The Ten Commanders were a popular big band based in Eugene, Oregon in the 1930’s. Music Events Jan 12, 1935 – Willamette Park June 1, 1935 – Willamette Park
Featured Bands & Musicians
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 […]
Burton Sisters
Burton Co-Ed Harmonizers were a popular family musical group who performed with a non-traditional mix of instruments and comedic costumes. The Harmonizers comprised of five sisters and performed in 1926-1929. Nov 5, 1928 – The McDonald has selected Johnny Robinson’s “Varsity Vagabonds” and the Burton Sisters’ “Co-Ed Harmonizers” Orchestra. The Burton Sisters are to appear in […]
Eugene City Brass Band
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Cole McElroy
Cole McElroy (1888 – 1947) J. Cole McElroy, also known as “Pop” McElroy was a popular Jazz musician and widely known dance hall manager from Oregon. “Born in Corvallis to E.B. McElroy, he moved to Eugene to attend the University of Oregon in the late 1800’s. He graduated from UO in 1900. In 1910, after nine years managing his father’s […]