Venue-hopping can be tricky. Every venue and every show has its own personality. Luckily, Eugene has an incredible selection to fulfill almost any musical appetite.
The McDonald Theatre was originally constructed in 1925 to serve as a movie theater for the Eugene community. Since its construction, the building has been remodeled and is now a concert venue with adjustable seating for sit-down concerts or standing dance hall admission.
The theater is currently owned and operated by the Kesey family. The Kesey family has always been community-oriented, and for this reason, the McDonald is also host to weddings, high school graduations and local children’s performances.
Located at 10th Avenue and Willamette Street, The McDonald is the cornerstone of the music scene in downtown Eugene. The McDonald offers popular artists, ranging from jazz to hard rock, folk to hip hop, and hosts several music jams and festivals throughout the year. Although tickets can be expensive, the audience is rarely disappointed.
Upcoming shows to watch for include Tegan and Sara on Oct. 18, Sage Francis on Oct. 24 and Blues Traveler on Nov. 5.
The Jungle, at 23 W. Sixth Ave., is the best place to go for Reggae. The Jungle plays music with African roots, including reggae, jazz and hip hop. The venue’s decor features tropical plants, murals and waterfalls. It’s a great place for customers to get lost in the great music. The Jungle has mixes the use of performing artists with disc jockey and club music to encourage copious dancing.
Reggae fans and dub-beat fanatics should make a note to catch the Pacific Jamdown on Oct. 6, which will feature John Brown’s Body and Easy Star All Stars, who will perform their reggae/dub version of Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side of the Moon.”
Sam Bond’s Garage, at 407 Blair Blvd., imitates the atmosphere of a college jam-band party and conveys the essence of the hip community in Eugene. Sam Bond’s offers a variety of jam band genres, including
bluegrass and country rock. The venue has a cozy atmosphere, good music, great microbrews and fresh organic pizza. There are many regulars and it is not hard to see why. Cover charges usually range from $3 to $8, and Sam Bond’s supports an array of local bands, social clubs and hosts many sit-in nights.
For uncensored rock or a wild ’80s night, take a stroll to John Henry’s. Established in 1992, John Henry’s has aspired to keep the underground rock movement in Eugene afloat. In the early days, the bar was run by a group of friendly rockers and of couple strangers off the street. Since then, John Henry’s has retained a group of fun-loving, music-addicted employees. Originally located downtown on Oak Street and 11th Avenue, the venue changed locations to Broadway and Olive because St. Vincent de Paul developed the old space into a housing project.
John Henry’s is the place to hit if punk music is your vice. Also, every Thursday John Henry’s hosts one of the best ’80s nights on the club circuit in Eugene. Every Wednesday night is Reggae vs. Hip Hop and features local DJs.
Luckey’s mixes turn-of-the-century nostalgia with a modern day music venue. Originally built in 1911, Luckey’s has survived almost 100 years of change. The bar is the oldest business in downtown Eugene and one of the oldest bars in Oregon. Times have changed and Luckey’s adapted; the newest owner installed a professional sound stage in the bar. Luckey’s holds not only historical value to Eugene, but musical value as well.
Luckey’s, which is located in the heart of downtown at 933 Olive St., brings in large crowds for artists from all over the country. The bar offers a men’s night, a ladies’ night and a $2 top-shelf drink almost every night of the week. Luckey’s mainly hosts indie and rock artists but puts on hip-hop and house shows once a week.