Hi-Fi Music Hall is setting up in a venue that many have seen come and go, but Hi-Fi is making advances that may set it apart from the others.

They will open May 8 in a space with a varied history. It was once Studio 44, Dusk and a country/hip-hop bar. The venue has seen some strange times, but the Hi-Fi team is completely renovating the space and implementing ideas to draw in bigger crowds.

Danny Kime, a co-owner with Mark Hergenreter, has been in the music business since college. However, this is his first time opening a music venue and he isn’t taking it lightly.

“The management and business model for this place was always the same and always failed. They set us up to have to jump through a lot of hoops to make this what we wanted. I think it shows how hard we are willing to work for this place to succeed.”

Due to a lack of proper permits in the past, the OLCC flagged the space as a “nuisance building.” This made getting liquor licenses that much harder for Kime, but he believes the work he is putting in now will do a lot for them in the long run.

To start, the Hi-Fi team is completely renovating the restaurant area. They refurbished the wood from the old deck and sanded it down to make the bar. There will be a small stage in the restaurant to feature local bands and an outdoor patio connected by a glass garage door.

Sandwich League, a beloved Eugene food-cart, will open up as the food aspect of the venue. Sandwich League owner, Rich Sellars, is also Production Manager for HiFi.

“We have had a lot of support,” said Sellars,” All of the people that taught us what we know are rooting for us and having heavy hitters that know the industry cheering you on is huge.”

The concert area is being renovated and the stage is moving to open up the space. The change will open up the dance floor and turn the other half into a bar and sitting area.

“A huge part of walking into a venue is the entrance,” said Kime. “People should feel the energy and the crowd before they get to the stage. The old set up didn’t accomplish that.”

Hi-Fi is partnering with GravityLab Inc. to stream all the concerts live on their website. They will also be putting up screens throughout the bar so people can watch the show from there.

Christian Lindsay, a University of Oregon senior, is pursuing a career in music and believes a new music venue is a great idea.

“There can never be enough venues for that type of thing,” Lindsay said. Every space is different and allows for artists to create a new experience for the audience.”

The first shows on dock are Zepparella, an all female Led Zepplin cover band, and Reeble Jar. Kime is certain these shows will sell out long before the performances.

“This is the time to make it happen,” said Kime. “I believe there is a very real place for the HiFi Music Hall in downtown Eugene.”

More information about music schedules and events can be found on Hi-Fi’s website.

This week DJ Victor Boc put down the headphones and spoke to the Emerald about life, hip-hop and keeping it current.

Emerald: Something distinct about you as a DJ is your age. Would you agree?

Victor Boc: I never say my age in interviews. I never have and I don’t think I ever will. But let’s say I’m older than 50.

E: Why don’t you talk about your age in interviews?

VB: In the beginning I thought clubs would be hesitant to hire me because of my age, but it hasn’t been a problem. I don’t want it to define me because it has nothing to do with my style.

E: What is your style?

VB: What the people want. I don’t put together a set before I get to the club. I let the people decide what they want to hear. I am all about the requests. That’s the difference between performance and club DJs. I am there for the people, and with performance DJs, the people are there for them.

E: Have you had experience as a performance DJ?

VB: I once played for over 22,000 people, but it isn’t the same as playing in the club. I want to be in the very center with people all around me. I love having girls dancing behind me and being right next to people going wild and dancing.

E: When did you start DJing in Eugene?

VB: I came here around 25 years ago, but I started with a radio talk show. I only started DJing at Max’s a year and a half ago. And then this year I started working at Taylor’s on Friday nights.

E: So why the addition of Taylor’s?

VB: Honestly, it was when Eric moved. We met when he was working at Max’s and became good friends. When he moved to Taylor’s he asked me to come along with him. It has been a pretty great experience. The room is much larger and I am playing for a bigger audience on those nights. Plus, I get to play more hip hop in Taylor’s, and Max’s is a little less certain.

E: What is it that draws you to hip hop?

VB: It is so much more complex than the music I listened to growing up. That is one thing I don’t like about people from my generation. They all listen to the same stuff they listened to when they were teenagers, and they think that is all that music is. They can be pretty stuck up. I like hip hop because no song is like the other.

