Whats-Happening: Page 621

Medicine Men

Music

Back in 2011 with the release of its 7” vinyl Myths, the only defining quality that distinguished the Seattle-based Pickwick from the cluttered Pacific Northwest indie folk scene was lead singer Galen Disston’s buttery vocals. “We were conscious of our songs being very derivative, very wannabe,” Disston says. Since then, the sextet started writing songs collaboratively, brought in Americana, blues and soul influences and has successfully stepped out from under the neo-indie umbrella that so many Seattle bands are huddled beneath. Continue reading →

Lord of the Lake

Music

Following in the fictional footsteps of indie alias outfits Father John Misty and Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, L.A.-based atmospheric folk group Lord Huron uses its music to create a unique storytelling experience that transports listeners on a wandering adventure. The sepia-toned world of Lord Huron employs swirling melodies, layered harmonies, tribal drum beats and inventive rhythms to paint a picture of the American West as told by singer-songwriter Ben Schneider.  Continue reading →

Back Beat

Music

EW’s Next Big Thing 2013 will reach its apex this weekend at Eugene Celebration when finalists The Crescendo Show and Sol Seed compete for the grand prize (cash money, recording time, CDs, gigs, etc.) 1 pm Aug. 24 on the Eugene Weekly-KVRM stage. Catch 2012 NBT winner Volifonix at Oak Street Speakeasy 10 pm Aug. 24.   Continue reading →

Kaleidoscope Roundup

Music

Eugene, prepare yourself for three days of peace, music and heavy bass. The first-ever Kaleidoscope Music Festival launches Friday, Aug. 23, at Emerald Meadows in the foothills of Mount Pisgah. Peer into a lens swirling with a colorful collection of art, nature, food and, most importantly, music. With 87 acts, there’s a little something for everyone. (Bass)Headliners  Continue reading →

Movers & Shakers

Meet the people who shape Eugene’s dance community

Dance

Eugene may not have Moscow’s Bolshoi or New York’s Martha Graham Dance Company; however, just below the city’s surface is a vibrant world of dance, of clacking heels and pointed toes, of “pop, lock and drops” and ball changes. From classical performances at the Eugene Ballet Company and sensual Middle Eastern folk dance at Celebration Belly Dance and Yoga to pioneering modern dance at the University of Oregon and glitzy hip-hop productions at Work Dance Company, there’s a groove for everyone’s mood. Continue reading →

Burlesque Boom

Eugene’s burlesque and variety troupes give the tradition a modern and silly spin

Dance

Burlesque is just stripping for hipsters, right? Or the kind of show to which Don Draper from Mad Men would take clients (performed at places with names like “The Boom Boom Room”)?  Wrong. The truth of the matter is burlesque has a long and storied history, and while dance is vital to burlesque, the popular variety shows also feature comedy, live music and social commentary.  Continue reading →

Mr. Dance International

Alito Alessi has been shaping the dance world for more than a quarter century

Dance

There is perhaps no one better known in the local dance community than international dance visionary Alito Alessi. The Eugene-based dancer, teacher and artistic director for DanceAbility International created the Joint Forces Dance Company and DanceAbility — a globally renowned method that explores artistic expression between people with and without disabilities through movement — with his dance partner Karen Nelson in 1987. And, naturally for a dancer, he just can’t stay in one place. This spring, he was chosen as an “arts envoy” by the U.S. Continue reading →

I.C.U. Crew

Forget intensive care — this male hip-hop group will keep hearts beating

Dance

Lounging on the overstuffed chairs and couches of All That! Dance Company’s studio, Jordan Ross and twin brothers Coleman and Kaelen Byrum look like any clean-cut, athletic 18-year-olds. Only Ross’s I.C.U. Dance Crew T-shirt gives any indication that the guys might not be into just the usual track and football.  Yet get them and the other two crew members, 18-year-olds Logan McGann and Aidan Ziegler-Hansen, on stage and there’s no mistaking that these guys are an award-winning hip-hop dance group.  Continue reading →