Tony Joe White grew up in Northwest Louisiana, just south of the Arkansas line. On his father’s farm, he was around cotton and knew about working in the fields, as well as the aromas, tastes, and sounds of the swampland. He was also brought up on the stories spun late at night, stories peopled by preacher men and conjure women, serenaded by train whistles and illuminated by spells and signs. From his first club gigs some fifty years ago, these images and memories have taken shape in his songs, and other artists have covered many of his tunes: Brook Benton and Hank Williams with “Rainy Night in Georgia, Dusty Springfield with “Willie and Laura Mae Jones” and, of course, Elvis with his version of “Polk Salad Annie.” But other songs of his really couldn’t survive in anyone else’s hands but his;  the ones that flowed over hypnotic single-chord drones, with White’s slithery guitar fills and husky, haunted vocals. He is a link to a time that may already be lost but will be kept alive as long as he keeps revisiting it in song.

Relive that swampy sound and those musical memories as Tony Joe White performs for one night only at McMenamin’s Mission Theater, 1624 NW Glisan Street, on Friday, July 15. Show time is 8:00 pm and tickets are $25.00 available through etix.com. Minors permitted with a parent or guardian.

Opening the show will be Portland’s own Chris Miller and James Sasser, bringing the sounds, flavors, and good times from the honky tonks to the Mission Theater.

Portland Soul: Portraits in Jazz & Blues is an exhibit by local artist Diane Russell on display at Concourse E at the Portland International Airport February 9 – July 15.

“This exhibit features many of my portraits of the Portland blues and jazz musicians whose music has inspired me to do the work that I do,” explains Russell.” I photographed bands for several years before I began painting and drawing them.  Most of these musicians are still with us, but sadly many have passed away in recent years, which is why it is so important to me to keep documenting their presence in the form of my oil and pencil portraits.  My first portrait was of Linda Hornbuckle, and I am so happy that her portrait is included in this display.  I think my work has showcased music to the community in a way that partners two art forms… music and art.  My intent is to keep building my body of work to include as many musicians as possible.  These musicians have all made such an enormous contribution to our region, and my hope is that these portraits will honor and celebrate their music for years to come.”

Diane’s work has appeared nationally on two Legendary Blues Cruise commemorative posters, the W.C. Handy Blues Awards poster, the House of Blues poster in New Orleans, and on the headstones of both Gatemouth Brown and Pinetop Perkins.  Her portraits are on display at Jimmy Mak’s Jazz Club in NW Portland, and also at the After Hours Concerts at the Marriott Hotel during the Waterfront Blues Festival.

From his debut as a jazz-influenced, blues-based artist to his evolution into a pop music iconoclast, singer-songwriter A.J. Croce has traveled a circuitous musical road. The son of legendary singer-songwriter Jim Croce, A.J.’s career began with his first tour at age eighteen opening up for B.B. King. In the span of a twenty-plus-year career, A.J. has headlined festivals, concerts, and major listening venues worldwide. He has performed on shows including Jay Leno, David Letterman, Conan O’Brien, Austin City Limits, Good Morning America, E!, and CNN, and he has shared the stage with an innumerable list of eclectic artists from Willie Nelson to Ray Charles, Bela Fleck to James Brown, Lyle Lovett to Morphine, and Rod Stewart to Ben Harper. An ivory-searing New Orleans piano style established an essential juju, but his exploratory pop gems revealed a spectrum of influences from art rock to Americana and beyond. As the late Allen Toussaint described Croce, “It is a pleasure to witness triple uniqueness: pianist, songwriter, singer and at such a level. Who does he sound like? The answer is himself: A.J. Croce.”

A.J. Croce will be making a pair of stops in Oregon on his current tour. On Saturday, July 30, Croce will appear at The Birk, 11139 Hwy 202 in Birkenfeld, for a 7:00 pm show. Tickets may be purchased in advance through Ticketomato.com for $20.00 advance. Admission at the door will be $25.00.

Then on Monday, August 1, the tour will stop at The Lake Theater & Café, 106 N State Street in Lake Oswego. Tickets for this 7:00 pm show are $20.00 and are available in advance through the venue’s website, Laketheatercafe.com.

Cascade Blues Association Muddy Award Hall of Fame member Duffy Bishop is one of the most beloved musicians hailing from the Pacific Northwest. Since she and her guitar-playing husband Chris Carlson moved to Florida they have been sorely missed, but they still make the occasional trips back home and when they do they draw sold-out attendances from fans who just cannot get enough. Duffy Bishop is a force of nature, a powerful blues blaster, a sultry soul singer, and a presence who connects with her audience in a deeply personal way, be it in an intimate club or huge festival

On Monday, July 25, Duffy and Chris will return to Portland for an intimate appearance at The Lake Theater. Past performances here have sold out quickly, so make certain to order your tickets right away. Joining them will be long time band members Dean Mueller on upright bass and Carlton Jackson on drums. Tickets may be purchased in advance through Laketheatercafe.com for $15.00 general admission and $80.00 for a VIP table close to the stage that will seat four people. The Lake Theater is located at 106 N State Street in Lake Oswego. Show time is 7:00 pm.