Youth Journey to Memphis Showcase – Who’s Heading to Memphis?

This past Sunday night, the Cascade Blues Association hosted our Youth Journey to Memphis Showcase and Jam at HŌKŪ Events on Madison — and the talent on stage left no doubt that the future of the blues is in good hands.

Three outstanding youth acts stepped up to share their music:

• New Shoes – Violet Black (vocals), Brant Hood (organ/piano), Aya Greeney (bass), Alton Hood (drums) Cameron Kirkman (guitar)

• Sleeper Wave – Cameron Kirkman (guitar/vocals), Jonah Bradbury (piano), Juliette Bull (bass), Evan Shumate (drums)

• Jaxon Decker and Low Maintenance – Jaxson Decker (guitar/vocals, Dylan Metlider (bass), Caden Hjerdstedt (drums) and Stella Jones (piano)

Each brought passion, skill, and their own fresh take on the blues, proving once again that this genre continues to inspire new generations.

After an evening of powerful performances, the judges selected Sleeper Wave to represent the Cascade Blues Association and the Pacific Northwest at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee, January 2026.

Thank You to Our Supporters

This event wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible people and partners who stepped forward to support the next generation of blues musicians:

OUR JUDGES

• Amanda Gresham, GRAMMY Nominated photographer, producer and music director of United by Music America

•  Karen Maria Capo, Jazz, Soul & Blues Singer, KarenMariaCapo.com

• Kivett Bednar, Musician, Amp Maker and Artist KivettBednar.com

OUR SPONSORS

• Backline: John Lamb, owner of Backbeat Music Academy

• Venue: Kristie and Dave Noguchi, owners of HŌKŪ Events on Madison

LEADERSHIP

• Dave Fleschner, Chair

• Rae Gordon,  Co-Chair

We are deeply grateful for their time, expertise, and generosity in making this showcase a reality.

Stay tuned — we’ll be sharing ways you can support Sleeper Wave on their journey to Memphis!

#YouthInTheBlues #IBCMemphis #CascadeBlues