Music

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Trip Tracks: Oregon tunes for the journey

featured photo by Talia Galvin Highway 97 Journey Through Time on Highway 97 I was halfway to the North Pole on Highway 97 before I reached Shaniko, the ghost town in northern Central Oregon. A sign read: “45th Parallel. Halfway Between The Equator And The North Pole.” Also known as the Journey Through Time Scenic Byway, this road is the passage for the journey from the all-but-abandoned Shaniko north to Biggs, at the intersection of Highway 97 and I-84. This is a land of wide open spaces, where dryland wheat farming has taken hold. Residents along this route are mostly growers who depend upon the whims of nature to determine crop viability. Though the climate is dry, farmers have worked with what nature provides and wheat has been a staple of the economy here for generations. On a clear day, driving through this rolling outback lets you take in views that…

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To the Tune of Selflessness

Across the state, giving Oregonians dedicate their lives to helping share the gift of music with people of all ages, backgrounds and lifestyles. Our residents provide instruments and lessons, mentorship, and inspiration via life-enriching nonprofit organizations. The following local nonprofits are committed to providing a cultural experience to community members who might need it the most. 

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Oregon Singer Song Writers

Within whispering forests of skyscraping trees, in the thunder of coastal swells and between the rushing torrents of our rocky rivers, Oregon is making music. Our diverse natural environment is a symphony of sorts. Whether in the plains of the high desert or atop a snowy peak, the state seems to conduct its own musical arrangements just by being. Its inspiration and influence is undeniable to a variety of local voices—each forging their own brand of “Oregon music.” The term singer-songwriter barely scratches the surface. In the interest of discovering what exactly it means to be a musician in Oregon and how and where inspiration strikes, 1859 caught up with three local artists whose music is both turning heads and tapping toes … each to their own beat. Halie Loren When picturing the predominant musical landscape of Oregon, jazz may not be the first genre that comes to mind. However,…

portland musicians, oregon musicians

Oregon Singer Song Writers 2

written by Meredith Frengs Wales  Our diverse natural environment is a symphony of sorts Within whispering forests of skyscraping trees, in the thunder of coastal swells and between the rushing torrents of our rocky rivers, Oregon is making music. Our diverse natural environment is a symphony of sorts. Whether in the plains of the high desert or atop a snowy peak, the state seems to conduct its own musical arrangements just by being. Its inspiration and influence is undeniable to a variety of local voices—each forging their own brand of “Oregon music.” The term singer-songwriter barely scratches the surface. In the interest of discovering what exactly it means to be a musician in Oregon and how and where inspiration strikes, 1859 caught up with three local artists whose music is both turning heads and tapping toes … each to their own beat.   Halie Loren When picturing the predominant musical…

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A Year in Albums: 2013

Whether you’re holed up with a hot toddy or driving to a snowcapped mountain, Oregon musicians have tunes to keep you grooving through winter. Listen to some of 1859’ s favorite albums that debuted in the past year. Portugal. The Man | Indie RockEvil Friends | Portlandportugaltheman.com Quarterflash | Pop RockLove is a Road | Portlandquarterflash.net Pink Martini | Pop/OrchestralGet Happy | Portlandpinkmartini.com Wild Ones | IndieKeep It Safe | Portlandwild-1s.com Radiation City | Dream PopAnimals in the MedianPortland | radiationcity.net Rae Gordon Band | Soul/BluesBlue Lemonade | Oregon Cityraegordon.com Larry and His Flask | JamgrassBy The Lamplight | Redmondlarryandhisflask.com The Harmed Brothers | AmericanaBetter Days | Eugenetheharmedbrothers.com Minden | PopWhat’s More Than Appropriate?Portland | mindenband.com    

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Hear in your Hometown

Across the state, a collection of paradigm-shifting entrepreneurs is bucking the system. By turning their backs on the notion that the music industry revolves around metropolitan destinations such as Los Angeles, New York, and London, these ambitious music-lovers are bringing fans exactly what they want. By staying local, Oregon record labels are creating a culture and community that not only houses hometown musicians, but also puts our region on the map as a destination for those seeking cutting-edge musical experiences.

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Rock’n Bow: The evolution of classically trained rock violinist Aaron Meyer

To understand Aaron Meyer’s journey from being a classical violinist to a concert rock violinist, begin by listening to his music.  
His album “The Journey … not the Destination” transports listeners to the Fiji Islands, Ireland, Arabia and Argentina. “Warming Up” shares how wine creates memories and friendships and “Two Sides to This Story” emphasizes how he and guitarist Tim Ellis work together to create their own music—edgy progressive rock with worldly flavors.  

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2013 Autumn Music Events

Live music is a great way to jump into autumn.  Upcoming shows around the state will satisfy any Oregonian, no matter your music persuasion.
Portland
BandSwap: Quick and Easy Boys with Muskateer Gripweed | September 20 | albertarosetheatre.com
Don’t miss BandSwap, a meeting of the musical minds making waves in the two metropolitan areas. The Alberta Rose Theatre plays host to hometown favorites The Quick and Easy Boys, who will share the stage with Fort Collins’ Musketeer Gripweed. Shake your tail feathers at this radical collaboration of feel-good rock and roll before the Boys travel to Colorado to reciprocate on the Mustakeer’s home turf.
7th Annual Oregon Music Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony & Concert | October 5 | omhof.org
Commemorate the stalwarts of our fair state’s musical legacy at this year’s Oregon Music Hall of Fame induction celebration. Recipients include pop-rock icons Quarterflash and Americana quartet Richmond Fontaine, who will perform live alongside The Kingsmen of “Louie, Louie” fame. Expect a packed house of musical royalty and share the love by bidding on rare autographed guitars in support of music education in Oregon schools.

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Best Band

Winner: Pink Martini Pink Martini may be Oregon’s own homegrown band but its music, lyrics and fans are global. Thomas Lauderdale, a classically trained pianist, founded the group in 1994. Shortly thereafter, he teamed up with Harvard classmate and vocalist, China Forbes, to write songs. It was a fortuitous pairing as their first song, “Sympathique,” became an overnight sensation in France, where it was nominated for song of the year. Since then, the ten- to twelve-member petite orchestra has recorded six studio albums in thirteen languages on its own label, Heinz Records (named for Lauderdale’s dog). Its worldwide sales have topped two million. “A Retrospective,” released in 2011, is a mélange of old favorites and unreleased tracks. The band recently completed a tour of Japan with singer Saori Yuki and is currently performing throughout the United States and Europe, including at Carnegie Hall with the New York Pops. In April…