Newport's Oregon Coast Jazz Party Announces Lineup for 2025

Published 05/16/25 at 6:55 a.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Newport, Oregon) – One of the more famous music festivals on this shoreline is getting firmed up, as Newport's Oregon Coast Jazz Party 2025 just announced its musical lineup. The festival is put together by the Oregon Coast Council for the Arts (OCCA), happening October 3- 5 in the Alice Silverman Theatre at Newport Performing Arts Center. (Lucy Yeghiazaryan courtesy photo)

“I’m very excited,” said music director Ken Peplowski, who will also take the stage on clarinet and saxophone. “We’ve got a lot of new faces, and I’m even bringing in a few people from other countries.”

Joining Peplowski for the 2025 event are renowned 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, Swedish bassist Hans Backenroth, Danish drummer Kristian Leth, Mark Feinman on drums, John C. O’Leary III on piano, and - back by popular demand- Grammy-nominated guitarist Diego Figueiredo.

Among the highlights:

Diego Figueiredo is a virtuoso whose infectious, joyful energy will leave you both amazed and uplifted. Recognized as one of the world’s finest jazz guitarists, Diego Figueiredo captivates audiences with his exceptional technique, impeccable timing, and boundless imagination. His distinct style has earned him global acclaim, with his concerts delighting audiences in more than 60 countries.

Yeghiazaryan is a brilliant Armenian vocalist whose voice rings out smoky and soulful while still rooted in American straight-ahead jazz, on top of that bringing her European heritage into the artfortform. She is a recipient of grants from the Doris Duke Foundation, Chamber Music America and the New York Foundation for the Arts. She has shared the stage with Harold Mabern, Houston Person, Grant Stewart, Terell Stafford, Bernadette Peters, Arto Tuncboyaijian and many more.

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Now in its 21st year, OCJP has earned a reputation for its stunning coastal setting at Nye Beach in the “Dungeness Crab Capital of the World®” and its world-class venue equipped with a Meyer Constellation sound system. The festival attracts jazz fans from across the Pacific Northwest and beyond, supported by a dedicated local audience, regional businesses, and committed volunteers. The result is an unparalleled jazz experience—an elite gathering of talent in a welcoming and relaxed environment, where the music takes center stage.

Rossano Sportiello

Tickets are now available, with all proceeds benefiting the Oregon Coast Council for the Arts. To purchase or learn more, call 541-265-2787 or visit coastarts.org/jazz.

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