Entries by Wendy Schumer

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After Hours with The Robert Randolph Family Band

by Wendy Schumer

jeffree_robert-randolph_6_ZOOMSaturday night after enjoying an hour or so of the great jam at Hotel 50 we strolled over to the Marriott to enjoy the RRFB.  The room was pleasantly full, not too crowded, and the music was great, as expected.  What wasn’t expected was the surprise performance by a random musician in the audience. About ¾’s of the way through the show Robert picked up one of the many guitars on the stage and held it out to the crowd.  This was immediately following the hip-shaking of about 20 women dancing on stage so needless to say …

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Cascade Blues Volunteers ROCK the WFBF!

I’d like to take this opportunity to publicly thank all of the amazing volunteers that took time out of their days and nights during the Waterfront Blues Festival to help us in the CBA booth.

Thank you for your support, your time and your dedication during the Festival. You were all “over the top” fabulous. Arriving on time, talking to so many people and just doing whatever needed to be done. We couldn’t have pulled these four days off without your help. We exceeded our goal …

Ramblings On My Mind

ramblings201306BNGreg Johnson / CBA President

Shortly after we went to press for the July issue last month, the blues world was struck a terrible blow with the loss of Bobby Bland. Without doubt one of the most important figures in post-World War II blues who helped usher in the modern sound and kept at it right up to the day he passed. So much unforgettable music and so many musicians that he influenced. It just seems inconceivable that he is no longer with us.

I had the chance to meet Mr. Bland a couple times with my visits back to …

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Ilwaco Blues and Seafood

The Ilwaco Blues and Seafood event returns for their 2013 version which may just be the strongest line-up yet in the event’s history. Happening Friday, August 16th and Saturday, August 17th at the Port of Ilwaco in Ilwaco, Washington.

The Robin Gibson Band with featured guest Kenny “Blue” Ray will open up the festival on Friday night followed by the North Coast Blues Band and our famous All Star Jam with the Heartbreakers, featuring a terrific line up of the Northwest’s premier female blues singers including Lucy Hammond, Rae Gordon, Lady A, Lady Kat True Blue, Maggie Kitson …

What’s on Tap for the August General Membership Meeting . . .

Melody Ballroom, 615 SE Alder St., Portland

Wednesday August 7th, 7:00 pm

Members always Free – Non-members $3.00

Opening set – Papa Rocket

Second set – Martin Henry & The Blues Benders

You can always count on some smokin’ hot blues happening each month at the Cascade Blues Association’s general membership meetings and this month will certainly be no exception. Normally we offer a set of acoustic to open the night followed by an electric set. But this month we’ve changed things up a little bit, as we do on occasion, and will have two bands performing.

Papa Rocket press photo  Opening …

Trombone Shorty & JJ Grey in Spectacular Double Bill at Oregon Zoo

tromboneshorty        The Oregon Zoo’s Summer Concert series always brings in some of the most popular talent every year, but with this show they have really outdone themselves. One of New Orleans’ most highly acclaimed musicians, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, along with the premier roots-rock of JJ Grey & Mofro is a night that’ll be pure magic and entertainment.

Since the release of their Grammy-nominated 2010 debut album, Backatown, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue have grown creatively while winning hordes of new fans performing nonstop on five continents. Their latest album, For True, offers substantive proof of their explosive growth, further …

T-Bone Walker Tribute Band to perform at Jimmy Mak’s – Aug. 10th

t bone walker poster yellowJimmy Mak’s, the premier Portland destination for jazz and a whole lot more is proud to present the T-Bone Walker Tribute band on August 10th.  This all-star lineup brings back the classic T-bone Walker following the teachings of T-Bone to the letter and performing classic hits such as “Street Walkin Woman” and “Strolling with the Bone” in the period correct style that he made famous. The band consists of guitarists Franck Goldwasser (Paris Slim), Chris Carlson, Vyasa Dodson, with Reinhardt Melz. Louis Pain. Stevie Kerin, Jim Wallace, John Mazzocco, Chris Mercer, Joe McCarthy, and Bradley Ulrich. “What makes …

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Island Park Blues Festival

The inaugural Island Park Blues Festival will be held on the banks of the beautiful Willamette River in Springfield, Oregon, on August 9 and 10, 2013.  This event is a fundraiser for FOOD For Lane County. Headliners appearing on the Rooster’s Main Stage will include Lydia Pense & Cold Blood on Friday night and Kenny Neal on Saturday.  You’ll be immersed in all styles of blues music — from roots tunes on handmade instruments up through high voltage progressive tunes.   Multiple generations of performers will join us with elders like king of the buskers Eagle Park Slim and 14 year …

Kalama Blues Festival Offers An Exciting Line-up

The Kalama Blues Festival returns on Saturday, August 17th for another full day’s worth of terrific blues music featuring several regional bands and headliner Studebaker John & The Hawks. Just a short drive north of Portland, this event is located right on the banks of the Columbia River at Waterfront Marina Park. Food vendors will be on site including local wine and beer. Admission is only $8.00 and two cans of food to assist Kalama Helping Hands.

Studebaker John will bring his classic traditional Chicago sounds that have been fan favorites since the 1970s. Also on the line-up will …

Guitar Master Kenny “Blue” Ray Set To Hit Duff’s Garage – Aug. 17th

Kenny Blue Ray press photoKenny “Blue” Ray has led a storied life as a bluesman. He has worked with the best in the business, including acts like Little Charlie & The Nightcats, Marcia Ball, Mitch Woods, Stevie Ray Vaughan, John Lee Hooker, Charlie Musselwhite, Smokey Wilson, William Clarke and way too many others to name. He is known for his fat guitar overtones, complex chord changes and lightning-fast chops that tend to draw rock fans into the blues fold. Since 1994, he has released many outstanding solo CDs that showcase his musical prowess as well as the sound quality of the guitars he makes …