Two Oregon Coast Gigs Bring Fiddle Virtuosos and a Local Composer to Newport

Published 04/26/25 at 6:55 p.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Newport, Oregon) - The Oregon Coast Council for the Arts (OCCA) is putting together two stellar shows in the Newport area in May. One is a benefit featuring a talented Oregon coast composer and pianist, while the other features a group of young virtuosos.

Starting off in May 13, Oregon Coast Council for the Arts is hosting a special benefit concert featuring local pianist and composer Milo Graamans on that Tuesday, starting at 7:30 PM in the Alice Silverman Theatre at the Newport Performing Arts Center.

Milo Graamans on May 13 at a special benefit; Fiddle Express on May 16.

Graamans, a talented pianist, composer, singer-songwriter, and freelance accompanist, will perform a diverse repertoire, including original compositions, Renaissance pieces, classical selections, and more. Admission is by donation, with proceeds supporting OCCA’s Summer Shakespeare Camp for local youth.

Graamans, who began piano lessons at the age of four, studied briefly at the University of Oregon School of Music and performed at the esteemed Yachats Music Festival before its finale in 2017. He is currently the choir director at Yachats Community Presbyterian Church, a member of the Lincoln Pops Big Band, and an active collaborator with various groups across Lincoln County. As the director of OCCA’s Summer Shakespeare Camp, Graamans provides students in grades 6–12 with the opportunity to explore Shakespeare’s works and participate in a public performance. This summer’s production will feature Hamlet. For more details, visit https://coastarts.org/events/shakes-camp.

No tickets are required for this benefit concert - donations are accepted at the door. The Newport Performing Arts Center is located at 777 W Olive Street in Newport’s Nye Beach. For further information, visit coastarts.org/events/milo.

OCCA said it is excited to present Fiddle Express – The Beck Family Band, performing live on Friday, May 16, at 7:30 PM in the Alice Silverman Theatre at the Newport Performing Arts Center.

Oregon Coast Beach Connection

This extraordinary group of musicians, known mostly as Fiddle Express, is composed of three classically trained teenage siblings, each a remarkable virtuoso. Their dazzling harmonies, skillful musicianship, and innovative interpretations have earned them widespread acclaim. With a fresh twist on bluegrass and unexpected, high-energy renditions of popular tunes, they deliver a performance that redefines the genre. Simply put: this ain't your grandpa's bluegrass concert.

The trio, members of the Boise Philharmonic Symphonic Youth Orchestra, bring exceptional talent to the stage. Fifteen-year-old Andrew Beck, who began his musical journey at just two years old, plays mandolin, guitar, and fiddle, and also provides vocals. Seventeen-year-old Rachel Beck, who started playing at age three, showcases her vocals and fiddle expertise. Eliza Beck, the eldest at eighteen, began her musical career at age four and contributes her skills on guitar, fiddle, and vocals. Between them, they boast numerous awards from state and national competitions.

Since releasing their debut EP Rubber Dolly in January 2019, followed by their second album In the Mood in 2022, Fiddle Express has steadily risen within the bluegrass community. Their latest album, Musical Rizz, is now streaming on all major platforms. Their distinctive sound has drawn comparisons to legendary groups like The Grascals and Lonesome River Band, cementing their reputation as rising stars in the genre.

Tickets for this one-night-only event are just $34 (general admission) and can be purchased by calling 541-265-2787, visiting the Newport Performing Arts Center Box Office at 777 W Olive Street, or online at coastarts.org/events/fiddle-express.

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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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