Eric Sardinas FREE at Peter's Room - Aug 13, 09
Written by Administrator Wednesday, 15 July 2009 20:27
Double Tree has Eric Sardinas playing at Peter's Room at The Roseland on August 13th. This is a FREE show with tickets needing to be requested at Music Millennium.Shane Dwight In Vancouver - Aug 1, 09
Written by Greg Johnson Wednesday, 15 July 2009 17:17
Shane Dwight is a former Californian now calling Nashville home who happens to be a guitar ace whose style can cross-over from deep-down blues to roots-flavored Americana, with hints of alt-country and good old rock & roll thrown in just for extra pleasure. Known for his intense, high-powered shows, Dwight is fast becoming a popular featured artist at many venues and festivals around the country, having already made appearances at events like the San Diego Blues Festival, Waterfront Blues Festival and the Monterey Blues Festival. Incidentally, he also won the inaugural Battle of the Bands at Monterey.
Annual CBA Membership Picnic
Written by Administrator Monday, 29 June 2009 20:50
Join Us
Sunday, August 2nd
For the Annual CBA Membership Picnic
Noon - 6 pm
Tomahawk Bay Moorage, Jantzen Beach
515 NE Tomahawk Island Dr, Portland, OR 97217
Music, Food & Fun!
Alone Together With The Blues
Written by Greg Johnson Tuesday, 14 July 2009 21:14
Mia Vermillion
Vermillion Music Studio
By Greg Johnson
What a voice! Mia Vermillion can certainly carry a song whether it’s a sultry blues number or a frisky jazz piece. I can picture her singing while sitting atop a piano in a smoky bar or in a dance-crazed juke joint backed by only a guitar player. And as is the case on her debut recording, Alone Together With The Blues, what a guitar player that would be with Orville Johnson, somebody I feel is too often overlooked, perhaps one of the finest acoustic guitarists anywhere.
Oh. Did I mention her voice? Her breathy soft vocals are filled with sexiness and can leave you gasping and swooning. And as I implied already, she can cross genres quite easily between blues and jazz, not that there is much separation of the two at times when it all comes down to it. For example, her take on songwriters like Lil Green or Big Bill Broonzy sound right at home in either direction. Her own self-penned pieces follow in exactly the same pattern. Her song choices are well thought out and fit her vocal style without question or flaw. Mia reminds me of the late Eva Cassidy in a lot of ways; specifically that both of their music can fit my mood whether I’m feeling upbeat or just wanting something soft and cool on a dark rainy day.
I’m All Yours
Written by Greg Johnson Tuesday, 14 July 2009 20:43
The Rick Welter Band
Bluestopia
By Greg Johnson
Remember those cheesy surf movies of the 60s where out of nowhere there is a band on the beach who plays some really cool music that gets everybody up to dancing in their swim-suits? For some reason I can picture the Rick Welter Band being one of those cool outfits performing on the sand. Their music fits right into that danceable atmosphere, with its classic full-bodied guitar sound and grooving backbeat. If labels like Ace or Specialty, who released some of the finest R&B numbers of the 50s and 60s, were still going strong, they could make a living off of Rick’s calm, rich vocals and guitar tone. And they could’ve probably taken Rick’s new disc, I’m All Yours and placed tracks into the hands of deejays and right into the charts. It’s the type of music that is all about feeling good. Instantly likeable, it makes you want to shuffle your feet, snap your fingers and sway your body along with its rhythm. How can you possibly go wrong with that?
Rambling On My Mind - Aug 09
Written by Greg Johnson Tuesday, 14 July 2009 20:38
In a festival that has so many high points, everybody has their favorite sets and moments. I thought for this month’s ramblings I would relate my own top Safeway Waterfront Blues Festival performances for this year, in no particular order save for one.
It always seems to me that the Front Porch Stage has held my choice for the best entertainment going since its inception. This year proved for the most part no exception. Starting off on Friday, sure I enjoyed Keb’ Mo’, Lukas Nelson and Robben Ford’s sets like everybody else, but for my money Mary Flower and Johnny Ward’s Sharkskin Revue were the acts of the day. Mary’s expressive guitar and her ease with the audience proved how one artist can capture your attention, while delivering humorous tales of losing all your friends on Facebook or just delivering sensational instrumentals based on the theme of Portland-town. Johnny Ward’s horns and band was spot-on; then add in Lauren Sheehan playing the role of a blues-shouting diva, backed by the always brilliant Whit Draper on guitar. This set hit all high marks for certain.
Friday opened with an artist I had been wanting to see for a long time, Jim Suhler & Monkey Beat, and I was not disappointed in the wait as they gave an energetic and jumping set of Texas blues. And it was especially good to see Johnny Winter appear so spry as he seemingly pranced to center stage, strapped on his guitar, then proceeded to burn things up from the get-go with a commanding performance of classic covers he has become well-renown for. Oh, did I mention Sonny Landreth? Any questions why he was named the Blues Music Awards best instrumentalist on guitar this year? If you’re still wondering, you just were not paying attention.
