WHAT’S
happening
Seems like the big musical acts come to Eugene in waves. One week we’re grateful enough for an
appearance by some guy who used to be in that once-famous band, the next week we’re flooded with
so many good options the choice will simply come down to how many greenbacks we have stuffed
under our beds. This week it seems there’s a duel between the WOW Hall and McDonald Theatre to
see who can rock more. A one-two punch on Tuesday and Wednesday with singer-songwriting
maestros Andrew Bird (pictured below) and Ben Kweller, respectively, seems to give the WOW
Hall a youthful edge. However, the staid formula of Celtic pub rock and virtuosic funk has been
proven time and time again in Eugene, so the McDonald lineup of Flogging Molly on Saturday
and G. Love & Special Sauce on Wednesday may have that déjà vu wild card. Well, the good
news is Candlebox canceled their show for next week, so at least we’re not faced with a once-
famous grunge band back to make a buck. See Calendar.
As much as we hate to admit it, the rain clouds
have returned from their brief sojourn in the
South Pacific. They brought us many gifts
from their vacation and will soon be shower-
ing us with goodies aplenty. OK, OK, it’s fall
(officially this Saturday), so out with the
consistent sunshine and in with the
Corvallis Fall Festival this weekend! A
musical mainstage of local favorites, art on
display (including pottery by Kenneth
Standhardt, pictured right), film festival, chil-
dren’s stage, wine tasting and a Saturday night
street dance — what better way to shake off the
rain clouds and warm up to the dazzling panorama
of fall in the Willamette Valley. See Corvallis listings.
Artists, bohemians, burlesque dancers, sharpshooters, Roman slaves, British
steel workers … what blue collar occupations are left for the Broadway musical
treatment? Well, how about gas station clerks and waitresses? Now showing at
the Actors Cabaret, Pump Boys and Dinettes promises a musical and comedic
tour de force of tip-your-hat-and-nod country western songs and significant
hijinks. See Friday Calendar.
SEPTEMBER 21, 2006 17