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.
Dan Haley Plays it Forward April 1st at The Laurelthirst
Dan Haley says, “We all need bread to eat, a roof over our heads, clean air and clean water. But we also need emotional sustenance that connects us to other people. To me, music is the most powerful force for that.” That’s why Dan is donating a recording of his songs performed by local musicians to the JWF Musician Health & Services Program. It’s his way of giving back to a community that always watches out for each other.
Join Dan & Friends Saturday April 1st at the Laurelthirst Public House to celebrate the CD release of CHORD GARDEN: A TRIBUTE TO THE SONGS OF DAN HALEY.
Cover Your Hearts 2023 - a night of 80s guilty pleasure love songs!
Nostalgic for the music and the fashion of the 80’s? Did you miss the 80’s entirely but love a great party anyway? Ready for some love songs, sweet, sour or wild? Then don’t miss the annual Cover Your Hearts ball, Friday, Feb. 17 at the Get Down.
End of Year Letter 2022 by Jeremy Wilson
My earliest memories are of song-circles–the beginning of my musical learning–and the singers and songwriters who surrounded me. I joined the school band in second grade and continued that training through high school. In fourth grade, I started seriously studying ballet, dancing five days a week. At thirteen, I bought my first electric guitar using money I earned collecting bottles and picking strawberries. A year later, I put ballet on hold and started my first rock band.
Cancer treatment meets the pandemic - Seann McKeel
Now that the music world is getting back to normal – and Seann is in very good health once again – she is continuing her work on behalf of children with cancer. She’s also looking forward to being there for others in the music community, as they were for her.