Bluesman Curtis Salgado headlines talent

 

 

... mature interpretative gift as they are a tribute to the muscular quality of his voice (Billboard) and a “gifted and soulful singer of hard-driving blues (The Oregonian), Salgado was the inspiration for Jake Blues in the hit movie “The Blues Brothers” after the author met Salgado – and his harmonica – during the filming of “Animal House” in Eugene.  Now, Salgado is bringing those licks – and that harmonica – to the Swanson Amphitheatre at 7 p.m. on Saturday night.

Opening Saturday is Roy Rogers (yes, named for the “King of the Cowboys”). He is the premier slide guitarist performing today who has produced and performed for John Lee Hooker and Ramblin’ Jack Elliott.  He is a songwriter with scores on movie soundtracks and television.  Rogers has been described as a “Sensational and sensitive blues guitarist” (San Francisco Chronicle), “an exceptionally articulate slide guitarist “ (Rolling Stone) and a modern master “whose slide riffs could peel a crawfish” (USA TODAY).

Kenny Holmes (4:30-6 p.m., Saturday) hails from the Pacific Northwest.  He is a published songwriter and member of BMI, having recorded four albums to date.

For the entertainment of children and families, the magician Emerson Hall (Quicksilver, Wizard of the North) will perform on Sunday.  Hall has been doing magic for more than 50 years.  His forte is a combination of magic and comedy that is sure to both amuse and mystify.

Also on Sunday’s bill, from 2 to 3 p.m., is 16-year-old Taylor Malone from Roseburg who has been playing finger-style (as opposed to strumming) guitar for four years.  His inspirations are world-renowned guitarists Chet Atkins and Rick Foster.  He is in the music program at Roseburg High School and performed in “Umpqua’s Got Talent” last year.

 

Rounding out the talent on stage is guitarist/singer/songwriter Nicolette Helm (3-4:30 p.m.).  Her interests range from folk, rock, bluegrass to blues.  She has shared the stage with Marcia Ball, Paul Delay, Booker T., Norman Sylvester and Curtis Salgado.

Showcasing local talent on the Swanson Amphitheatre stage is “Umpqua’s Got Talent.”  A talent contest with rounds held in Oakland in the weeks preceding Umpqua Valley Wine, Art and Music festival, the winners perform from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday of the Festival weekend.

The stage performances are set amidst booths and booths of prominent local artists and their works, the award-winning wines of the southern Oregon region and wonderful food all with items to sell.  In 2009, there were more than 40 booths of artists with works ranging from textiles, ceramics, glass, pottery, photography, jewelry and products from alpaca fiber.  Seventeen local wineries represented the wine industry in 2009, pouring their vintages and with bottles for sale.  Food was available as barbeque, Cajun, wraps, baklava, breads and desserts as well as soft drinks, beer and coffee.

The festival is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.  Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children 5-14 years old.  A one-day family pass is $25.  Tickets may be purchased at the gate or from tickets.umpqua.edu.