Words do little justice to capture the sounds of sheer beauty and serenity emitted from Seattle’s Johanna Kunin. The singer-songwriter lays down a sprinkling of piano while her ethereal (“sadly angelic,” according to her website) vocals sway and swoon and soar across wide plains of emotional conviction. Tour-mate (and fellow musician in the close-knit Northwestern scene) Jeremy Hadley adds appropriate accents of bass, guitar, and mixing effects, careful not to overpower Kunin’s voice as it moves from cathedral-inspired harmony to Tori Amos-inspired pop-poetry.

Rock and Roll 2008! Open to all. Northwest bands converge on Pendleton to help teach, train and jam with you. Don't miss it. The last week in July culminating in a great concert featuring the campers and band members! Peter Walters is assembling an awesome bunch of musicians and tech. people to inspire everyone. For more info. call the Pendleton Art Center at 541-278-9201.

The day had left me tired in a strange way, and I was about in the mood to skip supper and lay down in the short grass and rest, lay there and watch the white moon move across the sky. I flipped a stick into the tank and watched it bob on the rising water. It made me think of an old hillbilly song by Moon Mulligan, called "I'll Sail My Ship Alone." With all the dreams I own. Sail it out across the ocean blue, ride me down easy.

Nick plays most often with his seven-piece band, which is comprised of wonderfully talented musicians. Every show is a uniquely thrilling experience, with new arrangements and surprises every time. The band includes clarinets, vibraphone, violin, drums, upright bass, electric guitar and other new innovations every time. The lyrics and the depth of the songs themselves are what hold everything together tightly. He has dragged his band around the country, playing wild carousing shows in every town, often two times a night. The band also plays on the street, gathering attention with their improbable set of instruments, and then getting people to dance and clap and sign along, while photographers take pictures and trolley drivers ring their bells.

"Intelligent, impassioned and energetic.... Sheehy’s voice mournfully resonates upon a sad song- like a modern update of the Moody Blues’ “Nights In White Satin.”... he delivers his vocals with passion and conviction.... the music is always thought provoking and jaw-droppingly well executed." SP Clarke, Two Louies Magazine "Through melodies and a voice that seem to travel through the ages, Brittain Ashford weaves encounters, dreams of leaving and nostalgia for a happiness gone, into songs of moving sincerity." - muzzart.fr

Portland Oregon junkbox blues duo HILLSTOMP is infamous for digging through the dumps and forgotten backwoods of American music, recycling traditional elements into a refreshing and distinctive brand of do-it-yourself hill country blues stomp. North Mississippi trance blues, a bit of Appalachia, and a dash of punkabilly come clanging and tumbling from assorted buckets, cans and BBQ lids, all drenched in rambunctious slide guitar. Somehow it works.

A collaboration of two musicians with Jazz and Classical backgrounds, to create RockFolkJazzy Stuff. Piano, Guitar, Sax and other instruments contribute to a sound that changes from smooth to coarse and back again.

Honky Tonk, the Real Deal. Guitar, bass, drums, pedal steel, and a classic voice...what more can you ask for?

"When he moved to Portland eight months ago in order to concentrate on the Moth, he enlisted the help of some other So-O transplants to fill out the sound, but still often plays live on his own, saying that it's easier to set up and schedule with only one person to worry about. Combs' albums are self-produced and feature hand drawn covers and liner notes, as well as badass chops. They aren't available in stores and you aren't likely to find him playing at a venue you've heard of before. But he's worth searching out. Combs embodies the ideals that the Portland music scene is supposed to be about: musicianship, self-reliance, pop sensibilities tempered with a general weirdness to profile the squares, but he does it with more tact than other practitioners. He's like our own Daniel Johnston. Except, you know, not mentally ill and obsessed with the devil. Judging from his album covers, Combs seems more partial to robots." (The Rear Guard)

At first taste, The Dimes may remind you of a piece of peppermint candy peppermint candy you found in the pocket of an old sweater that’s been hiding in the back of your closet for sometime. Initially you hesitate, but then you take a bite and suddenly your mouth is exploding with a cool, fresh, minty flavor that makes you feel like you just brushed your teeth.

