Caracas was a popular Latin Jazz band based in Eugene, Oregon. Active Years: 1979-1984 Original Members Mario Bressanutti Tony Proveaux Randy Deutcher Nathan Waddell Members Mario Bressanutti Paul Schimming (trumpet) Dennis Caffey (Drums) Mark Schneider (bass) Juan Lara (congas) Curtis Kraft (congas) Sal Figueroa (percussion) Additional musicians who also shared presentations of “Caracas” include: Lynn Baker (sax), […]
Featured Bands & Musicians

Genetics
The Genetics (1965-1969) Genre: Music that Swings – Rock and Roll Base Location: Eugene, Oregon The Genetics were young…it’s reported that they were only 13 when they started in 1965. Group consisted of Vic Bearden (Guitar), Doug Gustafson (Guitar), and Phil Jessen (Drums). Members from 1967-1968 Vic Beardon – Guitar Jay Bonzer – Guitar Mike Chapman – Drums […]

Burners
The Burners (1979-1984) Genre: Roadhouse and Classic R&B Home Base: Eugene, Oregon The original Burners: Chris Porter, Paul Burnett, Newel Briggs, Abner Burnett, and Butch Cousins Whole Lineup: Butch Cousins – drums Paul Burnett -guitar Abner Burnett – keyboards, guitars, and vocals Chris Porter – guitar Dean Engleson – bass Newel Briggs – guitar Mark Schneider […]

Sires
The Sires (1964-1969) Genre: Garage Rock Base Location: Eugene, OR The Sires were teenagers from Eugene and nearby Springfield, Oregon, forming at Sheldon High School in 1964 and breaking up in 1969. Members: Marty Berg – Vocals Mike Briggs – Rhythm Guitar, Bass Ron Craig – Lead Guitar (also played in The Tempters) Robert Grebb – Drums […]

Highwaymen
Genre: Folk Active Years: 1963 – 1964 Home Base: Eugene, Oregon Members Rob Anderson – guitar, banjo, bass, vocals Marc Ellington – guitar, vocals Bill Ayres – bass, banjo, vocals “I played with Marc Ellington (2 years my senior) while a junior at North Eugene for about a year (1963/4). We called ourselves The Highwaymen. Marc […]

Harold Bradford Trio
Harold Bradford Trio (1973-1974) Genre: Blues, Rock Base Location: Eugene, Oregon Members: Harold Bradford – Piano Harry Lassegard – Drums – also played in the Searchin’ Soul blues band (Passed 1979) Keith Doug Skelton – Bass – also played in the Searchin’ Soul Blues Band and Palace Meat Market Celeste Rauchert – Vocals Reid Smeltzer – […]

Los Xplorers
Active Years: 1980-1982 Genre: Blues-Rock Base Location: Eugene, Oregon Original Members 1980-1981: John Barley – Guitar (also played in Nads) Henry Cooper – Guitar Louis Samora – Drums (also played in Foamlords, The Flapjacks, The Jackals, and The Rats with Oregon legends Fred and Toody Cole) Fred Kellogg – Bass Members 1981-1982: John Barley – […]

Chevelles
The Chevelles started in 1962, in Eugene, Oregon and dissolved in 1964. Genre: Garage Rock Members: Skip Biggs (drums) also played in The Moguls Greg Nance (guitar) also played in The Moguls