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

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 […]

Ten Commanders
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

In Crowd
Active Years: 1965 Genre: Garage Rock Base Location: Eugene, Oregon Members: Marve Floyd Clark Lynch – drums Lloyde Barnhurst Clark Lynch of the In Crowd at Bimbos

Eugene’s Firemen Band
Eugene’s Firemen Band was based in Eugene Oregon in the early 1900’s. Members wearing uniforms with brass buttons and tall hats with tassels, pose with their horns and drums. Genre: Brass Band for Marching Active Years: 1910

Caliente
Eugene’s premiere Salsa band! Active Years: 1987 – 2007 “The 11-piece group has gone through many phases since its formation in 1987 by band leader and lead singer Fernell Lopez and former Lane Community College music students Enrique Rios, Alejandro Gonzalez and David Bender. They began as a Latin-jazz combination band, but around 1993, pianist […]

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 […]
