Emerald writers Sararosa Davies, editor Carleigh Oeth and podcast producer Emerson Malone discuss the new Netflix series adaptation, A Series of Unfortunate Events. Spoilers for all episodes, as well as the books, ahead!

This episode was produced by Emerson Malone.

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Saturday, Jan. 21: Inside Science with Radiolab’s Robert Krulwich at Hult Center for Performing Arts (1 Eugene Center), 8 p.m., $23-43, all ages

Robert Krulwich from NPR’s Radiolab will be giving a talk at the Silva Concert Hall at the Hult Center for Performing Arts, detailing his work on the radio show. His talk will explore a variety of topics, ranging from early drafts of Radiolab stories to those that went completely wrong. With audio clips, experiments in theatre and a multitude of other visual aids, Krulwich’s talk might function as a nice extension of his work on Radiolab. This event is perfect for those who tune in to Radiolab regularly or would like an introduction to the show’s style.

Buy tickets here or call 541-682-5000.

-Sararosa Davies

Saturday, Jan. 21: Eugene Women’s March at Wayne Lyman Morse U.S. Courthouse (405 E. 8th Ave), 12 p.m., free, all ages

Don’t let the name fool you — this march is not just for women. This Saturday, Eugene will host one of 616 sister marches in conjunction with the Women’s March on Washington, a stance taken in support of women’s health, safety and rights. Taking place during our newly elected government’s first day in office, the Women’s March will remain a nonviolent, community-gathering form of empowerment for women and their supporters (that includes you, men!) Before the march begins, speakers will make a few remarks; participants will then embark on the 0.6-mile-long walk to the final destination, WOW Hall, where tables will be set up as an opportunity for people to learn and network about local organizations. Rain is in the forecast, so dress appropriately.

For more information, visit the Women’s March on Washington webpage or the Eugene Women’s March Facebook page.

-Carleigh Oeth

Saturday, Jan 21: Hell’s Belles with Brownout Presents Brown Sabbath at McDonald Theatre, (1010 Willamette St., Eugene, OR), 8 p.m., $19

Black Sabbath might have played their last tour in 2016, and AC/DC shows might be too expensive for a college student’s budget, but their music can still be experienced live this Saturday with tribute bands Hell’s Belles and Brownout. Hell’s Belles is an all-female group and one of the most notorious AC/DC tribute acts. The band is known for delivering high energy and passionate performances — and even have an endorsement from Angus Young himself.

Brownout is a nine-piece Latin funk band who reimagines Black Sabbath songs with horn arrangements and funky Latin-infused guitar breakdowns. Primarily an original band who won a Grammy for Best Latin Rock or Alternative Album in 2011, Brownout decided to create a tribute to Black Sabbath in the mid-2000s. They have released two albums of Black Sabbath material, Vol. One and Vol. Two. These have met critical praise from Pitchfork, Classic Rock Magazine and NPR Music.

For tickets and more information, visit the McDonald Theatre webpage.

-Patience Greene

Sunday, Jan. 22: The Greatest Pirate Story (N)Ever Told at Hult Center for the Performing Arts (7th and Willamette), 2 p.m., tickets $28-31.75

If you’ve ever wanted to go on a pirate adventure, then the perfect opportunity to get yourself shanghaied will be sailing into the Hult Center for the Performing Arts this weekend. The Greatest Pirate Story (N)Ever Told is an interactive stage performance straight from Off-Broadway in New York. They’ll be making a stop in Eugene this weekend as part of their nationwide tour. The story involves your typical friendly pirate crew being flung into the far future by the accidental spell of an airheaded sea witch — and what’s worse is that they’ve also misplaced half the script. That means they’ll have to wing it with a little help from the audience. This quirky tale of time-lost mariners promises a host of impromptu and interactive storytelling that’s fun for all ages.

Learn more on the show’s website.

-Mathew Brock

Wednesday, Jan. 25: Gay Storytelling Started Here: Memories of Randy Shilts at Ford Alumni Center (1720 E. 13^th Ave.), 6:30 p.m., free

Randy Shilts, a University of Oregon alumnus and former writer for Emerald Media Group, was the first openly gay reporter for a major newspaper in the U.S. Shilts’s New York Times bestseller, And the Band Played On: Politics, People and the AIDS Epidemic, is a culmination of his time at the San Francisco Chronicle covering the LGBTQ community and the AIDS crisis. In 1994, Shilts passed away from the AIDS virus.

