Johnny Wheels and the Swamp Donkeys featuring Tony Coleman Memorial Day Weekend Kickoff Show with special guests Sleeper Wave
Start the weekend off right with Johnny Wheels and the Swamp Donkeys! They are joined by legendary dummer Tony Coleman who has had an illustrious career touring the world with B.B. King, Otis Clay, Bobby Blue Bland, Johnnie Taylor, Albert King, Albert Collins, Etta James, James Cotton, Katie Webster, Z.Z. Hill, O.V. Wright and Buddy Guy. The son of a traveling bass player and singer, Johnny “Wheels” Kennicott had music in his blood since birth, but expressing himself musically took on new importance when Johnny broke his neck in a childhood accident, leaving him paralyzed from the chest down. “The days of football practice after school were definitely over”, Johnny says, but music still provided an outlet for his infectious energy and his creative potential. Though his father’s instrument of choice and his early passion of playing drums were now out due to limited function, Johnny found, through determined trial and error, he could manipulate his paralyzed diaphragm to not only sing, but also blow the harmonica. Since that time, Johnny has been traveling the Pacific Northwest music scene, spreading the gospel of the blues. Although the Swamp Donkeys, including Brandon Logan and Taylor Frazier, are typically tagged as a blues band, the diversity of the members’ musical backgrounds becomes evident as the worlds of R&B, soul, jazz, funk and rock are blended under a blues umbrella. Local up-and-coming blues band Sleeper Wave opens the show. Since formation, they have performed at many local venues, and won the Cascade Blues Association Youth Journey to Memphis challenge: a strong testament to their musical talent. Minors ok with parent/guardianReview our venue FAQ here ALL SALES ARE FINAL. PLEASE, DOUBLE CHECK YOUR ORDER BEFORE PURCHASING. NO REFUNDS.
Lady Sings the Blues – A Tribute to Billie Holiday
The 19th Annual Billie Holiday Tribute Night is a celebration of Jazz Appreciation Month, Billie Holiday’s birthday month, and her 111th Birthday. Featured performers are Marcia Hocker, Laura Stilwell, Lenanne Sylvester Miller, Holly Resnick, Jessie Marquez, and Linda Michelet. Returning for her 6th year as emcee and 4th year as curator of Siren Nation’s annual Billie Holiday Tribute Night is Marcia Hocker. Marcia is the recipient of numerous awards including the 2018 Jazz Hero Award for the City of Portland from the nationally recognized Jazz Journalists Association. This event brings together musicians of many genres to pay tribute to one of the greatest jazz singers and songwriters of our time. Billie Holiday, also known as “Lady Day,” was an American jazz singer and songwriter. Holiday was a hugely formative influence on jazz and pop singing. Her vocal style, strongly inspired by jazz instrumentalists, pioneered a new way of manipulating phrasing and tempo. Above all, she was admired all over the world for her deeply personal and intimate approach to singing. A portion of each ticket sale will also be donated to KBOO Community Radio. Siren Nation is a Portland-based nonprofit whose mission is to inspire and empower women and people of all marginalized genders to create art, and to highlight their many achievements in the arts. Founded in 2005, Siren Nation is a nonprofit arts organization that fulfills our mission by creating year-round performance, exhibition, and educational opportunities in multiple art forms. Siren Nation strives to be inclusive and build community. We welcome women and people of all marginalized genders to apply to and participate in Siren Nation events. We are committed to advancing gender, racial, and economic equity through our work, our practices, and our policies. Thank you for supporting Siren Nation. https://sirennation.org/ Minors ok with parent/guardianReview our venue FAQ here ALL SALES ARE FINAL. PLEASE, DOUBLE CHECK YOUR ORDER BEFORE PURCHASING. NO REFUNDS
Curtis Salgado Band Album Release Show
