Too Slim and the Taildraggers’ Encore Performances! Sept. 4th & 5th

Tim Too Slim Langford - photo by Dean DavisIf Tim “Too Slim” Langford only played slide guitar, he would slither around most other blues guitarists and put a ferocious bite on their pride. However, as the sole six-string slinger, songwriter, and lead singer of the power trio Too Slim and the Taildraggers, he is a complete force of nature.

After leaving his mark in his native Northwest by tearing up stages for the best part of three decades and receiving hall of fame status from three blues societies, Langford moved to Nashville piecing together a new version of The Taildraggers (Eric “Stretch” Hansen on bass and Jeff “Shakey” Fowlkes on drums) and crafting  some of the finest blues rock material of his career. With around twenty discs under his belt, “Too Slim” explores a diverse range of musical approaches that appeals to a variety of audiences. But when it comes to taking their spot onstage, Too Slim and the Taildraggers take no prisoners. This is one show that is going to rock the house every time. Powerful is an understatement.

Touring in support of their latest release, Blood Moon, Too Slim and the Taildraggers electrified the stage at The Birk last June and the Waterfront Blues Festival in July. The band will return to The Birk, 11139 Hwy 202, Birkenfeld, Oregon, for an encore performance on Sunday, September 4, for a 3:00 pm show. Tickets are $15.00 advance and $20.00 at the door. Head on out and see why Too Slim and the Taildraggers have long been considered one of the Northwest’s greatest live blues act of all time!

Then on Monday, September 5, Too Slim & The Taildraggers will be coming back to Portland for an 8:00 pm show at Duff’s Garage, 2530 NE 82nd. This special night will also be a birthday celebration for promoter Joey Scruggs. Tickets can be obtained in advance through Tickettomato.com for $10.00. Admission at the door is $12.00. This is a Cascade Blues Association co-sponsored event, so bring your current membership, show it at the door, and receive a $1.00 discount on admission.

Nick Moss Band Offering Chicago’s Best Blues: Sept. 5th

The Nick Moss Band is beyond any doubt one of the most exciting and dynamic Chicago-based blues acts on the circuit today. The band’s website describes them as “Distinct, honest, and intense, a blend of traditional blues and progressive, jam-oriented blues rock. Face-melting guitar solos that rise above the crowded field of pretenders, and a versatile band that brilliantly delivers unparalleled improvisational jams to packed houses night after night, city after city.”

Nick Moss - photo by Mark GoodmanGuitarist and songwriter Nick Moss has worked with legendary blues greats such as Jimmy Dawkins, Jimmy Rogers, Buddy Scott, and Willie “Big Eyes” Smith before forming his own band Nick Moss & The Flip Tops in 1999. Having Nick in a band would be way more than any one act could hope for, but The Nick Moss Band is a double-edge powerhouse with Michael Ledbetter on vocals and guitar. Inspired by vocalists like Donnie Hathaway, BB King, and Stevie Wonder, Ledbetter is one of the finest voices you’ll find anywhere in the blues. Throw in the adept drumming of Patrick Seals, and you have the recipe for Chicago’s premier blues outfit.

The Nick Moss Band will be heading to Oregon for a pair of dates in early September, starting on Labor Day, September 5 at The Birk, 11139 Hwy 202, Birkenfeld. Show time is 3:00 pm. Tickets are $15.00 advance and $20.00 day of show.

Then on Tuesday, September 6, the band is scheduled for a 7:00 pm performance at the Springhouse Cellars in Hood River, located at 13 Railroad Street.

Timberbound presents: The Northwest Folk Songs of Woody Guthrie and other Ramblers

Timberbound - photo by Greg JohnsonAfter reviving Northwest sawmill ballads from an obscure songbook, local folk/acoustic/blues band Timberbound is now interpreting the Northwest songs of Woody Guthrie for a forthcoming album, Roll On, Columbia. With an upcoming performance at The Lake Theater & Café, fans have the opportunity to get a live preview of these obscure songs Guthrie penned while living in the Portland area and working for the US government’s Bonneville Power Administration. This November, Timberbound will release a double album recording of Guthrie’s songs!

Timberbound is led by banjo player and guitarist Joe Seamons (half of the 2016 International Blues Challenge solo/duo winning act Ben Hunter & Joe Seamons), and the group features multi-instrumentalist Gavin Duffy, fiddle player Jenny Estrin and vocalist Kate Sandgren.

