Ramblings May 2022

by Anni Piper

We are grateful to everyone for attending the celebration of life for our late president emeritus, Greg Johnson, and acknowledging his contribution to our community in such a meaningful way. Best wishes to Greg’s wife, Cherie Johnson, who will be relocating to the East Coast. We will miss her beautiful smile lighting up our town.

There are two spots remaining for any acts that wish to enter our Journey to Memphis contest 2022. Heats are May 26 at Mekong Bistro from 6 p.m. and finals are July 4 at the Waterfront Blues Festival, starting at 11:30 a.m. It’s basically a 50/50 shot at performing at the Waterfront Blues Festival, so get those entries in quick. We will also be sponsoring a youth act for the 2023 IBC. Details on how to enter can be found at cascadebluesassociation.org

Speaking of taking a Journey to Memphis, this year’s delayed International Blues Challenge is happening in a matter of days. Keep your eye on social media for updates from our entrants, Sugar Roots (Chad Rupp, Timmer Blakely, JT Thomas, Chandler Bowerman and Pat McDougall) as they go for gold in the band category.

Volunteers are still needed for the Cider Summit June 10-11, and also the Waterfront Blues Festival on the July 4 weekend. Please contact Mike Todd, our membership director cbamembership.secretary@gmail.com

Blues Notes returns in a print form in time for the Waterfront Blues Festival – get your copies at the event and at select venues around PDX. Next month’s online updates will be brief as we hustle to get the print edition ready for you. Blues Notes will be published every two months. Look out for the July / August edition soon.