Performance Venue Project
Progress Report 7/28/20 

The shutdown of businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic has affected musicians and venues particularly hard. As we re-open the economy we can see independent music venues struggling; some are trying to balance physical spacing and capacity limits and some are no longer offering live music, while others will stay closed.  This has resulted in a shortage of performance opportunities for local talent, especially those musicians who have had their livelihood dry up, and also for music lovers who may not be ready to return to indoor spaces.   

The Cascade Blues Association has teamed up with Portland Parks & Recreation Division to address this entertainment shortage by offering paid performance opportunities to participating local blues and roots musicians who are current CBA members, while supporting the Parks and Recreation’s Free Lunch + Play initiative by providing entertainment at the Park distribution sites.  This project will provide income for musicians as well as increasing awareness of the CBA to the public.  

Portland Parks & Recreation Division has diverted 100% of their Summer Free For All funding to The Free Lunch + Play program that supports families by offering nutritious meals and recreational activities during the summer recess, supporting the thousands of children who qualify for subsidized lunches during the school year.  With this partnership, the CBA will be supporting its mission to preserve and promote blues and roots music by providing free entertainment at pick-up sites and other public locations while offering a little financial relief to participating local musicians.   

We’ve had to make adjustments along the way as stubborn COVID-19 trends have prevented Multnomah county from advancing out of Phase 1 for longer than we’d imagined. We’re still moving forward with the project, although with a longer timeline as we wait for opportunities to open up in advanced Phases.        

The CBA has contributed base funding for the first round. We launched a GoFundMe campaign and are seeking additional sponsorships. To date, we’ve raised almost $3000 of our $5000 goal! With additional funds raised, the CBA will be able to expand this project to offer more opportunities at more locations where friends and fans will be able to enjoy. 

 All funds donated through the GoFundMe campaign go directly to the performers.   

Any amount you can contribute will help us work towards our initial goal of $5000.  The Cascade Blues Association is a 501(c)(3) and your donation will be tax deductible. GoFundMe will provide an immediate tax receipt.  

Online:  charity.gofundme.com/o/en/campaign/2020-performance-venue-project 

By Mail: Cascade Blues Association Attn: PVP, PO Box 6566,  Portland OR 97228-6566