"It's only February and Portland's already been going hard on the 2026 festival announcements, and it's looking like it's gonna be another packed year for music in the Rose City. Between the PDX Jazz Festival next month, and both Homie Fest and Pickathon having announced dates and lineups, will there be enough room on the calendars for another music festival? Yes, yes there will be."
"The Portland-based concert promoters and bookers TrueWest are the whizzes behind the programming at Mississippi Studios, Revolution Hall, Aladdin Theater, Polaris Hall, Show Bar, and PDX Live-the concerts at Pioneer Courthouse Square. The talent-buying muscle TrueWest provides will be invaluable for a small lineup revamp of the festival, expanding our collective understanding of what the blues are and what it sounds like, and most importantly, for getting more people to enjoy the vast and ever-evolving genre."
"Don't get me wrong, Tank and The Bangas bang, but digging into the lesser knowns of the festival will free your mind... your ass is sure to follow. Like all real Cascadians, the blues do not recognize political boarders, and on the first day of the fest we're being treated to the original 1970s British funk all-stars Cymande who have hopped the pond to join us."
Portland's Waterfront Blues Festival will take place July 2–4 at Tom McCall Waterfront Park with an initial 2026 lineup announced on February 19. The festival has launched a partnership with TrueWest Presents, whose booking experience spans venues like Mississippi Studios, Revolution Hall, Aladdin Theater, Polaris Hall, Show Bar, and PDX Live. TrueWest will assist a modest lineup revamp intended to broaden perceptions of blues music and increase attendance. The festival emphasizes discovery with a mix of well-known acts such as Tank and The Bangas and lesser-known artists. Day one features 1970s British funk band Cymande; day two showcases Portland favorite Toody Cole and her band.
Read at Portland Mercury
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]