Some secrets are not meant to be kept. This year’s Whiteaker Block Party exposed me to a few musical groups that, despite their humble beginnings, are on the fast track to fame. The only question now is: do I keep these local treasures for myself, or do I share them for the world to enjoy? Considering the thousands of estimated attendees at the Block Party, one can safely assume the secret’s out on these Eugene-based bands. Here were some of my favorites:

Volifonix: Since the band’s creation in 2005, Volifonix has risen from a small-town sensation to a regional favorite, playing at Seattle’s Bumbershoot in 2009 and opening for Everclear on tour earlier this year. Unsurprisingly, the group of “two brothers, two others and one ninja” was also dubbed “Best Rock Band of 2008” by the Eugene Weekly. Volifonix opened the Whiteaker Block Party with a high-energy mix of funk, rock and everything in between. My favorite part of the performance was when Tomo Tsurumi, the band’s Japanese saxophonist, hopped offstage and, in an attempt to energize the crowd, tooted his horn into the face of every audience member. Volifonix is on the tail-end of its Hit ‘n Run Tour, which will play select cities in Oregon and California through September.

Tyler Fortier: There’s something about Tyler Fortier and his band of merry musicians that reminds me of Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros. Maybe it’s the notion that one person’s name represents an entire group of musicians, or maybe it’s the “one big happy family” vibe that emanated from their performance. After watching the spirited set, I realized what made Tyler Fortier so special: the raw, honest passion that shines through each lyric sung and note played. Although Fortier usually performs solo, he rocked his guitar and harmonica while his mates played the drums, keyboard and an extremely-impressive electric violin. Fortier is currently recording his new album, set to release in early 2011, and playing shows in the Pacific Northwest through September.

Black Delany: One need not be a rock/punk/heavy metal aficionado to appreciate the musical stylings of Black Delany. I arrived at the group’s set in time to hear the last song – Amuse, a yet-to-be-recorded track – and immediately regretted not showing up sooner. Hearing Pat Trant and Gavin Haworth shred (and I mean shred) on their respective guitar and bass made me wonder what else I’ve been missing from Eugene’s punk rock scene. This three-man band is still relatively unknown, but will occasionally play at a local nightclub or competition such as Last Band Standing. Black Delany’s next show will be with Explodatron at the Oak Street Speakeasy on August 17.

Medium Troy: By now, every Eugenian and their best friend in Portland knows about Medium Troy. The unofficial kings of the WOW Hall have gained a large fanbase since the band’s creation in 2006. For the Block Party, Medium Troy played a medley of their “bohemian dub” jams that had the Whit in a musical trance. The secret’s definitely out on this local favorite: on August 12, Medium Troy will tackle four West Coast dates of the Vans Warped Tour.