Ramblings April 2022

by Anni Piper

Blues lovers in Portland and nationwide are mourning the passing of Greg “Slim Lively” Johnson, president emeritus of the Cascade Blues Association. His leadership was an inspiration to us all.

Greg devoted more than 20 years of service to the CBA as president, photographer and historian. His generosity knew no limits when it came to the music and community that he loved. On behalf of the Board of Directors, we extend our deepest sympathy to Greg’s wife, Cherie Johnson, and the Johnson family. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.

We encourage you to continue to support the GoFundMe campaign for Greg’s family. Here.

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Mark your calendars for the Journey to Memphis Competition 2022. Entries open April 11, and remember to get in early as we are only taking the first eight acts to register. The heats are May 26 from 6 p.m. at Mekong Bistro, and the finals are at the Waterfront Blues Festival on July 4. The winning solo / duo and band acts will represent us at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis 2023.

Best of luck to the Cascade Blues Association Journey to Memphis winners from last year, the band Sugar Roots. This year’s International Blues Challenge has been postponed until May. While unfortunate in some ways, it does allow for one more fundraiser to help these gentlemen out. Join us at The Garages on April 3.

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We need volunteers for some upcoming events – the Cider Summit June 10-11 and the Waterfront Blues Festival on the Fourth of July weekend. Both of these events are crucial for fundraising and new member recruitment. If you can give just two hours of your time we would be so grateful! To find out more, please email our membership secretary, Mike Todd, at cbamembership.secretary@gmail.com

Our next monthly member meeting is at The Garages, Lake Oswego, at 6 p.m. April 6. The featured acts are Josh Makosky and Tall Static. Hope to see you there.