Thursday, May 28th 2015
One show at 7:30pm

Join us tonight as we introduce Portland to a Hawaiian music legend, Willie K!

Willie K is undoubtedly the only artist in the world who can play anything from indigenous acoustic Hawaiian music to blues, jazz, reggae, rock, country and even opera—and not only get away with it, but leave everyone within earshot slack-jawed in astonishment. 

No less than Prince is a huge fan, while other avowed fans are Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top, Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler, Mick Fleetwood of Fleetwood Mac, Doobie Brothers’ Pat Simmons, and Taj Mahal...all of whom have performed at Willie K’s annual BBQ BluesFest.

The Mel Brown B-3 Organ Group plays organ based soul jazz in the tradition of Jimmy Smith, Jack McDuff, and Jimmy McGriff. Mel also brings his 20-plus years of Motown work to the table, as the band also plays instrumental versions of  Motown favorites.

The engine of the band is clearly the Hammond B-3 Organ, in the very capable hands of Louis Pain. Adding melodic underpinning and great grooving ability is guitarist Dan Balmer. Out front with his smoldering tenor saxophone is the man with more soul in his little finger than most of us have in our whole bodies, Renato Caranto. Finally, percussionist Curtis Craft works with Mel to create the beat that keeps it all moving!

Willie K will perform from 7:30-8:30pm, with Mel Brown's B3 Organ Group hitting immediately after that.

Tickets Non Refundable