Great music accompanies celebration

Wallace hails from Portland, Ore., and is a native of Eugene, Ore. He grew up listening to the pop music of the 60s and 70s. He soon developed a preference for blues and followed George Smith and Charlie Musselwhite, Robert Cray and Curtis Salgado. Wallace formed his own band, singing and blowin' harp.

Two tours to Europe and the passage of several years finds him still performing traditional Chicago and West coast blues, swingin' jump, and lowdown swamp rock. He is considered a master of the harp and has been featured at major blues fests, performing with such artists as Paul DeLay, Mark Hummel, Jr. Watson, Canned Heat and many more.

Look for a new CD by Wallace this fall on Roseleaf Records.

In the meantime, come enjoy his style on July 4 from 6 to 10 p.m.

Wallace will be sharing the stage with Kevin Selfe, a nominee for two 2007 Muddy Awards for Best New Act and Best Electric Guitarist.

Selfe has dedicated his life to the blues. After graduating from North Carolina State University with a degree in meteorology in 1995, Selfe felt like there was something missing. His career as a weatherman was abandoned and he decided to pursue a life playing the blues.

At the age of 23, he joined the regionally popular Fat Daddy Band. In 2002, the band was named one of the top six unsigned blues bands in the world. After several busy years touring the South, and recording three CD’s, he left Fat Daddy and eventually, in 2005, formed his own group, Kevin Selfe and the Tornadoes.

The band quickly gained the reputation as one of the most energetic blues groups around. In 2007, Kevin relocated in Portland and has become a part of the vibrant blues community.

The band consists of Selfe on guitar, harmonica and vocals with Don Shultz on drums, and Allen Markel on bass.

Selfe's diverse style can best be described as a range of traditional Chicago blues, to powerful Texas Swing. Their CD entitled "Selfe-Contained," was released in January 2006.

Blues Matters (UK) says of Selfe on the CD, "Playing fine harmonica as well, it is his superb deep voice that resonates throughout."

All festivities for "Red Wine, Blues & Art, Too!" begin at 6 p.m. on July 4 at the Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center Museum.

Admission for adults is $20, children are $10, five and under are free. No personal fireworks, coolers, alcohol, or food are allowed.

Bring your lawn chair and stay to watch the fireworks display as provided by Cascade Locks.