The Lake Theater & Café Welcome Acoustic Guitar Summit – 6/13

The Acoustic Guitar Summit consists of three of the country’s best fingerstyle guitarists, Grammy winners Doug Smith and Mark Hanson, along with Oregon Music Hall of Fame inductee and Cascade Bluesterry_robAssociation Muddy Award Hall of Fame recipient Terry Robb. The three have performed together over the years to rave reviews and have been heard on television, major films, and NPR. Their music is a mixture of classic, gypsy jazz, folk, Hawaiian slack key, and blues woven together into intricately crafted fingerpicking masterpieces.

These three amazing artists will be performing at the Acoustic Guitar Summit in The Lake Theater & Café, 106 N State Street, in Lake Oswego, on Monday, June 13 at 7:00pm. Admission is $20.00 for general admission and $100.00 for a limited number of VIP tables that seat four people closest to the stage. Tickets may be purchased in advance through Laketheatercafe.com.

Orphan Jon and The Abandoned Two Oregon Shows – 6/16 & 6/18

Orphan Jon and the Abandoned - photo by Sandy KrupnikCalifornia’s Orphan Jon and The Abandoned is an American roots and blues band, with a wide variety of originals and covers. When you see them live they bring an energy and passion that you will experience both musically and visually. They are a band that totally captures the essence of what the blues is all about: hard work, rough life, grinding days, moving souls, touching hearts, and heartfelt love, and everyday living through their music.

In his body language, lyrics and vocals, frontman “Orphan Jon” English can be moving, emotional, heartfelt, and intense at one point, then soothing, soulful, lustful, and desiring at another. The Abandoned is completed by the harmonious and rhythmic guitar work of Bruce Krupnik, the steady uplifting bass drive of Will Anderson, and the captivating dynamics of drummer Tanner Byrom

“A must see, a must hear band that is turning heads everywhere they perform”- Al Factorman, Los Angeles blues historian

Orphan Jon and The Abandoned will be appearing in Portland at Duff’s Garage, 2530 NE 82nd, on Thursday, June 16 for a 9:00 pm show. Admission is $10.00. This is a Cascade Blues Association co-sponsored event, so show your current membership card and receive a $1.00 discount at the door.

On Saturday, June 18, the band will be at The Birk, 11139 Hwy 202 in Birkenfeld, Oregon. Show time is 7:00 pm. Admission is $10.00.

Bruce Katz Band Makes Rare Trip To Oregon: 6/17 & 6/19

Bruce Katz is a four-time nominee for the Blues Music Award’s “Pinetop Perkins” Piano Player of the Year. But while the blues is a very important part of his music, Katz involves more musical angles and influences to occupy a space where blues, “soul-jazz,” jam-band rock, and all aspects of Americana music collide into a unique style. Equally comfortable playing Hammond B-3 organ or piano, he leads the Bruce Katz Band, has been a member of Ronnie Earl & The Broadcasters, the Gregg Allman Band, and has worked regularly with artists like Delbert McClinton, Duke Robillard, Jaimoe’s Jasssz Band, and John Hammond.

Currently touring as a trio with Chris Vitarello on guitar and Ralph Rosen on drums, the Bruce Katz Band will be heading to Oregon in June for two dates.

On Friday, June 17, Bruce Katz will be appearing at Duff’s Garage, 2530 NE 82nd, Portland, for a 9:00 pm show. This show is co-sponsored by the Cascade Blues Association, so members can receive a $1.00 discount at the door by showing their current membership card.

Then on Sunday, June 19, the band will be at The Birk for an early evening show starting at 4:00 pm. The Birk is located at 11139 Hwy 202 in Birkenfeld.

 

Guitar Hero Robben Ford Back In Portland: 6/17

Robben Ford - photo by George WellsRobben Ford has received six Grammy and one Blues Music Award nominations over his career and was named one of the 100 greatest guitarists of the 20th century by Musician Magazine. He has worked with the likes of Miles Davis, Bonnie Raitt, George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Gregg Allman, John Scofield, Jimmy Witherspoon, and Tom Scott, as well as his brothers in the Charles Ford Band, among other legendary performers.

He has utilized a number of guitar stylings over his career, from jazz to rock, pop to blues, all of them unique and innovative in his hands. “I go for very big and very real guitar sounds, with no more than a little delay and reverb,” he explains. “I like a great guitar through a great amp, and from there I’m golden.” He discography has an amazing thirty-five discs under his own name and with others, with his most recent solo effort Into The Sun released in 2015.

