This story has been updated to clarify information in the description of events at Commonwealth Pub. My task was to experience three different open mic nights in Central Oregon and share insights with readers who may not be getting out to experience them regularly or haven’t been to one yet. I am happy to report […]
Sound Stories & Interviews
Everclear
When Everclear released its 1995 sophomore bow and major label debut, โSparkle and Fade,โ the then-trio of guitarist/vocalist Art Alexakis, drummer/vocalist Greg Eklund and bassist/vocalist Alex Montoya had no idea how drastically the albumโs success would alter the trajectory of the band. Riding the success of the wildly popular single โSanta Monica,โ the album went […]
Counting Crows
Itโs been a while since Counting Crows hit fans with new material. The bandโs last full-length studio effort was 2014โs โSomewhere Under Wonderland.โ In the 11 years since, the band toured, performed with the London Symphony Orchestra and released a freshly recorded 2019 version of โAugust and Everything After,โ the here-to-for unreleased title cut from […]
Composer Chris Thomas Does It All
Chris Thomas is a composer, cellist, conductor, professor, Comic-Con sound designer, film scorer… and I could keep going on and on. He is a musical treasure in both of his two home bases: Los Angeles and Bend. A native Oregonian, from Pendleton in fact, Chris realized as a child that he had original musical ideas spontaneously springing up […]
Composer Chris Thomas Does It All
Chris Thomas is a composer, cellist, conductor, professor, Comic-Con sound designer, film scorer… and I could keep going on and on. He is a musical treasure in both of his two home bases: Los Angeles and Bend. A native Oregonian, from Pendleton in fact, Chris realized as a child that he had original musical ideas […]
The Music We Need Right Now: Yächtley Crëw
I count myself as part of one of the fortunate generations that got to grow up listening to the music that is now known throughout the world as Yacht Rock. The term for this genre of music was coined by some comedians in 2005 and now Yacht Rock boasts multiple radio stations, as well as a […]
Redmond Musician Puts Out Second Album
Lilli Worona has lived in Central Oregon long enough to consider it home. And she’s been a player in the local music scene long enough to be a fixture. Her sophomore album, “Maritime Siren,” is set to drop on July 25. In a press release, it is described as “a vulnerable storytelling album with themes […]
Penelope Road – On the Cusp of a Magnificent Story
With talent beyond their young 20-something years and immense passion for their craft, it feels as though this Atlanta-based five-piece band will soon reach a level of fame that few musicians attain. A listen to their most recent releases, “Out Tonight” and “Flowers (Carry Me Home)” shows their skill as songwriters, singers (the band features […]
Dropkick Murphys Won't Fight You, But Will Call Out Any Red Hats
Dropkick Murphys is bringing its bagpipe fracas to Hayden Homes Amphitheater. I spoke with lead guitarist and songwriter Tim Brennan about writing polemical music in a polarized climate, the responsible way to mosh in the pit, and when you should bet all your money on the Red Sox. the Source: Dropkick Murphys released a new […]
'Voiceless: A Musical'- Speaks and Sings to the Power of the Voice
Deena Kamm is on a mission to help people sing, sing loudly, and live with the freedom that comes with using your full vocal expression in every area of your life. She’s a vocal coach, founder and director of Sing Bend as well as the Public (Rock) Choir, and now, co-writer of a full-length musical […]

