Calendar and Events
Calendar and Events
Scroll through the articles below to learn more about some of the featured shows coming up.
To see a complete listing of shows, check out the CBA Blues Event Calendar. If you want to see where your favorite band or artist is playing in the next 30 days, try the Blues Band Schedule. Finally, if you want to see who's playing at a local club or venue in the next 30 days, try the Blues Clubs Schedule. All are available on the navigation to the left.
If you want to learn more about the next CBA General Membership meeting, view this section specific to the CBA meetings. If you are not a current CBA member, take a look and see what you've been missing.
Bookmark with:
Duff’s Garage Mardi Gras Party, Feb 17, 2012
There is certainly no shortage of Mardi Gras parties taking place in Portland every year, so if you’re looking for a really cool event to catch during the season you just might want to make your way over to Duff’s Garage. There you can catch a super double-header show with two of Portland’s premier Louisiana-themed bands, The Too Loose Cajun/Zydeco Band and Atomic Gumbo.
The Too Loose Cajun/Zydeco Band is made up of some of the finest musicians in the city. Their website lists the current roster as multiple instrumentalist Robert Lee, accordionist Rick Obbink, madolinist/fiddler Lefty Head, bassist Tim Shaughnessy, guitarist Peter Dammann and keyboard master Steve Kerin. These guys know how to throw a party and you’ll be dancing in no time.
Steve Kerin returns leading the second band Atomic Gumbo, throwing down his Louisiana-based piano work and authentic gritty vocals. With a rotating cast of players, the groove is always jumping and Atomic Gumbo can make any room or night into a Mardi Gras event.
This is a CBA co-sponsored event, so show your membership card at the door on Feb 17th for a $1 discount and be prepared for a little Fais Do-Do!
Bookmark with:
Northwest Favorites Too Slim & The Taildraggers At Alberta Rose, Feb 17, 2012
One of the Northwest's favorite bands, Too Slim & The Taildraggers, return to Portland for a fun-filled night at the Alberta Rose Theatre (3000 NE Alberta). Cascade Blues Association Muddy Awards Hall of Fame recipients as Best Regional Act, the band is led by the amazing guitar slinger Tim "Too Slim" Langford, supported by the dynamic rhythm section of Polly O'Keary on bass and Tommy Cook on drums. 2012 looks to be an exciting year for the band, having recently received a Blues Music Awards nomination for their latest album, Shiver. There is no pigeon-holing this band in any specific style, as they can deliver equally as well playing gritty Delta style, rockin' the house, swampy or rootsy Americana. They have constantly been touring the country to thrilled audiences everywhere and whenever the return to town bring out their loyal and excited fans in masses.To make the show even more spectacular, they will be joined by Hammond player Joe Doria and Portland guitarist Peter Dammann.
Opening the show will be local hero Lloyd Jones for a solo acoustic performance, making this a winning double header without doubt not to be missed.
Too Slim & The Taildraggers will play at the Alberta Rose Theatre on Friday, February 17th at 8:00 pm. 21 & over only. Tickets are $15 advance and $18 day of show, available through www.albertarose.com. This is a CBA co-sponsored show and you can receive a $2 discount by using the code "CBA" on the website. High energy shows like this don't come much better. Sure to pack the room, make a point to be there!
Bookmark with:
Roots Music Performance By The Wood Brothers, Feb 3, 2012
Colorado-based brothers Oliver and Chris Wood will bring their roots-based music to The Aladdin Theater on Friday, February 3rd for what is sure to be an entertaining night of acoustic sounds and harmonies. Deeply influenced by folk, blues, country and bluegrass that they heard while growing up, they have developed a pleasing combination that reflects their own personal tastes, be inspiration from blues artists like Jimmy Reed, Lightnin' Hopkins and B.B. King or R&B and soul. Touring in support of their latest album, Smoke Ring Halo, come out and see why reviewer Ted Drozdowski states, "Modern folk and blues rarely sounds as inventive and colorful, in absolute synch creatively."
The Wood Brothers show is open to minors when accompanied by parents. Tickets are available through www.ticketmaster.com, $16 advance and $18 day of show at the venue. Canadian duo Sarah & Christian Dugas opens the show. The Aladdin Theater is located at 3017 SE Milwaukie Ave. Show time is 8:00 pm.
