Eugene’s first documented organized band. Active years as a band: 1859 – 1872 Active years as an association: 1872 – 1940s? On March 5, 1859 the Eugene City Brass Band (a 14-piece band) gave a concert at the courthouse. A news item in the People’s Press had this to say about the concert: “…Notwithstanding the rain […]
Featured Bands & Musicians
Leon Smith and the Basics
Leon Smith and the Basics (1960-1966) Genre: Rockabilly Base Location: Eugene, Oregon Best known for the top 40’s hit song, “Little 40 Ford”. The song, written by Wayne Marshall, was recorded in early 1959 in a Eugene basement studio with an earlier version of the band, The Orbit Rockers. It was released on a local […]
Turkey Run
Genre: bluegrass/country-rock Base Location: Eugene, OR Members: Robert Adler – Drums, Standup Bass Tony Dal Molin – Guitar, Pedal Steel, Vocals Paul Friedlander – Bass, Banjo, Vocals Gary Robinson – Guitar, Mandolin, Vocals TURKEY RUN – started out as bluegrass/country-rock band initially. In fact, Robert played stand up bass and there was no drummer. Turkey Run, […]
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 […]
Nighthawks
aka: Crayhawks, Double Trouble Active Years: 1974-1977 Genre: Blues Base Location: Eugene, Oregon “When Steve Mosher left Three Fingered Jack, he was replaced by a bassist named Harold. The group was re-named Harold and the Nighthawks. When Harold was replaced by Richard Cousins and Robert Cray became a member, the group became The Nighthawks. When Robert […]
Mithrandir
Mithrandir was a popular folk band based in Eugene Oregon. Active Years: 1970-1982 The three sisters Kathy Burleson, Janie Smith and Kriss Crowley moved to Eugene from L.A. in the ’70s. Burleson describes Mithrandir’s music as “island rock, a cross between Latin and soul.” The group officially disbanded in 1982. – Source, Eugene Weekly – […]
Arroyo
Active Years: 1975 – 1977 Genre: Folk/Country Rock Base Location: Eugene, Oregon Arroyo was founded by Don Ross after leaving the band “Wheatfield”. Arroyo had steady regular gigs at Murphy and Me in Eugene, the Reed Opera House and the Oregon Museum tavern in Salem, and Sacks Front Avenue and the Last Hurrah in Portland. They also […]
Oscar R Page
Oscar R Page was a logger / musician from Wendling, Oregon. He was known for his Port Townsend-built Symphony Harp Guitar. About Wendling – from Wikipedia: Wendling is an unincorporated community in Lane County, Oregon, located northeast of Marcola. Wendling’s post office operated from 1899 to 1952. It was named for George X. Wendling, a local lumberman. A […]