Award-winning vocalist, instrumentalist and songwriter Curtis Salgado is revered worldwide for his ability to wring every ounce of soul out of every song he performs. Salgado is famed not only for his powerhouse live shows and eleven albums, but also for his passionate and insightful original songs. He has been nominated three times for the Blues Music Award for Song Of The Year, winning in 2018 for “Walk A Mile In My Blues” from The Beautiful Lowdown. In 2025, he added two additional Blues Music Awards to his extensive collection, which now totals 13, including the B.B. King Entertainer Of The Year. Born in 1954, Salgado grew up in Eugene, Oregon with music all around him. After attending a Count Basie performance when he was 13 he decided that music was his calling. After getting his hands on a harmonica, Curtis began devouring the blues of Little Walter and Paul Butterfield, and taught himself to play. By his early 20s he was making a name for himself in Eugene’s bar scene, first as the vocalist/harmonica player of The Nighthawks, and later sharing lead vocals as a member of The Robert Cray Band. In 1977, comedian/actor John Belushi was in Eugene filming Animal House. During downtime, Belushi caught a typically ferocious Salgado performance and introduced himself during a break. Once Salgado started sharing some of his blues knowledge and playing old records for him, a fast friendship grew. 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, then a best-selling record album (which was dedicated to Curtis) and finally as a major motion picture (Cab Calloway’s character in the film was named Curtis as an homage). Tonight, Curtis and his band celebrate the release or their latest album. Minors ok when accompanied by a parent or guardian Review our venue FAQ here ALL SALES ARE FINAL. PLEASE, DOUBLE CHECK YOUR ORDER BEFORE PURCHASING. NO REFUNDS
Vanessa Collier with special guest Tevis Hodge, Jr.
Singer/songwriter Vanessa Collier’s sixth album Do It My Own Way is sonically inspired by the classic Memphis soul sound of Stax and Hi Records, especially that of the Staples Singers. Second single “Wild As a Rainstorm,” which dives deep into soul territory, powerfully gives advice to women and people who feel left out to ignore the naysayers and “Be a tapestry of dreams.” The track been added to Spotify’s official Retro Soul playlist. The groove and horns would make Willie Mitchell proud, and indeed features legendary Hi Records organist Rev. Charles Hodges. The vocals are powerful, awe-inspiring, and undeniably soulful. Talking about the album, Collier adds, “It’s a warmer and darker sounding record, recorded intentionally to reflect a throwback to older school soul, R&B, blues, and to the days of great songs and songwriters, tube amps and analog gear.” Do It My Own Way takes listeners back to the heyday of music with Memphis soul-influenced horn arrangements, layers of vocals for color, with poignant and powerful saxophone solos that deliver a quietly powerful undercurrent to each song and the album as a whole. Best known in the blues world – she’s a twelve-time Blues Music Award nominee and four-time winner, including for the monumental Contemporary Blues Female Artist of the Year, Horn Player of the Year, and B.B. King Entertainer of the Year this year – Do It My Own Way finds her influenced by soul artists like MavisStaples, Sharon Jones, James Brown, and Aretha Franklin. Blues Blast Mag said, “Vanessa is an important part of the future of the blues.” Born in Texas, growing up in Maryland, launching her career in Philadelphia, and now residing in South Carolina, Collier grew up listening to an eclectic variety of music. After graduating from Berklee College of Music, she joined blues legend Joe Louis Walker’s band, going solo at his urging, and has become a notable artist “whose rise to the top is nothing short of meteoric” (Making a Scene). Her prior studio album, Heart On The Line, spent nine weeks in the Billboard Blues Album Chart top 15. Award-winning local country blues artist Tevis Hodge, Jr. opens the show with a solo set. Minors ok with parent/guardian Review our venue FAQ here
Lisa Mann’s Northwestern All-Stars feat. Terrie Odabi
