It looks like viral videos and the Sisters Folk Festival were just the start for The Weather Machine.

The Portland band, led by Sisters native and former SFF Americana Project student Slater Smith, is set to open rock ’n’ soul powerhouse Alabama Shakes’ sold out show at McMenamins Crystal Ballroom in Portland on Dec. 7. Soon after, The Weather Machine heads to Europe for its first tour of Germany, Switzerland and Austria.

It’s a busy schedule, but not too busy that Smith can’t find time to visit his old hometown. The band will return to The Belfry on Saturday for a warm-up gig.

The band hit the road hard this year in support of its sophomore album, “Peach,” which showcases the band’s growth from folky Smith vanity project to bona fide rock ’n’ roll warriors. It also got some national attention thanks to its video for “Back O’er Oregon,” which featured the band performing in each of Oregon’s 185 state parks.

Smith and company were one of the highlights of this year’s Sisters Folk Festival — in particular, the band’s barnstorming set at Fir Street Park that closed out the day Sept. 12. Anyone who saw that show knows why this band is opening for Alabama Shakes. Everyone who didn’t see it should be at The Belfry on Saturday to find out. (The Belfry’s website also mentions some “special guests.” That’ll be fun to find out, too.)

The Weather Machine, with “special guests”; 8 p.m. Saturday; $8 plus fees in advance, $10 at the door; The Belfry, 302 E. Main St., Sisters; www.belfryevents.com. —Brian McElhiney