Leftover Salmon will entertain visitors at the first ‘A Day at Dexter Lake’ music bash.
Nothing planned for a gorgeous Friday? Does basking in the sun or lounging in the beer garden while listening to jam and funk bands sound appealing? Then “A Day At Dexter Lake” is your ticket.
The event boasts national acts including Leftover Salmon and Acoustic Junction. Gates open for the one-day festival at 11 a.m., and music begins at 1 p.m., with five two-hour performances scheduled.
“Mid 80’s, a decorated stage next to the water and plenty of space for people to enjoy themselves: I think it will be a beautiful day,” said Joe Joseph, one of thee partners of Silver People Presents.
Silver People Presents — local music promoters and managers of the Eugene-based Freedom Funk Ensemble — and Bear Productions, also a local organization, are co-sponsoring the festivities.
“This is something that hasn’t been done in the past,” Joseph said. “Our main motivation is trying to bring a fun day of music to Eugene at a nice site.
“A Day At Dexter Lake” is expected to draw between 1,000 and 2,000 people. The Wild Duck will provide a beer garden and also participate as a food vendor, along with Mike’s Magic Mushroom Burger and Genesis Juice Co-op.
The event was originally scheduled for two days, but as a first-time event it wasn’t approved for overnight camping permits.
“We’re just doing it one day this year to build a relationship with the park service, so we can plan a weekend event for next year,” Joseph said.
Unfortunately, as a result of cutting plans for a second day, local talent wasn’t included.
“It worked out this way because the national bands set their touring schedule around us,” Joseph said. “And they definitely have a good draw on this town.” Robert Walter’s 20th Congress, Yonder Mountain String Band and Clyde’s Ride complete the line-up of five groups.
Members of the headlining band, “Leftover Salmon,” describe their music as “polyethnic cajun slam grass.” Bass player, Tye North, is an Oregon native and met up with Leftover Salmon in 1993 at the Oregon Country Fair.
According to the band’s philosophy, the music is not for people who take themselves seriously, because it’s played by musicians who play for the pure joy of it.
“We love playing at festivals, and we love playing in Oregon, so it will be a great combination,” Drew Emmit, lead vocalist and mandolin player of Leftover Salmon, said.
“I think the performances will be epic,” Bjorn Estlund, promoter of Taylor’s and partner of co-promoter Bear Productions, said. “It will really kick off the summer in Eugene in a positive way.”
Tickets are $22.50 in advance or $25.00 the day of the show. For more information call 344-1634.