Farewell, Meat Babies

Bustin’ Jieber, a local jazz band with rock ‘n’ roll tendencies (plus a song about nipples), is bidding adieu to Eugene. For the past five years, the trio has been jamming in venues like Luckey’s and Sam Bond’s Garage — and maybe your neighbor’s basement — as well as the Whiteaker Block Party. Susan Lucia (drums), Dusty Carlson (bass) and Andy Page (sax) have created a niche for themselves by consistently playing high-energy shows that exude genuine fun.

The Jiebers originally chose their name from a list of possible titles that included Meat Babies, Meat Hat and Meat Skirt. Page pitched the pop-idol spoonerism to the group. They made the final decision after a Cornucopia bartender gave their current name a thumbs-up.

They are one quirky bunch, not to mention talented. Lucia and Page both completed bachelor’s degrees in jazz studies at the University of Oregon, and Carlson got a master’s in the same field. Each Jieber has played in side gigs, from Page rockin’ out with long-time local ska band Cherry Poppin’ Daddies to Lucia killin’ it with MarchFourth Marching Band in Portland.

Carlson has been playing bass on a cruise ship for a few months. “Dusty is very elusive,” laughs Page. “He’s hard to pin down.”

Perhaps it’s the band’s ability to fluidly traverse genres, applying their dynamic music background, that makes its collective output sound so fresh. Page, for one, doesn’t let the conventions of his instrument define him. “Just because it’s a saxophone doesn’t mean we have to play jazz,” he says.

With only gratitude towards Eugene, the members of Bustin’ Jieber are saying farewell to cozy house shows and $3 cover charges. Page is trying his luck in New Orleans, Lucia will be in Portland and Carlson is taking up a teaching gig in the Philippines.

One thing is certain for the trio: They’ll be back. “We’re not breaking up,” Page says. “They’re my best friends.”

Come see one of Bustin’ Jieber’s final shows when they play with Astro Tan and Thom Simon 10 pm Friday, Aug. 19, at Hi-Fi Music Hall’s Lounge; $5, 21-plus.

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!