Bandstand: Cascade Blues Association

Garry Meziere
Hey Blues fans, it’s Garry Meziere here checking in with you all! Hope all is well out in your world. I also wanted to let you know where you can come and see The Ivie Meziere Band play in June in the Portland area. Were back to the Trail’s End in Oregon City on June 22nd, The Candlelight Room on June 23rd and the Cascade Tavern on June 29th. If you love HOT BLUES GUITAR then this band is for you.

If you have not heard Orvil Ivie play guitar yet, you need to at least come once (and if you do you will be back again for sure). He is truly amazing! Joining us will be Tom Szell on bass from the Bill Rhodes Band and others and on drums will be Doug Knoyle formerly with Soul Vaccination.

Look forward to seeing you out at the clubs!

- Garry

Lisa Mann
Hi folks! Before I hit you with my shameless self-promotion, I just want to extend a warm thanks to all of you in and around the CBA for showing your love and support for people who have come on hard times, like Paul deLay’s family, Bill Rhoades and his wife and my dear friend, Sonny Hess. It just goes to show that there’s a real musical family here in the Portland/Vancouver area.

I’ve been playing a lot of Pop and Rock lately, but funny, I always seem to come back to the Blues. I’ve got a great lineup for June 2nd at the Cascade in Vancouver, including guitarist Jeff Knudsen (also of Ken DeRouchie band fame), and extraordinary drummer Mark Powers. We’ll be doing lots of Blues classics like Etta James and Little Walter, as well as some of my Rock and Blues originals.

If you’re in the St. Johns area, I’ll be doing a show at the Portsmouth on June 29th. I’m sure you all have heard about the great success enjoyed by the Insomniacs with their new record deal, so I am very privileged to get to do this show with Insomniac, Dave Melyan.

Dave’s been working hard in the recording studio with me, as well as fellow Insomniac keyboardist, Alex Shakeri; we’re crafting a new CD of all original music to be titled, “Chop Water.” Guitarist Jeff Knudsen is also the engineer, working at his studio, Primordial Soup Recording. It will have more Blues than my debut CD, “Self Material,” and will feature the song “Little Sister (You Ain’t Suffered Enough),” written in part for my friend Sonny Hess for her battle with cancer.

To find out about my June shows, including some on the west side with the jazzy, Larry Haggin on guitar, check out the BluesNotes calendar, or look at my website: myspace.com/lisamannmusic.

- Lisa Mann
www.sonicbids.com/LisaMann

Eric Hatcher & The Worker Bees
Greetings Blueshounds and CBA members! The band is working in the studio on their upcoming CD, writing and recording new material, mixing down live Trail’s End tracks, and occasionally walking outside to squint at the moonlight.

Eric Hatcher & The Worker Bees will be making off-the-CBA-calendar appearances at The Black Horse in Bend, June 1-2, at Vancouver’s Microblues Festival, June 16, and at Scottie’s in McMinnville, June 30.

For a full schedule, photos, downloads, and all the latest information, please visit: www.EHWB.com.

It’s June, so remember to stock up on canned goods - Portland’s Waterfront Blues Festival is coming up. Peter Dammann has established a fine tradition, bringing the best Blues entertainment to town, while helping feed the hungry. Be sure to support the WBF and the area’s needy families.

Paul deLay’s passing has caused us all to reflect on what’s truly important in life. Paul encouraged and inspired our harp player, Larry Oxley, and we are thankful for Paul’s gracious guidance.

We enjoy meeting fellow Blueshounds and members of our Blues community, so please, take a moment to introduce yourselves at our appearances.

Yours in the Blues,

- Eric, Larry, Cody, Mario, Rick
503 816-4630

The Sinners Club
Looks like The Sinners Club has finally found the proverbial “cure for the summertime Blues” - more outdoor concerts and roadtrips to the coast! Night owls will find the band playing a headliner slot Friday night, June 8 at 10pm at the Rose Festival WaMu Waterfront Village on the main Big Top Stage. June bugs can enjoy another free outdoor show Saturday afternoon, June 9 at “the hottest place on two wheels”, Paradise Harley-Davidson in Tigard. Bass player/vocalist, Dan Golden, has promised to break out his rare ‘65 Hofner Club bass for these seminal shows to help “give ‘em that ‘Shea Stadium’ sort of feel”.

Guitarmeister Jade Stone has been test driving his entire stable of vintage Fender Twins and Supers lately, shaking them down in anticipation of some friendly nut-cutting with band coconspirator Brian Jones at an upcoming private birthday bash to be held mid-month. The group will settle all bets the weekend of the 29th & 30th, appropriately enough, at Chinook Winds Casino Hotel Lounge in Lincoln City, where they continue their monthly Friday and Saturday night engagements.

This month, TVCTV will replay The Sinners Club’s April 2006 appearances on the “Conversations With Dr. Don” TV show. Both of the hour-long specials will air in their entirety repeatedly throughout the first two weeks of June. The shows display the quintessential four-piece lineup that features “original Sinner,” Lionel Adams, and of course, the “Atomic Clock”, Doug Jacques on drums. Recent preliminary talks with a noted local producer may spark forward motion for the planned “anthology” DVD compilation that the band has in the works. A “live” remote recording to be shot at the group’s Thursday night open jam session at Mojo’s in Vancouver has also been discussed. Check for updates at their website: myspace.com/jointhesinnersclub and be the first on your block to know the real scoop.

