Entertainment, encouragement at campus concert

Entertainment, encouragement come to EOU at live concert

Nov. 14, 2019 LA GRANDE, Ore. – Country pop band Oferle brought entertainment and encouragement to Eastern Oregon University students during their on-campus performance in Hoke Union Building on Nov. 6.

Eastern Student Entertainment coordinated to get La Grande on the band’s national tour. Comprised of two siblings and their cousin, Oferle has been together for five and a half years.

The band has opened for the Jonas Brothers, Jesse McCartney, Edwin McCain, Judah and the Lion, and Before you exit.

They covered hits from Maroon 5, Alicia Keys, Jackson 5, Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake, in addition to originals written by band members.

Students grabbed something to eat as they tapped their feet and sang along. Some even took the moment to do homework. The cashier at Mac’s Grill greeted customers with dance moves to the music.

EOU’s thriving university community fosters “intimate relationships with the talent,” sophomore Michael Palmer said. The band interacted with students in the audience by making jokes, asking questions and holding conversations.

Lead singer Annette Offerle noted how much she appreciated the crowd.

“It’s cool how everyone is hanging out and paying attention. You could have been anywhere on campus and you chose to be here,” she said.

Not only did the band play music, they also provided encouragement.

“If Britney Spears can get through 2007, you can get through this term,” Luke Offerle said.

After the show KEOL Radio DJ Joel Chin expressed his enthusiasm for the band.

“It’s great to have a Nashville sound here in Oregon,” Chin said. “Their vocal harmony fits together really well. Their covers were good, but I liked to hear their originals much better.”

For more information on events like these, contact Le Bailey or lbailey@eou.edu.

Written by PR Intern Briana Rosenkranz.