Bookmark with:
8th Annual Sweetheart Dance, Feb 11, 2012
The Cascade Blues Association’s Sweethearts Dance has become a Valentine’s weekend tradition since its inception eight years back. In that time we have presented some of the finest musicians the Northwest has to offer, such as Duffy Bishop, Mary Flower, Boogie Bone, Robbie Laws, Atomic Gumbo and Bill Rhoades among others. Heck, we even had Blues Music Award multi-winner Watermelon Slim take part that first year. And we feel we’ve put together another winning line-up for the event this year. So mark your calendars for Saturday, February 11th for this special night at Vie de Boheme (1530 SE 7th).
We have tried to open every year with an acoustic performance and this year we are thrilled to bring in Thad Beckman. One of Portland’s finest guitarists, it is long overdue for us to have Thad play for us. A world class musician, we’ll be catching Thad as he returns from a three-week tour of the United Kingdom. He has been performing for more than 30 years and was described by Jim Beal of the San Antonio Express-News as: “an engaging blend of folk, singer-songwriter and blues music. Not everyone can pull off such a combination, but Beckman has chops, writing talent, a big personality and a bag full of true stories which all dovetail for a cool show.” With credentials like that, you know this is going to be the right start for a fantastic night.
For the second set, get your dance shoes ready to groove with the classic soul sounds of Hip Deep Soul Revue. This band has been lighting up stages since 2010 playing the music of everybody from Sam and Dave, The Temptations, Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, James Brown, Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, Marvin Gaye, and many more. The band delivers a big sound every time out and will feature a line-up of Danny O'Brien – bass/vocals, Ken Brewer – guitar/piano/organ/vocals, Dave Melyan – drums, Michael G. Kelly - tenor saxophone, Allan Kalik – trumpet and Melissa Buchanan – vocals. An impressive grouping for certain!
Closing the night out, making their second appearance at a Sweetheart Dance, will be one of the Cascade Blues Association’s favorite acts, The Strange Tones. Muddy Award Hall of Fame members for contemporary blues act, they deliver highly energetic performances and good times every time they hit the stage. All are top-notch performers, with Guitar Julie and Suburban Slim on guitars, Andy Strange on bass and Andy Gauthier on the drums. Strong original songs with clever lyrics and exceptional instrumentation and their ever-presence smiles make them the feel good band of the city. Recently nominated for best live performance by the Portland Music Awards, they will be coming to you straight from their secret Crime-a-Billy hide-out located under a volcano somewhere within the city.
Vie de Boheme is an urban winery with great food and plenty of room for dancing. Admission to the Sweetheart Dance is $10 per person or $15 for couples. Everything will start at 8:00 pm, so grab your sweetheart and come celebrate Valentine’s Day with us a little early this year. Always one of the most fun nights on the CBA calendar every year. Hope to see you there.
Bookmark with:
Soul Salvation Featuring Ruthie Foster & Paul Thorn, Feb 2, 2012
The Aladdin Theater (3017 SE Milwaukie Ave.) presents a huge double-headed showcase with Ruthie Foster and Paul Thorn on Thursday, February 2nd. Two of the most electrifying artists soaring amongst the elite of the blues world today with high accolades each to substantiate their status.
Ruthie Foster recently received three nominations for the 2012 Blues Music Awards, including the prestigious B.B. King Blues entertainer of the year category. She is a two time winner of the BMAs and has headlined numerous blues festivals around the country, including a recent spell-binding set at the Waterfront Blues Festival. Over the years she has performed and recorded with the absolute best, amongst them The Blind Boys of Alabama, Curtis Mayfield and Eric Clapton. Her newest release, Let It Burn, is scheduled to come out on January 31st, so look for her to perform selections from this and her full compliment of outstanding recordings.
Paul Thorn has also been making quite a name for himself over the past few years. At the 2010 Arkansas Blues & Heritage Festival he stole the weekend for many fans as the most exciting set of the event. Raised in Mississippi, he had quite a colorful background before taking up his musical career, including a stint as a professional boxer, even fighting 4-time champion Roberto Duran. He has shared the stage with people like John Prine and Bonnie Raitt, writes emotional songs based on his own background. His latest release, Pimps And Preachers is an eclectic mix that displays his talents quite well.