The Sinners Club
Hotline: (503) 649-6366

Bolt Upright
Hello Blues fans and friends. Bolt Upright had royalty in the house at one of our Sunday jams at The Stein Haus. The incredible Pinetop Perkins was in the house and he graced the stage a few times-even singing ‘Mojo Working’ and other Blues classics and of course playing the heck out of the piano! 94 years young and still kickin’ hard. He was in the haus when we loaded our gear in and after the music was over, he whispered, “If I could steal away with you, that’d be a good thing,” to my wife and Bolt Upright bassist, Susie! What a cat. Word has it he’ll be at this years WBF. In fact, we just found out Bolt Upright will also be at this year’s Fest, featuring Kenny Blue Ray on guitar!

Our new Wednesday jam at Monty’s in Beaverton is up and running and our Sunday Jam is going strong at The Stein Haus. Thanks Portland for supporting live local Blues.

Ashbolt / Susie / Ken

Linda Myers and the Blues Priority
Wow, here it is again, the 15th of the month and once again what we will be doing in June is still a complete mystery. There are rumours that the Goble Tavern may be closing for renovations, so our regular third Saturdays may be coming to an end for now. Seems the owners may be adding some sybaritic luxuries such as a foundation. Thanks to all of you who have supported us there. It’s one of the most wonderful places to play because of the knowledgable and supportive audience.

Thanks to all of you who came out early to the Outer City Blues Festival and heard us play, and special thanks to Ken & Susan Johnson and all the volunteers for making it possible.

We have been busy writing new material; and then learning it. We featured one new tune, “Red Velvet Chair,” at the festival and premiered another at the J2M. By the time you read this, you should be able to hear these on our new website www.lmtbp.com.

David Moore, keyboards

James Clem
Hello! Well summer is here and it is time to play a new venue for me…farmers markets. I had never been to, let alone played a market like these until last year. Turns out these are cool places to play with large turnouts. Check my website for my full schedule.

I recently played Lefty’s in Salem for the first time and the audience response was so good they asked me to open a sold out show with Roy Rogers a week later. I’ll be back there on Sunday, July 1 and in November opening for Sonny Landreth.

Some musicians and fans love huge concerts with thousands of people in the crowd. I am the opposite. When it comes to performing or hearing live music, I am like Frankenstein and think “Small GOOD, large BAD”! You can’t beat hearing music in an intimate venue. As an example, come on by Hollywood Wine & Espresso (across from the Hollywood Theatre) on Sat., June 2 & 16 from 6-10 pm to hear some solid Acoustic Blues. Hope to see some of you there.

Regards, James Clem
www.jamesclem.com

Greg Earl Band
It will be three years in August since I moved to Portland and started checking out the amazing talent in the PDX Blues scene. Now I am ready to share with y’all the contemporary Blues sound of my band, the songwriting talent of a few of my closest friends, and the amazing talent of the guys in my band. My band features three Blues styles, Rock-inspired Blues, Swing, and Second Line, and I hope you‚ll agree that my songwriter friends are first-rate.

By the time you read this, the new Greg Earl Band CD should be available for sale at several fine record stores and soon, on line through CD Baby. A CD Release Party is scheduled for Friday, June 15th at Clyde’s Prime Rib (see the Greg Earl Band ad for details).

Greg Earl Band members are, Edwin Fountaine, guitar & vocals, Brian Harris, keyboards & vocals, and John Andrade, drums & vocals. Additionally, four cuts feature the Dukov Horns; Greg Garrett, trumpet, John Moak, trombone, and Pete Moss, tenor sax. Finally, two cuts feature two guys with whom I played for years; songwriter multi-instrumentalist, Scott Foxx, and the winner of New Mexico’s award for Best CD of the Year, Jimmy Stadler (www.jimmystadler.com).

The recording features guest appearances by many wonderful guest musicians, including DK Stewart, Chris Baum, and Jimmy Stadler, on piano, Reinhardt Melz, Drawback Slim, and Mark Weisgram on drums, Scott Foxx, on accoustic guitar and fiddle, Phil “Suburban Slim” Wagner, on electric guitar, and Joyya Hunter & Crystal Morris doing background vocals.

The album was recorded, mixed, and mastered by Billy Oskay at Big Red Studios in Corbett, OR. This studio is a Blues band’s dream with an amazing collection of vintage analog recording gear for an authentic sound (www.bigredstudio.com).

The band will be performing more at local and regional venues. Now that the recording is finished, I will have more time to devote to booking the band. Check BluesNotes and Positively Entertainment for our schedule, or send e-mail to gregearlmusic@hotmail.com to get on our e-mailing schedule list.

www.myspace.com/gregearlmusic

Ward Stroud Band
Hey you Fabulous, Fantastic, Beautiful, Wonderful, Amazing, and hopefully just a little bit wacko BLUES People! Big News! Drum roll…Ward Stroud Band will be hosting the Trail’s End Sunday Night “Heritage” Jam! This is particularly a huge honor for me because this is the jam that I cut my Blues teeth at. I remember when Robbie Laws hosted this jam, and how gracious he was to let a “new guy” (me) get up and “sit in” with the “big boys” and how excited I was when the ‘ol “grinch” (bass player, name withheld) told me to “either sing or get of the *&^&%$% stage”. So, I sang my first song! Now its my turn to take the helm and I want everyone to know that me and the boys will be there every Sunday night and if you show up with an instrument you will get to play. Also…you can expect local celebrities to make appearances. Soooo…LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL!

