Coming to college you might find that you don’t have the opportunity to do the things you once loved to do. Or perhaps coming to college has opened your mind to trying brand new things — you just never knew your options.

Whether you’re looking for a way to continue doing something you used to love or trying out something completely new, there’s probably a club at the University of Oregon that’s right for you.

Join one of these fun UO clubs and discover a whole new aspect to an awesome college experience.

1. Ballroom Dance Club (OBDC)

Whether you’re a dance aficionado or a total newbie, this club simply aims to provide a fun alternative to partying on the weekend. The club hosts a dance every Friday night in Gerlinger 220.

2. Smash Club

The premier Super Smash Brothers group gets together to play all smash games (with a focus toward Project M, Melee and Smash 4) and holds weekly meetings on campus for anyone who wants to play.

3. Stand Up Society (UOSUS)

The funniest club on campus! This collection of student comedians hold weekly meetings where members can participate in comedic writing exercises and receive constructive criticism about their original material. They often hold open mic nights and put on stand up shows all over the city. With or without experience, all are encouraged to crack some jokes.

4. Muggle Quidditch Team

The sport, adapted from the Harry Potter series, involves broomsticks, a quaffle (a volleyball), bludgers (dodgeballs) and a golden snitch (a tennis ball). The team plays every Saturday at noon behind the Knight Library. Check out their Facebook page.

5. Running Club

The Running Club is a great way to get together with fellow students and relieve some stress through exercise. Spring practices are at Hayward Field (talk about motivation)!

6. Geology Club

The club meets Wednesdays at 6 p.m. in the Cascade Hall Tower and aims to enhance an appreciation for earth and science. Club members have taken a number of fun trips to Grand Canyon National Park, Arches National Park and more.

7. Belegarth Medieval Combat Society

Described as a full contact sport, this club battles it out Braveheart style. As their site explains, “What that basically means is that when we go around hitting people with foam swords, it’s official, by the books, sanctioned bad-assery. That’s right, we’re legit.”

8. Ninja Club

With only eight dancers/ninjas currently, the club recently performed at Japan Night, an event celebrating Japanese culture on campus.

9. Jam Squad

Legitimate dance skills are necessary, as tryouts are involved. This club is the UO’s first hip-hop based dance team. They perform at basketball games, Greek events and even NBA Portland TrailBlazer games.

10. Spoon University

Find or create fun new recipes and graciously share them with your fellow Ducks. If you’re passionate about cooking (and more importantly, eating) this online publication focuses on recipes and other food and drink related content, for college students specifically!

Horror movies often taken risks, even with the intense pressure they’re under to succeed. Whether it’s the pioneer of handheld camera horror, The Blair Witch Project, or later down the road, Paranormal Activity; new styles set precedents.

While numerous horror films have used everyday technology to induce fear, such as the movie Pulse in which, similar to Unfriended, the dead communicate through emails and other computer outlets, none have leaped as far as creating a film entirely set on a computer screen. And surprisingly, a new precedent in the world of horror was once again set.

Unfriended showcases a very real horror in society today – technology. The film portrays (in obvious metaphorical exaggeration) everything that is wrong with the way young people in particular use the Internet, and how this “Internet culture” has influenced them into becoming people who do horrible things to one another. Including, but not limited to: Slut-shaming, teenage suicide, date rape and cheating.

We see Blaire Lily (Shelley Hennig) going about her typical online behavior – shopping at Free People, listening to music and chatting with her high school sweatheart. While Skyping with her boyfriend, four mutual friends end up in the mix. Members of the group begin to receive Facebook messages from their classmate, Laura Barns, who had killed herself exactly one year prior. Eventually the group notices an unwelcome guest in their Skype session, using Laura’s account.

Things truly begin to go south when the person on the account begins to reveal secrets among the friends, pitting them against each other.

Their friendship is tested to the limits in a game of Never Have I Ever, but there’s a catch. The loser of the game, who runs out of fingers to hold up doesn’t drink – they die (gruesomely). Now there’s a fun spin on an old party game!

