The Sugar Beets have returned. After an extended hiatus, the local band will celebrate its “re-birthday” on Saturday at WOW Hall, located at 291 W. Eighth Ave., — the group’s 13th year together.
Doors open for the show at 8:30 p.m. with the performance starting at 9 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance or at the door.
Singer and guitarist Marty Chilla — who has played the instrument for 25 years — said the band originally started in the University residence halls and that some of the members have been playing together for a third of their lives. He added the main theme of Saturday’s show is to “remember and recognize that.”
He said the band’s sound is hard to peg down, and that the band’s diversity means The Sugar Beets have a lot of cards to play. The group consists of nine musicians. Five members write songs, and six are singers.
“It’s definitely danceable, with lots of different voices and perspectives coming out,” Chilla said. “We’re not a jam band. We’re into crafting good songs, harmonies and tight arrangements.”
The band’s break was instituted so two band members — bassist Matt Keenan and vocalist Megan Bassett — could take time to bring a baby into the world. Over the break, band members have remained busy, playing in other group projects. Chilla said this break has allowed members to reflect on the band’s future and direction. The touring schedule has been pared back in recent years because so many members call Eugene their home.
“I would say we’ve kind of been kind of re-evaluating what we’re doing,” he said. “Now that Matt and Megan are having a baby, I think we’re starting to have dreams for other people besides ourselves.”
Violinist David Burham, who has played the instrument for 36 years and also crafts his own, said playing with the band is one of the great joys of his life. He said joining the band provided him with an instant following, something he never had before.
“I love the band,” he said. “The music never fails to lift me up.”
University African drumming instructor Brian West — who has also played with The Cherry Poppin’ Daddies — is the band’s newest member. He said he considers them a family, and happily thinks of it as home. However, due the vast amount of Sugar Beets material, he said he found his role challenging. The band has released five albums, and according to Chilla, has somewhere between 60 and 70 songs.
“I’ve been in the band a year and I still don’t know half the songs,” West said. “I’m always on my toes — they have such a vast library.”
West matched Chilla’s sentiments regarding versatility of the band, saying the style of songs can range from folk-rock to punk-rock, bluegrass to pop. He added that the band also dabbles in different rhythmic meters, including one song which is in a 12/8 rhythm.
The band will open Saturday’s show with an all-acoustic set — absolutely no electricity involved — then will play two sets of material, including older songs, crowd-favorites and also new tunes.
Burham added that in spite of The Sugar Beets’ hiatus, and members’ busy schedules, there has been plenty of practice time for the group.
“Yes, we have been playing, and yes, we will be hot,” he said.