Cruisin' To Memphis Waterfront Blues Festival Blues Cruise
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This cruise sold out last year!
Four Finalists. Two Memphis Spots. One Incredible Blues Cruise.
Four outstanding acts remain in the running to represent the Cascade Blues Association at the 2027 International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee. On Friday, July 3, they will compete aboard the Cruisin' to Memphis Blues Cruise during the Waterfront Blues Festival, where one band and one solo act will be chosen to carry the Pacific Northwest blues tradition to historic Beale Street.
Competing in the Band Category are two powerhouse acts with very different approaches to the blues. The Kivett Bednar Band delivers soulful musicianship, deep grooves, and high-energy performances. Jenny Moriarty & The Bootleggers bring an electrifying blend of rhythm & blues, jump blues, and soulful grooves.
In the Solo Category, audiences will hear two accomplished songwriters and performers. Two-time Cascade Blues Association Hall of Fame inductee Kevin Selfe combines masterful guitar work with a storyteller's spirit. Al Polito brings passionate guitar playing and a roots-driven approach that blends honesty, grit, humor, and soul.
Of course, the competition is only part of what makes this cruise such a special event. With three stages spread across three decks of the Portland Spirit, you'll enjoy live music throughout the afternoon from the Journey to Memphis All-Stars, featuring International Blues Challenge competitors and some of the Pacific Northwest's favorite blues performers.
Whether you're cheering for your favorite finalist, discovering a new artist, or simply looking for an unforgettable afternoon of live blues music on the Willamette River, this is one event you won't want to miss.
From the moment the Portland Spirit leaves the dock until the winners are announced, the Cruisin' to Memphis Blues Cruise offers a front-row seat to one of the most exciting days in Northwest blues. Tickets are selling quickly, and you won't want to miss this unforgettable moment in the Journey to Memphis.
Who will be heading to Memphis? Join us on July 3 and find out.
Take a look at this year’s lineup and lock in your tickets now—because once they’re gone, they’re gone.
Main Deck
3-5PM
The IBC Allstars featuring Rae Gordon · Ben Rice · Fenix Sanders · Joel Astley · CD Woodbury · Polly O'Keary · Malcomb Monaghan · Dave Melyan · Timmer Blakely · Pat McDougall
Top Deck
3-4pm Billy Stoops
4-5pm Journey to Memphis Solo/Duo Finals Kevin Selfe vs. Al Polito
Bottom Deck:
3-4pm Journey to Memphis Band Finals ·Jenny Mo & the Bootleggers vs. Kivett Bednar Band
4-5pm Sleeper Wave
Visit the Waterfront Blues Festival to get your tickets now!
Four Finalists. Two Memphis Spots. One Incredible Blues Cruise.
Four outstanding acts remain in the running to represent the Cascade Blues Association at the 2027 International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee. On Friday, July 3, they will compete aboard the Cruisin' to Memphis Blues Cruise during the Waterfront Blues Festival, where one band and one solo act will be chosen to carry the Pacific Northwest blues tradition to historic Beale Street.
Competing in the Band Category are two powerhouse acts with very different approaches to the blues. The Kivett Bednar Band delivers soulful musicianship, deep grooves, and high-energy performances. Jenny Moriarty & The Bootleggers bring an electrifying blend of rhythm & blues, jump blues, and soulful grooves.
In the Solo Category, audiences will hear two accomplished songwriters and performers. Two-time Cascade Blues Association Hall of Fame inductee Kevin Selfe combines masterful guitar work with a storyteller's spirit. Al Polito brings passionate guitar playing and a roots-driven approach that blends honesty, grit, humor, and soul.
Of course, the competition is only part of what makes this cruise such a special event. With three stages spread across three decks of the Portland Spirit, you'll enjoy live music throughout the afternoon from the Journey to Memphis All-Stars, featuring International Blues Challenge competitors and some of the Pacific Northwest's favorite blues performers.
Whether you're cheering for your favorite finalist, discovering a new artist, or simply looking for an unforgettable afternoon of live blues music on the Willamette River, this is one event you won't want to miss.
From the moment the Portland Spirit leaves the dock until the winners are announced, the Cruisin' to Memphis Blues Cruise offers a front-row seat to one of the most exciting days in Northwest blues. Tickets are selling quickly, and you won't want to miss this unforgettable moment in the Journey to Memphis.
Who will be heading to Memphis? Join us on July 3 and find out.
Take a look at this year’s lineup and lock in your tickets now—because once they’re gone, they’re gone.
Main Deck
3-5PM
The IBC Allstars featuring Rae Gordon · Ben Rice · Fenix Sanders · Joel Astley · CD Woodbury · Polly O'Keary · Malcomb Monaghan · Dave Melyan · Timmer Blakely · Pat McDougall
Top Deck
3-4pm Billy Stoops
4-5pm Journey to Memphis Solo/Duo Finals Kevin Selfe vs. Al Polito
Bottom Deck:
3-4pm Journey to Memphis Band Finals ·Jenny Mo & the Bootleggers vs. Kivett Bednar Band
4-5pm Sleeper Wave
Visit the Waterfront Blues Festival to get your tickets now!
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Where is it happening?
Tom McCall Waterfront Park, 296 SW Naito Pkwy, Portland, OR 97204, United States
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.
Host or PublisherCascade Blues Association
