Music To Die For continues in August. The popular music series hosted by the Eugene Masonic Cemetery Association is in its 8th year. These free programs began as a way of thanking our many friends and neighbors for the support provided in helping restore the cemetery and Hope Abbey. 

 

These programs, featuring local musicians, are presented at 2 PM on the days listed. All dates listed are Sundays.

 

August 26: Grand Ronde String Band:   

A chance meeting at the Whitaker Market in the fall of 2016 sparked the creation of the Grand Ronde String Band. Although there have been some personnel changes over time, the first gig was playing for a wedding. Since then, the group has played such well known venues as Sam Bond's Garage, Oakshire Brewing Company, EugFun on the Park Blocks and numerous local events.  (Photo above) 

Grand Ronde consists of Jesilyn Brinkerhoff (Fiddle), Eric Estling (Guitar), Steve Korin (Upright Bass) and Austen Sloan (Mandolin). They are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to play as part of the Music To Die For Series.

 

September 30: Ensemble Primo Seicento:  

17th Century music and period instruments.

October 28: Central Horns: 

A horn quartet playing a variety of music from Classical to Contemporary. They are based at Central Lutheran Church, hence the name of the group.

 

Please arrive early, as seating becomes scarce or non-existent by 2 PM. There is no parking on the cemetery grounds, so please park on city streets. 

This is a very bad year for ground nests of yellow jackets and hornet nests in the Eugene Masonic Cemetery.

So far at least 22 yellow jacket ground nests have been identified. Additionally, multiple hornet nests have been found, some as high as 65 feet above ground.

There is a very real risk of being stung within the cemetery, especially if walking off paths. The landscape crew has marked known yellow jacket ground nests with signs where possible. In some cases, portions of paths have been closed where infestation is bad. Sunny areas where mowing has occurred can have many stinging insects.

We've hired an exterminating service for the largest nests, but there is only so much only they can do. Stay on the paths and gravel roads, and be on the lookout for flying insects.

 

Samson Freundlich was originally from Germany, but arrived in Eugene in 1865 with a thick German accent and an idea for a mercantile store. Soon known as Sam Friendly, he was a big booster of the very early University of Oregon. His financial contributions were substantial, and he later served fifteen years as a regent. He was also known for his generosity towards students and unwavering support of athletic teams. When the first dormitory was built in 1893, it was named Friendly Hall. He also served as mayor from 1893 to 1895.

 

When he died in 1913, his funeral was attended by 1500 people at Villard Hall on the campus. Today his name lives on, not only through Friendly Street in West Eugene, but also in the larger surrounding area commonly called the Friendly Neighborhood. Sam is interred in the Eugene Masonic Cemetery.