Advanced sales are no closed.
Tickets are available at the door starting at 6:00pm for the day of show price. $ 30.00
Access to all shows until rooms reach capacity.
First come first serve, absolutely no reservations for any rooms.
Doors open at 6:00 PM
Opening band will start at 7:15 PM
5th annual Winter Music Festival, February 17, 2018
6 Bands 1 Building 3 Venues
Presented in the Veteran’s Memorial Building a varitable who’s who of International, regional and local bands all under one roof on Saturday February 17, 2018
In the Ballroom with a capacity of 400 we are proud to present International Blues recording artist Curtis Salgado and his all star band along with Portland’s queen of the blues, Lady Kat true blue with the incredible Sonny Hess.
In the Colonial Inn room with a capacity of 250, will feature the uptown Funk band Soul Vibrator along with Eugene’s favorite jam band Reeble Jar.
In Mac’s restaurant & nighclub, capacity 225 featuring Brain Chevalier & Heavy Chevy.followed by high energy blues/rock artist Ty Curtis.
6 Bands, one building, 1 ticket price gets folks access to six different bands with a unique style of music in each room. This event will sell out!
Ballroom
Curtis Salgado
With a career spanning forty years, award-winning soul, blues and R&B vocalist/harmonicist/songwriter Curtis Salgado is a one-of-a-kind talent whose music is as compelling as his story. From co-fronting The Robert Cray Band to leading his own band (and recording nine solo albums) to helping transform John Belushi into “Joliet” Jake Blues to touring the country with Steve Miller and Santana, he is a true musical giant. NPR calls him “a blues icon” with a “huge voice.” Salgado earned a reputation for high-intensity performances and a repertoire inspired by his encyclopedic knowledge of soul, blues and R&B music. He won the 2010 Blues Music Award (BMA) for Soul Blues Artist Of The Year and went on to win the award again in 2012 and 2013. In 2013 he also won the coveted BMA for B.B. King Entertainer Of The Year—the highest honor the blues world has to offer—and took the statue for Soul Blues Album Of The Year for his Alligator debut, Soul Shot. Blues Revue says Salgado’s music is “triumphant, joyful, blues-soaked R&B” and declared him to be “one of the most soulful, honest singers ever.”
The Beautiful Lowdown, Salgado’s new Alligator album, is the singer’s most fearless and adventurous release to date. For the first time in his career, he wrote or co-wrote virtually the entire album himself. He co-produced it along with Marlon McClain and Tony Braunagel and contributed to the horn arrangements and background vocal parts. “My heart and soul are in this,” he says proudly. “I worked my tail off and let the songs lead the way.” As for the title, Salgado explains, “During a recent show, I turned to my guitarist and said, ‘Play something lowdown. But make it beautiful.’ Then I thought, ‘Keep that.’”
The Beautiful Lowdown is a major step forward for Salgado. “I wanted to write memorable songs with strong melodies that stick to you, and that’s what’s here.” He arrived at the studio with 17 originals and whittled the list down to 11, adding Johnny “Guitar” Watson’s Hook Me Up to close the set. Each track—from the Van Morrison-esque Nothing In Particular to the funk grooves of My Girlfriend to the driving Hard To Feel The Same About Love to the reggae-tinged Simple Enough—is delivered with the vocal power and passion of a musical master. Living Blues says, “Salgado navigates dynamic soul, swaying balladry, and funky grooves with equal confidence. He is a formidable performer.”
Born February 4, 1954 in Everett, Washington, Salgado grew up in Eugene, Oregon. His home was always filled with music. His parents’ collection included everything from Count Basie to Fats Waller, and his older brother and sister turned him on to the soul and blues of Wilson Pickett and Muddy Waters. He attended a Count Basie performance when he was 13 and decided then and there that music was his calling. Curtis began devouring the blues of Little Walter and Paul Butterfield, fell in love with the harmonica and taught himself to play.
By his early 20s, Salgado was already making a name for himself in Eugene’s bar scene with his band The Nighthawks, and later as co-leader of The Robert Cray Band. Salgado quickly developed into a player and singer of remarkable depth, with vocal and musical influences including Otis Redding, O.V. Wright, Johnnie Taylor, Muddy Waters, Little Walter, Sonny Boy Williamson I and II, Lightnin’ Hopkins, Howlin’ Wolf, Otis Spann and Magic Sam.
In 1977, comedian/actor John Belushi was in Eugene filming Animal House. During downtime from production, Belushi caught a typically ferocious Salgado performance and introduced himself during a break. Once Salgado started sharing some of his blues knowledge, a fast friendship grew. Salgado spent hours playing old records for Belushi, teaching him about blues and R&B. Belushi soaked up the music like a sponge and used his new awareness to portray “Joliet” Jake Blues in The Blues Brothers, first as a skit on Saturday Night Live and then a best-selling record album (which was dedicated to Curtis) and finally as a major motion picture (Cab Calloway’s character was named Curtis as an homage).
