LaRhonda Steele & Ronnie Wright with PDX Soul Collective
Soulful vocalists LaRhonda Steele and Ronnie Wright, joined by Portland’s premier soul collective PDX Soul Collective, bring a powerful blend of authenticity, spirituality, and groove to the stage — reviving the roots of soul while pushing its boundaries. LaRhonda Steele, a blues and gospel singer and songwriter, is recognized as one of the region’s finest rhythm […]
Tahirah Memory & Arietta Ward with PDX Soul Collective
Singer-songwriter and Portland native Tahirah Memory developed a passion for music at a young age. With humble beginnings singing along to R&B records at home, Tahirah grew up to become a highly sought-after vocalist. She has collaborated with musical heavyweights including KD lang, Esperanza Spalding and her late, GRAMMY-winning father, trumpeter Thara Memory, and has […]
Dan Berkery with The Bayou Boyz
Dan Berkery is a seasoned guitarist and vocalist whose impact on the Pacific Northwest blues community is undeniable. As a key member of Rose City Kings, Sultans of Slide, Next Waltz, and Bayou Boyz, Berkery has shaped the sound of Portland’s blues and roots music for years. His dynamic playing, soulful vocals, and deep connection […]
ZZ Ward
One of the most profound lessons ZZ Ward learned from growing up listening to the blues greats was to be authentic to your story. When the LA-based singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist began to write new music, she found herself in the midst of one of the biggest life changes a person will ever experience: motherhood. The […]
JT Thomas
Jason “JT” Thomas, one of the busiest guitarists in the Portland blues scene, regularly appears on the region’s festival stages as well as nightclubs with Lisa Mann, Fenix Rising, Sugar Roots, and Rae Gordon. JT Thomas is performing on the Cruisin’ to Memphis Blues Cruise on July 5. Performing on the Portland Spirit’s Starlight (upper) […]
Jonn Del Toro Richardson & the J2M Allstars
Join award-winning Texas guitar ace Jonn Del Toro Richardson and the J2M (Journey to Memphis) Allstars for a boat-rocking party on the Portland Spirit. With backing from host band Dave Melyan on drums, Timmer Blakely on bass, and Dave Fleschner on keys, Jonn goes head-to-head with such Portland blues stars as guitar slingers Ty Curtis, Chad Rupp and Kivett Bednar; blues belter Rae Gordon; soul […]
Mary Flower & Lauren Sheehan
Two virtuosos of acoustic blues and roots guitar styles, Mary Flower and Lauren Sheehan, throw down on the upper deck of the Portland Spirit for the Sail on Sister Blues Cruise on Friday, July 4. The internationally-renowned, award-winning Portland-based singer/guitarist/songwriter Mary Flower is a prodigious talent whose seasoned skills have established her as one of America’s foremost roots performers. Flower combines deep historical […]
Taylor Newville & The Riders
Taylor Newville’s musical roots took hold in Portland at the age of six. She first picked up the ukulele before moving on to acoustic and electric guitars. As a student at Ethos, School of Rock, and Rock & Roll Camp for Girls, she fell in love with the guitar — a passion that continues to […]
Kota Dosa
Kota Dosa is a creative collective with roots in London, New York, New Orleans, and Oregon. Known for their eclectic sound that seamlessly blends blues, funk, rock, and reggae, the band has established a vibrant presence in the local music scene. They have booked gigs at renowned venues such as NUBLU and City Winery in […]
Come to Mama – Celebrating Etta James
One of the most important singers in the history of blues music, Etta James carved her reputation in the form of many indelible hits over a seven-decade career. Her music lives on within the Portland music scene. This production reunites Portland musicians who collaborated a decade ago on the Tell Mama! Etta James Tribute, assembled […]
