Houston Bluesmen Rich DelGrosso and Jonn Del Toro Richardson at Duff’s Garage

 

Rich DelGrosso and Jonn Del Toro Richardson - press photo

Rich DelGrosso and Jonn Del Toro Richardson – press photo

The blues’ premier mandolin man Rich DelGrosso was in Portland just this last May where he had a very nice receptive audience at Duff’s Garage. He’ll be returning once again to the venue on Saturday, July 27th and this time he will be bringing his guitar slinging partner Jonn Del Toro Richardson with him. Richardson has worked with artists such as Diunna Greenleaf & Blue Mercy, Gary Moore, Pinetop Perkins and Otis Taylor and is recognized as one of the finest guitarists hailing from Texas today. Together, DelGrosso and Richardson released the outstanding album Times Slips On By, which garnered the pair a Blues Music Award nomination in 2012. Their music has been described as: “original music from the fertile blues territory of Southeast Texas…. rocking, solid mandolin with fiery guitar in a new spicy mix of Texas blues and roots.” Joining the pair for this show will be a first class rhythm section with Portland’s own Dean Mueller on bass and Jonathan Barber on drums.

Duff’s Garage is located at 1635 SE 7th. Showtime is 9:00 pm. Admission is $15.00. This is a Cascade Blues Association co-sponsored event, so don’t forget to show your membership card at the door to receive a $1.00 discount on admission. Then prepare yourself for some of the finest Texas-based blues you’ll find anywhere from two of Houston’s best musicians.

David Vest – The Boogie Piano Wizard Is Back

David Vest - photo by Jennifer Freisen

David Vest – photo by Jennifer Freisen

David Vest has certainly shown that he is not only a master at all things piano, but he is somewhat of a traveling man as well. He started his career tearing up the 88s throughout the Chitlin’ Circuit and Texas, where he performed alongside artists like Lavelle White, Faron Young and Jimmy “T-99” Nelson. He even had a part in introducing the world to country legend Tammy Wynette. Later, as we all know, David relocated to Portland where he worked with The Cannonballs and also with The Paul deLay Band. After Paul’s passing, David moved on once again landing in Vancouver, British Columbia where he continues to amaze audiences. He has recorded a handful of discs and his latest, East Meets Vest, finds him in the company of many of Canada’s foremost blues musicians. That disc also garnered him a Maple Blues Award as the finest blues pianist in Canada.

Every now and then David Vest makes his way back down to Portland. And when he does it is highly suggested that you should attend his performance whenever you have the chance. David Vest will be performing two shows in late July, giving you double the opportunity to see him.

 

On Saturday, July 27th he will be in Hood River for an 8:00 pm show at The Pines (202 W State Street). Admission is $15.00. This is a 21 & over only show. A great venue to catch a live performance, unfortunately The Pines will be closing and this is the last show they will hold. Plus summertime is the best time of the year to head out to Hood River. Make a day of it, perhaps enjoy a little wind-surfing or explore the Columbia River Gorge on the way.

 

David Vest will also be playing on Sunday, July 28th for an intimate and early show at the Trails End in Oregon City (1320 Main Street). Starting at 6:00 pm, admission is only $5.00, and remember the Trails End is now open to minors when accompanied by parent or guardian until 9:00 pm.

 

David Jacobs-Strain Celebrates New CD at Mississippi Studios

David Jacobs-Strain - press photo

David Jacobs-Strain – press photo

As David Jacobs-Strain has grown up before our eyes here in Oregon, his music has stretched beyond imagination reaching heights that have taken him to amongst the very best musicians in today’s roots music. A sensational guitarist, songwriter and vocalist, he is a true triple threat package. David will be returning back to his home state in July with a special CD release show at Mississippi Studios on Wednesday, July 24th celebrating his latest disc Geneseo. He has taken his incredible guitar work around the world, playing at locations like the Kennedy Center, the Montreal Jazz Festival, Newport Folk Festival and a 60-date tour with Boz Scaggs.

 

Opening the show will be another Oregon fingerpicking guitarist, Brooks Robertson, who is fast becoming a favorite amongst roots fans up and down the Willamette Valley.

 

Mississippi Studios is located at 3939 N Mississippi Avenue in Portland. Showtime is 8:00 pm. Tickets are $13.00 advance / $15.00 day of show and are available at www.ticketbiscuit.com. This is a 21 & over only show.

