“Feel the expression and emotion pouring out, as she delivers…” – RadioIndy.com

With over twenty years of playing with the finest jazz musicians in the U.S. & Canada, Cheryl Hodge has certainly made her mark. She’s has been the “featured artist of the month” (Nov. ‘09) on COAST To COAST AM with George Noory, with spotlight on the latest cut “That’s Why I’m Here”, from faculty album, “SOUVENIR”. Winner of the GRINDIE Award from RadioIndy.com; Cheryl continues to be a headliner and adjudicator at several jazz festivals, including the Envision Jazz Fest (the largest educational jazz festival in Canada), and the internationally acclaimed Kaslo Jazz Fest, in 2010.

She has been a top ten artist in jazz charts for ‘09 with songs: “Indigo” and “Guide to Recovery”, “Give In”, “Do You”, and “Adios” from ‘09 Indigo Album. Hodge is a gifted pianist and isn’t afraid to visit the outer stretches of “scatting” (vocal jazz improvisation); yet loves singing Blues and R&B (think Etta James).

Call 503-223-0070 for reservations, and visit cherylhodge.com to learn more and listen to samples of Hodge’s evocative music.

Kate Davis will be performing two shows on Saturday, June 26 — at 7:30PM and 9:30PM. This will be the first time that she has ever played with legendary guitarist Dan Balmer, and over a year since she played with pianist Dan Gaynor. This classic trio configuration lends itself nicely to Kate’s new repertoire. Note that each show must be reserved at 503-223-0070 to ensure a seat.

UPDATE! Friday, July 2 will now feature just one show at 7:30PM at Wilfs with David Goldblatt on piano, and Gary Hobbs on drums. This will be another excellent combo, and once again reservations are required.

Kate Davis was selected as one of 20 2009 Presidential Scholars in the Arts, and this is her performance at the Kennedy Center in June of 2009. She is accompanied by NFAA Silver Winners Emmet Cohen (piano) and Mark Whitfield Jr. (drums). The single “Glad To Be Unhappy” is now available as an exclusive single on iTunes. Kate performs tonight (Friday, May 21st at 8PM) with David Goldbatt and Todd Strait

Founded in 1992 by Rob Justus, JOIN began as an educational organization offering experiential “immersions” into the experience of homelessness for youth. As the homeless people that they worked with began to share their wisdom and experiences, they shifted their organizational mission to direct housing services.

JOIN exists to support the efforts of homeless individuals and families to transition out of homelessness into permanent housing. Their efforts are directed at individuals sleeping outside or in their car in the Portland Metro area. Their service provision is not dependent on age, gender, ethnicity, sexual identity, specific diagnosis, or identifiable issue.

You can learn more about JOIN at their website: http://www.joinpdx.com/

Please Join us on Saturday, May 1st for an Evening of Music with Susannah Mars and Friends, a special concert to benefit the Arthritis Foundation’s Camp JAM (Juvenile Arthritis Matters!)

Performing live with Susannah Mars is an incredible roster of vocalists from the Portland music scene, including Valerie Day, Rebecca Kilgore, Darrell Grant, the Portland Gay Men’s Choir, Gary Cash, Gavin Gregory, Laurie Campbell-Leslie, and Pam Mahon.

Advanced Reserve Seats are available for a $35.00 donation, with General Seating available for a $20.00 donation. For more information or to reserve your seats, please contact Janet Lamb at 503-245-5695 or 1-888-845-5695, or email at jlamb@arthritis.org

Camp JAM (Juvenile Arthritis Matters)

Camp JAM is a free weekend camp for children of all ages with juvenile arthritis and their families. Children with juvenile arthritis face the daily challenges of their disease where one day they feel good and then achy the next day. This can be an isolating experience for children at school when they have to sit out of physical activities because of their arthritis.

Learn more at the Arthritis Foundation website.

SOLV brings Oregonians together to improve the environment and build a legacy of stewardship.  The money we raise helps plant trees, eradicate invasive plants, and teaches kids the importance of environmental volunteerism. In fact, for every $10 raised this month at Wilfs, SOLV can plant 5 trees! Find out more at www.solv.org.

Visit Wilfs in April and enjoy our special cocktails: The Navan Creamsicle (vanilla liqueur, Grand Marnier, OJ, and cream) or the new SOLV cocktail (Amaretto, Frangelico, Bailey’s, and coffee), and order the Smoked Salmon Pasta (with dill cream sauce, capers, and seasonal vegetables) and help SOLV with their great programs!

“Conveys a pure essence of piano jazz that is sweet, lovely and irresistable. His solos emerge in a crisp lyricism that is engaged, resonant and consistently brilliant.” –Rebecca Webb, KINK radio

In a performing career that spans more that 25 years Bill Beach has performed with many jazz legends including Joe Henderson, Bobby Hutcherson, Eddie Harris, Howard Roberts, Mark Murphy, Charlie Rouse, Frank Morgan, Jimmy Cobb and Nat Adderley. He has studied withMarian McPartland, Jack DeJohnette and Warren Bernhardt. Bill has performed in Japan, Mexico, England, Holland and Belgium. His CD, Letting Go was releaseed in November of 2004.

Learn more at Bill’s website: www.billbeach.com

Performing live jazz at 7:30PM will be our long-time friend, Ron Steen with Karen Maria Capo, Steve Christofferson, and Dennis Caiazza. Plus, special food and drink items from our menu will benefit MercyCorps. Please make your reservation now at 503-223-0070 and join us as we celebrate this special day!

The duo of Amy & Freddy return to Portland for the 3rd year, with two shows at Wilfs on Friday, March 12th benefiting Camp Starlight – a week-long residential summer camp for children affected and infected by HIV/AIDS.

Amy Armstrong’s beautiful voice, edgy humor and quick wit, combined with Freddy Allen’s impeccable musical arrangements and sly repartee, come together to form a “dynamic duo”, presenting an enjoyable and unforgettable entertainment experience. Based in Chicago, Amy & Freddy have been captivating audiences for more than 10 years in the classic tradition of such legendary entertainers as Bette Midler and Liza Minnelli. The duo brings three shows to Portland with a different flavor to each show. Returning this year is drummer extraordinaire, Steve Moretti. If you attend one show, you will definitely want to come back for more!

This incredible night of entertainment and generosity is presented by Phil Sparks Design and Cascade Aids Project. Performances start at 6:00PM and 9:00PM with $30 tickets available at Cascade Aids Project (208 SW 5th Avenue, #800 — contact Eva at 503.278.3801) or through Phil Sparks Design at 503-546-9662.

The Ron Steen Trio plays Wednesday, February 17th at 7:30PM with James Benton, Toni Lincoln, George Mitchell, Scott Steed.

Thursday 2/18

Tasha Miller will be appearing at Wilfs this Thursday, February 18th at 7:30PM with Mike Horsfall on the piano, Kevin Deitz on bass and Todd Strait on drums…and hopefully, you too!

Friday 2/19

The Mia Nicholson Trio performs Friday night at 8:00PM

Saturday 2/20

Rounding-out a fantastic week of live music, The Shelly Rudolph Trio appears Saturday Night at Wilfs at 8:00PM.