PORTLAND’S 6TH ANNUAL MARDI GRAS BALL TO FEATURE TRIBUTE TO ALLEN TOUSSAINT

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mysti-500pxOn February 6, 2016, Portland’s Mysti Krewe of Nimbus will produce the 6th annual Mardi Gras Ball at the Wonder Ballroom (128 NE Russell Street). This year’s festivities will feature Mardi Gras Indian group The Northside Skull and Bones Gang, old-style jazz and swing comb The Bridgetown Sextet, The Too Loose Cajun and Zydeco Band, and a PDX All-Star Tribute to the late, great New Orleans musician, arranger, songwriter, and record producer  Allen Toussaint.

The theme for 2016’s Mardi Gras party will be announced on January 6, or Twelfth Night, and The Ball will also include a costume contest and the crowing of the Mardi Gras King and Queen, along with free traditional king cake for attendees.

The New Orlean Times-Picayune chose Portland’s Mardi Gras bash as one of the top-five authentic Mardi Gras celebrations outside of Louisiana. It’s a heady concoction of crazy, macabre, rude, humorous, sexy, and high-spirited indulgence and wicked excess.

Doors open at 7pm, and the show begins at 8pm. Cost is $30 in advance or $35 at the door. This is a 21 and over show.

For tickets go to: www.wonderballroom.com/event/1021463-mysti-krewe-nimbus-6th-annual-portland. More information and pictures from previous years can be found here: www.portlandmardigras.com

The Ball sold out last year, so we encourage you to get your tickets early.

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Rising Artist JD McPherson At The Wonder Ballroom: Jan 13th

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JD McPherson - press photoSinger-songwriter JD McPherson has taken the essence of early, Little Richard and the Johnny Burnette Trio influenced, rock & roll, tossed in some 12-bar blues, blended it with modern studio techniques, and up-dated everything into his personal, hybrid style. His original explorations into music are innovative and unique and led to development of its own genre. McPherson broke out with his debut disc Signs & Signifiers in 2012 and captured audiences’ attention with the YouTube video for “North Side Gal.” He has been on a steady upward path ever since, drawing large crowds to his performances and a new album, Let The Good Times Roll. McPherson and his band have opened for acts ranging from Bob Seger to the Dave Matthews Band to Nick Lowe to Eric Church to Queens of the Stone Age. These may not seem like natural pairings, but the McPherson’s music is primal and melodic enough that, after a few minutes, it never fails to capture even those audiences with low expectations and a lack of musical education.

JD McPherson will be appearing in Portland at The Wonder Ballroom, 128 NE Russell Street, at 9:00 pm on Wednesday, January 13. Opening the show will be Los Angeles-based duo HONEYHONEY. Tickets are available through TicketFly.com, $20.00 advance, $22.00 day of show. This event is 21 and over only.

 

 

 

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Shemekia Copeland Brings Her Powerhouse Vocals Back To Portland! – Jan 13th

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Shemekia Copeland - photo by Greg JohnsonShemekia Copeland is definitely one of those great artists who seem to get better over time. Not that she wasn’t terrific already, but her latest release, Outskirts Of Love, just may be the finest of her young career to date. It has already garnered a Grammy nomination, and there surely will not be a surprise if it ends up on the Blues Music Awards ballot, too. But Shemekia is not just fantastic on record, she is a dynamic, crowd-enthralling performer, too. Whether she’s belting out a raucous blues-rocker, firing up a blistering soul-shouter, bringing the spirit to a gospel-fueled R&B rave-up, or digging deep down into a subtle, country-tinged ballad, Shemekia Copeland sounds like no one else.

If you haven’t witnessed a Shemekia Copeland performance before, then you definitely do not want to take the chance to miss one now. One of the best live shows you’ll see in the blues world today, Copeland returns to Jimmy Mak’s on Wednesday, January 13. Tickets are available through TicketTomato.com for $20.00 reserved and $17.00 general admission. And since this is a Cascade Blues Association co-sponsored event, receive a $3.00 discount when you use the code “CBA” when ordering your tickets online. The show begins at 8:00 pm. Jimmy Mak’s is located at 221 NW 10th. Reservations are highly recommended as this show is certain to sell out.

