.00 discount and tickets will be available at the April CBA General Membership Meeting.

Lady A Coming To The Birk: April 16th

lady_aSeattle-based vocalist Anita White, better known as Lady A, will be coming to The Birk for two shows in mid-April. Leading her group, The Baby Blues Funk Band, she will be bringing her blend of blues, funk, and gospel to the venue. Lady A has been performing recently with both The Randy Oxford Band and the West Coast Women’s Blues Revue, and did a series of performances last spring with Mississippi’s Dexter Allen. She also has an internet radio show on NWCZ every Sunday at 3:00 am and noon called Gumbo and Gospel.

Lady A will be holding an evening concert at The Birk, 11139 Hwy 202 in Birkenfeld at 7:00 pm on Saturday, April 16. Tickets are $15.00 in advance through Tickettomato.com or $20.00 at the door. On Sunday, April 17, Lady A will lead a gospel afternoon show starting at 1:00 pm at The Birk. Admission for this event is only $7.00 for a single ticket, or $12.00 for a pair, with kids under 16 getting in free.

Top Musicians To Pay Tribute To The Memory Of Allen Toussaint – April 16th

allenAllen Toussaint may have passed on last year, but he left behind a lengthy legacy of songs that not only served for the past fifty-plus years as the soundtrack for New Orleans R&B, pop, and soul music, but that have also been covered by a multitude of musicians world-wide. And while many may not recognize The Rock & Roll and Blues Hall of Famer by name, they surely would know his music.

In honor of this truly remarkable songwriter and performer a tribute will be held on Saturday, April 16 at The Star Theater in Portland with a world-class lineup of musicians. Included in this special evening of entertainment will be Louisiana jazz, soul, and blues artist Willie West, who has worked with many renowned artists like The Meters,  Aaron Neville, David Batiste, Earl King, Etta James, and many others. Portland’s own soul master Ural Thomas, whose recent comeback to the music scene found his band, The Pain, being named the best new band by Willamette Week, has shared bills with The Rolling Stones, James Brown, Stevie Wonder, and Otis Redding. Also included in the show will be the Modern Nolatet, an R&B and jazz outfit from New Orleans that features one of the city’s most in-demand rhythm sections with Johnny Vidacovich on drums and James Singleton on bass along with Mike Dillon on precision and Brian Haas on piano. Expect other musicians to be involved for this first-class presentation to one of America’s finest songwriters as well.

This spectacular night of the music of Allen Toussaint will start at 9:00 pm with tickets available in advance for $20.00 at TicketWeb.com. The Star Theater is located at 13 NW 6th. This is a 21 and over only event.