For the past twenty six years blues fan have been able to enjoy music while at the same time contributing to the Safeway Oregon Food Bank. It is the largest blues festival west of the Mississippi and is also the Oregon Food Bank's largest fundraiser. For only a ten dollar donation and two canned food items per day this festival is a tremendous entertainment value. Just think about it; you have the opportunity to contribute to a good cause and hear eleven hours of music on four different stages.

We arrived on the Fourth of July. The first band we caught was the Hank Shreve Band on the Miller Stage. His intense harmonica playing kept our attention and soothed our souls.

After that we headed over to the Fed Ex Crossroads Stage which is a smaller area and quite cozy. We found a place in the shade on this beautiful sun splashed, 80 degree day. We listened to Joe Louis Walker who gave a work shop. This was a new experience for us. He opened the microphone for questions and answers. He also mixed that with some music as he played a few songs in between the discussion. It was an enlightening and educational experience.  

After grabbing a quick bite to eat we found ourselves back at the Fed Ex Crossroads Stage to hear the United by Music All-Star Revue featuring Duffy Bishop, Lady "A", Karen Lovely, Lisa Mann & more. The special guests were backed by some of the best musicians in the country. United by Music began in The Netherlands and was started by Joris van Wijngaarden. They bring energy and enthusiasm to the stage. At the same time, they create awareness of some of the challenges people face such as Autism, Aspergers and Williams Syndrome. I definitely want to donate some artwork to their cause in the future. I would also like to find out if I can participate in some sort of mentorship program. That's what they do for you, not only entertain, but nudge you at your core and make you want to want to do more for humankind. When Nick Guzman took the stage and played his acoustic set, it not only brought a smile to my face but got many people clapping and singing along.

We then made our way to the Oregonian Front Porch Stage which is my favorite because of the openness of the seating area. It also has a great dance floor off to the left. On this stage we saw the 2012 IBC Challenge Solo/Duo winner Ray Bonneville.  He uses a rack harmonica while playing guitar. On the same stage we saw one of our friends from Clarksdale, Mississippi, Stan Street. As you are discovering the harmonica is one of my favorite instruments in blues music. I was definitely in my glory.

Following Stan was Tad Robinson. Everything I have read about him mentions his soulful voice but his harmonica playing is exceptional as well. He put both instruments on full display during his afternoon performance.

After dinner we headed to the main stage (Miller Stage) where we decided we would stay for the rest of the evening until the fireworks display which is a highlight for me. On the Miller Stage, we saw Karen Lovely. We have seen her in Memphis for the Blues Music Awards and were mesmerized by her presence there. This performance however was even better. She pours her heart and soul into every song.

After Karen Lovely and her band performed we were in for a special treat. The March Fourth Band made its appearance. They were very entertaining. Electricity and excitement filled the air. I felt like a kid again. The stilt walking/dancing member of the troupe was my favorite as I recall using stilts as a kid. I didn't want the Cirque du Soleil type performance to end. I knew if it didn't we would not have time for the fireworks extravaganza.

As a final end to a wonderful evening we watched the fireworks display from a restaurant overlooking the Willamette River. The fireworks were launched from a barge in the river. It was the perfect end of a perfect day. I couldn’t wait to get up and start all over again tomorrow.

Friday July 5, was another gorgeous day in Portland. If you weren't awake you would definitely be jolted into consciousness by the ear deafening and colorful Boogie Bone Band that was playing on the First Tech Blues Stage. I was drawn to the guitarist Stephen Dee Williams colorful blue suede shoes, matching hat and shirt. Howlin’ Jake Johnson was not to be overshadowed with his flaming bright orange shirt and accented orange tennis shoes. It was sensory pleasure if you had earplugs. No need to have coffee to start this morning.  

After that electrical musical shot of energy we headed over to my favorite stage the Front Porch Stage to witness Ben Rice, who we had the pleasure of seeing last year. He has a bit of rockabilly, funk and rock added to his blues repertoire. He slowed the tempo down a bit, but did not lose his stride. 

We were quite comfortable and decided to stay at the stage and wait for the next performer, which was definitely a wise choice. Blind Boy Paxton is a multi instamentalist who played the banjo and acoustic guitar on this day. His musical style was that of storytelling.  He regaled us with his sense of humor and down home, family-style tales. The setting was perfect with the River close by. I visualized rolling down the mighty Mississippi on the Creole Queen.

Next up on the Front Porch Stage was Kevin Selfe. I found it very interesting that he didn't pick up a guitar until he was in college. He has a degree as a meteorologist. His roommate played the bass and got him interested in the blues. He was either a fast learner or an extreme geek with no dates and a lot of time on his hands. I personally think he is truly gifted and has really studied his craft. He also has a wonderful personality and stage presence. The Kevin Selfe Big Band set featured an all-star cast of musicians including fourteen time Blues Music Award nominee Jimi Bott on drums and bassist Allen Markel. The horn section consisted of Joe McCarthy, Chris Mercer, and Brad Ulrich. Steve Kerin played piano. I thoroughly enjoyed this set and by the looks of the packed dance floor, others felt the same way as well.

We were excited about the next band performing on the Front Stage because they were from our neck of the woods, Southern California’s own The Mighty Mojo Prophets. We have seen them several times and Mike's photos appear on their new CD cover. They have been climbing the ladder of success and have received a lot of recognition over the past couple of years. This band has soul and spirit. It was nice to hear a little Southern California blues in the Pacific Northwest.  

After the Prophets we knew it was time to make the move to the Miller Stage for Alan Stone a twenty four year old Seattle songwriter. He truly is a soul singer.  His long curly blonde hair and thick rimmed glasses might pigeonhole him in another genre, but when you hear him sing and watch him perform you know he is the real deal.

Friday was certainly a day to remember that concluded with Eric Burdon singing some of his biggest hits.  It was a huge highlight. Burdon was backed by a Southern California based band called, Theresa James and the Rhythm Tramps. James played the piano throughout the set, sang backup vocals and even played flute on Spill the Wine. I sang along as did all the other fans young and old, swaying back and forth to the sweet tunes as they drifted off into the evening air.

The Portland Waterfront Blues Festival is so big and there is so much going on you have to resign yourself to the concept that you simply can’t experience everything. That was true with us. What the festival did allow us to do is to enjoy some terrific music and give us the opportunity to catch up with old friends that we have met through the many years of traveling across the country. We have met some very special people through this music. 

Peter Dammann, his leadership staff, volunteers and sponsors should be commended for making this wonderful festival possible. We look forward to attending this very special event for many years to come. 

Post Script: As a side note I would like to also mention that as a person with a disability and a wheelchair user I found the venue to be very accessible.

Editors Note: Cindi Bernhardt is the subject of a feature we published some time back. Check that out in our archive section under the heading, The Divine Cindi. She is also associated with an organization of mouth and foot painting artists. For more information on that see our links page. Cindi and Mike have previously contributed an appreciation of their friend Hubert Sumlin that can be found in the archive section of our site as well. Additionally, Mike is an ongoing contributor to BLUES JUNCTION as his photography is a frequently showcased on this site. It probably goes without saying that it is an honor and privilege to be able to share their talents with a large audience. It is also a joy to be in their company.