E: Do you put your own spin on the music you play?

VB: Yeah, for example, Wiz Khalifa just came out with a track called “When I See You Again.” It is in the new Fast and Furious movie, but I mixed it up a little. It is still the same song, but if I think I can improve it, I will. I am definitely going to play that at some point this weekend.

E: Where do you see yourself in the future?

VB: I am happy doing this, so I will continue to do it as long as I am happy.

DJ Victor plays at Max’s on Thursdays and Taylor’s on Fridays. For more information on DJ Victor visit victorboc.com

Spring has sprung and now you’re going to want to invite your friends over for BBQs and day time kick-backs. Here are some easy and fun recipes for the occasion — courtesy of The Fearless Flyer and the wonderful employees of Trader Joe’s to make them better.

Appetizers:

1. Chimichurri Toast

This delicate appetizer is essentially like bruschetta, but with a twist. Mix it up a little and pair it with a Caprese salad and a nice Chianti.

2. Spicy Chicken and Waffle Bites

You are probably thinking to yourself, “Can you eat chicken and waffles after noon?” And you better believe it. The hint of spice in the recipe turns this breakfast meal into a pleasant appetizer.

3. Salad Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

TJ’s is using the sweet potato as a vessel for sweet salad goodness. Obviously you can try any type of salad you want, but that baked sweet potato is the cherry on this salad sundae.

Entrees:

4. Stuffed Avocado

All right, everyone now knows you can put a fried egg inside an avocado, but they took it one step further and put a tuna salad in there. This way, you can cut out the carbs, if you’re worried about something silly like that, and replace it with spring’s favorite fruit.

5. Shrimp Nugget Taco

This is a new take on the shrimp taco because the shrimp recommended has already been fried. It adds another aspect of crunch to the dish and allows for the toppings to stick to the protein instead of falling out the sides.

6. Steak, Pesta, Quinoa, Kale Salad

Coming from someone who thinks any meal without meat in it is a snack, putting meat in a salad is the most reasonable thing a person could do. This course is meant to be light and easily packed for day time adventures.

7. Chili Cornbread Casserole

We obviously can’t go to Papa’s Soul Food every night, so when you want to bring some good soul cooking into your home this is the recipe to go for. Try garnishing with green peppers and as much butter as you want.

8. Marinated 7 Spice Ribs

Fire up the BBQ and let’s get cooking. This recipe might seem like the simplest, but it takes a delicate touch to make sure these ribs are cooked to everyone’s liking. Be sure to ask some of the grill masters at TJ’s about BBQ tips.

Desserts:

9. Berry Yogurt Pops

This is a fun recipe to make with friends or have ready after your intramural soccer game gets out.  I am also told you can turn it into a frozen daiquiri pop with a dash of tequila.

10. Ginger Molasses Ice Cream Sandwich

The chocolate chip cookie ice cream sandwich has been done. Put a couple of these puppies together when the parents come to town for graduation and they might cool down after you tell them you want to switch your major again.

These recipes and more can be found on the Trader Joe’s website and The Fearless Flyer Magazine.

Last week, the Emerald stopped by the University of Oregon Outdoor Program to talk about new hiking spots with outdoor experts Molly Monahan, Jake Sandblom and Emma Juth. It’s time to step up your selfie game and take on something other than Spencer Butte.

1. Mount Pisgah — 3.5 miles

Known for its beautiful view at the top and moderate hike to get there. Like any hike worth taking, the true reward is at the end on the hilltop overlooking the valley. On a sunny day, this is the place to be. The drive is short and the start is relatively close to campus.

2. Trail of Ten Falls — 8.7 miles

This hike boasts 10 waterfalls in under ten miles. The trail should take about two hours to complete depending on how much time you spend in the water. Juth said that it is a great experience walking behind the different waterfalls and swimming in the pools.

3. McKenzie River Trail — 24.4 miles

Most hikers won’t hike the full trail in one day, but you can bike it. Whether it be a few miles during the day or an overnight adventure, the McKenzie River Trail holds beautiful views and the famous “Blue Pools” to admire and swim in.

