We recently posted this list on the CBA Facebook page. It received a thankful response from so many that we thought we would run it in the BluesNotes, too This list is a compilation of regional musicians who were nominated for the 2013 Muddy Awards. Though the final ballot is limited to only a few in each category, all of the following artists were recognized by our members in the ballots returned to us for nominations in the first round.
Tag Archive for: Bill Rhoades
Live From The Vault
Self Produced
This is an engaging live recording by two of Portland’s most talented musicians, keyboardist Dave Fleschner and guitar master Alan Hager. Both have extensive backgrounds in the local and national blues scene, but pairing the two together was simply a stroke of genius. Recorded at The Vault at O’Connor’s in Portland’s Multnomah Village neighborhood, the duet strolls through eleven numbers covering a wide variety of music history and they place their own unique touch on each.
Dave Fleschner’s piano work shows exceptional range, whether it’s a stride, New Orleans boogie or a Otis Spann-styled Chicago number, he can do it all with precision and flair. He Read more
Jackson Lee (photo by Steve Nassar)
Former Cascade Blues Association President and long-time Board Member Jackson Lee has inoperable esophagus cancer and is terminal. His friends at The Trails End Saloon have put together a special benefit to help raise money for non-medical expenses such as his need to relocate to a new home, rent and other various expenses that are not covered by his Veterans medical benefits. This event is scheduled to take place on Sunday, September 15th.
Confirmed acts for this benefit at this time are The Rae Gordon Band, Bill Rhoades & The Party Kings, Megan James, Albert Reda, Scott Bouck, HiFi Mojo and Papa Rocket. The show will start at 2:00 pm running until 9:00 pm. This time may be extended depending on the number of other acts who request to help out. Suggested donation is $10.00. There will be raffle tickets and 50/50 tickets for sale and there will be a silent auction. Items are being sought for a raffle/auction; if you have anything you would like to offer please contact either Darlene Liedtke or Cindy Benda at The Trails End.
Please come out to help assist Jackson Lee at this event. One of the hardest working and devoted Board Members of the Cascade Blues Association for many years and a true lover of the local blues scene and musicians.
Ben Rice
The Kalama Blues Festival returns on Saturday, August 17th for another full day’s worth of terrific blues music featuring several regional bands and headliner Studebaker John & The Hawks. Just a short drive north of Portland, this event is located right on the banks of the Columbia River at Waterfront Marina Park. Food vendors will be on site including local wine and beer. Admission is only $8.00 and two cans of food to assist Kalama Helping Hands.
Studebaker John will bring his classic traditional Chicago sounds that have been fan favorites since the 1970s. Also on the line-up will be The Bill Rhoades Band, The Robbie Laws Band, The Ben Rice Band and The Vermen.
It all starts at 1:00 pm. Camping and lodging are available nearby. For more information check out www.cityofkalama.com.
By Laurie Morrisey
A while back, I approached Safeway Waterfront Blues Festival Talent Coordinator, Peter Dammann, and asked him about some of the unsung heroes of the festival. The first name that came to his mind was Ray Varner. Ray worked at the Fed-Ex Stage for about 10 years, although he’s retired now.
“He was the perfect guy for that gig. I relied on his judgment a lot; he was one of the people, especially in the early years, that encouraged me to go after some of the Read more
DAve Kahl
The last month has given me a lot to be thankful for. In light of my wife’s emergency, the outpouring of concern and love was astonishing and our family thanks you all. Add to this the news of my hearing-related issues and, again, the remarkable support and offers – I am breathless and affirmed. This is one incredible community.
Suggestions have been made and I’ve acted on all of them. I am certain that this old guy will see – and hear – some positive changes very soon. Thanks, again for your love. There are just too many of you to name, but you know who you are.
I’d like to take the opportunity to mention the two week night gigs that have held me up, have offered some great moments and memories, and that I’d like to see you attend. Tuesdays at 9pm, the Dover Weinberg Quartet at Duff’s Garage (corner of S.E. 7th Avenue and Market Street), with Chris Carlson, Kelly Dunn, and me, along with special guests, is happening. Looks good for this one to last through the end of the year, but it is certainly better when there are people to share with.
On Wednesdays, Blackwell’s (1815 N.E. 41st Avenue) hosts Soul Cookin’ with Lloyd Jones, Carlton Jackson, Dover Weinberg, and, again, me. Killing, stinky, greasy, funky blues and soul. Need I say more? Okay, how about some very talented guests, who just all happen to be musical friends. We’ve met some new ones on this gig, so the circle is getting bigger. We’d love to have you support this wonderful group of guys and this very cool venue.
