Another Oregon Jazz Festival Heads for the Coast

Nancy King

(Newport, Oregon) – On an unassuming weekend in September, several hundred folks swarmed in on the coastal resort town of Newport, Oregon to hear jazz wafting through the air at “the other Newport jazz festival,” known as Jazz at Newport Festival.

Five days of music, lectures, workshops and beachy fun had grown substantially with the festival, now in its third year, filling Newport’s historic Nye Beach neighborhood with a palpable air of excitement.

With such a rousing success under its belt, the Oregon Coast Council for the Arts is bringing another jazz festival in to ring in the holidays and chase out the New Year, with Newport’s Jazz for the Holidays, held December 29 – January 1, at the Newport Performing Arts Center.

Beaches of Newport

This massive New Years Eve Party is spread over four days and is headlined by Portland jazz icons The Bobby Torres Ensemble and singer Nancy King. The both perform on New Years Eve at 8 p.m., and on New Years Day at 2 p.m.

December 29 and 30 are filled with the Portland Jazz Singers Showcase (both at 8 p.m.), featuring a different group of singers each night, including Linda Daiber, Barbara Lusch, Karla Harris, Linda Michelet, Mitzi Zilka, Carolyn Joyce, Mike Winkle and latin singer/guitarist Tobaj.

Singers are backed up The Green Dolphin Street Band, comprised of Mark Simon on piano, Dennis Caiazza on bass, Larry Bard on drums and David Valdez on saxophone.

Bobby Torres

September’s festival left a pleasant taste throughout Newport, with businesses and tourism officials alike touting the crowds, energy, vibe and economic impact on a post-summer weekend that could have otherwise been lackluster.

“We receive numerous calls and emails from folks throughout the region and beyond as this wonderful event grows and gains popularity each year,” said Lorna Davis, Tourism Development Director for Newport.

The Elizabeth Street Inn also served as one of the venues for the festival, and manager Marianne Barrett is looking forward to what will happen with the Jazz for the Holidays event.

“We, of course were full," Barrett said. "We could have filled this place four times over. Just the energy alone around my inn during Jazz at Newport was phenomenal. I can’t imagine a better place to be but here in December for the holidays.”

Blu Cork Wine Bar, also in the Nye Beach district, was one of the venues as well. Owner Jon Trusty was one happy sommelier, as well as a little star struck.

Newport's Jump-Off Joe rock structure

“I think the financial impact paired with representation and promotion of Newport was great,” Trusty said. “I had one venue but visited others, and gauging the general feedback, I feel it was a winner and gaining momentum each year. I had the opportunity to meet and hang with Jeff Hamilton, John Clayton and some other big names. These world-class musicians were excited to return.”

Jazz for the Holidays – December 29 – January 1. All shows are at the Newport Performing Arts Center and begin at 8 p.m., except for the January 1 show with Bobby Torres and Nancy King, which starts at 2 p.m.

A festival pass can be purchased for $54, and includes one of the Torres/King shows. Patrons can see both shows for an extra $20. Day passes are $25 ($20 for members of OCCA), $10 students. 888-701-7123. www.jazzatnewport.org.

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