Join us for a classic night of cocktails and cabaret with a rotating cast of phenomenal local and touring performers.
Contact Critical Hit Burlesque for reserved seating or large party rates.
The Jack London Revue is located at 529 SW 4th Ave, Portland
Follow the hardwood path through the Rialto Poolroom
The Ne Plus Ultra Jass Orchestra is the NW's premier dance band orchestra, specializing in lush, fully orchestrated original charts from the 1920s and 30s!
She regularly performs worldwide at jazz festivals, jazz parties, and on jazz cruises. She has been a frequent guest on National Public Radio’s ‘Fresh Air’ with Terry Gross, has appeared on ‘A Prairie Home Companion’, and with Michael Feinstein at Carnegie Hall.
The Rebecca Kilgore Quartet (formerly known as BED) was a popular favorite on the jazz festival circuit: with Eddie Erickson (guitar/banjo/voice), Dan Barrett (trombone), and Joel Forbes (bass).
She has been performed with the Statesmen Of Jazz, dedicated to perpetuating the art of jazz for future generations.
Other venues. New York: Feinstein’s at the Regency; New York: Birdland; San Francisco: The Plush Room at the York Hotel; Oakland, CA: Piedmont Pianos; Culver City, CA: The Jazz Bakery; Fullerton, CA: Steamers Jazz Club; Phoenix, AZ: The Nash; Madison, NJ: Shanghai Jazz; LA: The Westin at LAX; Toledo, OH: Murphy’s Place; Cleveland Heights, OH: Nighttown; Ann Arbor, MI: The Firefly Club; Cincinnati, OH: The Blue Wisp; Southampton, UK: The Concorde Club; Sherman Oaks, CA: Spazio’s.
She is honored to have been inducted (in 2010) to the Oregon Music Hall of Fame and to the Jazz Society of Oregon’s Hall Of Fame, and to have been invited to perform at New York’s Mabel Mercer Cabaret Convention for three years at Town Hall and Lincoln Center. She was the guest of honor at the 2013 Roswell (New Mexico) Jazz Festival, and honored as a Jazz Legend at the San Diego Jazz Party in 2016.
"If this band appeared in New York City, they'd be a sensation!" That was guitar great--and one-time Mel Brown bandmate--George Benson's reaction after hearing the Mel Brown B-3 Organ Group open for him in 2003. This true all-star band has been a sensation for a long time—including a 20-year run on Thursdays at Portland’s Jimmy Mak’s (The Oregonian dubbed them “Jimmy Mak’s signature group”). A collective resume that reads like a "Who's Who" of NW jazz, blues, and soul, this group has the talent and confidence to be completely spontaneous--from their blistering solos to their improvised arrangements and segues.
MEL BROWN -- An Oregon icon, has been labeled the "Gentleman of Jazz," with a career spanning a half century. The city of Portland proclaimed June 22, 1989 "Mel Brown Day" in recognition of Mel's achievements as a musician and educator, receiving the Governor's Arts Award in 2002. Mel first made his mark as a Motown staff drummer, recording and touring with the Temptations, Smokey Robinson, and many others. He subsequently spent ten years working with Diana Ross and other pop acts before giving up the road in 1991 and returning home to his first love: jazz. Mel has been a fixture in Portland ever since, leading groups six nights a week at Jimmy Mak's and other venues when he isn't backing jazz artists like Joey DeFrancesco and Benny Golson.
DAN BALMER -- Widely considered the defining sound of contemporary jazz guitar in the Northwest. Described by the Los Angeles Times as "the model of what a contemporary guitarist should be," Dan is one of the most original and creative artists to come from the fertile Northwest music scene. Dan has played and recorded with a long list of jazz greats, has released six CDs of his own, is a jazz educator and a noted composer. Dan leads his own groups and performs with jazz artists including Diane Schuur, Benny Green, and Jeff Hamilton.
RENATO CARANTO -- described as "one of Portland's most soulful jazz saxophonists" by The Oregonian," Renato is one of the most versatile, accomplished, soulful saxophonists anywhere. Arriving from the Philippines in '81 with only his horn, Renato has built an enviable career in Portland. After gaining a foothold in the local scene, Renato became one of the most sought-after jazzmen in the NW and beyond. In recent years, he’s toured with Grammy-winning jazz artist Esperanza Spalding and late country legend Merle Haggard. Talk about versatility!
LOUIS "KING LOUIE" PAIN -- "Portland's boss of the B-3" (The Oregonian) hails from San Francisco, where he played and recorded with a wide variety of top musicians: Tower of Power guitarist Bruce Conte, Santana saxophonist Jules Broussard, Edwin Hawkins vocalist Dorothy Morrison, and B.B. King saxophonist Bobby Forte. After moving north in '86, Louis continued the trend. His 2016 cd with vocalist LaRhonda Steele, “Rock Me Baby,” was honored by Downbeat as one of the “Best Albums of 2016.” Louis’ knack for playing exactly what's needed to further the song has made him Portland's "first call" organist.
