17h Annual Oregon Music Hall of Fame Induction and Concert – October 12th at Aladdin Theater
THE 17TH ANNUAL OREGON MUSIC HALL OF FAME INDUCTION CEREMONY AND CONCERT TO BE HELD OCTOBER 12TH AT ALADDIN THEATER
Tickets available at: https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/50187405/17h-annual-oregon-music-hall-of-fame-omhofinduction-and-concert-portland-aladdin-theater
The 17h Annual Oregon Music Hall of Fame (OMHOF) Induction and Concert will be held on Saturday, October 12th at 7pm at the Aladdin Theater. The concert will feature Casey Neill & The Norway Rats (featuring inductee Jenny Conlee-Drizos from The Decemberists), Laura Veirs, and The Obituaries. The event will feature a live auction with autographed guitars from Peter Frampton, Elvis Costello, The Decemberists, and more. Proceeds from this event help support OMHOF’s music in the schools programs as well as our scholarship program. This year’s master of ceremonies will be the fabulous Tony Starlight.
The Oregon Music Hall of Fame (OMHOF) is a non-profit organization (501 c3) whose main purpose is to promote and preserve the musical arts of the state of Oregon. The Oregon Music Hall of Fame is dedicated to the development, revitalization, invention, and expansion of music education in Oregon’s public and private educational institutions. So far, this year we have produced music education programs in Oregon public schools without music programs that have served over 5000 students. We also gave away seven $2500 scholarships to high school seniors going on to further their music education at a higher level.
The Oregon Music Hall of Fame recognizes and promotes the legacy of exceptional Oregon musicians and will celebrate Oregon’s unique musical history by inducting musicians and other music heritage contributors into the Oregon Music Hall of Fame.
The 2024 inductees are: Blitzen Trapper, The Exploding Hearts, The Obituaries, Laura Veirs, Robbie Laws, Gary Fountaine, Jenny Conlee, Darcelle, Steve Reischman, John Nilsen, Bob Dietsche, and Tony Lash. In addition to the 2024 inductees, Portugal. The Man will receive Artist of the Year honors, while Eyelids are winning album of the year for Colossal Waste of Light.
Tickets will be on sale at Aladdin-theater.com and the Aladdin Theater box office. Tickets are $30 in advance or $35 at the door. VIP tickets – which include reserved seating, a collectable laminated pass, a Gary Houston limited edition, hand-pulled, signed and numbered poster, plus entrance to the catered after-induction party meet and greet – are $100 in advance or $110 at the door.
The presenting sponsor for the event is Elliott, Baden, Baker &Powell Insurance, longtime supporters of OMHOF. Supporting Sponsor is the Teevin Bros.
More information on the 2024 INDUCTEES:
Blitzen Trapper
The band is Salem-born Eric Early’s main musical project for over twenty years. He began recording on a cassettes and four track machines in his folks’ garage and by 2000, he had put a band together around his songwriting, first known as Garmonbozia. With a name change inspired by Early’s seventh grade girlfriend’s Christmas binder, they released their first commercial album, also titled Blitzen Trapper, on their own label. In 2001, the band’s output exploded, as they self-recorded four albums with homemade artwork, which they distributed at concerts.
For most of their career the band consisted of vocalist Early, Erik Menteer (guitar, keyboard), Brian Adrian Koch (drums, vocals), Michael Van Pelt (bass) Marty Marquis (keyboard, vocals) but currently includes Michael Elson (bass & keyboard) and Nathan Vanderpool (guitar).
Often known as experimental folk & country rock band, they signed to Sub Pop Records in 2007. “Wild Mountain Nation” was #98 on Rolling Stone’s list of the 100 Best Songs of 2007. The release of Furr in 2008 was a high-water mark for the group as their eclectic new songs received a two-page feature in Rolling Stone. Blitzen Trapper’s discography consists of ten studio albums, three live albums, five extended plays, fourteen singles and eighteen music videos. The band currently is signed to the Yep Roc label: Holy Smokes Future Jokes was released in 2020 and 100’s of 1000’s, Millions of Billions, released in 2024.
The Exploding Hearts
Punkish Portland power pop quartet, the Exploding Hearts, had been playing together for over two years before their debut recording, Guitar Romantic, was released by Seattle-based indie Dirtnap Records in 2003. Taking influence from British bands like The Clash, the Undertones and the Only Ones, the group comprised bassist Matt ‘Lock’ Fitzgerald, drummer, Jeremy ‘ Kid Killer’ Gage, vocalist/guitarist Adam ‘Baby’ Cox and guitarist Terry Six. Initially the band also included keyboardist ‘King’ Louie Bankson and bassist Jim Evans who left prior to Guitar Romantic’s release. The album won the guys (all in their early twenties) a well-deserved buzz among music fans, scribes, and labels, and the band was in high demand on the West Coast touring circuit. Tragically, though, just as the group was gearing up for a nationwide tour and rumored to be signing with Lookout! Records, their van veered out of control while returning home on July 20, 2003, from a San Francisco concert, killing Gage, Cox and Fitzgerald. Six managed to escape with only minor injuries. Dirtnap released the LP, Shattered in the fall of 2006, compiling singles from the band’s much-too-brief career, including alternative versions and mixes, as well as their unreleased final recordings; the album also featured five songs of live footage from (what became) the Exploding Hearts’ final show at San Francisco’s Bottom of the Hill club.
