Clint Carter

Clint Carter is celebrating a regional award with Blues music fans across the region.

The annual Peninsula R&B Festival tied for first place for “best Northwest event” in the annual “Muddy” awards presented by the Cascade Blues Association. The Portland-based group exists to “promote and preserve” the Blues in the Northwest and publishes a digital magazine, Blues Notes.

The awards were presented by the CBA at the Alberta Abbey in Portland Sunday. The Peninsula event tied with the Northwest Women’s Rhythm and Blues group which showcases multiple events in Oregon.

Bernard Allison, a nationally recognized entertainer, was nominated for “performance of the year” for his contribution at the 2023 Peninsula festival, although did not win.

Carter was the guiding light behind the long-running Ilwaco Blues and Seafood festival which ran for many years. It morphed into the Peninsula R&B Festival and moved to the Port of Peninsula some half-dozen years ago.

He leads the annual August event with co-chairman Kate Naiman. It is a collaborative effort that draws multiple volunteers to assist with stage set-up and tear-down, hosting artists, helping with food and drink booths, and running the neighboring campground. “It truly does take a village,” he said, crediting his wife Laurie and daughter Terra Hotine with significant support.

“I am beyond humbled,” said Carter. “We’ve been nominated several times, and the Ilwaco Blues and Seafood event was nominated previously, but we finally hit pay dirt.”

Prior festivals have made significant contributions to the Peninsula food banks and the Ilwaco High School music department. This year’s seventh annual event will be Aug. 16 and 17.

Carter plays in North Coast Blues, a band he co-founded in 2009 which has also played rock and jazz. Current band members are Don King, Bryan Foster and Fred Jacobs, sometimes with guest performers. Carter also hosts a Blues radio show on KMUN.

If You Go

The 2024 Peninsula R&B Festival will be Aug. 16 and 17 at the Port of Peninsula in Nahcotta.

Details will be announced online at peninsulabluesfest.org.