June 2017 - Page 2 of 5 - Cascade Blues Association

Blues Build Benefit Concert Features Four Great Oregon Acts

The annual Blues Build Benefit Concert returns to Bennett Vineyards & Wine Company to help raise funds to support the Junction City/Harrisburg/Monroe Habitat for Humanity in its effort to build houses for low-to-moderate-income families. The concert is slated for Saturday, July 15, and this year’s line-up is packed with some of the top blues talent in Oregon.

Performances at the Blues Build Concert will start off with Barbara Healy & Groove Too at 3:30 pm, followed by Paul Biondi & Skip Jones at 5:00 pm. Blues Music Award nominee Karen Lovely will take the stage at 6:30 pm and The Hank Shreve Band will close out the night starting at 8:00 pm.

Tickets are available online at Eventbrite.com, $30.00 advance, or they may be purchased at Bennett Vineyards & Wine Company, the Gridiron Sports Bar & Grill in Harrisburg or the Habitat for Humanity ReStores in Junction City, Corvallis, and Eugene. Admission is $35.00 at the gate.

Bennett Vineyards & Wine Company is located at 25974 Highway 36, Cheshire, Oregon. Gates open at 3:00 pm. This is a non-smoking venue. You’re welcome to bring your own lawn chairs and blankets, but please leave your pets at home. Food and beverages will be available for purchase, but please no outside alcohol. Also, please respect our artists’ work — no recording of the performances!

Rockin’ For Tony DeMicoli — Legendary ‘80s Portland Bands Quarterflash, Nu Shooz and Jon Koonce Reunite For A Friend

Past PDX Blues Event

The early 1980s were a golden age for home-grown, live music in Portland. Fans filled clubs to listen to local bands that could/would soon be signing major label record deals and touring nationally and internationally, and Tony DeMicoli was one of the most respected club owners and promoters from that era. Starting with the essential punk and art rock venue The Long Goodbye, moving on to the legendary Luis’ LaBamba Club and then finally Club Key Largo, which he owned and managed for over a decade. Tony provided a stage for hundreds, if not thousands, of artists of all genres including many of the biggest names in the blues (Robert Cray, Junior Wells, Buddy Guy, Long John Hunter, Paul deLay, Sam & Dave, The Neville Brothers, among many, many more) over his club ownership and promotion career.

Now three of the biggest draws of the 80s decade; Nu Shooz, Quarterflash, and Jon Koonce of Johnny and the Distractions, are getting together for one amazing night to relive those glory days in tribute to Tony DeMicoli, recognizing the impact that he had promoting live music in Portland. The historic Crystal Ballroom will be the venue for this reunion and tribute on Sunday, July 16th starting at 7:00 pm for this 21 & over shindig.

Nu Shooz, led by John Smith and Valerie Day, were regulars at Luis’ LaBamba Club and Key Largo. Their album Poolside and its hit single “I Can’t Wait” went platinum and they were inducted into the Oregon Music Hall of Fame.

Quarterflash, originally Seafood Mama, was another Oregon Music Hall of Fame inducted band, led by Marv and Rindy Ross. Their debut release featuring the single “Harden My Heart” was also a platinum selling disc and the release party for the album had been held at Luis’ LaBamba Club.

Jon Koonce was the leader of the legendary “Johnny and the Distractions.” Their self-released first album was a massive northwest hit which brought them a recording contract with A and M Records, and found them touring the country opening for acts like Tom Petty, The J Geils Band, and Asia. Jon has continually been active with various projects in rock, blues, and rockabilly over the years, including his latest album The Lost Cause.

Tickets for this special tribute show for Tony DeMicoli can be purchased in advance for $20.00 at CascadeTickets.com. McMenamins Crystal Ballroom is located at 1332 W Burnside.

Power Blues Duet Little Hurricane visits the Wonder Ballroom

Past PDX Blues Event

Based out of San Diego, Little Hurricane is known for its powerful and energetic performances built upon a minimalist blues approach to furnish a rocking, indie-inspired style. On their latest recording, Gold Fever, guitarist Anthony “Tone” Catalano dispenses lead-heavy riffs, bluegrass-style twang, and gorgeously understated soloing. While C.C. Spina’s drumming shifts from thundering and frantic to crisp and razor-sharp. That commitment to organic, unadorned sound is evident in the Little Hurricane’s live experience, appearing at Lollapalooza and Austin City Limits in recent years. “Live is what we’re really all about, and we try to put on as big a show we can for everyone,” says C.C. The stripped-down and amped-up two-piece dynamic also goes a long way in maintaining Little Hurricane’s beautifully brutal energy.

Little Hurricane will be playing at the Wonder Ballroom, 128 Northeast Russell Street, on Saturday, July 15. This all ages show starts at 9:00 pm and tickets are $18.00 in advance at TicketFly.com or $20.00 at the door.