When these virtuoso players meet on the bandstand, the result is sheer magic. Join revered French guitarist Romain Pilon, powerhouse drummer Brian Blade and internationally acclaimed bassist, vocalist, and composer Jeff Denson as they celebrate their Ridgeway Records album Between Two Worlds. The recording features originals by Denson and Pilon, who met two decades ago as students at Boston’s Berklee College of Music. After graduation they pursued their own careers, but reunited occasionally to reclaim their musical camaraderie. When Denson played with Blade on a 2017 tour with Joel Harrison’s Spirit House, they clicked. “We deeply connected right away, from the first notes in the sound check,” says Denson. “It felt like kindred spirits, rhythmically; a whole other language was taking place behind the soloists, and it was totally enthralling.” Denson thought of Pilon as an ideal third partner. "He’s a virtuoso player but very sensitive and very musical, the same words I would use to describe Brian.” Denson extended an invitation to Pilon and Blade, who enthusiastically accepted. The result is one of the most captivating new groups in jazz, a trio of players with unmistakable chops, unquestionable creativity, and probing sensitivity.
On January 2, 1962, Ophlin Russell, better known as Sister Nancy, a seminal Jamaican dancehall deejay and singer, was born in Kingston, Jamaica. Also known as Mama Nancy, She was the first female dancehall deejay and an important female voice on the dancehall scene for over 20 years. One of her most famous songs, “Bam Bam,” was labeled a reggae anthem by the BBC in the United Kingdom.
Sister Nancy was one of 15 children. Her brother Robert is better known as Brigadier Jerry, also a dancehall deejay. She and her siblings were raised in a conservative household, and she was expected to take on the role of elder in the community, promoting the conservative values of being drug-free and family-oriented
Although her father encouraged her to pursue Christian music, she rebelled against her traditional upbringing and followed her brother into deejaying and dancehall. When she entered the dancehall scene, she was often the only female to turn up at a dance. During her teen years, she sometimes performed on the Twelve Tribes of Israel sound system. She also worked with the Jahlovemuzik sound system, and for several years on the Stereophone sound system with General Echo.
She ran away from home for months at a time and followed DJ Junior Chalice throughout Jamaica and St. Thomas. While in St. Thomas, he gave her a chance to deejay when she was 15 years old.
She toured internationally, and both she and her brother Brigadier Jerry made their debuts in London in 1982. Sister Nancy credits her brother with being her inspiration, which is reflected in her work and career. Sister Nancy’s work is similar to her brother’s in its focus on cultural issues and spiritual tone.
Join us for a classic night of cocktails and cabaret with a rotating cast of phenomenal local and touring performers.
Contact Critical Hit Burlesque for reserved seating or large party rates.
The Jack London Revue is located at 529 SW 4th Ave, Portland
Follow the hardwood path through the Rialto Poolroom
"DESIGN with purpose"
Ronnie has been blessed with the opportunity to live out his dreams of creativity. He is currently a successful designer/director of footwear and apparel design, with 20 plus years of experiences in the sportswear industry. His design life has seen him travel around the world, working for such brands as Adidas, Nike, and Jordan. Ronnie's key philosophies to success, as a designer are based on the following: POWER OF THE TONGUE: Words are power... surround yourself with individuals that share priceless wisdom and experiences... BE A SPONGE - Seek aspiration, inspiration, and insights that produce meaningful concepts....
COLLECTIVE PERSPECTIVE - Collaboration elevates all perspectives to a greater solution... He applies this philosophy to his music as well!!! Purpose by Design. "MUSIC moves me" Ronnie's 2018 album (a.k.a.BESPEAK) marks his debut as a solo artist. This album is his testimony, of love & the various perspectives that LOVE plays throughout life. He has been blessed to receive several awards from the indie radio community such as: #1 Album of 2018 - Mi-Soul Connoisseurs, #1 on the UK SOULCHARTS - March 2018, #8 on the UK SOULCHART Top 100 for 2018 and many more!!! "My mantra is what drives me"..... "There is a desire for individual expression within each of us that BESPEAKS our persona, style, beliefs, and culture"....
"If this band appeared in New York City, they'd be a sensation!" That was guitar great--and one-time Mel Brown bandmate--George Benson's reaction after hearing the Mel Brown B-3 Organ Group open for him in 2003. This true all-star band has been a sensation for a long time—including a 20-year run on Thursdays at Portland’s Jimmy Mak’s (The Oregonian dubbed them “Jimmy Mak’s signature group”). A collective resume that reads like a "Who's Who" of NW jazz, blues, and soul, this group has the talent and confidence to be completely spontaneous--from their blistering solos to their improvised arrangements and segues.
