Gorge Blues and Brews Returns to Stevenson, June 21st

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The premier blues festival in the Columbia River Gorge returns to Stevenson, Washington on Saturday, June 21st with seven bands on two stages, sixteen regional breweries, six Gorge wineries and food from many local vendors. The Gorge Blues and Brews Festival will run from noon until 10:00 pm taking place in one of the most beautiful venues in the world at the Skamania county Fairgrounds. Kicking off the festivities will be a free Friday Night Waterfront Jam, with local bands including The Love Skunks, starting at 6:00 pm and running until 10:00 pm.

Admission to the Gorge Blues and Brews Festival is only $15.00 which includes a commemorative beer or wine glass. Tickets may be purchased in advance at www.Tickettomato.com. Buy your tickets in advance on-line and you will receive 5 free drink tokens.  For further information about activities at the festival, lodging and camping, please visit their website at www.gorgebluesandbrews.com. Doors open at noon.

Schedule for Saturday, June 21st, 2014

12:30—2:00pm Dusu Mali (Portland’s improvisational African blues rock & roll)
2:15—2:40pm Local Stage
2:45—4:15pm Billy D & the Hoodoos (Award winning bluesy rock from Portland)
4:20—4:55pm Local Stage
5:00—6:30pm Jimmy D. Lane & Guests (Chicago blues guitarist who has recorded with BB King, Van Morrison, Mick Jagger, Eric Clapton, Taj Mahal and more!)
6:45—7:45pm Local Stage
8:00—10:00pm Soul Vaccination (The Pacific Northwest’s hottest Funk & Soul band)

2014 Journey To Memphis Begins June 6th & 7th At The Lehrer  

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The 2014 edition of the Cascade Blues Association’s Journey To Memphis, to select our representatives at the next International Blues Challenge, will take place on Friday, June 6th and Saturday, June 7th at The Lehrer. Twelve acts will compete before three judges, playing twenty minute sets and being scored in five categories (blues content, vocals, instrumentation, originality and stage presence), with the top two highest scoring acts each night advancing to the finals at the Waterfront Blues Festival on Friday, July 4th.

Over the years, the Cascade Blues Association has been privileged to send some of our region’s best performers, with several making it to the semi-finals and four acts that have reached the finals, two placing in second place overall. This year is another stellar year of exceptional acts that have entered, many old hats who’ve been involved in the Journey to Memphis and the IBC before, and some up and coming newcomers who will surely be making their mark as well.

Start times for the event will be 9:00 pm both nights. Admission is $10.00 each night (and that includes friends, family, wives, roadies, etc. of the acts performing as this is how we raise the money to be awarded to our winners). The Lehrer is located at 8775 SW Canyon Lane. They have a large dance floor, great sightlines and good food, so come on out and cheer on your favorites.

Schedule for each night is as follows:

Friday, June 6th

9:00 – Pat Stilwell Band
9:30 – Ben Rice & The iLLamatics
10:00 – Land of the Living
10:30 – Anne Weiss
11:00 – Rae Gordon Band
11:30 – Papa Dynamite & The Jive

Saturday, June 7th

9:00  – Martin Henry & The Blues Benders
9:30 – Tim Connor
10:00 – David Pinsky & Phil Newton
10:30 – Gabriel Cox
11:00 – Tevis Hodge Jr.
11:30 – Still Water Vibes

Cee Cee James To Ignite The Stage At Duff’s Garage – June 5th

Cee Cee James - photo by Greg JohnsonSouthern Oregon’s Cee Cee James’ lyrics are given from the fire of her Blood Red Blues when performing and they allow her to bring the marrow of her bones, and then lay bare her soul to her fans to whom she has become a voice for their need to be raw, real and touch openly into their own aching truth of struggle and love. In her performances she keeps her fans riveted as she gives every last ounce of energy she has and then some, working to make the meaning of the songs come alive, bringing the stories to life with her arsenal of vocal power tools. Grammy Award winning producer Jim Gaines (Stevie Ray Vaughan, Buddy Guy, Santana, etc.) states: “Cee Cee James is one of the greatest blues rock singers out there today. She’s someone I call an ‘old soul.’  Cee Cee’s songs are wonderful stories of her life experiences, and backed by Rob’s strong Delta Roots/Blues Slide and Rhythm Guitar playing, they make a great team.  Her style reminds me of our classic early female blues and rock singers.  She’s very passionate about giving a great performance.”

