What to Do in Ashland OR this Week, October 7th – 13th

What to Do in Ashland OR this Week

By Jason Franklin

“I am sorry for thy much misgovernment” was said in Shakespeare’s ‘Much Ado About Nothing,’ and with the recent government shutdown affecting mostly our national parks, here in Ashland we are simply not missing a beat.

Here we march to a slightly different rhythm. There are great music shows, plays and events galore still happening within our great community, regardless of any our “misgovernment.” So, get out there and forget about the ‘shutdown’ and prepare to ‘get down’.

Monday October 7th

Dark Star Orchestra, Historic Ashland Armory

More than just a Grateful Dead tribute band, Dark Star Orchestra is a band unlike any other. Tuned to the crowd and the music they play, the group brings an emotion and energy to each show unlike any other. The all-ages show at the Old Ashland Armory on Oak Street begins at 8pm.

Gene Burnett at Liquid Assets

When he’s not leading a Tai Chi group or an inspired open-mic at The Wild Goose, Gene can be seen on a stool with his guitar. A short walk around the corner after the Dark Star Orchestra show will lead you to Liquid Assets, where Gene will be playing from 8pm until 10pm.

Tuesday October 8th

Southern Oregon Jazz Orchestra, Avalon Bar and Grill in Talent

Southern Oregon’s premier 16-piece Big Band has been bringing back the 1920’s in the valley for quite a few years and will visit the warm and comfortable confines of the Avalon for a Tuesday evening show beginning at 8pm.

Ol’ Mount N’ Due visits Caldera Tap House

Winners of the 2013 Southern Oregon Last Band Standing competition, Ol’ Mount’n Due is an infectious three-piece combination of bass, guitar and banjo. Gaining a fan base in the Rogue Valley is just a start for the band, who takes to the intimate confines of the Caldera Tap House. The show starts at 9pm.

Wednesday October 9th

Siskiyou Music Project Series presents The Alejandro Zeigler Tango Quartet at the Old Siskiyou Barn

The third show of the Siskiyou Music Project Series brings Argentinian four-piece The Alejandro Ziegler Tango Quartet, as part of their project that donates proceeds from each show to the Ashland School District. Music in the mountains begins south of Ashland at 2600 Old Siskiyou Highway at 7pm.

Jefferson State Brass, Green Show

In their fifth season with OSF, Jefferson State Brass will take to the Green Show stage for one of the final performances of the season. The group consists of local educators who hope to bring the love of classical music back to the people of southern Oregon and educate us on the importance the music plays in our lives. The Green Show begins at 6:45pm.

Thursday October 10th

Craig Martin and Friends take on The Wild Goose

As the Wild Goose Cafe and Bar continues to ramp up their live music schedule, local favorite Craig Martin will bring his cast of characters to the Goose for original and cover songs sure to liven up your evening. His performance kicks off at 8pm.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Elizabethan Stage

Deemed a “wild night for lovers and lunatics,” the family-friendly production of the classic Shakespearean tale of Hermia, Lysander, Demetrius and Helena begins at 8pm.

Friday October 11th

Traditional Irish Drinking Songs at Paddy Brannan’s

For some people, having a beer (or beers) while listening to authentic Irish drinking songs is the best way to spend a Friday afternoon. At Paddy Brannans, Andrew Russat and Alex Adsitt will provide that guilty pleasure. Come sing along with a show that begins at 6pm.

Karaoke at The Wild Goose Cafe and Bar

On a Friday night, some people just want to make their own music, which is why karaoke is so popular. Sweet Melissa is the host for the often-unpredictable evening at the Goose beginning at 9pm. Don’t forget to bring your hip-waders.

Saturday October 12th

Chamber Music Concert presents the Emerson String Quartet, SOU Recital Hall

Kicking off the 2013-2014 Chamber Concert Series is the multi-Grammy Award winning Emerson String Quartet. The group will be performing the string quartet pieces of Britten, Beethoven and Shostakovich with a program that begins at 7:30pm.

The Unfortunates, Thomas Theater

The play directed by Shana Cooper creates what OSF calls the “heat of a Gospel revival with the sweet sorrow of the blues.” This stunning story about prisoners of Salvation features a dazzling four-piece blues ensemble and a brilliant cast. The Saturday matinee begins at 1:30pm.

Sunday October 13th

Gayle Wilson and The Djangoholics at the Avalon Bar and Grill in Talent

Gayle Wilson has been around. From stage to screen, from trios to quartets, Ms. Wilson has established herself as a Rogue Valley sensation. For a Sunday matinee at the Avalon in Talent, Gayle and the Djangoholics will bring the treasured sounds of jazz back to life. The show begins at 3pm.

Bucklerash at Paddy Brannan’s

“A poncho and a burro meet in the desert, a battle ensues and the end result is Bucklerash,” a description on the band’s Facebook page says it all. The Ashland-based country/punk rock five-piece will play a show at Paddy Brannan’s beginning at 9pm.

Comment: