Blackouts Are Back

Bad Luck Blackouts

Bad Luck Blackouts

A couple years ago, I helped film a documentary about Bad Luck Blackouts recording their debut album 13. The punk-rock trio had an enthusiastic local following, a surprisingly professional work ethic and ambitions to take the act on the road. In addition, they were incredible live. The band seemed poised to make some noise, and we wanted to capture that rise to inevitable greater success. However, as young bands often do, BLB hit a wall.  Continue reading 

You could say Graham Nash is rock royalty

Spectacular Spectacular

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.   Continue reading 

Arts Hound

The Arts Center of Corvallis (700 S.W. Madison Ave.) hosts an opening reception 5:30 to 7:30 pm Thursday, July 16, for a fantastic new exhibit, Subtext: An Exploration of Language in the Visual Arts. The show runs through Aug. Continue reading 

Whirled Pies taking over restaurant section of Cozmic

Pizza lovers, rejoice! Local pizza shop Whirled Pies is now operating the restaurant portion of popular venue Cozmic at 199 W. 8th Ave. Don't worry, though — you can still catch all your favorite shows and events at the venue, because all but the restaurant has remained the same. "We're still having very frequent shows through Cozmic Presents," Whirled Pies co-owner Laurel Bui explains. "We're definitely using it as a venue and we've kept the same promotor and website." Continue reading 

Bacon of the Sea!

This just in from Oregon State University: Seaweed that tastes like bacon.  According to an OSU press release:  Oregon State University researchers have patented a new strain of a succulent red marine algae called dulse that grows extraordinarily quickly, is packed full of protein and has an unusual trait when it is cooked. This seaweed tastes like bacon. Continue reading 

The Kids Are Alright

Childcare options at the Fair

“Childcare has been a part of the Oregon Country Fair for 37 years,” co-coordinator Johnny Whiddon says. “Parents need a break, kids need a break. We try to provide a Fair experience, tailored to the little guys.”  Children who are potty-trained, up to age 12 or 13, can come to one of two childcare locations for two hours at a time, to enjoy live music, face painting, entertainment, acrobatics, arts and crafts, quiet activities like board games and chess and good ol’ story time.  Continue reading 

My waffle, my liege

Off the Waffle joins the Fair’s food family

You’ve bought a ticket to the Oregon Country Fair and chances are high that at some point during the three-day odyssey, you will develop the munchies, suddenly needing a place to satiate this supernatural hunger. But with the fair hosting more than 50 food vendors — including the addition of new vendors to its roster for the first time in many years — how ever will you decide where to pig out? Continue reading