Concert for a cause

The Oregon State Fairgrounds soon welcomes the annual state fair, but before the funnel cakes and amusement park rides arrive, the L.B. Day Amphitheatre hosts the “Cool Country Benefit Concert: on August 14.

A family-friendly event, the concert features award winning country singer Hal Ketchum. The Grand Ole Opry member has had six top ten country hits. Opening on stage for the veteran singer is Albany country singer/songwriter Alexis Ebert. The local artist has opened previously for other country stars, including Keith Urban.

Proceeds from the concert go to ESCAPE (Exchange, Sponsored, Child, Abuse, Prevention, Effort) a Salem/Keizer based charity that provides support for at-risk families.

Tickets for the concert can be purchased on http://escapeconcerts.com

New songs from Sorceress

Salem’s Sorceress counts their influence from Pink Floyd to Black Sabbath. The four piece band’s own sound also favors the metal and rock genres and their new collection of tracks debuts on August 21 at 7 p.m. at Grand Theatre.

Guitarists Blake Ferrin and Andy Black, along with vocalist/bassist Liam Neighbors and drummer Matt Williams release their new CD entitled “Beneath the Mountain.” Their sophomore effort, Sorceress’ new album boasts tracks such as “Wolves of Asgard” and “Nine Muses” which they have made available early on their Myspace music page.

Welcoming a host of bands to join them in celebrating their new release, the band boasts that there’s “a little something for everyone...seriously.”

Adding to the ambiance is blues band Magik, experimental rock bands Office Diving and Symmetry/Symmetry, punk rockers Phantom! and death metal tunes by Weeds of Avarice.

Sorceress’s CD release show begins at 6 p.m. and costs $5.

A country music collection

Brownsville is a small town in Linn County, who at the last census, was home to 1,449 residents. From August 27-30, however, the community welcomes for the second time a plethora of country music stars and their fans during the three day outdoor Willamette Country Music Festival.

Fans are encouraged to camp out during the weekend event which in addition to the lineup of concert acts, also offers food, business and clothing vendors, mechanical bull rides, a climbing wall, a bounce house, raffles, and more.

Main attractions, of course, are the crooners. Among the musical performers is Keith Anderson, Emerson Drive, Neal McCoy, Lonestar, and eight other acts.

Each festival day costs $15, or a three day pass is available for $25. Children ages six and under may attend for free. Visit www.willamettecountymusicfest.com for more information.