Afraid you’ll have to drive to Portland to catch a decent concert this year? Have no fear, Eugene offers some surprising alternatives to trekking north on I-5 in search of the perfect concert location.
The Hult Center, located at 7th Avenue and Willamette Street, is the largest of the local venues. Boasting 4,500 seats, it is hands-down the most likely place you’re going to see a big name play in Eugene. Recently, bands such as Tool and The String Cheese Incident have packed it to full capacity. Tickets range anywhere from $10-$50, depending on the show, and the facility is also all ages. The Hult Center isn’t just about concerts, though. In the past year, it has hosted the hit Broadway musical “Chicago” as well as the Nutcracker Ballet. But be forewarned: This is a seated venue, so don’t go expecting a mosh pit.
The WOW Hall, located at 291 W. 8th Ave., is a local favorite. Known for its wide variety of music ranging from punk to reggae, this hall is perfect for rocking out. Built in 1932, the WOW Hall is unique in having what is known as a “floating dance floor,” an architectural technique used to support plenty of dancing mayhem and also make it easier on dancers’ legs. WOW Hall claims to fame include Reel Big Fish, Frank Black and The Catholics and the local favorite Floater, to name a few. There’s also a beer garden located in the basement that broadcasts all the upstairs action on a big screen television. Tickets range between $5-$15, and the dance hall itself is all ages.
John Henry’s, located at 136 E. 11th, is the perfect location if you’re is looking for some decent music minus the teenybopper crowd. Bands such as Sublime, Everclear and the Cherry Poppin’ Daddies were known to play here back in the day, and the tradition of crazy live shows goes on. John Henry’s has music every night of the week, whether it’s live local bands or vinyl straight out of the 80’s. Maximum capacity is 300, but you should not be surprised to find a crowd of over 400 on Fridays.
Bartender James Carroll, explained why the venue is one of the best in Eugene.
“It’s affordable, it’s good, it’s alternative … we basically let the artists do whatever they want, as long as it’s legal,” he said. “And it usually is.”
The cover charge is usually $2-$4, and the venue is 21 and over.
If what’s you’re after is a more mellow environment, try Sam Bonds Garage at 407 Blair Blvd. This local chill spot is also a full service pub and café, featuring microbrews, organic food and, of course, live music. Softer sounds, such as local bluegrass, folk and reggae is what one will usually find, along with the best organic pizza in Eugene. Cover charges range from $2-$10, and you can check out their Web site at www.sambonds.com for more details.
The Wild Duck Brewery and Music Hall, located at 169 W. 6th Ave., is another place to catch up-and-coming acts. Recently, rising star Peter Yorn stopped for a show in the middle of his MTV2 tour with the band Ours. But rock isn’t the only thing you’ll find at this music hall.
General Manager Richard Lee explained why he thinks the Wild Duck Brewery is distinct from other venues.
“What sets Wild Duck apart from other venues is definitely our variety,” he said. “We really cater to the public, from hip hop to reggae, and everything in between.”
Shows are usually 21 and over only, but once in a great while they open up to all ages. Tickets range anywhere from $5-$40.
For the jazz lover looking for the ultimate swanky bar to relax in, look no further than Jo Federigo’s Restaurant & Jazz Club, located at 259 E. 5th Ave. The lowered ceilings give the full service bar a truly New York feel, and the jazz is never a disappointment. Sunday nights feature local talent Mark Alan on acoustic guitar, while Fridays and Saturdays are set aside for various live bands. If you are looking to get up on the mic, Jo Fed’s is famous for its Thursday night open mic jam sessions. There’s a cover charge of $2-$3 on the weekends, and a $5 per person minimum that includes drinks.
And last but certainly not least, The Downtown Lounge at 959 Pearl St., right upstairs from Diablo’s, is another great spot for a mellow place to relax, and maybe shoot pool with friends. Featuring some form of live music every night of the week, you can hear everything from “sexy French house” to drum and bass beats.
Dan “DmoeFunk” Moe, a new DJ at the Lounge, said the lounge “really has an atmosphere like no other.”
“There’s a new art gallery every month, the people are great, and the music is always fresh,” he said.
It’s also a great place to check out up-and-coming bands and solo artists, such as Jamie Rust, who headlined the grand opening. No cover charge is required, but it’s 21 and over only.