Slapjack Casualty plays at Side A in La Grande on Aug. 11, and in Baker City on Aug. 13.

LA GRANDE, BAKER CITY — Slapjack Casualty got started during the non-touring days of the pandemic, and these days the band can be found playing gigs throughout Northeastern Oregon.

This weekend brings two chances to hear this band that plays original tunes with influences of rock, blues, Americana and folk.

“We are Eastern Oregon at heart,” said member Brian Mandella.

Their first show is Friday, Aug. 11, at Side A Brewing, 1219 Washington St. in La Grande. The music starts at 7:30 p.m. on the patio.

The next performance is Sunday, Aug. 13, for the Powder River Music Revue in Baker City. The show starts at 4 p.m. in Geiser-Pollman Park. Attendance is free, and raffle tickets are sold ($5 each or five for $20) to win prizes and support the concert series.

About the band

Slapjack Casualty started fairly small.

“It started with my father-in-law and fiance,” Mandella said. “It started as a family band, but has morphed.”

Now with five band members from around Union County, he said they describe themselves as “a folk rock band with wrinkles.”

“It’s foot-stomping music,” he said. “By the end of the set, we have them dancing.”

Instruments include guitars, mandolin, fiddle, bass and drums. Everyone plays multiple instruments.

“There are more instruments than there are people in the band,” he said with a laugh.

Looking ahead, their next gig will be Saturday, Aug. 19, at the Cove Cherry Fair.

For now, while every band member has a full-time job, Slapjack Casualty stays local with shows in Union, Wallowa and Baker counties. Stay updated by checking their Facebook page.