I went into this year’s Waterfront Blues Festival July 4 and 5 intending to photograph how it felt, not to concentrate on the performers … not that I haven’t semiconsciously done that for the last 30-plus years since I began shooting it for the Oregon Food Bank. Arrival sounds could have been confusing: A beautiful rendition of California Dreamin’ floated up from the waterfront … not so bluesy, but lovely. Mama Cass would have approved. 

The festival’s 2025 version, its 38th, was pared down from previous years: a concentrated two days rather than the more sprawling four, and fewer stages along the downtown stretch of Tom McCall Waterfront Park. But the crowds were lively, people in the boats moored along the Willamette River to hear the music were partying down, and of course July Fourth closed with the festival’s traditional grand fireworks lighting up the sky.

Last year’s excessive heat, well over 100F degrees on Sunday, hurt festival attendance badly. But this year’s moderate temperatures in the 70s Fahrenheit brought thousands of fans, who luxuriated in an atmosphere of conviviality, escape from what’s happening elsewhere: It was Portland at its best, and a joy. At the conclusion of the festival, my friend in the security force summed it up: the least difficult behavior; appreciative crowds; the feelings of gratefulness to be with like-minded, considerate crowds buoyed everyone. Now, people felt a real need to be there.

The musicians included a heady mix of national figures and terrific local talent, ranging from the Main Squeeze, The Motet, Low Cut Connie, Allen Stone, The Record Company, and ZZ Ward to LaRhonda Steele & Ronnie White, Lloyd Jones & Mark Shark with the Bayou Boyz, Norman Sylvester, Son Little, Tahira Memory & Arietta Ward with the PDX Soul Collective, Too Loose Cajun Zydeco Band, Ural Thomas & The Pain, Southern Avenue, and more.

Yes, it was a reduced venue in size, performance stages, acts. But the magic was there, and it worked. 

“The 2025 Waterfront Blues Festival proved once again why festivals and events are such an important part of our cultural fabric,” festival director Christina Fuller said once things were all wrapped up. “We welcomed thousands of music lovers to downtown Portland’s waterfront, and it was a tangible reminder of how much this festival means to them and the city. The vibes were high, the weather was perfect, and we truly felt the love from our Blues Fest fans — both longtime attendees and first-time guests.”

Cookin’ the blues onstage

Faces and graces in the crowd

A little something to remember the good times?

Let there be lights

O say, can you see?