Story by Chris Herndon
Photo by Ashley Norquist
On a Friday night a little place in downtown Eugene can be heard from blocks down the street. People file into the compact area as saxophones, trumpets, and drums come together to create the intoxicating sounds of jazz. The lights in the window pronounce to the world that this tiny pocket of the city is coming alive.
The Jazz Station is a small musical venue that hosts performances a few times a week, giving local musicians a chance to show off their skills. It is a non-profit organization funded by memberships and donations only. Artwork from local artists lines the walls and changes a few times throughout the year. Students and professors from the University of Oregon and Lane Community College also come to the Jazz Station. It is one of the few places where jazz enthusiasts and musicians can soak up the incredible music, culture, and people that surround a musical style that dates back over 100 years.
Behind the bar about once a week you’ll find Larry, a charismatic retiree who serves beer and wine. Larry considers himself a wine educator and wants to “take the snobbery out of wine” so that more people can get into it. He dances around to the music behind the bar laughing and smiling, adding to the easygoing atmosphere.
Devon, a musician who frequently plays at the Jazz Station, explains that a lot of work goes into each concert and that the place and many regulars. He says that jazz has “a conception of ‘30s schwank,” and much of modern jazz includes combinations and variations of different instruments. Even the electric guitar is used in combination with classic jazz instruments. Different types of jazz compositions are always welcome by the audience and musicians.
Many patrons are very passionate about their jazz like Sue. She and her husband stop in Eugene for about a month while traveling in their motorhome and attend concerts nightly.
“It’s a wonderful venue for jazz,” she says. “This place is really loving— as cheesy as it sounds.” It’s a sentiment shared around the spot as this venue really isn’t about the money as many other places. The Jazz Station is instead about having a good time and sharing experiences with others.
“People who like jazz love this place,” says Bill Klupenger, a board member and the event manager for the night. Inside the Jazz Station, informal seating, low lighting and burning candles at each small table contribute to the overall ambiance. “It’s mostly the atmosphere; it’s comfortable, cozy, and intimate,” Klupenger says. The venue’s small size allows the audience to sit right up to the front of the low stage. Even the seats in back have that front-row feeling, so there’s not a bad seat in the house.
Established in 2005 by the Willamette Jazz Society, the Jazz Station has been a bright spot in a slow part of town. It brings in many well-known artists and there is something going on almost every day of the month. Additionally, it’s a place where local musicians are able to present their skills, jam with other musicians, and schedule private practice time to hone their craft. Every Sunday the Jazz Station hosts an open jam session that gives budding amateurs a chance to play impromptu jazz with more seasoned musicians. Since the venue is all ages, it provides a unique opportunity for middle and high school aged youth to gain experience beyond music class or lessons and gives them a chance to get on stage to practice the art of improvisation with a live band.
Everyone involved with the Jazz Station lives for jazz in some way or another. For some, the Jazz Station is a setting to get some stage experience; for others, it’s a date night or a place to get to know the local community. The love of jazz permeates the walls and surrounds crowds at the Jazz Station. Music there will continue to rejuvenate the audience as long as the love of jazz is supported.

Gallery • 2 Photos

A local performer connects with the audience as he plays at the Jazz Station.