4. Eagle’s Rest — 4.4 miles

This trail is perfect for getting a real feel for the Oregon woods. The old growth and thick tree line demonstrate the rich heritage of the forest and its wildlife. The hike is fairly easy until a short hill at the end, but Monahan said it feels like you are truly secluded for a few moments in the environment.

5. Goodman Creek Trail — 4 miles

If you are looking to go for a hike, but not interested in working up a terrible sweat, this is the right choice. It is rated easy to moderate, but perfect for a getaway when schoolwork hits and your mom is pressuring you to get that internship over the summer. The trail ends in a beautiful bridge crossing the creek and it is very family friendly.

6. Waldo Lake Trail — 10.6 miles

You may want to pack your larger canteen for this one. The hike is rated difficult, but the lake’s beauty can’t be unseen. Waldo Lake Trail may be one of the harder hikes, but those who survive it boast the trip was well worth it.

7. Kentucky Falls Trail — 4.4 miles

The trail has two beautiful waterfalls where hikers stop to enjoy the view and a bite to eat. The notoriously difficult ride there keeps crowds away so it is best to have an inside take on the best way to get there. Sandblom recommended hikers come speak to the outdoor program before embarking on this particular trail because they have great tips on finding it.

More information about these trails and many more can be found at alltrails.com and the University of Oregon Outdoor Program website. The Outdoor program offers rentals on hiking gear, outdoor sports equipment and GoPros to document your next adventure.

Lane County is consistently recording more sexual assault cases than the national average, according to the Warrior Sisters, a Eugene based organization of women who are fighting back.

Sam Krop was originally inspired to start this program after learning about the Gulabi Gang in India, another group of women standing together against violence and sexual assault. Warrior Sisters focuses on raising awareness of sexual assault and calling out men who disrespect women.

Krop believes a new system of assault prevention is neeeded because most prevention systems focus more on rehabilitation rather than prevention.

Warrior Sisters holds training sessions weekly at various locations. The courses are completely free and offer verbal and physical instruction. The combination of Krav Maga and communication techniques help women to navigate through dangerous situations. A big part of this process is learning to set boundaries and recognize uncomfortable situations.

“The counseling and statistic building side is important, but we should be giving women the tools to make the decision to protect themselves,” says Krop.

While UO’s Campus Crime Alerts may be a sign that walking alone in the dark can be dangerous, the Warrior Sisters says any decision a woman makes is a valid one.

“We don’t want to tell women what to do,” said Krop. “But we want them to be prepared and aware of their surroundings.”

Rachel Ivey, a trainer and co-founder of Warrior Sisters, recalls a recent letter sent by national sorority leaders urging the sororities of University of Virginia to avoid parties at fraternities.

“We can’t expect men to immediately change. We can’t get rid of assault, so we need to address that male violence,” said Ivey. “We have the ability to give women the resources to react and know better despite those botched systems.”

Warrior Sisters is expanding its efforts to five new chapters around the nation. They all follow the same basic principles of female empowerment and organization. Along with expanding outside the state, the sisters are trying to involve more University of Oregon students.

“People who take our courses will be prepared for those random attacks by strangers, but most of the assaults that occur are in a familiar place and by someone you know,” said Krop. “We want female students to be prepared for those instances before they happen.”

Warrior Sisters holds nearly three training sessions throughout the week. The next free session on campus will be Feb. 16 in the Bean Moore Conference Room from 5 to 7 p.m.

“People should know that women are learning to defend themselves and will not be vulnerable,” said Krop. “We are challenging those stereotypes and giving women the tools they need to protect themselves is just giving them another option for self defense.”

For more information on Warrior Sisters training sessions visit http://womens-selfdefense.org/.

Cameron Huber, a University of Oregon student and the founder of Bull and Stash, uses Kickstarter to see his idea for the perfect pocket journal become reality.

Huber came up with the idea when he read that if you wrote down all of your expenses in a journal it would keep you from spending money unnecessarily. After looking through journals like Moleskine he couldn’t find one that suited his needs. Thus, began the inception of a stylish and eco-friendly pocket journal — unlike others, the Bull and Stash notebooks can be re-used.