 

 

Free Concerts in the Parks

One of the greatest perks about living in a city like Portland is the summer concerts in the parks series. Here is a list of the free blues and blues-related shows happening in July. All shows start at 6:30 and are family friendly.

 Mondays:

Riverfront Park (SE Spokane & Oaks Pkwy):

July 8 – Nikki Hill

 Tuesdays:

 Mt Tabor Park (SE 69th & Taylor):

 July 16 – Sassparilla

 Wednesdays:

Dawson Park (N Stanton & Williams):

July 10 – Devin Phillips

July 17 – Curtis Salgado

July 24 – Atomic Gumbo

 July 31 – LaRhonda Steele Band

 Willamette Park (SW Macadam & Nebraska)

 July 10 – Lisa Mann & Her Really Good Band

 July 24 – Reggie Houston

 July 31 – The Strange Tones

 Fridays:

 Fernhill Park (NE 37th, south of Ainsworth):

 July 19 – Andy Stokes

 Sundays:

 McCoy Park (N Fiske & Trenton):

 July 14 – Ocean 503

 

 

Austin Blues Guitarist & Vocalist Carolyn Wonderland at Alberta Rose Theatre

Carolyn Wonderland photo credit - Todd V Wolfson

Carolyn Wonderland photo credit – Todd V Wolfson

Carolyn Wonderland is renowned for her over the top live performances. A sensational songwriter and a multi-instrumentalist who just may pick up a trumpet, mandolin, lap-steel, accordion or jump behind a piano, alongside her usual axe of choice, the guitar. This Austin-based artist has worked with artists from that city such as Ruthie Foster, Cindy Cashdollar, Guy Forsythe, and she has also toured with the likes of Buddy Guy, Bob Dylan and Johnny Winter. Dallas Observer musical critic Matt Weitz had this to say about Wonderland: “One of the most impressively powerful voices recently heard anywhere, regardless of sex. Able to boon, cajole, promise and growl with equal power, she plays guitar with much the same forcefulness!”

Carolyn Wonderland returns to Portland for a night of terrific blues guitar at the Alberta Rose Theatre (3000 NE Alberta St) for an 8:00 pm show on Wednesday, July 17th. Tickets are $15.00 advance and $18.00 at the door. Minors are allowed with a parent or guardian. You can purchase tickets through www.albertarosetheatre.com. Shivering Timbers opens the show.

 

Wonderland will also be appearing at the Oregon Country Fair on July 13th & 14th. For more information, visit www.oregoncountry fair.org.

 

Boyd Small, Josh Fulero & Friends – One Venue, Two Nights

Here is a great opportunity to catch up with two former Portland musicians who are temporarily back in town. Boyd Small is a CBA Muddy Award Hall of Fame drummer who now resides in Amsterdam and tours extensively across Europe. What we have known about Boyd’s talents have not been overlooked by the people in The Netherlands either, where he has been nominated twice for the Dutch Blues Awards. Also in town is former Curtis Salgado Band guitarist Josh Fulero, visiting from his current home in Austin, Texas. Josh has also worked in John Nemeth’s touring band and when in Europe works as a member of the Boyd Small Band.

Boyd and Josh will be teaming up for two consecutive nights at Duff’s Garage (1635 SE 7th) on Friday, July 12th and Saturday, July 13th. They’re planning on having some friends join in with them during these shows, and since they’re both from the area originally, you just never know who will show up as they have a ton of friends here. Admission for each night is $10.00 and since this is a CBA co-sponsored event plan on having your membership card with you so you may receive a $1.00 discount. 9:00 pm show time both nights. It will be good to see both of these exceptional musicians back home again. Make a point to attend one night or the other, or maybe even both.

Artful Giving Blanket Concert Featuring a Full Day of Great Music

 The Soulful Giving Foundation will be holding their fourth annual Artful Giving event on Saturday, July 27th on the grounds of Junki and Linda Yoshida’s private estate with Andy Carson, KPTV news & weather reporter acting as master of ceremonies. The Soulful Giving Foundation is a non-profit focused on cancer research, care and treatment within the local region. Proceeds from this event benefit Randall’s Children’s Hospital at Legacy Emanuel.

