The CBA Says Goodbye To Barry Blackwell

Barry Blackwell with friend Cliff Larson

It is with extremely heavy hearts and regret that we have to announce that Cascade Blues Association Board Member Barry Blackwell passed away on June 4. As a long-time volunteer and a devoted board member, Barry was always the first to step forward to help out. Willing to work long and hard hours doing event set-ups, merchandise tables, watching the stage access gates at the Waterfront Blues Festival, or any task that needed to be handled, Barry was always there. Diagnosed with aggressive bladder cancer in December, he continued to attempt to attend meetings when he could despite his discomfort. Barry Blackwell was a good friend to Portland’s blues and music community, and he always had a smile for everybody. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the Cascade Blues Association, but his memory will live forever within us all.