 |
 |
Portland Singer Tours Oregon Coast Before Las Vegas Showcas |
|---|
Covering 180 miles of Oregon coast travel: Astoria, Seaside, Cannon Beach, Manzanita, Nehalem, Wheeler, Rockaway, Garibaldi, Tillamook, Oceanside, Pacific City, Lincoln City, Depoe Bay, Newport, Waldport, Yachats & Florence.
published April '06
Secrets of the Season |
Portland Singer Tours Oregon Coast Before Las Vegas Showcase
(Oregon
Coast) - Portland singer Beth Willis is - as one show from the 70’s
used to proclaim – “movin’ on up.” Willis’
bold, ballsy and bluesy form of alt-folk is gaining an increasingly larger
following since moving to Portland recently, and she’s now heading
to Las Vegas for a couple of high-profile shows there.
Before her moments in the sun in Sin City, Willis will do a brief tour of coastal venues from Newport up to Cannon Beach. She performs the Kernville Steakhouse in Lincoln City on April 29, the Lumberyard Rotisserie and Grill on May 3, and then the famous Blu Cork Wine Bar in Newport on May 5. She returns to Blu Cork on May 20th as well.
|
After
coming back up to her native Portland, Willis
– nicknamed the “acoustic goddess of fun” - has
quickly become part of a close-knit and highly supportive network of similar
musical minds, such as Kate Mann and Krista Herring. Because of this,
she’s become a regular at various acoustic singer/songwriter showcases,
such as the Green Room.
Now, Willis will appear in Las Vegas at House of Blues on May 11 and then at Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville on May 12, both shows with another prominent local Las Vegas acoustic artist. The House of Blues show is a special acoustic singer/writer showcase.
“I can’t believe it,” Willis squeals in delight, several times during this conversation. “I can’t believe I’m playing this big show at House of Blues’ Mandalay Bay. Then the show at Margaritaville will be on a balcony, overlooking the strip. Everyone walking by will hear me.”
Beth’s shows are divided into two categories: original songs in her own, in-your-face style, or a host of cover tunes that is so wide and varied in style and number that she comes across as a human jukebox.
Her
original material, however, is the stuff getting more and more recognition
these days, with its rapid-fire delivery of stream-of-consciousness lyrics,
and a stunning, hefty voice that evokes everything from to classic Joplin.
“Songs come to me almost pre-packaged,” Willis said. “The ones that really speak from me arrive all at once, in my head, with music and lyrics and everything. All I can do is keep my hand moving fast enough to write it all down.”
A1 Beach Rentals, Lincoln City. Perfect for large family vacations all the way down to a getaway lodging for two - with over 25 vacation rental homes to choose from. A breathtaking collection of craftsman or traditional beachfront homes, or oceanview houses – from one to seven bedrooms. In various areas of Lincoln City and overlooking the beach, with some in Depoe Bay. All kinds of amenities are available, like hot tubs, decks, BBQ, rock fireplaces, beamed ceilings and more. Some are new, some are historic charmers. Lincoln City, Oregon. 1-(503)-232-5984. www.a1beachrentals.com. |
This somewhat explains the powerful, relentless flow of guts and emotion that comes from a single singer, on any of the tunes from her recent album, “Every Angle.”
Leonard Cohen, Jack Johnson, Patti Smith and Tracy Chapman all come to mind as well. Willis is part cool alterna-folkie and part raunchy bluester from the late 60’s, with the lyrical insight and adeptness of someone like Cohen or Smith.
Janis is definitely among her biggest influences, she admits. “Yeah, Janis is an influence in that she did her own stuff, did her own thing,” Willis said. “She didn’t worry about what the sound of the times was, she did her own sound.”
April 29, 2006 - Kernville Steak & Seafood House, Lincoln City. 186 Siletz Hwy, Lincoln City. (541) 994-6200.
