Rising Star Shakey Graves To Play The Wonder Ballroom- Nov 14th

Shakey Graves - photo by Kirk StewartShakey Graves, real name Alejandro Rose-Garcia, was named by NPR as one of the top ten artists fans should’ve known in 2012. With two successful albums under his belt blending an emotionally driven blend of folk and blues, Graves is on the path to greatness with highly anticipated shows around the country. The Austin-based performer has knocked audiences out in New York’s anti-folk scene, the underground music world of Los Angeles and was recently a headlining performer at Oregon’s own Pickathon Festival with shows that have been termed as mesmerizing.

Graves will be back in Portland for a show at The Wonder Ballroom on Friday, November 14th. An all ages show that starts at 8:00 pm with a performance by Rayland Baxter. Tickets are $15.00 through www.woderballroom.com. The Wonder Ballroom is located at 128 NE Russell Street. Jump on tickets right away as this show is guaranteed to sell out.

IBC Fundraiser & CD Release Party For David Pinsky & Phil Newton – Nov 6th

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Last June, Southern Oregon blues duo David Pinsky & Phil Newton won the right to represent the Cascade Blues Association in Memphis this coming January at the International Blues Challenge by taking the top scores in the Journey To Memphis competition in the solo/duo category. This will be their second trip to the IBC as they performed their last year as the representatives for Eugene’s Rainy Day Blues Society. Always a fun time on stage, the two are sensational story tellers and first-class musicians working in a guitar-harmonica format. Recently the pair have put together their very first recording together titled Over The Moon that brings their effervescent stage act onto disc.

David Pinsky & Phil Newton will be traveling to the Portland area with the dual purpose of celebrating their new CD, while trying to raise funds to help offset their traveling expenses to Memphis. The show will take place at The Lehrer, 8775 SW Canyon Lane in Beaverton, on Thursday, November 6th for an early 7:00 – 10:00 pm performance. Admission is $10.00. Come on out and help David and Phil get back to Memphis and pick up a copy of this excellent CD as well. The two have a lot of fun onstage and it rubs off onto the audience just as much. Don’t miss it.

Rockin’ PF Out! A Concert For Awareness & Fundraising At The Lehrer – Nov. 2nd

Just what is IPF – Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis? That is the question I asked earlier this year when I learned that my brother-in-law, Bruce Williamson and my friend, Tommy Royer were seriously impaired by IPF. I have come to understand that this disease makes it increasingly difficult for oxygen to get into the blood due to progressive scarring in the lungs. In most instances doctors are unable to identify the cause of PF and the only real treatment is a lung transplant. Today both Bruce and Tommy are on the transplant list waiting for the call.

On Sunday, November 2nd, Bruce and his wife Vickie will be hosting a Fundraiser & Awareness Concert at The Lehrer from 2.00 – 6:00 pm. A $10 donation is suggested with all proceeds to benefit the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation. Donate Life NW will also be there to convey the importance of organ donations.

Scheduled to appear at this event are Margo Tufo, John Bunzow, Karen Lovely, Rae Gordon, Kevin Selfe, Doug Rowell, Big Monti, Lisa Mann, Michael Quinby, Bruce Williamson, Ed Neumann, Franco Paletta, Ben Rice, John Mazzocco, Sonny Hess, Ron Tuttle, Dave Melyan, Timmer Blakely, Justin Matz, JT Thomas, Scott Franklin and Chad Rupp, along with many more. An “all-star” jam from will follow from 6-8pm.

Please plan on attending this worthy event, your donations are truly needed to help put an end to IPF. If you are unable to attend, Bruce has set up a fundraising page where you can make donations directly at www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/RockinPFOut The Lehrer is located at 8775 SW Canyon Lane, in Beaverton.

Hope to see you there, Doug Rowell

Cee Cee James’ Birthday Celebration At Duff’s Garage (CANCELLED)

Cee Cee James has been on a steady rising climb the past few years as she continues to break open doors to venues and stages around the country. The 2014 winners of the Britt Festival Rising Stars competition and the 2013 recipient of the Blues Blast Award for song of the year for her original “I Have A Right To Sing The Blues,” Cee Cee has been receiving huge praise for her recordings and her dynamic performances. A deep throated voice that is easily recognizable makes for her blues uniquely her own. Add in a snap perfect, on the mark band featuring guitarist Rob “Slide Boy” Andrews and you have a winning combination that’s going to spark excitement and emotion into your soul. Cee Cee James’ performances are like a roller coaster ride that always catches you breathless just before taking that plunge down the slope into blues ecstacy.

