Blind Pilot Could Use Your Help

Blind Pilot Founders, Israel Nebeker and Ryan Dubrowski

Blind Pilot Founders, Israel Nebeker and Ryan Dubrowski

If you’ve always had a hankering to be in a music video – or even if such a scenario wouldn’t occur to you in your wildest dreams – a chance is coming up to be of help to a ‘local’ band.  The group is Blind Pilot, an indie folk band born in Astoria and now based in Portland.  They will be taping a segment of an upcoming video and they need “extras” to serve as audience members.

It’s happening at the Oysterville Church this Friday, September 2nd.  If you can help out, be there at 12:00 noon.  I was told that we (yes, I’m planning to be there!) will be asked to sit in the pews and “just act like audience members.”  We will be directed (by the Director) about when to clap or listen intently or whatever…  I think it’s purely a volunteer deal – no budget was mentioned – and, although they have booked the church for four hours, I don’t think they’ll need the extras for very long.

Blind Pilot's Israel Nebeker Live at Sasquatch

Blind Pilot’s Israel Nebeker Live at Sasquatch

So… about Blind Pilot.  The group began in 2008 as a duo with guitarist/vocalist Israel Nebeker (of Astoria – that’s the local connection) and drummer Ryan Dubrowski who met at the University of Oregon.  That year they went on a bike tour down the West Coast from Bellingham to San Diego, taking with them a few songs and their incredible talent and charisma.  Their instruments followed behind them in custom-built bicycle trailers of their own design.

Early on in their collaboration, Israel and Ryan rented space in one of the old cannery buildings on the Astoria waterfront.  There they lived and worked on their first album, “3 Rounds and a Sound.”  The view of the pilot boats working on the river inspired their name.

"Amd Then Like Lions"

“Amd Then Like Lions”

By summer of 2009, the band had segued into a 6-piece ensemble featuring fellow Oregonians Luke Ydstie (upright bass, backing vocals), Kati Claborn (banjo, dulcimer, backing vocals), Ian Krist (vibraphones) and Dave Jorgensen (keyboards, trumpet).  As a sextet, they released their second album, “We Are The Tide” in 2011.  Over the years, they have made numerous television appearances including Late Night with David Letterman, and have performed at Lollapalooza, Sasquatch and the Bonnaroo Music Festivals.

Blind Pilot has just (August 12th) released their third album, “And Then Like Lions.”  I’m not sure if the videotaping at the church on Friday has to do with its promotion or with something else altogether.  Come and be part of the fun and find out!

2 Responses to “Blind Pilot Could Use Your Help”

  1. Deborah Wells says:

    I can be there Friday, 9/1/16, at noon to help with their production-looks like fun-any dress code required let me know and thanks! Debbie

  2. sydney says:

    Great that you can come. I have no idea about “dress code.’ I think I’ll be wearing my “usual” Levis and sweatshirt. If I find out anything different I’ll let you know.

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