What’s on Tap for July’s General Membership Meeting . . .
The Melody Ballroom, 615 SE Alder St., Portland
Wednesday, July 8, 7:00 pm
Members Always Free – Non-members $3.00
Opening Acoustic Set – David Pinsky & Phil Newton
Second Electric Set – Randy Morrison’s Party Bus
You know that in July things are going to heat up around town when it comes to live music, whether indoors or outside. I don’t think that I have to remind anybody in Portland that the Waterfront Blues Festival will be kicking off the month in a huge way. But what I do need to remind everybody about is that since the festival happens the first week of July on Thursday, we will be heavily occupied moving our merchandise to the park for set-up on the Wednesday before. Therefore, our regularly scheduled monthly membership meeting is once again being pushed back a week, taking place on Wednesday, July 8. Same place, same time as usual, just a week later. And we’re going to have a good line-up for everybody, too.
Starting the night off will be the Cascade Blues Association’s 2015 International Blues Challenge entry for the solo/duo competition, David Pinsky & Phil Newton. We last saw them perform in Portland in November when they held the set midway through the Muddy Awards ceremonies and again at The Lehrer the following night. David & Phil are not only fantastic musicians, but they emit a happy energy while performing. You just know watching them how much they enjoy playing.
The longtime friends have been performing throughout Southern Oregon for more than thirty years as solo artists or with their own groups before hooking up to play with one another. David’s propulsive guitar, welded to Phil’s harmonica chops, provide a steady groove reminiscent of the ‘60s Chicago style duets. The two will also on occasion will employ a twin harp attack. Both David and Phil bring decades of vocal experience, with David concentrating on his original compositions and Phil interpreting blues and roots. They have also released their own joint effort CD, Over The Moon, filled with biographical and fun original songs.
The second set of the night will present Randy Morrison’s Party Bus. A brand new blues band in the Portland, Oregon area composed of long-time veterans of the local music scene. The group brings excellent musicianship, top notch vocals, and bluesy, funky, fun excitement that should have the members dancing at our meeting.
Randy, on guitar and vocals, has played with and fronted bands on stages from Florida to Chicago, Las Vegas, California, Washington, and Oregon, most recently focusing on playing acoustic solo singer-songwriter style shows. His soulful vocals and spirited, easy-going interaction engages audiences everywhere he plays.
Stephen Anderson, also on guitar and vocals, and Laura Petch on bass and vocals round out the stringed instrument portion of the band. Both are very experienced veterans of Portland’s blues community. Steve’s tasteful and inspired guitar work does the band’s heavy lifting, and his style makes him truly an entertaining performer to see and hear live. Laura’s rock-solid bass lines really glues the unit together, and combined with veteran drummer Eric Williams, provides the rhythm section engine that drives The Bus the way it needs to be driven. Besides their instrumental contributions, Steve and Laura’s vocals, both lead and harmony backup, are essential to the band’s sound, and combined with Randy, really set this band apart.
Definitely a fun-filled night will be at hand, especially for those going through blues festival withdrawals never wanting the music to end. And we will have free ticket drawings and our winner take all raffle of multiple CDs, lots of fun with friends and more great blues music keeping the blues feeling rolling into the summer. See you there!