From established international performers like Dr. John, John Hiatt and the North Mississippi All stars, Buckwheat Zydeco and Little Feat to up-and-comers like Ivan Neville's Dumpstaphunk and regional favorites Curtis Salgado and Ellen Whyte, there was something for everyone. This year's festival had a special emphasis on the colorful and vibrant Gulf Coast/New Orleans scene, featuring the "Soul Queen of New Orleans," Irma Thomas, plus the Rebirth Brass Band and Marva Wright.

As each year passes, the organizers have continued to improve upon the amenities offered to this family-friendly event. Cruising down (or up) the Willamette River that features at least 3 acts on board, is a sure favorite. There are 2 cruises a day during the festival. Films that focus on the blues and artists are also shown on 2 nights following the performances. Also, more shade has been given to the wheelchair area of the festival grounds, certainly appreciated by many. The workshops are becoming so popular, the small area given to them will probably have to be moved to a larger space next year. Dick Waterman, blues historian and internationally known photographer, always has great photos & stories to relate to his audiences from his travels over the years as a blues promoter/photographer. He is not to be missed!

A familiar face to us on Friday, Tommy Castro & his band lined up with Lloyd Jones to rock the place. They later rocked the boat on the "Hoodoo Moon Blues Cruise." The headliners at the festival included Dr. John on Friday, a New Orleans original singer & piano player who put us in the mood for more, but we had to catch a boat   

Saturday we went on over to the Front Porch stage to hear Joey Gilmore and some zydeco, which went on nearly all day there with various groups performing, but blues was on our minds, so off we went to another stage to see Lloyd Jones, then Johnny Rawls, & recently made homeless from Katrina, the marvelous Marva Wright. (She performed in Sacramento at the Horseman's Association earlier this year). Then John Hiatt & the North Mississippi All Stars really tore 'em up, ending the festival for us but not the music; we then trotted on over to the Marriott across the street to enjoy the sounds of Paul DeLay & his band, which included David Vest, a keyboardist/singer/songwriter who expresses himself with some down-home folksy-type humor in his songs and was a true delight. 

Sunday brought out the gospel singers, which always seems fitting to me for Sunday. One of the best acts that day was the Linda Hornbuckle & Janice Scroggins' Old Time Gospel Hour that featured Marva Wright & Johnny Rawls. Closing it out that day was Ivan Neville's Dumpstaphunk, which was a combination of funk/jazz/blues and really had us boppin' around the place. 

Monday started out a little more laid-back for us until Rich DelGrosso & Friends stepped up, then Jimmy Thackery and next we knew there was Curtis Salgado lookin' & soundin' great! Curtis had been recently diagnosed with liver cancer and the blues family proved once again they look after their own. A benefit for Curtis' medical expenses was held on June 13 in Portland, bringing together Steve Miller, Taj Mahal, Robert Cray, Everclear, the Phantom Blues Band and Little Charlie and the Nightcats, raising approximately $150,000. Everyone was delighted to see Curtis doing so well. Another friendly and familiar face we've seen at so many festivals & local clubs and have always enjoyed, Terry Hanck played his sax off. Little Feat closed out that fantastic day, still keepin' our toes tappin' and our feet movin'. 

On Tuesday the IBC finalists performed some of the day at the Front Porch, where we also caught Joey Gilbert, a traditional blues man from New Orleans, along with a harmonica blowout goin' on the rest of the day. Irma Thomas, another New Orleans artist who lost everything to Katrina, proved she's got the spirit and made us all realize we have a lot to be grateful for, particularly when she sang the National Anthem just before the fireworks show.

Another beautiful time ended in Portland, as we took our weary bodies on home, wonderin' what the 20th anniversary will bring next year.

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