PEACE! - Ward
www.wardstroudband.com
www.bluechairsalon.com
www.myspace.com/wardstroud
www.stroudflutes.com
www.cdbaby.com/wjs6

The Insomniacs
Hi there Blues nutz. We’ve been busy buzzing around the Northwest this spring, but will be close to home during the month of June. Please check our ad for shows this month in Vancouver, Silverton, Forest Grove, and Portland. Of course, we must highlight our “Record Deal Celebration Party” at Duff’s Garage on June 23rd. Please come help us celebrate our signing to Delta Groove Records.

Thank you, The Insomniacs
www.insomniacsblues.com

Kevin Selfe and The Tornadoes
Hi everybody! I would like take this opportunity to introduce myself to the Blues community. My name is Kevin Selfe and I recently moved to Portland, OR from Richmond, VA in January. I’ve been playing the Blues throughout the eastern half of the country for the past 10 years and felt like I needed a little change of scenery. So, here I am! I would like to thank everyone for being so nice and welcoming to me, especially as I’ve made my way through the jam scene. You have made me feel like a part of the Blues family and I deeply appreciate it.

One thing that I must say is that I am absolutely blown away by the level and amount of talent here. Everybody here can flat out play! Coming from a different part of the country, I can tell you that you have something very special here, and I’m very excited to be apart of this community.

As for me, I play guitar and harmonica and I sing as well. My main influences are guys like T-Bone Walker, Howlin’ Wolf, Albert King and Jimmie Vaughan, and I enjoy playing many styles of Blues. If you want to learn more about me, you can visit my website at www.kevinselfe.com or the myspace page at www.myspace.com/kevinselfeandthetornadoes.

My band, The Tornadoes, consists of Don Shultz on drums and Allen Markel on bass – both extremely talented and lots of fun too. In the next few months, we will be playing many venues in the Portland area and we hope you can make it out to see a show. Speaking of shows, we have a couple of cool ones to talk about. On Saturday, June 9, we will be playing at The Trail’s End in Oregon City. Then on Friday, June 15, we are at Tupelo Joe’s (formerly Beale St. NW) in Portland. We are also honored to announce we will be performing at the Waterfront Blues Festival on Friday, July 6 at noon. Maybe we’ll see you around. Thanks!

- Kevin

E.Z. Eddy & The Jumpers
Greetings and salutations Blues lovers! June means vacation time, so I didn’t book much as, I’ll be in Reno.The gigs we do have are June 8 at Out Of The Blues, June 10th will be at Loves Leathers east of I-5 near Clark Co. Fairgrounds with a new project featuring Terry Robb and Jeff Minck in a trio with E.Z. Eddy, June 12th the full band will be at the Tuesday Marketplace at 2nd and Main St. in Downtown Hillboro from 5:30 to 8:30 pm, June 16th E.Z. Eddy is playing with Terry and Jeff at the Spirit Mtn. Casino and June 22 & 23 at the M&M in Gresham. Keep in touch at thejumpersband.com or call the Jumpers Hotline at 503 829-5833. As always God Bless!

- E.Z. Eddy & The Jumpers

Rose City Kings
Hi there Blues crew. First off, we want to thank everyone for a fantastic Cinco de Mayo weekend. We saw a lot of new faces at our shows in Vancouver and The Dalles, which made us really excited for the season to come.

Speaking of the season, we hope everyone is geared up for a rockin’ Blues summer. And, what better way to kick off the coming three months of sunshine than a trip to the Sunshine State. Rose City Kings is looking forward to introducing its new members and playing hard-charging Blues for California fans this June.

We begin the month at Biscuits & Blues in San Fran on Friday, June 1st and head to The Torch Club in Sacramento on June 2nd. It’s not too far down the coast and makes for a great road trip. And, while we’ll be sad if you can’t make it, don’t forget to tell your Cali friends we’re coming.

Then, if you get an itch before we come back to Oregon for the Safeway Waterfront Blues Festival, you can also see us in Stevenson, Washington for the annual Brews & Blues Fest on June 23rd. It’s close by and has great barbeque and beer.

Get the scoop on RCK updates by visiting www.myspace.com/rosecitykings. We can always use more friends, so don’t hesitate to put us on your friends list.

Thanks Blues crew and we look forward to seeing you soon!

Kolvane, Rose City Kings

Francine West and the High Speed Wobblers
Greetings music lovers, Wednesday evening jams at Trail’s End are picking up momentum, starting with the early players getting in a few licks before dark and still able to make the day job, finishing out with the night owls kickin’ it up. Lou Solomon’s keyboard is set up, so if you play keys come on down. We start at 7:30 with Francine’s band doing the first set. We look forward to meeting you and making new friends.

Thursday June 21st, Francine has been invited to participate in Sonny’s Woman in Blues at Trail’s End. So….. It’s a birthday party, yes it’s been a year since coming out of retirement and she has accomplished more than we anticipated. We look forward to a roomful of smiling faces and a rousing chorus of Happy Birthday.

