THE 19TH ANNUAL OREGON MUSIC HALL OF FAME INDUCTION CEREMONY AND CONCERT TO BE HELD OCTOBER 10TH AT THE ALADDIN THEATER
THE 19TH ANNUAL OREGON MUSIC HALL OF FAME INDUCTION CEREMONY AND CONCERT TO BE HELD OCTOBER 10TH AT THE ALADDIN THEATER
The 19th Annual Oregon Music Hall of Fame (OMHOF) Induction and Concert will be held on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at the Aladdin Theater in Portland.
The evening will feature live performances by Steve Berlin (Los Lobos), a special reunion of acclaimed ’90s acoustic roots band Calobo, and Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter and producer M. Ward.
The event will also feature a live auction with autographed guitars from Death Cab for Cutie, The Psychedelic Furs, and Paul Revere, along with an autographed, signed and numbered print by Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page. Proceeds from the evening will benefit the Oregon Music Hall of Fame’s Music in the Schools programs and scholarship fund. This year’s master of ceremonies is the incomparable Tony Starlight.
Tickets are available through the Aladdin Theater box office and at aladdin-theater.com. General admission tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the door. VIP tickets are $100 in advance and $110 at the door, and include prime seating, a collectible laminated pass, a Gary Houston limited-edition hand-pulled, signed and numbered poster, and admission to the catered after-party with inductees, performers, and other VIP guests.
The presenting sponsor for this year’s event is Elliott, Baden, Baker & Powell Insurance, longtime supporters of the Oregon Music Hall of Fame and its scholarship program.
ARTIST INDUCTEES
Modest Mouse – Alternative Rock Band
Formed in the Pacific Northwest and led by songwriter Isaac Brock, Modest Mouse has spent more than three decades redefining alternative rock through adventurous songwriting, inventive musicianship, and emotionally resonant lyrics. From landmark albums including The Lonesome Crowded West, The Moon & Antarctica, and the multi-platinum Good News for People Who Love Bad News to their latest release, An Eraser and a Maze, the band has continually evolved while maintaining its fiercely independent artistic vision. Their influence on alternative music is immeasurable, earning Grammy nominations, platinum-selling records, and a devoted worldwide following.
Red Fang – Heavy Rock Band
Since forming in Portland in 2005, Red Fang has become one of Oregon’s most successful heavy rock exports. Featuring Aaron Beam, Bryan Giles, David Sullivan, and John Sherman, the band has earned international acclaim for its crushing riffs, unforgettable live performances, and humorous, award-winning music videos. Albums including Murder the Mountains, Whales and Leeches, Only Ghosts, and Arrows have cemented Red Fang as leaders in modern heavy music while proudly representing Portland on stages around the world.
Calobo – Acoustic Roots Band
Founded in Portland in 1990, Calobo became one of the defining independent bands of the Pacific Northwest during the 1990s. Blending folk, roots rock, bluegrass, jazz, blues, and improvisation into their signature “acoustic groove soup,” the band built an enormous grassroots following, selling more than 150,000 albums without major label support. Their recordings and legendary live performances at venues including Portland’s Crystal Ballroom helped establish Calobo as one of Oregon’s most beloved independent bands.
Sweaty Nipples – Alternative Metal Band
Formed in Portland in 1987, Sweaty Nipples forged a fearless sound that blended punk, funk metal, industrial, grunge, alternative rock, and thrash. Known for explosive live performances and irreverent creativity, the band became one of the Pacific Northwest’s most exciting underground acts, earning Portland Music Awards honors and national recognition through appearances on Lollapalooza and Nintendo’s “Play It Loud” campaign. Their influence continues to inspire adventurous rock bands today.
M. Ward – Singer-Songwriter, Guitarist & Producer
Portland’s M. Ward has earned international acclaim through his distinctive blend of folk, blues, rock, and Americana. Since his acclaimed debut Duet for Guitars #2, Ward has released a celebrated catalog of solo recordings while collaborating with artists including Zooey Deschanel as one-half of She & Him and as a member of Monsters of Folk. A gifted producer and guitarist, Ward remains one of Oregon’s most respected musical voices.
