Portland-based teen blues-rockers Sleeper Wave are rapidly making their mark on the Pacific Northwest music scene. The quartet delivers a sound that honors deep blues traditions while injecting a high-energy rock edge. The band’s chemistry is defined by the passionate vocals and evocative guitar work of Cameron Kirkman (17), and is fueled by the soulful chops of Jonah Bradbury (15) on keys, the rock-solid grooves of Juliette Bull (16) on bass, and the driving backbone beat of Evan Shumate (18) on drums. Sleeper Wave commands the stage with a sound as deep and expansive as it is dynamic, captivating audiences with a magnetic presence and a growing catalog of powerful original songwriting.

The band reached a key milestone in 2025 when they were named winners of the Cascade Blues Association Youth Journey to Memphis Challenge. This prestigious honor earned them the chance to represent the Portland area this past January at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN. Their performances on the historic stages of Beale Street solidified their reputation as one of the most exciting young acts in the genre today.

Following their success in Memphis, Sleeper Wave became the first youth band ever nominated for a prestigious Cascade Blues Association Muddy Award. As if that wasn’t enough, their rapid rise to success is further punctuated by two recent high-profile media appearances at the famous PNC Live Studio and on KOIN AM Extra. Their live resume includes standout sets at the historic Alberta Rose Theatre, McMenamins White Eagle Saloon, and Hōkū Events on Madison.

Whether performing at a packed theater or an intimate club, Sleeper Wave pushes the boundaries of blues-rock, demonstrating that the future of the genre is in (very) capable hands.

Sleeper Wave will perform on the Cruisin’ to Memphis Blues Cruise on Friday, July 3.