A mix of clouds and sun this morning then becoming cloudy with periods of light rain this afternoon. High 67F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 80%..
Tonight
Rain showers this evening with overcast skies overnight. Low 48F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%.
HOOD RIVER — Columbia Arts and Black in the Gorge present a musical celebration of Black History Month, featuring the “The First Lady of Portland Blues,” LaRhonda Steele & Band with special guest, renowned saxophonist Eldon T. Jones, on Feb. 22 at 6:30 p.m.
LaRhonda Steele and Band will take a journey through the rich legacy of African American music — from blues and jazz to gospel and soul. Known as “The First Lady of Portland Blues,” Steele is one of the PNW’s most revered rhythm and blues vocalists. Her powerful voice, deeply rooted in gospel and soul, has earned her induction into both the Oregon Music Hall of Fame and the Cascade Blues Association Hall of Fame. She is the music director of the Portland Interfaith Gospel Choir and the Portland Center for Spiritual Living. Steele’s collaborations with legends like Gino Vannelli, Curtis Salgado, and Norman Sylvester showcase her versatility and artistry.
Saxophonist Eldon T. Jones will bring his signature smooth jazz sound, heartfelt melodies, and infectious groove. Jones has played on national stages, from Yoshi’s (Oakland) to the Capital Jazz Fest, and shared the spotlight with icons like Earth, Wind & Fire, and Tower of Power. He’s received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the MLK Tribute and played at the Vanport Jazz Festival, Jazz Alley, and the Oregon Symphony’s Gospel Christmas.
Together, LaRhonda Steele, her band, and Eldon T. Jones will bring the sounds of history to life in a concert that celebrates the resilience, joy, and power of Black music, all while supporting Black in the Gorge Scholarship Fund.
The Black in the Gorge group established the first scholarship for Gorge residents who self-identify as Black/African American, Black bi-racial, or Black multi-racial. The BiG Scholarship will be available to all ages seeking to further their education, from graduating seniors to adults with financial need. Black in the Gorge grows the fund through various community events and appeals to give more students more equal opportunities for higher education.
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