Steve Berlin – Musician, Producer & Arranger
Best known as the saxophonist and keyboardist for Grammy Award-winning band Los Lobos, Steve Berlin has spent more than four decades as one of America’s most respected musicians and producers. A longtime Oregon resident, Berlin has produced acclaimed recordings for artists including Scott Pemberton, Y La Bamba, and The Quick and Easy Boys while mentoring countless musicians. His contributions have helped strengthen Oregon’s music community while leaving an enduring mark on American music.
INDUSTRY INDUCTEES
McMenamins – Music & Cultural Institution
For more than four decades, McMenamins has transformed historic buildings throughout Oregon and Washington into vibrant destinations where live music is central to the experience. Founded by brothers Mike and Brian McMenamin, the company restored Portland’s historic Crystal Ballroom in 1997 and has since hosted generations of artists—from emerging local talent to internationally renowned performers. Through its dedication to preserving history and supporting live music, McMenamins has become one of Oregon’s most important cultural institutions.
Brandon Lieberman – Broadcaster, Music Journalist & Independent Music Advocate
Brandon Lieberman has dedicated more than forty years to Oregon’s independent music community as a broadcaster, music director, journalist, promoter, record buyer, and historian. From creating Oregon State University’s pioneering punk radio program Radio Hard Corvallis to hosting KBOO’s Drinking From Puddles for more than three decades, Lieberman has championed independent artists while interviewing hundreds of influential musicians and helping shape Portland’s underground music scene.
J. Michael Kearsey – Musician, Producer, Broadcaster & Educator
For over fifty years, J. Michael Kearsey has served Oregon’s music community as a bassist, producer, songwriter, educator, promoter, broadcaster, and writer. From founding the acclaimed jazz-rock group UPEPO to producing Grammy-nominated recordings and presenting more than 400 folk concerts, Kearsey has built an extraordinary legacy supporting artists, music education, and Oregon’s rich musical heritage.
Kelly Halliburton – Musician, Promoter & Independent Music Champion
A fixture in Portland’s underground music scene for more than three decades, Kelly Halliburton has performed with influential bands including Pierced Arrows, Jenny Don’t and the Spurs, P.R.O.B.L.E.M.S., Defiance, and Detestation. Beyond performing, Halliburton has operated independent record labels, organized tours and concerts, and remained a tireless advocate for DIY music culture throughout the Pacific Northwest.
Jack McMahon – Singer-Songwriter (Posthumous)
Jack McMahon was a beloved Portland singer-songwriter whose career spanned more than five decades. Renowned for his expressive vocals, exceptional fingerstyle guitar playing, and heartfelt songwriting, McMahon released six acclaimed albums while becoming a familiar presence throughout the Northwest music community. His years at Music Millennium and lifelong dedication to songwriting left an enduring legacy that continues to inspire Oregon musicians.
ARTIST OF THE YEAR
The Decemberists
Formed in Portland in 2000, The Decemberists have become one of Oregon’s most celebrated bands through their literary songwriting, theatrical live performances, and adventurous blend of indie rock, folk, and orchestral pop. Led by Colin Meloy alongside Chris Funk, Jenny Conlee, Nate Query, and John Moen, the band has earned international acclaim through albums including The Crane Wife, The King Is Dead, The Hazards of Love, and 2024’s As It Ever Was, So It Will Be Again. Their influence on Oregon’s music community continues to grow through both their artistry and longstanding commitment to Portland’s creative culture.
ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Glitterfox – decoder
Portland indie rock duo Glitterfox has emerged as one of the Pacific Northwest’s most exciting new bands with their acclaimed debut full-length album, decoder. Led by songwriters Solange Igoa and Andrea Walker, the record explores themes of identity, resilience, transformation, and connection while blending garage rock, Americana, new wave, and indie pop into a powerful and deeply personal collection of songs. Produced by Chris Funk of The Decemberists, decoder has earned recognition as the Oregon Music Hall of Fame’s 2026 Album of the Year.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: Alex Steininger at Oregon Music Hall of Fame – 503-557-9661 or alex@omhof.org
