Jazz at Newport

Saturday, September 26, 2009

Not to be confused with the festival on the east coast, the central Oregon coast town of Newport has hosted the Jazz at Newport Festival for 6 years.

Jazz aficionados will enjoy three days of pure jazz heaven with no less than ten places all over Newport to soak up the jazz vibes. It's action-packed October 2-4, with something happening every hour of the day of the festival, including a constantly revolving roster of "sessions," workshops and talks, as well as bigger concerts.

Many shows take place at the Newport Performing Arts Center (PAC), but numerous other places around Newport will be turned into jazz venues for the weekend for the Jazz Around Town feature of the Jazz at Newport Festival.

It's Beer:30 at the Beach!

Saturday, September 19, 2009

Beer lovers will enjoy the 8th Annual Pacific Northwest Brew Cup in Astoria, September 25-27. Sample beers from more than 36 northwest breweries while enjoying live music and vendors selling food and other items. This family friendly event happens at the Astoria Downtown Plaza on Duane Street between 11th and 12th Street. Proceeds will benefit the Clatsop County Food Bank, a United Way Agency.

Camel Rides in Lincoln City

Monday, September 14, 2009

The second annual Iris Pride Festival is September 18-20 in Lincoln City. This colorful Jungle themed event will include drag shows, "Family Feud", a Clambake, Mermaid Contest, Flamingo Bingo, Cooking demo, Happy Hour, live music, Jungle Love; A-Fair with live snake charmers, fire dancing, drag performances and special appearances, kid's activities, a growling competition, pie eating contest and camel rides on the beach. Yes, that’s right, camel rides! For more information, go to www.oregoncoast.org.

Fall Beach Clean Up

Sunday, September 13, 2009

As a resident of Cannon Beach, I enjoy daily walks on the beach. It never ceases to amaze me the amount of garbage and debris that is washed up on shore or left by visitors. I carry a trash bag with me and pick up garbage on my daily beach walks. If you want to help keep the beaches clean, SOLV offers two opportunities a year for groups and individuals to clean up the Oregon coast.

SOLV started the Great Oregon Beach cleanup 25 years ago to make the beaches more beautiful and inviting. The cleanup also helps coastal wildlife. Whales, seals and sea lions, sea birds, sea turtles and fish can become fatally entangled in garbage such as discarded fishing line or plastic. Garbage may also be ingested. Small pieces of styrofoam or plastic jugs, balloons or plastic bags are often mistaken for food.

To participate in the cleanup, show up at 10:00 am on Saturday, September 19 at one of the 43 meeting sites along the Oregon Coast. For more information, go to www.solv.org

Surf's Up!

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Surfers of all ages and abilities will compete at The Gathering: 7th Annual Longboard Classic. This renowned surf event will be held September 12 and 13, 2009 at South Beach State Park in Newport, Oregon. Longboarders will compete in 11 categories of surfing expertise. Admission is free. The weather forecast for Newport looks good for the weekend, sunny skies are expected, with highs in the upper 60’s.

Car Shows at the Oregon coast

Sunday, September 6, 2009

Take a nostalgic road trip down memory lane in Seaside or Florence Sept 11-13. Both coastal towns are hosting their annual car shows, the Rods and Rhodies in Florence and Wheels and Waves in Seaside, featuring custom cruisers from 1972 and older. For a schedule of events go to www.florencechamber.com or www.flashbackinseaside.com.