By BEN OLSON/for The Herald — I just re-read Janet Hansen’s eloquent article from several weeks ago about Peter Wilde’s new CD, “Natural Disasters”. I can’t add much more. Peter Wilde is a treasure that we’re fortunate to have living right here in Oakridge with us. He likes writing songs and playing music so much that he, sensibly, makes his living climbing trees and cutting the tops off, gigging just for the joy of it.
I’ve been fortunate enough to be his bass player at a number of shows at the 3 Legged Crane, along with some other extremely talented musicians who aren’t there for the money. It’s a tribute to Peter that they show up and help make it an experience, as much for themselves as for the audience.
Peter Wilde and company to play at the Crane
Since making his way from the East Coast to the Cascades as a young man, Peter immersed himself in the Eugene music scene. He met the people he has played and recorded with, who will always gladly share the stage with him. This Saturday, December 9, Peter will be celebrating the release of his 8th album of original tunes with many of those musicians. The show takes place at the 3 Legged Crane, with the music scheduled to begin at 7 pm. I’m sure there will be talk of free beer at midnight and swimming at the quarry after everyone gets kicked out of the bar.
The 3 Legged Crane is the largest and oldest brew pub in Oakridge, conveniently located on 1st Street in the historic Uptown, close to the convention center and parking ramp. They brew the beer right there and have appetizers, sandwiches and dinners on the menu.
Corner Bar to feature country rock by Glenn Jones and Southbound
Just down the street at the Corner Bar, Glenn Jones and Southbound will be taking the stage this Saturday, December 9 at 8 pm. Rob has described their music as country rock, with more than a little bluegrass and Americana influence thrown in the mix. The Corner Bar has a full selection of adult beverages and a variety of food options, including daily specials.
The Lion Mountain Bakery will once again be featuring singer-songwriter Broken Horn this Friday, Saturday and Sunday, December 8, 9, and 10. The music takes place from 11 am until 1 pm each day. Broken Horn cut his teeth playing music in southern California in the 60’s, covering the emerging pop and rock songs of the day. Fast forward 50 years, and those songs are classic oldie-goldies. The Lion Mountain serves both breakfast and lunch. Festival seating allows customers to be as close to the bandstand as they’d like to be. The LMB can be found on Highway 58 in Oakridge.
Ben will be at the DLC of Friday
I’ll be on stage at the Dexter Lake Club this Friday, December 8, from 6 until 8 pm. After playing the uke in several venues this last weekend, I’ll be holding forth with my guitar at Dexter. The request lines will be open. The Dexter Lake Club has a full bar, and the adjoining Rattlesnake BBQ has appetizers, sandwiches and dinners on the menu. The Dexter Lake Club has, appropriately, a view of Dexter Lake near milepost 12 on Highway 58.
Karaoke fans- Wednesdays at the Logger’s Den on Highway 58 in Oakridge, Thursdays at the Dexter Lake Club, and Fridays at the Corner Bar in uptown Oakridge.
Get out to the Save TV Butte fundraiser on Friday at the LMB
As soon as I wrap things up at Dexter on Friday evening, I’ll be driving back to Oakridge at a judicious speed (probably with 40 cars and trucks closely following me) to attend the fundraiser for Save TV Butte, being held at the Lion Mountain Bakery. I have yet to find anyone who lives in Oakridge who thinks that it’s a good idea to have a new gravel quarry right next to town. The idea of having TV Butte denuded of trees and leveled over the next 20 years while we watch from town seems to be an unpopular idea by everyone I’ve talked to.
That a few rich people want to make even more money despite universal opposition by the locals is probably to be expected. I can’t stress this enough- if the new Old Hazeldell Quarry gets approved because the locals didn’t do everything in their power to stop it, we’ll regret it. Listening to the blasting, breathing the dust in our air and watching 80 more semis driving through Oakridge with loads of gravel every day will be a big step back for our community.
Do your part to save our Butte
The Save TV Butte fundraiser begins at 6 pm on Friday, December 8. The Moon Mountain Sour Mash-Up Band will be providing music. There will be a raffle and a silent auction with some fabulous treasures available to bid on. Empanadas from Miguel’s will be provided, as well as an array of baked goods. Please get the word out about this event. The money is needed to be able to pay lawyers and expert witnesses necessary to stop the approval of this unpopular quarry. It goes without saying that the other side has lots of money and lawyers.
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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