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Rain doesn't dampen Retrofits show |
By Nicole
Clark, Newberg Graphic intern
E-mail Nicole at thegraphic@eaglenewspapers.com |
Although rain forced
organizers to move the event indoors, the second installment of
Tunes on Tuesday succeeded in drawing a crowd of locals for an
evening of food, live music and entertainment.
People began filling the Chehalem Cultural Center before Portland
pop-rock band The Retrofits took the stage at 6:30 p.m. Inside,
pre-show activities included a crayon mural and chalk art for
children and wine tasting for the adults, presented by J’s
Restaurant and featuring wines from Adelsheim and Erath vineyards.
Food and beverage
vendors — including a shaved ice cart, Coyote Joe’s Coffee and Jem
100 — provided audience members with dinner, beverages and dessert
before the show began.
The band consists of Jake Oken-Berg on keyboard, George McCleary on
guitar, Brud Giles on drums, Jason Barlow on multiple instruments
and newcomer Dusty Brooks on bass. It got its start in Portland
after Oken-Berg graduated from college.
“George and I grew up in Portland and ran track and cross country
in high school,” he said. “We decided to stop competing against each
other and do something together.”
Oken-Berg described the band’s sound as jazzy piano-pop, combining
the styles of popular artists The Fray, John Mayer and Ben Folds.
Music lovers young and old witnessed the combination of
jazz-influenced piano with soaring vocal harmonies.
“I think they’re really great,” Elizabeth Palmer said. Her husband,
Jim, added, “It’s a really great sound, well integrated. Nothing out
of proportion, and good vocal styling.”
Although the band played several covers of songs by John Mayer, The
Fray and Cyndi Lauper, much of their program consisted of original
songs. Several audience members got out of their seats and danced to
the livelier songs, filling the floor for the band’s final number.
Oken-Berg said he was pleased with the turnout.
“It was great, for a weekday night and lousy weather,” he said.
“But it’s Oregon. We’re used to that.”
Next week, the Matt Kirk Jazz Band will take the stage for the
third installment of Tunes on Tuesday. The group specializes in
“club jazz” and enjoys playing original music as well as improvising
around standards.
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Published
July 21, 2007, Newberg Graphic
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