Festival Happenings
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Fireworks
Celebrate the Fourth of July with us and downtown Portland’s only large-scale fireworks display! We’re thrilled to return to our annual tradition of a sensational fireworks display over the mighty waters of the Willamette River. Set to a soundtrack of classic blues, soul and funk this is a Fourth of July celebration you won’t wanna miss!
Kids and Family
We love music fans of ALL ages at the Waterfront Blues Festival and thanks to our friends at Buick GMC of Beaverton, kids 12 and under receive free admission to the festival. We’ll have fun for the whole family including:
Kids dancing lessons
A family area and activities
A special youth music showcase with Friends of Noise on Saturday and Sunday
Food
Stay hungry blues fans! The festival has LOTS of delicious bites from Portland’s world famous culinary community —with options for every eater (Omnivores! Vegans! Gluten Free!). This year’s food vendors include:
Horn of Africa – East African cuisine featuring lamb and chickens combos | Portland, OR
Bates BBQ & Burgers – Tri tip sandwiches, smoked mac n’ cheese and burgers | Creswell, OR
Phil’s Bento Bar – Marinated skewers with homemade sauces and seasonings over rice | Portland, OR
Smoke & Brine – Smoked meats with paired with pickled and fermented veggies | Portland, OR
Nico’s Ice Cream – Local homemade ice cream, featuring Oregon berries | Portland, OR
Garbonzos – Falafel bar with fresh salads, chicken and catfish | Portland, OR
Lavazza Coffee – Espresso bar | Portland, OR
Jackson’s Square – Fried chicken & waffles, po’boys and watermelon | Portland, OR
America’s Food Yakisoba – Homemade yakisoba noodles and spring rolls | Portland, OR
Vendors
Forgot your sunglasses? Need a hat (or some earrings made of guitar picks)? Wanna take home a little piece of Oregon? We’ve got you friends! Our awesome lineup of vendors includes:
Atrum Arte — Handmade guitars, musical instruments and wood carvings | Portland, OR
Misty Sky Crafts – Handmade jewelry | Portland, OR
Retuned Jewelry — Jewelry hand made from repurposed guitar strings | Frederick, CO
C-Lite Designs – Blues-themed handcrafted sculptures | Camarillo, CA
Feel Good Shorts Co. – Handmade shorts to fund feel good stories | Bend, OR
PiCraft – Custom laser-cut wood art | Portland, OR
Iiinerchii – Botanic preservation jewelry and art | Medford, OR
May Photography – Original art and photography | Nevada City, CA
Katmandu Trading Co. – Nepalese fashion, jewelry, and homemade items | Eugene, OR
Bendetti’s Sunglasses – Sunglasses for faces of all ages | Hillsboro, OR
Lhasa Trade – Fair trade apparel and accessories | Seattle, WA
Crispin’s Import Gallery – Imported clothing, accessories and decor | Tigard, OR
Music Experiences
As if four stages over four days with 100+ acts wasn’t enough – we’ve got even MORE musical stylings at the festival. From a harmonica blowoff to intimate workshops there’s so much to explore including:
Journey to Memphis Finals | Since 1999, the Cascade Blues Association has sent local acts to represent our region in The Blues Foundation’s International Blues Challenge. Over the years, that competition, the Journey To Memphis, has selected a terrific collection of some of our area’s top talent. The final round in the competition takes place each year on July 4 on the Front Porch Stage.
Kim Field’s Harmonica Blowoff | Kim Field hosts the annual Harmonica Blowoff July 4 on the Front Porch Stage.
Conversations at the Crossroads | The Academy Award Winning documentary 20 Feet From Stardom chronicles the lives of mega-talented back up singers for some of the most celebrated artists in history. Join us for this special conversation with two stars from the film–Claudia Lennear and Judith Hill, moderated by Judy Tint.
Mysti Krewe of Nimbus Second Line | A celebration of those we’ve lost since we’ve last gathered led by Portland’s Mysti Krewe of Nimbus.
Friends of Noise Showcase | Friends of Noise (FoN) is a non-profit arts organization built on the values of collectivism and restorative justice. FoN seeks to transform the culture of BIPOC and LGBTQ+ youth access to the music industry, by hosting all-ages concerts throughout Portland, providing professional development for teen sound engineers, and empowering youth to advocate for themselves. FoN is proud to present some truly gifted all-ages talent at this year’s Waterfront Blues Festival, with performances and stage crew support on Saturday and Sunday at the Crossroads Stage.
Dancing
We know y’all like to shake what your momma gave you and we are here for it! Whether you’re an all-star boogier or new to the dance floor – we can’t wait to get down with you at the fest!
Dance Lessons at Front Porch Stage and Dance Floor
Friday, July 1
11:00-12:00: Country Blues Lesson — Brenda Russell
1:00-1:20: The BrassRoots Movement Parade
2:30-2:50: Swing Blues Lesson — Brenda Russell
3:50-4:10: African Dance Lesson — Loveness Wesa
5:10-5:30: Slow Drag Lesson & Dance Performance — DanceMode Productions
6:30-6:50: Ballroomin’ Lesson & Dance Performance — DanceMode Productions
8:00-8:20: West Coast Swing Lesson — Robin Robinson
Saturday, July 2
11:30-12:00: Zydeco Lesson — Janine & Roland Jemerson
12:00-12:20: Intro to Cajun & Zydeco Music Heritage —Herman Fuselier
- 1:50-2:10: Kids Dance Lesson — Janine & Roland Jemerson
3:40-4:00: Cajun Waltz Lesson — Lucy & Larry Weinberg
5:30-5:50: Line Dance — Jerome Martin & Friend
7:20-7:40: Zydeco Lesson — Ali & Adam Grimshaw
9:10-9:30: Dance Lesson — Ali & Adam Grimshaw
Sunday, July 3
11:30-12:00: Cajun Swing Lesson — Roland Jemerson
12:00-12:20: Cajun & Zydeco Music Heritage—Herman Fuselier
1:50-2:10: Kids Dance Lesson — Janine & Roland Jemerson
3:40-4:00: Dance Lesson—Ali & Adam Grimshaw
5:30-5:50: Cajun 2-Step Lesson — Janine & Roland Jemerson
7:20-7:40: Line Dance Lesson — Janine & Roland Jemerson
9:10-9:30: Northwest Bone Gang & Mysti Krewe of Nimbus Parade
Monday, July 4
11:55-12:10: Dance Lesson & Performance —DanceMode Productions
12:35-12:50: Dance Lesson & Performance —DanceMode Productions
1:15-1:30: Dance Lesson — Robin Robinson
3:25-3:45: Partnered Blues Dance Prelims — Portland Blues Experience
4:45-5:10: Solo Blues Dance Prelims — Portland Blues Experience
6:10-6:35: Partnered Jazz Dance Prelims — Portland Blues Experience
7:35-8:00: Bon Bon Vivant Parade
Blues Cruises


