NOTICE: WOW Hall Mask Policy
We are ever mindful that we live in unprecedented times. We strongly encourage individuals to assess their own health risks when attending public events and offer free KN95 masks upon request.
We may receive notice from performers, from time to time, that they require proof of vaccination or a negative test from a source other than a home test. We will keep the public appraised of any of these requests.
Click Here for CCPA COVID-19 policy
WOW Hall Membership Party
2022 WOW Hall Membership Party
The WOW Hall Membership Party on Dec. 17 was live-streamed by Shakin’ the Trees Multimedia. You can find newly edited recordings of the performances here:
Nati Popova & Priyo Cuchulain Connectarine EGOTONES
Find out more about the performers at: EGOTONES, Connectarine, Cuchulain and Nati Popova & Priyo.
On Saturday, December 17, the Community Center for the Performing Arts celebrates the 90thAnniversary of the WOW Hall at the WOW Hall Membership Party, featuring entertainment by EGOTONES, Connectarine, Cuchulain, and Nati Popova with special guest Priyo. A buffet dinner will feature food and beverages prepared by some of Lane County’s best restaurants and suppliers!
Eugene’s EGOTONES pick up where bands like The Ventures and Man or Astroman? left off -- playing instrumental rock that is grounded in surf music but aims for the stars. Formed in 2008 by multi-instrumentalists Austin Armijo and Christian Layton, EGOTONES have been exploring the sonic intersections of surf, spaghetti western, psychedelic rock and points heavier for over a decade. With the addition of drummer Jarryd Bishop and bassist Davis Koier, EGOTONES latest release, 2021's Geodesic Dome, slithers and thunders through a dizzying cinematic landscape in its concise 35 minutes. Large portions of the recording (all recording and mixing was done by the band) were tracked at the WOW Hall, taking full advantage of the Hall's natural reverb provided by its historic hardrock maple floating dance floor. The performance is accompanied by an original video also created by the band.
Connectarine is a multi-instrumental string band playing greengrass-inspired originals and juicy interpretations of classic rock, blues and 90s alternative. Currently a seven-piece, the band started with a core group of four women with two female vocalists -- mezzo soprano and contralto -- alternating lead and weaving intricate harmonies. Jams featuring viola, mandolin and heavy guitar riffs are improvised: no two shows are ever the same. Founded in Eugene in 2020, Connectarine has played Fair in the Clouds, Alluvium, Sam Bond's, Blairally, Whirled Pies, the Hippie Museum, and the Cozmic Events series at OG Corner Market. Featuring WOW Hall House Manager Desiree on viola and vocals, longtime Music's Edge Rock Camp director Tim McLaughlin on lead guitar, Dan Wonsover on drums, Kelsey Irvin on vocals, Leah Palmer on rhythm guitar, Kristie Munro on bass, and David "Caveman Dave" Dougherty on mandolin, Connectarine will play songs you love and bring us all together again.
Cuchulain is a low-voiced songwriter with a wry wit. Cuchulain's deep baritone and clever lyrics have brought laughs and tears to audiences across the US. The NPR Music-featured folk singer released an album of long-distance pandemic collaborations called FEAT on Nov 5, 2021, that was accompanied by a release concert at the WOW Hall. His ‘Sing In The Shower” single release tour took him across the US and Europe in the summer of ‘22. Cuchulain (pronounced “ka-hoo-lin”) was named (by his parents) after the famous Irish mythological hero. Like his mythological namesake, Cuchulain has journeyed far and wide, finding himself and his songs shaped by each place he stops.
Natasha Popova is a violinist who plays worldwide. Classically trained at the prestigous Gnessin Russian Academy of Music, she won many regional and international violin competitions in Russia and Spain. She has performed as a soloist with major symphony orchestras of Russia and Germany, and also collaborates with many internationally recognized artists. Most recently, Nati has been playing and recording with guitarist Priyo. Born in Sicily of opera singer parents, Priyo has spent his whole life exploring the traditions and frontiers of music. A famed figure of the Northwest music scene, Priyo was the musical maestro behind the innovative and somewhat legendary group Lost At Last. His band Gypsy Moon continued the sensuous evolution of the trance-dance sound. “Natasha and I have developed a repertoire that spans both time and space,” states Priyo. “We play old music. Hundreds of years old music. Music that has been delighting people over the centuries. Come and travel back in time with us!”
