Good Fun Was Had By All – A Day Of Fantastic Music To Benefit Blues In The Schools!

This past Sunday, the third annual Back What You Believe In Benefit Concert delivered exactly what the blues is all about — soul-stirring music, community connection, and a whole lotta rhythm. With a stacked lineup of seven phenomenal acts and a crowd of passionate music lovers, the Alberta Rose Theatre was alive with energy from start to finish.

From the gritty acoustic stylings of Tevis Hodge Jr. and Jody Carroll, to the swampy swagger of Rich Layton & Tough Town, to Ms. Vee’s powerhouse vocals paired with Chance Hayden’s smooth guitar — the stage was on fire. And it didn’t stop there. The Strange Tones brought the heat with their signature detective rock, Mike Skill Group threw it down with attitude, people were dancing in their seats, and the reunion of Too Slim and the Traildraggers’ original lineup was the cherry on top — a rare, electric m

Tevis Hodge Jr. Photo by Debra Penk

oment that had longtime fans buzzing.

Audience members were quick to share the love online: “I enjoyed it so much!” “This show got me dancing in the aisles!” “Great times!” “At the benefit I was dancing in my seat!”  “What a show!!” “Fun event!”

Every single artist donated their time and talent for the cause — helping fund the Blues in the Schools program, which brings live blues performances and education into classrooms across the Portland Metro area. It’s a labor of love, and events like this make that work possible.

While this year’s crowd was smaller than our inaugural year, the heart was mighty — and the impact is lasting. If you missed the concert but still want to support Blues in the Schools, it’s not too late to donate. Visit cascadeblues.org (or click here to make a donation via Paypal)  and help keep the music alive for the next generation.

The Strangetones in the green room. Photo by Kat Rose

Huge thanks to all of the people behind the scenes, the performers, the photographers and the audience who showed up, cheered, danced, and believed in the blues. We’ll see you at the next one!

Make sure to check out the photos, including some from on stage and behind the scenes!
Click here to view the gallery