WOW Hall Membership Party

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.

 

 

Abby’s Legendary Pizza

Alpine Catering

Barry’s Espresso

Bier Stein

BJ’s Pizza & Grill

BNF Kombuchka

The Bread Stop

BRING Recycling

Café 440

Café Soriah

Café Yumm!

Cafeto Coffee Co.

Capella Market

Carmen’s Chips

Chapala Mexican Restaurant

Cheba Hut

Coconut Bliss

Cornbread Café

Cornerstone Community Housing

Cornucopia

Countryside Pizza & Grill

Crème & Bloom

Crumb Together

De Casa Fine Foods

Euphoria Chocolate

Excelsior Inn

Falling Sky Brewery

Fisherman’s Market

Free People

Get Fried Rice / Ruby Brew

Graduate Eugene

Growers Market

The Horsehead Bar

Hot Mama’s Wings

Izakaya Meiji

Jazzy Ladies Cafe

Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches

Kona Café

Laughing Planet

Mezza Luna Pizzeria

Mountain Man Snacks

Natural Grocers

New Day Bakery

Off The Waffle

Oregon Country Fair

Papa’s Pizza

Papa John’s Pizza

Passion Flower

Pastini

Pizza Hut

Plank Town Brewery

Poppi’s Anatolia

Prince Puckler’s

Rhythm & Blooms

Ron’s Island Grill

Royal Blueberries

Sam Bond’s Garage

The Sandwich League

Saucefly

Sizzle Pie

Smart Foodservice

Spectrum

Springfield Creamery

Sundance Natural Foods

Surata Soyfoods

The Sweet Life

Sy’s Pizza

Tacovore

The Taste of India

Tasty Thai

Toby’s Family Foods

Track Town Pizza

Trader Joe’s

Tradewinds Café at Jiffy

Vietnam Restaurant

The Vintage

Voodoo Doughnut

Wet Rock Gardens

Whirled Pies

Wildcraft CiderWorks

The Wild Duck

Wisade Thai Food

Worthy Beer

 

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:

http://registerguard.com/rg/entertainment/33805085-67/wow-hall-celebrates-40-years-of-community-supported-music-of-all-types.html.csp#

           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 Keenan

2016: 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