While many horror movies utilize eerie music to get a reaction from the audience, this film effectively used complete silence to get the same effect. This was a true testament as to how the content could hold up on its own, giving a more realistic portrayal of what it would actually be like behind a computer screen.

In theory, everything about Unfriended seems like another sad attempt at creating something new within an overdone genre.

In reality, the film succeeded in creating something entirely new, satisfyingly disturbing and honestly meaningful to an entire generation and beyond.

Unfriended was released in theaters everywhere April 17. 

With April being Sexual Assault Awareness month, each week brings something new to participate with on campus to promote safety, knowledge and a healthier, happier college experience.

Claire Hamilton, a representative for Fraternity and Sorority Life’s Sexual Assault Task Force, believes this month people should try to be even more mindful about themselves and their friends.

“It’s easy to think that sexual assault won’t happen to you, but that doesn’t mean it can’t happen to someone you love or care about,” Hamilton said.

This week, Empowerment-Based Self-Defense classes will take place on April 14 and 16. The event, hosted by Jocelyn Hollander, promotes women’s safety and empowerment in taking a holistic approach to defending themselves. She teaches non-violent defense, verbal strategies, avoidance and other effective fighting techniques.

“I definitely think women should take the time to take a self-defense class” Hamilton said. “It would be a lot more comforting to know that even if you or your friend is intoxicated, you are both prepared with the skills you need to survive an attack.”

Attend at: Rec Mat Room 47, 4 p.m.-5:30 p.m.

EUGENE:

April 15

Comic Sense

Comic lovers and wannabe lovers, unite. If you’re unsure or find a dislike for comics, visit this tabling event to explore which comic styles may be right for you.

Global Scholars Hall library, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.

April 17 and 18

UO Repertory Dance Company’s “At Home Concert”

The University of Oregon company of seven dancers will perform for the campus community before they head off on their Oregon tour.

Dougherty Theatre, 1484 University St., 8 p.m., $5 for students, $10 general admission.

April 18

Cats Under The Stars (featuring Gumbo Groove)

This Portland-based band recreates and commemorates the music of The Grateful Dead, including the Jerry Garcia Band.

WOW Hall, 291 West 8th Ave., 8:30 p.m., $7-10.

PORTLAND:

April 16

Space Beer Dinner with Ninkasi

Ever wonder what it’s like to drink beer in space? Ponder no more! Ninkasi debuts its newest creation, Ground Control, a beer made from yeast that has been to space. The event includes a three-course meal from Bon Appetit and a space science demonstration that showcases the difficulty of drinking a brew in microgravity.

1945 SE Water Ave., 6 p.m.–9 p.m., $60.

Juno What?! and DJ Weather

If you’re looking for a shameless dance party to attend or some high energy “disco booty jams” this is the show for you. Juno What?! mixes classic vinyl dance with futuristic electronic rhythms to get the party started, while DJ Weather mirrors the same style.

The Goodfoot
, 2845 SE Stark St., 9 p.m., $15.

April 17

‘80s Video Dance Attack

For the past 10 years, this event has thrown it back to the days of neon and leg warmers. With a bangin’ sound system and a light show, they play classic ’80s music videos on giant screens. If you “wanna dance with somebody, feel the heat with somebody” make sure to check it out.

Crystal Ballroom, 
1332 W Burnside St., 8 p.m., $10.

Follow Sydney Zuelke on Twitter @SydCaroline

Living in the lush green state of Oregon can be mesmerizing with all the natural beauty it has to offer, but with beauty comes sacrifice. When springtime rolls around and the many, many showers have brought us flowers, allergies can often be unmanageable and unbearable.

UO student and California native Charlie Paretchan noticed his allergies had become much worse after he had made the transition from San Rafael, California to Eugene, Oregon. “I would guess it has to do with the greenery, for lack of a better word, especially around campus. There are a lot more flowers and pollen in the air,” Paretchan said.

