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What music means to LaRhonda Steele
LaRhonda Steele, the First Lady of Portland Blues, has been singing since she could talk. As a child, music was a bridge to acceptance. Now she helps others experience music as a bridge to fulfillment. “I want people to be able to express themselves . . . to find that joy, to find that purpose within themselves.”
Positive Vibes
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — This year’s Waterfront Blues Fest will benefit two non-profits that help a lot of people in the community — Meals on Wheels People and the Jeremy Wilson Foundation — splitting proceeds from a raffle.
Meals on Wheels People: Gateway to good nutrition and a feeling of belonging.
If there’s ever been a feel-good – and worthwhile – partnership, it’s the Meals On Wheels People, the JWF and the Waterfront Blues Festival combination. Writer Claire Levine features the important role Meals On Wheels People play supporting our beloved community in this weeks JWF BLOG.
Tevis Hodge Jr. finds musical inspiration in past centuries
With mentors ranging from his mom, Melody, to Baby Gramps, Ural Thomas and Norman Sylvester, Tevis Hodge Jr. performances span the history of blues from the earliest country styles to electric.
Rae Gordon and Friends and a message of hope
When talented, compassionate Portland musicians gather in the studio to craft a song of hope, magic happens. Blues musician Rae Gordon got the idea – and her friends ran with it and made it their own. Read about the making of “It Will Not Last.”
Tony TC Coleman: The Soulful Drummer
During 300 shows drumming with B.B. King, Tony TC Coleman learned the meaning and value of the blues. The lessons stayed with him – as he’ll teach us during his July 3 show at the Waterfront Blues Festival. Read our interview with Tony and find out what he has to say about drumming and the blues.
Blues Fest Cares: a partnership from the heart of Portland
Since 2021, the Waterfront Blues Festival has included the JWF Musician Health & Services Program as one of two organizations benefiting from the Blues Fest Cares program. Christina Fuller, event organizer, told us why the festival and the foundation are such a great fit.
Portland and the Piedmont Blues
We don’t get to hear a master of the Piedmont Blues guitar style very often. That’s why Mary Flower is in such demand – and why she is invited back year after year to the Waterfront Blues Festival. Read about Mary here.
BRINGING THE BAYOU TO THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST
Steve Kerin is a master of the Cajun/Zydeco/blues traditions of his native Louisiana. Since moving to Portland, he has added a joyful Louisiana zest to our regional music – and became a dedicated supporter of the Musician Health & Services Program.
Driftin’ Blues, A Blues Fest Cares Cruise
Driftin’ Blues, A Blues Fest Cares Cruise
w/ Cedric Burnside • Brett Benton • Ty Curtis
Sunday, July 3 from 3-5 PM (Boards at 2:30 PM) Benefiting The Jeremy Wilson Foundation Musician Health & Services Program
Tickets available at: www.jwfmusic.org/shows