AHOY, BLUES FANS
Cruise the beautiful Willamette River and hear the sweet sounds of the blues on the decks of the Portland Spirit. Each Blues Cruise features three intimate stages and an all-star lineup. A full bar and food are available for purchase. Check out the lineups and set sail this summer!
Thursday, June 30 | Hoodoo Moon Kickoff Cruise
Friday, July 1 | Chubby’s Bayou Birthday Cruise
Saturday, July 2 | Sail on Sister, A Blues Fest Cares Cruise, benefiting Meals on Wheels People
Sunday, July 3 | Driftin’ Blues, A Blues Fest Cares Cruise, benefiting The Jeremy Wilson Foundation
Monday, July 4 | Rollin’ on the River Cruise
AFTER HOURS


The Jeremy Wilson Foundation presents The Official WBF After Hours
Saturday July 2
Outer Orbit & Friends with special guest Noah Simpson
Doors 10 PM | Show 11 PM
Benefiting The JWF Musician Health & Services Program
The Get Down
615 SE Alder Street • Portland
$18 Advance | $20 DOS
Community Concerts
At the Waterfront Blues Festival, we want to see our entire community filled with the joy of music, which is why you’ll find us out in the neighborhoods this spring and summer serving up free concerts with some of our favorite local musicians.


Pre-Fest Pre-Funk
May 6 at Stage 722
Ron Artis II & The Truth, with Far Out West Band


the welcome dome
May 14 at Pioneer Courthouse Square
LaRhonda Steele Band with Norman Sylvester, Outer Orbit with Sarah Clarke and Tevis Hodge Jr.
2022 Official Partner Venues
Looking to see even more great live music!? Look no further than our 2022 Official Waterfront Blues Festival Partner Venues. Our friends at these Partner Venues will host special acts and artists throughout June and July. For more details and tickets, please visit each Partner Venues’ website. Thanks for supporting live music in Portland!