Lookout PM: There's fun to be had

Well, summer is here, and there’s chillin’ to do.

Tonight, for instance: Willamalane kicks off its outdoor summer concert series at Island Park. Bring a blanket and a picnic and take in the Americana sounds of a band called Connectarine. Lillian Schrock-Clevenger previews tonight’s show and the rest of the series.
And tomorrow, Thursday Night Market returns to the Farmers Market Pavilion in downtown Eugene. It’s an evening version of the farmers market with food, farm stands, all that jazz. Oh, and actual jazz, too, with sax-based musical guests the Corona & Glausi Quintet. Vanessa Salvia has the details.
Maybe you’re more of a visual type. You can check out an exhibit of abstract photography that’s running at Maude Kerns Arts Center. What’s “abstract photography?” you ask. Arts writer Annie Aguiar will tell you.
After all that fun, we should also let you know that the governor today declared a wildfire emergency for all of Oregon. It’s hot, expected to remain that way, and, she says, “We have to be prepared for worsening conditions.”
Finally, for Springfielders: Mayor Sean VanGordon wrote a guest column on some things Oregon should be doing — and should stop doing — to prioritize economic growth.

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DAILY DIGEST

Summer concert series begins at Springfield’s Island Park

By Lillian Schrock-Clevenger

Join Willamalane Park and Recreation District as it hosts six outdoor music shows, every Wednesday and Thursday through the end of July. Bring a blanket and a picnic.

Lane County Farmers Market brings back evening festivities

By Vanessa Salvia

The Lane County Farmers Market is reviving its popular Thursday Night Markets for summer 2025 on the third Thursday of the month, from July 17 through October 16.

How can a photo be abstract? In new exhibit, four photographers weigh in

By Annie Aguiar

A show currently on display at Maude Kerns Arts Center explores what happens when a documentary medium like photography ventures into murkier territory.