The UO School of Journalism and Education is supporting his profound legacy through this event, which will feature guest speakers from SOJC faculty. In addition, one of Shilts’s former colleagues from Emerald Media group, Graham Kislingbury, will be present to revive stories of his time working with Shilts.

To find out more about Randy Shilts, visit UO’s calendar.

The post Things to do this week: Jan. 19-25: Inside Science with Robert Krulwich, Eugene Women’s March, Hell’s Belles with Brownout, and The Greatest Pirate Story (N)ever Told appeared first on Emerald Media.

Eugene stands at number 18 on Bicycling’s “50 Best Bike Cities of 2016” and is recognized by The League of American Bicyclists as “gold.” The University of Oregon campus, which brims with students peddling through rain or shine, is certainly no stranger to the two-wheeled travel companions — so it’s only right that students express their gratitude with Bike Appreciation Week.

Presented by the UO Bike Program, Bike Appreciation Week offers free repairs, bike registration, bike lights, reflectors, bicycle swag and campus biking information. This week, bring your bike by the EMU (UO Outdoor Program entrance on 13th Avenue), or just stop in for some coffee and complimentary snacks. As the UO Bike Program says, “This week we will make loving your bike easy.”

The bike appreciation event used to be just one day long and took place at various spots around campus, but for the first time, fellow bicyclists have four consecutive days to learn about and show love to their bikes.

“We thought it would be fun to set it up every day, so it’s kind of an experiment to see if students will want to come to this space,” said Bike Program Coordinator Kelsey Moore. “This seems really successful so I imagine we will do this in the future as well.”

Bike Appreciation Week operates each day from 10-12 a.m. Tuesday’s event featured adventure cyclist Willie Weir, who comes to campus each year in collaboration with the UO Bike Program. Each year features a new topic — on Tuesday, Weir spoke about biking and traveling with your dog.

In addition to meeting fellow bikers and getting free swag, the main objective of Bike Appreciation Week is to help students maintain their bikes and raise awareness about the bike-friendly resources around campus.

“We definitely try to make the bike program really visible because so many students bike,” Moore said. “We want them to know they have support and access to us.”

Whether it’s new brake pads, a cable adjustment or a simple-to-fix flat tire, the bike program knows what your bike needs and welcomes everyone to stop by, no matter the problem.

“Bikes don’t have a check engine light, so things can go wrong and you might not know about it,” UO student and bike mechanic Desmond Blair said. “It’s really good to be paying attention and making sure everything works well. It makes a happy bike.”

For those who are already familiar with bike maintenance, the UO Bike Program offers a DIY shop open 12-5 p.m. on weekdays — but the program also also offers frequent classes for those who want to learn the ins and outs of bike maintenance. On Thursday, the program is holding a “Winterize Your Bike” course from 6-8 p.m. at its space in the EMU, where crafting sessions are offered to make personalized fenders and bucket panniers. Reflectors will also be available to dark-proof your bike for better visibility during these short winter days.

“We love to see students come in as much as possible,” Blair said. “Bringing your bike in and doing little things can make a really big difference. Students leave feeling empowered, and doing that as much as we can is really our goal.”

In addition to the UO Bike Program’s ongoing resources and activities — such as rental programs, trips and service projects — a six-week bike maintenance school will be available to students starting during week three of classes. The Bike Program team welcomes students of all skill levels and are prepared to cover all aspects of your bike.

Bike Appreciation Week is like Valentine’s Day for bikes, so make sure to stop by the EMU and show your beloved two-wheeler some tender love and care. For more information about the UO Bike Program, visit https://outdoorprogram.uoregon.edu/bikes.

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It’s that time of year again: holiday festivities, copious amounts of food and more naps than usual. Let’s not forget the epic family gatherings and that one crazy uncle who cannot wait to devastate any conversation with political antics.

But this year, we can’t really blame that crazy uncle. To label the recent presidential election “controversial” would be an understatement — it would be like saying the sun is “warm.” So instead of ignoring politics altogether, here are some tips on how to navigate your family through those potentially heated discussions.

Declare a time limit for political talk

In this one, almost anything goes. Talking politics can be fruitful, informational and fun — yes, fun. But when things get heated, the conversation tends to lean away from constructive discourse and eventually reaches a point of no return.

So when dinner is served and the crazy uncle makes a snide remark about Hillary Clinton’s emails, proclaim your intentions and mark a clear time limit, whether that is five minutes or 20. The time limit allows people to purge their thoughts and engage, but also acts as the perfect scapegoat for closing the discussion and moving on.

Raise your words, not your voice

Perhaps the most challenging part of political banter is attempting to keep your cool while others repeatedly dismantle your support and reasoning. It might feel like an attack, but it’s important to remember that the arguments are purely political, not personal.

Don’t allow yourself to raise your voice — it will seem defensive, panicky or juvenile. And, unlike our recent presidential candidates, try your best not to interrupt someone in the middle of their sentence, no matter how much they try to say that global warming is a hoax. Listen in order to understand, not just to respond.

Speak from personal experience

There are always two sides to an argument, and politics are no exception. Any political claim can be refuted with another political claim. Opinions don’t necessarily hold political merit when trying to prove a point, and ironically enough, hard facts or statistics don’t usually sway people from their stance.

Personal experience is something that people can relate to on a human level — it’s not some preachy, esoteric theory or wishy-washy political agenda. Speaking from personal experience tells an authentic story and touches on emotion, which can be more effective than reason. Leave the data-spewing to to the politicians.

Change the subject completely

Remember that time you waited in line for hours in order to spend 10 seconds with Bruce Springsteen? Your family probably doesn’t. Try changing the subject to something lighthearted and entertaining, ideally to a topic that can’t easily fall back into politics. Provoke some laughter and save yourself from a few early-onset grey hairs.

Know when to walk away

If all else fails and the crazy uncle keeps hollering, save yourself and do your best to walk away — politely. State how you respect his political opinions and maybe agree to disagree. If you need to, use the bathroom as an excuse — and refill your wine glass on the way.

Most importantly, remember that these are (probably) people that you love. The holidays should be times for celebration and appreciation, not destruction and hostility, so if political discussion must manifest at the upcoming holiday festivities, keep it light and try not to burn any bridges.

The post Don’t let political discussions disrupt your holiday celebrations appeared first on Emerald Media.

In this installment from the Emerald Podcast Network, arts and culture editor Craig Wright, music writer Sararosa Davies and Emerald associate podcast editor Emerson Malone join forces and share some of the songs that defined 2016 for them.

This episode was produced by Emerson Malone. Our theme music was written by Evan DuPell.

Songs mentioned in this episode:
– “Eugene” by Sufjan Stevens
– “Rebel Rebel” by David Bowie
– “I Must Not Think Bad Thoughts” by X
– “Latino and Proud” by DJ Raff
– “We Got Back the Plague” by The Fiery Furnaces
– “Drunk Drivers/Killer Whales” by Car Seat Headrest
– “Fill in the Blank” by Car Seat Headrest
– “Don’t Hurt Yourself” by Beyoncé feat. Jack White
– “Friday Night (Is Killing Me)” by Bash & Pop

Additional songs not featured in the podcast: 

“All Things Must Pass” — Yim Yames (George Harrison cover)

I hate Beatles covers. Always have, always will. With that being said, there are exceptions to every rule. Jim James of My Morning Jacket has a voice that can make everything right with the world — it’s a sonic source of comfort rivaled by few. On his 2009 EP of George Harrison covers titled Tribute To, James, under the moniker Yim Yames, uses his ethereal voice and minimal instrumentation to pay his respects to the second member of the Fab Four to pass away. 

Harrison died in 2001, and this beautiful compilation seeks to fill the void of losing a musical hero, which was unfortunately an all-too-common occurrence this year. Out of the sadness, James turned Harrison’s mostly cheerful songs into a reflective celebration of his life. The best example is the title track from Harrison’s 1970 epic triple album, All Things Must Pass. In the song, James’ vocals are rich with reverb and his acoustic guitar strumming is simple. This adds up to a haunting yet reassuring sound:

“Now the darkness only stays the night-time/In the morning it will fade away/Daylight is good at arriving at the right time/It’s not always going to be this gray.”

No matter how beautiful or broken things may seem at any given time, remember: All things will eventually pass: heroes, heartbreak and 2016 included. — Craig Wright

“Stressed Out” by A Tribe Called Quest

The song title says it all.

While it’s true that “Stressed Out” is centered on the struggles of financial survival, it can also be applied to an assortment of daily stresses — like college.

Fall term has been a juggling act for me, eliciting a certain level of stress derived from taking on school and two jobs. I genuinely enjoy the work I do, and I cherish my education endlessly — but I would be lying if I said the balancing of these pursuits didn’t stress me out at times. OK, all the time.

