BLUES AVENUE
Sundays: 6 pm
Blues Avenue
Sundays: 6pm
This show is hosted by people in the Entertainment business of P-Town! Norman “Boogie Cat” Sylvester, Sarah Billings, Tevis Hodge Jr., Arietta Ward & Peter Dammann will start us off by being the revolving hosts. They’ll tap their friends & fellow Artists to be special guests and share their music featuring our vibrant local music scene.
The blues and its influence on American music takes beautiful detours of Ragtime, Jazz, Gospel, Soul, Rock, Funk, R&B and beyond. The journey down the avenue will take detours of country backroads, shiny busy city streets, and neighborhood cul-de-sacs… no need to use your GPS, just sit back and enjoy the journey of history & great music!
Norman Sylvester was born in the farmlands of Louisiana and moved here at age 12, growing up in historic Albina, where live music was flowing from clubs, churches, schools and basements. Putting a guitar in his hands is what helped this country boy become Portland’s Godfather of the Blues.
Oregon Music Hall of Fame recipient and Blues Association Hall of Fame winner for 40+ years of the Norman Sylvester Band, the “Boogie Cat” is ready to feature his friends on this local Blues show!
Sarah Billings – a gifted vocalist, artist and engaging conversationalist. Sarah hosted a previous PRP show with the goal of Creating a more inclusive environment for musicians. Sarah values the importance of having a mentor along the way of achieving our goals and has returned to PRP at the request of the Boogie Cat whom she worked with for 5 years in his band.
She’ll explore the magic of arrangements, harmonies, songs writing, performing and everything in-between of making music!
Tevis Hodge Jr. -6times Muddy Award recipient, Tevis Hodge Jr, has been performing authentic Delta, ragtime & jug band in the Portland Area since 2005. Tevis focuses on early and traditional blues, which he has been playing since the young age of 12, while also approaching modern forms – as well as writing his own compositions and songs.
Tevis is also a record collector enthusiast, with a considerable collection of over 2,000 records consisting of LP’s, 78 rpm and 45 rpm singles. His knowledge of American music history is often noted among fans and colleagues.
Arietta Ward -It’s rare to find anyone in the blues, jazz, soul, funk, or R&B genres who isn’t familiar with Arietta Ward. Affectionately known as “Mz. Etta,” she is an integral part of Portland’s vibrant music scene. She began her musical journey alongside her mother, the late pianist and Northwest legend Janice Marie Scroggins. Arietta refuses to confine her music to a single category, focusing instead on the intent and responsibility of the artist.
Whether performing with her ensemble or as a featured artist, Arietta is committed to spreading joy through unforgettable performances
Peter Dammann -renowned Chicago-born blues guitarist and staple of the Oregon music scene. He’s notably known as the long-time Artistic Director for the Waterfront Blues Festival for the past 32 years. His experience with choosing Blues acts all over the United States, gives him a unique knowledge of performers as well as those personal relationships.
Peter has also been playing in popular Blues & Zydeco bands for 40 years around the NW.
