Happy 4th of July!  Let’s kick off the day with a short quiz, shall we?

Q: Who was the only U.S. president born on the 4th of July?
A: Calvin Coolidge, the 30th president, was born on July 4, 1872.

Q: What U.S. presidents died on July 4th?
A: John Adams and Thomas Jefferson died on the same day – July 4, 1826 on the 50th anniversary of signing the Declaration of Independence. They were the only signers of the Declaration who became presidents. James Monroe died on July 4, 1831.

Q: Where can you enjoy non-stop live blues music and a spectacular fireworks display in Portland?
A: The Waterfront Blues Festival, of course!

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About the Safeway Waterfront Blues Festival

The 26th Annual Waterfront Blues Festival starts July 4th and runs through Sunday, July 7th.  Just $10.00 and two cans of food per day will get you in on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. New this year, a festival pass is required to attend Sunday. Sensational Sunday passes are $50.00, and four-day Blues Basic passes are $60.00. These can be purchased on the festival website.  Higher level passes have sold out.

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Thursday, July 4th

Highlights on Thursday include March Fourth Marching Band, the national anthem sung by Portland’s own blues diva Linda Hornbuckle, and fireworks at 10 pm.

Friday, July 5th

Eric Burdon and the Animals headline Friday night. Also catch Hot 8 Brass Band.

Saturday, July 6th

John Hiatt & the Combo rocks the stage Saturday night, and don’t miss Nikki Hill and North Mississippi Allstars.

Sunday, July 7th

Sensational Sunday features Robert Plant Presents the Sensational Space Shifters, Robert Randolph & the Family Band, Mavis Staples and Taj Mahal Trio.

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A benefit for the Oregon Food Bank

The blues festival is the largest fundraiser for the Oregon Food Bank, with 100% of gate donations and proceeds benefitting the organization. With high unemployment rates, hunger in Oregon is seeing record levels. Ten dollars and two cans of food per day, or $60.00 for a four-day pass, is a steal for what you get in return – talented blues artists on four stages and the opportunity to help families in need.

The park tends to reach maximum capacity on popular nights, so once you get into the festival, stay there! If you leave and come back, there’s no guarantee you will be allowed re-entry. However, attendees with a festival pass will have priority re-admission.

Come by our booth!

Portland Radio Project will be there as well, so please stop by for a chat. We will be located at the Oregon Music News booth, in the Louisiana Pavilion, north of the Hawthorne Bridge, opposite the Front Porch Stage.

PRP
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