Kimberly Foster, a Naturopathic Physician at Oregon Naturopathic Clinic explains that allergies act up in Oregon particularly for exactly that. “We live in a valley and it traps a lot of pollen, and the variety of plants we have is really concentrated,” said Foster.

Foster believes that natural remedies are being used to treat many conditions, including allergies, because people want to avoid the side effects of drugs or becoming dependent on them. “We lie in the Northwest; many people here embrace the natural lifestyle,” Foster said.

Allergy shots and even prescription medications such as Zyrtec, Claritin or Benadryl tend to lose effectiveness over a period of time and can also cause drowsiness, dry sinuses, insomnia and high blood pressure.

“I would definitely be open to using [natural remedies] if they worked, especially since I have to take Claritin multiple times a day,” Paretchan said.

If you’re desperate for a new way to manage your sniffles and itches this spring, try any of these natural remedies suggested by Natural Medicine experts and their studies.

The Neti Pot

This genie-looking bottle is used to effectively rinse any kind of unwanted debris from inside the nasal cavity. Mixing sterilized water (either bottled or boiled, for example), salt and a pinch of baking soda, tilt your head and pour into your nostril allowing the liquid to drain through to the other side. You can purchase these pots on Amazon for less than $10.

Tea & Coffee

Not only will the steam of hot tea or coffee feel great and open up your nasal passages, a study from the National Center for Biotechnology Information shows that Green tea allows for the release of histamines (important in reducing inflammation) and also contains allergy-fighting antioxidants. Additionally, the menthol in peppermint teas can reduce congestion and the caffeine in coffees and teas can reduce swelling.

* You might want to stay away from chamomile if you have springtime ragweed allergies!

Eucalyptus Oil

Studies show that eucalyptus oil helps loosen respiratory phlegm, prevents infection and has anti-inflammatory properties – it’s a win, win. Adding a few drops to the floor of your shower, or to a bowl of steaming water will allow the soothing oil to work its magic. Because of the oil’s ability to kill dust mites, add a few drops in your washing machine, especially when washing sheets and pillowcases.

Butterbur 

Butterbur is an herb that comes from a plant in the sunflower family and is said to relieve allergy symptoms such as inflammation in the airways. You can buy it in the form of a Butterbur Extract supplement – it’s suggested to purchase “PA free.”

Nettle Leaf

This herb, like green tea, is an antihistamine. The plant grows in many places and can be incorporated into teas, but for easier and more effective use you can buy Nettle Herb capsules. If you are unfortunate enough to experience hayfever in the springtime, Nettle is a remedy free of the side effects of medication.

There are exciting things happening in the horror movie world – including brand new, distinctively different ideas, refurbished classics and anticipated sequels. The genre has been suffering because horror movie fanatics are as critical about what makes a good fright as ever. Luckily, there are some movies set to release this year that just might make horror movie lovers everywhere proud, and set the bar for future attempters of the genre that is so difficult to master.

Unfriended – April 17

Described as a whole new genre of horror, the movie takes place almost entirely on a computer screen during video chats between friends. After a high school girl is cyberbullied relentlessly and a video of her is spread around the Internet, she kills herself. But even after death, she’s still curious as to who took that video.

Poltergeist – May 22

This reimagined version of the 1982 horror film looks much scarier than the original. After a family discovers their home is occupied by spirits, their interactions become foul when their daughter is taken from them.

Insidious: Chapter 3 – June 5

This film is set before the haunting we see of the Lambert family in the first and second films, and instead focuses on psychic Elise Rainier and how she uses her psychic gift to communicate with the dead and help a young girl targeted by a dangerous creature.

Sinister 2 – Aug. 21

In yet another sequel, a woman and her twin boys are set to move into the house once occupied by the Oswalt family. In the first movie, Ellison Oswalt is a crime writer, hoping to get some inspiration for a new book by moving his family into a house where a brutal slaughter occurred. The second seems to be a pretty similar plot, as another family moves into the same house. Rumor has it that the likable police officer, dubbed “Deputy So-And-So” from the first movie, will make an appearance as well.

