WSSLC 08 | Conference Information: Evening Entertainment

Tall Jazz was formed in 1989 with the goal of establishing a unique sounding jazz trio with an emphasis on arrangements of 'standard' repertoire as well as original material. To date, Tall Jazz has performed over 1,600 engagements and recorded 6 CDs. The newest CD, 'Ode To A Vibes Generation', was released in September 2001 as a tribute to vibists Milt Jackson, Red Norvo, Cal Tjader and Lionel Hampton. Tall Jazz has been involved in a wide variety of musical endeavors, from club dates, concerts and festivals, to workshops, clinics and school assemblies, as well as private parties and corporate events.

Nominated for a prestigious Grammy award in 2007, Patrick Lamb is no stranger to recognition for his achievements, The Patrick Lamb Band. Patrick's roots are steeped in Southern blues and jazz, beginning with his childhood in Jackson, Mississippi. He began paying his dues in the clubs in Mississippi, studying under former Fats Waller band member Andy Hardwick, performing with groups that opened up for BB King, and playing dates with G.C. Cameron, formerly with the Temptations. Patrick Lamb currently tours with such internationally known legends as Bobby Caldwell and Gino Vannelli. By request Patrick has performed twice at the White House in Washington, D.C.

Patrick's band is "American Soul" featuring Patrick Lamb: a journey through Motown, 70's funk and high-energy dance music. Patrick is known for bringing the best, and you will be amazed at his energy and vitality.

Allan Byer, Bend’s Source entertainment magazine has called his music “an eclectic mix of rootsy instrumentation and harmonies that breathes fresh air with wide-reaching inspirations providing a night full of originality and character.” Byer calls his music “contemporary folk.” He plays acoustic guitar and harmonica as well as singing and writing the songs. With hot-licks lead guitar player Hal Worcester and Ed the whistler, or Doc Sackman on flute, the group is Folk Rock at its rootsy best.

Redmond-based singer/songwriter Byer started writing songs and singing over 25 years ago in Tillamook when he informally managed two garage bands. During the past ten years he’s performed all over Central Oregon with the Byer Band, as a solo artist, or in Duo form with various band members.

Byer also claims to be the "world's second best” musical spoon player behind only his master, Seattle's Artis the Spoonman. Says Byer, “It was how I got into music, playing spoons at the band’s practice sessions.

Countrified Band, brings out the country in everyone. Enjoy an evening for some toe-tapping country tunes, great for the entire family. This central Oregon band manages to draw on the roots of American music while defying its boundaries, creating something fresh, unexpected and timeless.

Tom Grant, master instrumentalist, talented singer and natural entertainer nimbly walks the line between jazz tradition and modern pop. This soft-spoken Oregon native's inspired songwriting produces propulsive R&B grooves, infectious melodic hooks, and stylish ballads with equal ease. He plays jazz piano with the harmonic sophistication and deep sense of swing that only comes from more than three decades on the bandstand. At the same time, his recordings have consistently landed at the top of the New Adult Contemporary (NAC)/Smooth Jazz charts, a genre of music Tom helped pioneer in the mid-80s.

PEPE & THE BOTTLE BLONDES
Grand Finale Dance Following Dinner

Pepe Raphael's piquant pulsations have taken him from Madrid (where he was born) to New York City (where he performed) to Portland (where he now lives). Pepe has performed leading roles in Evita with Music Theatre of Oregon and in West Side Story with the Musical Theatre Company and with The Portland Opera. Pepe has also appeared in several major motion pictures and television movies.

Pepe successfully blends dance, opera and musical theatre experience with his 'original songwriting' and 'comedic' wit to deliver a fresh and innovative performance. Their repertoire includes popular songs from the 30's to the 60's, plus a strong selection of Tangos, Boleros, Rhumbas, Sambas and many other exciting Latin American rhythms.

An eclectic, 'Copacabana style' ensemble of saxophones, congas and percussion, trumpets, and three-part harmonies combines the talent and visually arresting performance that echoes the indulgence of the 1950's nightclub chic.