In Eugene
What better way to celebrate good ‘ol 4/20 than by honoring one of the greatest stoner bands of all time? It is difficult to find a “Best Songs To Listen To While High” list without the band the Grateful Dead. The Dead played for 40 years before stopping in 1995 with the death of their lead man, Jerry Garcia. In their heyday, the Grateful Dead played in Eugene and sold-out shows at Autzen Stadium, as well as the Cuthbert — even the EMU Ballroom. This Saturday night the critically acclaimed Dark Star Orchestra will take the stage at McDonald Theatre.
Named after the Grateful Dead’s 1968 23-minute long hit, Dark Star Orchestra formed in 1997 and has performed over 1,800 shows.
Dark Star uses set lists from old Grateful Dead shows and creates their own. Dark Star calls their show the “Grateful Dead Concert Experience” because they seek to create the same vibe that drew many to the Grateful Dead.
Several of the original members of the Grateful Dead have played with Dark Star, giving them the stamp of approval. Grateful Dead newbie? Check out “Live/Dead,” which is the 7th Greatest Stoner Album, according to Rolling Stone.
Check out the McDonald Saturday night for a night of groovy, improvisational psychedelic jam rock.
April 19 Dark Star Orchestra: Enjoy arguably the best Grateful Dead cover band and concert experience, McDonald Theatre (1010 Willamette St.), tickets $25 in advance, $30 day of show, 8 p.m.
On Campus
April 18 Artist Talk & Film Screening: Don’t miss esteemed filmmaker and photographer Anna Gaskell speak about her film Bona fide as part of the Art History Association’s 10th Annual Student Symposium, Gerlinger Hall, Alumni Lounge (1468 University St.), free admission, 3 p.m.
April 18-19 UO Repertory Dance Company: Check out UO’s own dance company comprised of students from the School of Music and Dance in this spring show, which is choreographed by dance department faculty, Dougherty Dance Theatre (1484 University St.), tickets $5 students, $10 general admission, 8 p.m.
April 19 TEDxUOregon: A day of TED Talks is coming to UO. A series called “Intersections: Diversity is Critical to Creativity” will feature several speakers, videos and performances in an all day event, Beall Concert Hall (961 E. 18th Ave.), tickets $40 (includes a box lunch), doors open at 8:30 a.m., program 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Off Campus
April 19 Buffalo Exchange’s Dollar Day Sale: Check out clothing items on sale for $1 to honor Earth Day, Buffalo Exchange (131 E. 15th Ave.), free admission, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
April 19 Mobb Deep & Landon Wordswell: WOW Hall (291 W. 8th Ave.), tickets $10 for students (presale), $20 at the door, 8 p.m.
In Portland
April 18-19 Spring Beer and Wine Fest: Segway into spring with beer, wine, food and entertainment at this festival’s 20th anniversary, Oregon Convention Center (777 N.E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.), tickets $8, sample tokens $1, 12 – 10 p.m.
April 18-19 Carmen Lynch: Check out this comedian who’s appeared on Comedy Central’s Last Comic Standing and Premium Blend, Helium Comedy Club (1510 SE 9th Ave.), $20 general admission, $25 reserved, 21 and over, shows at 7:30 and 10:30 p.m.
April 19 Chelsea Handler Book Signing: Don’t miss out on a chance to meet Chelsea Handler and have her sign a copy of her newest book Uganda Be Kidding Me, Powell’s City of Books (1005 W. Burnside St.), free admission, 12 p.m.
April 20 Switchfoot: Check out rock band Switchfoot on the tail of their newest album Fading West, along with upcoming indie rock band The Royal Concept, Crystal Ballroom (1332 W. Burnside St.), tickets $25 in advance, $28 day of show, 8 p.m.
April 20 NW 4/20 Party: Celebrate with a night of underground hip hop, featuring Sleep (from the Chicarones), Bad Habit and Kinetic Emcees; Ash Street Saloon (225 Ash St.), 21 and over, free admission, 9 p.m.