(Trailer not released)

Regression – Aug. 28

Starring Emma Watson, David Thewlis (Harry Potter reunion!) and Ethan Hawke, this film is a bit of a mystery with an incredibly short trailer and a vague plot of: A father is accused of a crime he has no memory of committing. With the enthusing cast and the academy-award winning director Alejandro Amenábar (who directed the twisty horror film The Others) it should be a success.

Victor Frankenstein – Oct. 2

Another revamped remake, the story is told from the perspective of Igor (played by Daniel Radcliffe), Victor Frankenstein’s young assistant. We see Igor’s dark past and how he came to be not only the young medical student’s assistant but also his friend. We also see, from a new perspective, how Frankenstein became the legend we know today.

(Trailer not released)

The post Horror movies to look out for in 2015 appeared first on Emerald Media.

“Dear child, remain pious and good.”

These were her dying mother’s last words in the Grimm Brother’s original 1812 version of the classic tale, Cinderella.

Since then, the story has been altered into the family friendly 1950s Disney classic we’re familiar with.

Many past renditions have stemmed from the animated film’s storyline – but none have ever given us as many pieces (albeit still scarce) of the original Grimm tale as this year’s brand new live-action remake.

On March 13, Cinderella came to theaters, starring the beautiful Lily James as Ella (eventually nicknamed “Cinderella”), Helena Bonham Carter as a somewhat eccentric Fairy Godmother, Cate Blanchett as a seamlessly wicked stepmother and Richard Madden as a fairytale-handsome Prince “Kit.”

A reoccurring phrase and eventually significant motif of this film was reminiscent of the “pious and good” spoken of in the Grimm tale. “Have courage and be kind,” said Cinderella’s mother in her last words of advice to her daughter, as she began to deteriorate with illness in the most recent rendition.

Another key part of the Grimm tale portrayed in the new film was the request Cinderella made to her father, as to what souvenier he should bring back to her from his journey. While her stepsisters asked for pearls and laces, Cinderella begged, “Father, break off for me the first twig that brushes against your hat on your way home.” This exact request was made and granted in the film, ultimately leading to a powerful metaphor in her father’s death.

While there are definite similarities from Grimm to the new Disney, the film kept their inspirations PG. For example, these darker elements from the Grimm Brothers’ old story go untold:

Cinderella had no Fairy Godmother, but rather a “wishing tree” of sorts. The tree rose on her mother’s grave, originating from the branch her father gifted her, and was watered by her tears. Cinderella prayed to the tree, which granted her desires.

While looking for Cinderella, the Prince consults her father (who is still alive in the Grimm Brothers’ version). To help him, her father terrifyingly took an ax to any potential hiding place his daughter may have been.

In an effort to fit into the glass slipper left behind at the palace and win over the prince, one stepsister cut off her toes and the other cut off her heel, in response to their mother’s persistent reasoning of, “When you are queen, you will no longer have to go on foot.” After noticing blood in the shoe, the prince realizes his brides are false.

At Cinderella’s wedding, the two evil stepsisters had their eyes pecked out by Cinderella’s bird friends. (As if they hadn’t lost enough body parts!) “For their wickedness and falsehood, they were punished with blindness as long as they lived,” the tale goes.

While we’ve had many Disney remakes that lean toward the darker side of the fairytale stories we grew up with (Alice in Wonderland, Snow White and the Huntsman, Maleficent), Cinderella filmmakers, to my initial disappointment, chose to revamp the original Disney classic and maintain the traditional (more feel-good) plot while picking through the lighter parts of the Grimm tale to incorporate.

However, all it took was a little Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo; a whole lot of digitalized sparkle, a glorious musical score, breathtaking set-design and intricate costuming to transform this shabby, somewhat over-done fable into something strikingly fresh.

The post ‘Cinderella’ Review: Latest revamp strays from ‘dark fairy tale’ trend, still puts fresh spin on Disney classic appeared first on Emerald Media.

