Show this Friday, July 15, at the FEC

July 14, 2022 — Florence Arts, Culture & Entertainment (FACE) presents the internationally famous Eugene-area blues legend: Curtis Salgado. On Friday, July 15, Salgado and his full band return to Florence and will have the main stage at the Florence Events Center (FEC) jumpin’ and jivin’ again.

Hear the man who taught John Belushi how to sing, dance, and wail the blues in 1977 while the actor was in Eugene filming “Animal House.”

Salgado inspired John Belushi and Dan Ackroyd to create the “Joliet” Jake and Elwood Blues characters for “Saturday Night Live” and the 1980 film, “The Blues Brothers.”

Winner of the 2022 award for best Soul/Blues Male Artist from The Blues Foundation, Salgado and the band will perform cuts from his 2021 album, “Damage Control,” and favorites from his 40-plus year career. This album is packed with passion, nuance and vivid detail, with masterful original songs.

As Salgado said, “Life is all about damage control … trouble and then some. It’s about dealing with what gets thrown at you and saying, ‘I ain’t finished yet.’”

“Don’t miss this incredible evening at the beautiful Florence Events Center Main Stage, where every seat in the house has perfect acoustics and amazing sight lines,” said Rachel Pearson, president of FACE. “The concert coincides with the City of Florence’s Blast on Bay Street Block Party in Historic Old Town that same evening. The FEC is just a few blocks away so you can enjoy both events!”

Salgado has become one of the genre’s most prolific songwriters, going from writing a few songs per album to writing full albums of original songs. In 2016, many critics declared “The Beautiful Lowdown” — featuring 11 original songs — as the best of his career.

According to Salgado, “Damage Control” is even better. He’s excited to bring his new songs to the stage, where the crowd fires him up even more.

“I want people to relate to the songs,” he said.

Salgado’s show is produced by FACE, the all-volunteer independent 501c3 nonprofit which supports the Florence Events Center.

Tickets are available at EventCenter.org, by calling 541-997-1994 during business hours, or in person at the FEC Box Office, 715 Quince St., Florence, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

FACE also produces community-favorite events such as the Florence Winter Music Festival, the Florence Festival of Books, the Florence Indoor Yard Sale, art gallery galas and others.

For more information about FACE, its many events or how to join or volunteer, contact Pearson at 541-991-8811 or [email protected].