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2010 Safeway Waterfront Blues Festival raises over $600,000, a new record
The ending of the Festival would see more than $622,000 for the Oregon Food Bank and a Gazillion pounds of food garnered by the legions of fans and attendees for this year. A record set yet again.
Blues Festival 2010 Report:
Filming a Front Row Documentary
"It was during our one-on-one interview w/ the 'Silver Statue Man under the Hawthorne bridge in the shade, sandwiched in between fifteen-wide count Honey Bucket rows, we began to realize... karma was on our side and this was the right thing to do."
The ending of the Festival would see more than $622,000 for the Oregon Food Bank and a Gazillion pounds of food garnered by the legions of fans and attendees for this year. A record set yet again.
Our mission? Take four 60 minute HD cards and pack them chalk-full of tasty interviews with Artists, Volunteers, Audience members, Industry Insiders and Festival Organizers and get great feedback to each person's experience. No matter whether they play, build, vend, organize or just plain walk by. Although we filled only three cards, we got more than 2/3rds of what's needed to make a decent documentary about one of the largest Blues Festivals anywhere in the world; Second largest in the nation and THE largest west of the Mississippi.
Once inside from the get-go, first meeting was with long-time stage Manager Bill Phillips who quickly facilitated the scene. Big Bill got us well-watered and taken care of making sure we could get to anyone we needed. Tracy Weinberger and the entire Staging Services team from Arthur Presents are top-notch and take care of their own...big thanx to them.
They even had people under the stage to grab our bags...WDF!
Slight rain on the first day kept us under the backstage tent, but were able to quickly connect with a few people like Kevin Selfe, Lisa Mann and Franco Paletta for great interviews. After meeting Walter Trout's wonderful wife Marie who assured us his approval to contribute his opinions- invited us up to their private room(secret location) for a one-on-one interview...VERY COOL. Former Canned Heat member and John Mayall alumni for several years, Walter's performance was phenomenal as usual, and when the crowd went wild for him, he got very emotional and relented to backstage for a couple of minutes between his encore...overwhelmed by the screams of love and support for him. He quickly composed himself and ran back out like a champ, all smiles.
The next thing I know, I'm standing backstage right next to the blues British Godfather John Mayall. Completely blown away to be next to him unbuffered for a full two minutes, giving me the opportunity to pitch an interview offer to him. He gave me a courteous nod. "Sure, sounds O.K." His set was as historical every one he performs, and he looks most excellent for his 76 years...so good that he got away from us, and all because I was chatting away happily w/ Mr. Trout
Next spotting was Bob Anchetta and Steve Pringle from KINK Radio..."You want us together?" 'Hella!" I said and pow...interview. Things worked out well for the first day.
As the weather got a bit better we ventured out among the crowds, volunteer tables and vendor booths asking people about their experiences, both past and present. Kids love the food and activities, attendees seemed to especially like the music and beer. Musicians were overwhelmed by the crowd turnouts and sheer star-power and comradeship that bonds people to this event year after blessed year
Booker T and Taj Mahal performed excellent sets to packed audiences. Other than Trout, my favorite of the Fest was Bobby Rush, who knocked his two performances outta the park. He had a full-fledged blues/funk band and two hot mama dancers on stage. They moved and grooved so well I didn't need to watch internet porn that evening...seriously, Bobby Rush was the sleeper star attraction- most were blown away by his machismo-laden star-power magnifico. He knows how to work a crowd and have a good time at 77 years old. His south stage performance was only a warm-up because he kicked it up a full 5 notches at the Marriott after-hours jam later on for those of us lucky enough to catch him.
We got key interviews with Michael Burks and Lucky Peterson after their monster performances. Lucky's one talented 'mofo and can play both electric guitar and boogie piano. His performance later with the Divas of Soul, Linda Hornbuckle, Janis Scroggins and LaRhonda Steele showed his intense devotion to gospel as well.
We took the Blues Cruise on Sunday filming music on all three decks. Along with the Divas of Soul, we talked with many people and even took a tour of the Steering Room with the ship's Captain!
Many more lent their opinions about this great event with stories past and present in order to contribute to our video documentary: Chris Thomas King, Jim Mesi, Karen Lovely, Duffy Bishop, Robbie Laws, Greg Johnson, Son Jack Jr. and Tony DeMicoli to name just a few. All these and MORE gave us unique insights, opinions and testimonies of their various professions.
Their stories about the Food Bank and hunger, past encounters with top musicians, early lives and approach to their particular musical styles will all be featured for a film. You'll see Jim Miller become my co-host, Robbie Laws serving popcorn-and yes...an exclusive interview w/ the Silver Statue Man...you won't believe what he had to say...only on Buko.net.