About those accomplishments, we are announcing her CD Release Party will be held at the C & I Bar and Grill in Tualatin Saturday, June 30th starting at 9:00 pm. If you haven’t seen the new band opportunity knocks. Everbody told us you have to have a CD to get anywhere, so I guess we are on the road to stardom. As this is written we are in the final editing of the new demo CD soon to be in booking agents hands all over lower 48, I can hear the phones ringing now.

Next on the hit parade is the web site, gotta love this high tech stuff. Until next month, get out and enjoy the stellar music this town offers.

- Arthur & Francine West

Bill Rhoades & The Party Kings
Hello Friends! Well, we have some pretty exciting news concerning the band! We have two new band members. Frank Goldwasser (Paris Slim) will be joining the group with his great guitar playing, vocals and songwriting, and Jim Miller will also be bringing his solid bass playing and vocals to the band. With Michael Osborn on the other guitar and Johnny Moore on drums, we’re planning on having some real fun.

We would like to wish bassman Tom Szell the best of luck with all of his musical adventures. Also this month, Michaels Osborn’s new CD, “What Goes Around,” will be coming out. Featured on the CD are Robben Ford and D.K. Stewart.

Frank Goldwasser’s new CD “Bluju” is getting great airplay across the planet! If you haven’t heard it yet — check it out — nothing but great Blues!

Well, I guess that’s all for now —– see you all later.

- Bill Rhoades

The Ty Curtis Band
Hey everybody, I just wanted to say thanks to all the people that have been coming out to see us play….we’re really having a great time playing and it’s sure more fun when there is a great audience getting into the music.

I also want to thank Bob “The Big BA” at KINK and “Boogie King” Steve Spoulos and the crew at KRVM in Eugene for playing our CD….and big thanks to Lefty’s and Roadhouse 101 for always treating us so well.

We have a couple of gigs in June that I wanted to let you all know about. Saturday, June 23rd from 4-5 pm we are playing an on-air performance for KMHD (89.1) on the Homegrown Live show….I hope you can tune in and listen!

Sunday, June 24th from 5-8 pm we are back at Lefty’s. This is always a fun gig and it’s an all ages, no cover show.

And, on Tuesday, June 26th from 7:30 -9 pm we are playing for the Rainy Day Blues Society in Eugene…they aren’t sure where the June meeting will be held yet, but if you check their website when it is closer to the 26th they should have everything listed.

Also look for us at the Waterfront Blues Festival! As I write this we don’t know the date and time yet, but Peter Dammann has told us that “it’s official” that we will get to play…Check out our myspace page www.myspace.com/thetycurtisband for the details about the WBF and all our upcoming shows.

Thanks everybody for all your support!

- Ty, Salem, OR 503 551-9003

Becki Sue & Her Big Rockin’ Daddies
Hey ya’ll! Greetings from Becki Sue & her Big Rockin’ Daddies! We’re very happy to let you know that we’ve been nominated for 12 “Best of the Blues” awards from The Washington Blues Society for 2007. This is the second year in a row that we’ve lead in the number of nominations. Everyone in the band has once again been nominated for their individual instrument and the band will have the chance to repeat as band of the year, with our nomination in that category as well.

We’ll be in your ‘hood twice in May. Please consider coming to see us on Friday, May 18 @ Lefty’s in Salem or Saturday, May 19 @ The Highway 101 in Lincoln City. We’d love to meet you!
Peace,

Henry Cooper
After 17 years living in Seattle my wife, Anne, and I are moving back to our home state of Oregon. We look forward to reconnecting with some old friends and making some new ones and playing the Blues.

We mourn the recent loss of friends and family: Chris Porter, Paul deLay, Vince Hozier and Delta Dan Lissey. We’ll miss them!

Thanks,

The Ty Curtis Band
Hey Bluzoids! Ty Curtis here. Me and the band are still relatively new to the scene, playin’ original Blues, Rock-N-Roll and Swing. We’ve appreciated the love and support for our gigs at Roadhouse 101 on the coast — and especially Lefty’s, in Salem, who hosted the release for our first CD, “Stubborn Mind.” The place was packed and we sold lots of CDs!

We were particularly sad to hear of Paul deLay’s death. We opened for the great one at Lefty’s in October last year. We noticed he came out from the back to hear us better and we saw his big grin and that he was clappin’ like he meant it.

Later, Paul took me aside and shook my hand and said that for a young player (remember, I’m just 19), I was “doin’ it like it’s supposed to be done, straight-ahead and from the heart.”
Paul’s band then proceeded to blow the roof off the place, with Peter Dammann and the rest of the guys showing us how great a veteran band can play. I’ll never forget him or his music. Wherever he is, I’m sure he’s frontin’ a helluva band!

As for the band, we’ve got May gigs at Salem Harley Davidson on the 5th & 6th, at the Rogue Brewery in Newport on May 19th and at Lefty’s on the 20th. On Memorial Day weekend, we’ll be playin’ at the West Salem Spring Fair on the 24th, at Chinook Winds Casino in Lincoln City on the 25th & 26th and back at the Roadhouse 101 on the 27th opening for Lloyd Jones.
And, we’ve entered the Journey to Memphis! Our set is the very first one on May 18th, from 8:00 -8:20 pm at the Cascade Bar & Grill in Vancouver. Hope to see you all there!

The Randy Oxford Band
Greetings from Randy Oxford!

