Currents
Navigating the Arts and Music of The Valley
Illinois Valley News, Cave Junction, Ore.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
(Photo by Darcy Wallace, Illinois Valley News)
Maelagh Baker, Carol Valentine and other Illinois Valley residents couldn’t resist dancing Saturday, June 11 at American Music Fest sponsored by IrVAC.
IRVAC rocks American Music Fest
By Darcy Wallace
IVN Staff Writer
Popular Illinois Valley bands, local authors, food and fun lit
up the night Saturday, June 11 during American Music Fest held
at the Siskiyou Field Institute Deer Creek Center in Selma.
Three talented acts, musicians Tim Wallace and Michelle
LeComte, the East Fork Band and Altered States headlined the
event, which was sponsored by the Illinois River Valley Arts
Council.
Local authors Jim Lettis and Dianne Moeller featured two
newly published books, the children’s book “The Squire and
the White Dragon” by Lettis and “What a ‘Free’ Horse Really
Costs.” Moeller is a professional horse trainer and Lettis a retired
teacher.
Barbeque catered by Bev Thomas and River Valley
Restaurant didn’t last long, as guests quickly ate up pulled pork
sandwiches, hamburgers, hot dogs and brisket.
According to IRVAC president Judy Hoyle, American
Music Fest brought in more people than the last two years,
despite intimidating storm clouds. After three years of the event,
Hoyle said IRVAC is considering an indoor theater event in
the future, instead of dealing with unpredictable early summer
weather, but she was pleased with how guests responded to the
local musicians.
“I have to say this was by far our most successful concert,”
Hoyle said. “This was the first time we’ve had East Fork [and]
Altered States, and obviously the crowd responded.”
The bands played jazz, bluegrass and classic pop favorites
that got guests, especially children, dancing on the lawn.
Hoyle credited many volunteers who spent hours of their
time preparing for the event, helping with ticket sales, directing
parking, cooking, cleaning and more. Evergreen Federal Bank
and SOFCU Community Credit Union also supported the
concert.
Hoyle also said two dollars from each book sold by Lettis
and Moeller was donated to IRVAC’s Learning Through Art
program.
“I’m really grateful to the three bands, who charged us very
little for their time,” Hoyle said. “Our wonderful volunteers were
so resourceful and helpful. They are just so willing and wonderful,
and the ladies who worked in the kitchen were tireless.”
Hoyle said future IRVAC events include the next Second
Friday Artwalk August 12 and the new event “Fall Ball.” Though
plans are still in the early stages, Hoyle said the event will feature
a masquerade ball October 29 at the Selma Center, with a band
from Eugene making the trip.
“What we try to do for the Arts Council are family-friendly
events that are affordable and accessible,” Hoyle said. “I think
each of the bands lent their own unique talents to the concert.”
Little Leaguers continue car wash fund-raiser
By Darcy Wallace
IVN Staff Writer
The two I.V. Little League
softball teams mustered up all their
resolve to try to beat the boys’
teams in the bake sale and car
wash Sunday, June 12, at the Cave
Junction Subway.
According to Little League
president Shelly Davis, they tied
with the boys’ juniors at $420 — but
they went beyond the allowed 2 p.m.
end time, “losing” on a technicality.
“The boys did end up winning
that competition, but it was a very
close one,” Davis said.
Several
Little
League
participants held up neon orange
signs encouraging drivers to get
their cars washed, including the
coaches. Volunteers also sold baked
goods on a donation basis.
Some inclement weather might
have caused a brief lull around 1
p.m., close to the end of the fund-
raiser. But according to softball
coach Jenna Larkin, the girls didn’t
have much downtime, especially in
the morning.
“The busiest time was when
we first started,” Larkin said. “From
about 10 to 12:30 it was really
busy; we were pretty much washing
nonstop.”
The I.V. Big League softball
teams were in competition with the
boys’ junior baseball teams to see
who could raise the most in weekend
carwash and bake sale fund-raiser.
The winning teams will receive
special recognition during Volunteer
Appreciation Day and closing day
ceremonies at the end of the season.
Davis said closing day
celebrations are currently set for
5:30 p.m. Friday, June 17. at Jubilee
Park in Cave Junction.
(Photo by Darcy Wallace, Illinois Valley News)
Little league softball players car wash net $420 Saturday June 11.
Events Calendar
Ross
e
Welcom
th
Friday, June 17
5:30pm at Taylor’s Country Store
Entertainment
Advertising
Special
List Your
Upcoming Event
Here for Just $5
Dale Hopper
5:00pm to 8:00pm
Every Wed - Open Mic Night
from 6-8pm with Jim Nolan
saturday, June 18 th
Compare
the Prices
Deer Creek Vineyards
Music in the Vines
Concert Series
A One Column
Ad that is Two
Inches Tall Costs
$13.00
Saturday June 18 tH
BEN rICE BAND
www.benricelive.com
2010 Winner of
New Blues Act
Instrumentalist
To add an event to this calendar call 541-592-2541 IT’s oNLy $5!
Spread the Word in
The Illinois Valley
News Events
The Most BANG
for Your Buck