It was a dance party Wednesday night on The Portland Playlist because one of Portland’s premier bands for getting the party started, Hit Machine, stopped by for a Drop-In Session. Fronted by Bart Hafeman, this is a band that guarantees a break from your troubles while you sing and dance the night away to familiar tunes from all eras.

Hit Machine, photo by Teri Briggs

Hit Machine, photo by Teri Briggs

Patrick Lefebvre, photo by Teri Briggs

Patrick Lefebvre, photo by Teri Briggs

At a Hit Machine show, you will hear everything from Prince to the Bee Gees, to AC/DC, all in one night! When determining a song to cover, their requirement is that the song must have been a major hit. It is as important to them that you have a good time at their show as it is for them to have fun performing for you.

Clark Bondy, photo by Teri Briggs

Clark Bondy, photo by Teri Briggs

To that end, they take care to learn a cover well but with their own twist, as well as choreograph synchronized dance moves, ensuring that they put on a show that will entertain you. They play everything from concerts in the park, to Corporate events, festivals, fundraisers, Blazer playoff games, Hood to Coast, and the list goes on. Joining Bart in the studio were Patrick Lefebvre, guitar; Clark Bondy, sax; and Brittany Dixon, vocals.

Bart and Brittany, photo by Teri Briggs

Bart and Brittany, photo by Teri Briggs

We spent a little time listening to Bart’s influences which included Zapp/Roger, Def Leppard, and Maroon 5, before moving on to their live performance. They performed a fun remix of Jason Mraz’s, “I’m Yours” and Bob Marley’s, “Three Little Birds,” with a Hit Machine twist. The ever-popular, “Uptown Funk,” got us all movin in our seats, ending with a Hit Machine original, “Takin It Easy.” We also listened to a recorded version of their brand new original, “Hey Now,” and are certain you will love it!

Hit Machine, photo by Teri Briggs

Hit Machine, photo by Teri Briggs

With our current political climate, shootings, attacks, and governmental situations around the world, taking a break to listen to some feel good music for a little while is the perfect medicine. A Hit Machine prescription will surely cure what ails you.

Hit Machine, photo by Teri Briggs

Hit Machine, photo by Teri Briggs

https://www.facebook.com/HitMachinePDX

Hit Machine’s official video, “You With Me,”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tHj3hqvL8as

 

PRP
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