Saturday, Aug. 18

BLUES cee cee james

Janis Joplin proved once and for all that white women get the blues too. The first time I saw her perform “Ball and Chain” in the Monterey Pop Festival film, it frickin’ sent a jolt of electricity through my body. We in the Northwest have been blessed with many blues ladies, but to be honest, I had never heard of Cee Cee James until I saw she was coming to Jazzbones; but just one listen to her powerful voice and elegant delivery and I was an instant fan. Known best as the “funky white girl,” James has transformed from heavy metal front woman to a blues diva without missing a beat. Not a screamer but a singer who can scream best describes her vocal range on her renditions of such classics as “I Just Wanna Make Love to You,” “I’ll Take Care of You,” and “Rock Me Baby,” which are done in her signature funk-drenched style. After relocating back to her hometown of Portland, Ore., from the bright lights of Hollywood, she assembled a band that can handle her explosive live performances. No disc to speak of, so I guess you’ll just have to take my word for it. She’s hot. — Tony Engelhart

[Jazzbones, with the Michal Miller Band, 8 p.m., $10, 2803 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.396.9169]

Sunday, Aug. 19

BLUES back to beale street fund raiser

It is time once again to send one of our own to the Back to Beale Street International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tenn., in January. But in order to do this, we need some serious dough. So in conjunction with the Swiss, the South Sound Blues Association is throwing a party, and it’s gonna be a doosey — with Beth McBride, Reloaded, The Michal Miller Band, Junkyard Jane, In The House and this year’s winners, the Red Hot Blues Sisters all donating their time and music to fund the trip.



The Red Hot Blues Sisters debuted live in 2004 and quickly became the toast of the town. With a deep admiration for the past coupled with a progressive eye toward the future, the group performs traditional standards with a modern edge. When it comes to their original material, the Red Hots incorporate elements of the blues with a rock and roll sensibility that is fresh and new. Fronted by two women, Suze Sims (vocals) and Terri Anne Wilson (guitar), the band might have some novelty but don’t discount their talent.



We at the Weekly Volcano know the band will be a serious contender and wish them the best of luck. — TE

[The Swiss, 5-11 p.m., $5-$10, 1904 S. Jefferson Ave, Tacoma, 253.572.2821]

Tuesday, Aug. 21

JAZZ barbie anaka

I’ll go ahead and admit this despite the razzing I might get from some of my readers. I LOVE Sade. There, I said it. While I’m not a fan of smooth jazz, her sultry voice sends a tingle down my spine, and her exotic beauty captivates me. I just discovered another magnificently attractive jazz singer who possesses a silky smooth voice in Seattle-based singer/songwriter/pianist Barbie Anaka. Like Sade, Anaka mixes R&B and jazz with a contemporary vibe that is intoxicatingly cool. Unlike the Nigerian singer, this home-town girl pens and arranges all her own tunes, and her vocal style is less airy and a bit bolder than Sade’s too. As she croons through her original material, you are transported to a place where every care in the world is magically washed away.



Too dramatic?



Sorry, but it’s true.



To date, the blonde bombshell has released two discs. Her 2001 debut, In Love With a Memory, was chock-full of tight grooves, dynamic harmonies, and stellar arrangements where Anaka throws in socially conscious ballads along with beautifully written love songs. In 2003, she teamed up with Seattle composer David Loy for Ballads Through the Night. This time she toyed with standards as well as originals. — TE

[Dockside Bistro and Wine Bar, 6-8:30 p.m., 501 Columbia St. N., Olympia, 360.956.1928]