Entertainment Roundup: Best bets this weekend are Dexter Lake Club, Lion Mountain Bakery venues

By BEN OLSON/For The Herald — Live music in the Highway 58 corridor is, once again, taking a hit from a number of different fronts.

The COVID-19 mask mandate has moved much of the remaining live music to outdoor venues where performers are at the mercy of the smoke, possibility of rain, impending cooler temperatures and premature darkness. That said, let’s see who’s featuring live acts coming up this weekend.

This intrepid reporter did some field research Tuesday night, making my way to the Dexter Lake Club for the weekly acoustic open mic, hosted by Brian Chevalier and Craig Sorseth. I was not able to stay until the end because of the strict curfew my wife has imposed on me. It’s not because I misbehave — she just doesn’t like to see me driving on Highway 58 after dark.

But I still got a chance to hear some fine performers and was allowed on stage to do a few renditions myself. It appeared that everyone between Eugene and the Willamette Pass who owned both a cowboy hat and a guitar was there to play. I wish I could have stayed to see them all.

So we’ll lead off with the Dexter Lake Club. There is an electric open mic and jam this Sunday, Sept. 19, kicking off at about 6:30 p.m., hosted by Brian Chevalier and friends. On Tuesday, Sept. 21,, Brian and Craig will be hosting the acoustic open mic, also starting about 6:30 p.m.. Karaoke nights are on Thursdays. These events all take place in the open-air backyard at the club with social-distance seating and covered areas in case of rain.  Call for details at 541-581-3000.

The Lion Mountain Bakery in Oakridge will be featuring classic rock and pop tunes by Broken Horn this Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 17, 18 and 19, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. In the spacious Lion Mountain building the stage is remote from the dining area.

Because of the impending forecast of rain this weekend, Mick Garvin at Deep Woods Distillery in Oakridge has moved his End of the Summer Party to Saturday, Sept. 25. That lineup will include Naomi Wise & Friends, The Cramer Boys and Kelly Thibodeaux & The Etouffee Band. Music will run from 4 p.m. until 9 p.m. More details on this and other events will appear in next week’s entertainment roundup.

That’s it for now. If you’re in the Highway 58 corridor and you’re going to have some entertainment open to the public, please contact us so we can help you promote your event.

Oakridge musician Ben Olson, entertainment editor and columnist for The Herald, can be reached by email at [email protected]