Waterfront Blues Festival

July 9, 2024

We spent Fourth of July weekend in Portland, Oregon at the Waterfront Blues Festival. I have attended many music festivals in the past. This one thrilled me more than any other. The music was diverse and of extreme high quality. We rocked our socks right off while discovering new artists.

The festival is superbly well organized with several stages in play at all times. Cajuns were well represented in musical styles and costumes. We thoroughly enjoyed our Bayou Blues Cruise on the river that featured 3 bands on 3 levels of the ship. There was plenty of room for a dancing crowd and space to rest in air conditioned comfort.

We met fun and interesting people from all over the place, many Canadians. The festival was well attended but not crowded. The most ethnically diverse crowd I have seen in Oregon was on hand in some intriguing fashion. Friendly dancing folk of all walks of life came to listen to music next to the water. I had no contact with the news at all, reveling in the moment with thousands of people in sync while creating art and beauty.

Return to reality is harsh and unpleasant. The break restored my faith and confidence in humanity. I hope I live long enough to be on hand for next year on the waterfront. It soothes the spirit and feeds the soul.