Local Eugene Trio ‘Free Creatures’ perform in their hometown

Experience the unique sound born in the heart of Eugene — local artist and producer Marv Ellis has broken through the music scene with his original beats, while rapping and freestyling with his beloved and charismatic style. Touring nationally from coast-to-coast, Ellis brings Free Creatures home Dec. 20. Hometown venues hold a special place in every artist’s heart, as Blairally Venue Director Sean Ponder describes, “Come and enjoy music from amazing organic artists from our backyard in Eugene.” As a trio, each member of Free Creatures brings dynamic creativity to each song, playfully delivering what they call a “heartfelt soulgasm sandwich with every live performance.” Upright bassist and singer Emily Turner shares her vibrant voice through the airwaves and southpaw guitarist Skyler Squglio shreds his electric guitar. The group says it intends to connect with the community that gave them everything with performances that feel intimate and expressive, blending hip-hop roots with acoustic EDM. Their live shows invite audiences to experience and engage.

Free Creatures Tour, 9 pm, Saturday, Dec. 20, at Blairally, 245 Blair Blvd. Tickets $15 in advance at Blairally.com.

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!