Archie Parrott and his orchestra played for many dances up and down the Willamette Valley and often traveled with many instruments. In the photo to the right, they are playing in a musical bandstand built of lattice work with a stylish decorative backdrop in Eugene’s Willamette Park in 1936. (Oct 17, 1936 RG article) Archie (standing) […]
Featured Bands & Musicians
Femmes
The Femmes were an all female rock band based in Eugene Oregon in the 1970’s. Genre: Rock Active Years: Home Base: Eugene, Oregon Members: Serena Wright – piano/keyboards Sonja Crockett (from Australia) – bass Patricia Claggett French – drums
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 […]
Wheatfield
Wheatfield (1971-2006) Genre: Americana/Folk/Bluegrass/Country/Rock Base Location: Eugene, OR Wheatfield formed in October, 1971, as a folk duo by Pete Wolfe and Will Hobbs, who met in the Odyssey Coffee House in Eugene, Oregon. Their first impromptu rendition of “Helplessly Hoping” met with immediate applause, and the two decided they had something special and worth pursuing. Within […]
Terry and the 7th Happening
Genre: Garage Rock Active Years: 1967-? Base Location: Eugene, OR Members: Eddy Russell Terry ? Duane Marquis – Sax Gigs: The Kon Tiki Played in Las Vegas at The Carousel (1967–1974) for one month.
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 […]
Searchin’ Soul blues band
The Searchin’ Soul blues band was a popular Eugene-based blues band between 1966 and 1972, and was fronted by guitarist/vocalist, Dave Acker. The band played Blues covers by B.B. King, Willie Dixon, Paul Butterfield, and Little Walter plus their own originals. They had a unique Northwest Blues sound that helped establish the Blues movement in Eugene, Oregon and […]
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 […]