These aren't the greatest photos I ever took -- but I was pleasantly surprized that they were relatively decent. I volunteered on Saturday at the Blues Fest - it benefits the Oregon Food Bank.
Amazing music and all for the price of 2 cans of food and $10.00. Artists like Rick Estrin & the Nightcats, Keb' Mo',Robben Ford, Candye Kane, Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings, and many, many more. Sadly, the original opening night act, Etta James, had to cancel due to illness.
The Blues Fest ranks as of the 15 Greatest Outdoor Music Festivals in North America, according to Outside magazine (June 2009). "With 100-plus performances on four stages on the grassy banks of the Willamette River, it's by far the best bang for your buck."
I hadn't taken my camera or purse, not even a fanny pack - just a light-weight bag I could sling across my chest and wear under the T-shirt all the colunteers get. Had the iphone though, and that's what I used to get the photos here.
There were a lot of people, the Fire Marshall shut down entry a couple of times, and waited for people to leave. Even though there was a crowd, I noticed that we weren't getting as many cans and donations as the previous year.
It's one of the biggest events for the Food Bank - and the goals this year were to raise $500,000 in contributions and 70 tons of food. I wasn't surprized when I heard earlier today that they were under their goals.
I hope they made it up today - gates opened at 10 and didn't close til around 4 o'clock. The spokes person on the news attributed the lower numbers to the recession.
Did pack many boxes of cans and boxes of non-perishable food, as did others, and know it all helps. But since the need is so much higher all across the region this year, and the numbers are down -- going to have to do some more myself. Hope others who can will also!
We closed the food collection around 10 pm, cleaned and organized so the area would be ready for the next day.
Then it was on to the fireworks! They were great, love the way they reflect on the water. And how the crowd always oohs and ahhs!
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