May 2017 - Cascade Blues Association

Dustbowl Revival At Mississippi Studios

The Dustbowl Revival is a Venice, California-based collective that merges old school bluegrass, gospel, pre-war blues, and the hot swing of New Orleans to form a spicy roots cocktail. Known for their roaring live sets, Dustbowl bravely brings together many styles of traditional American music — some call it string band-brass band mash up. Imagine Old Crow Medicine Show teaming up with Louis Armstrong’s Hot Fives and Sevens, or Bob Dylan and The Band jamming with Benny Goodman and his orchestra in 1938. It’s infectious, joyous music — a youthful take on time-worn American traditions. Named “Best Live Band in LA” by The LA Weekly, each Dustbowl performance promises to be a white-knuckle ride through the history of American folk music that rarely stays just on the stage.

Catch this energetic band as they make their way back to Portland for a performance at Mississippi Studios on Friday, June 2. Tickets for this 21 & over event can be purchased in advance at TicketFly.com for $13.00 or at the door day of show for $15.00. Mississippi Studios is located at 3939 N Mississippi Avenue, with the show starting at 9:00 pm.

Norman Sylvester presents “A Phenomenal Concert – The Journey of Blues and Gospel in America”

Past PDX Blues Event

On Friday, June 2, Norman Sylvester will host “A Phenomenal Concert – The Journey of Blues and Gospel in America” at the Alberta Rose Theatre. This all-star event will focus upon the history of blues and gospel music from the cradle of its birth in Africa, to the cotton fields of the Mississippi Delta, and finally its flowering within America’s urban centers.

Performing at this event along with be the Norman Sylvester Revue featuring local musicians LaRhonda Steele, Leeanne Sylvester, Bill Rhoades, Renato Caranto, Peter Moss with special guests Chata Addy (Ghanaian Drumming and Dance), and Tevis Hodge Jr. (Acoustic Delta Blues and Ragtime).

Also, this event will include a sneak preview of Jeff Dodge’s video project “Tales from Old Portland.”

Blues and gospel have been a major art form used for communication and inspiration since the days of slavery. Please join these musicians in celebrating this healing music.

The Alberta Rose Theatre is located at 3000 NE Alberta Street. Tickets are $20.00 general admission and can be purchased through Ticketbiscuit.com. This all ages event starts at 8:00 pm, doors at 7:00 pm.

The Roseland Hosts Guitar Legend Robin Trower

Past PDX Blues Event

Robin Trower has been a mega-force on the music world since he first gained attention playing with Procol Harum in the late 1960s. Upon leaving that seminal band, Trower found immense success starting up his own power blues-rock trio molded in the fashion of contemporary bands like Cream, Taste, and the Jimi Hendrix Experience. His second album under his own name, Bridge Of Sighs, truly set the world on fire while reaching the Top 10 in the United States and still is highly considered as a classic of rock music. Nearly five decades later, Robin Trower still draws huge audiences of guitar lovers and appreciative fans. His latest release, Where You Are Going To, is a bit of a rocker, but it is squarely based in his love for the blues, with confident vocals and stunning guitar work.

Robin Trower will be bringing his legendary intense and burning performance back to Portland for one night at the Roseland Theater on Friday, June 2. Presented by Double Tee, tickets for this 21 & over show can be purchased in advance at RoselandPDX.com with general admission standing for $30.00, general admission floor seating $40.00 or reserved balcony seating for $40.00. Show time is 8:00 pm with an opening set by Strange Vine. The Roseland Theater is located at 8 NW Sixth Avenue.

Valerie June Returns To Aladdin In Support Of New Album

Past PDX Blues Event

Multi-instrumentalist and Tennessee native Valerie June performs a diverse conglomeration of American roots music that encompasses traditional spirituals, Americana, classic blues, folk, soul, and bluegrass. Through stark acoustic rhythms and uncanny slide guitar, She effortlessly shifts between eras and genres. She can be haunting and melancholic while singing of the ghostly darkness of loneliness, or full of warmth and charm, at one moment seductive in a sensual come-on, fragile and vulnerable, the next in a display of naked honesty. Valerie June transports you to another world the moment you hear her voice. It is a voice that has been winning over audiences around the world in a seemingly short few years since she first burst upon the music scene.