"Idaho's Finn Riggins has a whole lotta tricks up its sleeve—so many, in fact, that it's awfully hard to pin ’em down. One minute, the trio's blasting distortion-loaded, surf-tinged noise à la the Pixies; the next, it's engaging in funk or even ska-based jams that—despite hints of said genres—smack mostly of jangly, joyous rock." -- Amy McCullough / Willamette Week / Portland, OR

"Portland, Ore., band led by Adam Shearer puts forth fragile, folky songs that at times evoke elements of Neil Young. (Not all evokers of Neil Young are worth spending time with, but this act is.) - USA TODAY

In early 2007, Colin released his debut album, Wax Wane, a blues-infused romp through love, death, and politico that included a slew of well-crafted original tunes. Later that year, Lake won the 2007 Telluride Acoustic Blues Competition and would prove himself as a stellar solo blues performer to his largest audience yet. Meanwhile, back in Portland, the sound that Lake had been dreaming of years earlier had taken shape and was now hitting its stride in the form of "Wellbottom", the band that Colin formed in 2006 when he enlisted bass player Kevin Marcotte and drummer Jason Stewart – a monster rhythm section steeped in blues, funk, and jazz.

From the Central Californian town of Merced comes El Olio Wolof, invoking majestic kingdoms where Shel Silverstein's brand of playful poetics meets the ebb and flow of dusky indie rock. Their acoustic-based arrangements are spare: acoustic guitar, electric bass, accordion, jazz-influenced drums, keyboards and bells, but the compositions created with these basic elements seem to breathe and take flight. The soothing voices of the band are our bewitching tour guides, escorting and illuminating us through sweeping tales of terror and wonder.

With themes related to the pacific northwest, Laura Gibson writes songs on a nylon-stringed guitar. In November 2004, she self-released an EP, "Amends", produced and engineered by Drew Grow, on a laptop, in a house in Newberg, Oregon. Following this initial release, Laura released her debut full-length in November, 2006 titled "If You Come to Greet Me" on Hush Records. Engineered by Adam Selzer (Norfolk and Western, M Ward, Decemberists) and recorded completely on analog tape, songs on "If You Come to Greet Me" vary from pieces composed with bare-bones guitar and voice, to an orchestra of trumpets, piano, vibraphone, saw, violin, cello, banjo and found sounds. Songs have described as, "haunting portraits of nostalgia and intimacy, of loneliness and wide-eyed hope".

Put on your Irish and join us for our annual St. Paddie's affair. Plenty of music and story tellin' from The Irish Singers! Sing the songs you know and learn the ones you don't. A great time guaranteed.

From Motown to Nashville, Austin to SoCal, you will hear it all with The Wasteland Kings. Bob Dylan, Steve Earle, Tom Petty, and Hank Williams can all be heard when you listen between the lines--even in what could be a west coast punk tune. But what you will never hear is this band trying to sound like anyone else. Their straightforward, no gimmicks, rock-solid approach is showcased with the kind of strong lyrics, hard-sell vocals, and deft guitar featuring that not only makes you listen, it makes you believe!

From New York, these musicians blend many different and unusual instruments to create a rich lush sound that is, at once, pop-rock and also like listening to the soundtrack of a foreign film! If we're lucky they'll be bringing their saw.

" Hillstomp, a down-home duo whose minimalist blues tunes make 12-bar shuffles seem like epics. Using a slide guitar, a drum set made out of buckets and grill lids, and two high, lonesome voices, Hillstomp can make any club show feel like a front-porch hootenanny. It pays homage to the pre-amplification era without cowboy-costume gimmickry or stiff, stifling reverence, playing its primitive melodies with punk energy. "

Maybe the last concert with Eastern Oregon Playboy, Cody Nash. Cody has joined the United States Air Force, and will be leaving the band. This concert will be carefully recorded for posterity and there are sure to be a few surprises. Come and enjoy our area's premier singer/songwriter and his great band and......give Cody a big send-off!

The return of Uni!

Early New Years Eve, Local R and B Queen, Georgina Mcthrow will rock the house with Her Soul Review band. An earlier evening bash to get your feet moving and your mouth singing along!