Spring break is the ideal time to let loose, have a drink and appreciate the scenery we Oregonians are blessed with – and there’s no better way to do both than touring local wineries.

Skip the usual bars for a day and take a trip to some of the best views and the best wines in the area:

King Estate Winery:

80854 Territorial Hwy Eugene, OR 97405

Open: Wed – Sun 11-8pm and Mon, Tues 11-5pm

Walking through the large glass front doors, you immediately smell the oaky wood beams that line the ceiling. Within the open space is a tasting room and a full service restaurant – a unique attribute for a winery. Restaurant seating extends out on to a patio overlooking the vineyard when the weather allows. Certified organic, seasonal ingredients come from the 30 acres of gardens and orchards on this beautiful property.

Most Popular Wine: Signature Pinot Gris ($17) and Signature Pinot Noir ($29)

Also try: Freedom Hill Pinot Noir ($55) 

Sweet Cheeks Winery:

27007 Briggs Hill Road Eugene, OR 97405

 Open: Daily, Noon-6pm

Twilight Tastings: Fridays 6-9pm

Sweet Cheeks is perfect for relaxing and enjoying the beautiful weather, with a very large patio that marvelously overlooks the Willamette Valley. Inside, antiques line the tasting room. As Cody (the owners’ black lab) roams about, and the smell of firewood lingers from the fire pits outdoors. Sweet Cheeks allows outside food to be brought in, so picnicking is common. Stop by on a bustling Friday night or Sunday afternoon to enjoy live music out on the patio.

Most Popular Wine: Pinot Gris ($16) or Vintage Riesling ($14)

Also Try: Syrah ($28)

Chateau Lorane Winery:

27415 Siuslaw River Road Lorane, OR 97451

Open: Daily, Noon-5pm

Chateau Lorane prides itself on creating different and obscure wines. For example, its Huxelrebe is a wine made from a German 1920s hybrid grape and is one of only 2-3 in the U.S. The winery is secluded by tree-topped hills and sits near Lake Louis. The waterfront venue is often booked up by weddings or other events, however, it will be open to the public over Memorial Day weekend.

Most Popular Wine: Pinot Gris ($18)

Also Try: Huxelrebe ($16) or Leon Millot ($20)

Noble Estate Vineyard: 

29210 Gimple Hill Road Eugene, OR 97402

Open: Daily, Noon-5pm

Noble Estate has a cabin feel, with wood accents and trees surrounding the picturesque property. It’s unique in that the owner is also the vintner, and their wine has won several awards. Noble Estate is dedicated to making high quality wine, using the right soil and just the right amount of sunshine. Additionally, it offers tasting rooms on the Oregon Coast and West Eugene.

Most Popular Wine: Semi-Sparkling Muscat ($18)

Also Try: Malbec ($32) 

Sarver Winery:

25600 Mayola Lane Eugene, OR 97402

Open: Weekends only, 12-9pm Fridays, 12-6pm Saturdays, Sundays

Summer Hours: Daily, 12-6pm, Fridays 12-9pm

Quaint, indie, family-friendly and delicious – Sarver provides quality, reasonably priced wine and makes sure you have a pleasant experience sipping it. The “Voyage” experience allows for eight different cheese and wine pairings, specifically mastered to be the perfect combinations. They offer plenty of other snacks and even a local brew, for those who prefer grains to grapes, as Sarver says.

Most Popular Wine: Barrel Aged Pinot Gris ($17)

Also Try: Vin Glacé ($20)

The post Your guide to Eugene wine country appeared first on Emerald Media.

On Saturday March 7, Mat Kearney blew away his hometown with an incredibly personal and passionate performance that highlighted the things he loves about Eugene. After his Just Kids tour moved through the state, Kearney had some time to speak with The Emerald about making the transition from a Eugene kid just trying to make it through high school, to the successful musician whose heart is still in Oregon. He gave some advice for college kids trying to pursue music and reminisced that one time he may have broken into the university’s music department… 

Sydney Zuelke: So you grew up in Eugene, at what age did you leave?