June is currently on tour in support of her highly-acclaimed new album The Order Of Time. The follow-up to her breakout 2013 release Pushin’ Against A Stone, the new disc seals her place amongst the finest of roots musicians exploring new paths while maintaining a truthfulness to the past.

Valerie June will be appearing at Portland’s Aladdin Theater on Saturday, June 3 for an 8:00 pm show. Unfortunately tickets are sold out through the venue, but can still be found online through several ticket brokers. Please be wary of such outlets and verify their authenticity before ordering.

Lisa Mann Filming Live “Musicians Rise Up” Protest Song Series

Past PDX Blues Event

Feeling a need to do and create, Robert Parish has initiated a new film series “of live performances to heal and inspire a confused and angry nation.” Artists who have contributed “songs of great social and political import” (as Janis Joplin put it) include Ellen Whyte, Norman Sylvester, The Whiskey Darlings, Rob Rainwater, and several others. On June 5, Robert will film Lisa Mann & Her Really Good Band’s contribution to his series at the Lake Theatre, and the public is invited! It will be just like any other live show, except two songs will be performed twice, to ensure a good take is captured on film. Final video will be posted on Robert’s Facebook group page, “Musicians Rising Up”, to be broadcasted to audiences around the world.

Tickets to be part of the audience for this filming are available at Laketheatercafe.com for $10.00, all are general admission. The Theater & Café is located at 106 N State Street in Lake Oswego. Show time is 7:00 pm.

Benefit Performance & Fundraising Site For Curtis Salgado Recover From Heart Surgery

Past PDX Blues Event

On March 7th, Curtis Salgado suffered a heart attack while on tour on the East Coast. He was transported from Vermont to an excellent medical facility in New Hampshire, and while in the care of his medical team, doctors determined that he needed a quadruple bypass. Due to his medical history, Curtis was a high risk patient and his doctors proceeded with extra caution and care. After two weeks in the hospital in New Hampshire, Curtis was able to travel back home and has begun his rehabilitation. His spirits are high and his positive attitude and outlook will lead him on the long road of recovery ahead.

But medical expenses are not easy to pay off, especially if you’re a musician that relies on working night after night on the road. With his recovery time, Curtis will be losing substantial income for the months ahead and could certainly use your assistance, whether it is a small or large donation, it all helps.

Lloyd Jones and friends are stepping up to help Curtis in the best way they know how, by holding a special performance to help assist raising funds for their good friend. Or as Lloyd puts it, “We’re bringing out the ‘Love Bucket’ for our friend and yours. Due to the fact that he has incurred massive medical bills and can’t work right no to even pay his normal bills, I’d like to invite y’all to show your love by coming out to Catfish Lou’s on Thursday, June 8 and putting whatever funds you can afford into the ‘Love Bucket’ for our pal Curtis Salgado. 100 % of what you contribute will go directly to him. Curtis is healing nicely and hoping to be back at work in July. If we can help even a little let’s do it. After all he has made us feel good for a mighty long time.”

Catfish Lou’s is located at 2460 NW 24^th Ave. show time is 8:00 pm. 21 & over only.

If you can’t make it to Catfish Lou’s, you can still help with making a donation, please visit https://www.youcaring.com/curtissalgado-786616. 100% of your donated funds will go directly to Curtis’s medical and living expenses. Please know that with or without a donation, Curtis appreciates all the love and prayers he has received from all of you! Now …Let the healing begin!