Cee Cee James will be returning to Portland on Thursday, June 5th for a 9:00 pm show at Duff’s Garage, 2530 NE 82nd. Admission is $10.00. This is a Cascade Blues Association co-sponsored event, so bring your membership card and receive a $1.00 disc

Mississippi Studios Presents An Evening with The Holmes Brothers – June 2nd

The Holmes Brothers – Wendell Holmes (guitarist/pianist/vocalist/songwriter), Sherman Holmes (bassist/ vocalist/songwriter) and The Holmes Brothersbrother-in-spirit Popsy Dixon (drummer/vocalist) – are true treasures of American roots music. For 35 years, The Holmes Brothers’ joyous and moving blend of blues, gospel, soul, R&B, rock ‘n’ roll and country has been captivating audiences around the world. Their spine-tingling three-part harmony singing, mixing Wendell’s gruff and gravelly vocals with Popsy’s soaring falsetto and Sherman’s rich baritone, brings the spirit of gospel-inflected deep soul music into every song they perform. Equally gripping is the rhythmic foundation laid down by Sherman’s bass playing and Popsy’s drumming, perfectly complementing Wendell’s blues-soaked guitar solos and church-inspired piano playing. The band expertly blends Saturday night’s roadhouse rock and blues with the gospel passion of Sunday morning’s church service. Rolling Stone says The Holmes Brothers play “impressive, fervent country soul.” Entertainment Weekly goes farther, declaring “The Holmes Brothers are juke joint vets with a brazenly borderless view of American music…timeless and rapturous.”

The Holmes Brothers will be appearing at Mississippi Studios, 3939 N Mississippi Ave, on Monday, June 2nd for a 7:30 pm show. Tickets are available through Ticketfly.com for $18.00 advance or at the door for $20.00 day of show. This is a 21 and over only event with mostly standing and some seating in the balcony.

Duff’s Garage During CBA Appreciation Month – April

Mitch Kashmar & Robbie Laws Blues Party Are Two Shows Happening At Duff’s Garage During CBA Appreciation Month

Duff’s Garage will officially open their new location at NE 82nd & Russell in May. Just ½ mile north of I-84 and across the street from Madison High School. Jon & Jennifer Wallace will continue presenting the best in local and touring blues, rockabilly, country & western, surf and garage bands.

Over the years Duff’s Garage and the Cascade Blues Association has had quite a healthy relationship and in appreciation of our members, Duff’s would like to offer a $1.00 discount for all blues-related shows Thursday through Saturday throughout the month of April before the big move. You must present your current CBA membership card to receive the discount.

During the month you will be able to catch such extraordinary acts such as Joe McMurrian (every Thursday except 4/17), the DK Stewart Sextet (4/4), Big Monti Amundson & Toledo Ketsch (4/5), Bill Rhoades (4/11) and from Seattle The Fat Tones (4/18). Sorry, this discount does not apply to the Lily Wilde Orchestra on 4/7, Tuesday Dover Weinberg Quartet shows, Wednesday Suburban Slim jams, or the Soul Vaccination show on 4/12.

But two special shows of note in April are:

Mitch Kashmar on Friday, April 25th. World renowned harmonica master and Delta Groove recording artist will be performing his last show in Portland before embarking out on a spring European tour. You will not have another opportunity to catch Mitch in town until late June, right before the Waterfront Blues Festival.. Mitch will be joined by a group of Portland’s best players for this night at Duff’s Garage that is guaranteed to be one of the hottest shows on the West Coast..

Also happening that same weekend will be a Blues Party thrown by Robbie Laws. And to ensure that it’s a true party, he has invited some of his good friends for what is certain to be the final big weekend blast happening in the original location for Duff’s. Expect to see along with the Robbie Laws Band, harmonica ace Rich Layton, guitar masters Chris Carlson and AC Porter, and everybody’s favorite vocalist in Portland Duffy Bishop.

A huge thanks to Jon & Jennifer Wallace, Joey Scruggs and the entire staff at Duff’s Garage. We’re looking forward to the new location, but let’s send this one out in a spectacular bash. Please attend as many of these shows as you can.

Keb’ Mo’ To Play The Aladdin Theater – April 30th

Keb Mo - press photoSince releasing his self-titled album in 1994, that garnered him wide-spread acclaim and a WC Handy Award (now known as the Blues Music Awards) as Best Artist Debut, Keb’ Mo’ has built a reputation as one of the finest musicians and songwriters of his generation. Two decades later, Keb’ Mo’ continues to enthrall audiences and have awards reaped upon him, including three Grammy Awards. His music is heard in countless television shows and movies and he has performed on some of the largest stages around the world, including a recent performance at The White House for the president.

