George McMurphey (1902-1979) was a the band leader of several orchestras based in Eugene, Oregon. 1926 Article in RG indicated that George became the manager of a local musical booking agency. 1926 - 1928 George McMurphey and the "Kollege Knights was the nation's 10 best dance and show bands. The jazz band was made up of University of Oregon students, many from … [Read more...]
Genre: Jazz
Jazz music in Lane County Between 1860 and 1990.
Dan Siegel
Genre: Jazz/New Age Active Years: 1970's - 1980's Background Dan Siegel is a pianist, composer and record producer. His earlier music has been described as new age, while his more recent work has been called contemporary jazz. Siegel was born in Seattle, Washington and raised in Eugene, Oregon. He began piano lessons at the age of eight, and started performing … [Read more...]
Lon Guitarski
The Lon Guitarski Group was a popular jazz fusion band of that era! Active Years: Late 1970s - Genre: Original instrumental jazz fusion Home Base: Eugene, Oregon Members Don Latarski - Guitarist & Co-principal Songwriter Tom Grote - Drums Mark Schneider -Bass Jack Buddeke - Keyboards & Co-principal Songwriter Jeff Kirsch – Woodwinds … [Read more...]
Notary Sojac
Though originally from Tigard, Notary Sojac had strong ties to Eugene and settled here and Springfield in the mid 70's. - Doug Wilson Genre: From driving rock to jazzy instrumental improv and interplay, to blues and country. Members: Mario Bolivar - Drums Justin Bonner - Drums, Vocals Will Herold - Keyboards Bobb Koski -Rhythm Guitar, Flute, Coronet, Vocals Steve … [Read more...]
Caracas
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 … [Read more...]
Pearl Street Station (1970s)
Jazz club in the 1970's? Location: Genre: Jazz Need information! … [Read more...]
Shelter
The Shelter, downstairs at the Cathy Location: 165 W 11th Ave, Eugene Dates: 1966-? Genre: Jazz Club Building History 1966 - Open House of The Shelter, downstairs at The Cathy Gilly’s Willy’s Seafood Grotto The Pad … [Read more...]
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 farm near Monroe, he decided to … [Read more...]
Jo Federigo’s Restaurant & Jazz Club (1983-2007)
Location: 259 E 5th Ave, Eugene OR Building History The Historic Granary Building built in the 1920’s. The Daily Emerald article: Jo Federigo’s to reopen as a music venue (Jan 18, 2008) Eugene Register Guard article: Jazz venue Jo Federigo’s closes (May 26, 2007) 2008 – present The Granary 1983 – 2007 Jo Federigo’s Restaurant & Jazz Club 1978 -?? … [Read more...]
Orla Whitmore
Orla Whitmore Orla Whitmore was one of the only female jazz drummers in Eugene, Oregon in the 1960's. Genre: Jazz Instrument: Drums Female drumer plays free and easy jazz - 1964 Register Guard article … [Read more...]