Moreover, as a student nearing the end of my college career, the sentience of the “real world” inches closer and closer, perpetuating a lingering anxiety about the future. “Stressed Out” is a quintessential Tribe song, and for me it has consistently been a reliable source of soothing for any feelings of stress; it never fails to somehow boost personal morale, and Faith Evans’ silky voice on the chorus constructively replaces any feelings of stagnancy with those of reassurance. 

One of Q-Tip’s verses reads, “And the stresses of life can take you off the right path … we gotta hold it down so we can move on past / all adversities, so we can get through fast.”

But my recent inclinations to play “Stressed Out” on repeat represent a bigger picture because 2016 was a rather eventful year for A Tribe Called Quest. In March, the group lost one of its esteemed members, Malik “Phife Dawg” Taylor, to complications with diabetes. Tribe has remained one of my favorite music groups, even since before I understood what their complex, evocative rhymes alluded to. But this tragic loss of a culturally influential and valued hip-hop artist inevitably spurred the resurgence of Tribe’s timeless music, and I developed a newfound appreciation of the group’s classic tracks during 2016. 

Additionally, on Nov. 11, Tribe released its sixth and final album We Got It From Here, Thank You 4 Your Service. Although Phife Dawg made an appearance on a couple tracks before his death, the new album will stand as a farewell to the beloved artist. 

The group’s comeback is a potent reminder of its quintessential sound, recognizable in classics like “Stressed Out.” And for me, this song works its magic on a peculiarly deep and personal level: It is able to soothe my stress, which 2016 delivered in excess, by propelling me into the comfort of the past while simultaneously providing consolation from the future. It’s a song about stress that makes me forget my own, and it symbolizes my 2016. — Carleigh Oeth

“Franklin Avenue” by Jeremy Messersmith

One of my fondest and clearest memories of 2016 happened in the new year, on the Metro Transit Blue Line in Minneapolis. I was riding the light rail alone and feeling kind of down. I had started Jeremy Messersmith’s album The Silver City as I boarded the bus.

I thought that the album, my favorite album of all time, would maybe provide some comfort or some clarity as to what I was feeling. So I put it on, sat down in an empty seat and looked out as the city I love so dearly passed me by. 

Minutes later, as the train pulled into Franklin Avenue Station, Messersmith’s song about that very station began. As Messersmith sang, “Waiting for that sinking feeling/it’s all that keeps me together/and I’m so scared to let it unwind,” I began tearing up. As much as my idea of home and its greatness was holding me together, it was also holding me back.

I’m back in Minnesota for winter break, and listening to this song has taken on a new meaning as I walk the neighborhoods I still love. I can have two homes now; one just happens to have a Franklin Boulevard instead of an avenue. And actually, I’m pretty okay with that. — Sararosa Davies

“Cut Your Bangs” by Radiator Hospital

2016 was the year I got bangs and then promptly decided to grow them out, so Radiator Hospital’s “Cut Your Bangs” feels pretty applicable, and yet there’s more to this song than the title. It fits my mood as the end of 2016 comes into view. The beginning of college has been full of stops and starts for me. It’s a fun but jolty ride, almost like a roller coaster; luckily, it’s more comfortable than one of those rickety old wooden ones. 

This rendition of “Cut Your Bangs” fits that vibe. I’m usually one of those people who listen to music to change my mood or find a way out of what I’m feeling. In college, I’m finding that this habit is changing and that I want my music to be in tune with my life.

“Cut Your Bangs” fits all of the right moments. With its rollicky, circuital guitar and sunny drums, it’s a great song to dance around to in my dorm when my roommate isn’t there. The lyrics “You say you cut your bangs/I’m calling your bluff” feel right for moments that I’m not feeling great or an assignment is stressing me out.

The end of 2016 has been a mixed bag, but a fun one, too so to 2016 I say: “I’m calling your bluff.” You weren’t that bad all of the time, 2016. Just maybe some of it.  — Sararosa Davies

“Mad” by Solange feat. Lil Wayne

“We lived in the threat of death every day … I was just lost in this vacuum between integration and segregation and racism. That was my childhood. I was angry for years … very angry,” recalls Solange Knowles’ father in the interlude that plays before “Mad.” It’s rare to find an album like Solange’s A Seat At the Table, an exemplary 21-track protest-soul album filled with grace and emotional trauma. Its tracks are transposed with interludes of interviews with Solange’s family members talking about the black experience in America.

