From a world premiere by Eugene Symphony to a celebration of Cole Porter, dance, theater, bread making, and musical improv, there’s a lot to do this week so find your fun!
February 22
Eugene Symphony presents World Premiere of Hibiki (響) — Colors of Resonance | The second world premiere of the 2023/24 season, this marimba concerto by Pius Cheung will be performed by marimba virtuoso Eriko Daimo. The textures and timbres of the orchestra are on full display as they perform Hildur Guðnadóttir’s meditative People Get Faces and Claude Debussy’s fantastical and poetic Prélude, before each section of the orchestra is celebrated in Witold Lutosławski’s Concerto for Orchestra. The February 22 concert will also host the local arts community for the inaugural Arts Industry Night Out, which invites those who work in the arts in the region to a special pre-concert celebration. In the recently released Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 study, it was reported that there are more than 2,700 jobs in Eugene that are supported by the arts and culture industry. Hult Center, eugenesymphony.org
February 23 & 25
Let’s Misbehave: The Cole Porter Songbook | The Shedd dedicates a show to the inimitable composer-lyricist Cole Porter (1891-1964). Lynnea Barry and the Jazz Kings welcome Vanessa Greenway, Cloud Pemble, and Matt Leach for an evening filled with a fine selection of Porter’s best. Look for gems like “Let’s Do It,” “Anything Goes,” “You’re The Top,” “I Get A Kick Out Of You,” “Night And Day,” “What Is This Thing Called Love,” “It’s De-Lovely,” and more … his list of hits is almost endless. Come early for dinner at 6. The Shedd Institute, theshedd.org/ColePorter
February 24
Jazz at the Ciderhouse Hosted by Idit Shner | Join this ongoing event every Sunday from 4-6pm. WildCraft Cider Works, wildcraftciderworks.com/venue
February 23 & 24
Themed Wine Tastings at Sundance Wine Cellars | Sundance Wine Cellars’ free themed wine tastings highlight various wine regions on Fridays, and on Saturdays, they host local and regional wineries. Apart from the weekends, their tasting bar is always open and has free samples of their featured wines. Sundance Wine Cellars has Oregon’s largest selection of wine and is one of the oldest wine retailers in the Willamette Valley. Since 1983, Sundance Wine Cellars has provided an unparalleled selection of wine from Oregon, the Pacific Northwest and around the world. Sundance Wine Cellars, orwines.com/sundance_wine_cellars
February 23
John Shipe | Friday nights at Elizabeth’s Wine Lounge means great live music and a perfect dinner night out with friends, family, or a special date! A variety of music performances will be showcased on Friday evenings, with some outdoors, weather permitting, though most will be inside the Lounge’s beautiful indoor space. Explore the complete lineup of gifted musicians on the Lounge’s online calendar. Reservations are strongly encouraged. Elizabeth’s Wine Lounge, heartoforegonwine.com
February 23
The Very Little Theatre’s “Talk Radio” | The VLT continues its season with “Talk Radio” by Eric Bogosian, directed by Paul Rhoden. Set in the spring of 1987, during a one-night broadcast in a Cleveland radio studio, “Talk Radio” tells the story of Barry Champlain, a man who has invented himself by sarcastically and aggressively engaging his audience. Barry is energetic, dark, cynical, and funny, but on this night he is confronted by a not-so-shiny version of himself in the form of his callers — the venomous, lonely, scared people who call-in to his popular radio show. Runs through March 10. Very Little Theatre, https://thevlt.com/event/talk-radio/
February 23
Apis Mellifera | Enjoy the cozy environment of a family-owned pub while listening to the buzz of local honeybee, Apis Mellifera, as she shares tales of life and death in her whimsically macabre fashion. Her lilting melodies and operatic interludes will send shivers down your spine, while her cheeky lyrics on grim topics will have you considering the meaning of existence in a new way. 3 Legged Crane, Oakridge, https://www.apismelliferasings.com/event-details-registration/3-legged-crane-show
February 23 & 24
Spectrum Dance Theater: Grief | “Grief” explores the traumatic experience of Mamie Till-Mobley after the murder of her son Emmett Till in 1955. In this new work, Byrd delves deeply into the fury and pain of Till-Mobley’s grief, postulating that it was her profound grief and rage that led to her decision to present her son’s mutilated body in an open casket funeral, speculating that she desired to “amplify” her pain, to share her grief with others in the hope to lessen her pain, if only a little bit. Whether it was an act of self-preservation or a decision made out of pure outrage, her choice changed the course of history. Hult Center, hultcenter.org
February 24
Bread-making Class | Learn hands-on the entire process of making whole grain buttermilk sandwich loaves and rolls at Camas Country Mill Store & Bakery. The registration amount includes ingredients for one loaf and a dozen rolls. Sign up at the bakery or by calling the phone number provided. Camas Country Mill grows organic cereals and legumes on their farm and mills small batches of artisan flour at their stone burr mill, creating the highest quality ingredients for baking. Camas Country Mill Store & Bakery, camascountrymill.com
February 25
Musical Speed Dating | Bring your instruments and “polyjamorous” spirit to sign up for 5-minute rounds where you’ll be paired up with other local artists to try your chemistry. Drummer, guitarist, bassist (or any other instruments, i.e flute, theremin, etc) will be given a minute to figure out their sound, then vocalists get 1 minute each to hop up and improv with the jam, for a total of 4-5 vocalists; this way each group gets to try on as many sounds as possible. Bring your non-musical friends as well since it’s wildly entertaining to watch improv collaborations. The Big Dirty, apismelliferasings.com
