Ear: Israel

As many of you probably know, Big Red, aka the Net Loft, at the bottom of 31st Street, was sold last November for $129,000 after being owned by the late artist Royal Nebeker and his family for several years.

It was a favorite spot for his son, Israel Nebeker, lead singer of indie band Blind Pilot, which is on tour around the country. (If you’re lucky, you might still be able to snag a standing-room ticket for Feb. 26 in Portland at blindpilot.com/tour.)

In a poignant post Feb. 3 on the band’s Facebook page, Israel sang, and wrote, his farewell to the historic building: “The day before flying out for this tour, I said goodbye to an important place for Blind Pilot, and for me. This 1890s cannery building on the mouth of the Columbia is where Blind Pilot began.

“Ryan (Dobrowski) and I lived out here for a summer, and recorded our first EP. Most of my songs have come to me out here. We’ve rehearsed, and had photo shoots and made music videos out here. I shared a studio space with my dad out here — him painting on one side, and me writing Blind Pilot songs and recording on the other.”

“I began my artist path out here, and Blind Pilot began our band’s path right here,” he added. “I’m so grateful to it. Still my favorite place to sing. I wanted to sing one last song here before saying goodbye, and handing over the keys to the new owner. Thanks for all you gave, Big Red.” (Screenshot: Israel Nebeker)