“I wanted to make a journal that people would be proud to carry around but could still function in an eco-friendly way,” said Huber.

The pages from the notebooks can be taken out and replaced with new ones so the paper can be recycled without throwing away the entire journal.

Huber wanted to focus on how wasteful notebooks are today. In order to get his idea off the ground, Huber turned to Kickstarter. In just 48 hours, the original goal of $11,000 was blown out of the water. Huber has been recognized globally, and the attention he gets from other designers pushes him to keep perfecting his work.

Bull and Stash is featured on the Chinese fashion blog Everydayobjects, which hopes to sell his product through its website. The blog mentions the tedious process of hoarding notebooks from years ago and claim Bull and Stash notebooks to be ideal. These shout-outs and reviews show just how high in demand Huber’s product is and how fast it is going.

Orders for journals have been coming in both from across the country and around the globe. Huber spoke to store owners in Portland and hopes to see his journals sold in stores like Powell’s and Hand Eye Supply.

“The great thing about raising money on Kickstarter is I will be able to buy the equipment I need to make the journals in my own studio,” Huber said.

This entrepreneur loves his product, but naturally wants to expand and make it better. He hopes to create an entity called “stash.” It would function as a place for the owner to keep his or her best or favorite notes. Instead of collecting multiple notebooks, the owner can continue to reuse one.

“It’s pretty great to think about people writing their ideas and thoughts in something that I created,” said Huber. “This journal is something that will last.”

The Eugene Fire Department arrived at a house on 17th Avenue and Hilyard Alley at approximately 6 p.m. on Saturday to respond to a fire. Authorities believe the fire started in a trash can in the bathroom.

“It was a real small fire and the first engine was able to put it out,” Eugene Firefighter Dana Burwell said.

The tenant in the home was transported to RiverBend Hospital for smoke inhalation.

At last weeks ASUO meeting, senate member view point neutrality and moral obligations were questioned by a special request.

Members of the Delta Tau Delta Fraternity approached senate to request funding for bringing Chris Widener, an author and motivational speaker, to campus. Widener speaks on personal development and leadership in the community. Delta Tau Delta member Andrew Weiss was able to connect with Widener and ask him about speaking at the University of Oregon.

“I started the process by looking up the top motivational speakers in America and Widener’s name came up. I was lucky enough to get in contact with him and he agreed to speak at our school for a fraction of the price,” Weiss said.

Elle Malone, a UO student attending the senate meeting for other reasons, spoke up against Delta Tau Delta’s request and argued that Widener expressed “ableist” viewpoints in his speeches.

Ableism is discrimination against persons with disabilities. Phrases such as “change your mind” and “change your view point” were argued to be ableist on the ground that some people can’t “just simply change their mind,” Malone said. Malone went on to express why funding the speaker with student money would be unfair to the student body and that the environment would be unsafe for persons with disabilities.

“If you think leadership should only be accessible to the able, that’s what your showing here,” Malone said.

The majority of the senate, along with Senate President Rebecca Rhodes, voted against the motion to fund the speaker with the budget surplus.

” I voted partly because I think it’s our job to spend money on things that make the campus a safe place for everybody,” Rhodes said.

Upon hearing about the meeting, Widener spoke with the Emerald and addressed the situation. Widener has been a public speaker for the past 26 years and recalls never being approached as being an ableist. His typical speaking fee is $20,000, but after talking with the members of Delta Tau Delta, he reduced it to $5,000.

“When I heard I was being accused of ableism, I was shocked. It is easy for someone who doesn’t know me to judge me,” Widener said. “I want to help people regardless of race, gender or disability because those things don’t change that I am here to assist people in achieving their goals.”

Senator Andrew Lubash, a member of Delta Tau Delta, voted yes on the motion, but said it has nothing to do with his association with the fraternity. Lubash asked every new senator hired this term what view point neutrality meant to them and how they would act as a view point neutral party.

“Everyone is allowed to have their opinion, but senate is supposed to be viewpoint neutral and no legitimate reason for this person not being funded was brought up,” Lubash said.

Lubash hopes to bring the request back to senate and discuss the issue on an “unbiased” playing field. Members from Delta Tau Delta plan to move forward to find funding for Chris Widener to come to campus and hope to welcome all members of the students body to feel safe and respected.

