“Up early (early for musicians) for Blues in Schools gig. We illustrate that the roots of Cardi B and Kendrick Lamar go way back past Aretha Franklin and Michael Jackson, to Scott Joplin and Bessie Smith, more than 100 years ago, who themselves were on a long evolutionary track going back to Africa. Every culture on earth invented music. We love sharing the music we know with school kids.” – Rob Shoemaker
Thank you to the Musician’s Union Local 99 for funding this important outreach!
https://cascadeblues.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Your-paragraph-text-1.png400495Evelyn Silvermanhttps://www.silverliningportland.com/cba/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/CBA_Logo2-1.pngEvelyn Silverman2026-02-21 20:11:252026-02-21 20:29:28Norman Sylvester Band with LaRhonda Steele keeping Blues in the Schools!
The re-mobilized Blues in the Schools program returned to the stage with a joyful performance, as the Kivett Bednar Band kicked off its first event on February 6th. I was fortunate to be there after taking the day off from work. The band took the stage at Buckman Elementary School in Portland, Oregon. Buckman which serves grades K—5th grade is part of Portland Public Schools and is recognized as an Arts Focus elementary school, offering a strong curriculum in English, science, art, humanities, dance, music, and visual arts. About 300 students sat cross-legged on the auditorium floor—wiggly knees, restless feet, and yet… all ears.
Bednar introduced his band, which included bass player Jeff Langston and drummer Edwin Coleman III. He shared that while he’s originally from Austin, Texas, Portland has its own powerful blues sound, shaped by legends like Norman Sylvester. The band swung into the first song with Texas blues icon Stevie Ray Vaughan’s 1983 “Pride and Joy,” instantly setting toes tapping. Channeling Chicago’s Howlin’ Wolf’s famously raspy growl, he then dove into the bold 1960s classic “Spoonful.” Woven throughout the performance was the rich history of the blues as he told a story about each artist.
Bednar kept the students on their toes by testing their knowledge of blues history and instruments—and surprisingly (and impressively), they knew the answers! Each response earned a student a mini-instrument prize, which felt a bit like winning the lottery… if the lottery involved tiny shakers and big smiles. Best of all was seeing the students become part of the music, tapping their tambourines with bright eyes and boundless enthusiasm.
As I moved around the auditorium, I spoke with a couple of teachers leaning against the back wall. Reba, a Reading Intervention teacher, shared that there is real joy in the blues. She loved seeing students awaken to the sound, feel the rhythm, and connect with such great music. Nearby, I met a student named Tristan and asked what he thought of the performance. With a grin, he said he was really liking it—high praise from a tough (and honest) 5th grade critic.
As the band dug deeper into the set, the students all stood up and moved closer into the stage becoming fully engaged—clapping, dancing, and waving their arms in the air. Members of the Yearbook class captured the moment, cameras clicking as memories were made. The grand finale was the 1956 Muddy Waters’ “I Got My Mojo Working,” complete with an energetic call-and-response that had the whole auditorium shouting along like one big, happy band.
As the band packed up, two little girls suddenly ran up to the musicians and asked for their autographs—proof that sometimes, all it takes is a blues song, a school auditorium, and a little mojo to turn musicians into heroes. Awwww.
By Mercedez, Blues in the Schools Committee Chairperson
https://cascadeblues.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Kivett-1.png276495Evelyn Silvermanhttps://www.silverliningportland.com/cba/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/CBA_Logo2-1.pngEvelyn Silverman2026-02-18 22:05:012026-02-18 22:06:05Blues in the Schools Gets Its Mojo Working at Buckman Elementary
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!
https://cascadeblues.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/505857881_10229981188374022_7854801768616721901_n.jpg720960Evelyn Silvermanhttps://www.silverliningportland.com/cba/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/CBA_Logo2-1.pngEvelyn Silverman2025-06-11 18:54:272025-06-11 20:41:23Good Fun Was Had By All – A Day Of Fantastic Music To Benefit Blues In The Schools!
Norman Sylvester Band with LaRhonda Steele keeping Blues in the Schools!
“Up early (early for musicians) for Blues in Schools gig. We illustrate that the roots of Cardi B and Kendrick Lamar go way back past Aretha Franklin and Michael Jackson, to Scott Joplin and Bessie Smith, more than 100 years ago, who themselves were on a long evolutionary track going back to Africa. Every culture on earth invented music. We love sharing the music we know with school kids.” – Rob Shoemaker
Thank you to the Musician’s Union Local 99 for funding this important outreach!
Blues in the Schools Gets Its Mojo Working at Buckman Elementary
The re-mobilized Blues in the Schools program returned to the stage with a joyful performance, as the Kivett Bednar Band kicked off its first event on February 6th. I was fortunate to be there after taking the day off from work. The band took the stage at Buckman Elementary School in Portland, Oregon. Buckman which serves grades K—5th grade is part of Portland Public Schools and is recognized as an Arts Focus elementary school, offering a strong curriculum in English, science, art, humanities, dance, music, and visual arts. About 300 students sat cross-legged on the auditorium floor—wiggly knees, restless feet, and yet… all ears.
Bednar introduced his band, which included bass player Jeff Langston and drummer Edwin Coleman III. He shared that while he’s originally from Austin, Texas, Portland has its own powerful blues sound, shaped by legends like Norman Sylvester. The band swung into the first song with Texas blues icon Stevie Ray Vaughan’s 1983 “Pride and Joy,” instantly setting toes tapping. Channeling Chicago’s Howlin’ Wolf’s famously raspy growl, he then dove into the bold 1960s classic “Spoonful.” Woven throughout the performance was the rich history of the blues as he told a story about each artist.
Bednar kept the students on their toes by testing their knowledge of blues history and instruments—and surprisingly (and impressively), they knew the answers! Each response earned a student a mini-instrument prize, which felt a bit like winning the lottery… if the lottery involved tiny shakers and big smiles. Best of all was seeing the students become part of the music, tapping their tambourines with bright eyes and boundless enthusiasm.
As I moved around the auditorium, I spoke with a couple of teachers leaning against the back wall. Reba, a Reading Intervention teacher, shared that there is real joy in the blues. She loved seeing students awaken to the sound, feel the rhythm, and connect with such great music. Nearby, I met a student named Tristan and asked what he thought of the performance. With a grin, he said he was really liking it—high praise from a tough (and honest) 5th grade critic.
As the band dug deeper into the set, the students all stood up and moved closer into the stage becoming fully engaged—clapping, dancing, and waving their arms in the air. Members of the Yearbook class captured the moment, cameras clicking as memories were made. The grand finale was the 1956 Muddy Waters’ “I Got My Mojo Working,” complete with an energetic call-and-response that had the whole auditorium shouting along like one big, happy band.
As the band packed up, two little girls suddenly ran up to the musicians and asked for their autographs—proof that sometimes, all it takes is a blues song, a school auditorium, and a little mojo to turn musicians into heroes. Awwww.
By Mercedez, Blues in the Schools Committee Chairperson
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