Delta Bluesman Bill “Howl-N-Madd” Perry Arrives for Two Shows at The Birk

Past PDX Blues Event

Bill “Howl-N-Madd” Perry knows how to rock the juke with nothing more than his guitar, his foot, and his voice. His vocal stylings are haunting, compelling, a broad, choked vibrato that owes something to Howlin’ Wolf and something to the diddley-bow, with a gravelly, bourbon-soaked edge. Some think he’s the best blues singer in Mississippi. Maybe that’s because he’s lived a remarkable, wide-ranging life that has taken him far beyond the borders of the Magnolia State.

Internationally acclaimed Delta Blues Man Bill “Howl-N-Madd” Perry’s dazzling Mississippi Juke Joint blues performances have taken him from Ground Zero in Clarksdale, to venues around the world, and in 2012, a special appearance at Lincoln Center. He has recorded as both a gospel artist and a bluesman, and has toured and worked with many artists including Little Milton, T-Bone Walker, Freddie King, The Five Blind Boys, Shirley Caesar, Little Richard, Little Johnnie Taylor, and Cash McCall.

Making a rare west coast tour swing, Bill “Howl-N-Madd” Perry will be performing two shows at The Birk in July. On Saturday, July 15, he will be playing at 7:00 pm and again on Sunday, July 16 at 3:00 pm. The Birk is located at 11139 Hwy 202 in Birkenfeld. Tickets can be purchased in advance at TicketTomato.com for $10.00; or $15.00 at the door.

Texas Legend Delbert McClinton & The Self Made Men Visit the Aladdin Theater

Past PDX Blues Event

There are two types of people in the world: those who love Delbert McClinton and those who haven’t heard him yet. Delbert is always working on that second group. Lyle Lovett explained that “if we could all sing like we wanted to, we’d all sing like Delbert.”

Delbert McClinton was a leading artist of Americana music even before the genre was established. He has won two Grammy awards in the blues category for Best Contemporary Blues Album, and one in the rock category (Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group), with Bonnie Raitt for “Good Man, Good Woman.” His unique musical style grew from his Texas music beginnings. Influenced at a young age by Tejano, Western Swing, Rhythm and Blues, and War songs, he developed a signature sound that served him well.

If you’ve seen a live Delbert McClinton show, you will recognize the synchronized energy on his newest release Prick Of The Litter that comes from thousands of miles of playing together. Delbert feels that his current road band, Self-Made Men, is the best band he’s ever had.

Delbert McClinton will be performing in Portland for one night only at The Aladdin Theater, 3017 SE Milwaukie Avenue, on Thursday, July 20. This all ages show starts at 8:00 pm. Tickets are $45.00 both in advance through TicketFly.com or at the door day of show.

Back To Back Dates with Jason Ricci at The Birk

Past PDX Blues Event

Jason Ricci is well known for having one of the most exciting, energetic, and unpredictable live shows on the circuit. His live performances are sweaty, sexual, and intense. Ricci has been actively touring the Blues circuit in the USA and Europe for over twenty years and during that time has developed a unique and inventive harmonica sound that is without any doubt one of the most distinctive in the world today. The recipient of the Blues Music Award for top harmonica player in 2010, he has received multiple nominations over the years and has recorded and worked with renowned artists including Johnny Winter, Junior Kimbrough, RL Burnside, Nick Curran, Walter Trout, Ana Popovic, Cedric Burnside, Joe Louis Walker, Sue Foley & Peter Karp, JP Soars, Nick Moss, and many others. He appeared at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction filling the role of the late Paul Butterfield when that band was honored. Love Ricci or hate him, through performing, singing, songwriting, teaching, harmonica playing — as well as his L.G.B.T.Q., mental health, and addiction activism — it is not an overstatement that this self-proclaimed young, white, queer, skateboarding, punk-rock loving, felon moon cat from Maine is currently changing the world through music and education.

Jason Ricci rarely plays in Oregon and was recently part of Mark Hummel’s Harmonica Blowout in Portland. Now he returns headlining his own full performance for two shows with his band The Bad Kind in celebration of their latest release, Approved By Snakes, for two shows at The Birk, 11139 Hwy 202, in Birkenfeld, Oregon. On Saturday, July 22 for a 7:00 pm show and then on Sunday, July 23 for an afternoon show starting at 3:00 pm. Tickets are $15.00 advance through TicketTomato.com, or $20.00 at the door. Sunday’s show is open to all ages, with admission prices for children under 12 at $10.00 at the door only.

Salem Art Fair Presents Sugaray Rayford

Past PDX Blues Event

The 68^th Annual Salem Art Fair & Festival hosts a range of entertainment on two stages in Bush’s Pasture Parkover the weekend of Friday, July 21 through Sunday, July 23, with a main stage located in a natural amphitheater setting, under a canopy of towering, old-growth oaks and in close proximity to food and drink booths. Headlining this year’s event on Friday night is one of blues scene’s most powerful forces, Sugaray Rayford.