Mat Kearney: I was born at Sacred Heart and went to South [Eugene High School] and left Eugene to go to college at California State University, Chico.

SZ: At this point in time did you know you wanted to pursue music? Since you majored in Literature, did it have any influence in your songwriting?

MK: I actually didn’t start writing music until college. I was growing as a writer and I realized it was something I was good at. I would steal my roommate’s guitar, I knew three chords, and would make up these songs with the chords that I knew, and you know, people responded to it.

SZ: Did school ever seem pointless or monotonous to you, if you knew that music was what you were meant to be doing?

MK: College was the first time I actually started liking school. You know, I breezed through high school and in college I actually fell in love with learning and reading and writing. There was this point that my buddy asked me if I wanted to drive to Nashville and set up a home recording studio, and that’s when I left and never came back. I was probably 21 years old.

SZ: Eugene is a pretty quirky place to grow up, don’t you think? Do you think coming from somewhere like here has grounded you at all as you have become this famous musician?

MK: Definitely [laughs]. I think I owe a lot of my understanding of community to growing up in Eugene. I think yes, some of the odd-ness to me and some of the humility comes from here. It’s a really wonderful place to grow up, a small place but a place open to ideas. You know, I went to South and at the end of the year they put up a map of all the places people went to college – and it was so widespread, and I don’t think that’s as normal somewhere else. I think when I was going to high school there was a sense of purpose. It’s interesting because you see it in a lot of friends of mine I went to high school with, who went on to pursue crazy things. (For example: War Paint, an all girl indie rock band).

SZ: From all the times you mention Oregon or Eugene in your music it seems like you’re very fond of it. When do you miss it the most?

MK: There’s a bit of nostalgia I think for everyone, with all the places and people and scenery that have made us who we are, and for me that’s Eugene. I really love it. I think I miss it the most it in the summers. You don’t realize until you travel the country, and realize how much you appreciate it, that ability to get out and hike and go to the ocean… We’ll go up Sahalie Falls or to Sisters wilderness. My brother is always the one who drags me out.

SZ: They play your song “Coming Home” at Autzen Stadium during football games. What does that mean to you? You’re a big fan of the Ducks, did you ever imagine you’d have a song playing in front of thousands of them?

MK: It’s literally one of the most exciting things that has ever happened in my career. The Ducks were my heroes when I was growing up. You know, we weren’t any good back then…

SZ: I’d like to think that has changed.

MK: [Laughs] Things have changed. I have never missed a game on TV. I’ve had to bribe bartenders in like, Florida to put the game on. And there’s the song “Chip Don’t Go” that I wrote, too. The Ducks are one of the ways I stay connected when I’m away – a piece of the community in Eugene that I get to celebrate with. When I wrote “Coming Home” I had to finish my record, and I finished producing it a week before coming to Oregon. I played it for the athletic department and by the weekend we had done some filming and they had it playing on the Jumbotron at the stadium. I wanted to write something personal and real to me first, and not just any song to be played at a football game.

SZ: You had a show here on Saturday. Can you describe the feeling of coming back to your hometown for the Just Kids tour, after becoming this successful artist?

MK: It’s always kind of overwhelming playing in Eugene, first because it’s still crazy that I get to do what I do – play music and have people show up and care about what I’m doing and writing. When I play in Eugene I see the faces of people who helped me get where I am.

SZ: You opened your show with quoting slam poet Anis Mojgani’s “Shake the Dust” in your new song “Heartbreak Dreamer.” Where did you get the inspiration to do that?

MK: I was there the night [Mojgani] performed “Shake the Dust” at the charity event for the non-profit To Write Love on Her Arms we were both performing at that night. It really moved me, it almost brought me to tears. When I was writing “Heartbreak Dreamer” I found the recording and sampled it on YouTube. I sent it to him and he was like ‘Wow, this is great.’

SZ: How often have you played in Eugene?

