8 Days a Week

car-freeThursday, September 22

Car-Free Day in Corvallis. Various locations in the city. All day event. Free.

I never get to actively participate in a Car-Free Day because The Corvallis Advocate is incredibly effective at keeping me glued to my computer (help… me…). If you happen to have avoided newspaper employment and therefore see the light of day now and again, then you’re in luck! On Car-Free Day you can make the pledge to ditch the car – for fun, health and the environment. Stop by a Commuter Appreciation Site for free breakfast snacks, bike safety checks, and more on your way to work or school (7 – 9 a.m.). Take the pledge and find the site nearest you at www.sustainablecorvallis.org. For info, visit www.sustainablecorvallis.org.

Free Range Open Mic and Nectar Creek Tasting. Bombs Away Café, 2527 NW Monroe Ave. 6 p.m. Free.

Free Range Open Mic is simply one of the best, period. All about the spirit of fostering camaraderie in the Corvallis music scene, including the possibility of helping to create new bands, this rotating event moves between Bombs Away Café and Cloud & Kelly’s. The illustrious will be signing people up starting at 7:30 p.m. For info, visit www.bombsawaycafe.com. Tasting starts at 6 p.m. Open mic starts at 8:30 p.m.

Friday, September 23

Young Penitent. Imagine Coffee, 5460 SW Philomath Ave. 7 – 9 p.m. Free.

Asked about his writing process, he likened it to solving a puzzle. Starting with just a title or theme, it becomes a game to find the right words, the right syllable count and rhymes, without losing either rhythm or meaning.” This is what Corvallis Advocate freelancer Joel South had to say of Penitent when he interviewed him this summer for an article on local hiphop artists. And really, he’s so much more. Personally I loved his record “Christian Rap,” as well as the clear way in which his faith as a Russian Orthodox Christian comes out in the lyricism of his music. Complain a bit still about the local hiphop scene? No need. For more and updated information, visit www.imaginecoffee.net.

Despite the Whiteness. Bombs Away Café, 2527 NW Monroe Ave. 9:30 p.m. Cost: $5.

Spawned from the OSU Jazz Improv class way back in ancient times (2012,) Despite the Whiteness is focused on funk and blues, but spends a fair amount of time swimming in the latin and jazz genres. I’m in possession of the license to tell you that this is to be one hell of a dance party, so be there! For info, visit www.bombsawaycafe.com.

Saturday, September 24

The Incompatibles. Cloud and Kelly’s Public House, 126 SW First St. 9 p.m. Cost: $3.

A band known for using cello, flute and guitar to sort of just kick ass all up in whatever designated venue, pretty much from the floor to the ceiling and back again. Also, I heard from a little bird that they’ve been known to cover The Pogues now and again. And well, that’s just great, isn’t it? For updated info, visit www.cloudandkellys.com.

That Coyote and Sam Loschl. Bombs Away Café, 2527 NW Monroe Ave. 9:30 p.m. Cost: $5. Grizzled. Forgotten eras. Aural spectrums and pure fury. Oh, and we can’t forget “infernos of hardcore, “anthems of punk abandon,” or “the slothful grind of sludge and haunting whispers of Americana.” All accurate terms for local titans That Coyote and Sam Loschl, but the only thing you need to remember is that missing this show is worse than going to the Dentist. On purpose. When you don’t even need to. Think long and hard about what kind of person does that. For info, visit www.bombsawaycafe.com.

Sunday, September 25

Majestic Reader’s Theatre presents Fahrenheit 451. Majestic Theatre, 115 SW 2nd St. 3 p.m. Cost: $10 for students and seniors, $12 for adults.

