Blind Pilot

In the introduction to my story on Blind Pilot this week, I mentioned a gig they had at an organic farm 10 miles north of Portland. Yes, it was a birthday bash. And it was my first introduction to the band and its live act. But the thing was, I was there for the birthday, so felt a little strange talking with Blind Pilot while in the back of my mind thinking of story angles and simultaneously reminding myself to just relax and enjoy the evening. Being a scene reporter can get schizophrenic sometimes.

When I finally introduce myself to the dark-haired Israel Nebeker at the farm, his stomach is growling. “Do you know where I could get some food?” he asks. Rule #1 on a bike tour: You need energy, so bring plenty of snacks. Rule #2: Failing that, rely on the kindness of strangers. I offer Nebeker bread and cream cheese, which he wolfs down while other band mates join in.

Nebeker is a seemingly bashful fellow with a sensitive side. He’s not hard to engage in conversation, but he’s not a verbose self-promoter, either. Since they went through the trouble of paying a PR rep and all, I thought I'd arrange for a phone interview later the next week through their PR guy. What follows after the jump is that conversation. Also, to sample Blind Pilot's music ahead of their Sept. 3 gig at Sam Bond's, go to their MySpace page or tune in to Eugene Weekly's Signal:Noise music podcast, episodes 10 and 11.

To read further, click HERE.

I just know there are tons of locals who will be interested to learn of a 3-day music festival going on in the wooded setting just south of sparkling Astoria, Oregon. No, it's not Pickathon (Aug. 1-3) or the Northwest String Summit (last weekend). Those are glossy showcases that have plenty of established word-of-mouth. But you may be interested in the Concert for Big Red on Aug. 22-24.

Marty Balin, founder of Jefferson Airplane, will be performing with members from his original band. I hear this lineup of JA members haven't played in public since 1965. At some point during the festival, the members will shuffle and add more musicians to revive Great Society, where I've learned Grace Slick got her start. If that wasn't enough reason to buy a pass, some other bands include Supertrout, Baby Gramps, Freak Mountain Ramblers, Country Joe McDonald, The Mighty Ghosts of Heaven and recent iTunes/MySpace folk-pop phenomenon Blind Pilot (who play Friday and Sunday).

This is all one big benefit concert for a historic building in Astoria that blew to shit in last winter's wind storm. The "Big Red" net shed was to be converted to an artistic workspace for artists to come and go as they please, having a free workspace for projects in a huge studio complex out on the Columbia River. But now it needs repairs, then renovations. So please consider attending, volunteering and/or donating!

Here is a message from Signe Anderson Ettlin:

Two Survivors, "Big Red" and I, Signe Anderson Ettlin, extend our personal invitation to one and all to join us in Astoria, Oregon the 22, 23 and 24th of August 2008 for a "musical gathering" benefiting the two named entities above.

"Big Red" is in need of help to re-build and expand this historic building while providing a new center of studios and workspaces for artists, musicians and writers.

We are reuniting members of Jefferson Airplane, It's A Beautiful Day, the Holy Modal Rounders, The Great Society, to name a few. Members from so many bands, throughout the years - a gathering of musicians, of souls who found a voice and a way to speak through music - forty years of speaking; culminating over three days to reflect on a time that changed the world. Please join us - bring your hearts, your souls and hear the music.

Why did I post this blog? I mean, other than great bands in a beautiful setting (yes, Clatsop County Fairgrounds is actually out in the countryside)? Well, it turns out I love "Big Red," too. I once thought about turning it into a brewpub-cinema, but think the artist's community idea is just as good.