A Christmas party for all! Special guests(that could mean you!).Some traditional, some Rock and Roll Christmas songs. Bring your guests and friends, if you have those things. Sing-a-longs encouraged.

"His whipsmart lyrics; sharp, punk-influenced guitar; and blowhard harmonica put Marble at the head of Portland's singer-songwriter class." -Willamette Week........ 'nuff said

Tuesday after Thanksgiving weekend, the Soul Train stops in Pendleton and turns the Great Pacific into the House of Funk. Bring your dancing shoes and plan to "get down" with Pendleton's own Soul Sister 'Gina and her band.

Super Monster attacks with an indie/pop sound that reminds us of a little ol' band from Liverpool,even though they are Brooklynites. These guys will satisfy your sweet tooth.

Nick Jaina returns! The GP will be the last night of the current tour before Nick returns home for a little R and R. Every show Nick does is a little different, and reflects an abundance of ideas and influences. An accomplished musician, writer, ditchdigger and producer, you are assured an interesting, musical evening.

And eclectic mix of instruments, music and rhythms, Musee Mecanique is definitely something different. Laura Gibson's songwriting and beautiful, sometimes haunting melodies will leave you mesmerized. Also don't miss the opening act, local girl Jackie Penny.

A night of Blues and Rock with Big Steve and guests to send of Big Steve band member Les Kinnier. Bring your dancing shoes and get ready to have a blast with Big Steve and the boys.

A veteran of the music industry and founder of K records, The GP is very happy to present Calvin Johnson. He's worked with and recorded for music icons including Kurt Cobain. Sure to be like nothing you've heard before, don't miss this show! Also playing is Adrian Orange and Her Band, experimental and lyrical, and local musician Day Moanstar.

Leviethan from Heroes and Villains is back! Also GP favorite and local boy, James Dean Kindle.

The annual Saturday night Round-Up show at the GP, this show is sure to be packed! Local boys Imperial Twang will be serving up some rock and country hits as well as rockin' originals. Don't miss this show!

ROUNDUP! Soulful, Rockin', Country, Indie, you figure it out. One of Portland's amazing, unsigned (not for long) bands. These folks are gonna rattle the chandeliers. Great musicians, great music. Boots or no boots-all are welcome!

Nick Jaina plays guitar and piano songs of effortless brilliance. He is lucky enough to have wonderful musicians play in his band, which has now grown to a revolving cast of perhaps ten or so people. Members of the bands Heroes & Villains, The Maybe Happening, and others are all involved. Every live show is a different band and an entirely different experience. One time he passed out hymn books with the lyrics to his songs for a heartwarming sing-along experience. Another time the band rendered an arrangement of a song entirely with belleplates (wikipedia it if you don't know what they are.) Another time, a song was brought to life by two dancers dressed as an enchanting sea siren and a hapless sailor. Any given show is not to be missed, as a certain kind of unrepeatable magic is sure to happen.

GP is excited to have The Maldives from Seattle, Wa.

A show featuring two bands helping out with the second annual Pendleton Rock and Roll Camp. They love Pendleton. They love the GP. We love them. Heroes and Villains are back! We're also happy to welcome back Point Juncture, WA.

You remember them from last year's Rock and Roll camp and the GP is happy to have them play here for the first time!

You know and love him from Heroes and Villains, GP is proud to present Leviethan! Self-described acoustic/post punk/folk rock artist, this is sure to be a great show. Also on the bill, Thomas Paul and Kris Doty. Sure to be a night of great music.

uni and her ukelele joined forces 3 years ago this Christmas... their mission: write songs with magical powers overload the senses with glitter and colorful ribbons and bows become the greatest and most glorious opening act EVER!!! create new and improved christmas songs and take the unicorns back from the hipsters Pants Pants Pants and Uni & Her Ukelele on tour June 29th - July 12th!

