The long-awaited Willamette Valley Music Festival is finally upon us. On May 9, a brigade of musical talent comes straight to the university, including: JayKode, whose prominent exposure came from Skrillex, featuring his remix of “Drunk In Love” during his iconic set at last year’s Coachella; SugarBeats, who uniquely combines the classic sounds of jazz with those of your typical EDM; and Crater, a girl group described as “romantically ominous” (or maybe ominously romantic).
Molly Anderson, a festival coordinator, was given a budget and the job of building the festival from scratch. “Most artists are local, with a few driving from Seattle and LA,” she said. “We choose acts based on how much we love the music and whether or not they fit in with the festival vibe we’re going for.”
Anderson said that this is the first year that the WVMF is offering a beer garden, sponsored by Hop Valley Brewing. “It’s the first open air beer garden in university history, I think,” she said. “It took an incredibly long time to get it figured out but we got our permit approved last week!”
You won’t want to miss it.
University of Oregon, 13th Avenue, 12 p.m. – 1 a.m.
Eugene:
May 6-8 ASUO Street Faire
It’s here once again! Grab a chocolate dipped banana or international cuisine, locally made crafts, imported clothing and decor and enjoy the great conversations and sense of community that congregates on 13th Avenue.
May 7 Chalk It Up
The Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art invites you to express your creativity by chalking up the sidewalk out front. Sign up for the free student membership program and be entered in a raffle to win prizes!
Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
May 7 Unbound Open Mic Night at Red Wagon Creamery
Whether you’re just looking to listen or participate, Unbound invites poets, storytellers, musicians and ice cream lovers to join them.
Red Wagon Creamery, 55 W. Broadway, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
May 7-9 Spring Student Dance Concert
Put on by students, this show highlights the works by nine emerging dancers. A wide array of dance will be featured, including the concept of energy flow and the exploration of group relationship.
Dougherty Dance Theatre, 8 p.m.
May 7 GRiZ with The Floozies and Muzzy Bearr
GRiZ is an electronica future funk DJ and producer, described as “tremendously passionate and soulful.” He has a funky, jazz sound and likes dropping some bass. Check out his music here.
McDonald Theater, 7 p.m., $20.
May 7 Disability History Exhibit
The Asian and Pacific American Student Union has invited David So, a comedian from Sacramento who is most recognized for his skits and vlogs on his YouTube channel, DavidSoComedy.
Global Scholars Hall, 7 p.m.
May 9 Dark Side of the Rainbow: A tribute to Pink Floyd
The band Pigs on the Wing aims to recreate the rock dynamics and psychedelic intensity of 1970s era Floyd. They tour the country syncing Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side of the Moon” with “The Wizard of Oz.” In addition to performing the infamous live sync, Pigs on the Wing will follow with a full second set of classic Pink Floyd tunes.
W.O.W. Hall, 8 p.m., $12-15.
May 10 Phi Gamma Tropicana
The fraternity (more commonly referred to as FIJI) invites you to enjoy a music festival, tropically-themed games, food, smoothies and more. The cause: Men Can Stop Rape, a D.C.-based, non-profit whose goal is to end sexual assault by redefining masculinity. FIJI aims to raise enough money to start a MOST (Men Of Strength) Club, the college outreach program of Men Can Stop Rape.
May 10 Oysters & Ales
Hop Valley tasting room will prepare fresh Oregon oyster shooters, in the half-shell and pan-fried. It will also have Happy Hour until 6 p.m.
Hop Valley Tasting Room, 990 W 1st Ave.
Portland:
May 7 GlamHer
The sassiest, most stylish event of the year! Mingle and take advantage of photo ops with Portland’s most notable drag queens, taste wine and food from around the Pacific Northwest and bid on magnificent auction packages to support survivors of domestic violence at the Bradley Angle Domestic Violence Shelter.
The Nines Hotel, 525 SW. Morrison St., 6 p.m. – 9 p.m., $100.
May 8-9 WhiskeyTown USA
Returning to Portland for the third year, the Whiskey Festival offers over 200 whiskeys to sample from the world’s best distilleries, live music, Portland’s “favorite” bartenders, delicious food and other local vendors.
2030 NW. 17th Ave., $35 at the door.
May 8 Joe Bonamassa
Bonamassa opened for B.B. King when he was only 12 years old – leading him into his current career, where he is hailed as one of the greatest guitar players of his generation.
Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, 1037 Southwest Broadway, 8 p.m., $95-293.
May 9 Oregon Humane Society Doggie Dash
It’s a dream come true: the traffic-filled streets of Portland are closed to cars, and open to dogs! An estimated 3,000 furry friends (and their dogs – just kidding) will take part in a 2.5 mile run, or a relaxing stroll near the Waterfront. In OHS’ largest fundraiser of the year, they will try to raise enough money to find homes for 11,000 pets this year.
Tom McCall Waterfront Park, 9 a.m., $30-35.