This is definitely one show not to miss. The event is open to minors when accompanied by a parent. Show time is 8:00 pm. Tickets are $20 and are available through www.ticketmaster.com.
Bookmark with:
Randy Hansen Brings His Hendrix Tribute Show Back To The Trail’s End, Feb 11, 2012
One of the most exciting shows to hit The Trail’s End this past year was Randy Hansen’s Jimi Hendrix Tribute show. With so many people asking for a return gig, Hansen has scheduled an encore performance at the venue on Saturday, February 11th. Officially recognized by the Hendrix family as perhaps the most authentic recreation of the guitar hero’s skills, Hansen knows how to electrify an audience with over the top guitar work. There are a lot of tribute acts, but none that meet what you receive from Randy Hansen. Hansen also writes his own music and has performed with people like Robert Cray, Steve Miller, Sammy Hager, Stevie Ray Vaughan and with former Hendrix sidemen Mitch Mitchell and Noel Redding. Truly a show for anybody who is a fan of Jimi Hendrix or classic rock.
The Trail’s End Saloon is located at 1320 Main Street in Oregon City. Show time is 9:00 pm. This is a CBA co-sponsored event, so show your membership card at the door and receive a $1 discount on admission. Then get ready to share in the Experience!
Bookmark with:
Duff’s Garage Presents Nathan James & The Rhythm Scratchers, Feb 9, 2011
Nathan James returns to Duff’s Garage with his highly infectious brand of blues sporting a brand new name for his band, The Rhythm Scratchers, and a brand new record deal with Delta Groove. A strong background in the blues that has seen him working alongside James Harman and winning the solo/duo competition at the International Blues Challenge with partner Ben Hernandez and sharing the stage with luminaries like Kim Wilson, Pinetop Perkins, Mark Hummel, Gary Primich and many others. He’ll also be bringing back his home-made instruments, such as the washtar, his combination of washboard and guitar. Joining Nathan will be his top-notch band of Marty Dodson on drums and Troy Sandow on bass and harmonica. His last appearance at Duff’s Garage in October was one of the finest shows of the year and his performance at the Waterfront Blues Festival was equally touted. See why Rick Holmstrom says, "Nobody else these days plays so many styles so well, be it old time country blues, low down Memphis or Chicago blues, or even uptown string bending blues." Attend this show and you’ll be a believer, too.
Nathan James & The Rhythm Scratchers will be at Duff’s Garage on Thursday, February 9th for a 9:00 pm. This is a CBA co-sponsored event, so show your membership card for a $1 discount at the door.
Bookmark with:
Kenny Brown To Hold Week-Long Residency At Al’s Den, Feb 5-11, 2012
Back in the ‘70s when laws changed in the City of Portland to allow live music in taverns and bars, it was not unusual for touring artists to spend several nights playing in one venue. Numerous clubs competed for the live music fans’ dollars and the likes of George “Harmonica” Smith, Big Walter Horton, Charlie Musselwhite, Albert Collins and others would play here regularly. Alas, with the change in the economy over the years such stays are rare, but when they do occur notice needs to be made. Especially when it involves one of the finest blues players from Mississippi, Kenny Brown.
Kenny Brown will be holding a week-long residency at Al’s Den in The Crystal Hotel, February 5th through the 11th. This is to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the release of R.L. Burnside’s Burnside On Burnside album, that was recorded at Portland’s Crystal Ballroom (the recording has recently been released on vinyl LP). Brown has been recognized as one of the Mississippi Hill Country’s top guitar players. He studied at the feet of blues legends Joe Callicott and Fred McDowell and played in Burnside’s band for 26 years. Burnside considered Brown his adopted son. He has released several outstanding albums under his own name, the most recent a 2-CD set titled Can’t Stay Long, with one disc featuring solo performances on his porch and the second a live recording with many of his friends.
Plans for these performances are that different guest artists and friends will sit in each night with Brown. DJ Hwy 7 will be on hand at least two nights spinning from his collection of great Southern music between sets. The shows will be from 7:00 – 10:30 each night. Al’s Den is located in McMenamins Crystal Hotel, 303 SW 12th, Portland.
