Waterfront Blues Festival 2024: Reggie Houston

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — As we prepare for the 2024 Waterfront Blues Festival this upcoming July 4 weekend, we’re taking a moment to learn more about the artists who are on the lineup for Portland’s annual tradition at the Tom McCall Waterfront Park.

Reggie Houston’s roots stretch back to New Orleans, where he found himself surrounded by a musical community.

“In my particular case, it all starts in a church,” he says, with his family involved in the choir and services.

But as Houston explains, his family also owned businesses in New Orleans as black entrepreneurs in the city, where he saw some of the greats, including Nat King Cole, perform.

Watch the video above for the full interview, including what the City of Roses means to him.