The  38th Annual Oregon Coast Music Festival is running from July 21^st to July 30th in Coos Bay, Oregon. Music venues from pops to country, from bluegrass to Jazz and on into classical and much more. Klezmer music is on the agenda this year. This very popular music fest attracts musicians from all over the country and even the world. Musicians from home town bands to symphony orchestras are drawn to the Oregon Coast’s summer time of music-making. There is something for everyone here.

Currently, James Paul is celebrating his 25^th year as director and principal conductor of the festival music. Paul is one of our most distinguished and respected conductors and has served in a variety of capacities with symphonies all over the country. He has also appeared with symphonies around the world. Paul is a native of Forest Grove, Oregon, and studied at prestigious music conservatories both here and abroad. He has also received several honored music awards during his career.

The orchestra is now preparing for two upcoming concerts this week. July 26th is “Three Concert Favorites” including works by Chadwick, Mozart and Elgar. The second concert is July 28th and is a pops concert, “A Festival of Film Favorites.” These concerts are put together rather quickly, but with musicians returning year after year that also play all year long, plus new musicians, they are as polished and professional as in any concert hall.

The concluding concert is July 30, “Classic and Romantic,” with symphony works by Prokofiev and Rachmaninov. In and around all of the orchestral/symphonic music are woven country, jazz, bluegrass and Klezmer. So….whatever your preference in music is, you will find it at the Oregon Coast Music Festival. Come on out and join in the musical fun!

Also not to be missed (opps, we might have) is the first music fest over the weekend in World Famous Langlois. We blogged about Langlois awhile back. A couple of the bands playing are Allen Giardinelli and the GC Hot Club (Hot Club of Bandon) and the Port Orford Blues and Dance Club Band. This event is being held at the Langlois Cheese Factory which has built an outdoor stage. Great fun!