The GP Live Music Scene

FROM INTIMATE acoustical singer-songwriters to full-blown rock bands; open mic nights to jam sessions; informal bar gigs to upscale VIP experiences; music lovers looking for live performances in Grants Pass can find a plethora of options. The live music scene here in the hub of Southern Oregon provides opportunities for musicians and their audiences to share their mutual love for what the classicists called the language of angels.

The venue options here are multitudinous and the quality of the musicians who call our community their home easily rivals locations across the nation who have built a reputation on fostering their live music scene. Here, the difficulty becomes attempting to choose where to go and who to see. Lucky for GeePers, many of our local venues maintain a solid, regular schedule of offerings that allows the luxury to rotate through a variety of atmospheres and musical styles.

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Live At The Hivve

Located near the corner of Sixth and G streets in downtown Grants Pass, the Hivve is a multiverse of activity and opportunity. This unique location is a superhero facility — mild-mannered coworking/meeting space by day, and dynamic artistic space by night.

“What this place is about is creating a community and a place where community things can happen,” said Trever Yarrish, owner and founder of The Hivve.

During it’s existence, The Hivve has served as host to a myriad of happenings, including art shows, poetry nights, theatrical events, and a variety of gatherings of all occasions. In February, the 150 capacity performance space welcomed The Adventures in Fatherhood Tour, presented by Heroes Journey and the Dadcast podcast.

April’s signature event will be held on Earth Day, April 22, featuring The Free Creatures. Additional plans include featuring smaller, acoustical duos and trios the third Friday of every month, said Michael Smith, event coordinator at the venue.

“Regardless of the offering, the goal is to provide an experience that everyone knows is exceptional,” said Smith.

Events also feature cash bar options and small bite food offerings. In between live music offerings, Yarrish hopes to see the space find more uses for local organizations and businesses to provide events and activities for the community. A potential new series of events is in the works to provide opportunities for teen club nights featuring dance parties, silent discos, game nights and more.

Nonetheless, there will always be a continued focus on presenting live music at the venue, and though they will continue to book bands with a known name and following — the venue will host a music video film shoot for an undisclosed recording act this summer.

The Hivve, 164 SE G St., (541)450-9091, www.thehivve.com

Music On Tap

Taprock Northwest Grill is an iconic Grants Pass location for weekend brunch, casual dining, special events, and a popular happy hour. Now the thriving venue is host to live music Thursday nights 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Billed as “Music & Brews” by promoter and coordinator Donnie Thomason, the recurring Thursday night events began in January and are scheduled to continue throughout the year.

Each week offers the pairing of a different musical act with Oregon craft breweries who offer special beer tastings while the music plays. Guests are encouraged to taste the beer, order a bite to eat, enjoy the music and the comradery.

Thomason selects the musicians and the breweries based on creating a series that provides variety on both levels. Many of the acts are soloist singer-songwriters who also play cover tunes, but the lineup is due to expand to duets, trios, and even five-piece bands. Musical styles have included country, alternative, folk, and classic rock.

“The biggest positive feedback I get from this is the sense of community it brings. It creates a community for artists, local breweries, and members of the public,” said Thomason.

Future plans include moving the event to Taprock’s popular outdoor patio once warmer weather prevails and tourism season gets underway.

Tap Rock, 971 SE 6th St., (541)955-5998, www.taprock.com

Live Music Calendar

Sound Lounge

Live Music select Thurs. – Sat. 225 SE H St., (541)479-0712 www.facebook.com/TheSoundLoungeGP

The Haul

Open Mic 6 p.m. Thursdays

Scheduled bands on select Fridays (541)474-4991, www.thehaulgp.com

Weekend Beer Company

Live Music 6 p.m. Wednesdays

1863 Washington Blvd., (541)507-1862 www.weekendbeercompany.com

Wild River Pub