 

 

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Big Head Todd & The Monsters Celebrates Black Beehive With Portland Performance: Jan 15th

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Big Head Todd and the Monsters - press photoSince their formation in the mid-’80s, Big Head Todd & the Monsters have continued to evolve and explore, moving beyond their Colorado club circuit roots to become one of the most adventurous, respected, and durable bands in America. They have honed their collective stew of influences into a trademark hybrid that’s immediately recognizable. Their current release, Black Beehive is a collection of new studio tracks that bandleader Todd Park Mohr states allows them to truly reach their audience through the language of the blues, something they developed significantly with their previous release 100 Years of Robert Johnson. As the band celebrates their twenty-five-plus years together, the new album will allow them to present their ageless blues and affirm their longevity.

Big Head Todd & The Monsters will be appearing in Portland on Friday, January 15 at 8:00 pm at The Wonder Ballroom, 128 NE Russell. Tickets for this 21 & over performance are available through TicketFly.com for $35.00.

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Sonny Hess Brings BB King Tribute Show To Jimmy Mak’s: Jan 16th

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BB King - press photoWhen BB King passed away last year, the world lost an irreplaceable voice, not only for the blues world but for music in general. King was a fitting name for the man, as he influenced more musicians, particularly guitar players, than anyone could possibly imagine. In tribute of King, many of Portland’s finest guitar players will gather at Jimmy Mak’s on Saturday, January 16 to pay their respects. Organized by Sonny Hess, the night will also include fellow stringers Jim Mesi, Norman Sylvester, Peter Dammann, Ken DeRouchie, as well as top flight artists Lisa Mann, Lady True Blue, Vicki Stevens, and Ellen Whyte. Jim Hively and Kelly Pierce will hold down the rhythm section. Many of these musicians shared the stage with King, while others were directly impacted by him. This is a not-to-miss line-up, and the thrill is never gone as long as we can relive BB King’s music!

Jimmy Mak’s is located at 221 NW 10th. This is an 8:00 pm show. Tickets are $18.00 reserved and $15.00 general admission and may be purchased in advance through TicketTomato.com. Remember to use the code “CBA” when ordering online as a Cascade Blues Association member for a $3.00 discount as this is a CBA co-sponsored event.

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Slide Guitar Wizard Sonny Landreth To Appear At The Aladdin Theater; Jan 20th

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On Wednesday, January 20, Louisiana’s home–grown slide guitar master Sonny Landreth returns to Portland for a performance at the Aladdin Theater supporting his stellar latest recording, Bound By The Blues. Landreth’s career is awe-inspiring and not only as a key go-to session artist. Landreth has also recorded with John Mayall and John Hiatt, toured with Jimmy Buffett as part of the Coral Reefer Band, and has appeared in every one of Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Guitar Festivals. Plus, he has put together a stellar solo career of his own, releasing critically acclaimed albums such as Blues Attack, The Road We’re On, Elemental Journey, and Levee Town. Along the way Landreth has continued to develop his vision and musical voice, growing original and diverse, expanding from blues, zydeco, folk, country, and jazz into increasingly category-blurring musical excursions.

“Developing a style and an approach that is your own musically is not something to be taken for granted,” quips Landreth. “I’m at a point in life where I want to make the most of every moment I can and that changes your perspective, your priorities and how you relate to everyone else. And at the end of the day, I think that is the essence I wanted to express . . . “

Sonny Landreth is an all ages show, with minors permitted with a parent or legal guardian. The Aladdin Theater is located at 3017 SE Milwaukie Ave. Showtime is 8:00 pm. Tickets are $27.50 advance, $30.00 day of show and can be purchased at the Aladdin box office or through TicketFly.com. Opening the night will be Portland’s own answer to New Orleans funk and West Coast groove, The Roseland Hunters.

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Charmaine Neville and Reggie Houston Reunite For A Night At Jimmy Mak’s: Jan, 21st

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Charmaine Neville - press photo

Charmaine Neville - press photoLong before Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans or Reggie Houston relocated to Portland and garnered Muddy Awards, Charmaine Neville and Reggie Houston had worked together for a number of years to the delight of fans living in and visiting the Crescent City. The saxophone sounds of Houston had backed the great Fats Domino for twenty-two years, and Charmaine continues the legacy of New Orleans first family of funk (the daughter of Charles Neville of The Neville Brothers). Together they bring a jazzy magical blend that is not lost amongst the music community in Portland where the two have taken the stage with one another many times over the years delivering a tasty gumbo of Louisiana goodness.