Bookmark with:
Jackie Greene At The Aladdin Theate, Feb 10, 2012
Sacramento-based roots musician Jackie Greene has long had a following in the Portland area, performing here a number of times including the Waterfront Blues Festival. Touring on his latest recording Giving Up The Ghost, he is at home as both a solo artist and leading his own band. Greene has worked with a virtual who’s who of the roots music scene, including performing with notable players like Buddy Guy, Susan Tedeschi,B.B. King and Willie Nelson. A stellar artist who plays both guitar and keyboards, he is an adept vocalist and a talented songwriter.
Jackie Greene will be appearing at The Aladdin Theater (3017 SE Milwaukie Ave.) on Friday, February 10th at 8:00 pm. Minors are welcome when accompanied by a parent. Tickets are $17 advance and $19 day of show. Advance tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com.
Bookmark with:
Master Story-Teller and Bluesman Guy Davis To Play Duff’s Garage, Feb 2, 2012
When it comes down to entertainers, Guy Davis without doubt is one of the finest working artists in the blues today. A master story-teller who can keep an audience in his grasp and having them singing along with him if he desires, Davis is more than the complete package. Besides being a fantastic song writer and acoustic guitarist, he has performed on stage, television and film as an actor, has written his own original plays and has appeared on many of the best-known syndicated radio programs around, including Mountain Stage and Garrison Keillor’s Prairie Home Companion. Inspired by artists such as Mississippi John Hurt, Skip James, Elizabeth Cotton and Mance Lipscomb, Davis blends his love of the blues into pretty much everything he lays his hands upon. And his music has received many accolades throughout the years including Blues Music Award nominations.
Opening the night will be one of Portland’s most favorite roots musicians, Lauren Sheehan. Her latest CD, Rose City Ramble, is a superb blend of her musical styles and roots presented masterfully with her knowledge of multiple instruments.
It has been a few years since Guy Davis last performed in Portland and he has always brought forth exceptional shows and good crowds. Expect nothing less as he returns for a show at Duff’s Garage on Thursday, February 2nd for a special early 7:00 pm show. This is one show you certainly do not want to miss if you love acoustic blues.
Bookmark with:
Grady Champion Back In Town, Feb 26, 2012
2010 International Blues Challenge winner Grady Champion will be returning to Oregon in February after a sensational showing at the Waterfront Blues Festival this past summer where he wowed the audiences in multiple sets. He has a number of dates scheduled throughout the state and will be at Duff’s Garage on Sunday, February 26th. A tremendous entertainer both as a vocalist and a first-class harmonica player, he’ll be bringing back his soulful blues show in support of his most recent CD, Dreamin’. Grady Champion has been nominated for two 2012 Blues Music Awards, including Soul-Blues Album and Song of the Year for “Thank You For Giving Me The Blues” from the Dreamin’ album. If you caught him at the Waterfront, you already know that his shows are exciting, fun and energetic, so you do not want to miss your chance to catch this Mississippi blues man whenever the opportunity arises.
Grady Champion’s show at Duff’s Garage is a CBA co-sponsored event, so bring your membership card for a $1 discount at the door. Duff’s Garage is located at 1635 SE 7th. Show time is 9:00 pm.
Bookmark with:
Gary Clark Jr. Brings His Modern Blues To Doug Fir Lounge, Feb 14, 2012
Gary Clark Jr. is taking blues into new dimensions as he blends the classic sounds into modernized styles involving hip hop and contemporary soul and can also raise a little hell as a string shredder. Raised listening to masters like John Lee Hooker, Lightnin’ Hopkins and T-Bone Walker, he developed into an astonishing performer growing up in Austin and discovered by Clifford Antone who introduced him to Jimmie Vaughan. Over the years he has worked on stage alongside artists like Pinetop Perkins and Doyle Bramhall II and even was selected by Eric Clapton to participate in his 2010 Crossroads Guitar Festival where he performed with Bramhall and Sheryl Crow. Gary Clark Jr. has the goods to bring his new method of blues to younger audiences as displayed on his current EP Bright Lights. Described on his website as: “Funky, hip, and badass, Gary Clark Jr. is a rocking soul man for a new generation.”
Gary Clark Jr. will be performing in Portland at The Doug Fir Lounge, 830 E. Burnside, on Tuesday, February 14th for a 9:00 pm show. Tickets are $15 through www.TicketFly.com. 21 & older only.