I’d like to thank Ty Curtis and Bill Rhoades, especially for filling my calendar. Looks good for me to hook up for one night in September with Fiona Boyes and Jimi Bott. Although it’s in Illinois, hopefully we can find some compelling reason for Fiona to come to Portland.
That is all for now, but it’s more than enough. Thanks again.
David Kahl
Over the years, The Cascade Blues Association’s Sweethearts Dance has become a Valentine’s weekend tradition, as we have brought some of the finest local talent to help celebrate the event. That talent has included the likes of Mary Flower, Duffy Bishop, Robbie Laws, Bill Rhoades, The Strange Tones and one year we even had Blues Music Award winner Watermelon Slim drop by to help out while he was in town. Always a fun night of the blues and dancing with that special sweetheart, we’re hoping to have you join us again this year on Friday, February 15th at Vie de Boheme (1530 SE 7th). And we’re going to make this year’s event a showcase of local Women in the Blues.
We will open the night with a familiar face if you attended last year. Melissa Buchanan sat in with the Deep Blue Soul Revue last year and she was so well received we decided to invite her and her new band to play this year. The artful subtleties and straight, but powerful delivery of the vintage masters are inspiration to Melissa as she works to deliver a performance to remember. She employs several genres of music to fit the audience mood or event ranging from jump blues to smoldering torch songs. Melissa also has a swing and blues dance background, so when it comes to performing music, danceability is of utmost importance.
Making the trip from Eugene for the second set will be the Joanne Broh Blues Band. A past finalist in the Cascade Blues Association’s Journey To Memphis and a musical mentor with United By Music, Joanne Broh is also a recipient of the Rainy Day Blues Society’s Rooster Awards for Female Vocalist. Joining Joanne for the performance are several of the Eugene area’s finest players, including Jerry Zybach, Jim Badalich, Sean Brennan and John Bryson. Joanne has been known to offer a variety of music, from rock and funk flavors, but it is always steeped heavily with the blues in everything she does.
Headlining this year’s Sweetheart Dance will be one of the quickest rising stars on the international blues scene today, and recent transplant to the Portland area from Southern Oregon, Karen Lovely. Following her taking second place at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, representing the Cascade Blues Association in 2010, Karen has released two highly praised CDs, received seven CBA Muddy Awards and was nominated for three Blues Music Awards in 2011. And she has also been a favorite for festivals and concerts throughout North America and into Europe. Joining Karen will be her regular guitarist Leonard Griffie, making the trek up from Ashland for the event, and a yet to be named group of Portland area all-stars to compliment her performance.
Vie de Boheme is an urban winery with great food and plenty of room for dancing. Admission to the Sweetheart Dance is $10 per person or $15 for couples. Everything will start at 8:00 pm, so grab your sweetheart and come celebrate Valentine’s Day with three outstanding vocalists and good friends. Always one of the most fun nights on the CBA calendar every year. Hope to see you there.
Somethin’ a lil’ different for Tuesdays in February! Every Tuesday at the Blue Diamond (20th and NE Sandy), Bluesman and NW Harmonica icon-extraordinaire BILL RHOADES will be holding court in a cool, laidback style with local blues guitarists WHIT DRAPER (Sportin’ Lifers, etc…) and AC PORTER (LiveWires, etc…) in a trio that just wants to have a good time and lay down some serious blues for y’all. Some acoustic, some electric, some city, some country, some sweet, some stanky….you get the idea. This will be the first time all three of these cats have had the chance to play together at the same time, and it will absolutely be a jukin’ good time! Starts at 8pm to 11 every Tuesday, and NO Cover! (I bet a few choice friends sneak in to add to the musical atmosphere, too!)
Trying to shake those Winter Blues – Looking towards Springtime – Here’s a good way to start that all off. The 2013 Blues Harmonica Summit will be held on Saturday, March 2, 2013 at the Melody Ballroom (Downstairs). Located at 615 S.E. Alder St. – Portland, Oregon – Some of the Northwest’s Greatest Harpmen will be blowing the frost off their lips for an evening of tongue blocking, note bending, screaming, trilling, soulful, over blowing Harmonica work!
Starting at 8:00 pm and going until 12:00 midnight or ?
You’ll be able to hear the expertise and extraordinary finesse of Harmonica …