It Ain't Nothing But the Blues

If you haven't been, you should go see for yourself what It Ain't Nothing But the Blues is all about. 

Here's what they have to say about the show: "From African chants and Delta spirituals to the urban electricity of a Chicago nightclub, from dusty backroads bluegrass to the twang of a country juke joint, It Ain’t Nothin’ But the Blues is a stirring retrospective of blues classics that summons the soul of American music. Over two dozen musical numbers are included, among them “I’m Your Hoochie-Coochie Man,” “Goodnight, Irene,” “Fever,” “Walkin’ After Midnight,” “The Thrill Is Gone” and “Let the Good Times Roll.” It Ain’t Nothin’ But the Blues was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Musical, and has played to rave reviews all over the country. Through the music that is cherished as an original American art form, the standout group of musicians and singers on stage share a moving American story of troubles and triumph."

Tracing the blues from it's beginnings in Africa through the deep south and then north is very cool. Showing the difference over time and place is very interesting. What they do to the song Goodnight Irene is spectacular. The actors are superb. Portland Center Stage did not disappoint. It was a foot stomping, body swaying, heck of a good time.