In 1995, three partners — Todd Davis, Bart Caridio and Mark Jaeger — set out to build a brewpub based on a mutual love of the craft and the brew itself. The trio found a spot, once a garage operated by the grandson of Eugene pioneers Allen and Rachel Bond. The location fell short of the ideal size for a brewery, but after careful consideration and falling in love with the building and its history, Sam Bond’s Garage was born, or rather reborn.
Nestled in the heart of the Whitaker and on the verge of 20 successful years (including finally opening a brewpub last year at the Foundry), Sam Bond’s Garage is planning an anniversary celebration of epic proportions. The event will be comprised of two back-to-back nights of music showcasing the eclectic, bohemian feel of the bar.
“Shows have been a part of Sam Bond’s Garage since the beginning,” co-owner Todd Davis says. “We started small, but they kept snowballing and becoming a bigger part of the focus. We’re excited to get to be an entertainment hub for the Whit and to celebrate two decades of that. I’m glad that we get to be here through the growth and get to have a lasting effect on the community.”
The event’s first night plays like an homage to Bond’s musical bread and butter, featuring local tongue-in-cheek funk-jazz favorites Bustin’ Jieber (pictured). In addition to the Jeebs is Roseburg-based one-man folk-romper Acousta Noir, whose rough-and-tumble delivery meets an energy that is as much punk rock as it is old timey. The evening is rounded out by the bluesy folk of Salem’s McDougall.
The following night features the carefree danceable pop-soul of Portland’s Goldfoot. You might recognize bassist Elijah Medina from former Eugene funk favorites Volifonix. Sharing the stage with Goldfoot is local experimental act Human Ottoman. Fusing jazz, classical and progressive structures, the cello-vibraphone-drums power trio crafts arrangements both cacophonous and beautiful.
Rounding out the evening is Portland power-Americana act The Weather Machine. Delivering a sound that practically prances along the genre lines of indie and folk like Murder By Death at a Rusted Root concert, the Rose City quintet smacks of good times and impending success.
Celebrate 20 years with Bustin’ Jieber, Acousta Noir and McDougall 9:30 pm Friday, July 24, at Sam Bond’s. Return for Goldfoot, Human Ottoman and The Weather Machine 9:30 pm Saturday, July 25. Both shows are $5 and 21-plus.