About Portland Blues Experience
Dancers, blues fans, jazz lovers, and heritage music enthusiasts — this one’s for you!
If you’ve ever found yourself dancing at the Front Porch or Crossroads stages at the Waterfront Blues Festival, Portland Blues Experience (PBEx) has curated a full day in your honor—packed with live music, dancing, lessons, and connection right in the heart of downtown Portland.
Portland Blues Experience (PBEx) has been creating joyful, dance-centered experiences for over 20 years. Rooted in the vibrant energy of the Waterfront Blues Festival, PBEx has hosted everything from workshops and socials to boat cruises and legendary after-parties at venues like the Pythian Building and Portland Dance Studios.
In 2025, as the Waterfront Blues Festival scales back its stages, PBEx is stepping forward. In place of the beloved Front Porch Stage, we’re proud to bring you a full-day music and dance festival at Director Park, celebrating the artists, styles, and community connections that make this tradition so meaningful.
Whether you’re an experienced dancer or simply someone who loves great music and good vibes—come dance, connect, and celebrate with us.
Presented by Portland Blues & Jazz Dance Society and DanceMode, in partnership with Downtown Portland Clean & Safe
Want to Support Portland Blues Experience?
You can help make this day of music and dance possible! Contributions of any size are welcome and go directly toward paying artists, providing dance floors, and supporting our free, public programming.
Make checks payable to:
Portland Blues & Jazz Dance Society
Mail to:
Portland Blues Experience
℅ Brenda Russell
2881 SW 182nd Ave. Apt 1
Aloha, OR 97003
Whether you think of it as a donation, a community sponsorship, or a way to say thank you for keeping the blues alive—we’re grateful for your support.
📧 Questions? Contact: PortlandBluesExperience@gmail.com
📞 Brenda Jean Russell: 503-998-7417