BTW, Lloyd wants you also to know that, “I’ve been diggin’ on the new acoustic recording Curtis and Alan Hagar just finished…over, and over, and over again. It’s fantastic!” Also, “The All Star Band” that will be playing for you on June 8 will be recording on June 11 as the brainchild of Boyd Small and Willy Barber. Such guests as Louis Pain, Peter Dammann, Big Monti and myself. Others are welcome join in on Thursday night as well. Hope you can help.” – Thanks, Lloyd “Have Mercy” Jones

Soulful Blues Vocalist Terry Evans With Portland Blues Guitar Masters, One Night Only!

Past PDX Blues Event

Growing up in the Delta, blues vocalist Terry Evans began singing as part of the church choir, where he jokes that he wasn’t allowed to sing the “rough stuff” like rock & roll. He was only permitted to sing gospel and would have to slip away to sing secular songs. While listening to people like Elmore James, Little Walter, Albert King, and BB King he decided that he wanted to be a soul singer.

In the sixties, Terry worked with an a cappella group called The Knights, touring throughout the South in clubs and juke joints. From there Terry was lured to the west coast where he first picked up the guitar, started writing music and soon became a prolific songwriter. Pops Staples, as well as the late, great Louis Jordan (among others) have recorded his songs. He worked for years as one of the most sought-after session artists, working with the likes of John Fogarty, Ry Cooder, Joan Armatrading, John Lee Hooker, Boz Scaggs, and others. Along with fellow vocalist Bobby King, Evans toured with Ry Cooder throughout the US, Europe and Japan. Since then he has recorded two albums with King and eight under his name.

Terry Evans is a terrific live performer and he will be heading back to the Portland area for one night at The Cascade Bar & Grill, 15000 SE Mill Plain in Vancouver, WA. This June 8 show will start at 8:00 pm with a $7.00 cover at the door. Joining Evans will be local blues greats Jesse Samsel, Ken Scandlyn and Mark Shark on guitars, with the rhythm section of Cary Samsel and Nate Powell laying down the fatback.

Do yourself a favor and see why Ry Cooder has considered him to be one of the best front men around. To see him perform is to understand why. Terry is one of the most dynamic soul and blues singers performing today.

Acoustic Guitar Summit Brings its Magic To The Lake Theater & Cafe

Past PDX Blues Event

The Acoustic Guitar Summit is made up of three of the country’s best fingerstyle guitarists, all of whom call Portland home. Two members, Doug Smith and Mark Hanson, won a Grammy in 2005 for their contributions to the Henry Mancini – Pink Guitar CD. The third member, Terry Robb, has been the perennial winner of the Cascade Blues Association’s award as the top acoustic blues guitarist, and recently was inducted into the Oregon Music Hall of Fame. Their music is heard on national television (Martha Stewart Living, American Idol), major films (Twister, Moll Flanders) and National Public Radio (Echoes and West Coast Live). In addtion, their music is regularly licensed for syndicated TV and radio broadcasts, as well as regional and national advertising campaigns.

Together the Acoustic Guitar Summit performs a wide range of music. A blistering original may lead into a tightly interwoven arrangement of a classic ballad. A gypsy jazz tune like Django Reinhardt’s “Nuages” may lead into their stunning version of the folk classic “The Water Is Wide.” Their original tunes range from intricately woven fingerpicking burners to slide-inflected blues and jazz ballads. There are always hot licks and great fun at an AGS concert!

The trio get together a couple times a year to perform in their hometown and it is always a showcase that is mesmerizing and is not to be missed. The Acoustic Guitar Summit will be returning for an engagement at The Lake Theater & Café, 106 N State Street in Lake Oswego on Monday, June 12 at 7:00 pm. Tickets are available at the venue’s website Laketheatercafe.com for $20.00 general admission, or $100.00 for a VIP table seating four and closest to the stage.

Region’s Largest Cider Festival Returns to the Pearl

Past PDX Blues Event

Two things that really go together and showcase Portland to a tee: the blues and cider. Portland is renowned throughout the world as being a haven for world class ciders and that will certainly be the focus at the 7^th annual Cider Summit happening Friday, June 16 and Saturday, June 17 at Fields Neighborhood Park, at NW 10^th & Overton in The Pearl District.