MEL BROWN -- An Oregon icon, has been labeled the "Gentleman of Jazz," with a career spanning a half century. The city of Portland proclaimed June 22, 1989 "Mel Brown Day" in recognition of Mel's achievements as a musician and educator, receiving the Governor's Arts Award in 2002. Mel first made his mark as a Motown staff drummer, recording and touring with the Temptations, Smokey Robinson, and many others. He subsequently spent ten years working with Diana Ross and other pop acts before giving up the road in 1991 and returning home to his first love: jazz. Mel has been a fixture in Portland ever since, leading groups six nights a week at Jimmy Mak's and other venues when he isn't backing jazz artists like Joey DeFrancesco and Benny Golson.
DAN BALMER -- Widely considered the defining sound of contemporary jazz guitar in the Northwest. Described by the Los Angeles Times as "the model of what a contemporary guitarist should be," Dan is one of the most original and creative artists to come from the fertile Northwest music scene. Dan has played and recorded with a long list of jazz greats, has released six CDs of his own, is a jazz educator and a noted composer. Dan leads his own groups and performs with jazz artists including Diane Schuur, Benny Green, and Jeff Hamilton.
RENATO CARANTO -- described as "one of Portland's most soulful jazz saxophonists" by The Oregonian," Renato is one of the most versatile, accomplished, soulful saxophonists anywhere. Arriving from the Philippines in '81 with only his horn, Renato has built an enviable career in Portland. After gaining a foothold in the local scene, Renato became one of the most sought-after jazzmen in the NW and beyond. In recent years, he’s toured with Grammy-winning jazz artist Esperanza Spalding and late country legend Merle Haggard. Talk about versatility!
LOUIS "KING LOUIE" PAIN -- "Portland's boss of the B-3" (The Oregonian) hails from San Francisco, where he played and recorded with a wide variety of top musicians: Tower of Power guitarist Bruce Conte, Santana saxophonist Jules Broussard, Edwin Hawkins vocalist Dorothy Morrison, and B.B. King saxophonist Bobby Forte. After moving north in '86, Louis continued the trend. His 2016 cd with vocalist LaRhonda Steele, “Rock Me Baby,” was honored by Downbeat as one of the “Best Albums of 2016.” Louis’ knack for playing exactly what's needed to further the song has made him Portland's "first call" organist.
Clinton Fearon is a composer, songwriter, singer and player of instruments since his early teens, and a professional since the age of 19.
He was born in Jamaica and become the bassist, vocalist and lyricist for the mythic Gladiators, as well as a session musician for Coxsonne Dodd in Studio One and Lee 'Scratch' Perry's at Black Ark, two of the main producers on the island at this time. He also composed some everlasting bass lines for well-known artists like Yabby You, Jimmy Riley, Max Romeo, Junior Byles and many others.
After leaving Jamaica 1987, Clinton Fearon start a new career from Seattle. With other musicians of the Gladiators, he decided to stay in the US and to found The Defenders. The band built a nice following in the Northwest. After five years the band split and Clinton Fearon formed the Boogie Brown Band with local musicians in 1993.
Clinton Fearon recorded eight albums with Boogie Brown Band and two albums in solo acoustic.
Each song of Clinton Fearon is a strong message coming from the heart of a man who dedicates his life to help a better world to come. With chiselled music and poetic lyrics, he opens reggae to a wider audience who simply loves his beautiful songs.
"Many of my songs started just like that, with me and mi guitar…”. Since 2005 and the release of Mi An Mi Guitar, Clinton Fearon is giving magical solo performances in acoustic. With just vocal and guitar, Clinton is playing his music all over the world, in the United States, in France and Europe but also Brazil, Kenya, Peru etc.
Clinton Fearon continues to meet new public with solo perfomance in acoustic.
In 2012, Clinton Fearon released his second acoustic opus: Heart And Soul. The album gathers 16 songs wrote between 1969-1984, while Clinton was a strong member of the Gladiators. To celebrate these memories, Clinton invited friends for a special tour with Clinton Rufus and Gallimore Sutherland from The Gladiators, and Ire Taylor and Mark Oi from Boogie Brown Band.
Clinton Fearon & Friends today is a trio with Clinton Fearon, Clinton Rufus and Mark Oi.
In 2014 Clinton Fearon is playing in solo acoustic at the prestigious WOMAD festival, both in Caceres, Spain and in Malesbury, England.
https://www.facebook.com/ClintonFearonMusic