Wow, what a first class event the Paul deLay Memorial Concert was. My wife and I were honored to be able to attend. Kudos to Dave Kahl, Peter Dammann and the dozens of volunteers and musicians that it took to pull it off. Portland’s Blues fans and it’s musicians really know how to honor their own.Thank you all for that wonderful evening.

On another note…I would like to thank CBA members Ken & Susan Johnson for volunteering their time for our 1st Annual 3-day “Music for the Mountain” benefit concert recently near Mt. Rainier. It was a huge success and we look forward to doing the second annual in March 2008.

On another note…..Two recent experiences have shaped the content of my new CD, “Memphis to Motown”….Being out on the national scene with my band and my experience as a jammer on the Legendary Blues Cruise have confirmed my belief that to be a modern day 21st century Blues band, you might want to branch out and embrace a genre known as “Americana” which includes R&B, Funk, Jazz, Motown and all kinds of sounds wrapped around a BLUES CORE. I think that you will all enjoy the “Americana” style of Blues that my band is exploring these days while continuing to feature multiple vocalists and instrumentalists.

I look forward to seeing many of you this summer to include our show at Blues By The Sea in August. Please check out our spring and summer schedule, as well as more info on our new CD at my website. Thank you!

Sincerely, Randy Oxford
- The Randy Oxford Band
… “It feels good”
www.randyoxford.com
253 973-9024

Ward Stroud Band
Hey! Hey! Hey! Hello everybody!

Wow! Things are really heating up!! Me and the Boys are opening Portland Public Parks “Summer Concert Series” This July 6th at Concordia Park in NE Portland. Also, we will be on the main stage at the Folklife Festival in Seattle at the Space Needle Center at the second largest inner-city festival on May 26th (Memorial Day Weekend); 15 stages and hundreds of booths with every food and craft you can imagine. We’re also very happy to announce that we will be headliners at the “Oak Knoll” Blues Festival in Newberg, July 21st, as well!

On a personal note, I would like to congratuate former bandmates Vyasa, Dave and Alex otherwise known as the “Insomniacs” on their recent success and be one of the first to say that it couldn’t happen to nicer people…WAY TO GO BOYS!

Most important…Thanks to all of you that continue to support our band and all live music, please keep coming out to “hang” with us.

- Peace, Ward
www.wardstroudband.com

Boogie Bone
Hello Blues Fans! Wanted to let you know what is new with the band. We would like to introduce a new member to the band, Steve Snyder. We call him “Triple Threat” because he plays sax, harp and keys. He does them all well, but the sax is off the hook. Those who were at The Trail’s End and Roots Organic Brewery last month know what I am taking about.

It has pushed the release of our CD back a little bit while we squeeze him in on a few tracks, but it should be worth the wait.

We are excited to be playing at two CBA events this month, the General Meeting on May 2nd at the Melody Ballroom and the Journey To Memphis at the Cascade Bar & Grill in Vancouver on the 18th. The lineup for the Journey To Memphis is outstanding, so please put it on your calendar and support your local musicians.

We are booked in May, August, September and October at The Sand Dune Pub in Manzanita. We had so much fun last time that we decided to do it all summer. Great time at the beach, cheap rooms, and a big party at the pub. So, if you feel like a little road trip, book your room now. Dates are always available on our website: www.boogieboneband.com.

Thanks to all the “Boneheads” who have signed up for our e-mailing list. If you haven’t been there check us out. Get out and see some live music!

- Boogie Bone

E.Z. Eddy & The Jumpers
Greetings and salutations Blues lovers! We’ve got our live CD out and we’re selling them off the stage for those who come see us. We recorded it at Out Of The Blues on our regular Tuesday night jam. That makes our sixth CD in five years, in different configerations. It’s nice to own studio and I’d like to thank Randy Boykin of Audio Projects Alliance for all his work (503 730-5347).

The only other gig in May is at the Black Horse Saloon in Bend on the 9th & 10th. It’s a very cool place to play, good food, nice people too, so if you’re in the area stop by and check it out.

On a more serious note, I’d like to talk about the death of a friend of mine (and the Blues) on April 2nd, Chris Porter. He died from a heart attack in Eugene. He was there when the Blues scene was just getting started down in 1974 and all the musicians knew him. Bill Rhodes, Curtis Salgado, D.K. Stewart, Mike Moothart and Ratso Reece, all the players from that era remember him. He introduced us to some new guys in town who lived down the street by the name of Robert Cray and Richard Cousins. Chris played guitar and bass and I cut my teeth playing Blues with him. His dad was U.S. Rep. Charles O. Porter and he’d tell stories of going to the White House and playing the Kenndy kids on Easter when he was growing up. Chris had his problems like we all did when were younger and maybe more than most of us sometimes. But, he was always there if I needed something. When my first band, AARO, got our stuff ripped off in ‘74, Chris and Cousins lent guitars and a bass so we could do our first gig. (I learned a bottle of MD 20/20 will fit in a Fender bass case that nite). In May 1980 I had a head on collison with a log truck on the way to a gig in Coos Bay and Chris drove all night to get our equipment. When I was playing in Curtis Salgado and In YO Face in 1983, if I didn’t have a place to stay I knew I could stop by Chris’ at 2 am and there was no problem staying on the couch. (That was the norm for the “Crash on the Couch Band”). My uncle Cecil who just passed away last summer at 90 years old, told me once that you come to a time when all your friends start falling off and he wasn’t sure if he was the lucky one to still be here. Cecil lived his life to the fullest and I like to think Chris did too. I’d like to ask anyone who remembers Chris to say a little prayer for him, ‘cuz I think all us musicians need as much help as possible getting into Heaven.