Laura Veirs
She wows listeners with her introspective lyrics and ethereal folk melodies. With a career spanning over two decades, Veirs has established herself as a prominent figure in the indie folk scene, known for her poetic songwriting and distinctive voice. Born and raised in Colorado, Veirs moved to Portland where she cultivated her unique blend of folk, country, and pop influences. Her albums, including the critically acclaimed Carbon Glacier in 2004 and her latest, her thirteenth studio album, Phone Orphans, showcase her evolution as an artist, exploring themes of nature, love, and the human experience with a delicate touch. Veirs’ music resonates with authenticity and depth, drawing inspiration from the natural world and personal introspection. Beyond her solo work, she has collaborated with various musicians and projects, including Neko Case and K.D. Lang in Case/Lang/Veirs. A dedicated performer, Veirs mesmerizes audiences with her intimate live shows, leaving an indelible mark on Portland’s vibrant music community and beyond. Laura Veirs remains a captivating and influential voice in contemporary folk music.
The Obituaries
Seminal punk outfit The Obituaries formed in Portland, Oregon in 1986 with singer Monica Nelson, guitarist Rob Landoll, bassist Laura O’Donnell, and drummer Aaron MacMahon. After the addition of bassist John Allan Naylor and drummer Dan Cunneen, the group quickly gained a reputation in Portland and was soon headlining venues like Satyricon and Pine Street Theatre. Revered as a crucial link between The Wipers and Nirvana, their impact remains undeniable in Pacific Northwest music lore. Led by Nelson’s fiery vocals and unpredictable stage presence, coupled with Landoll’s blues-infused punk riffs, the band carved their niche with raw intensity. Nelson and Landoll, the band’s core songwriters, provided stability amid numerous lineup changes, anchoring their sonic identity. Their early releases, including a cassette and EP on Highgate Records, showcased their burgeoning influence. Touring extensively across the Western U.S., The Obituaries shared stages with luminaries such as Sonic Youth, Nirvana, and Soundgarden. Their legacy endures through retrospectives like the 2007 self-titled compilation CD and 2010’s acoustic album Ghost, while Nelson’s subsequent projects continue to honor their pioneering spirit.
Robbie Laws
He is a legendary blues guitarist and TrueFire Educator, who has won multiple awards, including 21 Cascade Blues Association Muddy Awards (9 for best blues guitarist), the Washington Blues Society’s 2010 best blues act, and 2011’s Outstanding Achievement in Blues from the Portland Music Association. With electrifying guitar prowess and heartfelt performances, Laws infuses raw emotion and technical brilliance into his music. Whether belting out gritty vocals or letting his guitar sing the blues, each note tells a story of life’s trials and triumphs. With his career spanning multiple decades, Laws’ dedication to the blues is unmatched, showcased in critically acclaimed albums like 2003’s River City Blues and 2004’s Deep Ellum Blues, both of which reflect his evolution while honoring blues tradition. A fixture in Portland’s music scene, Laws captivates with his dynamic stage presence and mentors aspiring musicians, passing on his passion and knowledge. For fans of authentic, soul-stirring blues, Robbie Laws stands as a pillar of excellence, demonstrating the enduring power of music through thrilling riffs and soulful expertise.
Gary Fountaine
He was born on September 15, 1957, in Kansas City, Missouri. His father was a well-known jazz bassist there. The family moved to Portland in 1959. Inspired by his older brother Eddie, he soon found his calling on the bass guitar, which became his signature instrument. Gary graduated from the Metropolitan Learning Center (MLC) in Northwest Portland in 1976. He played in a variety of bands: Body & Soul, 5 Guys Named Moe, Puzzle and Flyer, He also had the privilege of performing with artists such as Michael Allen Harrison, Salmon Dave, Herbie Hancock, and Robert Palmer. Gary’s most notable stint was with Nu Shooz, earning a Grammy nomination and gold record for the album Poolside in 1986. He earned a Muddy Award in 2006. Gary made national appearances on American Bandstand, Solid Gold, NBC Today Show, AM Northwest, Z100 Live Morning Zoo, the Portland Water Front Blues Festival plus countless other local performances. Joy emanated from his corner of the stage with every band he played with. He was so happy to be there. He loved his instrument, the music, and the audience. Everybody knows the real thing when they see it, and Gary Fountaine was the real thing.
