Today would have marked the 59th birthday of one of my older sister’s birthday. Martha, lost her battle with cancer at the age of 3 1/2. I was 18 months old when she died and have no recollection of her. However, we have plenty of pictures to remember her by.
Over the years, I’ve written several songs in Martha’s memory. The most recent was in 2013. Today is a day of gratitude and remembering.
I’m so enjoying this little spot on the performance map. Cellar 55 is a great setting for a musician and a wonderful atmosphere for wine loving patrons. I’ll be performing this Friday, Oct 24 from 6:30-8:30pm with my usual playlist that includes, Elton John, BIlly Joel, James Taylor, Kenny Loggins, The Beatles, Van Morrison, Elvis Presley, Eagles, Fleetwood Mac and some originals, too. Would love to see some familiar faces.
Fun times at Cellar 55 in Vancouver, WA this evening. Full house all night long. Connected with a longtime musician friend who now lives in California. My friend’s Lori (who took this picture) and her husband Frank, were also in attendance. Gotta give a shout out to them because they got me in touch with Cellar 55 back in July and this was my second gig with them. Many familiar faces from my performance in August showed up again this evening. That was really cool. Plus, I’ll be playing next Friday evening from 6:30-8:30pm at Cellar 55.
One of my new favorite places to play is Cellar 55 in Vancouver, WA. I’ve been invited back to perform on consecutive weekends. This Saturday evening, Oct 18, I’ll be performing cover tunes from Billy Joel, Elton John, Stevie Wonder, The Beatles, Michael McDonald, Bill Withers, Bob Dylan and many others. I’ll perform some of my own originals including songs from my album “In Those Days,” along with some original instrumentals and whatever else comes to mind. This Saturday’s gig is from 6-9pm.
Then the following Friday evening, Oct. 24 I’ll be performing from 6:30-8:30pm at Cellar 55. I’d love to see some familiar faces.
HomeBrew, the classic R&B party dance band I play with, will be performing Sunday October 12 at Base Camp Brewery in SE Portland. Our set begins at 2pm and we play until 5. It’s a benefit for Rural Health Collaborative.
FYI – We have several members in the band who work or are retired from the healthcare industry. So this gig hits close to home.
Set list includes but not limited too: Doobie Brothers, Steely Dan, Muddy Waters, Etta James, Stevie Wonder, Brian Setzer, Taj Mahal, Al Green, Eddie Floyd and plenty more.
Just added “I Love My H20” (new mix) to bandcamp.com. Thanks to Bart Hafeman for the great work on the remix.
Leave it to one of my favorite musicians/producers/engineers and all around great guy, Bart Hafeman, for remixing my quirky little song, I Love My H20.
I’ve uploaded it to Soundcloud here.
Based on some great feedback, I changed the lyrics on the bridge of this song to better reflect a more positive light on drinking water as opposed to drinking other beverages. I love playing ukelele. Such a fun and lighthearted sound.
This week in music finds me preparing for two gigs. Tuesday evening, HomeBrew, will be performing at Velo Cult Bike Shop, 1969 NE 42nd Ave, in Portland’s historic Hollywood District. We play from 7-8:15pm and are the first of two bands. It’s a benefit for Oregon Special Olympics and there is a $10 suggested donation. Showing up early is highly encouraged.
Wednesday evening, what used to be my monthly Jade Lounge gig has gotten even more intimate. Meeting in a home with Jade Lounge band members and friends for an evening of sharing songs we all know, along with hearing some originals. Should be a wonderful evening of music and laughter.
Picture taken by Lori Brown
Fun times last Friday evening at Cellar 55 in Vancouver, WA. Met some very nice couples who enjoyed some quality wines from a friendly and attentive staff. Even had some of the couples dancing to some tunes, including one of my originals. Sold a CD of my “In Those Days” album to a couple who liked my new song “So Much Fun.” They said the lyrics reminded them of their own relationship. Feel good moment for me.
Tonight, it’s rehearsal time with HomeBrew. We have an appearance on Tuesday Aug. 26th at Velo Cult Bike Shop. This is an event for the Special Olympics Oregon Multnomah County Local Program. Suggested entrance fee: $10. We are the first of two bands. We take the stage at 7pm and play to 8:15. We’ll be playing tunes from Van Morrison, Doobie Brothers, Stevie Wonder, Steely Dan, Chicago, and others. Did I mention this bike shop has a bar! Join us in the Hollywood District of NE Portland. This is just a fun band.
This weekend, I’ll be on the coast in Rockaway Beach providing musical assistance for an all-church retreat. Keyboard, guitar, banjo, melodica and ukelele will be making appearances as well. Looking forward to some old time campfire tunes, too.
Chris Taylor Tunes 
