Through her solo work and various collaborations, Lauren Sheehan has garnered a worldwide reputation tillamook burnas a fine Roots Americana songster of the highest order. Tillamook Burn is her collaboration with Zoë Carpenter, a mother-daughter duo from the coastal mountains of Oregon.They launched Tillamook Burn in January 2015 with a self-titled EP, which features their instinctive vocal harmonies backed by guitar, banjo, and mandolin. The Huffington Post explains that “these ladies project soul, style, and skill with every note.”

Nathan James - photo by Jon NaugleNathan James will perform a solo set drawing upon a deep well of influences from many early roots artists and styles. Never following simple convention, and always thinking for himself, Nathan James has created a musical identity with his homemade instruments and self taught skills. He is a true one man band pickin’ and scratchin’ on his own invention of washboard guitar, stomping out time on his custom suitcase drum set while singing and blowing harmonica or kazoo. Nathan James is a well respected and experienced artist in his field. For 15 years now, he has successfully made his living touring and recording, solely specializing on his passion of blues, and American roots music. Kim Wilson describes James as “[o]ne of the only guys in the world that can really play the traditional stuff right.”

On July 18th these diverse yet overlapping talents will team up for a double bill for Music Mondays at Lake Theater & Café, 106 N State Street, Lake Oswego. The show starts at 7:00 pm. Tickets are $15.00 and available at laketheatercafe.com.

 

The New York Times describes Marcia Ball as playing “two-fisted New Orleans barrelhouse piano and sings in a husky, knowing voice about all the trouble men and women can get into on the way to a good time.”

Marcia Ball - press photoThe 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. Marcia Ball is both a Gulf Coast Music Hall Of Fame and Louisiana Music Hall of Fame inductee, and has received a total of six Living Blues Awards, nine Blues Music Awards (with a whopping 42 nominations), and five Grammy Award nominations.

Currently on tour celebrating her latest release, The Tattooed Lady And The Alligator Man, this long-time Portland favorite returns to the Rose City for one night with a performance at the Aladdin Theater, 3017 SE Milwaukie Avenue, on Tuesday, July 19. This show is open to all ages, with minors permitted when accompanied by a parent or guardian. Tickets may be purchased in advance through Ticketfly.com for $27.50 or at the door day of show for $30.00. Show time is 8:00 pm.

 

cba-picnicOne of the most anticipated events of the year for is Cascade Blues Association Annual Members Only Picnic. This year the picnic will take place on Sunday, August 7. It is open to members and their families only, and is one of the best perks of belonging to the CBA. NOTE:  This means 2 adults and up to 3 children under 18 living at the same address.

Not a member or your membership has expired? Not to worry. You can join or renew at the picnic. The picnic will return once again to Tomahawk Moorage at Columbia Crossings on Hayden Island, 515 NE Tomahawk Island Drive, Portland, and will run from noon until 6:00 pm. Stay tuned for more details on the line up and food, but to be sure — it’s gonna be a blast!

Barry Blackwell with friend Cliff Larson - photo courtesy of Cliff Larson

Barry Blackwell with friend Cliff Larson

It is with extremely heavy hearts and regret that we have to announce that Cascade Blues Association Board Member Barry Blackwell passed away on June 4. As a long-time volunteer and a devoted board member, Barry was always the first to step forward to help out. Willing to work long and hard hours doing event set-ups, merchandise tables, watching the stage access gates at the Waterfront Blues Festival, or any task that needed to be handled, Barry was always there. Diagnosed with aggressive bladder cancer in December, he continued to attempt to attend meetings when he could despite his discomfort. Barry Blackwell was a good friend to Portland’s blues and music community, and he always had a smile for everybody. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the Cascade Blues Association, but his memory will live forever within us all.