RAE GORDON – Raised in Southern California, her spirit nurtured by the dream of mountains and trees, Rae accidentally found her home in Portland while on a trip with friends. This discovery was much to her surprise… and much to our delight! Here she found something called “the Blues,” and has been receiving accolades ever since, starting with the nomination for Best New Band by the Cascade Blues Association, and followed by nominations for Best Female Vocalist two years in a row.
She also began singing something called “Gospel” in churches, and fell in love with the style, making it all her own at The Beale Street NW Gospel Show. “Beale Street BBQ” is a popular local music venue that offers the tastes and sounds of its Memphis namesake along with a new, fresh place to worship without “the pew.” Here, every Sunday afternoon, she heads up a group of some of Portland’s finest seasoned blues musicians. You will enjoy feeling the sun on your face while Rae’s band, God Shot, puts a little warmth in your heart. This year will also take the band to the waters as a part of the Waterfront Blues Festival Gospel Cruise.
“…add equal parts of Janis Joplin’s pain, Aretha Franklin’s soul and Grace Slick’s power; mix them thoroughly, add a big gob of gooey molasses and you have Rae Gordon’s voice.”
—Positively Entertainment and Dining Magazine