Newport's Oregon Coast Jazz Party Announces Dates, New Director

Published 03/24/26 at 6:55 a.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Newport, Oregon) - The Oregon Coast Council for the Arts is bringing major star power to this year's Oregon Coast Jazz Party, announcing that internationally celebrated bassist, composer, and Grammy-winning educator John Clayton will serve as interim Artistic Director for the 2026 edition. Clayton - whose résumé reads like a tour through modern jazz history - steps in following the passing of longtime Artistic Director Ken Peplowski, whose influence shaped the festival for more than a decade.

The 2026 Jazz Party, set for October 2 - 4 at the Newport Performing Arts Center, will double as a heartfelt tribute to Peplowski. Known for his quick wit, impeccable swing, and uncanny ability to assemble world-class lineups, Peplowski was widely regarded as the festival's guiding spirit. His absence is deeply felt not just in Newport but around the region, and organizers say Clayton's leadership ensures the event remains rooted in the same artistic excellence and warmth that Peplowski championed.

Adding to the significance of this year's celebration, The Jazz Cruise has signed on as presenting sponsor - a first-ever partnership uniting two major forces in the jazz world. The festival also welcomes back Rev. Carol Stubbs Smith as lead underwriter, whose continued support helps keep this coastal tradition thriving.

“This year's party will continue the well-established presentation of jazz artists from across the nation,” Clayton said. “We will also pay tribute to the memory of Ken Peplowski. He is the man whose vision of jazz brought decades of exciting, world-class programs to us. I can promise that anyone who joins us will leave with joyful jazz reverberating through their souls!”

While the artist lineup remains under wraps, anticipation is already building. With Clayton at the helm and a community eager to honor Peplowski's legacy, the 2026 Jazz Party is shaping up to be a weekend of standout performances as it has been for about two decades now. Since its inception in the early 2000s, it's brought a buzz to the tourism hub just as shoulder season swings into winter. The festival always has a vibrant emotional resonance, and the kind of improvisational magic that keeps fans returning year after year.

Last year featured saxophonist Scott Hamilton, Colombian bassist Alejandro Arenas, classically-trained Italian jazz pianist Rossano Sportiello, the remarkable Armenian American vocalist Lucy Yeghiazaryan, legendary trumpeter Bruce Harris, “irrepressibly spontaneous” jazz trombonist Mariel Bildsten and Swedish bassist Hans Backenroth. Who fills the stages this year is a highly anticipated announcement.

Tickets for the general public are expected to go on sale April 21, and organizers recommend early booking given the heightened interest surrounding this year's tribute. Proceeds support the Oregon Coast Council for the Arts. More information is available at coastarts.org/jazz.

 

 

 

 

New at Neskowin: Vacation Rental a Gateway to Secluded, Even Exotic Stretch o...
Neskowin North is just killin' it with oceanfront glory and a unique beach. Neskowing lodging reviews, Pacific City reviews, Pacific City hotels

Three Distinctive, Unique Places to Spend the Night in Pacific City - N. Oreg...
One in Neskowin, two rentals homes in town. Lodging reviews, hotel reviews

Summer's Surprise Rate Drops in July On Oregon Coast Include Lincoln City Bea...
20 percent some vacation rentals in the heat of July's highest rates. Lincoln City lodging specials, Lincoln City hotel reviews

Brookings Hotels - Close to Harris Beach, Samuel H. Boardman
Brookings Hotels, Brookings Hotel Reviews

 

 

Oregon Coast Hotels for this event - South Coast Hotels - Oregon Coast Vacation Rentals - Where to eat - Maps - Virtual Tours

Oregon Coast Hotels in this area - South Coast Hotels - Oregon Coast Vacation Rentals - Where to eat - Maps - Virtual Tours

 

Hotels in Astoria - Where to eat - Astoria Maps and Virtual Tours

Hotels in Seaside - Where to eat - Seaside Maps and Virtual Tours

Hotels in Cannon Beach - Where to eat - Cannon Beach Maps and Virtual Tours

Hotels in Manzanita, Wheeler - Where to eat - Manzanita, Wheeler Maps and Virtual Tours

Hotels in Rockaway Beach - Where to eat - Rockaway Beach Maps and Virtual Tours

Hotels in Tillamook Bay - Where to eat - Tillamook Maps and Virtual Tours

Hotels in Three Capes - Where to eat - Three Capes Maps and Virtual Tours

Hotels in Oceanside - Where to eat - Oceanside Maps and Virtual Tours

Hotels in Pacific City - Where to eat - Pacific City Maps and Virtual Tours

Hotels in Lincoln City - Where to eat - Lincoln City Maps and Virtual Tours

Hotels in Depoe Bay - Where to eat - Depoe Bay Maps and Virtual Tours

Hotels in Newport - Where to eat - Newport Maps and Virtual Tours

Hotels in Waldport - Where to eat - Waldport, Seal Rock Maps and Virtual Tours

Hotels in Yachats - Where to eat - Yachats Maps and Virtual Tours

Hotels in Yachats - Where to eat - Upper Lane County Maps and Virtual Tours

Oregon Coast Hotels in this area - - Where to eat - - Florence Oregon Virtual Tour, Map

More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging.....

More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining.....

Washington Coast / Oregon Coast Articles (stories are random: hit reload to see different articles)

Galaxy Will Be Missing from Northwest Skies for Awhile
Oregon / Washington Coast astronomy: blazing satellites, extreme low and high tides. Astronomy, weather

From Freeze to Summer-like Breeze: Oregon Finally Hit by Spring This Weekend
Freeze first, then the coast near 70, Portland up to 77, and Washington not as warm. Weather

Two Vehicle Incidents in Different Parts of Oregon Coast Range, One Killed
A fatality near Florence and a bizarre police chase on Highway 6. Traffic

Washington Coast Opens Up Razor Clam Digs Apri 17 - 23
Clam it up in Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, and Mocrocks

When Oregon Coast Whales Spout Rainbows - Yes, It's a Thing
The one thing whales off Oregon and Washington have in common with unicorns. Marine sciences

Rare Fin Whale Washes Up on Washington Coast: What Necropsy Revealed
Evidence of starvation and a killer whale attack. Salish sea, marine sciences

Fatal Crash on Southern Oregon Coast Involves Three Cars, Nearly Hitting Police
Another wreck killed one man near Welches. Coos Bay, Bandon, traffic

Two Fireballs Hit West Coast Skies in Oregon, Washington, California - Captured on Video
One at 8:19 pm, second at 6:06 am. Astronomy, weather

Back to Oregon Coast

Contact Advertise on Oregon Coast Beach Connection
All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright © Oregon Coast Beach Connection. Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted