Blues-Rock Virtuoso James Howard Brings Electrifying “Wonder Wednesday: Encore” Performance To Chemeketa (Photo) - 02/25/26

Award-winning guitarist and songwriter delivers an intimate night of soulful vocals, psychedelic roots rock, and masterful musicianship on March 7

Salem, Ore., February 25, 2026 — Chemeketa Community College invites the community to experience an unforgettable evening of blues-rock brilliance as James Howard in Concert takes the stage on March 7 at 7:00 p.m. in the Chemeketa Auditorium (Building 6), located at 4000 Lancaster Drive NE in Salem (Purple Parking Area).

A San Francisco Bay Area native with more than 40 years on stage, James Howard delivers an electrifying live show that blends virtuoso guitar, inspirational vocals, and fearless songwriting. Drawing inspiration from icons such as Carlos Santana, Stevie Ray Vaughan, B.B. King, Jeff Beck, and Pat Travers, Howard fuses traditional blues with psychedelic roots rock, seasoned with touches of Latin and jazz to create a sound that is uniquely his own.

His accolades include:

• Winner, Washington Blues Society Finals — 2016 & 2023

• Competitor, International Blues Challenge, Memphis, TN
   

• Winner, 2012 Best Blues Guitarist — Lee Ritenour’s Six String Theory Global Guitar Competition
   

• Semi-finalist, Jimi Hendrix Electric Guitar Competition
   

Critics consistently praise his artistry:

“What Howard can do with a guitar is remarkable… sweet and brilliant… deep in the well when it comes to guitar wizardry & creativity.” — Delta Snake Daily Blues

“A Jimi Hendrix on guitar with John Lennon’s voice and vision… a songwriter with great depth.” — Rock and Blues News

“Guitarist extraordinaire… a breathtaking exhibition… simply awesome.” — Music Connection Magazine

Now newly relocated to the Willamette Valley, Howard is eager to build a new audience right here at home. This special Wonder Wednesday: Encore performance offers an intimate, immersive concert experience featuring a master musician at the height of his powers.

Tickets are available through Eventbrite:
James Howard In Concert

Community members, music lovers, and blues-rock fans alike are encouraged to attend and experience a night of soulful sound and exceptional musicianship at Chemeketa.

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For more than 55 years, Chemeketa Community College has committed itself to transforming lives and our community through exceptional learning experiences in the Mid-Willamette Valley. As the second largest multi-campus district in Oregon, Chemeketa serves more than 18,000 students annually at its Salem and Yamhill Valley campuses, as well as Brooks, Eola, Winema, Dallas, Woodburn and Chemeketa Center for Business and Industry (CCBI).

Chemeketa Community College is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and educational institution.