The WOW Hall is located at the corner of 8th and Lincoln in Eugene and is open for all ages. Admission to the Membership Party is free for CCPA members. Memberships are available at the door for $15 to $40 or more. Adult guests are $15 at the door, $8 for ages 6-11; five and under free. Doors open at 7:00 pm with Nati & Priyo at 7:20, Cuchulain at 8:20, Connectarine at 9:10 and EGOTONES at 10:00.
Here’s a complete list of this year’s contributors. Please support the businesses and organizations that support our event, and if you have the chance, thank them for donating to the membership party.
Carmen’s Chips
Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches
Le Petit Gourmet / Network Charter School
2021 WOW Hall Membership Party
WOW HALL MEMBERSHIP PARTY: TIM McLAUGHLIN, WEST AFRICAN CULTURAL ARTS INSTITUTE, THE SUGAR BEETS, CAP’N TRIPS’ TRIBUTARIES PLAY JOHN LENNON
On Saturday, December 4, the Community Center for the Performing Arts proudly hosts the 46th Anniversary WOW Hall Membership Party featuring performances by Tim McLaughlin, West African Cultural Arts Institute, The Sugar Beets with Paul Biondi and Cap’n Trips’ The Tributaries Salute to John Lennon.
The Community Center for the Performing Arts was incorporated to save the Woodmen of the World Hall from demolition and keep it available to the community. On December 10, 1975, the WOWATHON began with live entertainment 24 hours a day for five days in order to raise a down payment. Today, the Hall remains community-owned and democratically operated. The organization enjoys a broad base of community support, as demonstrated by the members list published in this issue.
Each year around this time the Membership Party serves to thank the supporters of the CCPA, a nonprofit (501c3) arts organization. Last year the CCPA celebrated its 45th Anniversary in virtual fashion. This year we hope to bring you a hybrid event that will be enjoyable live or from the comfort of home.
TIM McLAUGHLIN
Tim McLaughlin has been a staple on the Pacific NW music scene for almost 20 years. He is equally versed on guitar and trumpet and can be seen touring and performing in groups ranging from salsa and funk bands, to rock and jam bands, to jazz ensembles, and with singer/songwriters. McLaughlin is active in recording, teaching, performing and composing and brings to the plate his original versatility with an emphasis on creativity and spontaneity.
Tim has toured and recorded extensively as the band leader of Eleven Eyes, as well as many other PNW favorites including Everyone Orchestra, Reeble Jar, SiMPLE, Medium Troy, MarchForth, Sara B3 and 45 RPM, John Shipe, DeSolution, Halie Loren, Malanga, and Banter Waves, King Radio, Son Melao, Kris DeLane and the Hurt, the Flipside Funk Jam at Sessions Music Hall, and as a solo artist.
As a producer and recording artist, Tim has recorded numerous tracks for albums and artists of all kinds. McLaughlin has also composed, produced and recorded the soundtracks to multiple documentaries with award-winning documentary producer Jerry Joffe.
As a music educator, Tim directs the Music’s Edge Rock Camp which has resided at the WOW Hall since 2007. He also holds a full private teaching studio as well as runs the upper school music program at Oak Hill School.
Playing music makes Tim a better teacher, and teaching music helps to be a better performer. It’s Tim’s yin and yang!
WEST AFRICAN CULTURAL ARTS INSTITUTE
For the better part of this century, Andrea and Alseny Yansane taught a West African Dance Class and periodic West African Drum workshops at the WOW Hall. That endeavor led to their creation of the West African Cultural Arts Institute (WACAI), a 501c3 Nonprofit organization based out of Eugene.
WACAI's mission is to share the joy and passion of Guinean culture through vibrant educational programs focusing on music and dance, advocating for authentic, source artists from Guinea, and creating charitable projects in Guinea that promote artistic, emotional and physical health.
