$15 Cover
Doors open at 7pm
During a time when the idea of a guitar-playing woman was nonexistent, not only did Rosetta Tharpe erase this line by mastering the symbol of musical masculinity, but her blend of gospel and secular music was seen as earth-shattering. Her willingness to play “God’s music” in the devil’s den of nightclubs and music halls caused an uproar. The line up for this tribute are stellar musicians in their own right: Sonny Hess, Lady Kat True Blue, Lisa Mann, Joanne Broh,Kathryn Grimm, Leah Hinchcliff, and Ward Griffiths.
Sonny Hess (guitar and vocals) Veteran guitarist, vocalist and songwriter, ’‘Sonny Smokin’ Hess” went on to be the first woman nominated in a male dominated field for Best Lead Guitar by the Cascade Blues Assoc, also holds a nomination for “Lifetime Acheivment Award”. She has played with, sung with and composed with many of the regions top artists, as well as opening for Etta James, Jr Walker and the All Stars, Average White Band and Bobby Womack. Sonny Hess is also widely known for her productions of the NW Women R&B Show, a specialty show she takes pride in producing. Her show has been seen by 100’s of 1,000’s over the past 15 years at the Safeway Waterfront Blues Festival. www.SonnyHess.com
Lady Kat True Blue (vocals) A gifted blues and jazz vocalist, her voice is mesmerizing, a mix of Aretha Franklin, Mahalia Jackson and Billie Holiday. Kat has a Low, Rich, Full Bodied Voice’ that carries the likes of Etta James, with a little of Wynonna’s twang, and the depth of Della Reese! She has been living on her own since she was 14 and says, “I’ve had some bumpy roads. ‘I have the right to sing the blues. Dedicated to the Blues! The Gift of Song truly is a gift of power. A singer should cherish and respect it! For you never know whose out there watching and listening to be just like you. It is my mission to respect and represent the art of music.” Lady Kat True Blue on Reverbnation.
Joanne Broh (vocals) A column of energy, known for her powerful, soulful voice and the passion of her performance. She is considered one of the best singers of blues, jazz, and Motown. Her 2016 release this year, “Wicked Cool” has reaped some mighty fine accolades. Reaching #18 on the Living Blues Radio chart, the CD is being played worldwide and receiving repeated airplay on Sirius XM BB King Bluesville. She has a new CD, “Live” recorded at Mac’s Restaurant and Nightclub. www.JoanneBroh.com
Lisa Mann (bass, vocals) Lisa has been awarded the prestigious 2016 Blues Music Award for her mighty skills on the bass guitar, an award which she also took home in 2015. Mann’s vocals effortlessly straddle the line between the honey sweet warmth of the south, and the force-of-nature sound Mann has cultivated by mastering everything from hard rock to rhythm and blues. Her clever blues balladry is complimented by her considerable prowess on bass guitar. www.lisamannmusic.com
Leah Hinchcliff (bass and vocals) The femme fatale of funk, Leah is an accomplished performer and teacher who is known for her work in jazz, funk, and blues. She plays with notable bands Soul Vaccination, The Quadraphonnes, toured with the blues band Swamp Mama Johnson and lived in Eugene for awhile, playing with Art Grooveaux. www.leahhinchcliff.com
Kathryn Grimm (guitar, vocals) Music means everything to Kathryn. “Music is in every part of me, my brain, my heart, my cells.” An accomplished multi instrumentalist, she plays all genres, blues, punk, rock, obtained a jazz degree, and formed a country band. She approached Sonny with the idea of a tribute to Sister Rosetta Tharp in 2018 and this show has had successful runs in Portland. Kathryngrimmmusic.com
Ward Griffiths (drums) Drum goddess of the Quadraphonnes, She has played for the Rob Scheps Big Band, Fred Stickley, Gravy, Mike Doolin , and Sabrosa as an in demand Portland drummer.
