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.