WACAI's programs include Community drum and dance classes for kids and adults, Art-in-the-School Residencies and Assemblies, Master Classes and Lecture Demonstrations for colleges and universities, and Community Outreach events and performances. To learn more visit them at WestAfricanCulturalArts.org
THE SUGAR BEETS with Paul Biondi
“We played our first public concert on March 30th 1990 and we played the WOW Hall for the first time in January of 1992,” recalls Marty Chilla. “We are happy to be back!”
The Sugar Beets have been playing their own style of high-energy acoustic music for three decades. Defined by impeccable musicianship, multiple singers and songwriters, and unbeatable live performances, their soul-empowering groove and convince even the most catatonic listener to get up and dance. The music draws from the foot-stomping traditions of bluegrass, Celtic, andf old-time fiddle music, yet is inextricably woven to the world of Motown, Gospel, country and pop. Eplifting and always evolving, the Sugar Beets have developed a devout Northwest following that cuts across age barriers.
A common thread and a key to understanding the band’s impressive live performance is the explicit sense of inspiration and positivity communicated through the music. Light-hearted and optimistic, the songs take the listener to a place where, if only for a brief time, life’s worries and complications are put aside.
The Beets have changed players and taken breaks over the years, but still maintain the musical bond that inspires them to keep playing. They possess a unique ability to connect with their audience. One can’t help but ingest the sense of inclusion and friendship that surrounds them.
“I feel like the audience is family to me,” said bassist Matt Keeman, “and I think they feel like we are family to them.”
The Sugar Beets are Country Fair favorite and have appeared on festival stages across the Northwest with some of the biggest names in the business, but this will be the band’s first live performance in two and a half years.
Current band members are:
Marty Chilla--Rhythm Guitar and Vocals
Megan Bassett--Vocals
Halie Loren-Vocals
Scotty Perey-Keyboards and Vocals
Jeremy Wegner-Lead Guitar, Mandolin, Banjo etc.
David Burham--Violin
Matt Keenan-Bass
The Beets often play with special guests. For this special occasion, who could be more special than Paul Biondi!
CAP’N TRIPS & THE TRIBUTARIES PLAY JOHN LENNON
Cap’n Trips alter ego The Tributaries will honor the great John Lennon at the WOW Hall Membership party on December 4th.
The Lennon tribute was first performed on John’s 81st birthday at the Eugene Saturday Market -- to much acclaim. Focusing mostly on Lennon’s psychedelic Beatles era, and touching on his later solo career, this show is guaranteed to raise a smile. All you need is LOVE.
Cap’n Trips and The Tributaries have been playing together for 13 years. They have played shows that pay tribute to Jerry Garcia, Hot Tuna, Bob Dylan, George Harrison, The Eagles, Frank Zappa, and, of course, The Grateful Dead.
The band’s members are:
Tom Lemmon, lead vocals and guitar
Trey Longstreth, bass, vocals
Marcy Andrews, mandolin
Sean Jackson, keyboards, vocals
Ken Sokolov, drums
Some of this band’s past gigs have been Oregon Country Fair, including the Midnight Show, Spring Fling, Teddy Bear Picnic and the WOW Hall. “We have had occasional guests joining us.” says Tom.
Unfortunately, because COVID is still expected to be with us, this year there won’t be a food buffet. Masking is still the rule. Proof of vaccination or lab test within 48 hours will be required for admission to the building. However, we are planning to webcast the event free for the entire community. The link will be posted on the website, www.wowhall.org
The WOW Hall Membership Party is free for CCPA members, $15 for guests of members, so now is the time to renew your membership. Here’s how:
Mail your check to the CCPA at 291 W. 8th Ave., Eugene OR 97401.
Call the office; current office hours are 1:00 – 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Have your credit card ready.
Go to the website and hit the link in the top right corner. This will route you to PayPal, or follow the link to become a monthly donor through Patron.
All donations are tax-deductible and qualify the donor to make a matching gift to the Oregon Arts Commission that is eligible for a state income tax credit of $50 individual or $100 couple.
TIMELINE:
6:30 pm Doors open
6:45-7:30 Tim McLaughlin
7:45 – 8:15 West African Cultural Arts Institute
8:30 – 9:30 The Sugar Beets
9:45- 11:00 Cap’n Trips Tribute to John Lennon
2019 WOW Hall Membership Party
The Board of Directors and staff of the Community Center for the Performing Arts (CCPA) wants to thank everyone who supported the 44rth Anniversary WOW Hall Membership Party held on Saturday, December 14. Many of the members who attended this year’s event commented that it was the best ever.
