Gulfsongs Oregon

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE          JUNE 24, 2010

GULFSONGS OREGON: OREGON ROCKS FOR THE GULF ANNOUNCES THE OPENING WEEKEND OF A THREE-MONTH MUSIC SERIES TO RAISE MONEY FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE GULF COAST

Gulfsongs Oregon is a three-month series of music performance events to benefit selected non-profit organizations actively involved in oil spill recovery and assistance efforts along the U.S. Gulf Coast.

Currently, shows are scheduled at venues in Portland and Eugene from July 15 through the end of September.  For more information visit http://www.gulfsongsoregon.org.

Kickoff Shows: July 15-17

Thursday,July 15:  McMenamin ’s White Eagle
Performers:  Rollie Tussing III, Miriams Well, and Rob Stroup and The Blame

Friday,July 16:The Laurelthirst Public House
Performers:  Miss Michael Jodell and The James Low Western Front

Saturday,July 17:  Biddy McGraw ’s
Performers:  Little Sue Band and Lisa &Her Kin

Background:
Just after the ongoing Deep Water Horizon oil spill began, Stacy DeHart and Jim Friscia discussed the need to provide themselves and others in the Oregon music community a positive outlet for the feelings of frustration and helplessness caused by this disaster. What could be done in Oregon to help those most directly affected?

Time and again when there ’s a need, musicians are always among the first to respond to provide support.As a music community with numerous ties to Louisiana, it seemed appropriate to reach out and see who was interested in helping. The response was overwhelming. Initially conceived as a small benefit project involving one or two music events, it quickly grew. Multiple events (15+)are being scheduled with 8-12 venues that span the musical genres of Folk/Americana, Jazz, Blues, Punk/Indie and Rock. Fans of performers in each genre will find an event to attend or in which they would want to be involved. The suggested donation at the door for each club event is $10. There will also be donation stations set up for direct contributions to the selected relief organizations.