Touring in support of his most recent recording The Reflection, Keb’ Mo’ will be returning to Portland for a night at The Aladdin Theater on Wednesday, April 30th for an 8:00 pm performance. Tickets are $42.00 – $59.00 and available at Ticketfly.com. Minors under 21 are permitted when accompanied by a parent or guardian. The Aladdin Theater is located at 3017 SE Milwaukie Ave. Keb’ Mo’ has always been a favorite touring artist in Portland, so plan on purchasing your tickets early as this one will definitely sell-out.

Oso Much Love Benefit Concert Series

Kenny Kofler (photo by Greg Johnson)

Kenny Kofler (photo by Greg Johnson)

We were all shocked by the recent devastation occurring in Washington this last month with the landslide happening in Oso. We see tragedies like this happen on the news quite often, but it really makes for a tremendous feeling of helplessness when it occurs so close to home. A number of benefit concerts have been held around the Seattle area with numerous bands, some even from Portland, lending a hand to raise money for the rescue and recovery efforts happening in that small community.

Portland musician Kenny Kofler felt that we could offer more help in our own community for our friends to the north as well. So he has lined up a series of nights at various venues with the help of a number of his musical friends for what he has called the Oso Much Love Benefit Concerts. This may just be the beginning of several more to come. Please plan on attending one or as many as you can to help raise the money necessary to offer as relief aid for Oso.

The following events for Oso Much Love have been scheduled:

Saturday May, 3rd- 9pm @ Montavilla Station– Kenny Kofler with special guests Jim Solberg(bass), Lou Solomon(keys) and Scott Van Dusen(drums)

Sunday May, 4th- 5pm @ Cadigan’s Corner Bar– Feature comedian Lisa Curtis followed by Naomi Tee and Soul Provider with guests

(10% of bar sales to be donated to Oso Much Love)

Tuesday May, 6th- 8pm @ Coyote’s– Laura Cunard and special guests All-Star jam

Saturday May, 10th- 3pm @ The Lehrer– Kenny Kofler and The Third Power, 4pm Kellie Jones with special guests Jim Solberg and Tim Helm, 5pm The Vermen

Saturday May, 10th- 8pm @ The Lodge– Rich Layton and The Troublemakers, 10pm Kenny Kofler and The Third Power

(Sound equipment donated and operated by Tim Helm)

 

 

 

A “Homecoming” For Fiona Boyes, Three Nights In Oregon

Those of us in Portland obviously do not need any introduction to Fiona Boyes. After all, she chose Portland as her home for a short period and became everybody’s best friend while here. But for those of you who may have been living under a rock, or were not living in Portland yourself while Fiona was here, here is a short piece of her bio from her website:

Fiona Boyes - press photo by Brandy Kayzakian-Rowe

Fiona Boyes (photo by Brandy Kayzakian-Rowe)

“Australian Blues guitarist and singer, Fiona Boyes, has been variously described by reviewers as a ‘musical anomaly’, ‘Bonnie Raitt’s evil twin’, or simply as ‘scaring the hell out of me’.   How did this fair-haired gal, born and raised in Melbourne, Australia, of Scottish and English heritage, become an internationally recognised and awarded recording and touring artist?   How did she come to be the first woman and non-American to win the International Blues Challenge in Memphis?   Why did some of the great Mississippi Delta and Chicago blues giants, such as the late Pinetop Perkins and Hubert Sumlin, choose to describe her as one of the best women guitar players since Memphis Minnie, record on her albums, and share stages with her at international Blues festivals?   How does it come about that the Mayor of Clarksdale, Mississippi, birthplace of the Blues, should present Fiona with the ‘Key To The City’, recognising her as an Aussie ambassador of the Blues.”

Well, if you need the answers to the questions raised, all you have to do is simply attendone of her performances. And lucky for us all, Fiona Boyes will be returning “home” for a short visit in early May before embarking off on a European tour. Three shows scheduled include The Lehrer ( 8775 SW Canyon Lane) on Thursday, May 1st, 8:00 pm; Mac’s at the Vet (1626 Willamette Street, Eugene), Friday, May 2nd, 8:00 pm; and Duff’s Garage (2530 NE 82nd), Sunday, May 4th, 5:00 pm. The Thursday and Sunday are Cascade Blues Association co-sponsored events. All shows are $10.00 admission, with a $2.00 discount for those showing current mbership cards to any blues society.

Fiona Boyes will be joined by her former Fortune Teller band member Dave Kahl on

bass and multi-Blues Music Award nominee Jimi Bott on drums for Thursday and Friday’s shows, and CBA Hall of Fame drummer Boyd Small will fill the skins on Sunday. All shows are also planning on featuring special guests of the many friends Fiona has in our area. Do not miss out on catching any of these nights as it has been a couple years since her last visit. Way too long Fiona, we’re glad your stopping by home again.

