This post refers to an event that occurred in the past. For current event/workshop information, visit www.centrum.org/blues, and follow the workshop or performance links at the top right,
MAINSTAGE SCHEDULE
Friday, August 3, 7:30 pm
McCurdy Pavilion
Reserved seating $16; youth 18 and under attend for free. Tickets are available by calling Centrum at 360.385.3102, x117 as well as online at our secure Acteva website.
National Heritage Fellow Concert—Celebrating the 25th anniversary of the National Heritage Award
1. Eddie Pennington
2. Henry Gray
3. John Cephas and Phil Wiggins
FRIDAY NIGHT CLUB SHOWS (10 pm – 1 am)
$16 cover charge includes admission to all clubs. Tickets are available by calling Centrum at 360.385.3102, x117. Tickets are also available at the front doors of individual clubs.
Water Street Brewing
9 pm: Hillstomp
10 pm: Hillstomp
11 pm: Robert “Wolfman” Belfour
Sirens
9 pm: Lightnin’ Wells
10 pm: John Miller
11 pm: Eric Freeman
The Public House
9 pm: Del Rey
10 pm: Del Rey & Steve James
11 pm: The Lurrie Bell Band
The Upstage
9 pm: Allen Holmes
10 pm: Jude Taylor and the Zydeco Flames
11 pm: Jude Taylor and the Zydeco Flames
The Boiler Room
9 pm: Andra Faye
10 pm: Elijah Wald
11 pm: Lauren Sheehan
The Uptown Pub
9 pm: Terry “Harmonica” Bean
10 pm: The Gallus Brothers
11 pm: The Gallus Brothers
Lanza’s
9 pm: Erwin Helfer
10 pm: Eleanor Ellis
11 pm: Annieville Blues
Performers
National Heritage Award-winning blues guitarist John Cephas and legendary harmonica player Phil Wiggins, the Festival Artistic Director, are leading players of the Piedmont Blues. Cephas and Wiggins have performed in front of thousands at blues festivals all over the world. They entertained at President Clinton’s inaugural celebration in 1997.
Terry “Harmonica” Bean uses a style of fingerpicking which finds its roots in the Mississippi Delta. His voice is raw and pure—pure Delta Blues.
Robert “Wolfman” Belfour was born in a small plank house in northern Mississippi. His guitar playing is mature and highly accomplished, his voice clear and powerful, and the sound pure country blues.
Lurrie Bell grew up with the Chicago blues legends. They helped to shape and school him in the blues, but none as much as his father’s longtime employer, Muddy Waters.
In her twenty-year blues career, Annieville Blues has shared the concert stage with national blues legends and played in numerous festivals.
Eleanor Ellis combines the music of her native Louisiana with that of the old country blues masters. The result blends interpretation and expression with feeling and intensity.
Andra Faye is known for her powerful vocals and her abilities on stringed instruments. She has received multiple W.C. Handy Award nominations.
Eric Freeman is a young Piedmont guitar player who learned from John Jackson. He’s developed his own high-energy style, with a great repertoire of obscure Piedmont tunes.
The Gallus Brothers are all about goodtime ragtime blues. Influenced by Mississippi John Hurt, among others, the Gallus Brothers provide rollicking good times.
National Heritage Award-winning pianist Henry Gray has performed at virtually every New Orleans jazz festival in the past thirty yeas. He has played with Muddy Waters, Elmore James, Taj Mahal, and B.B. King, among many others. In his mainstage performance, Gray will be accompanied by bassist Andy Cornett.
Erwin Helfer has been playing piano and performing for over forty years. He has released over a half-dozen recordings.
Drawing heavily from north Mississippi trance blues, Portland duo Hillstomp creates a raucous hill country blues stomp with a fiery youth and vigor. Their do-it-yourself style turns the twelve-bar blues on its head.
Guitarist Steve James learned the blues from his father, a record collector and amateur guitarist. He records regularly and tours internationally, particularly as a soloist.
John Miller is a composer and musician whose teaching is legendary. He is an authority on the music of many blues greats, including Bo Carter and the Reverend Gary Davis.
Eddie Pennington is one of the world’s finest thumbpicking ragtime guitarists. He is a National Heritage Award recipient.
Del Rey’s sensational guitar playing combines country blues, classic jazz, and hillbilly boogie. She has recorded four solo albums, all widely acclaimed.
Lauren Sheehan’s powerful musical interpretations spring from time spent with such legendary performers as John Jackson, Ginny Hawker, and Etta Baker.
Creole singer and accordionist Jude Taylor fronted a number of blues combos before becoming a widely acclaimed zydeco performer.
Elijah Wald has toured as a guitarist and singer, spending years in Europe, Asia, Africa, and Central America. He is also noted music writer, as well as performer.
Mike “Lightnin’” Wells breathes new life into the vintage tunes of Depression-era America, employing various stringed instruments in a dynamic style.
VENUE INFORMATION
The Public House (1038 Water Street)
Known for its classic pub fare, the Public House combines an open, airy interior with quiet, intimate seating. The menu features steak, pasta, seafood, vegetarian selections, and the Dungeness Crab chowder. Wireless internet access is available at the bar.
The Upstage Restaurant (923 Washington)
Sponsor: The Upstage Restaurant
The Upstage is nestled between Washington and Water streets, tucked off of Tyler Street. The Upstage style is bluesy, funky, and casual, with an enticing appetizer menu and an excellent cross-section of Pacific Northwest and Mediterranean fare.
The Uptown Pub (1023 Lawrence Street)
The Uptown Pub combines a wide selection of local brews on tap and a large wine selection. The uptown district of Port Townsend is Port Townsend’s hidden secret, but inside the Uptown Pub the music is loud and good, and the atmosphere is lively.
The Boiler Room (711 Water Street)
In addition to being a non-profit coffeehouse and music space, The Boiler Room serves as the hub for Port Townsend youth, providing a place for conversation, creativity, enthusiasm, and vibrant energy. The Boiler Room is an all-ages venue.
Lanza’s Ristorante (1020 Lawrence Street)
Nestled in Port Townsend’s historic uptown district, Lanza’s is renowned for its handmade pizzas and classic Italian antipasto and pastas. A family restaurant in the best sense of the word.
Sirens (832 Water Street)
Sponsor: Henery Hardware
A complete selection of beverages and a full menu await inside one of Port Townsend’s coolest hangouts. A great view of the water matches the great music inside.
Water Street Brewing Company (639 Water Street)
Sponsor: Subway Sandwiches and Salads
At Water Street Brewing, find award-winning beer designed by brewmaster Skip Madsen; fresh squeezed juice cocktails made to order from scratch; and upscale, regional cuisine designed and prepared by chef Woody and his dynamic kitchen staff.