Jenny Conlee
She plays piano, accordion and organ, is best known as a founding member of indie rock band, The Decemberists. She is a Portland native with a long history of playing music in Oregon. After studying classical piano and receiving a degree in music from OSU, Conlee began playing with the folk jam-band Calobo in 1991 and toured the West for 10 years. Many musical collaborations came thereafter, such as: The Caleb Klauder Band, Lewi Longmire, Jerry Joseph and the Jackmormons, Casey Neill and the Norway Rats, Ashleigh Flynn and the Riveters, The Minus 5, Black Prairie, Paper Bellows, Stephanie Schneider man, Little Sue, Margo Cliker and Glitterfox among others. Conlee also performs solo and in her own band, the Jenny Conlee Quartet. She has also composed music for film and podcasts and has 2 solo albums of accordion and piano.
Darcelle
Born Walter Cole in Linnton in 1930, Darcelle lived a magical life. After serving military service, she bought a coffeehouse near PSU called Caffé Espresso and plunged into a bohemian world and nurtured the transition of the local music scene from folk troubadours to acid rock bands. She was later the owner and headliner of the famed Darcelle XV Showplace. For some 56 years, Darcelle performed six shows a week. As hostess of the longest continuously running drag cabaret in the country, Darcelle sewed all the production costumes, built sets, strung lights, and oversaw the daily operation of the club. As a community leader, Darcelle volunteered countless hours to promote outreach, awareness and the care for people living with HIV/AIDS with Cascade AIDS Project, Camp KC, Camp Starlight, Our House of Portland, Esther’s Pantry, Friends of People With AIDS, the HIV Day Center, and beyond. Darcelle had a 50-year committed relationship with partner Roxy LeRoy and close family ties with his son, daughter, wife, two granddaughters and one great granddaughter. Darcelle took his final bow on March 23, 2023, just one week after hosting the release party of Gigantic Brewery’s Darcelle Pale Ale. One of Darcelle’s proudest moments was in 2016 when she was named Guinness World Record’s “Oldest Working Drag Queen”. In 2008, Darcelle became the subject of the documentary film Queens of Heart: Community Therapists in Drag and in 2016, she received a regional Emmy Award for OPB’s Oregon Experience: Darcelle XV. In 2010, Darcelle penned her autobiography Just Call Me Darcelle, which she staged as a one man show, Walter Presents… Just Call Me Darcelle. In 2014, Darcelle was named honorarium of the Darcelle XV Oregon AIDs Memorial for her contributions to HIV/AIDS fundraising and awareness.
Steve Reischman
He moved to Eugene, Oregon in 1973 as a Vista Volunteer. He joined veteran Bluegrass band Good ‘n’ Country as guitar player and singer and also formed the duo Still Dreaming with fiddler Greg Roberts. He moved to Portland in 1981and was founding President of The Oregon Bluegrass Association in 1982. He formed Ranch Dressing, a 13 piece Western swing band and began a career of concert production with his Showman/Bear Concerts companies, booking the Your Zoo and all that Jazz, and Zoograss concert series while building Portland’s World Music culture with global talent and curating an intimate listening experience with the Aladdin Theater. He has served on the boards of Portland Center for the Performing Arts and the Regional Arts and Culture Council. Throughout his professional life, arts, community and culture have been intertwined. His Oregon Zoo Concerts became a national touring artists’ destination while earning prolific funds for wildlife preservation and public education. In 1995 Steve, along with the McMenamin brothers, and partnering with Monqui Presents, started the Edgefield Concerts. Steve remained at the helm of the Showman/Bear Concerts” enterprise for 35 years, and his legacy continues today through the True West/Aladdin Theater/Revolution Hall partnership, built on his pioneering development of local music culture in creative public/private collaborations throughout the region, such as The Portland Rose Garden Concert Series in Washington Park, Champoeg State Park Concerts, Rippling River Resort, Pioneer Courthouse Square, The Mt Hood Jazz Festival, Music on the Half Shell summer concerts in Roseburg, Sokol Blosser Winery concert series, Oaks Parks Concerts, and many more spanning four decades .
John Nilsen
He was born in Seattle, Washington in 1956, moving to Portland, in 1960. He began studying classical piano at age six and playing guitar at ages fourteen. John graduated from Southern Oregon University in 1979. The institution honored him in 1995 with the Distinguished Alumnus Award. An accomplished pianist, guitarist, composer, lyricist and vocalist, Nilsen was also selected to be a Yamaha Signature Piano Artist in November 2021. John recorded three successful solo piano records on LA’s, Eagle Records from 1983 to 1985 and created his own Magic Wing label in 1987, releasing 21 albums to date including Foreign Films, in 2019, a collection of Nilsen’s piano compositions with orchestral backing. Nilsen has performed in all fifty U.S. States and on four continents. For the past thirty years, John played two hundred and forty performances annually until Covid hit in 2020. Nilsen now splits his performances between touring internationally as an in demand pianist combining elements of classical, folk and jazz, and playing locally with his trio or band. The newest release is titled, Two Stories, is with Nilsen’s band, SWIMFISH. Nilsen has been a member of Ten Grands since its inception in 2001 and has given back to his community by teaching songwriting residencies and speaking to students in schools throughout the country, and locally including every school in the West Linn/Wilsonville School District over the past twenty-five years.
