Blues Events
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!
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Tom Rigney and Flambeau