Once Salgado joined forces with his friend Robert Cray and began playing together as The Robert Cray Band, Salgado found himself sharing stages with many of his heroes, including Muddy Waters, Bobby Bland, Albert Collins and Bonnie Raitt. After Salgado and Cray parted ways in 1982, Curtis went on to front Roomful Of Blues, singing and touring with them from 1984 through 1986. Back home in Oregon, he formed a new band, Curtis Salgado & The Stilettos, and was once again tearing it up on the club scene, where he honed his band to a razor’s edge before releasing his first solo album in 1991. His friend and fan Steve Miller invited Curtis and his band to open for him on a summer shed tour in 1992. Two years later, Salgado spent the summer on the road singing with Santana. Salgado signed with Shanachie Records in 1999, putting out four critically acclaimed albums. He successfully battled back from liver cancer in 2006 and lung cancer in 2008 and 2012, reemerging stronger and more determined to share his music with the world.
Salgado joined Alligator Records in 2012, releasing the award-winning, critically acclaimed Soul Shot. The Los Angeles Times said Salgado is “keeping the classic flame of soul music alive.” The strength of the record led to Salgado touring far and wide, with gigs in Manilla, Guam, Brazil, Saipan and Panama. He has performed at major festivals including Portland’s Waterfront Blues Festival, The San Francisco Blues Festival, The Chicago Blues Festival, Memphis’ Beale Street Music Festival, The Tampa Bay Blues Festival, Denver’s Mile High Blues Festival, Toronto’s Waterfront Blues Festival, Thailand’s Phuket International Blues Festival and Poland’s Blues Alive Festival.
On The Beautiful Lowdown, the deeply-rooted singer effortlessly blends classic soul sounds and funk grooves with up-to-the-minute lyrics. His full-force vocals—intense and uninhibited—bring an urgency and edge to his timeless original songs. AllMusic says his music is filled with “greasy grooves and rollicking burners boasting all the confidence and swagger the lyrics convey. Upbeat, animated performances leave you wanting more.” Blues Revue, describing Salgado’s performance style, declares, “He starts at excellent before segueing into goose bumps, ecstasy, and finally nirvana.” And that is the undisputed, beautiful, lowdown truth.
Ballroom
Sonny Hess
Veteran guitarist vocalist, Sonny Hess first picked up a guitar as a kid age 8, by the time she was a teenager she was picking up gigs all over and played in Portland’s top bands at the time, The Koffee Band and Margo Tufo’s Blues Sisters. From there she met the show stopping, late great, Paulette Davis. This band won Portland’s music association Crystal award for outstanding R&B act of the year. Paulette Davis gave Sonny the nickname ‘Sonny Smokin’ Hess’, they played together for four years and out of that came the CD “It’s About Damn Time”. After Paulette passed, Sonny continued their legacy as the Power Band always known for upbeat danceable R&B, a real energetic show. Sonny went on to be the first woman nominated in a male dominated field for Best Lead Guitar by the Cascade Blues Assoc, also holds a nomination for “Lifetime Achievement Award”. She has played with, sung with and composed with many of the region’s top artists, as well as opening for Etta James, Jr Walker and the All Stars, Average White Band and Bobby Womack. Sonny Hess is also widely known for her productions of the NW Women R&B Show, a specialty show she takes pride in producing. Her show has been seen by 100’s of 1,000’s over the past 15 years at the Safeway Waterfront Blues Festival. eteran guitarist vocalist, Sonny Hess first picked up a guitar as a kid age 8, by the time she was a teenager she was picking up gigs all over and played in Portland’s top bands at the time, The Koffee Band and Margo Tufo’s Blues Sisters. From there she met the show stopping, late great, Paulette Davis. This band won Portland’s music association Crystal award for outstanding R&B act of the year. Paulette Davis gave Sonny the nickname ‘Sonny Smokin’ Hess’, they played together for four years and out of that came the CD “It’s About Damn Time”. After Paulette passed, Sonny continued their legacy as the Power Band always known for upbeat danceable R&B, a real energetic show. Sonny went on to be the first woman nominated in a male dominated field for Best Lead Guitar by the Cascade Blues Assoc. also holds a nomination for “Lifetime Achievement Award”. She has played with, sung with and composed with many of the regions top artists, as well as opening for Etta James, Jr Walker and the All Stars, Average White Band and Bobby Womack. Sonny Hess is also widely known for her productions of the NW Women R&B Show, a specialty show she takes pride in producing. Her show has been seen by 100’s of 1,000’s over the past 25 years at the Safeway Waterfront Blues Festival.
