Two centennials in one event: The Eugene Gleemen concert at Mac Court

In a rare confluence, two 100-year Eugene anniversaries will be celebrated Saturday, May 30.

The Eugene Gleemen, the longest continuously performing men’s chorus west of the Mississippi, will host a special concert at the University of Oregon’s McArthur Court, also recognizing its opening in 1926. The concert is also part of the America 250 semiquincentennial.

I’ve attended Gleemen concerts at various venues for more than 20 years. What strikes me most about this group — and perhaps explains their longevity — is how much they embody their motto, “For the sheer joy of singing.”

But how to describe that joy, especially for those of us who aren’t singers?

“Singing is such a physical thing, people vibrating at certain frequencies to make these tones. And you’re joining with others to create something beautiful,” said Jonathan Brandt, Gleemen member and former president.

Newer member David Meredith added, “It really is two things: the sheer physical joy of singing, and the fun of the fellowship.”

Non-Gleemen singers agree.

”One of the great achievements of humankind is music,” said Alexander Murphy, UO professor of geography, a former Mac Court commencement speaker and a member of many prominent singing groups. “To be able to contribute to that is really moving.”

An abiding message I’ve taken from the Gleemen is that you don’t even have to be in a group to enjoy singing. I spoke to local author and educator Lynn Ash, who agreed.

“Music and singing are probably the most important thing in my life,” she said. “I sing all the time at home.”

Of singing in public, local karaoke host Bre Strop of Breezy Bee Entertainment said, “Singing karaoke, the first thing people have to learn is to hold their own space in any room. That’s a lesson that goes beyond singing. And then they find there’s this community of support, that it’s music bringing these people together.”

Mac Court magic

I can tell from my conversations with individual Gleemen that they are excited to also celebrate 100 years of Mac Court magic. To help describe the feeling of playing there I turned to famed Oregon women’s basketball player and coach Bev Smith, now executive director of Kidsports.

“I can close my eyes and feel the floor reverberating,” Smith said. “I can smell the popcorn, hear the squeaking of our shoes, and I can hear our Ducks fans stomping on the old bleachers. It left indelible memories in my DNA. I played all over the world, but I can truly say it was the best place to play the game of basketball.”

Rec basketball at Mac Court on April 18, 2026. Credit: Wayne Parker

Each year, Mac Court’s historic value grows. It is the last remaining of the Big Three treasured sports sites in Eugene: Civic Stadium burned in 2015 and the original Hayward Field was torn down and replaced with the new one that opened in 2021.

For legendary athletes and longtime locals alike, Mac Court is home to countless memories.

And other events, like the recent Oregon Mother’s Day Powwow, bring their own historic influence to Mac Court. That is the oldest documented powwow in Oregon, organized by the UO Native American Student Union.

Oregon Mother’s Day Powwow in 2025. Credit: University of Oregon

When UO basketball moved to the new Matthew Knight Arena, demolition was considered for Mac Court. But, so far, it has had an active dance card and dodged the wrecking ball.