Solange covers a litany of issues: self-empowerment, malaise with the world, consent and how to numb the pain. In “Mad,” she challenges the social sentiment that frowns upon black women expressing anger. In the final line, she skewers the argument: “But I’m not really allowed to be mad.” It’s not just that she can’t openly confront what’s bothering her, since she’s doesn’t feel like she has the right to show it, so she’s still suppressing it all. — Emerson Malone

“You Disappear” by La Luz (released in 2015)

Surf-rock and the Pacific Northwest have never exactly been close allies, but La Luz is ripping that idea apart. This time last year, the band was not necessarily a household band name, but they seem to be charging toward this goal after appearances this year at Sasquatch! music festival, Pickathon music festival in Happy Valley, Oregon and a show at the WOW Hall in August.

Lyrically, “You Disappear” has about as much to do with surfing as with any other Olympic sport. In 2015, La Luz released Weirdo Shrine, which was produced by Ty Segall and literally recorded in an abandoned surfboard warehouse. The all-girl approach to a genre rife with masculinity is rich. Weirdo Shrine is dark and heady; you might expect that, since it was inspired by the graphic novel “Black Hole” by Charles Burns, wherein Seattle teenagers grow physical mutations after having sex.

La Luz exists somewhere in the overlap between the uneasy terror of the Charles Burns world and the vacuum left behind “Surfin’ Safari.” This gives some ominous subtext to lyrics like when Shana Cleveland sings in a forlorn tone, “Out in the ocean, our time is short and sweet / You disappear always, it doesn’t bother me.” — Emerson Malone

The post Podcast: Emerald Recommends the songs that defined 2016 appeared first on Emerald Media.

“Knock-knock.”

“Who’s there?”

“Not Zach Green!”

In the fictional film HAZE, this knock-knock joke was caught on tape as an insensitive jab at student Zach Green, who tragically died from alcohol poisoning during a severe fraternity hazing ritual. The gravity of Green’s death sets the solemn undertones of the film and represents the very real consequences that hazing can potentially introduce, all in the name of brotherhood.

The film begins with dated, black-and-white photographs of fraternity members from Greek Life’s past, accompanied by a crackly recording of men singing the pledge song of their Psi Theta Epsilon fraternity. It’s a nod to the lengthy history and rich tradition in which Greek Life’s roots are secured.

The opening scene is immediately followed by a wild party at the Psi Theta Epsilon fraternity house — complete with keg stands, beer pong and bikinis — juxtaposing the supposedly cherished tradition of brotherhood with the contemporary stereotype of party-prone Greek Life.

The overall controversy developed throughout HAZE traces a lifelike divide that exists within college communities: Greek Life versus non-Greek Life. But the film reaches a deeper level when it is cleverly likened to ancient Greek mythology, intertwining the rivalry of Dionysus and Pentheus to reveal a more intricate and sophisticated storyline, epitomizing the theme of “a Greek tragedy.”

HAZE continues to follow the protagonist, freshman Nick Forest (Kirk Curran), through his adrenaline-fueled passage into Psi Theta Epsilon. Nick initially glides through the trials and tribulations of hazing, but when his biological brother Pete (Mike Blejer) leads an anti-hazing movement across campus — the movement that provoked the insensitive knock-knock joke — Nick becomes guilty by association, and his trust from the fraternity dwindles. His hazing intensifies.

There is a strong sense of irony when Nick must emotionally forfeit his relationship with his real brother in an attempt to gain entry into the brotherhood of Psi Theta Epsilon. After all, most of the pledges admitted they would do “whatever it takes” to be accepted into the fraternity.

With an elemental shakiness to the camera, the cinematography of HAZE at times simulates the impression of a home video but remains exceedingly methodical, making the grit and gore of the film theatrical and convincing. It makes you sincerely concerned for the characters who, in order to fulfill their hazing sentence, must comply with demeaning tasks or face the repulsive consequences — after all, nobody wants to drink a cup full of loogies.

HAZE doesn’t fail to touch on the humiliating practices of sorority hazing as well. The scenes are ruthless and cringe-worthy, brimming with the scandalous truths of hazing’s potential. But ultimately, the film presents itself as a platform to seriously consider the implicit challenges embedded in college years, inside or outside of Greek Life.

The producers of HAZE partnered with Fraternity and Sorority Life and BEseries to host screenings on select college campuses in attempt to raise preventative awareness about the practice of hazing. After spending a year in the film festival circuit, HAZE has received several awards including Best Film and Best Screenplay.

