The Portland blues scene is one of the best in the country. So many musicians—there’s never a dull moment and you can find fabulous live music every night of the week. One of the newer musicians on the scene is Michael Quinby and his band, The Roseland Hunters.
Michael is one of those musicians who is self taught. He plays guitar and piano. He first Read more
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.
LaRhonda Steele (photo by Greg Johnson)
When it comes to soul, blues, gospel and R&B, LaRhonda Steele stands firmly amongst the very best vocalists in Portland. Aside from fronting her own LaRhonda Steele Band, she has worked and performed with many of the city’s finest and best performers, including The Norman Sylvester Band, Curtis Salgado, Linda Hornbuckle, Paul deLay, Obo Addy, Thara Memory, Janice Scroggins and the Ken DeRouchie Band. Recently LaRhonda has learned that she has breast cancer and to help her meet some of the expenses necessary for treatment, Soul Sisters Productions has put together an all-star benefit concert.
A Benefit for LaRhonda Steele will take place at Portland’s premier jazz club, Jimmy Mak’s, 221 NW 10th Ave., on Monday, October 14th. Scheduled to perform are four of the top acts in Portland: Soul Vaccination, Norman Sylvester Band, Linda Hornbuckle Band, and 2013 Blues Music Award BB King Entertainer of the Year Curtis Salgado. Showtime is 7:00 pm and admission is $25.00. Tickets and reservations available through www.jimmymaks.com.
Come out and show your love for LaRhonda and help her beat cancer now!
La Rhonda Steele
Etta James Tribute Show @ Jimmy Mack’s
Arguably one of the most important singers in the history of blues music, Etta James carved her reputation in the form of many indelible hits over a seven decade career.
After her passing, piano and boogie master DK Stewart organized this tribute show with a live recording, and the ensuing CD has received well due praise.
In addition to DK on piano, the band features Chris Carlson and Peter Dammann (guitars), Mike Klobas (drums), Joseph Conrad (bass), Louis Pain (Organ), Chris Mercer (sax), and Joe McCarthy (trumpet).
The line-up of vocalists reads like a who’s who of female leads and includes Rae Gordon, LaRhonda Steele, Duffy Bishop, Lady Kat, and Lisa Mann…whew, what a roster!
This is a show that was featured at the Waterfront Blues Festival, but this year you’ll be able to enjoy it in the intimate setting of Jimmy Mak’s. Don’t wait, get your tickets now because we expect both performances to sell out.
Reserve Your Tickets Now
Two Shows at 7:30 & 10pm
$12 Reserved Seating/$10 General Admission
Advanced tickets available at Tickettomato.com
Early last year, following the passing of the great Etta James, a tribute show was held at the Alberta Rose Theatre featuring five of the city’s finest female vocalists: Amy Keys, Duffy Bishop, LaRhonda Steele, Lisa Mann and Rae Gordon backed by the DK Stewart Sextet and Friends. That event was recorded and highlights of it have been released as a CD titled Tell Mama.
To celebrate the CD’s release, a new show has been put together which will take place at the Alberta Rose Theatre on Friday, March 15th at 8:00 pm. Returning will be the DK Stewart Sextet along with singers Amy Keys, Duffy Bishop, LaRhonda Steele, Rae Gordon and added for this event Lady Kat.
Tickets are available through www.albertarosetheatre.com and are $15.00 in advance. This is a CBA co-sponsored event and members can receive a $2.00 discount when ordering on-line by using the code CBA. Minors are okay when accompanied by a parent or guardian. The Alberta Rose Theatre is located at 3000 NE Alberta St., Portland.
Do not miss out on what is certainly going to be yet another night of incredible music in tribute to the late Etta James.