I’m a big fan of readers theater because it takes two great types of entertainment / art and weaves them together in a way that presents both in a unique fashion. The Majestic describes their show as follows: “What if firemen started fires instead of extinguishing them, burning books seen as harmful to humanity and arresting citizens who rebel to keep order and unity. What if in that world personal technology, entertainment, a generated sense of social connection, and a steady level of contentment is key to a pleasurable existence.” Excellent setting of the stage, but like big action blockbusters, this is something best experienced on the stage. Well, the thing before was “the screen,” but you can forgive my trespass, yes? For more info, visit www.majestic.org.

Monday, September 26

West African Drum and Dance. 555 SW Adams Ave. 5:30 – 7 p.m. Cost: $15, $12 for students. 5:30 – 7 p.m.

Why is this entry here? Because it sounds awesome – sometimes that’s just how it goes down. Djembe (the king of all drums, in my opinion) is taught so that it can be played with the dance class that follows (not required). Said dance class runs from 7:15 – 8:45 p.m. For info, call 541-232-5471. For fun and some great new skills, drop a few bucks! Despite years of trial I wasn’t about to do much beyond a year one Ringo on a regular kit, but Djembe was like a second skin. Pun intended!

Tuesday, September 27

Community Movie Night. Darkside Cinema, 215 SW 4th St. 7 p.m. Free.

Do you like movies? Are you a member of the community? Well hot damn, clear your Tuesday evenings! Every week classic, lost, and cult films are broadcast through the Darkside and onto a white screen for your enjoyment. Every film is preceded by time-relevant newsreels and cartoons, as well as a light buttering of facts by the host. Donations are graciously accepted and benefit the renovation of the Darkside Cinema, Corvallis’ only independent movie house. For info, visit www.cmnyk.wordpress.com or www.facebook.com/freemovienightcorvallis.

Celtic Jam. Imagine Coffee, 5460 SW Philomath Blvd. 7 p.m. Free.

It is Celtic, and it is a jam. Not the kind that goes on toast, or the kind that has you running through Larry Bird’s rather insane list of accomplishments… no, the kind you make when groovy folks get together and musicate until their fingers, toes, and ears bleed. Only not ears, because this is awesome. Maybe watch a historical drama set in England during the Viking age to get in the mood. To release the war cry for following information, just visit www.imaginecoffee.net.

Wednesday, September 28

Death Café Corvallis. Interzone Coffee, 1563 NW Monroe Ave. 12 p.m. Free.

In case you haven’t familiarized yourself yet, here are a few words from their official public statement: “Death Café Corvallis is simply in order to listen and talk about death. Death Café Corvallis is not a support group, therapeutic agenda, debate society, social action group, religious or anti-religious organization, political committee, or sales pitch. Our welcoming, friendly, and supportive café is open to everyone who participates in a welcoming, friendly, and supportive manner. Our guiding principles are respect, openness, and confidentiality.” If you have even the slightest curiosity, check it out. For info, visit www.facebook.com/groups/deathcafecorvallis.

Thursday, September 29

Vanessa Silberman. Calapooia Brewing Company, 140 NE Hill St, Albany. 7:30 p.m. Free.

If you like female drive alternative rock / grunge… or really just any band that fits that description, alien frontman, Donald Trump, don’t even matter. We have a tendency to lunge out at the stuff in the dark. Vital component of Diamonds Under Fire, Vanessa Silberman comes to Calapooia Brewing for an acoustic free show. You’re laying out your fancy pants and best pair of socks right now, yes? For info, visit www.calapooiabrewing.com.

Sarama and Greenbeard. Bombs Away Café, 2527 NW Monroe Ave. 9:30 p.m. Cost: $3.

When I first caught this press release, as Hannibal Lecter once said, it was like slipping into a warm bath… “Sarama is heavy psych/post-metal/doom from Eugene. Greenbeard is desert rock crawling out from the sun stricken soil of Austin, Texas.” The tunes were a similar deal, only it was more like being tossed in a blender as park of a really chunky smoothy… of some… sort. Just go with it, and enjoy the show. Heavy as it gets. For updates and other info, visit www.bombsawaycafe.com.

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