BEACH NEWS YOU CAN USE
Covering 160 miles of Oregon coast travel: Seaside, Cannon Beach, Manzanita, Nehalem, Wheeler, Rockaway, Garibaldi, Tillamook, Oceanside, Pacific City, Lincoln City, Depoe Bay, Newport, Wadport, Yachats & Florence.

Landmark Lounge Brings National Acts to Oregon Coast

(Yachats, Oregon) – The tiny little coastal town of Yachats will be filled with the big sounds of big names in May, as the Landmark Lounge brings in national blues acts such as Terry Evans, the Rockin’ Jake Band, Lafayette-based Bluerunners, and Chicago blusters Joe Moss Band.

Terry Evans

Owner Bruce Olson refers to it as a “series,” where these national profile musicians show up once or twice a month between May and July, with another biggie showing up in October.

It all begins on May 8, with Los Angeles-based soul singer Terry Evans.

Evans was the lead vocalist in the blues film “Crossroads,” and has recorded seven albums since his debut in 1973. Originally from the Mississippi Delta, he is a long-time L.A. session singer, earning a gold record for his work on John Fogarty's "Eye of the Zombie," and recording with Ry Cooder, Joan Armatrading, John Lee Hooker, Boz Scaggs, Maria Muldaur and Pops Staples, among others.

That show begins at 8 p.m.

The series continues Sunday, June 4 at 8 p.m., with the Rockin’ Jake Band, a New Orleans blues outfit led by harp master Rockin’ Jake, a five-time winner of Off Beat Magazine's “Best of the Beat” award for best New Orleans harmonica player.

The latest of his five records - "Full-Time Work" - features John Gros (Papa Grows Funk), Ron Johnson (Karl Denson's Tiny Universe), Bryan Stoltz (the Funky Meters), Ben Ellman and Theryl "Houseman" de Clouet (Galactic). In the spring of 2004, he recorded his band’s first live CD.

Bluerunnes

Coming Sunday, July 2, at 8 p.m. comes another band from Louisiana: the Lafayette-based Bluerunners, bringing the sounds of the bayou country to the Northwest.

The Bluerunners’ most recent release is “Honey Slides,” a blend of the band’s Cajun and Creole Zydeco roots combined with the gutbucket blues and country that form the musical language of the South.

On Friday, July 14, at 9 p.m., the Joe Moss Band comes to Yachats. A mainstay of the Chicago blues scene, singer-guitar player Joe Moss is one of the hardest-working performers on the Windy City circuit, routinely working 28 gigs a month.

His sound, a mix of blues and R&B traditions paired with original songwriting, is regularly heard at Buddy Guy's Legends, the House of Blues and Kingston Mines.

Mem Shannon

On Sunday, Oct. 1, at 8 p.m., it’s Mem Shannon, a New Orleans singer nominated for the 2006 Blues Music Awards “Soul Artist of the Year” and “Soul Album of the Year.” He was the winner in 2002 of Living Blues Magazine’s “Best Song of the Year,” for his funky and irreverent tune “S.U.V.”

Shannon has played the King Biscuit Blues Festival, the Montreal Jazz
Festival and has appeared at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival for 12 straight years. His guitar work and songwriting brings blues and funk together.

In addition to the national series, The Landmark offers live music four nights a week throughout the year. The open jam led by Dave Wilson happens every Thursday at 6 p.m., bands from Oregon and the Northwest perform at 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, while acoustic solos, duos and string bands play at 5 p.m. every Sunday. There is no cover charge.

The Landmark also features ocean view casual dining in the restaurant and lounge, with a late night menu Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The Landmark Restaurant & Lounge is located at 111 Highway 101 in Yachats. 541-547-3215. Music info is at 541-547-5459.

BREATHTAKING CLIFFTOP IN NEWPORT

STARFISH POINT is located on the Central Oregon Coast - in Newport - and offers only the finest in luxury condominium lodging. At Starfish Point, every unit is focused on the beauty of the sea and the beach.
All of the units boast two bedrooms, two bathrooms, designer kitchens, wireless broadband Internet, fireplaces, Jacuzzi’s and private decks - surrounding you in soothing relaxation. We have a friendly staff dedicated to high quality and superb customer service. 140 NW 48th Street, Newport. (541) 265-3751. (800) 870-7795. www.starfishpoint.com

Cannon Beach Ecola Creek Lodge

Ecola Creek Lodge, Cannon Beach. In a quiet neighborhood, this longtime coastal landmark boasts a koi/lily pond, spacious lawns, gardens, stained glass windows and wireless internet – all in a slightly Victorian vibe. With some rooms pet friendly, you are a couple minutes walk from town and close to the beach. Guests also get access to a full recreational and exercise facility. Wild bunnies provide an adorable addition to your stay, making for an especially serene coastal experience. 208 5th St. www.cannonbeachlodge.com. 800-873-2749.