Bob Dietsche
He was born in Ohio in 1937. His family moved west and he eventually attended Oregon State on a tennis scholarship and then University of Oregon earning a degree in education. He taught at a variety of Portland area high schools but Jazz was his passion. At the University of Oregon, he was the drummer in the Pete Mortensen Trio and an avid record collector. In 1973, he and his friend Don Anderson opened the first used record store in Portland, Django Records, which developed into an important and popular venue for both jazz collectors and indie rock fans. Bob taught jazz history classes at most of the colleges in the metro area and was also a jazz DJ at KMHD, KBOO, and OBP where he hosted his show Jazzville. Bob was the author of two books: Jumptown: The Golden Years of Portland Jazz, 1942-1957, which won the Bill McClendon Award for Excellence in Jazz, and Tatum’s Town: The Story of Jazz in Toledo, Ohio (1915-1985), which won an ARSC award for Best Historical Research in Recorded Jazz. Always a tennis fan, Bob won the Oregon State Senior Men’s Singles Title two years in a row and the Grand Prix (Northwest Senior Men’s) Singles Title. In 1986, he was a live tennis commentator for the Portland Panthers, a franchise of Team Tennis.
Tony Lash
He is an Oregon native who rose to prominence in the Portland rock music scene of the late 1980s / early 1990s as a producer and engineer, as well as drummer for the bands Neros Rome, Heatmiser and Sunset Valley. Born in 1968, Tony was keenly interested in music and recording from an early age, and his teen years were spent absorbing diverse influences and testing the limits of four-track home recording (including an early collaboration with high school friend Elliott Smith). Tony began professional studio work after graduating high school in 1986, and quickly became noticed for his work with artists such as Neros Rome, Poison Idea, Dan Balmer, Heatmiser, Cardinal, and The Dandy Warhols. The growing visibility of Northwest music in the 1990s brought Tony’s work national and international notice, as he expanded stylistically beyond rock bands and into arrangement-rich work with singer-songwriters such as Kaitlyn ni Donovan, James Angell, and Nicole Campbell. After the birth of his son in 2006, Tony chose to spend less long days in recording studios and instead focus on mixing, where his comfort and instinct for a wide range of styles led to work on records by pop, ambient, hip-hop, electronic jazz, and chamber pop artists. Tony continued to work selectively as a producer, helming records by Stars of Track and Field, The High Violets, Tahiti 80, and Ages and Ages. Tony returned to school in 2014 to study psychology and counselor education. He retired from studio work in 2021 and now works as a therapist in private practice.
Artist of the Year: Portugal. The Man
Portugal. The Man is a band formed in Wasilla, Alaska, in 2004. Known for their eclectic blend of pop, psychedelic, indie rock, and experimental sounds, the band consists of members John Gourley, Zach Carothers, Kyle O’Quin, Jason Sechrist, and Eric Howk. Their breakthrough came with the 2017 single “Feel It Still,” which earned them a Grammy Award for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. The song’s success propelled them into mainstream recognition, showcasing their knack for catchy hooks and inventive production. Portugal. The Man’s discography is characterized by a diverse range of influences, from classic rock to electronic elements, all infused with a unique artistic vision. Albums like Evil Friends (2013) and Woodstock (2017) further solidified their reputation as innovators in the modern rock scene. Their recent most release, Chris Black Changed My Life, came out on Atlantic Records in 2023. Beyond music, the band is known for their socially conscious lyrics and activism, advocating for causes like environmental conservation and human rights. With a dedicated fan base and a distinctive musical style, Portugal. The Man continues to evolve, pushing boundaries and leaving a lasting impact on contemporary rock music.
Album of the Year: Eyelids – Colossal Waste of Light
Portland Oregon’s Eyelids existed long before the band came to be. The band is made up of friendships lasting over three decades, who long desired to finally get together to write songs. The band combines “sweet melodies “ paired with “bummer vibes “ which would fuse Big Star’s jangle with XTC’s melodicism, connecting the dots between the Dream pop sounds of the ‘80’s Paisley Underground and the homespun post-punk of the legendary Flying Nun label. With multiple releases over the past years, their latest album, Colossal Waste Of Light, was voted OMHOF album of the year.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: Alex Steininger @ In Music We Trust PR – 503-557-9661 or alex@inmusicwetrust.com
