Local concerts are a big part of almost any college experience. Without the funds to see the big-name concerts, local clubs offer an alternative that is both affordable and entertaining. Here are a few local concert halls and clubs for those looking for great music.
The WOW Hall, located at West Eighth Avenue and Lincoln Street, is one of Eugene’s best and longest-standing music venues. Featuring local, national and international music performances, as well as the occasional bit of performance art, The WOW Hall maintains a good reputation for quality shows. Performances are for all ages, with a beer garden downstairs for adults, and there is something going on almost every night.
Samurai Duck, tucked underneath a parking garage at 980 Oak St., specializes in local hard rock, metal and punk, with the occasional hip-hop and DJ acts thrown in for flavor. It’s great for rocking out, though it’s limited to those 21 and older.
Sam Bond’s Garage is a local venue that just keeps getting better and better. Small, with good atmosphere and music almost every night, it’s good for fans of bluegrass, blues, Cajun, acoustic, folk or any of the quieter forms of musical entertainment. Once again, 21 and older only. The venue is located out at 407 Blair Blvd., across from the Tiny Tavern. The weekly bluegrass jams are a plus.
McDonald Theatre is by far the largest indoor venue in Eugene after the Hult Center, not to mention the best. With national concert tours — such as Elvis Costello, Blue Oyster Cult and Cheap Trick, all having made stops in the past — the venue has shown itself to be a good middle ground between small local concerts and the large big- name concerts that always seem to skip most of Oregon. Some shows are 21 and older, but most are all ages.
Diablo’s/Downtown Lounge — located at 959 Pearl St., next to the Greyhound bus station — is a dual venue and one of the best places for those looking to dance. With theme nights like “Late 80s Night,” a great collection of local DJs and the occasional rock concert, it’s the place to go if you want to shake your groove thing. Both the upstairs and downstairs clubs are worth checking out.
John Henry’s has pumped up its music with local and out-of-town shows almost every night after relocating to a new venue on Broadway. Rock is the general rule, but other genres have make appearances. Check out the Wednesday night reggae show, assuming you have the proper age and ID.
Wild Duck Music Hall, at 169 W. Sixth Ave., is a good-sized venue with an eclectic offering of music, including funk, reggae, jazz and a variety of jam bands. Out-of-town shows are common, and the Wailers seem to come out of their way to stop by every few years. Shows are usually all ages, with a bar and restaurant separate from the club.