For the third year. The Next Waltz will recreate The Band’s legendary farewell concert originally held at the Winterland Ballroom on Thanksgiving weekend 37 years ago. More than a mere tribute, the concert makes a big difference to Portland, as proceeds benefit the Jeremy Wilson Foundation and the Oregon Food Bank.
Portland all-star musicians and singers play the parts of the superstar guests from the 1976 show. This year’s scheduled performers from all over town include Eric D Johnson (Fruit Bats), Lewi Longmire, Steve Kerin, Morgan Geer, Jenny Conlee-Drizos (Decemberists, Black Prairie), Matt Cadenelli, Zak Borden, Jim Brunberg, Ural Thomas, Kris Deelane, David Jacobs-Strain and many, many more.
The concert is Friday and Saturday November 29 and 30 at Alberta Rose Theatre, 3000 NE Alberta St. 8 pm. Last year’s concert sold out well in advance, so it’s a good idea to get tickets early. Minors OK when accompanied by parent or guardian and doors open at 7 pm. Tickets are $25 advance and $28 at the door. Folks are asked to bring two non-perishable food items to donate to Oregon Food Bank.
The Jeremy Wilson Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit musicians’ health and service organization dedicated to providing emergency healthcare assistance and improving the overall well-being of individual musicians and their families.
Wilson spent more than 20 years playing in bands like Pilot and the Dharma Bums and had to undergo four heart surgeries. “I was born with this congenital heart condition,” he explains.
After years of dealing with his health, he founded the non-profit foundation. It has become an important advocate and asset for other uninsured musicians.
Donors can write a check to: The Jeremy Wilson Foundation, 1028 SE Water Ave. Suite 230 Portland, OR 97214. For more, see www.thejwf.org.