This event has a spectacular musical line-up that includes New Orleans’ premier funk band Ivan Neville’s Dumpstafunk; the soul, funk and Motown flavors of Mingo Fishtrap; San Francisco Read more

Guitar Hero Albert Lee to play the Alberta Rose Theatre

Guitar Hero Albert Lee to play the Alberta Rose Theatre

 

Albert Lee - press photoOriginally from England, guitar master Albert Lee has worked with a who’s who of the best musicians in a variety of genres. He was first influenced by the sounds of British skiffle artist Lonnie Donegan and Americans like Buddy Holly and Gene Vincent, and later the sounds of Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton. Lee has worked with Chris Farlowe, Joe Cocker, Eric Clapton, The Everly Brothers, Roseanne Cash and Bill Wyman’s Rhythm Kings amongst many others and at 70 years of age he shows no signs of letting up his work anytime soon. Country musician Vince Gill calls Lee: “One of the finest guitar players who ever walked this earth…”

Opening the night will be Portland’s very own guitar hero Terry Robb. Considered one of the very best guitarists on the West Coast, Terry Robb has won numerous Cascade Blues Association Muddy Awards and recently released his current CD Muddyvishnu. Always a spell-binding guitarist on stage.

This Albert Lee and Terry Robb double-header show takes place at the Alberta Rose Theatre on Tuesday, July 16th for an 8:00 pm show. Tickets are available through www.albertarosetheatre.com and are $25.00 advance and $28.00 day of show. The Alberta Rose Theatre is located at 3000 NE Alberta in Portland.

Tell Mama! A Tribute to Etta James! Saturday, June 29th

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La Rhonda Steele Etta James Tribute Show @ Jimmy Mack's

La Rhonda Steele
Etta James Tribute Show @ Jimmy Mack’s

Arguably one of the most important singers in the history of blues music, Etta James carved her reputation in the form of many indelible hits over a seven decade career.
After her passing, piano and boogie master DK Stewart organized this tribute show with a live recording, and the ensuing CD has received well due praise.
In addition to DK on piano, the band features Chris Carlson and Peter Dammann (guitars), Mike Klobas (drums), Joseph Conrad (bass), Louis Pain (Organ), Chris Mercer (sax), and Joe McCarthy (trumpet).
The line-up of vocalists reads like a who’s who of female leads and includes Rae Gordon, LaRhonda Steele, Duffy Bishop, Lady Kat, and Lisa Mann…whew, what a roster!
This is a show that was featured at the Waterfront Blues Festival, but this year you’ll be able to enjoy it in the intimate setting of Jimmy Mak’s. Don’t wait, get your tickets now because we expect both performances to sell out.

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Reserve Your Tickets Now

Two Shows at 7:30 & 10pm
$12 Reserved Seating/$10 General Admission
Advanced tickets available at Tickettomato.com

 

Journey To Memphis Finals To Be Held At Waterfront Blues Festival On July 4th

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Ben Rice

Ben Rice

Please join the Cascade Blues Festival first thing July 4th when you attend the Safeway Waterfront Blues Festival as we present the finals for our Journey To Memphis competition starting at noon on the Front Porch Stage. Four acts will compete to see who will represent the CBA and the region at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN next January.

Eleven acts participated in the first round, held at The Trails End in Oregon City the first weekend of June. Those acts included: Alan Hager & Dave Fleschner, Chad Rupp & Josh Makosky, David Pinsky & Phil Newton, Howard Wade, Lisa Mann & Her Really Good Band, Rae Gordon & Gaddis Cavenah, Tevis Hodge Jr., The Ben Rice Band, The Hitmen, The Mojoblasters, and The Rae Gordon Band. All acts were judged in five catagories, following the guidelines set by The Blues Foundation and the top two scoring acts from each night advanced to the finals at the Waterfront Blues Festival. Those winners were: Lisa Mann & Her Really Good Band, Tevis Hodge Jr., The Ben Rice Band and The Mojoblasters.

 

Lisa Mann

Lisa Mann

A huge thanks to The Trails End for letting us hold our opening round at their venue, and to our judges: longtime musician Jim Mayer, music publicist & promoter Matt Kalinowski and sound engineer, music product specialist & KBOO DJ Phil Garfinkel. Also a quick thanks in advance to the Oregon Food Bank and the Waterfront Blues Festival for allowing us to use the Front Porch Stage for our event finals and for the prize package they offer as well.

 

Make a point to also check out 2012 Journey To Memphis winners The Muddy Sons and Franco & The Stingers, as well as 2012 International Blues Challenge Solo/Duo winner Ray Bonneville and 2013 Band winners Selwyn Birchwood Band, all performing at the Waterfront Blues Festival.