As always, God Bless!

- E. Z. Eddy & The Jumpers

The Insomniacs
We would like to extend a big thank you to all those who attended, worked and supported Paul’s memorial concert. What a great event! We would also like to honor the passing of our dear friend Jane Lazere. Jane and Richard were the most wonderful pair of people we have had the pleasure of knowing. Jane’s smile, cheerful voice, warming presence, and words of wisdom will be forever remembered and greatly missed.

As most of you have heard, The Insomniacs signed a record deal with Delta Groove Music. Many people have asked us how that came about and what it means. Here is the condensed version: Jeff Fleenor (Director of Retail & Artist Submissions) discovered the band on the internet. He purchased “Left Coast Blues” on CDBaby and started playing it on his radio show in Los Angeles. He also dropped it on Randy Chortkoff’s (CEO, Producer) desk, and they decided to pursue it. They contacted us via MySpace and, a few phone calls later, we had a tentative agreement. To close the deal, we took a quick trip down to Hollywood, CA, to perform at The Avalon for the after-party of the red carpet gala premier of the motion picture, What Love Is. We kicked off the show, which included performances by The Mannish Boys, The Phantom Blues Band and The Hollywood Blues Flames. One week later the deal was sealed. The label has picked up “Left Coast Blues” and it will be promoted and released worldwide later this summer. You can find Delta Groove’s announcement at deltagroovemusic.com.

We would like to invite you to our “Record Deal Celebration” at Duff’s Garage on June 23rd. Please come help us celebrate! Once again, we would like to thank our families, supporters in print and radio, venues, friends, fans, and fellow musicians whose support has defined what we are. A special thanks to Jane & Richard; our thoughts are with you.

Thank You,

Francine West and the High Speed Wobblers
Hello folks! We have started Wednesday jams at the Trail’s End Saloon and want to announce that we have the friendliest jam in town. For the early birds we are starting at 7:30 giving you time to play and still be up for work bright eyed and bushy tailed.

On May 2nd, we will be featuring Ken Brewer on lead guitar and keyboards. May 9th, we welcome Kenny Blue Ray to the stage, come down and give him a big Portland welcome. Saturday, May 19th, we welcome Bay Area Boogie-Woogie Queen, Wendy DeWitt, and western swing hall of fame pioneer Tommy Thomsen, backing Francine and getting tight for Fossil ‘07.

Come on down and check out some Blues, Boogie-Woogie a little R&R and some Country, we got a sound for everybody. Looking forward to seeing you at the Trail’s End Saloon home of The Musicians Toy Run Benefit.

- Arthur & Francine West

Rose City Kings
What’s new Northwest Blues fans? Hope everyone enjoyed meeting our three new members – Steve, Thom and Jonathan — at their introductory shows last month. We appreciate the warm welcome and the positive compliments we’ve received on the new lineup.

In May and June, RCK is on the road to some fine venues in Washington and Northern California. If you’re considering a road trip, we’d love it if you could join us. But, if you can’t make it out of state, be sure to spread the word to all your Blues friends.

Of course, we can’t stay away from home for too long, so don’t miss our May 4th show in Vancouver at the Cascade Bar & Grill. We’ll also be partying it up for Cinco de Mayo at the 4th Street Block Party at The Dalles City Center. And, soon enough, we’ll be back in sweet ol’ Portland, so keep your ears open for our next area show.

To get more info on our upcoming gigs, go to www.RoseCityKings.com. Thanks and we can’t wait to see you in the crowd at our next show!

- Kolvane, Rose City Kings

Bolt Upright
Hello fellow Blues fans. Bolt Upright has a new guitarist! Ken Brewer will be our permanent guitarist full time starting May 1st. Our former guitarist of four and a half years, Lynn Axtell, is leaving to pursue his own projects. We wish him the best of luck. Contact Lynn at: laxtell@kalama.com for fill-in gigs.

It looks like we’ve added a new Wednesday night jam at Monty’s on Canyon Road in Beaverton, in addition to our ongoing Sunday jam at the Stein Haus.

Bolt Upright is alive and well!

Linda Myers And The Blues Priority
We’ve got a fun month coming up. We’ll be playing our usual third Saturday at the Goble Tavern, but in addition we will be at the Outer City Blues Festival at around 4 pm on the 5th. Beale Street NW was such an important venue for Blues in Portland, and we all mourned its passing, so come on down and help us and the other bands celebrate its return to life as Tupelo Joe’s.

Plus we will be last band up on the first night of the Journey to Memphis Competition. There’s going to be ferocious competition both nights. We are looking forward to the opportunity to have fun hanging out with friends and fellow musicians and to play you some of our originals in a concentrated set. Come out and support the musicians and the CBA, and make sure you stay till the end!

- David Moore - keyboards dlmoore@teleport.com

The Sinners Club
Well, April showers haven’t dampened the spirits of The Sinners Club. In fact, the band and fans alike are still rejoicing about last week’s wild party celebrating the 3rd anniversary of the group’s infamous open jam session at Mojo’s in Vancouver every Thursday night. Known as “the friendliest jam anywhere,” the place stays packed with musicians and appreciative listeners until the wee hours of the mornin’. Lately, a variety of well known local acts have been stopping in to help liven things up. No reservations required - just grab your gear, come on down and jam!

