February’s General Membership Meeting, 2010

Melody Ballroom, 615 SE Alder St., Portland
Wednesday, February 3rd, 7:00 pm
Members always Free; Non-members $3.00

Opening Acoustic Set:     The David Brothers Trio
Second Electric Set:         Kode Bluuz

    Last month we began the new year with a big bang with two outstanding acts performing at our monthly membership meeting. Both David Samuel Project and The Gusto Brothers brought their top game to the Melody and won over numerous new fans. We expect the same reaction this month with two more awesome groups just itching to get in front of our members.
    We’re going to start the night off with the David Brothers Trio. They will be playing an acoustic set, featuring original folk and blues with a unique sound all its own. Led by guitarist David Brothers, a past recipient of the Cascade Blues Association’s Christopher Mesi Memorial Scholarship, he likes mix in influences from the likes of John Coltrane, Freddie King, Muddy Waters, Django Reinhart and John Fahey. First exposed to the guitar while growing up in the Tennessee Appalachians and then later in Texas. In Oregon, while pursuing his musical education, Brothers began to collaborate with local guitar heroes like Terry Robb and Robbie Laws as well as other top performers, learning his skills as a top-notch artist in his own right. Performing with Brothers at the meeting will be Ron Anastasio on drums and bassist Turtle. You will certainly hear selections from Brothers’ outstanding 2009 CD, Corn Flakes and Gin as well as examples of his fresh approach to timeless classic songs and originals. This will be yet another innovative set of music to help show just how expansive the blues genre really is.
    Our second set of the night will present the band Kode Bluuz. Formed in 1999 by a pair of firefighters, drummer Olan “Ray” Nelson and keyboard player Bill Ladd, it was originally a group of co-workers who enjoyed getting together to jam. It’s just that the jam never really stopped. There have been numerous members in the band over the years and currently expect to see vocalist Robin Crittendon, guitarist John “Bluesjohn” Sepulveda, Lance Price on bass, percussionist Doug Cartwright and a tight horn section featuring Amy Thurman on trumpet, Mike Gilliland on sax and Chris Valentine on trombone. A nice-sized band with a huge sound. Kode Bluuz has quite an eclectic mix in their music showcases, with offering in jazz, reggae, funk, classic rock thrown in with a heavy dose of blues and R&B. In other words, they should have a little something that’ll appeal to everybody! Or as stated on-line, “they give a gumbo flavor to the music world.” Kode Bluuz is a favorite for parties and festivals and you can expect to having a dancing good time at the CBA meeting this month, too!!
    Remember, this is the first month that we will be charging non-members to attend our membership meetings. It’s only $3 to see two great sets of music and a chance to win prizes just for attending. But you’re really better off becoming a member for a mere $25 for a single membership. Not only will you save $11 if you come to all the meetings throughout the year, but you’ll also be able to vote for the Muddy Awards, attend the private summer picnic and holiday party, receive special discounts to co-sponsored shows, but you’ll also receive the BluesNotes newspaper sent to you every month. Consider it an investment in supporting the great blues musicians in our region!! You know we’d love to have all of you as part of our blues family!!

Greg Johnson
CBA President