Youth Journey To Memphis Showcase Challenge

Youth Journey to Memphis Showcase: The Kai Wickham Trio Is Heading to Memphis

On Sunday, 10/11, the Cascade Blues Association hosted our Youth Journey to Memphis Showcase at HŌKŪ Events on Madison. Four young acts, with performers ranging in age from 14 to 19, took the stage, and the talent left no doubt that the future of live music in our community is in good hands.

The afternoon also included fun jam sessions, both before and after the winner was announced, with judges Lisa Mann and Johnny Wheels, a bunch of the young performers, and members of Sleeper Wave all joining in.

Here are the four acts who took the stage:

• The Kai Wickham Trio: Kai Wickham (guitar/vocals, 17), Oliver Medley (bass, 19), Tikylo “TK” Hendrix (drums, 16)
• Council Crest: Grant Keller (guitar/vocals, 15), Robbie Otley (keys, 15), Evie Strandberg (bass/vocals, 16), Levi Rainka (drums, 14)
• Drums Sold Separately: Sofia Rodriguez (vocals, 17), Felix Streu (guitar, 16), Courtney Odom (keys, 17), Alex Sotiriadi (bass, 15), Ben West (drums, 15)
• Exotic Birds: Rose Tang (vocals, 15), Samuel Racho (guitar, 15), Sawyer Osterhaus (piano, 16), Alex Sotiriadi (bass, 15), Revir Walker (drums, 16)

Each act brought real skill, poise, and a sound all their own, and the room felt it.

After the final set, Jonah Bradbury and Cameron Kirkman of last year’s winner, Sleeper Wave, took the stage to announce that The Kai Wickham Trio will represent the Cascade Blues Association and the Pacific Northwest at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee, January 19-23, 2027, with the Youth Showcase on January 22. The Trio and their families are excited to join the CBA community and represent Portland at the IBC.

Kai Wickham Trio

Mentored by those who’ve made the trip

The Trio won’t make this journey alone. The CBA will mentor them through fundraising, travel, and performance prep, alongside Sleeper Wave and their families, who know the road to Memphis firsthand. In Memphis, youth acts are scored by judges for feedback only, so the focus is on learning, performing, and soaking up the blues capital of the world.

Thank You

Our Judges

• Lisa Mann
• Johnny Wheels
• Fenix Sanders

Special Thanks

• Backline: Jonah Bradbury and Cameron Kirkman of Sleeper Wave, and Backbeat Music Academy
• Venue: Kristie Noguchi and Dave Kahoilua, HŌKŪ Events on Madison

Leadership

• Randi Sachs, CBA Board Member at Large
• Dave Fleschner, CBA Advisor
  
• Shelley Garrett, CBA Advisor

Thank you to everyone who gave their time, talent, and support to make this showcase possible. We’re grateful for your generosity in helping the next generation of musicians shine.

The four bands + Sleeper Wave, judges Johnny Wheels & Lisa Mann & advisor Dave Fleschner.

Help Send the Trio to Memphis

Fundraising events are in the works. To contribute in the meantime, scan the QR code below to donate. Stay tuned for upcoming fundraisers.