Entertainment report for week ending 4/2

By BEN OLSON/for The Herald  —  The Samurai, as a caste in Japan, was abolished in 1867. The first ever fax machine, which was known as a printing telegraph, was invented in 1843. President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated at Ford’s Theater in 1865. 

There was a 22 year window in which a Samurai had an opportunity to send a fax to one of America’s most revered citizens. With that in mind, it’s time to get out of the house and hear some live music this week.

A good place to start is at the 3 Legged Crane in Uptown Oakridge. I’ll be managing the open mic on Thursday, March 30. I play my first song at 6:30, and, as always, I am prepared to keep everyone entertained for the next 2 ½ hours. That said, it would be so cool to see a bunch of pickers walk through the door with instruments. It’s always fun to see what kind of magic or mayhem can be created in a jam session. Hope to see you there. 

Don’t be fooled, there will be music at the Crane on Saturday April 1st

On Friday night Melissa Ruth and the Likely Stories will be taking the stage at the Crane at 7 pm. All I know about Melissa is what I’ve seen on her website melissaruthmusic.com. I’m looking forward to catching the show. On Saturday night, yes, April Fool’s Day, Peter Wilde will be right in his element. He will be joined by Tom Hughs and Brian Cutean, as well as other unannounced guests. Get there early for a good seat. That show begins at 7 pm. 

The Crane has a great selection of beers and ales made right there and a menu featuring appetizers, sandwiches and dinners. Kids are welcome, and there is no cover charge for the live music. 

At the top of the hill, Willamette Pass Resort is the scene of some great skiing and snowboarding. There’s also live music both days this weekend in the bar, as well. If you’ve never heard a version of Joe Walsh’s “Life’s Been Good to Me So Far” done on a standup bass, you’ll have to be there on Saturday to scratch that off your bucket list. I’ll be playing from noon until 3 pm. On Sunday, April 2, Sidney Joseph will be taking the stage, serving up “rock and soul, infused with the blues.” 

Sidney Joseph has your music ticket to the Pass on Sunday

Sidney will be playing a lot of great cover tunes that you may have never heard live before. He’ll be playing from noon until 3 pm. Check out his website at sidneyjoseph.com. Willamette Pass Resort has a full bar and lots of food options.They’re located at milepost 62 on Highway 58. You don’t need to be a skier to stop by and enjoy the music, and, of course, there is no cover charge.

There’ll be music this Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Lion Mountain Bakery on Highway 58 in Oakridge. Broken Horn will be taking you on a tour down memory lane from 11 am until 1 pm each day. His song list is heavy on the classics of rock, pop and country hits from the 50s and 60s. The Lion Mountain serves breakfast and lunch in a relaxed and spacious setting. There is no cover charge for the live music.

West of here, by milepost 12 on Highway 58, is the Dexter Lake Club. On Sunday evening, April 2, Brian Chevalier and friends will be hosting the regular jam session and open mic. Always fun listening, it’s also a great time to join in with the band or to sing a tune or 2. The show begins at 6 pm. 

Good music and good food at the DLC

The Dexter Lake Club has a full bar, and the adjoining Rattlesnake BBQ features appetizers, sandwiches and dinners on the menu. There’s never a cover charge for the live music. For more details, call 541 581 3000.

While there hasn’t been snow in my yard most of the winter, now there is. Yet, I’ve got this feeling that spring is really just around the corner. That should be a good enough reason to get out of the house and hear some live music this week. Until next time…