Eugene is a music mecca for many locals and visitors. And luckily, there are also some options for students who aren’t quite old enough to carouse at all the neighborhood bars.
The largest venue in the city is the Hult Center. Built in 1982, the theater celebrated its 20th anniversary this past weekend. It towers over feet, takes up an entire city block and initially came with a $23 million construction price tag. Tickets to most shows are expensive relative to the average student budget, but some discounts are available. Music and musicals are played throughout the year, call 682-5000 for information or visit the center’s Web site at www.hultcenter.org.
For less-expensive, grittier-feeling concerts, check out the McDonald Theatre, at 10th Avenue and Willamette Street. The building was built in 1925 as a motion picture palace, but eventually closed. It reopened one year ago exclusively for concerts and other showcases.
“We have great music,” said Brendan Relaford, who books shows for the theater. “We bring a broad range of music and get everyone involved.”
As many as 1,350 people can fit into the theater, although during a crowded concert, many more manage to squeeze their way in. For theater information, call 345-4442, or (800) 992-8499 for tickets.
Sam Bond’s Garage, at 407 Blair Blvd., offers up a giant platter of music selection. They kick out underage people after 8:30 p.m. but offer shows throughout the day. This month, the place offers everything from Middle Eastern dancing to a drag king show to flamenco night.
“We get a diverse clientele because our music is very diverse,” said Bart Caridio, co-owner and bartender at the garage.
The venue has a cover charge most nights, but Mondays and Tuesdays are generally free. For more information, call 431-6603, visit the Web site at www.sambonds.com or call 343-2635 for bookings.
While the Eugene area is home to a lot of 21-and-older establishments — otherwise known as bars — there is at least one in the area that now and then opens it’s doors to those who don’t quite meet the age requirement.
The Wild Duck Brewery is a restaurant, a bar and occasionally, a music hall, offering a diverse range of bands such as The Red Elvises, Floater, Keller Williams, Royal Crown Revue and the Reverend Horton Heat.
“We really showcase a wide range of music,” Wild Duck server Sarah Dahl said. The locale fits up to 360 people, so shows with more popular bands sell out quickly. For more information, visit www.wildduckbrewery.com.
Contact the news editor at [email protected]. News editor Jenni Schultz contributed to this report.