Getting the party started

The Newport Performing Arts Center welcomes back the riveting Halie Loren this Saturday, Sept. 3, for a concert benefiting the upcoming 2022 Oregon Coast Jazz Party.

Loren has performed on several occasions at the center, much to the delight of local jazz enthusiasts. Hailing from Oregon and Alaska, her busy career has taken her across North America and to venues all over the world, including Asia, Europe, North Africa and the Caribbean.

Loren offers up songs in several different languages and employs a range of musical styles — weaving jazz, blues, pop and world flavors — bringing her fresh approach to original songs and to well-loved standards. Loren’s many awards and honors include debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard Jazz/Japan chart, reaching No.1 on the iTunes Canada jazz albums chart and winning an Emmy for best music video from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences in 2019.

Joining Loren on stage will be a fine group of musicians. Matt Treder has played keyboards for Loren for many years and also provides back-up vocals. Rob Koeler will carry the “bottom” on bass and Charlie Doggett will keep time on drums. The performance promises to be filled with a perfect blend of familiar and new jazz selections.

Local jazz quintet Central Coast Jazz Alliance will open the event. With Bill Hartsell on guitar, John Bringetto on trumpet and flugelhorn, Matt White on saxophone, Greg Berton on bass and Dr. Sandy Schaefer on drums, the group has been playing venues in Lincoln County and has quickly developed a loyal following.

The upcoming Oregon Coast Jazz Party runs from September 30 through October 1. An Oregon Coast tradition, the Jazz Party will present three shows, each with a feature set along with lively performances by musicians playing together in dynamic and unexpected combinations.

Loren’s concert begins at 7 pm. Tickets are $25. The Newport Performing Arts Center is located at 777 W. Olive Street. For more information, go to coastarts.org or call 541-265-2787.