Portland’s LaRhonda and Lauren Steele make music a way of life, at home and on the stage

On a sunny summer afternoon in Northeast Portland, LaRhonda and Lauren Steele are gathered around the piano in their living room, trying out some new harmonies for an upcoming show. Mark Steele is coaxing out a jazzy version of “Bring It On Home to Me” on the piano. And while it may sound like one of the best live performances you’ve ever heard, to the Steeles, it’s just another day.

LaRhonda Steele is known as “the first lady of Portland blues,” through her decades of headlining performances at Portland’s Waterfront Blues Festival and dozens of other national and international venues. She was recently inducted into the Oregon Music Hall of Fame. Her daughter Lauren has achieved her own success as both a singer and actor. Lauren just released a new album, completed a tour in Brazil and opened Friday night in “Hair” at Portland Center Stage.

“LaRhonda and Lauren are a dynamic mother and daughter team,” says Portland blues legend Norman Sylvester. “They are phenomenal entertainers.”