It will be like a second line happening on stage at Jimmy Mak’s, 221 NW 10th, as these two join forces for a special performance on Thursday, January 21 at 8:00 pm. Tickets can be purchased at TicketTomato for only $12.00 reserved seating and $10.00 general admission. Plus, if you’re a Cascade Blues Association member, use the code “CBA” when ordering online to receive a $3.00 discount on the ticket price. New Orleans hits the Rose City; come on out and be part of the party!

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Eagle Rock Gospel Singers To Perform At Mississippi Studios; Jan 31st

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Eagle Rock Gospel Singers

Eagle Rock Gospel Singers - press photoWill Wadsworth formed The Eagle Rock Gospel Singers in the winter of 2010 following a failed relationship, a band dissolution, and a scary airplane ride. To regenerate his interest in music, he and his roommate, Jeremy Horton, gathered friends together to sing old gospel songs. They sang songs inspired by their love of Washington Phillips, The Staples Singers, Mahalia Jackson, Sister Rosetta Tharpe — you know, the real classics — and held house parties just so they could perform. Soon enough, a large, shifting group of people came each week to join in on the weekly jams. There could be anything from 8 to 18 participants, depending upon the night. Wadsworth and Horton, realizing this might work in a club setting, pared down the group to core members and then began performing around Los Angeles. In 2014, they recorded their first album, Heavenly Fire, an explosive barn-burner, taut with electricity and highlighting Kim Garcia’s remarkable singing. It provides an articulation of their sound, honed over those many group parties, into a band that has become a rousing celebration of traditional Gospel sounds with rock foundations.

The Eagle Rock Gospel singers will bring their amalgamation of folk, blues, and gospel music to Mississippi Studios, 3939 N Mississippi Ave., 0n Sunday, January 31 for an 8:00 pm show. The event is a 21 & over concert, with mostly standing room and limited balcony seating. Tickets are available through TicketFly.com for $12.00 advance or $15.00 day of show at the venue.

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Mark Hummel’s Blues Harmonica Blow-Out Celebrates 25 Years With Portland Concert; Feb 3rd

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Mark Hummell

Mark HummellAlways a must-see show whenever it comes to town, Mark Hummel’s Blues Harmonica Blow-Outs are consistently one of the best blues groupings to be found. For the past twenty-five years, Hummel has brought together the top names in harmonica to be a part of these performances, and for the silver anniversary showcase he has amassed one of the best yet!

Alongside the Blues Music Award harmonica player Mark Hummel himself the featured line-up this year will be: 82-year-old swamp legend and Blues Hall of Fame member Lazy Lester, Blues Music Award Entertainer of the Year winner and Portland’s own Curtis Salgado, rising blues star and one of the most innovative harp players around Jason Ricci, the Bay Area’s Mumbai-born harper Aki Kumar, and San Diego’s Big Jon Atkinson who is a triple threat playing not only harmonica, but guitar and drums as well. The blowers will be backed by two of the toughest, most tuneful guitarists going, Anson Funderburgh and Little Charlie Baty, while the rhythm section will be held down by California bassist RW Grigsby and legendary Texas drummer Wes Starr. Definitely a line-up for the ages and a show not to be missed!

The Blues Harmonica Blow-Out will be appearing at The Aladdin Theater in Portland on Wednesday, February 3 for an 8:00 pm show. Minors are welcome to the show when accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Tickets are $32.50 in advance through TicketFly.com or at the Aladdin box office; $35.00 day of show at the venue.

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What’s on Tap for January General Membership Meeting …

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What’s on Tap for General Membership Meeting

Melody Ballroom, 615 SE Alder St., Portland
Wednesday, January 6, 7:00 pm
Members always Free – Non-members $3.00
Opening Acoustic Set – Dave Mullany with Nayibe Rojas & Kevin Selfe
Second Electric Set – The Tablerockers

It’s a new year and we’ll be starting a whole new line-up of great blues performances for our monthly meetings, guaranteed to bring exciting good times for all in attendance. Always the best way to start each month to wet your blues appetite while hanging out with friends and fellow blues appreciators.