Timberbound will be returning to The Lake Theater & Café on Monday, September 5 for a 7:00 pm presentation of these Woody Guthrie songs. Tickets available online at Laketheatercafe.com for $20.00 general admission.

California and Texas Blues Greats Teamed Up With The Golden State Lone Star Revue : Sept. 6th

Golden State Lone Star Revue - photo by Rachel KumarThe blues have long played a major role in both Texas and California’s musical culture. Some of the most renowned artists have hailed from these two states, so it would seem quite fitting that pairing musicians from both these states would produce fiery results. In the form of the Golden State Lone Star Revue that paring is definitely igniting some impressive sparks. Guitar heroes Anson Funderburgh and Little Charlie Baty join up with harmonica ace Mark Hummel and between the three of them there are some 47 Blues Music Award nominations and 10 wins. With this line-up, how could they possibly go wrong? Then throw in two of the finest rhythm guys going with RW Grigsby on bass and Wes Starr on drums and things just get the musical stew cooking even hotter. All combined, they are a jumping band that can be heard on their outstanding Golden State Lone Star Revue disc.

Needless to say, having the chance to see this group of all-stars is something not to be missed. And that will happen on Tuesday, September 6 at The Lake Theater & Café, 106 State Street, Lake Oswego. Show time is 7:00 pm and tickets are available at Laketheatercafe.com for $20.00 advance general admission or reserve a VIP table down in front of the stage for four people at $120.00.

Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears Coming To The Doug Fir Lounge: Sept. 2nd

Black Joe Lewis and The Honeybears - photo courtesy of Funk U MagazineHailing from Austin, Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears music is a collision of Southern soul, Midwestern blues, and vagabond punk. While he’s been compared to “The Godfather of Soul” James Brown, and counts among his inspirations blues deity Howlin’ Wolf, Lewis let his punk-flag fly on the group’s third studio album, Electric Slave, where he has honed its signature sound and perfected his gritty blues shouting and raw guitar riffs. Lewis refuses to confine himself to genre-defining boundaries and instead indulged all his many musical influences. With plenty of women chasing, hard-knocks, and all-around good time tales to tell, he also always finds a way to make his tracks full of horns and blues riffs that rival the likes of rocker Iggy Pop.

Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears will be returning to one of their favorite venues in the Portland area as they perform at the Doug Fir Lounge on Friday, September 2 at 9:00 pm. Tickets for this 21 & over show can be purchased in advance through Ticketfly.com ranging from $15.00 – $17.00. The Doug Fir Lounge is located at 830 E. Burnside St.

2016 Sunbanks Music Festival : Sept. 9th

Award-Winning Sunbanks Festival 2018

Sunbanks-festivalFounded in 1995, the Sunbanks Music Festival in Electric City, Washington is a twice-a-year event that offers the best in national and regional musicians. This four-day festival will take place on September 8-11 against the backdrop of Banks Lake, near the Grand Coulee Dam. This year the event will feature another amazing line-up of performers with the Golden State Lone Star Revue with Anson Funderburgh, Mark Hummel, and Little Charlie Baty, Curley Taylor & Zydeco Trouble, Leroy Bell & His Only Friends, Too Slim & the Taildraggers, Harlis Sweetwater, Duffy Bishop, Junkyard Jane with Sue Orfield, The Americans, Lee Bob & the Truth, Courtney Marie Andrews, Rich Layton & the Troublemakers, Little Bill Trio, Cee Cee James & Mission of S.O.U.L. Duo, Polly O’Keary & the Rhythm Method, RB Stone, The Thunder Brothers, Randy Norris & Jeff Nicely, Rob Tudor, Michael Coucoules, and a Songwriter’s Showcase.

For more information, including tickets, camping and lodging, visit the festival’s website at sunbanksfestival.com.

NOLA Super Group New Orleans Suspects : Sept. 8th

New Orleans Suspects - photo by Jeffrey DupuisThe New Orleans Suspects began playing together in 2009 as a pick-up band at the Maple Leaf Bar in New Orleans. Comprised of some of the most seasoned, highly respected players in NOLA, the group originally called themselves The Unusual Suspects. Their chemistry was undeniable and by the summer of 2011 they decided to tour full-time, and renamed the band New Orleans Suspects. They quickly began attracting large crowds from San Francisco to New York. In four short years they released three CDs and established themselves as one of New Orleans’ best supergroups.