Cee Cee James returns to Duff’s Garage for one night only on Saturday, November 22nd at 9:00 pm. Duff’s Garage is located at 2530 NE 82nd. Admission is $10.00 and this is a CBA co-sponsored event, so bring your membership card to receive a $1.00 discount on admission.

Oh yeah, did I mention that Cee Cee James will be celebrating her birthday at this show? Just another reason not to miss what will certainly be a rambunctious affair for sure! Be there!

Mt. Hood Jazz Festival Presents – Jazz In Schools and Round Robin

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JAZZ IN SCHOOLS

What: Jazz clinics for teachers and students of jazz, with Chris Brown (drums), John Nastos (saxophone), Susie Jones(saxophone), Kenney Polson(saxophone), Stan Bock(trombone),

When: October 10, 2014, 10:00am-2:30pm

Where: David Douglas HS Horner Performing Arts Center, 1400 SE 130th, Portland, OR

Who: Music teachers, music students if accompanied by music teacher, and general public

Admission: Free!

ROUND ROBIN

What: Live jazz in Historic Downtown Gresham

When: October 10, 2014

Admission: Free!

SCHEDULE FOR ROUND ROBIN:

Chris Brown Quartet @ Spinellas Restaurant, 436 N. Main, Gresham, 7:30-8:30, 9:00-10:00pm

Dan Balmer and Go By Train @ Hoppy Brewer, 328 N. Main, Gresham, 7:30-8:30, 9:00-10:00pm

Paul Mazzio Quartet, @ Ulys Taco Bar, 124 NE 3rd, Gresham, 6:00-7:00, 7:30-8:30pm

Tom Wakeling/Randy Porter Duo @ Boccellis Ristorante, 246 N. Main, Gresham, 6:00-7:00, 7:30-8:30pm

NW Film Center Offering Two Films Of Blues Music At The Annual Reel Music Festival

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The NW Film Center presents their 32nd annual Reel Music Festival, and as usual they have included a little blues music as a treat. This year’s event will be held at The Whitsell Auditorium at the Portland Art Museum from October 10th through the 22nd.

Gary DavisOn Saturday, October 18th, at 7:00 pm, be sure to catch “Harlem Street Singer: The Guitar Gospel Of Reverend Gary Davis.” One of the truly great American ragtime, blues and gospel musicians, Reverend Gary Davis’ (1896-1972) unique style and virtuoso skill on the guitar made him an icon during the 1960s folk revival and inspired a generation of musicians. “Harlem Street Singer” celebrates the beauty and spirituality of his North Carolina–bred music as well as the human qualities that made Davis a much beloved teacher and minister. Featuring great performances and interviews with musicians he influenced and taught, including Bob Weir of the Grateful Dead, Jorma Kaukonen of Jefferson Airplane, David Bromberg and Woody Mann. (78 mins.)

Then later that same night at 9PM, stick around for “Johnny Winter: Down & Dirty.” Director Greg Olliver spent two years following Johnny Johnny WinterWinter to France, Japan and beyond to create this intimate, aptly named portrait of the Texas musician as famed for his sex, drugs and rock & roll lifestyle as his blazing blues guitar. Winter’s recent passing at age 70 recalls not only a storied life—Woodstock, partying with the Rolling Stones and John Belushi, dating Janis Joplin, and jamming with Jimi Hendrix— but fantastic playing and the respect of legends like Muddy Waters, who said: “When I first heard him, I thought he was one of the greatest blues players in the business.” (94 mins.)

Each show requires a separate admission. General admission prices are $9.00, $8.00 for Portland Art Museum members, students and seniors. Advance tickets are available at www.nwfilm.org or may be purchased at the door one-half hour before screen time. Visit the website to also find out about all the other great films being presented at this year’s festival.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Folk-Blues Hero Chris Smither At The Alberta Rose-Oct 9th

Rolling Stone magazine’s David Fricke describes Chris Smither as, “a folk-blues singer-songwriter admired and covered by vocalists such as Bonnie Raitt and Emmylou Harris, grew up in New Orleans and told illuminating stories about trying to be a solo cat in a saxophone and trombone city in the Sixties, learning from Lightnin’ Hopkins records and the New Orleans-based bluesman Babe Stovall, then running with fellow ‘New Dylans’ like Townes Van Zandt.”

