The Riflebirds of Portland
Biography The Riflebirds of Portland
The Riflebirds
formed in 1985 in Portland, Oregon. The nucleus was bass player Lee Oser and guitarist Kevin Kraft, who played together in The Van Goghs and The Cry! When singer Kate Lieuallen joined them, along with temporary drummer Jeff Minick, The Riflebirds were born.
Minnick was succeeded by Kevin Jarvis. The band’s heyday, from 1985 to 1989, saw the release of two singles and a cassette LP, “April,” produced by Marvin Etzioni. Lee and Kate married in 1988, and soon after moved east.
Lee found a job teaching college, and Kate became a children’s librarian. Kevin Kraft ended up working in Silicon Valley. Kevin Jarvis went on to enjoy a successful career in Los Angeles as a session drummer, engineer, and producer.
The Mermaids, who sing backup on multiple tracks, are Grace Kraft, Branigan Lieuallen, and Briana Oser. Grace is Kevin’s daughter, Branigan is Kate’s niece, and Briana is Lee and Kate’s daughter.
The band regrouped in 2024 as The Riflebirds of Portland.