For Pete's Sake - Jul 19, 09
Written by Administrator Friday, 26 June 2009 17:45
What: Benefit Musical Show for Pete Jorgusen
When: Sunday, July 19, 2009. 5 pm til whenever!
Where: Duff's Garage, 1635 SE 7th, Portland, Oregon.
503-234-2337 ( http://www.duffsgarage.com/ )
Cover charge donation: $10
One member of this rat pack, Pete Jorgusen, is battling leukemia. Pete is well known and liked in the Portland music scene. He’s an excellent drummer, with a style that resembles Charlie Watts and Ringo Starr, never flashy or showy, but always on the mark with a steady backbeat rhythm. So, his buddies have decided to come together to play a show to benefit their friend.
Ramblings On My Mind - Jul 09
Written by Greg Johnson Tuesday, 30 June 2009 16:00
It’s July!! That means it is time once again for the Safeway Waterfront Blues Festival, the biggest event in the local blues community of the year, drawing fans from all over the world into our city. If you’re here to experience the Waterfront Blues Festival or if you’re just traveling through town and picked up a copy of our paper looking for something to do, go immediately to the center calendar and check out the listings of live entertainment to be had. Portland has one of the absolute best blues scenes found anywhere in the United States and you should be able to locate blues going on someplace here most every night of the year. There are venues offering blues music in nearly every corner of the city and some of the finest musicians in the world call Portland home, so get out and explore the local nightlife.
If you live here and this news is taking you by surprise because you only think of blues when the Waterfront takes place, shame on you! The blues happens here all year long. And many of the venues where you find it do not charge you a cover to get in. If you frequent these places, however, remember that the economic times are tough for everybody, musicians included. So throw a little something into their tip jar. It’s a lot of work to stand up there and entertain a roomful of people. If the venue does charge a cover, still consider that extra little amount in the tip jar anyway.
2009 Blues Blast Music Awards - Vote for local favorites
Written by Administrator Saturday, 20 June 2009 09:41
July 1st begins the voting for the 2009 Blues Blast Music Awards. Visit their website and vote for local favorites Curtis Salgado and The Insomniacs. For Best Contemporary Blues Recording, The Insomniacs were nominated for "At Least I’m Not With You" while Curtis Salgado was nominated for "Clean Getaway." Both are also in the Best Blues Song category with "At Least I'm Not With You" from The Insomniacs and "20 Years of B.B. King" by Curtis Salgado. The Insomniacs were also nominated for Best Blues Band. Go show your support by voting on July 1st. And congratulations to both The Insomniacs and Curtis Salgado!
Keb’ Mo’ to headline - Etta James cancels
Written by Administrator Monday, 29 June 2009 21:06
From the Waterfront Blues Festival website...
News Release
Keb’ Mo’ to headline opening night, July 2
Etta James cancels West Coast tour
PORTLAND, Ore. (June 27, 2009) -- The 2009 Safeway Waterfront Blues Festival is pleased to announce that Grammy Award-winning bluesman Keb’ Mo’ has stepped in to headline opening night, Thursday, July 2, of the 2009 Safeway Waterfront Blues Festival, presented by First Tech Credit Union. He will replace Etta James, who has canceled her entire West Coast tour due to illness.
“Keb’ Mo’ packed the festival bowl and was a huge hit when he headlined the Safeway Waterfront Blues Festival in 2004,” said Peter Dammann, talent coordinator. “We’re fortunate to welcome this extraordinary talent back to the 2009 festival.”
Entire article is available on the Waterfront Blues Festival website.
It's Festival Time
Written by Administrator Tuesday, 16 June 2009 21:34
Each summer our favorite blues bands make the fesitval tour and showcase their talents. Due to the irregularity of the venues and often multiple shows per day, we do not typically list these on our Blues Calendar. I've made an extra effort this year as I input the July gigs to save these special events. I'm sure I've missed some and others were not sent, but here's what I have. Be sure to take in a festival or three this year and show your support for our wonderful blues musicians.
— Chris, CBA Webmaster
July Monthly Meeting Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Written by Administrator Tuesday, 16 June 2009 21:34
The next General Membership Meeting of the CBA will take place on Wednesday, July 1, 2009, from 7:00 - 9:00 pm, downstairs at the Melody Ballroom at 615 SE Alder in Portland.
July membership meetings that fall directly before the Safeway Waterfront Blues Festival have become a tradition of outstanding showcases the past few times this has occurred. And this year, with the meeting taking place the night before the four-day event, it will certainly live up to those past expectations. So, if you live in Portland and you’re a member regularly attending, or if you’re in Portland a night early for the festival, this is without doubt where you want to start your Wednesday night.
