2026 Music
★ blues · swing · jazz · rock · samba ★
Terry Robb
A true virtuoso of the international blues scene, Terry Robb is a finger-style master so dominant that the Cascade Blues Association named their acoustic guitar award in his honor. He's toured with legends like Buddy Guy and Steve Miller, blending ragtime to Hendrix into what Vintage Guitar calls "perfect blues sense." From the Oregon Symphony to Game of Thrones, Robb's legendary career defines the gold standard of acoustic artistry.
terryrobb.com → ★★★★★The Daddies
Since 1989, the Cherry Poppin' Daddies have been shattering genre boundaries with a high-octane fusion of swing, ska, and punk. Best known for their multi-platinum hit "Zoot Suit Riot," the Eugene-based band — led by the charismatic Steve Perry — seamlessly blends vintage big-band sounds with a rebellious modern edge. From ragtime and rockabilly to the deep social commentary of their latest album, At The Pink Rat, the Daddies continue to deliver an explosive, fresh take on American music traditions.
daddies.com → HeadlinerAnny Celsi
Blending "beatnik cool" with infectious Brill Building hooks, Anny Celsi is a Portland-born, LA-based songwriter celebrated for her pop-noir sensibilities and storytelling wit. Her acclaimed work — praised by the LA Weekly and legend Al Kooper — spans tours across Europe and song placements in major TV hits like Once Upon a Time. Whether in grand theaters or intimate pubs, Celsi delivers a soulful, high-energy performance.
annycelsi.com →Ty Curtis
One of the Pacific Northwest's most compelling blues-rock voices, Ty Curtis has graced stages alongside legends like Robert Cray, The Doobie Brothers, and George Thorogood. His band — Brian Harris (keys), David Kahl (bass), and Richard Lawrence (drums) — brings dynamic chemistry to every show. Their latest release, Ascendant Blues, marks a bold evolution: rich, raw, resonant.
tycurtis.net →Steve Barton
A career that moves "sideways" through power-pop and rock. Best known as the frontman for the acclaimed San Francisco band Translator — whose hit "Everywhere That I'm Not" defined a generation of college radio — the Oregon Music Hall of Famer has carved out a prolific solo path, including the ambitious triple-LP Tall Tales and Alibis. His latest record, Time Hard Won, continues his lifelong pursuit of catching "smoke with a net."
stevebartonmusic.com → ~ catching smoke with a netMs. Vee
Powerhouse vocalist and comedienne whose Soul Blues is deeply infused with Southern Gospel and razor-sharp wit. A Muddy Award nominee and International Blues Challenge semifinalist, Akosua Valyria Arnold Afriyie has opened for Fantasia and Yo Gotti, bringing her "Badass Band" from the Waterfront Blues Festival to Cathedral Park Jazz. Whether performing soulful originals or honoring legends like Aretha, she delivers a high-energy show that marries R&B with edgy, comedic flair.
msveesings.com →Mike Skill
Co-founder and principal songwriter of the legendary Detroit band The Romantics, Mike Skill is the creative force behind some of rock's most enduring anthems. From the raw, garage-rock energy of "What I Like About You" to the polished New Wave precision of the #2 hit "Talking in Your Sleep," his career bridges Detroit's gritty Motor City roots and international stardom. A veteran of iconic stages — CBGB, the Peppermint Lounge — he continues to tour with the original lineup, bringing over 50 years of raw, edgy guitar mastery to audiences worldwide.
mikeskill.com →The BrazilTones
From Portland, OR — Deborah Bayardino (vocals), Ronnie Robins (guitar & vocals), and Brian L. Davis (percussion) embrace the rhythmic wonder of Bossa Nova, Samba and MPB. Performing timeless Brazilian classics alongside Ronnie's original compositions, the BrazilTones share joy — a universal language — serving as a bridge between cultures and inviting the community into a vibrant celebration of cross-cultural connection.
braziltones.com →Portland Vanguard Band
Directed by Michelle and Ben Medler, the Portland Vanguard Big Band serves as the professional evolution of the Portland Youth Jazz Orchestra legacy. Comprising alumni, band directors, and seasoned professionals, the ensemble tackles the most challenging big band repertoire across all eras — preserving the history of big band music while inspiring the next generation of jazz educators and performers.
pyjo.com →The Tiki Men
Bringing sweet island vibes and sophisticated musicality to every show, The Tiki Men explore a landscape far beyond standard Hawaiian Luau repertoire. This quartet blends traditional island melodies with bold forays into jazz, psychedelia, funky grooves, and classic film scores — delivering an intimate, surprising experience that pairs exotic nostalgia with modern instrumental mastery.
tikimen.org → ★ surf's up ★Norman Sylvester
A cornerstone of the Northwest music scene. Since opening for B.B. King at the inaugural 1987 Waterfront Blues Festival, "Boogie Cat" and his band — featuring dynamic vocalist Lenanne Sylvester-Miller — have shared stages with icons like Buddy Guy and Tower of Power. Their high-energy Rhythm & Blues showcase continues to tour the region, bringing a premier party atmosphere to every festival and venue they touch. The perfect way to send LOFA26 off into the sunset.
normansylvester.com →