MK: I got nervous and waited for years until I came back and played for Eugene, because I wanted it to be perfect. It feels like family. Also, when I came home and visited in the summers I would break into the music department at the UO. I actually wrote a song on my new record in there. There was construction so you could just sneak in everyday, so I would write music and play the pianos. Or I would go to performance halls. So whenever I was bored or sick of hangin’ out with my family I would go play. 

SZ: That’s hilarious, what song did you write in there?

MK: It might have been “New York to California” but I’m not sure.

SZ: Any suggestions as to a favorite Eugene bar to hang out at?

MK: I really enjoy The Barn Light downtown, which is probably super hipster.

SZ: What advice would you offer to college kids trying to pursue music, and what do you think you did differently to become so successful?

MK: Find the songs only you can write, which helps you find a unique voice. If you try to imitate everything out there no one cares, if you find the songs only you can write people might pay attention. I think it’s also very invaluable to learn things like Logic Pro on the Mac, it’s like GarageBand on crack. I’ve made half of my record on it. It’s this brave new world where you don’t need a big company or a ton of money to make music or become successful.

The post Mat Kearney Q&A: ‘The Ducks were my heroes when I was growing up’ appeared first on Emerald Media.

Eugene native Mat Kearney played at the McDonald Theatre on March 7, putting on a personal and authentically passionate performance.

To kick off the show Kearney played the song “Heartbreak Dreamer” from his new album Just Kids, which was released just over a week ago on Feb. 24. He sang the lyrics, “And I barely had the GPA to make it out of Eugene…” getting the crowd off their feet right off the bat.

Typically, an audience at any concert gets some kind of interaction with the performer – but this was different.

Kearney fed off the crowd, naming nearby cities to see where everyone had traveled from. As someone who grew up in Eugene, and as a declared “6th generation Oregonian,” he knew his stuff.

“Churchill? South Eugene? Crest Drive? Thurston? (You guys are probably riding horses somewhere). Willamette? North Eugene? (Are you guys still hangin’ out at the Dairy Queen?) Any Ducks in the house? [Lots of applause and cheering]. I love you guys.”

Also sung from his new album was “One Black Sheep,” to which the lyrics again gave the audience an exciting sense of familiarity. “I was born a love child of the ’70s, touched down at Sacred Heart […] In the cities of hippies and angels […] Packed up in Eugene, Oregon, Amtrak wearin’ soccer cleats.”

Kearney didn’t disappoint in playing every older song we could have hoped for, including his 2006 hits “Nothing Left to Lose,” “Undeniable,” “Hey Mama” and “Ships in the Night” from his 2011 album Young Love.

Witnessing the interaction between Kearney and his band members was truly entertaining as they fed off each others’ energy.

At one point Kearney also brought out opening act Judah & the Lion for a little Tennessee jam session, playing a bluegrass version of Bruno Mars’ “Uptown Funk.” The genuine connections between all the band members made the show that much more engaging.

After the song, Kearney asked Judah & the Lion if they had ever been to Oregon, to which they replied that it was their first time. When Kearney asked the band how they were liking it, singer Judah Akers replied, “These people feel like family because you feel like family.” The crowd cheered and awed, and Kearney joked, “Why you trying to steal my thunder? This is my city.”

The interaction between band members was enjoyable, but the interaction with the audience is what made this show one of the most exciting and personal. From taking selfies with audience members’ phones during a performance to hopping into the crowd and swimming through people – he never missed a beat in keeping his fans engaged.

“No one has ever mentioned Eugene on a record as much as I have, ever,” Kearney said, laughing. His eyes light up and a smirk spreads across his face every time he does.

The concert was special for us, but even more special for the kid who left Eugene to pursue his dreams, to come back to where it all started. In his encore, Kearney finally gave us what we had been waiting for – “Coming Home.” It was easily a crowd favorite, and a memorable way to say goodbye.

Hometown connection aside, Kearney’s show was a feel-good, purely talented performance and the genuine personal connection he gave to his audience was an incomparable experience.

While he may have left his heart in Oregon, he came back and stole ours.

The post Concert review: Mat Kearney honored his hometown with a personalized performance Saturday night appeared first on Emerald Media.

