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Your Guide to the Journey to Memphis

From Portland to Beale Street — the Pacific Northwest’s blues pipeline to the world Every year, the Cascade Blues Association (CBA) opens the door to something bigger than a competition. The Journey to Memphis (J2M) is a launchpad —…
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This May at the Monthly Showcase: Flowtenders + Santiago & the Signifiers Live”

 The Cascade Blues Association’s Monthly Showcase takes place on the first Wednesday of each month at Mekong Bistro, bringing the community together to celebrate live blues in all its forms. These evenings highlight exceptional regional…
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All Aboard: The Journey to Memphis Kicks Off In May!

Every year, something electric happens in our community. Musicians step forward. Audiences lean in. And the blues—raw, honest, and alive—takes center stage. The Cascade Blues Association’s Journey to Memphis is officially kicking…
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No Foolin’ – A Night of Real Blues at the April 1st Showcase

 The Cascade Blues Association’s Monthly Showcase takes place on the first Wednesday of each month at Mekong Bistro, bringing the community together to celebrate live blues in all its forms. These evenings highlight exceptional regional…
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14 Days Until the 2026 Muddy Awards!

In just two weeks, the blues community will gather for one of the most anticipated nights of the year—the Cascade Blues Association Muddy Awards. Join us on March 22 for an unforgettable night of music, celebration, and connection. The evening features live performances by Muddy Hall of Fame artists Alan Hager, Kevin Selfe, Lisa Mann, Terry Robb, Lloyd Jones. IBC Competitors Lilla and Nikki Jones Band, Muddy Award Winners Johnny Wheels and the Swamp Donkeys, Ben Rice & The PDX Hustle and Taylor Newville & the Riders,
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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…
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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…

“For the Love of the Blues: A Backyard Tribute to an original BluesAholic”

Bluesaholic (n.): A devoted lover of the blues who can’t get enough—whether it’s playing, listening, supporting, or spreading the music.  What comes to mind when I hear the word “bluesaholic?” It would have to be Brian Batchley,…

Passing the Torch: How the Lowdown Student Jam Lights Up Artichoke Music

A Living Classroom for the Blues Walk through the doors of Artichoke Music on the first Monday of the month, and you’ll hear something special: a rising generation of blues musicians—students of all levels—leaning in to learn, grow,…

From House Concerts to Nightclubs: A Blues Lover’s Dream Weekend

Celebrating the heart of the blues — from backyard sets to packed dance floors — with Primer and Bell Not everyone gets the privilege of spending an entire weekend immersed in the inimitable tone of three-time Grammy nominee and Blues…