Wednesday, May 6, 7:30 Show (7 door): Willy Porter, Singer-Songwriter, Accompanied by Cellist Mai Bloomfield
Tickets $29.50 Now on Sale; drop by the store or call 541-345-8986 to reserve, or click on this link to go to our web store.
Tsunami Books is very happy to welcome Willy back. And we are thrilled to have Willy accompanied on the Cello by Mai Bloomfield.
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Willy Porter continues on a musical and personal odyssey spanning over two decades, 13 albums, and multiple continents. His journey has been defined by an inquisitive love for humanity and the language that describes what we all hold to be true. Porter’s songs weave a universal perspective about the questions, struggles, and triumphs of human existence. His live shows are guitar-driven grit, soul, silence and muscle– at times electrifying, dynamic, and unique in the way that Porter’s voice blends and fuses with his fret work.
A largely self-taught musician, Porter began treating audiences to his brand of guitar playing and wry storytelling in the late ‘80’s while living in Madison, Wisconsin. In 1990, he released his first full-length independent album, The Trees Have Soul, and the touring life has flowed steadily ever since. Porter has literally logged millions of miles across America, Canada, the UK, and Europe, touring solo, as well as with various incarnations of the Willy Porter Band and in support of artists like Tori Amos, Paul Simon, Jethro Tull, Sting, and Jeff Beck. https://willyporter.com
Mai Bloomfield is an American singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. She is perhaps most well-known for her work with Jason Mraz and her band, Raining Jane. But she is also an award-winning solo artist, songwriter, cellist, and educator. She’s been involved in many social impact projects throughout her career, such as the Rock n’ Roll Camp for Girls LA. She is also a breast cancer survivor and has given keynote performances sharing her story of resilience and inspiration.
Born into a family of artists, Mai started playing cello at age 9, and by 15 she was writing her own songs on guitar. After graduating from UC Santa Cruz, she moved back home to Los Angeles and became a founding member of indie folk-pop band, Raining Jane. The harmony-rich foursome toured heavily, putting 200,000 miles on their van and trailer, and were a support act for Sara Bareilles. They’ve released several albums and been involved in a multitude of music & community projects over the past 20+ years.
Mai wears many hats as a musician–from band member and session player, to writer, teacher, and solo artist. She has received songwriting awards from the Kerrville, Telluride, and Rocky Mountain Folks Festivals. As a cellist, she has played on over 100 records, including Leonard Cohen’s final album, You Want It Darker. Mai has worked with many artists, such as Jason Mraz, Sara Bareilles, Adam Cohen, Willy Porter, Lee DeWyze. Collaborating with Mraz as a writer and band member, Mai has co-written hits such as “I Feel Like Dancing” (2023), “Have It All” (2018), “Love Someone” (2014), and “A Beautiful Mess” (2008). She has toured the world, playing stages from coffee shops to Royal Albert Hall, and she’s performed live on many TV shows, including The Today Show, The Tonight Show, Jimmy Kimmel, Ellen, and American Idol.