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The
End is Near!!!The Trail's End. The Trail's End Saloon, that is.
You may come across many localities that claim to be the official End of the Oregon Trail. But, you will find no other like the Trail's End Saloon. voted by you, "The Blues Fans", as the CBA "Muddy Award" winning "Blues Venue of the Year". Without even being within the Portland city limits, this is a fairly large claim to fame. So, one asks: What makes the Trail's End so special? Simple: the Blues. Other clubs may be more "metropolitan" or "hip," but I have found no other, which features such a fine array of local, national and even international, Blues talents.
Tom Snyder, along with his wife Debbie, have owned the club for nearly four years now. Tom admits to enjoying all types of music, but felt committed to carry on the history of Blues entertainment at this venue prior to their ownership. A selection of national acts perform here several times a year, along with a fine selection of regional acts, and, of course, the local favorites. Tom relies on Randy Lilya his booking agent, to serve as his "Blues Guide", and fine guidance Randy, provides. What a treat it has been to catch some of the "big names" in this intimate setting, as they move through the area. This past year has brought: Big Jay McNeely, Eddy Clearwater, Debbie Davies, Joe Kubek, Anson Funderburgh, Savoy Brown, Joanna Connor, and most recently, Carey Bell.
My first introduction to the Blues scene happened right here at what the regulars refer to as "The Trails". It was a fundraising event held a few years back; the place was packed. From that night, I was hooked on the Blues. So, I also have this sense of personal loyalty and will admit to some tenure within these walls. This long-time watering hole was milled in 1909 from local timber. There are former guest rooms upstairs, one of which houses Priscilla. You may have seen her: a lovely, silver-haired woman who moves out on the dance floor to stir up the Blues energy with her graceful style. Her portrait hangs above the bar. There is a bricked-over tunnel entrance that apparently led down to the river during the shanghai days. Apparently, the club even served as a disco for a time . . . the very thought causes one to shudder. The walls carry promo photos of some of the acts that have played here, along with a bulletin board of snapshots. There is a collection of old washboards on an upper shelf; from the ceiling hangs belt-turned fans, and a huge old-style chandelier glows above the dance floor.
Tom feels that the Trail's is a "destination" club, which adds to the quality of the patrons, many of whom head to Oregon City specifically for the music. Live Blues is featured Thursday, Friday & Saturday nights, with a jam on Sundays. There are a host of laborers who find refuge here on late afternoons, a comfortable spot after a hard day of work; a decent meal; a place for fellowship.
On the exterior face of the club is a painting of a wagon train on its Westward trek, giving a hint of the trail traveled by thousands of pioneers who came to this Eden that we now call home. It's just too bad those pioneers couldn't have pulled up a barstool and received some refreshment after their months' long, arduous journey. Many of us have been pioneers in our own right, relocating here from other regions. Fortunately, we have found our own Eden, right here in Oregon City. Who could ask for more?
Tom would like to take this opportunity to thank the Blues Fans and the Musicians who are such a big part of the Trails. And, we thank the Snyders, who are CBA Supporting Members, and that great Blues-loving staff at the Trails. It's nearer than you think!
The Trail's End Saloon is a CBA Supporting
Member!
Support Live Music and the Trail's End Saloon!!!
