Welcome Bernie Sims to the Rong Stage at the Oregon Crafters Market and High Water Grill.
Bernie Sims
Singer/Songwriter/Producer
Born in St. Louis, Bernie spent his formative years in Salt Lake City and was surrounded by some amazing talents with whom to explore writing and performing music. That early opportunity led to a passion for songwriting and performing. The Beatles, Crosby, Stills & Nash and others were role models for both performing and writing strong melodies and 3-part harmonies.
Early on, his music career involved playing both originals and cover tunes in coffee houses and with bands in high school and beyond. In addition to touring the Rocky Mountain states from his home in Salt Lake City, a few of his bands (Icarus and Celebration) opened for national acts such as The Steve Miller Band, Badfinger, Quicksilver Messenger Service and It’s A Beautiful Day. Bernie moved to Seattle in 1974 to form the band PUSH, a versatile, six-piece rock band, and played throughout the Northwest for several years. He made Seattle his home for years, performing occasionally and continuing to write, before moving to Portland in 1999.
His many influences include Kenny Loggins, Paul McCartney, Boz Scaggs, Billy Joel, Donald Fagen and Stephen Stills. These influences can be heard in Bernie’s songs, which speak to love and love gone awry, nature and man’s place in it, and the search for meaning in a world spinning too fast.
Bernie produced and released his first CD “Alter Ego” in April of 2002. The CD’s nine, fresh adult contemporary songs feature several outstanding Portland players and vocalists. Critics said this:
“Fans of Southern California-style adult contemporary should check out “Alter Ego” … the songs are solid and professional and feature a subtle jazz flavor.” Stan Hall, The Oregonian
“Steely Dan meets Everything But the Girl” Kevin Welch, KINK FM
“Expressing feelings and experiences people will relate to is the force behind singer songwriter Bernie Sims’ artistic work.” Lake Oswego Review