They are the champions. The UO Chamber Choir placed first in the Fleischmann International Trophy Competition at the prestigious Cork International Choral Festival in Ireland. Led by UO professor of music Sharon J. Paul, the choir beat out 29 other choirs from 17 countries with music ranging from “Italian madrigals to bluegrass-influenced gospel.” You can see these international stars in your own backyard 8 pm Wednesday, May 22, at Beall Concert Hall on campus; $5 students, $7 general.
In spite of all the hullabaloo, G.L.A.M. Night still has a home at John Henry’s, err, Broadway 77. The theme for Saturday is “military” in celebration of Armed Forces Day, featuring the sweet, regulation moves of Work Dance Company. So shake your booty like a patriot 9 pm Saturday, May 18; $5.
Kaleidoscopes are the best toys, and now, it may be the freshest festival to join Eugene’s circuit. The inaugural Kaleidoscope Music Festival, the brainchild of music promoters-producers OneEleven, is slated for Aug. 23-25 at Mount Pisgah’s Emerald Meadows — onsite camping included. The “fusion” fest will feature approximately 80 artists including local favorites such as Sol Seed, Medium Troy and Betty and the Boy and some yet-to-be-announced national acts falling into the categories of electronic dance music, indie rock, hip hop, jam bands and reggae. OneEleven will be releasing the full line-up later this week on its Facebook page.
EW’s Next Big Thing song of the week: “Illegible Letter” by The Crescendo Show. On the cusp of June, you can’t go wrong with a song whose first lyrics are “It’s the first day of summertime,” followed by “I’ve been skipping stones on sidewalks while running barefoot around the block.” Nathan Porter’s vocals are rich and playful layered over shimmering guitar and bass that are reminiscent of Paul Simon’s “Late in the Evening,” another great summer ditty. Want to be next week’s song pick? Enter at nextbigthingeugene.com.
Back to Bach: Tickets for the 2013 Oregon Bach Festival are now available at oregonbachfestival.com.