Recognized as one of the elite acoustic bluesmen of his time, Guy Davis has had his musical storytelling influenced by artists like Blind Willie McTell and Big Bill Broonzy, and his musicality from artists as diverse as Lightnin’ Hopkins and Babatunde Olatunji. However, there’s one man Davis credits most for his harmonica techniques — the legendary Sonny Terry. Davis has spent his musical life carrying his message of the blues around the world, from the Equator to the Arctic Circle, earning him the title “An Ambassador of the Blues.” His work as an actor, author, and music teacher establish him as a renaissance man of the blues.

Reedwood Friends Church, 2901 SE Steele Street. Friday, March 15, 7:30 pm. Tickets are $22.47 general , $19.47 Portland Folkmusic Society Member, $11.97 Student (prices include service fees) available at Seatyourself.biz.

Those who have followed Ruthie Foster’s eclectic musical history know that she can burn down any stage with her combustible blend of soul, blues, rock, folk, and gospel. Hailed as one of the finest blues artists if her time, Ruthie Foster’s astonishing voice have taken her on an amazing ride. She came from humble church choir beginnings in rural Texas, followed by a tour of duty with the U.S. Navy Band, and ended up in Austin, Texas. Over the years she has received multiple nomination and wins with the Blues Music Awards, Austin Music Awards, Living Blues Music Awards, and the Grammys, with her latest recording, Let It Burn, garnering still more nods for the award circuit again this year.

Foster has scheduled two Oregon appearances:

Alberta Rose Theatre, 3000 NE Alberta Street. Friday, March 15. 8:00 pm. $30.00 advance through Ticketbisquit.com, $38.00 at the door. $45.00 preferred seating (first five rows, center section) advance only. Minors okay with parent or guardian.

Jaqua Concert Hall, The Shedd Institute, 285 E Broadway, Eugene. Saturday, March 16. 7:30 pm. $24.00 – $32.00 advance tickets at Theshedd.org.

For nearly a decade, Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds have been hailed for their explosive brand of modern soul, celebrated equally for their three studio albums and electrifying live performances. Touring in support of the release of their seventh album, Gold, the band has shortened their name to simply Sister Sparrow and are led by the impossibly big-voiced Arleigh Kincheloe. With a reputation as one of the hardest working outfits anywhere, they perform upwards of 150 shows a year and drawing huge crowds and sold out dates across the country.

Mississippi Studios, 3939 N. Mississippi Ave. Thursday, March 14, 9:00 pm. $18.00 advance at Ticketfly.com, $20.00 day of show at door. 21 and over.

“Winter Blues” Music Festival is celebrating its seventh year of amazing music.  Hosted by the Milwaukie Elks Lodge on March 9, there will be two dance floors, with beverages and food available. Featuring performances from this year’s stellar line-up: 2019 Blues Music Award (BMA) nominees Curtis Salgado and Alan Hager, Lady True Blue Kat & Smokin’ Sonny Hess, Return Flight, Pat Stilwell Band, the Bayou Boys with Lloyd Jones, Steve Kerin, David Kahl, Pete Moss, Dan Merkley and Brian Foxworth, Karen Lovely with 2019 BMA nominee Ben Rice, and Johnny Wheels and the Swamp Donkeys. There will be a raffle and a silent auction with proceeds going to the Youth Music Project and the Oregon Food Bank.

Elks Lodge 13121 SE McLoughlin, Milwaukie. $25.00 general admission or $100.00 for Supporter passes for two at winterbluesfest.net. Saturday, March 9, music from 3:00 pm – 10:30 pm.

“Four Trains Runnin’” is a Muddy Waters Tribute show that features four internationally acclaimed blues musicians who relish in the performance of old school traditional blues. The show, featuring the songs of Muddy Waters and his influences performed in their original style by some of the region’s top artists: Alan Hager on guitar, Mitch Kashmar on harmonica, Jimi Bott on drums, and Dean Mueller on bass. All have received numerous Muddy Awards and have each been nominated or won Blues Music Awards. This event has been held for several years at The Lake Theater & Café and sells out fast

Four Trains Runnin’, at the Lake Theater & Café, 106 N State Street, Lake Oswego. Monday, March 11, 7:00 pm. $20.00 general admission (seated), $10.00 dance floor (does not include seating option).