Last month also marked the airing of the band’s latest cable TV special, a two-part live studio concert attended by an “invitation only” audience. Plans are moving forward to produce a “greatest hits” compilation DVD/CD project drawing on the group’s seven year history of incredible shows. Performances by the “original Sinners,” as well as special guests, will be included. Stay tuned for progress updates.

Frontman/bass player Dan Golden was recently selected to help judge the local edition of the “King Of The Blues - Search for the next great, undiscovered Blues guitar player” competition sponsored by the Gibson guitar company. Top prizes include $5000 in cash, a ‘59 reissue Les Paul, an endorsement deal, studio time and the Grand Prize, a 2007 Ford Mustang. Preliminary rounds will narrow the field for the area finals to be held Tuesday night, April 3rd at the Beaverton Guitar Center.

Another great beach road trip is on tap for the weekend of April 27 & 28. The Sinners Club heads back to the Chinook Winds Casino Hotel Lounge in Lincoln City for two shows following the Beach Boys concerts in the main showroom.

The group’s frequent appearances at the casino are becoming the highlight of the band’s lengthy touring schedule. For a complete list of upcoming shows and other tidbits, check out the official Web site, myspace.com/jointhesinnersclub, or call the Hotline: 503-649-6366.

E.Z. Eddy & The Jumpers
Greetings and Salutations Blues Lovers! Not much so far in April except our Tuesday Nite, Early Day Job Jam from 7-11 pm at Out Of The Blues (exit 290 & I-5, Lake Oswego, Durham exit). The idea is to start early so guys with jobs get up first and get back home before the wife knows you’re gone. It’s non-smoking so you can tell her you went to the library and she’ll never know. Kids can listen and play between 7-8 pm if they’re eating. Lots of horn players lately which is cool with me. Keep posted at thejumpersband.com or call the Hotline at 503-829-5833. As always, God Bless!

- E. Z. Eddy & The Jumpers

Gusto Bros.
Hey, hey Blues lovers. Gusto Bros. here. We’d like to announce that Lefty’s Pizzeria and Blues Club in Salem has finished re-installing the roof on their building after the Gustos blew it off the place in February. We had a blast rockin’ the house for everybody who came out for some Gusto fun. In fact, so much fun was had (despite the costs associated with the roof repair) that Lefty’s has asked us to play another show, and we are happy to oblige.

We’ll be making our return on Thursday, April 12th, 6-9 pm as part of the hip and happening monthly ELSE event. The ELSE event, created and organized by D. Mark Parrish is a celebration of music, art and poetry, that brings together a unique, rousing, and refreshing mix of styles and flavors.

As a special treat for the evening, the Gusto Bros. will be having a super cool Gusto Giveaway. Copies of the Gusto Bros. EP, “Ride!” will be given away (free) to fans who agree to play the CD for at least two friends. Quantities may not last so get there early and feel free to stay late.

Also on the bill for the evening is a hot group of music makers from Portland, The Troublemakers. We invite everybody to come on out for some great music, awesome art, and tasty pizza.

Also in April, don’t forget to catch the Gusto Bros.’ full-length show at Keizer’s coolest coffee shop, Steam Heat Coffeehouse (4/28/07, 8 pm). Be sure to check out myspace.com/thegustobrothers for complete info and music samples.

Last but not least - things cookin’ in the Gusto kitchen: we are currently breaking in our living-breathing rhythm section and are getting things in place for a full length studio release. Thanx for all your support. Stay tuned.

- Gustos out.

The Insomniacs
We would like to extend our condolences to everyone who knew and loved Paul deLay, to the ones who helped him touch others, and to those who have been influenced by his life.

Rest in peace brother Paul, rest in peace.

- The Insomniacs

Inner City Bluez
Hello Bluezers! I am pleased to tell you all that Inner City Bluez has finished our first CD. In fact, we released it at the Cascade Bar and Grill last month. Thanks to all of you that showed up. What a party! I don’t think there was even a place to stand. It was crazy! We had a blast!

We will be keeping our gig schedule light for the next several months due to other commitments within the band. Our next local gigs will be on Saturday, April 21 at Mac’s Place in Silverton. You can get more information by checking out our website, www.InnerCityBluez.com. We would love to see you there!

You can also get information on purchasing a CD and view our full band schedule on our website.

- Theresa Lowe, Inner City Bluez

Steve Cheseborough
Hey folks - Just want to bring your attention to a special gig at the end of this month. Roux, 1700 N. Killingsworth, is flying in a whole lot of live crawfish for a Louisiana-style crawfish boil on April 29th. It starts at 11 am, and yours truly, Steve Cheseborough, starts playing 1920s-30s-style Blues bright and early, followed by Mary Flower about 12:30 pm and the New Iberians from about 2:30 on.

Tickets are $25, but we don’t get a lot of opportunity to eat fresh-cooked crawfish around here, so don’t miss this one. It’s an outdoor street party with po-boys and barbecued tofu in case you want something other than another plate of the little critters. And, five percent of the proceeds go to Self Enhancement Inc, which helps needy children and young adults in Portland. For reservations, call 503-285-1200. It’s sure cheaper than flying to New Orleans! Hope to see you there.