This term, ASUO Senate and Executive board had a controversial hiring process when multiple individuals stepped forward to voice their mistrust of the system and the unfairness of the process.

However, the hired senators are moving forward in their positions and trying to make a difference on the senate. They will get to work on connecting their departments and student needs through the ASUO Senate.

Junior Will Iversen is involved in the Marine Corps Reserve and the OSA campaign “Vote of Vote.” Iversen comes from Grants Pass and, though he is new to the senate, is making his presence known as the Business and Science Representative on seat 11.

Wednesday’s ASUO Senate meeting took a controversial turn when members voiced concern over funding a speaker they did not feel comfortable with. Iversen reminded the groups to consider view point neutrality and look at the situation in what is best for the student body as a whole.

Aven-itza De Primavera is a junior majoring in journalism and minoring in history. She is involved with Duck TV and works at the the Student Rec Center. 

“I plan on using the skills I have learned in the journalism department to connect my constituents from the journalism and history schools with the senate process,” she said.

Lizeth Marin sits on seat 17 and represents law and the social sciences. Marin is majoring in political science and is heavily involved as a coordinator for Women in Business. She plans to focus on club and student group involvement in the senate and hearing their opinions and concerns.

“I would really like to reach out to student groups on campus that approach senate. I plan to follow up with a lot of the groups and hopefully get to go to some meetings and see their accomplishments,” Marin said.

Hao Tan sits on senate under seat 21 as the freshman representative. He is a member of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity and served on the student council at his high school. The freshman representative is present for all meetings, but is not allowed to vote on motions.

Quang Truong comes from Portland and is majoring in biology and minoring in ethnic studies and biochemistry. Truong sits on senate seat 4 and the EMU board. His presence in the Pacific Asian Community Alliance as well as many other groups within the university is felt at every senate meeting.

Senator Yelin Oh commented on the new senators and what she believes they will bring to the table.

“I have not had a chance to get to know all of them,” Oh said. “But the ones I’ve talked to seem likable and and dedicated to learn as much as they can as fast as possible.”

For more information on new senate members and their office hours visit the ASUO website.

Last night’s ASUO Senate meeting was filled to the brim with more groups present for special requests than any other meetings this year.

Members of the LGBTQA came before the Senate requesting money to host Janet Mock, former People Magazine staff editor and active member in the transgender community, at the University of Oregon. The group requested $18,000 to have the speaker present and welcomed students and the community to attend. The request was granted.

Shortly after, Delta Tau Delta approached the Senate to fund another public speaker, Chris Widener. Widener is a former state senator and has remained a public figure as a motivational speaker. Delta Tau Delta requested $5,000 from the Senate to host him. However, during their request, Elle Mallon expressed concerns that Widener has previously expressed what she described as ableist views and therefore this event would foster an unsafe environment for students with mental or physical disabilities.

“If you think that leadership should only be accessible to the able, that’s what you’re doing here,” Mallon said.

Mallon was not alone in advocating against Widener’s presence on campus. Representatives from multiple student groups spoke on their problems with the speaker’s language and message.

Members from Delta Tau Delta responded by saying they did not want anyone to feel unsafe and suggested several alternatives to try to appease the protestors but also still allow Widener to speak. Senator Tayeh raised the idea that it may be beneficial to receive the speaker in order to open up dialogue about this issue and bring the conversation to campus. This idea, however, was not welcomed by those opposed.

Senate President Rhodes eventually called the question after moving to transfer, since the discussion lasted over 46 minutes. The motion did not pass.

Members of Delta Tau Delta thanked the Senate for hearing their request and addressed the individuals with issues about the speaker.

“These sort of discussions I think are really valuable. We don’t want anyone to feel unsafe and we would like to thank you for speaking to us about this because we have all learned a lot,” a member from Delta Tau Delta said.

Long debate also characterized the benchmark discussions, but Senate approved all benchmarks for the EMU Board, PFC, ACFC and DFC. The meeting was adjourned at 12:37 a.m.

Keep up with ASUO senate meetings and visit the ASUO website for more information.