The Northwest Women Rhythm & Blues group performs specialty shows produced by Sonny Hess since the early ’80s. These unique shows are comprised of the top female performers in the region and expose newly found talent to the Portland blues scene. Names you might recognize like Lisa Mann, Ellen Whyte, Rae Gordon, and Lady True Blue got their start in the area with Northwest Women Rhythm & Blues — women who have gone on to win multiple awards locally, regionally, and nationally. Each show is different and brings certain magic that you won’t want to miss!

Catch the Northwest Women Rhythm & Blues performing only on the Sail on Sister Blues Cruise on Friday, July 4.

This year’s performers include:

Sonny Hess is known far and wide for her sensual guitar playing, songwriting gifts and soulful vocals — this local blues legend has been firing up shows around the Northwest for over four decades. She was the first woman to be nominated in a male-dominated field for Best Lead Guitar, as well as the 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award by the Cascade Blues Association.

Leah Hinchcliff — the Femme Fatale of Funk — is a super funky, soulful bass player, vocalist, teacher, and master of her craft. An accomplished Northwest studio musician, Leah’s credits include co-composing on Sonny’s CDs and countless studio projects. With a signature R&B flair, her musical group delivers edgy, powerful originals layered with melodic grooves, alongside dynamic covers of legends like Bill Withers, Etta James, Melissa Etheridge, and more.

Tarshene Pinney is a vocal powerhouse with a magnetic stage presence. Her impressive resume features work with Andy Stokes, Nu Shooz, Swingline Cubs, and Myrtle Brown. Tarshene knows how to light up a room, captivating audiences with every note she delivers.

Myrtle Brown — or as she’s famously known, Ms. “Meet Me With Your Black Drawers On” — brings heart, soul, and a little bit of mischief to every performance. Whether it’s Gospel, Blues, R&B, Jazz standards, or anything else she sets her voice to, Myrtle sings with authenticity, passion, and undeniable charisma. Warm, witty, and a little bit wicked, Myrtle’s the one who’s definitely on Santa’s naughty list — and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

Lady True Blue is nicknamed True Blue because she has a style and technique all her own. She has a sultry alto voice that carries the likes of Etta James, with a little of Wynonna’s twang, and the depth of Della Reese. Born and raised in the Northwest she was surrounded by the sounds of blues and country music. Get ready for a voice that rumbles across the audience like melting butter and feel you have been touched by something real!

Mr. Kelly Pierce, the group’s drum/percussion man, is like a brother to Sonny as they have played together for over 15 years. He is in sync with her groove and knows how to anticipate her next move. Kelly is an emotional player with dynamics that make him an ace up their sleeve.

Introducing a new talented musician to the scene this year…

Michele Lynn, featured on percussion, was born and raised in the vibrant musical heart of New Orleans. From an early age, she was making music on front porches and neighborhood streets, woven into the rhythm of her community. A true multi-instrumentalist, Michele plays drums, percussion, bass, guitar, piano, violin, cello — and sings straight from the soul. For her, music is more than a passion; it’s a way to connect, inspire, and build a world of harmony one song at a time.