By BEN OLSON/for The Herald — While waiting this morning for my frozen mocha with whipped cream, blended, of course, I happened to see a poster regarding a concert in the park. It appears that 3 bands will be playing at Greenwaters Park next Saturday, June 18.
Having spent the last 4 summers in Oakridge, I was aware that free concerts do take place occasionally in the summer at the bandshell, and I have attended a number of them- always enjoyable. As the entertainment writer for the Highway 58 Herald, I have, perhaps foolishly, assumed that when a live music event is being held, that the people who are putting on the event would drop me a little information so I could do some free promotion for them, you know, to help boost attendance.
Like all reporters, I am unbiased. That said, it stands to reason that if you want your event promoted in my column, please reach out and provide me some content… or buy me a beer when you see me in the tavern.
Concert in the park
This Saturday, June 18, the Oakridge Concerts in the Park series kicks off with a great lineup of bands at the Greenwaters Park bandshell. The first band begins at Noon. The bands scheduled are The Distance, Stewart’s Roadhouse Band and The Cramer Boys. This is an open-air event, so please bring your own blankets and chairs and whatever else you need to be comfortable during an afternoon of great live music. There will be a beer garden for those of legal drinking age.
On top of the hill, at the east end of Odell Lake, Kelly Thibodeaux and his Cajun fiddle will be on the deck at Odell Lake Lodge on Saturday evening, June 18, from six until 8 p.m. He’ll be accompanied by keyboard wizard Scott Hitchings and virtuoso guitarist Peter Giri. Lake Odell Lodge serves dinner and has a full bar. Entertainment is scheduled to take place on the deck. Bring a jacket and hat, as it can get a little cool up there at times.
Down the hill in Oakridge, the Deep Woods Distillery will have the Moon Mountain String Band on stage this Saturday, June 18, playing from six until 9 p.m. There is a nominal cover charge to gain entry to the Insensitive Wetlands festival area. Mick and Cindy will be serving up cocktails made with spirits distilled on site. Food will be provided by Buen Dia.
The Crane has it “going on”
A three-day weekend is on tap, as well as some tasty locally brewed beer at the 3 Legged Crane just a little further east on 1st Street. I’ll be banging away on my acoustic guitar this Thursday evening, June 16, from seven until 9 p.m. It’s an open mic, so come share the stage with me or I’ll gladly turn the stage over to you if you’re more comfortable with that.
On Friday night, the aforementioned Kelly Thibodeaux and company will be taking the stage with a starting time of 7 p.m. On Saturday evening Peter Wilde will be back with his original tunes and droll humor. Sitting in with Peter will be Chip Cohen on fiddle and Tom Hughes on drums. Showtime is 7 p.m. As always, there is no cover charge for musical events at the 3 Legged Crane.
In addition to their fine hand-crafted beers and ales, the Crane offers a sandwich, dinner, and appetizer menu. Their website, 3leggedcrane.com has information on all things Crane.
At the Lion Mountain Bakery on Highway 58 in Oakridge, I’ll be playing the improbable on my ukulele this Sunday, June 19, beginning at 9 a.m. Yes, 9 o’clock in the morning. When I get done, guitarist/singer Broken Horn will take over, starting at 11 a.m., and play songs from the golden age of rock and pop music. The Lion Mountain has a spacious, relaxed atmosphere and serves both a breakfast and lunch menu. No cover charge for the live music.
Rockin’ at the Dexter Lake Club
Down by mile 12 on Highway 58, the Dexter Lake Club will be having their open mic/jam sessions on Sundays and Tuesdays. Hosted by the talented Brian Chevalier, these events give everyone a chance to get up on stage and be part of the band. The jam on Sunday leans toward rock and roll.
On Tuesday, it’s more country and Americana. Jams begin at about 6 p.m. The Dexter Lake Club has a full bar, and the adjoining Rattlesnake BBQ has a sandwich and dinner menu. For more details, check out the Rattlesnake BBQ Facebook page.
As I alluded to in the opening of my column, if you have a music event scheduled and you want some help promoting it, please send me some of the pertinent details. Here’s hoping summer will arrive soon!
George Custer lives in Oakridge with his wife Sayre. George is a former smokejumper from his hometown of Cave Junction, a former captain in the U.S. Marine Corps. and ran a construction company in Southern California. George assumed the volunteer duties as the Editor of the Highway 58 Herald in 2022. He loves riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle, building all things wood, and playing drums on the weekends in his office.
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