This Portland based supergroup was formed by Blues Music Award winning bassist and vocalist Lisa Mann at the behest of Swiss promoter Patrick Kaiser of the prestigious Groove Now concert series. Six-time BMA nominated Soul Blues artist Terrie Odabi was added to the group, lending her authentic, radiant, and unforgettable voice. A live recording was made in Basel paying tribute to the Great Women in Blues, such as Etta James, Koko Taylor, and Big Mama Thornton. The album was deftly mixed down by the band’s famed drummer and BMA winner Jimi Bott, and received global radio play and acclaim in 2025. Now this tribute to the Blues goddesses is coming to you LIVE, with an unforgettable show at Alberta Rose Theatre on Wed, April 8th. Lisa Mann on bass and vocals leads the pack, with Terrie Odabi on vocals, Jimi Bott on drums, Jason “JT” Thomas on guitar, and the one and only Louis “King Louie” Pain on organ. Special guest Sonny “Smokin'” Hess joins the pack, paying tribute to the great women of Blues guitar. Stellar Portland Blues songstress LaRhonda Steele opens the show accompanied by her husband, keyboardist Mark Steele. “With vocals tapping into emotional realms beyond the reach of their peers, they project credibility as devoted interpreters of famous songs in the repertoire of Big Mama Thornton, Etta James, Koko Taylor and other ‘Great Blues Women'”- Frank-John Hadley, DownBeat magazine Learn more at: https://lisamannsnwall-stars.hearnow.com/https://larhondasteele.com/ Minors ok with parent/guardian Review our venue FAQ here ALL SALES ARE FINAL. PLEASE, DOUBLE CHECK YOUR ORDER BEFORE PURCHASING. NO REFUNDS.
Come to Mama! – Etta James Birthday Celebration
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 as an all-star cast celebrates EJ’s birthday (B. January 25, 1938, D. January 20, 2012) 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. Backing This powerful vocal quintet is an all-star rhythm section that includes award winning guitarists Whit Draper and Peter Dammann, keyboard ace Pat McDougall, drummer Ed Pierce and bassist Joseph Conrad. Joining them on harmonica is special guest Kim Field. Saxophonist/arranger Chris Mercer— a British expat who toured and recorded with such blues and rock legends as John Mayall, Dr John, Freddie King, Billy Ocean, and Bryan Ferry before relocating to Portland, where he has worked Paul deLay, Lloyd Jones, Kevin Selfe—took over the reins of this project as Musical Director with the passing of DK Stewart. Mercer has assembled an expanded six-piece horn section for this version of the Etta Tribute that includes: Allan Kalik and Rick Rier, trumpets; Chris Mercer and Scott Franklin, tenor saxophones; Rob Rayfield, baritone saxophone; and John Gordon, trombone. Minors ok when accompanied by a parent or guardian. Review our venue FAQ here ALL SALES ARE FINAL. PLEASE, DOUBLE CHECK YOUR ORDER BEFORE PURCHASING. NO REFUNDS.
MUSIC HEALS THE SOUL – A Benefit Concert for LaRhonda Steele on her Journey Against Cancer
LaRhonda Steele is a dynamic force in our music community, she has worked with so many in our entertainment industry! Join us for an ALL-Star Concert to help us raise funds to support her battle with cancer. The Norman Sylvester BandCurtis SalgadoAlan Hager Lloyd JonesArietta WardLenanne MillerRichard ArnoldSarah BillingsPeter DammannTevis Hodge Jr. Mary FlowerMark SteeleMaryEtta CallierNafisaria MatthewsAmy LeSageHosts~ Lynn Darroch & Ken Boddie Seating is all General Admission, no matter what price you pay for tickets.All profits will go to the Jeremy Wilson Foundation LaRhonda Steele Artist Relief Campaign and will directly benefit LaRhonda and her family. To donate even more to the LaRhonda Steele Artist Relief Campaign, click HERE. Minors ok with parent/guardianReview our venue FAQ here ALL SALES ARE FINAL. PLEASE, DOUBLE CHECK YOUR ORDER BEFORE PURCHASING. NO REFUNDS
JD Simo & Luther Dickinson