February 25
The Eugene Concert Choir Presents: Music of the Americas and All Americas for Kids | The Eugene Concert Choir, known for its engaging choral performances and dedication to musical diversity, invites audiences to their upcoming concerts, Music of the Americas and All Americas for Kids. Experience a sonic journey across the diverse musical landscapes of the Americas. Hult Center, hultcenter.org
February 25
Magic and Illusion Show | Old Nick’s Pub is Eugene’s only magic and illusion venue! Once a month the greatest illusionists, magicians and mentalists gather to perform the impossible on demand. Show up at 11 a.m. to order brunch and have sleight of hand performed for your table. At noon the stage show begins with a rotating cast of the Willamette Valley’s premiere magical merry makers. Get your ticket ahead of time for Secret Society: Sideshow of Wonders. Old Nick’s, oldnickspub.com
February 25
Monday Running Group | Join this popular run group put on by Eugene Running Company. Run 3 to 5 miles heading to Alton Baker Park/Pre’s Trail during summer months and Willamette River Bike Path/Valley River during winter months. All paces are accommodated so no one has to run alone and runners of all levels can join. Eugene Running Company, Oakway Center, eugenerunningcompany.com
Through February 25
Cottage Theatre’s “Frankenstein” | The story of Frankenstein gets a gripping retelling in this 2011 stage adaptation of Mary Shelley’s 200-year-old novel. From its mesmerizing opening scene through its horrifying conclusion, Nick Dear’s Frankenstein offers a thought-provoking examination of the roots of good and evil. Cottage Theatre, cottagetheatre.org
February 27
The Big Read Project Book Discussion | The Big Read Project, Lane County Edition, is an event series funded by the National Endowment for the Arts, and this year, it will feature and discuss the graphic memoir “Can’t We Talk About Something More Pleasant?” by Roz Chast. There will be a discussion about the book at the Springfield Public Library. They will discuss how New Yorker Cartoonist, Roz Chast, has dealt with both the grief and humor of caring for one’s aging parents. Springfield Public Library will also be handing out free copies of the memoir prior to the event, while supplies last. Springfield Public Library, springfield-or.libcal.com
February 27
Wednesday Running Group | Every Wednesday join a low-key fun run with fellow community members to scope out the Eugene running scene. Runners and walkers will go 3 to 7 miles at a range of speeds. Start with a dynamic warm-up and finish with stretching and core work. In the darker months, the route follows the river path which is somewhat lit. All are welcome! Small persons in strollers and four-legged friends are welcome as well. Run Hub Northwest, runhubnw.com
February 28
The Triplets of Belleville Cine-Concert | Saddle up with the misadventures of a kidnapped Tour de France cyclist and other larger-than-life characters, accompanied by the speakeasy slick sounds of unorchestre sans pareil in this spectacular cine-concert with The Triplets of Belleville! Hult Center, hultcenter.org/events/triplets-of-belleville
February 28
Randy Napoleon presents “The Cole School” | Celebrate the historic contributions of the Cole Family. Legendary singer/pianist Nat “King” Cole (1919-65) introduced many of our most beloved standards to the public. Nat’s younger brother, jazz singer/pianist Freddy Cole, paralleled Nat’s career with his own, which spanned more than 70 years. Presented in the classic guitar trio format, Randy Napoleon reimagines popular songs associated with the Cole School. The Shedd, https://theshedd.org/divp/series.aspx?series=6197&event=6412
Through February 29
Through February 29
“Distinct Visions curated by Emerald Art Center” | Don Dexter Gallery hosts a collection of artwork from seven artists who represent Emerald Art Center with their mature vision and consistent technique in their respective craft, through February 29. Don Dexter Gallery, dondextergallery.com
Month of February
“Fire, Water, Earth, Air: Elemental Fiber Arts | The elements have an intrinsic and primal place in our lives. Whether we think about them or not, Fire, Water, Earth, and Air shape our lives from the most intimate to the most grand. Those elements are woven into stories daily and into the art on display. This collection of art quilts was created with those elements front and center by the Fiber Arts Group, Valley South. New Zone Gallery, newzonegallery.org
Month of February
Rebecca LaMothe – “One Woman’s View” | Paintings by Rebecca LaMothe are a personal dive, visually portrayed, into her inner life. “Inspiration for my paintings comes from deep within, as well as from the outer world, compelling me to express,” Rebecca states. New Zone Gallery, newzonegallery.org
Through March 1
Karin Clarke’s The Northwest Landscape | Karin Clarke Gallery presents a large invitational exhibit featuring some of the Pacific Northwest’s most dynamic contemporary and historical landscape painters. Each artist’s very distinctive work captures and celebrates the Northwest landscape in ways that deepen both our perception and appreciation of it. First Friday ArtWalks and Receptions take place February 2 and March 1 from 5:30-7:30 pm. Featured artists are Mark Clarke, Margaret Coe, Bets Cole, Carl Hall, Hart James, David McCosh, and Erik Sandgren. Karin Clarke Gallery, karinclarkegallery.com
Through April 20
“Duality” Marina Hajek (Herrera) | Don Dexter Gallery hosts “Duality,” a limited exhibition of bronze sculptures from Guatemalan American artist Marina Hajek (Herrera) from January 6 – April 20, 2024. Don Dexter Gallery, dondextergallery.com
