Holiday Party 2009

    After suffering the fate of a nasty snow storm in 2008 on the day the Cascade Blues Association Holiday Party was scheduled that kept most people away, it was surely a welcome sight to see most of the roads open and clear for travel this year. But even with the weather cooperating, we still had a little glitch that beforehand that caused us concern with the fate of the party.
    We had scheduled a venue for the party last March. You have to do this to get a room for the holiday season, especially if you’re making it an all ages family event. But before summer was even upon us, we learned that our scheduled venue had closed their doors (these type of things happen if you don’t pay your rent). After approaching numerous locations that all wanted extravagant expenses that we could not possibly afford, we were approached by The Refectory in mid-October who said they would waive their no minors rule and give us the back room. This certainly made us feel a great burden had been lifted that we’d carried for so long. A huge kudos to Jan Bisconer, The Refectory and their staff for giving us a sensational location and welcome!!
    What a terrific day it turned out to be, too. All of the acts performing were delivering outstanding sets. Opening with Bolt Upright with special guest Brad Ulrich, it set the pace for a fun-filled day, followed by another energetic set featuring The Catillacs. When Lloyd Jones signed on to play the party it was the impression he would be doing a solo set, but he showed up with Les Hutchinson and Timmer Blakely on-hand for a full band set and Robbie Laws stepped up to join in as well. The final set of the day was another close call of not being able to happen as drummer Johnny Moore had a medical situation come up the day before hand, but a few quick phone calls found Don Shultz able to sit in for him as Michael Osborn & The Drivers closed the day out in a huge manner. Even Bill Rhoades got up to play with the guys. Thanks to all the musicians for making it a truly special event.
    Thanks also to all the volunteers, Board Members, Tualatin Valley Gleaning for collecting canned food for the Oregon Food Bank, Rich Lantz and his sound crew for making the day run smooth. A very heartfelt thanks also goes out to Freddy “Santa Claus” Von Hagen for being there for us once again. And most of all, thanks to all of our members just for your continuing support of our organization. Without you, there is no Cascade Blues Association!! It was a great event to start off the holiday season.