Most, if not all, readers are well aware that Portland and the entire blues world lost a great treasure when local blues giant Paul deLay passed away in March of 2007. Just weeks after his passing, however, Paul’s many former bandmates pulled together to put on a tribute concert that not only honored his memory, but also established a scholarship fund in Paul’s name at Ethos Music Center, a nonprofit dedicated to music education for youth in underserved communities. Donations made at that first annual concert seeded the scholarship, and the 2008 and 2009 shows have increased the fund by several thousand dollars.

Which brings us to this year’s third annual event: on Sunday, April 25th, 2010, the Paul deLay/Ethos.org Scholarship Benefit Concert will be headlined by nationally-known, award-winning blues veteran Charlie Musselwhite. deLay and Musselwhite were personally acquainted, and Charlie held Paul in high esteem. In addition to Musselwhite’s highly-anticipated set, the evening will also include performances by Portland’s blues elite.

Here’s a partial list of those scheduled to perform, and links to hear samples of their music in previous PDXBluescast shows, where applicable:

Curtis Salgado/Alan Hager Duo (heard on Show #20 and Show #22)
Lloyd Jones (heard on Show #1, Show #9 and Show #12)
D.K. Stewart (heard on Show #1 and Show #21, among others)
LInda Hornbuckle
Rick Welter
Tahoe Jackson
Former members of the Paul deLay Band

By now you’ve probably figured out that this is a show you don’t want to miss. The music will be transcendent, and you’ll get the added euphoria of supporting a worthy cause. Now that you know you gotta go, here are the particulars:

Paul deLay/Ethos.org Scholarship Benefit Concert
Sunday, April 25, 2010
6 – 10 p.m. / doors at 5:30 p.m.
Aladdin Theater
3017 SE Milwaukie Ave., Portland (503-233-1994)
Tickets $20 advance, $25 day of show; available at Aladdin box office or through Ticketmaster
Note: You can also purchase advance tickets for $20 and no service charge at the March and April CBA membership meetings, held the first Wednesday of each month at the Melody Ballroom, 615 SE Alder St., Portland.