Eugene Weekly : Calendar : 07.10.03

The Oregon Country Fairis back with bushels of magical music. Walk forest paths lined with magicians, jugglers and gargling troubadours. See vaudevillean spectacles while sipping lemonade in dusty alleyways. Wear sandals and backpacks, drip candles and beeswax, paint ponies, spend moneys, eat yummies and relax, out in Veneta, where the sun's gonna shine. See Friday Calendar.

The Oregon Bach Festival's winding down but there are still some great performances to catch. Highlights to close out events include Bach and Ballet, a world premiere performance featuring the Eugene Ballet Company and original choreography by Toni Pimble, Bach and Mozart, featuring Bach's Magnificat and Mozart's Mass in C Minor and Lelavision, a children's concert in the Hult's Silva Hall where musical sculptures are brought to life by the magic of two shamanic clowns. See Friday, Saturday and Sunday calendar.

Last Thursday musicians and comedians Tom Heinl and Ty Conner blew the roof off Sam Bond's Garage. It wasn't a giant leaf blower (you'd have to have attended to understand), just the most raucous and brilliant performances by two of Eugene's most overlooked talents. Those who were there (it was packed) can attest that displays of brazen musical flair by Heinl and unique visions of societal rants by Connor had the place rolling in constant thunder. In the end, the entire audience was spellbound into spontaneous dancing. Not even five police sedans dealing with one rowdy pedestrian on the street could sully the evening.

Luna features five bands in five nights from July 10 to July 14. On Thursday it's Delta Nove, Afrosambafunk from Long Beach. How's that for onomatopoeia? Then on Friday the ingenious pop songwriter Scott Fisher sits at the piano. On Saturday it's The Brothers of Max Catharsis, an "exploratory" power trio from Seattle, going where no brother has gone before. On Sunday Luna welcomes the eclectic high-energy funk of Earl Patrick & Dear Francis. You'll have to go to find out if they're one or two separate bands. Finally, on Monday, check out Animal Liberation Orchestra. Don't order the hamburger for that show, get the Caesar salad. See Clubs Section for details.

There's about a zillion park concerts this summer. What a great way for Eugene and Springfield to spend their time, on the grassy slopes of our local parks and gardens. Bring a sandwich and some juice. Take in Etouffée at Petersen Park, the Emerald Renaissance Band at Washburne Park and the Blue Skies Big Band at Island Park. Also see Calendar for additional park concerts. See Thursday, July 10 Calendar.