Second careers shine for musicians at Oregon Caves Chateau
From our weekly issue dated May 26, 2010
Honky-tonk man, Dave Angus will perform at Oregon Caves Chateau. (Photo provided)
The performers set for Friday and Saturday, May 28 and 29, at the Chateau at Oregon Caves National Monument come from vastly different backgrounds, but share a similarity in that music is a second avocation for both.
Michael Cruz grew up in Josephine County and graduated from Grants Pass High School. A self-taught musician, he“s been playing guitar since he was 13, beginning with Country-Western and Rock. He took up Flamenco and classical guitar almost 20 years ago.
In 1996, working as a timber-faller, he was struck in the head by a falling tree which cracked his skull and broke ligaments, but didn“t paralyze him. During his hospitalization he was able to practice guitar while confined to bed.
Realizing that his logging days were concluded, Cruz became a professional musician and during the years has performed at Galice Resort, Morrison Lodge, Summer Jo“s and a four-year stint at the OK Corral for Hellgate Excursions, playing for 300 to 400 people each night.
He now enjoys playing at assisted-living facilities because the residents are so appreciative.
He enjoys the complexity of playing bass and melody simultaneously, which makes it sound as though two people are playing.
His performance, beginning at 5:30 p.m. Friday, May 28, will range from Beethoven to Chet Atkins. Cruz also has recorded his first CD, which will be available.
Dave Angus began his professional life as a lighting technician in the television and film industry. Two of his favorite jobs were working for producer Michael Landon on “Little House on the Prairie“ and “Highway to Heaven.“
He“ll be playing “Nothing but the Blues“ on the new grand piano in the Chateau lobby from 8 to 10 p.m. Saturday, May 29.
Angus, a local favorite, also is well-known as a Blues singer and skillful “Blues harp“ (harmonica) player.
Guests are encouraged to phone 541-592-3400 for dinner or lodging reservations. The Chateau at the Oregon Caves is operated by Oregon Caves Outfitters, authorized concessionaires of the National Park Service.
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