© 2024 KLCC

KLCC
136 W 8th Ave
Eugene OR 97401
541-463-6000
klcc@klcc.org

Contact Us

FCC Applications
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Eugene Loses Two Local Musicians

Eugene Weekly

Two Eugene musicians – both considered legends by many locals – died last week.

Ong Kar Walen was the founder and leader of Kudana Marimba, a Zimbabwean music group. Since 1987, the group has been a fixture at Eugene's Saturday Market, the Northwest Folklife Festival and the Oregon Country Fair.

Named for his birthplace in Illinois, Eagle Park Slim had been a member of the blues scene for over 30 years. He played with bold faced names such as Muddy Waters, Tina Turner and Joe Cocker.

Social media tributes to both men were filled with memories and well-wishes from their fans and friends.

A tribute for Eagle Park Slim will be held August 27 at 12:45 p.m. at the Saturday Market.

Born and raised in Eugene, Anni started at KLCC in 2000 as a reporter and co-host of Northwest Passage. After graduating from the University of Oregon, Anni moved to New York City. She worked in education for several years before returning to her true love, journalism. Anni co-founded and co-hosted Dailysonic, a narrative-based news podcast. She interned at WNYC's On The Media, then becoming WNYC's assistant producer of Morning Edition.