Tevis Hodge Jr. & Johnnie Ward
Born in Virginia, and inspired by his Southern black heritage, Tevis Hodge Jr. began playing blues at the age of 12, though he first started guitar at the age of six. With a deep love for Black American music, Hodge is compelled to bring the traditions of his heritage to life. Well-versed in multiple blues […]
Kivett Bednar Band
Vocalist and guitarist Kivett Bednar grew up in Austin, steeped in the Texas blues tradition. Sneaking into Antone’s to hear the greats, practicing to his dad’s old records, and honing his chops at Berklee led to an award-winning sound that is gritty, heartfelt and distinctly his own. Kivett Bednar, alongside Edwin Coleman III on drums […]
Ben Rice & The PDX Hustle
Ben Rice’s music is deeply rooted in traditional blues, yet at the same time fiercely original. His guitar playing earns labels like “fearless,” “inventive” and “powerful” — and he routinely brings audiences to their feet with his stunning and emotionally honest vocal delivery. Whether leading his electric band or mesmerizing solo with just his voice […]
Norman Sylvester
Playing their unique showcase of blues, R&B, soul and funk for over 40 years now, The Norman Sylvester Band stays true to their motto: “It ain’t nothing but a party!” The band was at the very first Waterfront Blues Festival (originally Rose City Festival) in 1987, when a promoter gave them the opportunity to open […]
Lloyd Jones & Mark Shark with The Bayou Boyz
Lloyd Jones is a Portland-based roots artist with a career spanning over 50 years. His swampy blues, funk, and soul-infused sound have earned him international acclaim, with performances alongside legends like Bonnie Raitt, B.B. King, and Taj Mahal. His ability to blend New Orleans rhythms with Memphis simplicity and raw blues makes him a standout […]
Northwest Women Rhythm & Blues
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 […]
Journey to Memphis Competition
From Blues Fest to Beale Street! Does your favorite local blues band deserve a spot in the bright lights? Since 1999, the Cascade Blues Association has been hosting a contest, Journey to Memphis, to send local acts to represent our region at The Blues Foundation’s International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN. This May, the Cascade […]
Too Loose Cajun Zydeco Band
The ever-popular Too Loose Cajun Zydeco Band rocks the house in the Portland area with their infectious brand of cajun and zydeco dance music from Southwestern Louisiana. Do the two-step to the sound of two fiddles, accordion, electric and acoustic guitars, piano, the traditional Louisiana rub-board, and a kickin’ rhythm section. With their vocal harmonies […]
