Aladdin Theater to host Hall of Fame celebration
A historical photo shows Portland’s “Sweet Baby” James Benton (second from left) as a member of the Del-Tones with Eddit Fontaine (from left), Emmett Williams and Dave English. The late Blues vocalist will be honored with a heritage award at this year’s Oregon Musical Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. Photo courtesy sweetbabyjamesmusic.com.
Select musicians from Portland’s African American community with other prominent Oregonians like Kiss guitarist Thommy Thayer will be honored at the annual Oregon Music Hall of Fame induction ceremony, coming Saturday, Oct. 9 at the Aladdin Theater in southeast Portland.
The inductees include LaRhonda Steele, Lifesavas, The Decemberists and Todd Snider. The Dandy Warhols have been named Artist of the Year and the Album of the Year comes from the Koonce-Ross-Fraser album, New American Blues.
Heritage awards will go to big band leader Carl Smith and Blues vocalist “Sweet Baby” James Benton. Portland supper club owner and entertainer, Tony Starlight will host the show.
Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the door.
LaRhonda Steele, First Lady of Portland Blues