One of the things that made it special was the music. I want to give a big thank you to all of our entertainers: Dan Mahoney, Gumbo Groove Duo, The Muddy Souls and Cap’n Trips plays Bob Dylan. All of them volunteered their efforts. They deserve your applause and appreciation.
Thank you to our business donors. Eighty-four businesses donated food, beverages, flowers, decorations and gift certificates! Donating businesses were announced from the stage and applauded by the audience.
Of course, this event (or, for that matter, any WOW Hall event) would not be possible without volunteers! A big shout out goes to the many volunteers who helped with this event, including all the members of our board of directors. A lot of staff people volunteered time, too.
This annual event is put on to thank the members and supporters of the Community Center for the Performing Arts. The CCPA is a nonprofit, tax-exempt arts organization (501C-3; federal tax identification number 51-0191790) that enjoys the financial support of over 800 individuals, families and businesses in maintaining and operating the historic Woodmen of the World Hall as an all-ages performing arts venue. In addition, the organization benefits from the time commitment of hundreds of people who are active volunteers.
Here’s a complete list of this year’s contributors. Please support the businesses and organizations that support our event, and if you have the chance, thank them for donating to the membership party.
2018 WOW Hall Membership Party
The Board of Directors and staff of the Community Center for the Performing Arts (CCPA) wants to thank everyone who supported the 43rd Anniversary WOW Hall Membership Party held on Saturday, December 8. The members who attended this year’s event were treated to stellar entertainment and some of the best food and beverages the area has to offer.
Thank you to our entertainers; all donated their services: Strange Desserts, Cable Quintet, The Almond Butters Band and JAR.
Thank you to our business donors. Eighty-five businesses donated food, beverages and gift certificates! Donating businesses were announced from the stage and applauded by the audience.
This annual event is put on to thank the members and supporters of the Community Center for the Performing Arts. The CCPA is a nonprofit, tax-exempt arts organization (501C-3; federal tax identification number 51-0191790) that enjoys the financial support of over 800 individuals, families and businesses in maintaining and operating the historic Woodmen of the World Hall as an all-ages performing arts venue. In addition, the organization benefits from the time commitment of hundreds of people who are active volunteers.
2017 WOW HALL MEMBERSHIP PARTY
The Board of Directors and staff of the Community Center for the Performing Arts (CCPA) wants to thank everyone who supported the 42nd Anniversary WOW Hall Membership Party held on Saturday, December 9. The 200 plus people who attended the event this year were treated to stellar entertainment and some of the best food and beverages the area has to offer.
Thank you to our entertainers; all donated their services: Osprey Flies The Nest, Wildflowers, Kurt Catlin and Ben Hamilton.
Thank you to our business donors. Eighty-six businesses donated food, beverages and gift certificates! Donating businesses were announced from the stage and applauded by the audience.
2016 WOW HALL MEMBERSHIP PARTY
The Board of Directors and staff of the Community Center for the Performing Arts (CCPA) wants to thank everyone who supported the 41th Anniversary WOW Hall Membership Party held on Saturday, December 10. The 200 plus people who attended the event this year were treated to stellar entertainment and some of the best food and beverages the area has to offer.
Thank you to our entertainers; all donated their services: Beat Crunchers, Cherry & The Lowboys, Michael Omogrosso and The Raventones.
Thank you to our business donors. Eighty-seven businesses donated food, beverages and gift certificates! Donating businesses were announced from the stage and applauded by the audience.
This annual event is put on to thank the members and supporters of the Community Center for the Performing Arts. The CCPA is a nonprofit, tax-exempt arts organization (501C-3; federal tax identification number 51-0191790) that enjoys the financial support of over 800 individuals, families and businesses in maintaining and operating the historic Woodmen of the World Hall as an all-ages performing arts venue. In addition, the organization benefits from the time commitment of hundreds of people who are active volunteers.