HAZE Teaser from David Burkman on Vimeo.

The post Award-winning film ‘HAZE’ dissects the Greek tragedy of hazing appeared first on Emerald Media.

Skip the shopping, skip the lines and skip the chaos this Black Friday because for the second year in a row, the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) will waive all day-use fees in support of what the department refers to as “Green Friday.”

Although most Oregon state parks are already free and only 26 charge a $5 day use fee, Green Friday will also include special events held at select state parks featuring free refreshments, snacks, and the chance to enter a raffle for prizes from REI, Columbia Footwear and more. Find out details and register for the raffle online.

Read about some of Oregon’s celebrated state parks below and decide which one will provide you sanctuary from Black Friday’s mobs of angry shoppers.

Smith Rock State Park — Terrebonne, Oregon

Comprised of deep red-rock canyons, trickling rivers and a colorful environment, Smith Rock State Park is acclaimed for its variety of rock climbs and majestic scenery. The park is home to one of the toughest climbs in America, Just Do It, and offers numerous scenic trails and hikes, campgrounds, bouldering sites, mountain bike trails and other activities that are sure to compete with the consumerist tradition of Black Friday.

Smith Rock is open year-round and has been dubbed one of the 7 Wonders of Oregon. The breadth of opportunity would be well worth the 135-mile drive east of Eugene.

Tryon Creek State Natural Area — Portland, Oregon

Located just 15 minutes outside Portland, Tryon Creek is an easily accessible, lush haven of Douglas firs, flowers and other wildlife. Miles of forest trails allow for a full and satisfying immersion into nature.

Tryon is ideal for a quick trip into the trees, but this Friday it will be one of the four locations hosting the special Green Friday events with food, drink, raffles and trained nature specialists ready to help you better understand the wildlife that makes Oregon’s state parks so unique.

Silver Falls State Park — Sublimity, Oregon

Sprawling more than 9,000 acres in the Cascade Range, Silver Falls is Oregon’s largest state park. The park is aptly named, boasting stunning waterfalls accessible by trail, including a 177-foot wall of water at the South Falls. With 25 miles of backcountry trails, there is plenty of opportunity for hiking, mountain biking, or nature watching — just beware of bears and cougars that might inhabit the more remote areas of the forest.

Silver Falls has expansive grass areas and great picnicking facilities, so pack a lunch and head 25 miles east of Salem this Friday to avoid Black Friday’s frenzy. And as one of the locations of Green Friday’s special events, you might even win a prize from the raffle.

Jasper State Recreation Site — Pleasant Hill, Oregon

This riverside oasis is less than a 20-minute drive east of Eugene, making it a convincing destination for students staying in town for Thanksgiving weekend. Jasper State Recreation Site is a popular place for fishing, canoeing, kayaking and picnicking, but it’s mostly a relaxing alternative to the hustle and bustle of Black Friday’s unruly crowds. Take a walk along River Trail, breathe in the fresh and quiet air, and recognize the bountiful nature that surrounds you.

Green Friday special events will take place at Silver Falls State Park, Tryon Creek Natural Area, Champoeg State Heritage Site and L.L. Stub Stewart State Park. Visit the Oregon State Parks website for more information.

The post Skip Black Friday shopping and visit an Oregon state park for ‘Green Friday’ appeared first on Emerald Media.

Thursday, Nov. 24: Turkey Trot Eugene starting at Valley River Center (293 Valley River Center), 9 a.m., $25 registration at event

On Thanksgiving morning, before you get weighed down with a belly full of turkey and stuffing, Valley River Center will be hosting the Turkey Trot Eugene. The event will have a four-mile run starting at 9 a.m., a two-mile walk starting at 9:10 a.m., and a 200-meter kids gobbler gallop starting at 10 a.m. For adults 18 years and older, the run or walk registration will cost $20 prior to the event or $25 the day of. The gobbler gallop is free. Dogs will not be allowed at the race.

Awards will be handed out at the end of both the run and the walk, and all Turkey Trot participants will be eligible for random prize drawings. This event is the perfect way to start your Thanksgiving on an active note.

For more information or to register online, visit the Turkey Trot Eugene webpage.

-Leanne Harloff

Friday, Nov. 25: 26th Annual Federweisser German Fall Festival and Barn Dance at Springhill Cellars Winery (2920 NW Scenic Dr., Albany), 12 p.m., free

Join the Springhill Cellars Winery for the 26th annual Federweisser German Fall Festival and Barn Dance. Try the cider-like still-fermenting Willamette Valley Riesling along with Zwiebelkuchen onion, egg, bacon and cheese pie. Local fine meat and sausage producer Pepper Tree Sausage House will also be serving various bavarian style hot dogs and sausages with grilled onions and sauerkraut.