- Cheers, Steve Cheseborough

Francine West and The High Speed Wobblers
After a lot of rehearsal we have set up a new band. Out of retirement is bassist Jeff Ommert, a Liquid Blues veteran of 18 years. He is joined by Russ Finley on lead guitar and vocals, which has played around Portland and fronted his own band for years. Tickling the ivories will be Lou Solomon. Providing the beat is Portland native Phillip Tucker who has backed DK, Paul delay and Charlie Grant of Shade.

Francine’s new band will be hosting the Wednesday night jam at Trail’s End starting April 4. We are going to welcome an earlier crowd and start at 7:30 pm. If you have an early morning job, we will do our best to accommodate you. For you night owls we have the later sets reserved. Come and join us! We look forward to meeting you.

Saturday. May 26th, Francine will headline ABATE of Oregon’s 30th Anniversary Fossil Run. Being a charter member of ABATE, she is honored to be chosen for this event.

This summer we will be schmoozing the local booking agents to schedule venues near you. Come out and party!

- Arthur & Francine West
503-351-5054

Ward Stroud Band
Hello everyone, Ward Stroud here. First and foremost, the band wishes to express our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Paul deLay. Paul graced our recording last year and it is a huge honor for us to be a part of the history of one of the biggest influences the Blues community has ever known. More that I can ever say… Thank you, Paul deLay… Thank You.

I’d like to invite everyone out to the Wednesday night jam at Shanahan’s Pub in Vancouver 8-11. It’s a lot of fun and everyone gets to play that shows up with their instruments or voice (209 W Mcglophlin Blvd.., Vancouver Washington (5 minutes from downtown Portland)!

The band has a new “myspace” page www.myspace.com/wardstroud. Please stop by and add us as “friends” and we’ll do the same with you… the more the merrier!

Also, I want to thank everyone that has come out and supported my new hairstyling endeavor! It’s tons of fun to talk “Blues” and get your hair done…anyone else interested just call 503-246-6633 for appointment.

See you out at the clubs!

- Ward Jene Stroud

Randy Oxford Band
Goodbye Paul deLay!

Our condolences to Paul’s family, band and community. He was a great man, musicians and an inspirations to so many.

He will be dearly missed.

- The Randy Oxford Band

Eric Hatcher & The Worker Bees
Greetings and salutations, CBA members. Eric Hatcher & The Worker Bees are mixing down the live Trail’s End tracks of their new CD. A release party will be held soon…stay tuned.

The band will be making two off-the-CBA-calendar appearances in April: 14th - The Landmark, Yachats, OR and 20th & 21st - The Full Moon, Boring, OR. We look forward to seeing you at our shows; please introduce yourselves, we always enjoy meeting fellow blues enthusiasts.

For the latest information on Eric Hatcher & The Worker Bees, and to contact the band, see photos, or hear mp3 clips, visit www.EHWB.com.

Thanks for your support of live Blues performances throughout the greater Portland area.

-Eric, Larry, Cody, Mario, Rick
Eric Hatcher & The Worker Bees

James Clem
Hello Friends. My website and flyers may read “Mississippi Delta Blues” but if you haven’t heard me live you are also going to hear some Atlanta, Texas and Chicago Blues (as well as some ’20s Jazz on my National ukulele).I may have to change that website heading! One of the beautiful things about Blues is its many different styles, so my theory is to mix it up a bit.

Check my website for my full schedule, but I will be at Hollywood Wine & Espresso on Saturday, April 7 & 21 from 6 to 9 pm.They are located just across from the Hollywood Theatre at 41st and Sandy Blvd… 503-459-4081. Cool spot with good food and micro brews, too.

Mark’s On The Channel in Scappoose 503-543-8765 has live Acoustic Blues every Friday and Saturday from 8 to 10 pm with the best food of any Blues joint around. Great marina setting by the water. I will be playing there on Saturday, April 14th. Hope to see some of you there. Take it easy.

- James Clem

Rose City Kings
Hey everyone, just wanted to update all the Blues fans and CBA Members out there about all the big happenings coming up this spring for Rose City Kings.

First, we would like to welcome some exciting new musicians that are joining the RCK team. Our new drummer is Thom Sullivan from Los Angeles. Thom has a great mix of vintage vibe and thunderous power on demand. On bass we have Jonathan Chase from right here in Portland. Jonathan brings that fat funky bass vibe we love. And, last but not least, the incomparable Steve Kerin from Lafayette Louisiana is on keyboards. Killer piano from Dr. John country…nuff said! Join us at Gemini Bar & Grill on Saturday April 7th for this hot new lineup.

If you want to get all the info on RCK, sign up for our mailing list at www.rosecitykings.com. Just click the “be a member” link and fill out the form. You can also check out our CDs on the website’s RCK Store or at the upcoming show. Thanks for your support and can’t wait to see you at our next gig!

- Rose City Kings

Bolt Upright
Bolt Upright thanks the staff at Trail’s End for providing such a great venue for our jam this past year. Tom, Deb, Cindy, Lori, Sheri, Eric & Malcom, you are all fabulous! Thanks for the great times and thanks to all the fantastic jammers that graced the stage.

Hopefully we can do it again. We play the Trail’s End on Sat., April 21st.

Our jam at the Stein Haus is going great and we encourage all our musician friends to join in the fun on Sundays. See you at the show and continue to support live Blues.