By now, Black Prairie--Jenny Conlee-Drizos (accordion), Chris Funk (dobro), Nate Query (upright bass), Annalisa Tornfelt (violin, vocals) and Jon Neufeld (guitar)--has clearly outgrown its roots as a casual side project, solidifying into a primary, creative focus for its members--a band with its own internal momentum, genuine character and style. Still, it's only become harder to describe what that style is. "I gave up a long time ago," guitarist Jon Neufeld says. When asked what kind of music Black Prairie plays, Neufeld usually just says "soft rock," and walks away. Black Prairie's fourth full-length record Fortune is an unexpected departure--which is, strangely, exactly what everyone's come to expect from the band. "We're a much more fearless writing team now," says bassist Nate Query. The band that started as an informal collective has now materialized into its own, fully living thing. Getting together to write "Fortune" last fall after a busy year of touring and tackling smaller, unconventional songwriting projects, the band felt like they had a well-bred, spirited animal hitched up and waiting for them--a horse flaring its nostrils, ready to run--and they wanted to keep driving it through as many different landscapes as they could. Now Hear This Series Ticketing: Purchase at The Shedd Institute Ticket Office (541-434-7000, 868 High Street). Shedd Institute concerts at the Hult Center must be purchased at the Hult Ticket Office (541-682-5000, One Eugene Center). Discounts to most Shedd Institute shows available for youths high school and younger (50%); college student with current student ID (10%); group discounts for purchases of 8 or more tickets to a single show (10%), discount for purchases of 20 or more (15%). Shedd Institute package discounts (10% to 20%) are available through The Shedd Ticket Office (541-434-7000 or 868 High Street) or on the web. Discounts cannot be combined. Don’t miss our great set-menu, casual pre-performance dinners for $19.75 ($14.75, kids 9 and younger) in The Shedd’s Great Hall 1 1/2 hours before most evening performances at The Shedd (usually 6 pm). Prepared by The Shedd's resident chef, Shelby Hoopes-Tice, each meal includes entrée (vegetarian option), salad, side dish, dessert, coffee and tea. Wine, beer, and soft drinks are available for purchase. Reservations with The Shedd Ticket Office at least 1 day in advance are required.