One man who’s been a linchpin at the Blues Fest for more than 20 years is B-3 Hammond organ virtuoso Louis Pain. Not only does he perform with several artists over the four-day festival, he’s also in charge of making sure all the organs on multiple stages are maintained – a significant task.

Integral to the Portland music community, especially the blues scene, Pain is a staple at several venues around the city multiple times per week. His prowess on the B-3 has earned him the nickname “King Louie.” He’s the go-to organ guy for major traveling acts (Solomon Burke, Martha Reeves, Curtis Salgado), as well as a generous team player for A-list Portland bands (Linda Hornbuckle, Mel Brown, Soul Vaccination).

Photo: Tracy Turner-Pain

Photo: Tracy Turner-Pain

In Rebecca’s backstage interview with the “B-3 boss,” he talks about the Blues Fest’s incredible growth, why Blues Fest audiences are special, the rigors of both performing and wrangling organs at the same event – and which of his organ students will be on keyboard with Curtis Salgado tomorrow night!

 

Rebecca Webb
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