Honing a synthesis of folk and blues for 50 years, Chris Smither is truly an American original. His latest release, Still On the Levee, is a career-spanning retrospective double CD that highlights the vast catalog of an American music master. Reviewers and fans from around the world agree that Chris is a profound songwriter, a blistering guitarist and, as he puts it, a ‘one-man band to the bone!’ Chris melds the guitar styles of his two major influences, Lightnin’ Hopkins and Mississippi John Hurt, into his own signature sound. His music continues to draw deeply from the blues, American folk music, modern poets and humanist philosophers.

Chris Smither will be returning to the Portland area for a performance at The Alberta Rose Theatre, 3000 NE Alberta Street, on Thursday, October 9th, for a 8:00 pm show. Tickets are available through www.albertarosetheatre.com, $20.00 advance / $23.00 at the door day of show. This is open to all ages, minors okay with a parent or guardian. New York-based singer-songwriter Milton will open the show.

The Banditos Set To Liven Things Up At Duff’s Garage-Oct 24th

The Banditos Band sews together honky tonk, R&B and beard-rock sounds in an unforced, carousing-soundtrack way. In 2013, Paste Magazine named Banditos to its “12 Alabama Bands You Should Listen to Now.” The band is now based in Nashville and are aimed to become one of the hottest acts hitting the concert circuit across America with their latest release, The Breeze, showcasing their raw and ragged sound that comes across in a raucous manner on stage. With a trio of vocalists, including full-belted powerhouse Mary Richardson (who may remind you of Brittany Howard), Corey Parsons and Steve Pierce, they perform on a variety of instruments ranging from banjo, lap steel and even kazoo. The band is a veritable jukebox of rough-around-the-edges musical styles.

The Banditos Band will be making their Portland area debut with a show at Duff’s Garage on Friday, October 24th starting at 9:00 pm. This is a Cascade Blues Association co-sponsored event, so show your current membership card at the door and receive a $1.00 discount off the $10.00 admission.

Coco Montoya CD Release Party At Jimmy Mak’s-Oct. 23rd

Guitar hero Coco Montoya will be showcasing his newest CD, the double-disc live recording Songs From The Road, recorded in Seattle’s Triple Door, at a special performance at Jimmy Mak’s on Thursday, October 23rd. Montoya has worked as a member of both Albert Collins and John Mayall’s Band (where he teamed up with Walter Trout) before heading off onto his own successful solo career. Expect to hear many favorite songs from throughout Coco’s outstanding career. An exciting live performer, you’re going to want to catch this dynamic show and also pick up a copy of the CD so you can hear his concert magic over and over.

Jimmy Mak’s is located at 221 NW 10th, in The Pearl District. Reservations are highly recommended for this 8:00 pm show. Coco Montoya CD Release Party Tickets can be purchased in advance at www.TicketTomato.com for $18.00 reserved (must also purchase meal) and $15.00 general admission. This is a Cascade Blues Association co-sponsored event, so show your membership card at the door for a $1.00 discount off general admission.

David Vest Joins The Terry Robb Trio For Show At Vie de Boheme

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Terry Robb (press photo)

Head out to Vie de Boheme on Friday, October 10th, for what is certain to be an incredible evening of great music as two of Portland’s favorite musicians join forces. Well, one Portlander and a former local. Terry Robb, the Cascade Blues Association Hall of Fame Muddy winner for acoustic guitar and 2009 inductee into the Oregon Music Hall of Fame, will team up with one of the great boogie players of our time, David Vest, the multi-Maple Blues Award winning pianist and former Portland resident now living in British Columbia. This pair matches up well, as Terry Robb can pretty much do whatever he wants on a guitar and David Vest can make a piano’s keys talk in volumes. Performing with Robb and Vest will be Terry’s rhythm section of drummer Dennis Carter and another CBA Hall of Famer Albert Reda on bass.

David Vest

David Vest (press photo)

Vie de Boheme is located at 1530 SE 7th. This is a 9:00 pm show. Admission is $12.00. This is also a CBA co-sponsored event, and admission for members is $10.00 when you show your current membership card.

For those living in the Columbia River Gorge area and cannot make it into Portland for Friday night, the group will be performing Thursday, October 9th at 7:30 pm at the Dalles Civic Center, 323 East 4th Street, The Dalles. Admission TBA.