Seventy-five years ago, folk player and American songwriting icon Woody Guthrie spent time in Portland recording a series of songs about the Columbia River and the people of the Northwest for the Bonneville Power Administration. Seventeen of those songs were originally recorded, some that have become legendary examples of American history, such as “Roll On Columbia,” “Hard Travelin’,” “Grand Coulee Dam” and “Pastures of Plenty.” But there were still nine more written that have not seen any release up until this time. To recognize Guthrie’s groundbreaking work, author Greg Vandy will release the book 26 Songs in 30 Days along with the recordings of several Northwest musicians who gathered to record all twenty-six of the songs. These musicians include former BPA official and folklorist Bill Murlin, Seattle’s International Blues Challenge winning duo Ben Hunter & Joe Seamons, singer Jon Neufeld, and the band Timberbound, the latter two hailing from Portland, among other artists. Beginning in May, there will be numerous book and concert events taking place honoring the Northwest music of Woody Guthrie and influences that will continue throughout the year.

It will all start on May 9, at The Lake Theater & Café, 106 N State Street in Lake Oswego with a concert and story-telling featuring Ben Hunter & Joe Seamons along with Timberbound. Show time is 7:00 pm. General admission tickets are $20.00 and may be purchased in advance at latketheatercafe.com.

This concert will be followed up by a presentation at the Columbia River Historical Center in The Dalles, Oregon on May 20 and events at the Grand Coulee Dam on May 28 and at the Northwest Folklife Festival in Seattle on May 30.

In May, Blues Music Award and Sean Costello Rising Star winner, and Cascade Blues Association Muddy Hall of Fame member Lisa Mann is releasing her newest album, Hard Times, Bad Decisions. To celebrate, on Friday, May 13 Lisa Mann will be holding a CD release party at The Rose Room. The new disc is filled with special guests and Lisa has invited a few of her good friends to join her at the party. Alongside will be Her Really Good Band members JT Thomas on guitar and Michael Ballash on drums (sorry Brian Harris will be touring with Curtis Salgado at the time), Lisa has invited Andy Stokes,  Patrick McDougall, Ben Rice, Louis Pain, and Dave Melyan to take part in the event.

The new album features eight new original tracks and four covers. All bring Lisa’s wide range of styles, from swampy blues-rock to old school soul to classic jump swing, all tied together with her signature bombastic delivery.  Make a point to pick up your copy at the party!

The Rose Room is located at 8102 NE Killingsworth Street. Advance tickets are on sale through brownpapertickets.com for $10.00 general admission, $15.00 reserved seating ($15.00 meal purchase required) and $250.00 for the Group VIP Platinum Package that is limited to 10 people; includes 2 bottles of champagne, 2 comp appetizers, VIP room access with private server. This is a Cascade Blues Association co-sponsored event and by showing your current membership card you can receive a $1.00 discount on admission at the door only. This is a 21 & over show.

Driven by a fierce independence, unified by family, and fortified by the brotherhood of music, the Delgado Brothers deliver the musical goods: topical, anthem-worthy songs complemented by call-to-action lyrics and East L.A. Soul.  For over 30 years the Delgado Brothers have been music makers, collaborators, and ordinary citizens; raising children, grieving the loss of parents, marrying and divorcing.  All of this life experience may explain their flare for illuminating everyman’s joys, sorrows, triumphs, and losses. A wide spectrum of people, undivided by culture, age, or socioeconomic status, have long embraced The Brothers’ music.

Often referred to as Los Angeles’ best kept secret, The Delgado Brothers stormed to the blues world forefront this past January as they captured the title at the International Blues Challenge and brother Joey took home the prized best guitarist trophy. No strangers to the Northwest blues circuit, the Delgado Brothers have been headlining festivals and venues throughout the region. To witness a Delgado Brothers live performance is to testify to the synergy, emotion, work ethic and true musicianship of the band.

That opportunity to catch them live happens on Sunday, May 15, for an afternoon performance at The Birk, 11139 Hwy 202, Birkenfeld. The show begins at 2:00 pm. Admission is $10.00, with the doors opening at noon.

Then, on Monday night, May 16, the Delgado Brothers will be joining Jonathan “Oogie” Richards for a remote live broadcast of NWCZ Radio from The Birk, starting at 6:30 pm. Doors open at 4:00 pm and admission is $10.00. And during the broadcast, two free tickets to the Sunbanks Music Festival will be given away.

 

Texas-born Hamilton Loomis is the son of musician parents who exposed him to blues, rock, and soul, so it’s no surprise that music ran in his veins. With instruments readily available around the house, he mastered multiple instruments while honing his musical skills performing regularly as part of his family’s doo-wop group. While still a teenager, Loomis met the legendary Bo Diddley, and the two became close friends. He learned how to entertain and take command of a stage through Diddley and has always followed the advice given him by the elder bluesman to “innovate, don’t imitate.” Loomis is at his best while onstage. He is energetic, infectious and you shouldn’t be surprised to find him walking into the crowd at any given moment bringing an interactive feel to his audiences.

Hamilton Loomis will be appearing at Duff’s Garage, 2530 NE 82^nd, on Tuesday, May 17 for a 9:00 pm show. Admission is $12.00.