The band features drummer “Mean” Willie Green, a thirty-year veteran of the Neville Brothers, bass player Reggie Scanlan, who spent thirty-three years with The Radiators, long-time Dirty Dozen Brass Band guitarist Jake Eckert, classically trained pianist CR Gruver who immersed himself in New Orleans piano styles after touring with national bands such as Outformation and singer/songwriter Angie Aparo, and finally saxophonist Jeff Watkins who served twelve years as leader of the James Brown Band.

New Orleans Suspects will be appearing in Portland on Thursday, September 8 at 10:00 pm at The Goodfoot Pub & Lounge, 2845 SE Stark Street. Admission is $12.00.

Opening the night will be a performance will be Portland R&B band Boys II Gentlemen.

One Night Only, Amber Martin Brings ‘Janis: Undead’ To Stage In Portland: Sept. 9th

amber-martinThe highly celebrated cabaret star, vocalist, and former Portlander Amber Martin returns to Portland on September 9, to perform her tribute to iconic rock and blues legend Janis Joplin, Janis: Undead. Martin is an acclaimed New York City performing artist, comedic monologist, and vocalist inspired by the traditions of Lily Tomlin, Janis Joplin, Carol Burnett, and Dolly Parton whom The New Yorker named as one of the top performers of 2010.

Amber Martin channels Janis in this 90-minute live musical rock showcase of the beloved singer’s greatest songs. Amber has chosen her own personal favorites along with Janis’s greatest hits to create a thrilling night of unforgettable music and performance. As an added treat, the performance will feature the original Joshua Light Show/Liquid Loop Projections from Joplin’s 1969 Fillmore East performance.

This one night only event will take place at Dante’s, 350 W. Burnside. 21 & over only. Show time is 9:00 pm and tickets can be purchased for $12.00 in advance through Ticketweb.com.

The Trails End to host the Second Annual BB King Birthday Celebration & Tribute Show: Sept. 17th

BB King may have physically left this world in May 2015, but his music will live on forever in the hearts of all blues musicians and fans world-wide. September 16 would’ve been BB’s 91st birthday, and to show everyone that he still impacts us all, a group of some of Portland’s finest musicians will be gathering on Saturday, September 17 at the Trails End Saloon to celebrate his life and music.

Guitarist Sonny Hess, for the second year running, has organized pals Lisa Mann, Lady Kat, Jim Mesi, Rae Gordon, Ken DeRouchie, Vicki Stevens, Peter Dammann, and Kelly Pierce to let everybody know that the thrill is still here. A line-up befitting “The King” for certain!

This birthday celebration of BB will take place at 8:30 pm. The Trails End Saloon is located at 1320 Main Street in Oregon City. Admission is $15.00. Seats can be reserved in advance by contacting the Trails End at 503-656-3031.

Nikki Hill Is Bringing Her Soulful, Powerful Performance To Dante’s!: Sept. 15th

With a no-filter energy and explosive live show, Nikki Hill delivers a sound that will make you believe in rock ‘n’ roll again! Her unique voice, with raw rock and soul dynamics mixed with the strength, passion, and honesty of blues shouters of the past, steers the driving guitar of husband and Blues Music Award winner Matt Hill and a tight rhythm section to create a breath of fresh air with their fast forward approach to American roots music. Nikki Hill’s self-titled, independently released EP in June of 2012 created a heavy and sudden international underground buzz that the band has traveled with across America and overseas to Europe and Australia. Those four tunes, along with the two full-length albums that followed, 2013’s Here’s Nikki Hill and 2015’s Heavy Hearts Hard Fists, along with her memorable live performances, have drawn a wide range of people from every avenue and musical taste to their shows. Her enthusiasm for music is simply contagious.

Nikki & Matt Hill - photo by Greg JohnsonPortland blues fans great fondness for Nikki Hill began with a sold out debut at Duff’s Garage in 2012 and grew even stronger following a couple of searing sets at the 2013 Waterfront Blues Festival. The band will be returning to town for a special night at Dante’s, 350 W Burnside, on Thursday, September 15, for a 9:00 pm show. Tickets for this 21 & over show are available for $15.00 through Ticketweb.com.

There will also be a short performance on Wednesday, September 14 at noon at the Skype Live Studios, 1210 SW 6th Avenue. Seating is limited so make your reservations early. Or sign-up at skypelivestudio.com and watch the performance live online.