Lady Kat True Blue
With her low, rich, full-bodied voice— one that fuses Etta James’ power to Wynonna’s twang and Della Reese’s depth— Lady Kat has been a surprisingly well kept secret on Portland’s music scene, appearing relatively infrequently as a special guest—and always hitting it out of the park—for various special projects and collaborations. But LADY KAT’S low-profile, under-the-radar status, we suspect, is about to change…
Born and raised in the Northwest she was surrounded by the sounds of Blues and Country music. Although starting out her music career at a later age in life LADY KAT has the style, performance charisma and sound of a seasoned artist. Spreading her wings to pursue her dream as a national blues artist, LADY KAT “LADY TRUE BLUE” has been showcased in groups like the Northwest Women Rhythm & Blues, Etta James Tribute, and Celebration of BB King show, playing with Portland’s finest musicians and becoming a favorite at Jimmy Mak’s Club. The past eight years Lady Kat has been performing at the Safeway Waterfront Blues Festival. She has shared the stage with Fiona Boyd, Linda Hornbuckle, Janice Scroggins, Duffy Bishop, Lady A, Ellen White, Sonny Hess, and Lisa Mann to mention a few. This year at the Safeway Albertsons Blues Festival “LADY TRUE BLUE” brings her own show to the main stage debuting the release of her first CD.
Her first CD offers a lyrically powerful original, “Soul Barin’ Blues”, the title cut. “True Blue”, a song written by Sonny Hess as a gift to LADY KAT, Lady True Blue and in return a bluesy rendition of “Drift Away” dedicated to Sonny, to mention a few. Several first-tier Portland musicians are featured on the disc.
“The Gift of Song truly is a gift of power. A singer should cherish and respect it! For you never know who’s out there watching and listening and taking away a memory of your gift. It is my mission to respect and represent the art of music.” – LADY TRUE BLUE
Colonial Inn Room
Soul Vibrator
Genre
Funk Fusion Hip-Hop and Jazz
Biography
What has sixteen legs, two horns, and a heart of pure funk? Soul Vibrator! Extremely rare, indigenous to Oregon, they are known for their high-energy and constantly evolving live sets. Although Soul Vibes are most commonly found in clubs, festivals, or wherever the party is at.. some have been known to cross their path while wandering through the forest and observed them jamming with the trees. The transcendental sounds they create are impossible to describe: however multi-dimensional, sensational and harmonious frequencies that are guaranteed to start a dance party and vibrate one’s soul.
Awards
Eugene Weekly’s 2015 2nd best band of the year as voted by the people of Eugene, Oregon.
Daily Emeralds list of new local album’s to check out in 2015
Eugene Weekly’s 2014 Next Big Thing Competition Winner
Eugene Weekly’s 3rd Best Band of the Year, as voted by the people of Eugene (2013)
#GetOutOftheGarage 2014 National Finalist
Colonial Inn Room
Reeble Jar
The Eugene seven-piece band Reeble Jar plays a mix of funk, blues, acid jazz and tribal rhythms. The jam band’s original music that aims to get the crowd grooving.
Mac’s Nightclub
The Heavy Chevy Band features the one-two-three punch of Darcy Lee’s award-winning volcanic vocals, Janie Smith’s screaming sax, and Brian Chevalier’s electric and slide guitars along with a hot 10-button squeezebox. Janie and Brian jam and weave their powerful instrumental sounds around Darcy’s unforgettable voice, creating a musical tension and release that is not to be missed! Heavy Chevy cooks up a hot jambalaya of soul, funk, classic rock, electric blues, Mississippi hill-stomp and zydeco. Michael Axel Fleming and Tom Martin comprise the live act’s rhythm section with a fatback groove, deep and thick and butt-wagging, keeping the music and the dancers jumping at every show.
After three-plus years and over 400 gigs (including professional jams, benefits and private functions), Heavy Chevy’s emotional, blues-genre-spanning album of new songs delivers some Motown-funk meets Mississippi-Hillstomp bleeding into soul-searing torch-tune house-rockers with Darcy Lee’s voice sounding like Etta James channeling Adele and Aretha Franklin, backed by Chevalier’s guitar-licking sounds of Albert Collins mixed with Stevie Ray, Keith Richards and slide-master Hound Dog Taylor, topped by Janie Smith’s overwhelming saxophone presence that stabs your heart, sweeps you up and carries you off. Heavy Chevy delivers new old-school music with love and intensity.
Mac’s Nightclub
Ty Curtis
Ty is a two time winner of the CBA Curtis Salgado male vocalist award and just recently open for Robert Cray. ” Watch out for Ty Curtis.” He is a strong up and coming artist with a lot to say” says Robert Cray’s tour manager Tim Aller. Ty has been featured on Festival stages in a larger capacity clubs, where exuberant response is not limited to just the audience. World renowned artists have come away impressed, and Ty has shared the stage and opened for Robert Cray, Erik Gales, Chris Cain, Walter Trout, Roy Rogers, Coco Montoya, the Doobie Brothers, George Thorogood, Tommy Castro and many more. Perhaps the late great Paul Delay said it best about Ty Curtis. ” He plays it like a young man should-straight ahead and from the heart.”