Individually, JD Simo and Luther Dickinson are building their own legacies as solo artists, sidemen, songwriters, and guitar heroes. Together, they’re a creative force to be reckoned with, making their own version of amplified American roots music. On the pair’s first collaborative album, Do The Rump, the musicians trade blistering guitar solos, take turns at the microphone, and turn their classic influences — including hill country blues, spirituals, swamp rock, and Afrobeat — into something contemporary, reinterpreting a number of their old-school favorites into eclectic, electrifying anthems. The partnership began onstage, where Simo and Dickinson first shared the spotlight as touring members of Phil Lesh and Friends. Dickinson had already established himself as co-founder of the Grammy-winning duo North Mississippi Allstars, as well as a celebrated guitarist for acts like Black Crowes and John Hiatt. Similarly, JD Simo had built an audience not only with his solo project, but also as a session musician for Jack White, Beyoncé, Chris Isaak, and Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis movie. Occupying the same stage felt different, though. “Playing with Luther immediately felt as easy as water flowing down a river,” Simo remembers. “We had all the same influences but we played nothing alike. Our styles just fit together. We didn’t have to think about it —it was just instinctual.” Those instincts take center stage on Do The Rump, whose eight songs were recorded at House of Grease, Simo’s home studio in Nashville during a series of live-in-the-studio performances. There were no overdubs. No production tricks, either. Joined by drummer Adam Abarashoff — whose background in Afrobeat and jazz helped push Do The Rump’s music into unexpected directions — the friends captured spontaneity in its purest form, recording most of the songs during a single take, allowing a natural combination of grooves and guitars to lead the way. Minors ok with parent/guardianReview our venue FAQ here ALL SALES ARE FINAL. PLEASE, DOUBLE CHECK YOUR ORDER BEFORE PURCHASING. NO REFUNDS
Nine Days Wonder 40th Anniversary Reunion
Nine Days Wonder of Eugene, Oregon formed in the mid 1980’s, playing Americana Roots Rock with a touch of the Allman Brothers, and The Grateful Dead. Their fine song writing and production makes them a Northwest classic. The band features: Ben Sturgill – Guitar/VocalsPhilly White – DrumsDave Coey – Bass/VocalsMike Walker – KeyboardsPeter Bach – Guitar/Vocals This is a partially-seated show, so you can dance!! Ages 21+ Review our venue FAQ here ALL SALES ARE FINAL. PLEASE, DOUBLE CHECK YOUR ORDER BEFORE PURCHASING. NO REFUNDS.
Lady Sings the Blues – A Tribute to Billie Holiday
The 18th Annual Billie Holiday Tribute Night is a celebration of Jazz Appreciation Month, Billie Holiday’s birthday month, and her 110th Birthday. Featured performers are Marcia Hocker, Laura Stilwell, Rita Marquez, Anandi, Marilyn Keller, and Lenanne Sylvester Miller. Returning for her 5th year as emcee and 2nd year as curator of Siren Nation’s annual Billie Holiday Tribute Night is Marcia Hocker. Marcia is the recipient of numerous awards including the 2018 Jazz Hero Award for the City of Portland from the nationally recognized Jazz Journalists Association. This event brings together musicians of many genres to pay tribute to one of the greatest jazz singers and songwriters of our time. Billie Holiday, also known as “Lady Day,” was an American jazz singer and songwriter. Holiday was a hugely formative influence on jazz and pop singing. Her vocal style, strongly inspired by jazz instrumentalists, pioneered a new way of manipulating phrasing and tempo. Above all, she was admired all over the world for her deeply personal and intimate approach to singing. A portion of each ticket sale will also be donated to KBOO Community Radio. Siren Nation is a Portland-based nonprofit whose mission is to inspire and empower women and people of all marginalized genders to create art, and to highlight their many achievements in the arts. Founded in 2005, Siren Nation is a nonprofit arts organization that fulfills our mission by creating year-round performance, exhibition, and educational opportunities in multiple art forms. Siren Nation strives to be inclusive and build community. We welcome women and people of all marginalized genders to apply to and participate in Siren Nation events. We are committed to advancing gender, racial, and economic equity through our work, our practices, and our policies. Thank you for supporting Siren Nation. https://sirennation.org/ Tickets$25 + fees General Admission$25 + fees Live Stream (Enjoy the show from the privacy of your own device) Minors ok when accompanied by a parent or guardian. Review our venue FAQ here