EVERCLEAR: Art Alexakis moved to Portland and started Everclear in 1992. With their first album “World of Noise” being released on Tim Kerr Records creating a buzz, the band signed to Capitol Records. The band released 5 albums on Capitol Records including 2 Platinum and 1 Double Platinum. They had numerous hit singles including the now classic “Father of Mine” and “I Will Buy You a New House.” The band was nominated for a Grammy and was named Billboard Magazine’s Modern Rock Band of the Year. The classic line-up of Art with Craig Montoya (bass) and Greg Eklund (drums) parted company in 2003, but Everclear continues to release albums and is currently on the Summerland Tour with Lit, Marcy Playground and Sugar Ray.

THE HUDSON BROTHERS: Brett, Bill and Mark Hudson started playing together in 1965. In 1967 they won a battle of the bands contest and were signed to a record label, calling themselves the New Yorkers. In 1970, they changed their name to Hudson and continued releasing music for various labels, including Playboy Records and Decca. In 1973 they changed their name to the Hudson Brothers after signing to Elton John’s Rocket Records. In 1974 they had their own TV variety show, The Hudson Brothers Show, followed the next year by the Hudson Brothers’ Razzle Dazzle Hour. They released albums on Arista, Casablanca and Elektra up to 1981 when they disbanded. Mark has continued in music producing and writing for Ringo Starr and Aerosmith, among others. Brett has continued in music as well as working in TV production. Bill also continues to work in music.

PATRICK LAMB: Patrick Lamb studied early with OMHOF inductee Thara Memory and won Best Soloist at the Lionel Hampton Jazz competition. Since then he has played with numerous musicians as a much in-demand sax player in all fields of music. He has won 3 Muddy Awards from the Cascade Blues Association and was awarded the Independent Spirit Award from the City of Portland. He plays with Grammy winner Diane Schuur as well with legendary artists Gino Vanelli and Bobby Caldwell. His project “A NW Tribute to Ray Charles” got great reviews and was featured with the Oregon Symphony.

CHRIS MILLER: Guitarist Chris Miller played in one of Portland’s most popular bands in the late ’80s and early ’90s, The Rockin’ Razorbacks. The Razorbacks’ fan base grew and the band played regularly all over the NW.  He then played in a blues band called the Terraplanes before moving to Texas. Playing with artists such as Junior Brown and Marcia Ball (which included a performance at the White House), Chris became popular with both fans and other musicians. The legendary Dave Alvin asked Chris to join his band and Chris became Dave’s right hand man, playing both steel and electric guitar.

CALVIN WALKER: Calvin Walker was more than a drummer and the leader of the Calvin Walker Band. Calvin was a pivotal player in the Portland Music scene from the late ’70s as a producer, manager and promoter. He has produced music for many local artists including Michael Allen Harrison, Five Fingers of Funk and Sheila Wilcoxson, as well as many others. He was also an active member of the Portland Music Association and was always finding ways to help the local music community. In 2003 he became the Development Director of KMHD Radio, a position he held until OPB purchased the station. Calvin also owns Nacawana Projects Productions, a company that produces music recording and video.

U-KREW: In 1984 a group emerged on the scene in Portland called the Untouchable Krew: Kevin Morse, Larry Bell, Lavell Alexander, J.Mack and Hakim. Their mixture of hip-hop and R&B built up a strong local following. They soon shortened their name to U-Krew. In 1989 they were signed to Enigma Records and released their self-titled album, “The U-Krew,” which hit #93 on the Billboard Top 200. There were two singles released as well; “If You Were Mine” reached #21 and “Let Me Be Your Lover” reached #68. U-Krew is credited with being the pioneers of the hip-hop scene in the state of Oregon.

DANNY SCHAUFFLER: Danny Schauffler has been one of the busiest sax players in Oregon. Over the years he has played or recorded with Felicidades, Sky River, Paul Delay, Quarterflash, The Rockin’ Razorbacks, Dan Reed Network, Johnny Limbo, Tom Grant, The California Raisins and others. He was a member of Oregon Music Hall of Fame bands Nu Shooz and the Crazy 8’s. It was with the Crazy 8s that Danny became known not only for his playing but also his energetic stage presence. He is a high school music teacher and also books the music at the Lake Oswego Arts Fair.

D.K. STEWART: D.K. is a go-to guy in the community when a keyboard player is needed. D.K. Stewart has been performing in Oregon since the 1970s when he was in the Nighthawks in Eugene. He’s had the opportunity to perform with some of the legends of the blues such Big Walter Horton, Hubert Sumlin, Sunnyland Slim, James Cotton, Buddy Guy & Junior Wells, Joe Louis Walker, Roomful of Blues, Albert Collins and others. He played in NW bands led by Lloyd Jones, Robert Cray, Jim Mesi and Paul Delay before starting his own band in the mid ’80s. He has won multiple Cascade Blues Association awards and is a member of the Muddy Hall of Fame.

TOM ROBINSON AND MARK STEN OF CONCERT SOUND: The Portland punk movement of the late ’70s could not have existed without the presence of Tom Robinson & Mark Sten and their company, Concert Sound. Concert Sound was there doing sound for the Rats (Fred & Toody Cole), The Neo Boys, Poison Idea, The Wipers and many others. They did sound for Oregon Music Hall of Fame Bands like the Crazy 8’s and the Dan Reed Network. They cared about artists that played in this town and the music they loved, as well as caring about the sound the artist got. They also did sound for many nationally and internationally known artists who played in Portland.

IRIS HARRISON: Iris Harrison started doing radio at KVAN-AM, a progressive rock station in the ’70s, before moving onto KGON-FM. To many, Iris is KGON and she has entertained radio listeners and turned them on to both new and classic rock for over 35 years. Iris has been a great champion of Oregon-based artists, including being the first in the country to play Johnny & The Distractions. You will see her at tons of live music shows, from legends like Tom Petty and Roger Waters to local favorites like the Crazy 8’s. Not surprisingly, you will also find her talking to her listeners at these events. She is genuinely a music fan and great supporter of causes in the community, from musician benefits to health issues.

ARTIST OF THE YEAR 2011

THE DECEMBERISTS: In January 2011, The Decemberists released possibly their best album to date, and one of the most critically acclaimed albums in the world: “The King Is Dead”. They also released a limited edition CD, “Live At Bull Moose”, for Record Store Day in April and another live release in November, titled “Long Live The King”. They appeared on both Late Night With David Letterman and The Jay Leno Show during the last year.

ALBUM OF THE YEAR 2011

THE DECEMBERISTS: 2011 was a great year for releases by Oregon artists but the Decemberists’ “The King Is Dead” took this year’s honors. The album found the band taking a somewhat different approach to their music, with an amazing collection of well-crafted songs.