Renegade Blues Brings Exciting Modern Blues Happening At The Lehrer

The Renegade Blues series at The Lehrer continues every Thursday evening in June, offering acts that present modern variations and interpretations of the traditional blues genre.

All music must evolve to survive the ever-changing tastes of audiences and to attract younger listeners, and the blues is no exception. Over the last hundred years or so, the blues has changed multiple times, from the solo performer playing in the turpentine camps, juke joints, and brothels in the deep South, to electrifying the sound and migrating to Chicago or the West Coast, even to the rock musicians carrying into the clubs of Europe. And it will continue to evolve in the future.

During June, The Lehrer presents an exciting medley of blues renditions that is sure to find favorites for everyone.

On Thursday, June 4 Blues Music Award winning bassist Lisa Mann brings Her Really Good Band to perfectly kick off this month’s shows. With a background that has taken her through a variety of musical genres, Lisa has found a home with the blues and has become one of the region’s most beloved acts. A Muddy Award Hall of Fame member and the winner of the Blues Blast Sean Costello Rising Star Award, Lisa Mann & Her Really Good Band are guaranteed to bring in a crowd. Get there early for this one.

The following Thursday, June 11 offers Land Between The Lakes. Though this band does not perform as often as they used to, with members involved in other projects, they are the epitome of exactly what Renegade Blues is all about.  Led by the Reverend Barry Winfield on guitars, this band originally from Kentucky also includes Salim Sundiata Sanchez on percussion and Shawn Davis on bass. Their music is described as Afro-Punk, Southern Gothic, Folkadelic Soul, or… Transcendental Junk yard Blues Music from Beatnik Kentucky Voodoo Renegades. It often comes down to call and response vocals with stomping and yelling. As a whole, the group gives a refreshing sound to the music of the Deep South. And when you see them live, you take away an experience like you’ve never had or will ever forget.

Thursday, June 18 will offer the Pat Stillwell Band who delivers a soulful funky brand of blues, brought to life by the band’s unique musical chemistry. The chemistry set consists of Pat on guitar and vocals, Travers Kiley on keys and vocals, Scott Van Dusen on drums, and Dave Smith manning the bass.  Together they bring to the stage a high level of musicianship, energy, and infectious interplay.   The repertoire is an ever changing mix of classic & contemporary blues, originals, and an assortment of offerings from such diverse artists as Dave Matthews, The Band, Little Feat, Pink Floyd, Herbie Hancock, and Les McCann.

Things promise to get quite soulful on Thursday, June 25 as The Soul Commanders return to The Lehrer. This band puts the funk into the mix and does it with the best of them. A line-up of well established Pacific Northwest musicians including John Mazzocco on bass, Ramsey Embick on keys, Tony Carr on guitar, Johnnie Lenn Russell on drums, Scott Wardinsky on percussion and Michal Angela Wilson handling vocal duties. In the today’s world of popular music with all of its computerized tricks and digitally enhanced performances Soul Commanders genuine, organic sound is like a breath of fresh air.

All Thursday evening shows start at 8:00 pm and admission is $5.00.

On Sunday, June 28, the monthly Sunday Renegade Show takes place with an all ages workshop, performance and jam. This month’s host will be Gabriel Cox, the sensational soulful blues artist from Salem with his always tight band. A true songwriter at heart, this multi-talented artist is far from the traditional blues you may be used to. His music blends elements of blues, rock, pop, funk, and soul, into a quality sound that you will love! Nominated for a 2014 Muddy Award from the Cascade Blues Association for Best New Act, Gabriel Cox has been described as a mix between John Mayer and Jack White. This special Renegade Blues afternoon starts at 4:00 pm and admission is $10.00.

The Lehrer is located at 8775 SW Canyon Lane and offers a large dance floor and a full menu. Come out and experience blues in today’s world and the future.