Ramblings On My Mind

Greg Johnson / CBA President

Shortly after we went to press for the July issue last month, the blues world was struck a terrible blow with the loss of Bobby Bland. Without doubt one of the most important figures in post-World War II blues who helped usher in the modern sound and kept at it right up to the day he passed. So much unforgettable music and so many musicians that he influenced. It just seems inconceivable that he is no longer with us.

I had the chance to meet Mr. Bland a couple times with my visits back to Memphis. He always came across as such a polite and nice individual. I had the opportunity to do the stage introduction for Mr. Bland the last time he played at the Aladdin Theater in Portland. What a thrill! But it quickly turned into embarrassment for me as I announced to the crowd to please give a big welcome to “Bobby Blues Band!” Argghh!! The words are so easy to switch, especially when you’re announcing so many acts named blues band so often. I felt ashamed for myself, but I do not think that anybody really noticed as nobody said anything either backstage or in the audience. Then I got to thinking that probably happened to Mr. Bland all the time. But it has bothered me ever since. You never want to mess up on an introduction. Especially with somebody as important as Bobby Bland.

The summer seems to be moving at an awful quick pace for me this year. Seems like just yesterday we did the first round of the Journey to Memphis competition at The Trails End and now we’ve already finished the finals and announced a winner. Got to say, this year’s Journey was one of the most talented all-around line-ups we’ve ever seen. And the finalists were so close, I heard one description say if the decision were decided by a flip of the coin, the coin would stand still on its edge. A truer statement couldn’t be found. Congratulations to the Ben Rice Band and Tevis Hodge Jr. who will represent the Cascade Blues Association in Memphis this coming January. You’ll do us proud! And thank you to all the acts that participated this year. You’re all winners!

I also have to throw a huge shout out to all the volunteers who took shifts helping at the Cascade Blues Association’s merchandise booth at the Waterfront Blues Festival this year. You are the best volunteers anywhere. Much appreciated, more than you can imagine. I also want to take the time to acknowledge our key booth figures this year, Jody Gunn for her tireless efforts setting up and running the booth and Wendy Schumer for scheduling the volunteers, daily set-ups. Huge props go out to Linda Clark and her life partner Doug Simovic. Linda had not been on the CBA board of directors for the past year, but stepped up and volunteered to run the entire festival for us. She made sure merchandise was ordered, ran our credit report for sales every night and her and Doug brought all the gear to the park, set-up each morning, tore down each night, and hauled everything out again when it was all over. Now that is the ultimate in volunteering as a non-board member. Maybe we can convince her to come back. (wink wink) Thank you Linda and Doug immensely from myself and the entire board of directors. We love you!

There is so much happening around the area this summer. Make sure to catch as much live music as you can. We have tried to let you know in the BluesNotes everything we’re aware of, but I am certain there is much more going on besides this. Watch the website )www.cascadebluesassociation.org) and our Facebook page., We will try to update new events as we find out about them. Enjoy the weather and the summer and all the blues you can find. See you all at the picnic in August!