Bookmark with:
What’s on Tap for February 2012’s General Membership Meeting
Melody Ballroom, 615 SE Alder St., Portland
Wednesday, February 1st, 7:00 pm
Members always Free – Non-members $3.00
Opening Acoustic Set – Barbara Healy
Second Electric Set – Bottleneck Blues Band
February is looking to be quite the busy blues month in the City of Portland and there is no better way to jump start it all off than with our monthly membership meeting of the Cascade Blues Association. Always guaranteed to bring you a terrific night of fun and blues, we’ve put together a very cool evening for you this month.
Opening the night will be one of Eugene’s finest vocalists, Barbara Healy. We last saw Barbara play a CBA meeting not too long ago as part of the Oregon super blues group I-5 Nine. This time she will be coming back to delivery her own music with guitarist Jerry Zybach accompanying her. Heavily influenced by “all” the soul singers, with special notation toward Otis Redding, she learned to play guitar from Los Angeles blues great Bernie Pearl and has been thrilling Oregon audiences for a number of years leading her own bands and sitting in with notable Northwest players like Paul deLay, Bill Rhoades, Robert Cray, Lloyd Jones and Curtis Salgado, as well as touring artists like James Cotton, Matt “Guitar” Murphy, The Fabulous Thunderbirds and The Neville Brothers. She has also performed at the biggest musical festivals in the state inciting crowds with her fusion of R&B, funk, soul and blues and her infectious stage presence. So come out and see why the late Gavin Fox said, “Simply stated, Barbara Healy is loaded with soul!”
Making their first appearance for the CBA will be Bottleneck Blues Band in our second set of the evening. This Portland-based band brings a fresh, red-hot, funky perspective to the blues that will get you moving, grooving and shouting out for more. The members hail from all parts of the United States covering the classics and showcasing their own original numbers. The group is made up of Noah Bell on guitar & vocals, Devon Shazier on drums, Seth Zowader on organ and Dave Cushman on bass. Bottleneck Blues states that the blues is music of life, love, happiness and sorrow and everything that happens in between. Imagine Albert Collins meets Jimi Hendrix jamming with The Allman Brothers Band. Bottleneck Blues will pull you in and make you feel alive.
We will also have our free ticket drawing between sets, our $1 per ticket multi-CD package and announcements letting you know about the great happenings in the area for February, so do not miss out.
Please bear with us at this meeting, though, as we will be short-handed with Board Members running the show. Both myself and Jody Gunn will be in Memphis at the International Blues Challenge and Wendy Schumer will be on the Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise. But Deborah DeSarah, Mary Maxson and Art Bullis will be on hand to help you out with anything you may need. Enjoy the night and the music, and I’ll see you next month at the March membership meeting.
Good blues to you all,
Greg
Bookmark with:
David Jacobs-Strain Returns To Town, Feb 2, 2012
One of the finest acoustic guitarists to ever emerge from Oregon returns to Portland for a show at Mississippi Studios on Thursday, February 2nd. We’ve watch David grow up from being a young player onstage at the Waterfront Blues Festival to performances at The Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, while releasing some of the tastiest CDs along the way. Other major performances include the Newport Folk Festival and the Montreal International Jazz Festival as well as touring with icons like Lucinda Williams, Boz Scaggs and Etta James.
Touring in support of his Live From The Left Coast CD, David’s website calls him, “a virtuosic slide guitar player and a storyteller with a passionate one-man show that is both humorous and deeply lyrical. A bridge between today’s indie folk troubadours and the delta guitar slingers of the 1930s, David plays with precision and sings with emotional abandon. A Stanford drop out in a trucker hat, and a left coast poet; one part Leo Kotke, one part Ken Kesey, and one part Robert Johnson. Is it delta blues? Gangsta Grass? Geekabilly? Secular Humanist Gospel?” Whatever you refer it to it is exceptional.
Mississippi Studios is located at 3939 N Mississippi Avenue. Show time is 8:00 pm and tickets are $13. Also appearing on the bill with David Jacobs-Strain are James Apollo & The Sweet Unknown and Mike Brown. 21 & older only.
Bookmark with:
More Articles...
Page 1 of 26