Rent prices are the highest Eugene has seen in years.

The experience of living parent-free and making the transition into college life is an exciting leap into the unfamiliar. However, today’s rental companies may have students jumping through hoops to afford it.

As many students are paying rent for the first time, it becomes difficult to know what should constitute a reasonable price, and a precedent is set based on word of mouth – from the rates their friends are paying, to the numbers they’re seeing in leasing companies’ persistent advertising.

Are students unknowingly becoming compliant with a more expensive standard?

According to the 2013 census data, the median monthly housing cost in Eugene was $1,021 — a 22 percent increase since the 2008-2010 median rent of $838. This is higher than nearby cities, including Salem, Springfield and even rival college town Corvallis, where median rent was $871. The cost of renting in Eugene is on average only $143 less than the median monthly price to live in Portland. To put these numbers within a larger picture, the Oregon monthly median cost is $991 and the national median cost is $1,021 — directly matching Eugene.

Eugene has the second highest number of total housing units in the state of Oregon, trailing behind Portland. Rented properties make up half of this number, and have only continued to increase with each passing year. Approximately 1,529 renter-occupied housing units were added between 2011 and 2013 alone. However, even with added living accommodations and more that are scheduled to become available in 2015 (The Hub, Ecco Apartments or 2125 Franklin), rental prices continue to rise.

College students make up 17 percent of Eugene — having 27,364 enrolled in undergraduate and graduate school. This means about one out of five people living in Eugene is a college student, whether that’s at the University of Oregon, Lane Community College or Northwest Christian University.

The gross rent as a percentage of income in Eugene is most commonly 35 percent or more – the highest possible census response.

At this rate, people are likely to struggle to pay rent while also buying food or paying tuition.

“Like most students, I absolutely struggle with additional expenses such as buying groceries and paying for tuition, but I can’t say I have it as bad as some students who live at more expensive places,” UO senior Jordan Hathorne said. “I have also heard (the statistics of Eugene rental costs) and it deeply saddens me.”

Accumulating to this sadness is a belief that while some companies want to build around campuses specifically to provide for students, there is often a lack of consideration for student budget or welfare, either perceived or real.

Hathorne is a community assistant at Capri Apartments. He says it is not uncommon for the company to set up a payment plan or work with a student on their rent.

“It’s not a marketing strategy or a way to get units filled — we just know that if we treat students with respect and fairness our business will do well, even in a competitive market,” Hathorne said.

As rent escalates, so do expectations. When students show concern for high rent costs, it often ties into problems they have experienced at apartment complexes.

Kristina Rouse, who graduated in fall 2014, described several complaints she had about her former apartment complex 13th & Olive, stating at the end that: “Overall the somewhat nice amenities are not worth all the hassle of dealing with all the problems of this complex.”

“I believe that costs were too high,” Rouse said.”Especially since this was the first year the apartment was open and there were a lot of issues going on – things that never happened that I was told would happen.”

For example, Rouse says she was told before signing her lease that there would be cameras, but says they were never installed before she left. In November of 2014, the Emerald published an article describing the experience of four other 13th & Olive residents who found their new apartment to be less than adequate with damage, leaks and ongoing construction upon move-in.

“We respect the privacy of our residents and do not wish to discuss any resident’s concerns publicly,” said Sheena Carpenter, a new property manager of 13th & Olive when asked recently about Rouse’s complaint. “What I can tell you is that there has only been one manager prior to my arrival two weeks ago.”

She invites any resident or parent to meet with her personally to discuss their concerns regarding 13th & Olive.

Although students may not see prices at all-time lows, they do have options as far as making smart rental judgments.

Hathorne advises students to thoroughly read through their lease contract before signing, ask questions and shop around for housing until it just feels right.

“If anything feels forced or sketchy during the signing of a lease contract, I always encourage student to just leave,” Hathorne said. “There are now plenty of options in the Eugene community and students ultimately have the power over the housing companies.”

All numbers received and calculated from Census data.

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