Portland-based blues diva Ellen Whyte is stopping by Yakima to perform at The Seasons on Aug. 8 in support of her newly released fourth album, "Four Way Stop." The collection received honorable consideration for a Grammy nomination in the category of "Best Contemporary Blues Album," and has been named "Best Self-Produced CD 2008" by the Cascade Blues Association.

With her powerhouse vocals and rhythm guitar work, Whyte has fronted duos, trios and even nine-piece bands complete with horn sections over the course of her 30-year career. She has released three critically acclaimed albums in addition to "Four Way Stop."

Whyte's influences include bluegrass, gospel, rock, blues and jazz. She says her heroes are Ray Charles, Ella Fitzgerald, Joni Mitchell and Bonnie Raitt.

Whtye tours in the Midwest and on the East Coast in addition to the Pacific Northwest. She's also performed as a featured artist at the International Blues festival in Montreal.

Tickets cost $10 per person; children under age 5 are free. The Seasons' box office is open Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and until 7 p.m. the night of the performance. The Seasons Performance Hall is at 101 N. Naches Ave.

For more information, call The Seasons at 509-453-1888 or 888-723-7660. For more info on Ellen Whyte, visit www.ellenwhyte.com.

-- Darcy Wytko