Black Forest hosts a free show 10 pm Thursday, July 16, featuring local singer-songwriter Jake McNeillie, who has a country-dusted baritone evocative of David Bowie, with his “dark roots” band. McNeillie and Company is joined by the folk blues of Utah “one-man band” Tom Bennett and Minnesota folk-rock musician Kevin James Pertinen.
You could say Graham Nash is rock royalty, literally. Beyond his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice (in 1997 for Crosby, Stills and Nash and 2010 for The Hollies), Nash was anointed Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in 2010. Catch the king performing “career-spanning hits” 8 pm Friday, July 17, at McDonald Theatre; $46. All ages.
Westside: The Westside Warehouse District is hosting its second annual block party 2 to 10 pm Saturday, July 18, at the libations cluster in West Eugene (Viking Braggot Company, J. Scott Cellars, Claim 52 Brewing, Noble Estate Winery) with a set by DJ Tawrence and music by local singer Scott Austin and headliners, The Long Hello, the funky, soulful band featuring Emily Jensen (vocals, guitar) Tim McLaughlin (guitar, trumpet, vocals), Rich Llamas (bass, vocals) and Adam Bushey (drums, vocals). This free 21-plus event will be held in the parking lot at 560 Commercial St. Event organizers says it is easily reached by the bike path and bus route on West 11th Ave., and there will be plenty of bike parking.
Don’t miss: Dream pop trio Spectacular Spectacular hits Cottage Grove for a free show 8:30 pm Monday, July 20, at Axe & Fiddle. Isley Reust fronts the Los Angeles band, which has already garnered comparisons to Garbage, Cat Power and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. A transgender activist, Reust first gained a following by documenting her transition on YouTube followed by an appearance on Glee. Spectacular Spectacular released its debut album Blur June 30.
Rock icon Joan Jett comes to the Lane County Fair with her band the Blackhearts 8 pm Wednesday, July 22; tickets are free with fair admission. As Jett takes the stage, she’s also taking some heat: The Huffington Post published a damning exposé July 8 about The Runaways manager Kim Fowley and his sexual assault of original bassist Jackie Fox while band members and groupies looked on. Jett has refuted the claim.