Singer/Songwriter Kristy Kruger has launched a 50-state tour of the United States to honor her brother, Texan soldier Lt. Col. Eric Kruger who was killed in Iraq, Nov. 2, 2006. Ms. Kruger decided to perform in her brother's name in every state in the Union. "He died in the name of this country, so I'd like him to be remembered in every state in this country," she said. A staple in the Dallas acoustic scene, Ms. Kruger has released four albums independently and was awarded the 2006 Dallas Observer Music Award for Best Female Vocalist. Her latest release won the Independent Music Award for Americana Album of the Year and the Dallas Morning News named it one of the top 10 local releases of 2006. Leslie Stevens opens the show with great rockin', folkie, indie stuff that'll light your fire!

Miraflores makes epic Pop songs with playful ambitious melodies. The band is currently promoting their new CD, "Nobody Knows" produced by Jim Brunberg (Box Set, Dirty Martini) and mixed by Joe Chiccarelli (American Music Club, The Shins, Tori Amos, Counting Crows, Elton John, Frank Zappa). With guitar, bass, drums, and vocal harmonies, they produce a stripped down pop sound that makes for addictive live shows.

Novi Split hails from San Pedro, Naim Amor from Paris, by way of Tucson and their music is as different as their homes. This is going to be an all out "be-in" with sounds we can only imagine. Check out their websites and guess at what they'll sound like live!

A little electronica, a lot of Rock, D Numbers is promising you will not sit still! This lil ol' band from Santa Fe will shock and amaze you with their sonic bombardment.

If you're from 'round here, you don't need an introduction to "JD". From 'The Sick Kids' to 'Blue is Cold' to his solo gigs he has played to many music lovers in the NW. Great songwriting, inventive guitar, and blessed with a beautiful voice, check out his current set with special guests!

David Grier, a Grammy-winning acoustic guitar player, is considered one of the premier flatpicking guitarists in the world. We are very excited to have him in Pendleton and at the GP. He blends bluegrass and jazz guitar styles into his own with his virtuoso playing.

The Portland gypsy/rock/jazz fusion band that just can't get enough of Pendleton and the GP are back! This will be their third appearance at the GP and we are excited to have them again. With their unique sound and lyrics, every show is different and not to be missed. We're sure to have a packed house for this one, so come early to stake out a spot. As usual, this is a free show with donations for the musicians appreciated.

Live loops, percussion, bass lines, vocals, saxophone, all from one man on stage. Rythmic, soulful sounds with NO PRERECORDED TRACKS! Currently residing in San Diego, Joe is making his way to Pendleton for his ONLY Northwest show.

Join Big Steve and the Trainwreck along with local guest artists Gary Grogan, Carl Scheeler, Carolyn Mildenberger, Addison Schulberg, Mark Royal, Dan Emert and Jim White for a show at the GP to benefit the American Cancer Society. Enjoy Blues/Rock favorites plus Big Steve originals and donate money to a good cause. The guest artists will be sitting in with the band for select songs so be sure to catch the whole show!

Idaho's premier bluegrass band is back! They've been playing music together since 1976 and pride themselves on playing traditional-based bluegrass with their own unique sound. They played a great show here last year and we're very happy to have them back. This is also our first live music show since we've started serving pizza so come early to get a table!

Once again James Dean Kindle and Paul Collins are performing together at the GP. Both local favorites, you'll be captivated by J.D.'s smart lyrics and Paul Collins' unique performance (quite possibly his last in Pendleton for a while). Even if you've heard them here before you're sure to see and experience something different. Support local musicians and be sure not to miss this free show!

Their gypsy-tinged carousel-rock will have you moving from the first note struck. They were featured on Oregon Public Broadcasting in August and are touring to promote their new CD, "Turn Your Swords". Don't miss this free show at the Great Pacific!

Calm your election night jitters (regardless of party), with some cool jazz the way it was meant to be listened to...vinyl! That's right, DJ Peter will be spinning real records with real turntables! He will make a historic event even more so. Bring the family, especially grandma and grandpa who never liked 8-tracks and hate cds; even they'll be able to read the playlist on the cover. VOTE!