Over 150 ciders and cider cocktails will be at hand for your tasting pleasure, including many regional favorites as well as international classics. Additional features: Food offerings from World Foods, Cypress Grove Cheese, KRAVE Jerky, Ryan’s Juice, and others will also be on-site. Oregon Fruit Products Fruit Cider Challenge, featuring pilot batch fruit ciders from several participating cideries with consumer vote to determine champion. A Dog Lounge – hosted by DoveLewis and live music produced in conjunction with event beneficiary Cascade Blues Association featuring several of Portland’s legendary artists.

Friday (music 3:15p-7:15p)
Terry Robb Solo
Sonny Hess Trio
Robbie Laws and Ed Neuman

Saturday (music 12:30p-4:30p)
Norman Sylvester Trio
Lloyd Jones solo
Ellen Whyte Trio

VIP tickets are available online only and include a souvenir tasting glass, exclusive entry from 2pm-3pm on Friday and 10 tasting tickets. $35 if purchased before June 1, 2017, $40 if purchased after. Limited quantity available. General admission tickets include a souvenir tasting glass and 6 tasting tickets. $25 if purchased before June 1, 2017, $30 if purchased before June 16, 2017, $35 at the gate. Additional tasting tickets will be available onsite for $2 each. Designated Driver tickets will be available at the gate for $5 and include a bottle of water, but you may not consume alcohol with this ticket. This event is 21 & over only.

Beneficiaries for this years Cider Summit are: Cascade Blues Association, Northwest Cider Association, DoveLewis Emergency Pet Hospital, The Institute for Myeloma & Bone Cancer Research.

“I Put a Spell on You” – A Tribute to Nina Simone

Past PDX Blues Event

LaRhonda Steele - A Tribute to Nina Simone

LaRhonda Steele will sing the timeless songs of Nina Simone while backed by a nimble sextet led by guitarist Adrian Martin at the Alberta Rose Theatre, on Saturday, June 17. This promises to be a night to remember.

Nina Simone was an amazing woman and performer. Her music spoke to the struggles that faced our society, both then and now, and her controversial voice has been sampled by countless artists. Several documentaries has examined her life and chronicled her survival of abuse and battle with mental illness. She was a radical civil rights activist, a remarkable musician, and a force to be reckoned with. This music is powerful, inspiring, uplifting, and exciting.

Adrian Martin plays a searing hybrid guitar style that bridges blues bawling, jazz sophistication and classical technique. He’s performed around the world and repeatedly produces sold out shows. Adrian and LaRhonda co-lead this amazing sextet through a historical musical journey into the soul of the 60’s civil rights movement, personified by the legendary Nina Simone.

LaRhonda Steele began her musical journey in Jones, Oklahoma at age 13 singing her first solo in church one Sunday morning. Her journey continued to Portland, Oregon and beyond culminating into an powerful legacy of musical experiences for which she is awed and grateful. Over the years she has enjoyed working with local, national and international artists: Curtis Salgado, Norman Sylvester, Linda Hornbuckle, Janice Scroggins, Paul Delay, Obo Addy, and Thara Memory. She has had the pleasure of recoding with Thara Memory, Obo Addy, Janice Scroggins, Norman Sylvester, and Ken DaRouchie. Her latest CD Rock me Baby was recorded with her current musical partner Louis “King Louie” Pain with the disc receiving an astonishing 4 out of 5 stars in Downbeat Magazine.

Sponsored by Artichoke Music Community, I Put a Spell on You – A Tribute to Nina Simone, starts at 8:00 pm and is open to audiences of all ages, minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Tickets are $20.00 when purchased in advance at albertarosetheatre.com or $24.00 at the door day of show. The Alberta Rose Theatre is located at 3000 NE Alberta Street.