ARE YOU BLUE....?

Get ready! The largest Blues Festival west of the Mississippi comes to Portland's Waterfront Park from July 4-8. There'll be more than 125 performances on four stages over the five-day period, plus some sensational added attractions.

Kicking off a day early is a "Blues Cruise" on the Willamette River, featuring Lurrie Bell & Pinetop Perkins, John Boutte and the Hot 8 Brass Band. Next up in the park on the 4th will be a spectacular fireworks show and performances by a host of blues stars, as well as a "Harmonica Blow-off." Then, on the 5th, there's more big-names blues performers, including Joan Armatrading, the Blind Boys of Alabama, Dan Hicks & the Hot Licks, Watermelon Slim and others.

The following day, on the 6th, will feature a "British Blues Invasion," including Savoy Brown, Too Slim & Taildraggers, Big Monti and other bands and performers, followed by a special "Late Night Zydeco Dance." On Saturday, July 7, Gulf Coast performers will be featured as will women in blues, together with a tribute to the late great James Brown and finishing with a "Zydeco Swamp Romp."

Finally, on the 8th, the Festival's culmination will feature a final all-star "Gulf Coast Celebration," with the likes of the Neville Brothers, Big Chief Monk Boudreaux, Waylon Thibodeaux, the March Fourth Marching Band and others. The evening will end with a "Paul Delay Memorial," followed by a "Swingin' to the Blues Dance," featuring Steve Lucky & Rhumba Burns and the Lily Wilde Orchestra.

If you're into blues, don't miss this extravaganza. A five-day pass is only $25.

Also, remember that there's a bus stop a half-block from The Fulton House, which will take you downtown to the Festival. You'll avoid the incredible hassles and expense of trying to park near the Park by taking public transportation, and you'll also have no fears of a Breathalyzer and DUI if you have a beer or two.