Hit Machine — August 8, 2024

Hit Machine is a band you and your friends will never forget. Created by Bart Hafeman, the energy projected from this seven-piece band is highly contagious, to say the least. The band plays hits from all eras, as it’s not uncommon to hear “Stayin’ Alive” (Bee Gees), “Kiss” (Prince), “Dynamite” (Taio Cruz), and “You Shook Me All Night Long” (AC/DC) all in the same set. The band has synchronized dance moves and many appropriate ways to involve everyone in the performance to make it an unforgettable evening. Hit Machine has been a guest of many prominent events surrounding the Portland Metro area including headlining Hood to Coast 2010-2015 in Seaside, headlining the Fort Vancouver Fireworks 2010-2014, playing many Blazer playoff games down at the Moda Center and for top notch corporate clients such as Nike, Intel, Sony, HP, Windermere and Comcast.

Opening act: Michele Van Kleef (with Jim Walker)

With a soulful voice, compelling melodies and pure tones reminiscent of Joni Mitchell, Michele Van Kleef adds a little edge, playing both originals and favorite covers. Breedlove Artist.

An all-new original record is in progress, planning to be released in Fall 2024.

Covers EP “Front Porch” was digitally released Nov 2022, Van Kleef is currently booking solo gigs as well as duos with Jim Walker, longtime Portland musician. Both Jim and Michele played several gigs with their late, mutual friend Tim Ellis, but never really played together, until now. The circle has come around completely and they’re currently playing as a duo.

Van Kleef’s second solo record, “Your Own Way”, is an eclectic mix of musical styles and was recorded at Portland’s Kung Fu Bakery Recording Studios. Led by the incomparable, late producer/guitarist Tim Ellis, and featuring stellar Hall & Oates drummer Michael Braun, Troy Welstad (Pink, A Fine Frenzy, Hilary Duff) on keyboards, and Jamin Swenson on bass. Rock Violinist, Aaron Meyer added his talents to a couple tracks as well as Calobo bandmate, Caleb Klauder, on mandolin and Carl Smith on percussion throughout.

The first solo album “After All” features her soulful voice, memorable melodies and storytelling lyrics. The record was mixed by Tchad Blake (2x Grammy Award Winner for Sheryl Crow and Suzanne Vega) and includes legendary bass player Tony Levin plus Nate Query from The Decemberists. Three tracks from this record were played in all Starbucks coffee houses worldwide, as well as on three episodes of Keeping Up With The Kardashians.

Prior to recording her solo ventures, Michele was a singer in the very successful, Northwest-based band, Calobo. The Indie band toured the U.S. for over 6 years and released five records. After Calobo disbanded, two of the members helped found the Decemberists. Calobo’s 2012 reunion mini tour was met with thousands of nostalgic fans and great success.

Michele’s next project was leading the Seattle based trio, Mackabella (Lazy Bones Recordings). Known for its unique brand of lush rock/pop, Mackabella’s music was licensed by 90210, Walk The Line, Fox, NBC, ABC, CBS, VH1, T-Mobile and MTV.