In addition, local rock band Shatterproof will be performing at the event, and the evening’s barn dance will commence around 6:30 p.m.

For directions and more information, visit the Springhill Cellars Winery webpage.

-Franklin Lewis

Saturday, Nov. 26: Nutcracker Remixed at the Hult Center for Performing Arts (7th and Willamette), 6:30 p.m., tickets $23-37.50

Presented by All That! Dance Company, the classical holiday tale of The Nutcracker is told under a contemporary light. Instead of Tchaikovsky’s classical soundtrack gracing the stage, songs from renowned artists like Michael Jackson, Norah Jones, Whitney Houston will be the accompanying music for the evening.

This youth performance brings together over 200 students to tell Clara’s enchanted story, complete with sugar plum fairies, the Mouse King and of course nutcrackers. Bellies might still be full from Thanksgiving feasts, but with this tale as old as time, the holiday season has officially begun.

Visit the All That! Dance Company website for more events and information.

-Carleigh Oeth

Sunday, Nov. 27: Grateful Dead Jam at HiFi Music Hall (44 E 7th Ave), 8 p.m., free, 21+

Come see the Jerryatrics, a tribute band named after deceased frontman Jerry Garcia, perform live Grateful Dead covers in true jam band style.

The Grateful Dead was a big part of the artistic counterculture movement in the 1960s, and their concerts served as massive hippie gatherings. They are one of the first jam bands, a status they developed by turning five-minute studio songs into unique 20-minute jams on stage. Their brand of psychedelic rock is a fun, experimental take on youth, with elements of country and blues thrown in for good measure.

This is a great opportunity for locals who missed out on seeing Grateful Dead live, people who did see them and want to reminisce over past shows or for anyone who just likes to jam out and get groovy on the dance floor.

–Patience Greene

The post Things to do this week: Nov. 24-30 Turkey Trot, German Fall Festival, Nutcracker, Grateful Dead jam appeared first on Emerald Media.

Friday, Nov. 11: Noble Cheeses of France at Provisions Market Hall (296 E. Fifth Ave.), 5:30 p.m., tickets $30

Provisions Market Hall is hosting a talk, tasting and discussion class with cheese-monger Sam Rollins for those interested in the process of making artisan cheese. With a focus on French cheeses, the night is sure to be interesting and maybe a little smelly.

Each ticket comes with the opportunity to taste cheeses like Brie, Camembert and Roquefort, among others. There will be wine and beer pairings, too, for those who are not sold on the cheese. Either way, try something new and sophisticated. As Provisions Market Hall’s website says, “Come get classy & stay cheesy with Sam!”

Tickets are available at www.provisionsmarkethall.com or at the phone number: 541-743-0660.

-Sararosa Davies

Friday-Sunday, Nov. 11-13: EUCON 2016 at the Lane Events Center (796 W 13th Ave), Friday 2-8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., tickets $10 – $31

EUCON is Eugene’s own annual celebration of all things comic books and pop culture. This weekend, there will be artists, writers, creators, exhibits, panelists and discussions. For those who like to express their creative side, there will be a cosplay contest where in 2015, EUCON gave out over $1,000 in prizes. Visit www.eugenecomiccon.com for contest rules and regulations.

Special guests this year include Ruth Connell from the CW’s Supernatural, David Anders from the CW’s iZombie, Deep Roy from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Butch Patrick from The Munsters, WWE’s Greg Valentine (aka The Hammer), Chris 51 from Alpha Geek, and many more artists, writers, and personalities.

Tickets are available at www.eugenecomiccon.com/get-tickets

-Alex Ruby

Saturday, Nov. 12: The Change Food Festival Viewing Party at Erb Memorial Union, Crater Lake North and South (1228 University St.), 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., free for students

This weekend, food and nutrition experts from around the country will converge for The Change Food Festival in New York City. A live viewing party for the event will be hosted by the Student Sustainability Center in the EMU. The Change Food Fest’s speakers will tackle issues such as factory farming, animal welfare, food marketing, food deserts and school nutrition. According to the festival’s website, food policy is shifting more toward sustainability and transparency, and large food corporations are trying to adapt.

