When it comes to the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, people may come for the competition, but it is not unusual to make good friends that you keep in touch with for years to come. In 2011, two award winning artists from opposite sides of the country made such a friendship, Portland’s own Lisa Mann and Boston’s Diane Blue. They have worked out an arrangement where they will each travel to the other’s area and work a number of shows with one another. They will be making one such appearance in Portland on Saturday, February 16th at Jimmy Mak’s.

Diane Blue is a strong vocalist, skillful harmonica player and a crowd pleasing entertainer who was selected in Boston area readers’ poll as Outstanding Female Singer in 2011. Soulful and sassy, she has a strong, confident attack and energetic delivery, serving up her own spin on soul, blues and R&B. Diane Blue has performed with such blues luminaries as Ronnie Earl, Big Jack Johnson, Luther Guitar Jr. Johnson and Irma Thomas.

Lisa Mann & Her Really Good Band were the 2012 Muddy Award recipients of Best Contemporary Blues Act and Lisa was also selected as the Duffy Bishop Female Vocalist and is a Muddy Hall of Fame member as bass player. The band also took home the 2012 Portland Music Award for best blues act. Always entertaining, they will be performing their own sensational music and backing Diane Blue for what should make for an exciting evening.

Jimmy Mak’s is located at 221 NW 10th Avenue, show time is 8:00 pm. Ticket price is $10.00 and this is a CBA co-sponsored event, so show your membership card at the door for a $1.00 discount on admission. Reservations are highly recommended for Jimmy Mak’s and can be made by calling the venue at 503-295-6542.