A little shuffle here, a little outlaw there, a little go-jump-yourself-off-a-bridge, some rockabilly, and just good old heartfelt country music

Fresh from their stage debuts at Pendleton's Rock & Roll Camp, First Grade Classics (think three-guitar harmonies and smoking riffs) and Baj (sweet melodies from an all-girl twee-pop group) will perform at the Great Pacific in this locals-only music extravaganza. J.D. Kindle, a veteran of performing at the GP and other local venues, will also take the stage, as will Rian Beach, one of the founders of Pendleton Overground. Hear great music.. support local and young muscians.. order some great food and drink.. there's just no good reason for you to miss this free show!

Druha Trava, which means "second grass", is a wonderfully individual band from the Czech Republic. They perform new acoustic world music with bluegrass influences. You might hear bluegrass, covers of American and British artists, or one of their many originals. They have recorded many albums and been awarded three grammys from the Czech Music Academy. Guaranteed to be something different and a taste of music with truly global inspirations.

Frog Hollow is back! After a successful and fun show at the GP in April, this merry band of funkmasters are making another Pendleton showing on the last day of Round-Up. Take off your cowboy hat and come to the GP for something a little different. These guys are sure to keep you on your feet with their rocking grooves and undeniable funk talent.

A truly local band, this show is a great way to celebrate Round-up in Pendleton. You'll hear country, blues and rock originals and covers. The band is also planning to feature several other local blues and bluegrass musicians at this show. Be sure to wear your cowboy boots and get ready to dance!

Seth's music is possibly best described as Electronic/Jazz fusion. His music has been featured on NPR and his new CD, Concatenation, is a blend of his many different styles and influences. Armed with a computer and a keyboard in his live performance, he creates full musical pieces with a blend of real intstruments and synthesized sounds.

After rocking the house here in May, Garrison Starr is back at the GP! She had such a great time and loved the audience so much she just couldn't stay away. A great time was had by all when she played before and we're happy to have her back. A bargain at the price of free, don't miss this one!

A local Pendletonian, Trudie Falls plays country and honkytonk with "whatever honkytonk loving suckers in Pendleton I can get to play with me." She describes her music as "A little shuffle here, a little outlaw there, a little go-jump-yourself-off-a-bridge, some rockabilly, and just good old heartfelt country music." To see more pics and a giant list of Trudie's country/honkytonk influences, be sure to check out her MySpace page:

The Spokane String Quartet was founded in 1979 in order to bring live, professional chamber music performances to Inland Northwest audiences. For the past 26 years, it has been the only chamber ensemble to present a regular concert series including music from the standard string quartet repertoire, contemporary works, premieres by local composers and music from the Moldenhauer Archives.

Idaho's Premier Bluegrass band featuring veteran musicians whose careers have spanned over 25 years each of playing bluegrass music. This four piece ensemble combines traditional bluegrass with original flair. They've opened shows and shared the stage with several high level national bluegrass acts including the Del McCoury Band and were selected as one of the Top 5 bands in Boise, Idaho in 2004. Free show.

James Dean Kindle is a proud Pendleton native who plays a strange mixture of lo-fi tex-mex C&W rock-n-roll. He has toured nationally and performed with the likes of Calvin Johnson, Pete Krebs, and Kind Of Like Spitting. His backing band, comprised of fellow Pendletonians Matt Vansickle and Cody Nash have made it a habit to change their name with each performance.

Presented by Pendleton Overground, this will be a show not to miss! She's spent time on the road touring with and singing backup for Mary Chapin Carpenter and has opened for Steve Earle. Now she's on a national tour to promote her new Vanguard album, The Sound of You and Me. She switches easily between delicate acoustic songs and hard rocking ballads. Read more at her website. Free show.

Hailing from Salem, Frog Hollow Day Camp is a fusion of funk and rock that lays down grooves sure to make you move. Employing a range of musical instruments from Moog synthesizers, cowbells and hubcaps to not one but two bass players... there's just no end to the grooves you'll hear from Frog Hollow. Free show.

Insurgent Bluegrass! Victor Barnes, of Northern Colorado, has been wearing out shoes on dance floors from Seattle to New Orleans with their original style of bluegrass-infused music since 1999. They've played with national acts like Yonder Mountain String Band, The North Mississippi All-Stars and Railroad Earth at venues across the west. Free show.