Opening the night will be Dave Mullany, a guitar player with roots that extend across the United States. His early days of playing Dave Mullany with Nayibe Rojas & Kevin Selfeconsisted of covering rock and blues styles in upstate New York starting in 1968, with local Woodstock musicians like Paul Butterfield and Levon Helm serving as inspirations  After moving to New York City in 1977, he had the opportunity to play with Bo Diddley for all of his NY dates and opened shows for artists like Muddy Waters, Jerry Garcia, Jorma Kaukonen, and Sonny Terry & Brownie McGee. His recording experience includes work with Rolling Stones producer Jimmy Miller, session work with Shawn Colvin, radio and TV work as well as a national film, Hells Angels Forever, that featured music from Jerry Garcia, Bo Diddley, and Willie Nelson, and he performed shows at The Palladium, Roseland Ballroom, CBGBs, The Lone Star Café, and Studio 54.

Mullany moved to Portland in 1991 and has spent the past twenty-four years honing his love of the blues. He’s played clubs and shows with local heroes Ellen Whyte, Terry Robb, Mary Flower, and Kevin Selfe and currently gigs with the Angel Bouchet Blues Band as well as performing solo. Mullany has also been teaching music for over twenty-five years with a resume that includes work alongside masters like John Renbourn, Jorma Kaukonen, Woody Mann, Mary Flower, and John Cephas.

For his CBA performance, Mullany will be joined by a couple good friends. First, an artist who needs no introduction to our members, Kevin Selfe, a Muddy Award Hall of Fame member who constantly works the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Selfe recently released his latest recording, Buy My Soul Back on the VizzTone Records label to high acclaim and he has appeared at many major festivals around the country as well as performing onstage at the Blues Music Awards in Memphis.

Also joining Mullany will be Nayibe “Geebs” Rojas. As the lead vocalist for the funky Portland band Ma Fondue, she is known for delivering high energy performances. She has also performed with Sonny Hess’ NW Women Rhythm & Blues at the Waterfront Blues Festival as well as their Annual Christmas Show last year. Geebs met Dave Mullany over 15 years ago when she enrolled in 1 of his Beginning Guitar classes and has often joined him onstage as a guest vocalist.

As our second act for the night, we will be entertained by a true Chicago style blues band, The Tablerockers. As their website declares: “this is the real thing, post-war blues of the ’40s through ’60s. No rock blues, no funk blues, no disco blues, or any other watered down or hyped up blues hybrids.” With a songlist heavy with blues standards from the likes of Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Little Walter, Junior Wells, Magic Sam, Buddy Guy, Otis Rush, Hound Dog Taylor, T-Bone Walker, and others. We may even be treated to a few of The Tablerockers’ original songs.

The Tablerockers - press photoThe Tablerockers were formed after guitarist Harvey Brindell moved to Portland from Lincoln, Nebraska this past year. For more than twenty-five years Brindell had been performing with a variety of bands that toured throughout the Midwest and Midsouth and recorded with the Honeyboy Turner Band on a couple of albums. He has played regularly at Lincoln’s famed Zoo Bar and has many shows for touring blues acts including the likes of Magic Slim & The Teardrops, Mike Zito, JW Jones, Jimmy Thackery, Smokin’ Joe Kubek, and even Portlanders Kevin Selfe & The Tornadoes, and Mitch Kashmar.

Also featured in The Tablerockers are well-known Portland blues musicians Walter Guy on bass who has led his own popular band for a number of years, harmonica man Marty Presler who has been a part of a number of bands in Southern Oregon and is a regular part of Arthur Moore’s Harmonica Parties, and rounding out the band is Sean Scheewe, a drummer who has toured the West Coast consistently with rock and country bands and part of the spot-on rhythm section known as The Dirty Lowdown.

Two great acts set to kick off 2016 just the right way for our monthly meetings. Don’t forget to pick up your ticket for the break time drawing, and perhaps buy a ticket or a few for the multi-CD winner-take-all raffle. You know that the meetings are always a good time, so what’s keeping you away? Come on out and join your friends in a good time filled with fantastic blues!

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