With deep roots in gospel, Rayford is a commanding performer who has fronted his own band since 2010 that features stellar musicians including guitarist Gino Matteo, drummer Lavell Jones, keyboardist Drake Munkihaid Shining, horn players Allan Walker and George Pandas, and Portland bassist Allen Markel. Rayford also can be found performing with The Mannish Boys and has perennially been found nominated for Blues Music Awards, including two this year for the prestigious BB King Entertainer Award, and Contemporary Blues Male Artist.

Admission to the Salem Art Fair is $5.00 a day, or a three-day pass can be purchased for $10.00. $3 Youth Student on Saturday (with Student ID), children 12 & younger are free, those with a Oregon Trail Card are free, and Sunday from 3:00 – 5:00 pm is free for everyone. Hours are 10:00 am to 9:00 pm Friday and Saturday, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm Sunday. Headline performances begin at 7:30 pm (Sugaray Rayford on Friday, jazz band Orgone on Saturday). Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets to sit on the grass, but a limited number of chairs and tables are also available. Bush’s Pasture Park is located at 890 Mission St Se in downtown Salem.

Rising Young Blues Band, The Marcus King Band, To Play Mississippi Studios

Past PDX Blues Event

The Marcus King Band combines rock, funk, blues, and Jazz into a perfect melodic blend. Led by 20-year-old phenom Marcus King, a gifted songwriter and performer, the band operates within a fiery brand of American roots that King calls “soul-influenced psychedelic Southern rock.” King plays a variety of guitars, from acoustic to electric, to pedal and lap steel, while driving each song home with his soulful, incendiary voice.

The Marcus King Band features Jack Ryan on drums and percussion, Stephen Campbell on bass, Matt Jennings on keys and organ, Dean Mitchell on saxophone, and Justin Johnson on trumpet, trombone and backing vocals. They are currently touring on the release of their second album, The Marcus King Band. This new release includes collaborations with both Derek Trucks and Warren Haynes.

Quickly becoming one of the most sought-after live acts on the circuit today, The Marcus King Band will be performing at Mississippi Studios, 3939 N Mississippi Avenue, on Tuesday, July 25. Tickets are $15.00 in advance at TicketFly.com or $17.00 at the door day of show for this 21 & over event. The venue is mostly standing room with limited seating in the balcony. Show time is 9:00 pm.

Andy T Band Featuring Alabama Mike Schedule Two Oregon Dates

Past PDX Blues Event

Andy Talamantez, better known as Andy T, cut his teeth playing in blues bands led by Guitar Shorty and Smokey Wilson before forming his own band in 2011. Joining with superb vocalist Nick Nixon in Nashville, they became known as the Andy T-Nick Nixon Band and received high acclaim including multiple nominations for the Blues Music Awards. Move ahead six years and after health issues forced Nixon into retirement, Andy T hooked up with Bay Area vocalist Alabama Mike Benjamin, recorded a new album with fellow guitar master Anson Frunderburgh working behind the scenes as well as adding second guitar, and the reborn Andy T Band is now continuing the high excellence of the original band without missing a step.

The Andy T Band with Alabama Mike is currently on a cross-country tour in support of that album, Double Strike, and on select dates through the summer Anson Funderburgh is tagging along, too. The band will be making two Oregon area stops in late July and this is one show you should not miss.

On Friday, July 28, The Andy T Band will be in Hood River for a show at The Pines Tasting Room, 202 Cascade Avenue. Show time is 6:00. Contact the venue for admission information (541) 993-8301.

On Sunday, July 30, The Andy T Band will be headed out to Birkenfeld for an afternoon performance at The Birk, 11139 Hwy 202. Admission for this 3:00 pm show is $10.00 at the door.

Southern Blues-Rocker and Storyteller Paul Thorn to Perform at Alberta Rose.

Past PDX Blues Event

Paul Thorn is a Tupelo, Mississippi-bred singer-songwriter who grew up in Elvis’s shadow, but the biggest influences on his life were his Pentecostal preacher daddy, who taught him how to respect and serve people, and his pimp uncle, who schooled him on women and how to throw a punch. Both gave him the stories and confidence to build a music career and record label his own way.

Thorn grew up singing in the church and later fought his way to a respected national ranking as a middleweight boxer. He worked in a chair factory during the day, boxed on weekends, wrote songs and played in a pizzeria at night. Attending concerts was banned by his religion, but singing at the altar since he was three years old prepared him for singing on the stage. Thorn has been pleasing crowds for years with his muscular brand of bluesy and rocking roots music, and he truly is a Southern storyteller whose life has given him plenty of tales to tell.

The Paul Thorn Band will be appearing at The Alberta Rose Theatre Tuesday, July 25 for an 8:00 pm show. The Chicago-based blues/indie/rock band Alice Drinks The Kool Aid will open the show. Tickets are $30.00 in advance at TicketBiscuit.com or $35.00 at the door day of show. Minors are allowed when accompanied by a parent or guardian. The Alberta Rose Theatre is located at 3000 NE Alberta Street.

Paul Thorn will also be making appearances in Oregon earlier in the month with a show at The Tower Theater in Bend on Tuesday, July 18 and in Grants Pass at The Rogue Theater on Wednesday, July 19. Check the venues for more information.