Mark Riley
Opening the night will be one of Seattle’s premier slide guitarist, Mark Riley. Please see Washington Blues Society’s Dennis “Blues Boss” Dudley’s article on Mark in the July issue of the BluesNotes for an in-depth biography on him.
Karen Lovely
The electric set of the night will be the second time that Karen Lovely will be playing in the Portland are. The first occurred barely a month prior as she competed in the Cascade Blues Association’s Journey To Memphis, winning herself a spot in the finals at the Waterfront Blues Festival on the 4th of July. An exceptional vocalist, Karen recently found herself with the #1 rating on XM’s B.B. King’s Bluesville having several tracks from her debut CD Lucky Girl being spun regularly. Karen vocals were first noted when she sang in church choirs at the age of 10, but her professional career came about many years later and since moving to Ashland, Oregon in 2007 she has been on a steady soar toward stardom. Come to the meeting and hear why famed producer Dennis Walker, who has worked with B.B. King, Robert Cray and Bettye LaVette, said after working with Karen on Lucky Girl, “I honestly think she is the most talented singer I have been associated with since my early days with Robert Cray."
Of course, the meeting would not be complete without our free ticket giveaways and our winner-take all $1 raffle ticket drawing. Always the right way to start off any month, and just a little lagniappe to get the Waterfront Blues Festival crowd in the right mood a day early. Come on out to The Meloday Ballroom and enjoy good music with good friends. Hope to see you there.
Mel Solomon Birthday Celebration at Duff's Garage, Tuesday June 30, 09 at 9 p.m.
Written by Administrator Tuesday, 16 June 2009 21:33
On Tuesday June 30, the normal Dover Weinberg Quartet Jam at Duff's is celebrating Mel Solomon Birthday. For a mere $2, you can come and join the celebration and feast on some great blues jams.
Not familiar with Mel? No worries, the music is sure to please. In the mean time, you can learn a bit of Mel's history, "Truly An Original Bluesman!", from an article written in the BluesNotes back in 2002.
22nd Year of Fighting Hunger - The 2009 Safeway Waterfront Blues Festival
Written by Administrator Wednesday, 10 June 2009 18:33
July 2 - 5, 2009 at McCall Waterfront Park
Celebrate 22 years of blues, community and fighting hunger at the 2009 Safeway Waterfront Blues Festival, presented by First Tech Credit Union. The four-day festival runs Thursday, July 2, to Sunday, July 5, 2009, on the banks of the Willamette River in downtown Portland.
Since its grass-roots beginnings in 1988, the award-winning event has grown to be the largest blues festival west of the Mississippi and the second-largest blues festival in the nation, attracting more than 100,000 fans.
The festival’s four stages will feature more than 120 performances on four stages. The line-up includes artists Etta James & the Roots Band Keb' Mo', Johnny Winter, Sharon Jones and he Dap Kings, Magic Slim & the Teardrops, Sonny Landreth, Robben Ford, Rick Estrin & the Nightcats, Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, Ryan Shaw, Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real, Terry Evans, Kevin Gordon, Malford Milligan, Greg Koch & Nation Sack, Dave Gonzalez, Mike Barfield & the Stone River Boys…. and many more.
Read the entire article from Peter Dammann, Talent Coordinator, Safeway Waterfront Blues Festival, here (2.3 MB PDF) or in the June issue of the BluesNotes.
Woodbrain CD release show at LaurelThirst Public House, Friday, June 19, 09
Written by Greg Johnson Tuesday, 02 June 2009 22:42
Woodbrain, formerly Joe McMurrian Quartet, will introduce a new album Swimming in Trupentine to the area with a CD release show at LaurelThirst Public House, Friday, June 19th, at 9 p.m. Seattle-area roots guitarist Sam Marshall opens.
Although Woodbrain's new album won't be released nationally until July 14th, Portland-area fans will have first crack at the disc, which will be available at indie-music cornerstone Music Millennium beginning June 20th. Woodbrain will also perform a free in-store performance at Music Millennium, Saturday, June 20th, 3 p.m.
June Monthly Meeting Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Written by Laurie Morrisey Tuesday, 02 June 2009 22:44
The next General Membership Meeting of the CBA will take place on Wednesday, June 3, 2009, from 7:00 - 9:00 pm, downstairs at the Melody Ballroom at 615 SE Alder in Portland.
This meeting is surely destined to be a jumping occasion, with two acts that know how to bring a party to the table. Make sure you pick up your free ticket for a chance to win a great prize while attending. And perhaps purchase a $1 raffle ticket or two or however many you’d like to win the special multi-CD package put together just for this meeting. It’s always a good time to see our members and friends, so bring everybody you know, because we always like to meet new people and potential new members.
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