What’s on Tap for October 2011 General Membership Meeting

Melody Ballroom, 615 SE Alder St., Portland

Wednesday, October 5^th, 7:00 pm

Members Always Free – Non-members $3.00

Opening Acoustic Set – Gil Reynolds & Deep Blue

Second Electric Set – Drop Dead Red

Just like last month, we’re going to mix things up again in October at the General Membership Meeting, starting off with yet another band for the opening set rather than your usual solo or duo performance. And then we’ll kick things up for the second set, once again proving that the Portland area blues scene is quite eclectic and exciting in many ways.

"We are excited to be opening the October meeting," says bandleader Gil Reynolds, "and we hope you enjoy our blend of jazzy, bloozy, folk and roll." That is quite the appropriate description of the music created by Gil Reynolds & Deep Blue, a quartet made up of four exceptional musicians. Gil Reynolds is a guitarist and vocalist who states, "The blues mean something different to everyone, but for me it is a portal to a zone where I am really one with the music." He spent five years on the board of directors for the Portland Songwriters Association, where he honed his own craft of songwriting. Joining Reynolds in the band are bassist JP Downer who has toured with singer/songwriter Elke Robitaille; drummer Miguel Lyons-Cavazos who takes on a minimalist approach working with a percussion kit made up of a Cajon, shakers, and hand drums; and horn player Cliff Jetton, equally skilled on the trumpet, flugelhorn and trombone. The band has been playing regularly throughout the Willamette Valley at wineries, festivals, casinos and various venues. They’re set to bring an exciting and unique performance for the meeting.

The electric act for the meeting will be Drop Dead Red, a five-piece outfit formed a year ago that offers a variety of music ranging from R&B, blues and rock, both covers and originals. Naming themselves after a type of red rose, it was quite coincidental that their lead vocalist Trish O’Halloran, who also plays flute, has beautiful red hair. The band is made up of fine musicians with extensive backgrounds. Drummer Wilton Merritt, originally from Florida, worked with gospel groups touring the East coast prior to moving to Portland 20 years ago, continuing his career in the Rose City. Guitarist Joe Tennis has played since age 15 and claims his background includes "fronting and backing a long list of nobodies," before joining Drop Dead Red. Bassist Joanne Mead is called the spark of the group. At 72-years-young she is known as "Lady Funk" or "Grandma Funk," working in a total of four bands including Drop Dead Red, having had lessons with bass masters like Mel Brown, Chuck Rainey, Bobby Vega and Anthony Weiling; she claims "that it is never too late to try something new." Capping off the band is local keyboard favorite Tim "The Deacon" Doyle, with a forty-year career already behind him; he has worked with local acts such as Sonny Hess, The Interpreters, Under Cover, and Robbie Laws; he has also backed performers like Andre Crouch, Blue Oyster Cult and Lee Oskar. With all this talent, expect a fun night of great music.

Remember to pick up your free drawing ticket at the door for prizes, and maybe we can convince you to purchase a raffle ticket or two or three or more for $1 apiece to win a multi-CD package. Bring your friends and kick back or jump on the dance floor, hear great blues and have a wonderful, enjoyable evening. Hope to see you there.

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