ENTERTAINMENT
Eugene is full of great, local musical talent. So, it won’t surprise you to find inspiring, funky and unique groups along the race course to keep participants entertained (distracted?) as they Run in the Footsteps of Legends.
2026 on course entertainment
DJ Bump
Josiah Bump is a local Eugene musician and DJ, and has been practicing his craft for over 25 years. With roots in the East Coast, Josiah played Bass Guitar and Saxophone as young man and began to explore his interests in Electronic Music, Hip Hop and Beat Production as he matured. Josiah has DJ’d events from Weddings to Ecstatic Dance parties and also was a radio DJ for a few years at UofO radio station KWVA. Bump brings good vibes and groovy beats to the dance floor, or the Finish line!
Beat Crunchers
Beat Crunchers play booty-shaking grooves from all around the world. Memorable for their mighty horn section and live effects, they put a Pacific Northwest spin on balkan, cumbia, afropop, funk, reggae, and more. Incorporating members from bands such as Kef, Klezmonauts, and Samba Ja, the Beat Crunchers perform originals and creative covers based on all that is danceable.
Eugene Taiko
Eugene Taiko is a community-based Japanese drumming ensemble that has been performing for audiences throughout Oregon since 1989. "Taiko" simply means "drum" in Japanese, but Eugene Taiko truly brings its drums alive with powerful beats and spellbinding rhythms. Performing modern interpretations of traditional pieces as well as their own compositions, the members of Eugene Taiko bring their energetic enthusiasm to each of the group's performances.
Fode Sylla & Mashugi Drum Ensemble
Our local collective of local drummers have been playing for the Eugene Marathon runners for over 10 years, setting up at the Owosso foot bridge the last 5 years, playing loud and strong, sharing high energy rhythms to encourage the runners to stay strong and keep going! Fode Sylla is from Guinea, West Africa, and he shares his drumming skills with his students in Portland, Bend, Eugene and beyond. He's a choreographer, dancer and master drummer who performs all over the country and is always found at the Oregon Country Fair.
Duo Two Accordions
Family DUO “TWO ACCORDIONS” is a unique collaboration between father and daughter, both renowned musicians, accordion champions from the United States. Diversity of styles such as Classical, Tango, Jazz, Pop, Original music and more...
Accordion DUO “TWO ACCORDIONS” today is one of the most successful and popular groups in this genre. Their versatility, world class musicianship, creativity, in addition to unforgettable stage presence and finesse make their show a “must see”. Both of them are World Accordion Champions, the winners of International Accordion Competitions in the USA, Canada, Australia, Germany, Belarus, Russia, Ukraine, Italy, and France. Duo “TWO ACCORDIONS” is unquestionably one of the most striking duos in the United States.
Samba Ja
Samba Ja plays a variety of events such as parades, festivals, weddings, and stage shows. Some events we've played include Oregon Country Fair, Northwest Folklife, Honk!Fest West, Eugene Celebration, U.S. Track and Field Olympic Trials.
We've also played many local events such as Saturday Market, First Friday Art Walk, and Whiteaker Block Party. We've played more events than we can count for the City of Eugene, City of Springfield, and local Parks & Rec groups.
BEST BACKING TRACKS
Best Backing Tracks was formed by Bob Clayton as a way to compose and publish backing tracks for musicians to play along with to improve on their instrument. Our website features approximately a dozen albums of music for guitar, bass and drums, and are available for purchase.
Stereo Minds
Stereo Minds has been creating music and supporting arts in the Lane County community for over twenty five years and play original music that will warm your heart and get your feet tapping in the same set. Austin's guitar, vocals and harmonica are a crowd favorite and Matrisha's earthy drumming and backup harmonies are a beautiful compliment to the variety of songs performed by this group.
Neri Rodriguez y Los Cumbiamberos
Be ready to enjoy the real soul of latin music from the Caribbean with Los Cumbiamberos.
Playing Cumbia and Merengue.