Come to Mama! – Celebrating Etta James

One of the most important singers in the history of blues music, Etta James carved her reputation in the form of many indelible hits over a seven-decade-career.  Her music lives on within the Portland music scene.

This production reunites Portland musicians who collaborated a decade ago on the Tell Mama! Etta James Tribute, assembled after James’ 2012 passing by the late Portland keyboardist/band leader DK Stewart and saxophonist/horn arranger Chris Mercer. That lineup was featured at Waterfront Blues Festival, as well as at many other regional events and venues—including the Alberta Rose Theatre, and released a critically-acclaimed live recording.

The line-up of vocalists for this production reads like a “who’s who” of the Northwest’s finest female leads— LaRhonda Steele, Rae Gordon, Lisa Mann, Amy Keys, and Lady Kat— all band leaders, powerful vocalists, and songwriters in their own right.