May 3, 2006 - Lumberyard Rotisserie & Grill, Cannon Beach. 264 3rd Street, Cannon Beach. (503) 436-0285
May 5 & May 20, 2006 - Blu Cork Wine Bar, Newport. 613 SW Third Street, Newport. 541-265-2257.
 |
 |
 |
Tradewinds Motel, Rockaway Beach. All rooms are immaculate and have TV’s, VCR’s and in-room phones w/ data ports. Oceanfronts have queen bed, a double hide-a-bed, kitchen, cozy firelog fireplace and private deck. Both types sleep up to four people. Others are appointed for a two-person romantic getaway, yet still perfect for those on a budget. Elaborate oceanfront Jacuzzi suite has two bedrooms, kitchen, double hide-a-bed, fireplace and private deck, sleeping as many as six. For family reunions or large gatherings such as weddings, some rooms can connect to create two-room and three-room suites. Some rooms pet friendly. 523 N. Pacific St., Rockaway Beach. (503) 355-2112 - 1-800-824-0938. www.tradewinds-motel.com |
Lincoln City Vacation Homes Something for everyone: smaller homes with a view to a large house that sleeps 15. All are either oceanfront or just a few steps away – all with a low bank access and fantastic views. Most are in the Nelscott area; one is close to the casino. You’ll find a variety of goodies: fireplaces, multiple bedrooms, dishwashers, Jacuzzis, washer/dryers, hot tubs, cable TV, VCR, barbecues; there’s a loft in one, and another sprawling home has two apartments. Pets allowed in some homes – ask first. Each comes with complete kitchens. Most have seventh night free. Prices range from winter $85 to summer $230 per night. www.getaway2thecoast.com. 541-994-8778. |
 |
 |
 |
 Inn
at Cannon Beach. Beautifully wooded natural setting at quiet south
end of Cannon Beach. Great during winter storms with a new book by
the fireplace – or when the sun is out for family fun and beach
strolling. Handsome beach cottage-style architecture. Lush flowering
gardens and naturalized courtyard pond. Warm, inviting guest rooms.
Continental buffet breakfast. Warm Cookies. Family and Pet Friendly.
Welcome gifts. Smoke-free. Complimentary Wireless Connectivity. Wine
and book signing events. 800-321-6304 or 503-436-9085. Hemlock At
Surfcrest, Cannon Beach, Oregon. www.atcannonbeach.com. |
The Ocean Lodge. There will not be another property built like this in Cannon Beach in our lifetimes. Rare, premiere ocean front location; handsome, dramatic architecture and tasteful, fun (nostalgic) beach interiors. Overlooks Haystack Rock. 100 percent smoke free. Imaginative special occasion packages. Massive wood burning lobby fireplace. Library w/ fireplace, stocked with impressive book collection. Pet and family friendly. Lavish continental buffet breakfast. In-room fireplaces, mini-kitchens. Jacuzzi tubs in select rooms. DVD players, complimentary movies. Morning paper. Warm cookies. 888-777-4047. 503-436-2241. 2864 Pacific Street. Cannon Beach, Oregon. www.theoceanlodge.com |
 |
 |
 |
Weiss' Paradise Suites & Vacation Rentals - Seaside
Unique Luxury Accommodations in Seaside. 1BR Suites,
1BR & 2BR Duplex Units and 3BR Houses, units for 2-8 people.
Rent entire property for 20-26. Close to beach, river and Broadway
St. |
Arch
Cape Property Services.
Dozens of homes in that dreamy,
rugged stretch between Cannon Beach and Manzanita known as Arch
Cape. Oceanfront and ocean view , or just a short walk from the
sea. |
 |
 |
 |
RELATED STORIES
Click here for video of Dec. storm aftermath
Oregon Coast Best of Awards for the Year And the winners are: best of Oregon coast restaurants, lodgings, science, odd events in nature and stunning moments for 2007
Watching Transformations of Oregon Coast Beaches Seasons change and so do beaches, revealing different sides and a variety of eye-popping sights
Structures Found on Oregon Beach May Be 80,000 Years Old - They are the remnants of a forest apparently 80,000 years old, found at Hug Point
Day or Night Mysteries and Merriment on Oregon Coast It's more than just nightlife that comes to life, but the beaches offer major opportunities
Oregon Coast Travel Site Goes Wireless Provides Lodging Reports - Oregon Coast Beach Connection now has mobile lodging and dining listings, along with weekly lodging availability reports
