Norman Sylvester (photo by Paul Nielson)
On Saturday, October 12th, a special celebration event will happen at Jimmy Mak’s honoring thirty years of one of Portland’s most favorite bands, The Norman Sylvester Band. This band led by the always impeccable and gracious Norman “The Boogie Cat” Sylvester on vocals and guitar, has long been a breeding ground for many of the foremost R&B and blues musicians in the region. Many of those will be on-stage to help out in the festivities, including the likes of Rob Shoemaker, Janice Scroggins, LaRhonda Steele, Lenanne Sylvester, Sarah Billings, Renato Caranto, Paul Shoemaker, plus special guest appearances from past band members.
With four CD releases over the years, including 2013’s Blues Stains On My Hands which garnered high chart success on Sirius XM Radio, his songs have told the story of Sylvester’s family and the bands’ musical journey, playing out like a novel you cannot put down. The evening will feature those stories of Sylvester’s Teamster days at a Trucking Company that went broke, the struggles raising his family, sweet subjects of the heart and his desires to play his music. Be a part of this intimate concert with artists and songs from those albums. Not many other local bands have been together through so many changes in the world. And they’re still moving forward even stronger than ever. Join us as we celebrate the thirty year longevity of one of the Northwest iconic blues bands.
Jimmy Mak’s is located at 221 NW 10th Ave. Doors open at 5:30 pm, showtime is at 8:00 pm. Advance tickets are available at www.tickettomato.com for $12.00 guaranteed seating and $10.00 general admission.
