The Other Blues Fest
The Waterfront isn’t the only place you’ll find folks jamming out to the blues this weekend. Tonight, campers at Metro’s Oxbow Park will be treated to tunes from Steve Cheseborough. Featured on Oregon Art Beat, Cheseborough, is known for his 1920s and 30s inspired blues and hokum style hooks. The performance is part of the park’s summer event series, which features live music at the campground on Friday nights. Saturday night, the focus switches to old-fashioned storytelling under the stars. And first up to bat this month is Will Hornyak a noted Northwest myths and legends yarn-spinner. And just so we’re all clear: I don’t care what anyone says, Bigfoot is real, man.

Welcome back, Sandy!
The mix of unseasonable (and relentlessly) wet weather and lots of interested users has not been a good combo for the new Sandy Ridge Trail near Mount Hood. The BLM-maintained trail has been closed for most of the last month for repairs. But just in a nick of time for the holiday, the BLM has declared that the LOWER portion of the trail will reopen this weekend. Which means it’s time to grab your bikes and head for the hills for some of the sweetest singletrack in the region. For the latest trail conditions be sure to check in with the BLM before heading out (maybe even friend them on facebook). Happy riding.

Make it a Marquam
The roughly two-mile hike up Marquam Trail in the West Hills delivers you to Portland’s highest point, 1,073-foot tall Council Crest. So why does this matter this weekend? Because from here, you can enjoy a 360-degree view of pretty much anyone and everyone shooting off fireworks, including the rockin’ show courtesy of the Blues Fest on Sunday night. Just don’t forget your headlamp for the trek back down the trail.Happy Independence Day!

Now Get Outta Here!