Come to the EMU to hear from speakers on the cutting edge of food studies like Bruce Friedrich, executive director of The Good Food Initiative and Justin Johnson, CEO and founder of Sustainable Kitchens.

To learn more about the event, visit: https://calendar.uoregon.edu/event/change_food_fest_viewing_party#.WCEhcOErI1g

Or see Change Food’s website: http://www.changefood.org/projects/change-food-festival/

-Franklin Lewis

Saturday, Nov. 12: Saturday Market in downtown Eugene (30 East Broadway), 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., free

The last day of Eugene’s outdoor, crafty Saturday Market is this weekend. Hosted weekly from April until mid-November, the market is open rain or shine and acts as a showcase of more than 200 artisans from Eugene and surrounding areas. Their crafts introduce a wide variety of goods from handcrafted jewelry and pottery to live music and mouthwatering food.

The market introduces new artisans whenever possible. Some of the newest additions include Shining Star Mosaics by Bill Allord, unique coloring books by Dune Erickson and Scapegoat Soaps by Christy Pitts. Stop by the Saturday Market to dance, eat and support local talent — and don’t forget your umbrella.

Learn more at the Saturday Market website: http://www.eugenesaturdaymarket.org/index.html

-Carleigh Oeth

The post Things to do this week Nov. 10-16: Cheese tasting, EUCON, Change Food Festival Viewing, Saturday Market appeared first on Emerald Media.

Saturday, Nov. 5: Shook Twins at Hi-Fi Music Hall (44 East 7th Ave.), doors: 7 p.m., show: 8 p.m., advance tickets: $16, day of show tickets: $20

The folk-pop band Shook Twins is aptly named, getting its title from two members who are identical twin sisters: Laurie and Katelyn Shook. The sisters, along with three other members, formed their musical roots in Sandpoint, Idaho, but after the release of their first album, You Can Have the Rest, they settled into Portland’s niche music scene.

The band’s sound is varied and heartfelt. From acoustic guitar and tambourine to more eclectic styles of beat-boxing and electronic repurposing, the Shook Twins have molded their own genre into what they call “folky-disco.”

With Eugene as the fourth stop on their 2016 tour, the Emerald spoke with Laurie Shook. 

Emerald: How would you set your music apart from other indie-folk music out there? What would you call yours?

Laurie Shook: Our music is an ever-changing thing. Just when we feel like we can describe it in a few words, we write a “folky-disco” song. We are influenced by so many genres, but the common denominator is folk with a groove. I would call us eerie folk-pop with groove. Most of the time.

E: What inspires your music?

LS: Mostly the way we live our lives, feeling the need to say something real in a specific yet generalized relatable way. And also our amazing homies and present and past legends that make badass music around us.

E: What are the most exotic instruments played in the band?

LS: Probably the magical giant golden egg shaker filled with hopes and dreams!

E: What solicited the move from Idaho to Oregon? Anything unique about the culture that creates a better platform for your music?

LS: We absolutely love our hometown, but we wanted to be in a bigger scene, yet close to the home court. Portland just felt like the easy next step. Portland is a wonderful city for music. The folk scene is very supportive and collaborative instead of competitive. It’s filled with conscious people who feel the same about many things. We feel supported.

E: Two of you in the band are identical twins. How does this family dynamic work in the band?

LS: It’s great! We work very well together. We share the burdens of leading a band without the need to discuss it. Equality is just simply understood. It’s so nice to have someone just like you to bounce ideas off of.

E: Your new single “Call Me Out” was released this August. What message are you trying to get out, and what did you do differently on this single in order to do that?

LS: Well as far as production, this was a collaboration between us, Niko Slice and producer Brody Bergholz [Indigital Studios, Santa Cruz], and it represents our electronic side. We used more synth and midi tones over a vibey, pop-groove, which we haven’t really done on any of our other releases. It’s a song about calling your friends out on their shit, a tough thing to do and receive. We believe in holding each other accountable to be better human beings: more awake, present and humble. We like pop music and felt inspired to make a hooky pop song with a message.

E: You’ve played at Oregon festivals over the years, like Oregon Country Fair and String Summit. Where can we look for you this year?

LS: Hopefully back at those festivals, our favorites in the whole country! We’ll have to see where we land this summer, but Northwest is always our vote! 

Listen to Shook Twins’s latest single “Call Me Out” here:

Find tickets on Shook Twins’ website.

The post Q&A: Shook Twins start 2016 tour after release of new single ‘Call Me Out’ appeared first on Emerald Media.