Red, White and Punk

Whether you revere the red, white and blue, or just love a day off to drink a beer and eat a hot dog (real or tofu) — July 4 is a time to celebrate independence. And this year Eugene-based troublemakers PORK Magazine are putting the indie back in Independence Day with an all-day lineup of rock ‘n’ roll bands in The Whit.

Notable on the bill is Milwaukee-based Jaill (pictured). Jaill, signed to Sub Pop Records, play short, sharp pop-punk anthems — heavy on snot-nosed attitude, constantly frenetic and always melodic. Jaill recalls vintage punk bands like the Buzzcocks or The Replacements, bringing rock music back to basics.

Rounding out the day is Cosmonauts. Signed to Bay-area label Burger Records, the Cosmonauts play droning ’60s-era psyche-rock reminiscent of The 13th Floor Elevators, The Pretty Things or The Count Five; beneath all the fuzz, distortion and vocals that sound like they were recorded in a drain pipe are some strong and cohesive pop songs.

Joining Jaill and Cosmonauts is Zachary James and The All Seeing Eyes — think New York Dolls’ David Johansen doing Ramones and Elvis Costello covers, complete with ’70s glam outfits, and Alexandra & The Starlight Band — mixing Janis Joplin-esque toughness with a big neo-soul sound.

The all-ages Tiny Tavern 4th of July Rock ‘n’ Roll Extravaganza (presented by PORK Magazine) runs 5 to 10 pm Thursday, July 4, in the Tiny Tavern parking lot, 394 Blair Blvd.; free. — William Kennedy

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!