CBA Presents:
Johnny Wheels and the Swamp Donkeys

(First in a Series)

By Marie Walters

Located under the protective cover of expansive canopies where the old On Deck sports bar used to be, Botanist House hosts Lovejoy Rooftop, a venue offering great views, creative cocktails and a delightful menu. And it now features live entertainment at least four nights a week.

On July 21 on a rooftop in the Pearl District, Johnny Wheels and the Swamp Donkeys nearly caved in the rooftop floor during their powerful performance. Presented by the CBA, the Wednesday evening show marks the “new normal” post-COVID, with the return of live music in front of unrestricted audiences, the opening of a new venue, new partnerships forged and the delayed celebration of our most recent Journey to Memphis winners.

This inaugural event, co-sponsored by Soundstage Events and Muse Media Collective, solidifies a new partnership that will see future CBA events at this location with a focus on presenting blues music to new audiences.  By partnering with Soundstage Events and Muse Media Collective, the CBA will help advocate for and address the need to support our local venues, staff, musicians, bartenders and restaurant workers from the devastating effects of the music industry shutdown.

Many thanks to everyone who attended; with the generous support of members and volunteers, we were able to donate a portion of ticket sales to the Elevate Unity Benefit Music Series, a vital collaboration created from the necessity to reconnect with our community, unite our efforts for positive change, and help heal our city and country through the message of music! This ongoing effort in turn supports various nonprofits such as Ethos Music Center, Black United Fund, Legacy Mentor & Friends of Noise, and the Jazz Society of Oregon. For more information see their full calendar of events at: http://www.tickettomato.com/calendar?search=Botanist&city=all