Milo has affirm grasp of the piano

Enjoy a serenade from local pianist Milo Graamans with a special live concert event at the Newport Performing Arts Center this Saturday, Feb. 4.

“Milo Graamans: Affirmations of Hope” will feature songs from the cherished local musician’s 2022 singer-songwriter album, “A Reason to Change,” his 2020 piano solo album, “Solace” and other selections. Graamans will be joined on stage by special guests Barbara Le Pine, Cameron Locklear, Nikki Paige and Ian Smith.

“’Affirmations of Hope’ will offer audiences a musical journey of growth,” Graamans said. “From darkness and trauma, to solace through change. And I'll be performing some of the material for the first time, so there will be something new — even for those who have seen me play live previously.”

Graamans began studying piano at the age of four, and later briefly studied at the University of Oregon School of Music. He performed at the prestigious Yachats Music Festival prior to its finale in 2017, and is currently choir director and organist at Yachats Community Presbyterian Church, accompanist for Central Coast Chorale and a member of the Lincoln Pops Big Band. He is also active in community theater, serving on the board of directors for Red Octopus Theatre Company, as well as playing in pit orchestras for various local productions. His original musical, “She Loves Me Not” has been performed twice at the Newport Performing Arts Center.

The concert is presented as a fundraiser for phase seven of Performing Arts Center’s ambitious Capital Campaign, which began in 2014. This final phase will include enhancements and updates to backstage areas to eliminate sound bleed issues between theaters, add additional rehearsal space and double the number of dressing rooms, allowing for more performers and performances in the years ahead.

Saturday’s concert begins at 7 pm at the Newport Performing Arts Center, 777 W Olive Street. Tickets range from $16 to $22. For more information, go to coastarts.org or call 541-265-2787.