Girls Talk

Aja Volkman of Nico Vega talks the Girls soundtrack, music licensing and growing up in Eugene

Aja Volkman (right) with Nico Vega guitarist Rich Koehler (left) and drummer Dan Epand

There’s a certain bump that comes from being featured on the soundtrack for HBO cult favorite Girls. The show, about four twentysomethings stumbling through their lives in New York City, has featured new music by established pros like Belle and Sebastian, Santigold and Angel Haze, while also helping launch the careers of acts on the cusp of fame, such as Swedish duo Icona Pop, whose song “I Love It” became a smash hit after it was featured during a coke-fueled bender on the dramedy.  Continue reading 

Walk Along With John

John Reischman

In the world of bluegrass music, tradition is king. This makes Grammy-winning mandolin player John Reischman’s 2013 release Walk Along John something unique: an album of twelve Reischman originals, two covers and a collection of neo-traditional tunes.  The roots-music tastemakers at No Depression magazine say “For as much as I love all of those classic old tunes, it’s such a pleasure to hear Reischman honor the genre by writing songs that reflect his own experiences …” Continue reading 

Sounds of the Season

Jóse Hernàndez and Sol De México

There are plenty of traditional holiday sounds available this month, but happily, Eugene music organizations are also providing worthwhile alternatives when the wassail grows stale.  The seasonal fare starts with the ever-popular University of Oregon holiday choral and gospel concerts Dec. 6-7 at Beall Concert Hall, featuring youthfully exuberant energy and traditional faves. Continue reading 

Holiday Drama

Family-friendly theater to beat the winter blues

Wanna catch a show? Holiday theater abounds in our suddenly festive town. This year local theaters are offering fun, family-friendly shows that aren’t necessarily Christmas-focused. Your options are as follows:   She Loves Me Cottage Theatre is producing this sweet musical. She Loves Me is taken from the same story as the 1993 classic, Sleepless in Seattle. Fun music and dancing accompany the tale of corresponding sweethearts. The Cottage Theatre builds on a string of strong musicals, making this play a good bet. Dec. 5-21. Continue reading 

2014 Holiday Happenings

Friday, Nov. 21 Fern Ridge & Veneta Annual Holiday Bazaar, food and crafts by local artisans, 10am-7pm today and 10am-4pm Nov. 22, 541-935-8443. Maude Kerns presents “Art for All Seasons” exhibit, Nov. 21 – Dec. 19, Opening Reception Nov. 21, 6-8pm, Maude Kerns Art Center, 1910 E. 15th Ave., 345-1571. FREE. Annie, 7:30pm, Nov. 21, 22, 28, 29 & Dec. 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20; 2pm brunch matinees, Nov. 30 & Dec. 7, Actors Cabaret of Eugene, 996 Willamette St., 683-4368. $16-$42.95.   Saturday, Nov. 22 Continue reading