Robben Ford’s stage shows are just as captivating as his recordings. He will be returning to Portland to play a show at The Alberta Rose Theatre, 3000 NE Alberta Street, on Friday, June 17 at 8:00 pm. Tickets are available at albertarosetheatre.com for $35.00 advance and $37.00 day of show. This event is open to all ages, with minors permitted when accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Soulful Blues Vocalist Terry Evans Returns To Portland – 6/22

Mississippi bluesman Terry Evans has felt a calling to music his entire life. From singing in the church choir as a youngster to listening to secular music behind his parent’s back to catch the sounds of people like Elmore James, Little Walter, and BB King, he knew that was what he was destined to do. Over his lifetime he has worked with many of the top tier artists of our day, ranging from Maria Muldaur, John Fogerty, John Lee Hooker, Pops Staples, Boz Scaggs, and more. Along with partner Bobby King, the pair backed Ry Cooder for a handful of albums and tours. Lately, he has teamed with Dutch bluesman Hans Theessink along with fronting his own successful band and releasing several recordings.

Leading his own group is a natural for a born entertainer and soulful singer like Evans. Ry Cooder commented while working with him that Evans made a better front man than himself. To see him perform is to understand why. He is one of the most dynamic soul and blues singers performing today, writing and singing about all aspects of human emotion and creating a connection with his audience in the process.

Terry Evans will return to Portland after a long absence from playing in the city with his debut appearance at The Alberta Rose Theatre, 3000 NE Alberta Street, on Wednesday, June 22. Show time is 8:00 and the show is open to all ages, with minors okay when accompanied by a parent or guardian. Tickets are available through albertarosetheatre.com for $10.00. This is a Cascade Blues Association co-sponsored event, so use the passcode “CBA” when ordering tickets online to receive a $2.00 discount.

Portland/Nashville alt-country duo Samsel will open the show.

Vancouver Craft Beer & Winefest 6/10-6/12

The 4th annual Craft Beer & Winefest of Vancouver will run this year from Friday, June 10 to Sunday, June 12 at Esther Short Park and will feature on Sunday “Beers, Bloodys and Blues,” a full day of blues music. The lineup for Sunday begins at 12 noon with Missi & Mister Baker and then continues with the BobbyLee Experience at 1:15, The Beaver Boogie Band at 3:00, MojoBlasters at 4:30, and wraps up with the After Hours Band at 6:00.

Putting people before profits is not just a tagline for The Craft Beer & Winefest. This year, in an effort to raise 10,000 pounds of food for Share House, The Winefest will provide donation bins at the festival entrance. Every bag of unexpired, nonperishable food can be traded for three tasting tickets. A portion of ticket proceeds will also go to the Evergreen School District. As in the past, IQ Credit Union will sponsor dog bowls throughout the park, making the Winefest a very dog-friendly event.

Sunday will also offer a multitude of Bloody Mary recipes for your enjoyment, all provided by local suppliers using only local ingredients, so come over to Vancouver and imbibe in some heady brews and stellar libations along with some first-rate, soulful blues.

At $25 per person, general admission includes a commemorative glass, entrance, 10 tasting tickets and a weekend packed with live music. That’s a hard deal to beat.

And though the blues may take center stage on Sunday, the festival does take place on Friday and Saturday as well. Vancouver’s own country-rock, Americana and western swing band The Pearls headline Friday night and on Saturday the night will be capped by TLS Journey a Journey tribute band.

Southern California Blues Band Crooked Eye Tommy – 6/26 & 6/28

Crooked Eye Tommy press photoForged in the blood of brothers Tommy and Paddy Marsh, Crooked Eye Tommy casts a spell on the listener with the joy and melancholy of a lifetime of playing music together, and their searing guitar work and passionate, powerful vocal lines lure you in. Crooked Eye Tommy may be a novice band in a genre that is full of history and big name luminaries, but their music has a mouth that speaks with honesty and legs that could carry them to the mighty summit of the blues. Their debut recording, Butterflies & Snakes, received excellent raves across the country and was a finalist in The Blues Foundation’s Best Self-Produced CD competition. They also competed in the International Blues Challenge making it to the semi-finals. This is modern day blues, taking bits, and pieces from a combination of musical idols, like T-Bone Walker, Albert King, Johnny Winter, and Jerry Garcia. But this music is nothing rehashed, it is modern day blues that grab their audiences attention with delight.

