Live Blues Music in Portland Oregon

Find out where to enjoy the best live blues music Portland Oregon has to offer. Get the inside scoop on the best venues, bands, and events.

What is the blues?

The blues is a style of music that originated in the African-American communities of the American South in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It is characterized by its use of blue notes, call-and-response vocals, and its shuffling, swung rhythms. There are many subgenres of the blues, including country blues, urban blues, and gospel blues. While the term “blues” typically refers to music that is sad or melancholic in nature, not all blues songs are downbeat – in fact, many are quite upbeat and upbeat.

History of the blues in America

The blues is a form of music that originated in the American South in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The genre developed from the music of enslaved African Americans, who created new musical styles by blending elements of their West African musical heritage with influences from Europe and the Americas. The blues first became popular in the African-American communities of the Mississippi Delta and North Louisiana. By the early 1920s, the style had been adopted by white musicians such as Lonnie Johnson, Jelly Roll Morton, and Jelly Roll Morton, who became some of the most popular performers of the 1920s. In the 1930s, artists such as Robert Johnson and B.B. King helped to popularize the blues among both black and white audiences. In the 1940s and 1950s, the Electric Blues developed in Chicago and subsequently spread to other parts of America and Europe. The blues has remained a popular genre of music throughout the world since its inception.

The blues scene in Portland, Oregon

The blues scene in Portland, Oregon is thriving, with live music offerings seven nights a week at venues all over the city. From intimate dives to large concert halls, there’s a blues club to suit every taste. And with so many talented musicians living in the area, you’re sure to find a band that you love.

If you’re new to the blues, or just looking for a great night out, here’s a guide to some of the best blues clubs in Portland.

Venues that feature live blues music in Portland

If you’re looking for some great live blues music in Portland, Oregon, there are plenty of great venues to choose from. Here are just a few of the many places where you can enjoy this vibrant and soulful genre:

The Voodoo Lounge: The Voodoo Lounge is one of Portland’s premier blues clubs, and features live music seven nights a week. You can catch local, regional, and national touring acts at this intimate venue, which has a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

Blue Diamond: Blue Diamond is another top spot for live blues in Portland. This club features nightly shows from both local and touring artists, and has a wide variety of styles on offer. Whether you’re in the mood for traditional blues, contemporary electric blues, or something in between, you’re sure to find it at Blue Diamond.

Mississippi Studios: Mississippi Studios is a popular music venue that features all genres of live music, including blues. This intimate club has a cozy atmosphere and is the perfect place to catch an up-and-coming artist or enjoy a classic performance from a seasoned pro.

Dante’s: Dante’s is one of Portland’s most iconic music venues, and it’s also a great place to catch some live blues. From solo acoustic performers to full bands, there’s always something interesting going on at Dante’s. The venue also has a full restaurant and bar, so you can enjoy dinner and drinks while you listen to the music.

Notable blues musicians from Portland

Portland has a long tradition of blues music, with a number of notable musicians having emerged from the city. Bands such as The Kingsmen and Paul Revere & the Raiders achieved national prominence in the 1960s, while more recent acts such as Steve Berlin and War have continued to keep the city’s blues scene alive. Here are some of the most notable Portland-based blues musicians:

The Kingsmen: Formed in 1959, The Kingsmen are perhaps best known for their 1963 hit “Louie Louie”, which has been covered by hundreds of artists over the years. The band continued to record and tour until 1969, when they disbanded. They reunited in 1987 and continue to perform to this day.

Paul Revere & the Raiders: Formed in 1958, Paul Revere & the Raiders were one of the most successful bands of the 1960s, with hits such as “Kicks” and “Hungry”. They disbanded in 1975 but have reunited several times since, most recently in 2007.

Steve Berlin: A Grammy-winning producer and musician, Steve Berlin is best known for his work with Los Lobos, with whom he has played keyboards and saxophone since 1984. He has also produced albums for a number of other artists, including John Lee Hooker Jr., Indigo Girls and R.L. Burnside.

War: A funk and soul band formed in 1969, War is best known for their hits “Spill the Wine” and “Why Can’t We Be Friends?”. The band has undergone several lineup changes over the years but continues to tour and release new music.

The future of the blues in Portland

Portland has long been a hotbed for the blues, with a thriving scene that has produced some of the genre’s finest musicians. But what does the future hold for the blues in Portland?

With the recent closure of some of the city’s most iconic blues venues, it remains to be seen whether the scene will be able to maintain its momentum. But one thing is certain: the blues is still very much alive in Portland, and there are plenty of talented musicians keeping the tradition alive.

So if you’re looking for some live blues music in Portland, Oregon, here are a few places you can check out:

The Blue Monk: This longstanding Portland institution is one of the best places in town to catch a live blues show. The Blue Monk features a rotating lineup of local and national acts, and there’s always something new and exciting happening here.

Mississippi Studios: Another great option for live blues in Portland is Mississippi Studios. This intimate venue regularly hosts both local and touring acts, and it’s a great place to see a show.

Dante’s: Dante’s is another popular spot for live music in Portland, and it just so happens to be one of the city’s premier jazz clubs. While they don’t exclusively book blues acts, Dante’s does feature a healthy mix of genres, and you’re sure to hear some great blues if you stop by.