March 2025 in Seaside: Jazz 'n Blues Fest and Oregon Coast's Ghost Conference

Published 01/17/25 at 4:55 a.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Seaside, Oregon) – The weeks around spring break in Seaside bring a wide array of delights, sometimes otherworldly in their own ways. March 14 - 16 see the Seaside Jazz and Blues Festival, now in its second year. Then March 21 - 23 comes the Oregon Ghost Conference to town for three days of the unexplainable.

The ideas of March are not something to beware of in 2025, unless of course you're scared of extreme grooves and swing that slams. Prepare to hit new jazzy heights with the Seaside Jazz and Blues Fest, as numerous regional and especially local bands come together in a big party that celebrates not just the north Oregon coast community but music and culture in general via these standout, true American artforms. It's a vibrant festival that also raises funds for the Kyle Rieger Memorial Scholarship Fund, supporting the next generation of jazz talent.

A diverse lineup of musicians will take the stage, performing iconic jazz standards and innovative, fresh new sounds. Raucous big band jams all the way to soulful ballads fill the Seaside Civic and Convention Center. Nine bands get under the lights over these two days, spotlighting some major local talent such as Astoria's North Coast Big Band. They've been around for 35 years.

Whether you're a longtime jazz aficionado or a first-time listener, this festival promises a brain full of memorable moments.

LaFey and Hill

“Attendance to the event helps nurture young musicians, giving them the opportunity to pursue their dreams with scholarships that open doors to musical education,” said organizers. “Don’t miss your chance to make a difference while enjoying the rhythm and soul of jazz.”

Things kick off the Oregon coast festivities on Friday with North Coast Jazz Ensemble and local torch singer Chelsea LaFey. She's a resplendent, peppy presence who fronts the Salt Shakers around the northwest Oregon area. The North Coast Jazz Ensemble is comprised of Roxanne Hill (piano), Dave Drury (guitar), Dusty Hill (drums), RJ Marx (tenor sax), and more, say organizers. They start at 8 p.m.

On Saturday, starting at 11 a.m., it's Lorna Baxter Septet, Dmitri Matheny Group, Michael Raynor Quartet, Billie Eidson Band, Adriana Wagner Trio, Bridgetown Sextet and finally North Coast Big Band at 9 p.m.

The Dmitri Matheny Group is “an all-star jazz band featuring some of the most accomplished musicians in the western United States.” They go on at 1:30 p.m.

The festival will also feature many artists with pieces for sale and workshops on Sunday.

Prices vary from $20 per show to $50 for whole weekend. https://www.seaside138.com/seasidejazzandblues

On March 21 – 23, you may have reason to be scared. The Oregon Ghost Conference fills up part of the north coast town and the convention center, attracting folks from all over the Northwest. In fact, it is likely the region's largest paranormal conference with estimated attendance at 1,000 or more over those three bone-chilling days.

There's still many details to be announced, but as always there are the walking tours of Seaside, introducing you to the more ectoplasmic side of the longtime north coast fave. It's been around for 140 years and it's chock full of “spirited” tales.

Look for vendors at the shows, speakers, classes and even paranormal investigations. It's always a hoot for the casual observer to the serious paranormal fan.

General admission tickets are $20 but events are sold separately. www.oregonghostconference.com

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Andre' GW Hagestedt is editor, owner and primary photographer / videographer of Oregon Coast Beach Connection, an online publication that sees over 1 million pageviews per month. He is also author of several books about the coast.

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