Crooked Eye Tommy will be appearing at The Birk on Sunday, June 26 for an afternoon show starting at 3:00 pm. Admission is $8.00 at the door. The Birk is located at 11139 Hwy 202 in Birkenfeld, Oregon.

Then on Tuesday, June 28, Crooked Eye Tommy will be in at Portland at Duff’s Garage, 2530 NE 82nd. The show starts at 9:00 pm.

 

Slide Guitar Master Roy Rogers and the Delta Rhythm Kings At Alberta Rose Theatre : 6/21

Roy Rogers - press photoRoy Rogers is considered one of the world’s premier slide guitarists performing today. With eight Grammy nominations as producer and performer, and two WC Handy nominations for best guitarist, he is also renowned for his work with artists like John Lee Hooker and Ramblin’ Jack Elliott. Rogers has also collaborated with musicians such as Shauna Morrison, Norton Buffalo, and The Doors’ Ray Manzarek. He has recorded many albums over his career, with his latest titled Into The Wild Blue was released in 2015. As a recording artist, producer and composer, he continues to combine diverse music influences to achieve his musical vision. Always eclectic in approach, he is constantly stretching the boundaries of slide guitar.

“Many guitarists dabble in slide guitar, but the number of modern masters can probably be counted on one hand – Roy Rogers is surely one of them….” – Guitar Player

Roy Rogers & The Delta Rhythm Kings, will be coming to The Alberta Rose Theatre on Tuesday, June 21 to rock the house with Delta blues and innovative guitar instrumentation. This 8:00 pm showcase is open to all ages, with minors okay when accompanied by a parent or guardian. Tickets are available through albertarosetheatre.com for $24.00 advance, $28.00 day of show. This is a Cascade Blues Association co-sponsored show, so members can use the code “CBA” when ordering online to receive a $2.00 discount. The Alberta Rose Theatre is located at 3000 NE Alberta Street in Portland.

Gabriel Cox – I Surrender CD Release Shows

Gabriel Cox - photo by Greg Johnson (to use with meeting article)Gabriel Cox, young blues rocker from the Portland area, is releasing his second full length album and will be holding two special CD release parties to celebrate.  The album, I Surrender, is already gaining national attention and should leave fans talking for years to come. The new album features some of the regions hottest artist, including Rae Gordon, Hank Shreve, and Miranda Vettrus, backed by an all-star band. Both shows are going to be multi-act events, so don’t miss out on some of the young up-and-coming talent joining Gabe for his special nights.

The first celebration will take place on Saturday, June 11, at Shotski’s, 1230 State Street in Salem. The night will start off at 7:00 pm with guest bands Bluevolution and Never 2 Late taking the stage before Gabe. Admission is only $5.00

Then, one week later, on Saturday, June 18, another triple-header affair will take place at McMenamin’s White Eagle Saloon, 836 N Russell Street, Portland. The showcase will open with Old Mill at 9:00 pm, then Black Sheep Black will play at 10:00 pm. Gabe will take the stage at 11:00 pm. Admission is $8.00.

Join Gabriel Cox for these CD release shows, and watch for him playing as one of the daily featured acts at the Washington County Fair, July 28 thru 31 on the fairground’s main stage.

The Dustbowl Revival Brings A Hodgepodge Of American Music To The Doug Fir: 5/2

Bluegrass, Swing, Hot jazz, Pre-war blues, Southern soul, New Orleans funk — the Dustbowl Revival is an American roots orchestra with eight full-time members — and they play it all, mashing the sounds of traditional American music into a genre-hopping, time-bending dance party that coaxes fresh fire from familiar coal. But this isn’t a throwback band; it’s a celebration of the sounds that have kept America moving for more than a century, performed with all the flair of a medicine show and rooted in the sweat and swagger of a juke joint song swap. Their latest album, With A Lampshade On shines brightest in that middle ground, the place where jazz, folk, gospel, and blues all intersect. This is a band that is participating in the evolution of American roots music, tipping a hat to what has come before while looking ahead to what’s on the horizon.

The Dustbowl Revival has been on an extensive tour crossing the country and will be making a stop in Portland for one night at the Doug Fir Lounge on Monday, May 2. This 21 & over show will begin at 9:00 pm with an opening set from Portland’s own story-telling roots artist McDougall. Tickets are available in advance for $10.00 and $12.00 at ticketfly.com. The Doug Fir Lounge is located at 830 E Burnside.