About the Band
Unfamiliar Friends grew out of the collaborative energy of Chris, Luis, Jacki, Elli, Mikey, and later Eric, musicians connected through the deeply supportive music community of Albany and Corvallis.
The project began as a trio with Chris, Luis, and Jacki, playing a handful of gigs together and busking around downtown Albany. As the sound and vision evolved, Mikey and Elli joined in, bringing new textures and ideas. By August 10th, 2025, Chris reached out to longtime friend and collaborator Eric, who soon became the final piece of the puzzle. Eric fit naturally into the group thanks to previous jam sessions and shared musical history.
Many members first crossed paths at local open mics, especially the beloved Dixie Creek open mic hosted by community cornerstone Travis Paynter. The band took shape gradually, as busy adult lives allowed, until one summer afternoon at Luis’s house when everyone gathered around a big whiteboard, full of vision, inspiration, and excitement.
That day, Unfamiliar Friends truly came to life.
Friends
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Chris Byers is a friend whose kind and caring spirit is contrasted only by his nearly apocalyptic shredding of the electric guitar. Some have said his lead guitar can move a crowd to experience an out of body experience. When stepping up to a microphone with an acoustic guitar he can channel the ghost of the still living Neil Young.
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Luis Paga is a friend who brings much more than deep driving bass bass to the stage. When he is not busy shaking the stage with near subharmonic riffs, Luis is leading some of the worlds greatest sing-a-long classics from Pink Floyd to Sublime.
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Jackie Doughtery is a friend with a stage presence that is only matched by by her sirenic vocal talents. When not appearing in award-winning off-Broadway musicals, she can be heard belting rock and roll songs from AC/DC to Fleetwood Mac. Jacki can light up the stage with rock anthems or pull the audience in with with soulful vocals and guitar.
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Eric Slyter is a friend who is the literal beating heart of Unfamiliar Friends. With a gentle touch he punctuates the emotional depths of slow tempo songs. But when summoned via ancient mystic power, he can unleash the full energy of the drums to make you tap your toe, move your body, and shake your booty on the dance floor.
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Mike Sabbatino is a friend who was born helpless, naked, and unable for to provide for himself, Mikey eventually overcame these challenges. At young age he learned to play the guitar and that set him on a life long journey of music and head banging. Over the past year Mikey has been hosting an Open Mic at Tallman Brewing in Lebanon, OR and playing acoustic guitar, and mouth harp with Unfamiliar Friends.
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Elli
(Not Pictured)
Can you capture lightening in a bottle? Can you put a rainbow in your billfold? Nay!