ON DECEMBER 12, 2015, THE COMMUNITY CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS HELD IT'S 40th ANNIVERSARY MEMBERSHIP PARTY WITH STEEL WOOL, CARAVAN, GLENN FALKENBERG & BROOKS BLANCHARD PLUS SPECIAL GUESTS: THE RADAR ANGELS, OLIVE DELSOL, STEVE IBACH, LAURA KEMP, JOHN SHIPE, PETER WILDE, DAVE HICKS & MATT KEENAN
Here's a link to the Eugene Register-Guard feature story, which includes a video interview with the WOW Hall's Calyn Kelly and Bob Fennessy:
HERE IS A HISTORY OF WOW HALL MEMBERSHIP PARTY PERFORMERS. ALL OF THESE ACTS VOLUNTEERED THEIR TALENT FOR THE WOW HALL'S MEMBERS.
1990: Yo Vinnie, Nicholas I
1991: Laura Kemp, Wesley Adams Jazz Trio, Love Death & Agriculture
1992: Pyramid Breakfast, Crawdads of Pure Love
1993: Amoonago, Peter Wilde, Shelly Rudolph Band, Love Death & Agriculture
1994: Paul Prince, Skye, Dopplegang
1995: (20th Anniversary): Mike & Carleen McCornack, Neil Bjorklund & Allison Rickenbaugh, Mamalovdus, American Girls
1996: Mark Alan, Abakabubi, Tone Dawg
1997: Kristen Miles, Ashley Flynn, Kudana
1998: T. R. Kelley, Creator 7, The Accelerators
1999: David Jacobs-Strain, Mare Wakefield, Walker T. Ryan, The Brainwashers
2000: Elizabeth Cable, Lo Nuestro, SOMA
2001: Erik Muiderman, Debbie, Adrienne & Molly Diedrich, Party Booby Trap
2002: Jasmine Ash, Jair, Bill Willie Blues
2003: Abaqua, Scrambled Ape, Broadfunk
2004: Scott Franzen, Tim Mueller & Nel Applegate, Brian Cutean, Ed Cole & the College Girls of Tora Bora
2005: Jair, Scott Franzen, Dharmika & Leslie, Brett Estep, Adam & Kris
2006: Scott Franzen, Beth Miriam Rose, Karen Perkins & Elizabeth Cable, Rob Tobias, Sid & Fancy
2007: Cassandra Robertson, Trunkful of Faces Puppet Theater, Accordion-Okie hosted by Queen Accordionna with music by the Accordion-Okie! All Stars!, DJ Kaatscratch
2008: Michael Morningsun & Alegria, Chico Schwall, Concrete Loveseat & The Moon Box, Eostar Kamala
2009: David Rogers, Halie Loren, Acordion-Okie hosted by Queen Accordionna with music by the Accordion-Okie! All Stars!, Misguided Children
2010: The Whiskey Chasers, Eagle Park Slim, Kef, Basin & Range
2011: Samuel Ferris Harmon, Blue Duo, Year of the Rabbit, The Klezmonauts
2012: Samuel Ferris Harmon, Concrete Loveseat, Inner Limits
2013: The Penney Loafers, The Upstate Trio
2014: Olivia LeSueur, The Neverever Band, My Father's Ghost 2015: Glenn Falkenberg & Brooks Blanchard, CaraVan, Steel Wool plus special 40th Anniversary guests The Radar Angels, Olive Delsol, Steve Ibach, Laura Kemp, John Shipe, Peter Wilde, Dave Hicks & Matt Keenan2016: Michael Omogrosso, The Raventones, Cherry & The Lowboys, Beat Crunchers
2017: Ben Hamilton, Kurt Catlin, Wildflowers, Osprey Flies the Nest
2018: Strange Desserts, Cable Quintet, The Almond Brothers Band, JAR
2019: Dan Mahoney, Gumbo Groove Duo, The Muddy Souls, Cap'n Trips plays Bob Dylan
2020: WOW Hall Virtual 45th Anniversary Celebration
2021: Tim McLaughlin, West African Cultural Arts Institute, The Sugar Beets and Cap’n Trips’ The Tributaries Salute to John Lennon
2022: Nati Popova & Priyo, Culhulian, Connectarine, EGOTONES