Back Beat

It’s official: reggae fusion band Sol Seed nabbed the crown for EW’s Next Big Thing 2013 with a final, outstanding performance at the Eugene Celebration Aug. 24. The 6-person outfit — including Michael Lennon (vocals, guitar), Michael Sorenson (vocals, drums), Benny Pezzano (vocals, bass), Kenny Lewis (vocals, guitar), Sky Guasco (vocals, percussion, didgeridoo) and Greame Pletscher (saxophone) — created a bubbly and psychedelic wall of sound that got the crowd swaying and singing on Willamette. Look for them on the cover of the Sept. 12 issue. Kudos goes out to runners-up The Crescendo Show, who put on an earthy and soulful performance with stunning vocals. Catch Sol Seed at Sept. 5 at Cozmic and The Crescendo Show Sept. 6 at Cornucopia on 5th.

Disco fans, grab a blanket for a night under the stars and that big thing in the sky that looks like a disco ball. The Satin Love Orchestra plays a benefit concert for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Emerald Valley 7 pm Aug. 30.

More music for a cause: Local musicians the Alder Street All-Stars, Fiddlin’ Big Sue Band and Walker T. Ryan come together for the “Save the Eugene Jeans Guy” fundraiser 9 pm Aug. 31 at Sam Bond’s; $5-$25 suggested donation. The Eugene Jeans Guy, aka Tim Long, was diagnosed with a gastrointestinal stromal tumor last fall and does not have health insurance.

Always wanted to be part of the von Trapp posse? The Majestic Theatre in Corvallis hosts auditions for their November production of The Sound of Music 3 to 6 pm Sept. 2 and 6 to 9 pm Sept. 3. See majestic.org for details.

Don’t miss: the tales of Leland Sundries 7:30 pm Sept. 3 at Wandering Goat— “Oddball storytelling with a lo-fi country sensibility,” says Time Out New York.

A Note From the Publisher

Dear Readers,

The last two years have been some of the hardest in Eugene Weekly’s 43 years. There were moments when keeping the paper alive felt uncertain. And yet, here we are — still publishing, still investigating, still showing up every week.

That’s because of you!

Not just because of financial support (though that matters enormously), but because of the emails, notes, conversations, encouragement and ideas you shared along the way. You reminded us why this paper exists and who it’s for.

Listening to readers has always been at the heart of Eugene Weekly. This year, that meant launching our popular weekly Activist Alert column, after many of you told us there was no single, reliable place to find information about rallies, meetings and ways to get involved. You asked. We responded.

We’ve also continued to deepen the coverage that sets Eugene Weekly apart, including our in-depth reporting on local real estate development through Bricks & Mortar — digging into what’s being built, who’s behind it and how those decisions shape our community.

And, of course, we’ve continued to bring you the stories and features many of you depend on: investigations and local government reporting, arts and culture coverage, sudoku and crossword puzzles, Savage Love, and our extensive community events calendar. We feature award-winning stories by University of Oregon student reporters getting real world journalism experience. All free. In print and online.

None of this happens by accident. It happens because readers step up and say: this matters.

As we head into a new year, please consider supporting Eugene Weekly if you’re able. Every dollar helps keep us digging, questioning, celebrating — and yes, occasionally annoying exactly the right people. We consider that a public service.

Thank you for standing with us!