Trails End Saloon to Host Two-Day Event to Raise Funds to Help Walter Trout

Walter Trout (photo by Jeff Katz)

Walter Trout (photo by Jeff Katz)

Walter Trout may be one of the most powerful guitar players the blues world has ever witnessed, working with the likes of John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers, Jesse Ed Davis, Canned Heat and leader of his own outfit. But as a human he is as vulnerable as each and every one of us. Fighting liver disease for the past several months, Trout has been hospitalized at UCLA, in and out of intensive care while awaiting a potential liver transplant that is necessary to save his life. Forced to cancel most of his scheduled touring for the year, Trout is in desperate need to raise money to support his family and to cover the extensive fees that will arise from surgery, hospitalization, rehab and physical therapy

There have been a handful of venues and organizations around the world that have stepped up to support Walter Trout in his time of need. A huge thanks goes out to Jan Bisconer, Larry Toering and the Trails End Saloon for putting together a full weekend of performances aimed at bringing a little comfort to Trout from his friends and fans here in Oregon.

Running over Saturday, May 3rd and Sunday, May 4th, both dates will start at 3:00 pm and continue until closing each night. Suggested donation is $10.00, but no one will be turned away and there is no set minimum for donation.100% of all donations will go directly to Walter & Marie Trout. Guests with financial hardships are welcome. We need everyone coming together with prayers, hugs, music, donations, dance, togetherness, wellness, healing, appreciation & love, for all! This event will be family friendly, with those under 21 able to attend up until 9:00 pm. A silent auction will also be held. The Muddy Award winning Trails End Saloon is located at 1320 Main Street in Oregon City.

Performances confirmed at press time include:

Saturday, May 3rd: “The Bluesmen” Jimmy McG & Dennis Mitchell; Margo Tufo Band featuring Doug Rowell; Franco Paletta & The Stingers; Brian Harrison & Last Draw; D Vincent Black & The Jupiter Gurus.

Sunday, May 4th: Ron Hampton; Annika Forrest Project; Tracey Fordice & The 8-Balls; Bridge City Blues Band; Nico Wind & Free Reign; Bolt Upright, Duffy Bishop, Chris Carlson & Friends

Please send prayers, posts, letters….. it all matters. Money buys us a lot . . . it does not buy us our Spirituality ~ Donations at the door *no set min….we can all contribute to the best of our abilities! If you’re unable to attend this event, you can still help. Please visit the following fundraising website and make your donation. Thank you.

http://www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/walter-trout-needs-a-new-liver-you-can-help-/151911

A Celebration of Robert Johnson’s 103rd Birthday

1604705_761032323916755_4712554003943019247_n[1] Robert Johnson is perhaps one of the most mythical and most highly acclaimed bluesmen of the 20th Century. With only 29 songs recorded before his premature death at age 27 in 1938, he changed the world when it comes to the way that music sounds and is being played. Though not as well known in life as he is in death, Johnson has influenced generations of guitarists with his masterful string work with those few songs that have etched their way into the vocabulary of the most recognized tunes ever written. And they continue to work their magic on newer guitarists today.

In 2011 there were a number of concerts held around the country in recognition of Robert Johnson’s 100th birthday on May 8, 1911. One of these shows took place at Portland’s Alberta Rose Theatre to high praise. Now, three years later, an encore presentation of the music of Robert Johnson will once again take place at the Alberta Rose on Sunday, May 11th. The concert will be another amazing line-up of some of the Portland area’s finest blues and roots artists. Included in this show will be Mary Flower, Ural Thomas, Terry Robb, Joe McMurrian, Mark Lemhouse, Tevis Hodge Jr, Lloyd Jones, Lewi Longmire & Anita Lee Endicott and more to be announced.

Showtime for the Celebration of Robert Johnson’s 103rd birthday is 8:00 pm. The Alberta Rose Theatre is located at 3000 NE Alberta Street. This is a 21 and over only event. Tickets are $20.00 general admission or $30.00 preferred seating in the first five rows and are available at www.albertarosetheatre.com. This is a Cascade Blues Association co-sponsored event, members can receive a $5.00 discount when ordering on-line by using the code “CBA.” As a special bonus for the CBA, for every ticket sold after the show expenses for the Alberta Rose has been met, $2.00 will be donated to the CBA’s Blues in the Schools program which show producers Joe McMurrian and Joey Scruggs would like to help revitalize. Thanks guys!