Live Shows
Music Projects
With her love of music that spans multiple genres, Lura works on several unique projects that provide a variety of experiences for sharing songs and memories through music.
Lura Griffiths
Lura has performed solo gigs with some of the most respected musicians in the Portland area. She has worked with artists such as Tom Grant, Vince Frates, Mike Doolin, Ben Graves, and the late Mark Simon. See below for info about some of the musicians she works with in her solo performances.
Past Projects
Women with Standards
Lori Boone and Lura Griffiths are Women with Standards! Singing and swinging through the standards of the Great American Songbook. And, some newer jazz you may not know, yet.
SOME JAZZ YOU KNOW...SOME YOU DON'T
Be Cool Relax
Lura sings lead vocals in this enhanced pop duo with electric guitarist and effects master Tim Clark. Together, they perform pop and R&B classics from the 50s - 90s. Be Cool Relax - Tiny Band, Big Sound!
Blues Batallion
Lura performed as lead and background vocalist in this Gresham, OR based band in 2022. Founded by Fred Reidel (lead and background vocals, lead and rhythm guitar), Blues Batallion has played at The Troutdale Summer Fair, are regulars at The Gateway Elks Club, The Gemini Lounge in Portland, at Spinella’s “Off The Wall”, and The Hoppy Brewer in Gresham. They also were the house band for Billy Bob’s in Gresham for a while. Their music is blues based, with a nice infusion of jazz, swing and classic rock. Lura & Fred performed along with Mike Amen (harmonica), David Mason (rhythm guitar, keyboards), Dave Hauser (bass), and Jim Wigington (drums).
Fellow Musicians
Portland has an immense pool of talented musicians dedicated to their craft and to giving the audience a truly memorable experience.
Lura has been privileged to work with some of the best in the business, including the musicians highlighted below.
Piano
Tom Grant
TOM GRANT, master instrumentalist, talented singer and natural entertainer nimbly walks the line between jazz tradition and modern pop. As one of the Pacific Northwest’s most renowned musical artists, his career achievements reflect his unique ability to embrace the full spectrum of contemporary music. More info at www.tomgrant.com
Piano
Vince Frates
Emmy Award-winning composer and pianist Vince Frates has established a diverse career in television and film music. Vince keeps his fingers moving by playing with many fine players that reside in his hometown of Portland Oregon. More info at www.vincefrates.com
7-String Guitar & Bass
Mike Doolin
Mike’s skill on 7-string guitar and electric bass are rivaled only by his talents as both a luthier and in the recording studio. One of the most sought after players in the Portland area, Mike is a veritable swiss-army knife of guitarist; at home with almost any genre of music. More info at www.doolinguitars.com
Jazz Guitar
Ben Graves
Ben was born and raised in Tennessee, close to the musical cities of Nashville and Memphis, where he discovered his love of blues, rock, and jazz. Influenced by Wes Montgomery, Grant Green and John Coltrane at an early age; Ben has developed a style blended with not only jazz elements, but Latin, classical and world music as well. More info at www.bengraves.net
Jazz Guitar
Christopher Woitach
Christopher Woitach has played with many nationally and internationally known artists, including Bernadette Peters, Rich Little, Hank Roberts, Bob Mover, Tony Monaco, Mel Brown, and John Stowell. He regularly performs throughout the Pacific Northwest, and at jazz festivals in the U.S. and Canada. More info at www.affmusic.com
Piano
Matt Tabor
Originally a drummer and percussionist, Matt began studying piano at age 18 after meeting jazz studies professor and pianist Darrell Grant while auditioning for the music department at Portland State University. Since graduating in 2008 Matt has made a name for himself in the Portland jazz scene, leading his own trio and playing solo, as well as playing as a sideman with a host of local acts. More info at www.matttabor.net
Piano
Bill Beach
Bill Beach is a pianist, vocalist and composer who has performed with many jazz legends including Joe Henderson, Bobby Hutcherson, Eddie Harris, Nat Adderley, Mark Murphy, Charlie Rouse and Howard Roberts. He has studied with Marian McPartland, Jack DeJohnette and Warren Bernhardt. Bill and his bands have performed in Brazil, Japan, Mexico, and many European countries. More info at www.billBeach.com
Piano
Gordon Lee
Gordon Lee is a composer, jazz pianist, arranger, conductor and music educator who is well known throughout the Pacific Northwest for his work in all these fields. Members of the Oregon Symphony, big band directors, music educators and singers have commissioned Lee for original compositions and arrangements of pre-existing music. More info at www.gleefulmusic.com
Drums
Ron Steen
Veteran bandleader and drummer Ron Steen is one of the Northwest’s top rhythm keepers and a leader of the Portland jazz scene. He is also the Godfather of Jazz Jams in Portland, having hosted ongoing jam sessions since 1980, including the famed jam at Produce Row. Notable international jazz stars who come through town stop in to Steen’s jams for impromptu music, led by one of the best in the business. More info at https://www.facebook.com/Ron-Steen-244769718985860/