Artists
Blue Flags Black Grass
Blue Flags & Black Grass has been performing in Portland and the PNW for over 10 years. This past summer, BFBG had a great adventure playing around Alaska. You can typically find Blue Flags at summer festivals such as NW Folklife, Oregon Country Fair, Sh'Bang, Cascadia Rendezvous and other events. Blue Flags has been hosting jug band workshops for kids and adults alike. In February, Blue Flags released their latest album, Sweet Dee's Kitchen.
Blue Flags & Black Grass is a combination of many flavors of acoustic American Roots Music. With the instrumentation of Banjo, Res-o-phonic Guitar, Fiddle, Washboard, Kazoo and Upright Bass, Blue Flags emulates the String Bands of the 1920s and ‘30s. Their typical gig will blend Ragtime, Viper Jazz, Country Blues, Old-Time, Jug Band and Bluegrass. As well as performing classic standards and dusting off hidden gems, Blue Flags also features original songs by Flip ‘Fats’ McGuire.
Flip McGuire - Banjo, Res-o-phonic Guitar, Kazoo
Dumpster Joe - Res-o-phonic Guitar, Harps
Elwood Johncox - Upright Bass
Aaron Koch - Washboard
Jeffrey Reynolds - Fiddle
Andrew Alikhanov - Clarinet
Social Links
Tevis Hodge Jr.
Born in Virginia, and inspired by his southern black heritage, Tevis began playing blues at the age of 12 years old, though he first started guitar at the age of six. With a deep love for Black American music, Tevis is compelled to bring the traditions of his heritage to life.
Well versed in multiple blues idioms such as the Piedmont, Delta, Texas, urban and country blues styles, He also dips into jazz, jug band, folk and even old timey novelty tunes. Tevis Hodge Jr's repertoire is an eclectic mix while his performance oozes with originality and passion. Adding his own flare to the songs he covers, he seamlessly presents originals that can mingle with the classics and stay true to the source.
At the age of 13 Tevis started to gravitate to performing at school events, open mics, and on the street. With a considerable amount of experience for his age, Tevis has enjoyed a career opening for acts ranging from Robert Cray to Living Colour, and performing onstage with such acts as Peter Yarrow (of Peter, Paul & Mary,) vaudeville legend Baby Gramps, "Boogie-Cat" Norman Sylvester, guitar virtuoso Mary Flower and soul extraordinaire Ural Thomas to name a few. Tevis placed as a solo semi-finalist in the 2014 International Blues Challenge, and has had great reception at festivals, fairs, markets, clubs, vineyards and venues alike.