Summer music festivals are popular in the Northwest U.S, such as in Big Sky, Montana and Sun Valley, Idaho. The Oregon Coast Music Festival is presenting its 31st annual summer festival in July 2010. Performances range from jazz and blues to chamber and symphony orchestra.
Music Events at the Oregon Coast Music Festival
Summer concerts in Coos Bay, North Bend, Bandon, Shore Acres and Charleston, Oregon, are part of the Oregon Coast Music Festival (OCMF). This is the only festival of its kind in southwestern Oregon, featuring top-caliber performing artists from throughout the United States. Reviewers say the concerts rival the best heard in bigger cities, with spirited performances.
On Saturday, July 17, the Bay Area Concert Band gives a free concert in Mingus Park, Coos Bay. Thursday, July 22, brings Evolution and Soulpie to the Salmon Room at North Bend’s Mill Casino. Kukuva gives a free concert on Saturday, July 24, at Shore Acres State Park, 13 miles southwest of Coos Bay. On Sunday, July 25, Towner Galaher performs at the Oregon Institute of Marine Biology Boathouse in Charleston.
Orchestral Performances at the OCMF
An 80-piece symphony orchestra, composed of outstanding musicians from around the U.S., performs three concerts at Marshfield Auditorium in Coos Bay. The orchestra has been called a real gem by reviewers. Two conductors lead the orchestra in a variety of classical pieces, from composers Bizet and Brahms to Elgar and Strauss.
On Tuesday, July 27, orchestra I performs. The pops orchestra plays on Thursday, July 29. Orchestra II performs on Saturday, July 31. Tickets for orchestral performances range from $8 to $20.
Lodging and Dining in Southwest Oregon
Accommodations in southwest Oregon range from hotels and motels to bed-and-breakfast establishments. Vacations rentals, R.V. parks and campgrounds also offer lodging. Yurt camping is also available at state parks and private resort campgrounds.
Dining options are available in Coos Bay, North Bend and Charleston from fine dining establishments and European bistros to cafes and fast-food chains. American, Italian, Chinese, Mexican and Cajun fare are featured at area restaurants.
Things To Do in Southwest Oregon
Recreational activities abound on the Oregon coast and inland. Take a dune-buggy tour, sandboard, ride an ATV or horse, hike or camp at Oregon National Dunes Recreation Area’s sand dunes that tower up to 500 feet above sea level. Drive to nearby Crater Lake National Park for boating, hiking and biking.
Oregon’s coast offers tide pooling, beach combing and whale watching. Fish for crabs, clams and mussels. Or drive to northwest Oregon for wine touring to taste world-class, handcrafted wines.
Travel to Southwest Oregon
Oregon’s Bay Area, composed of Coos Bay, North Bend and Charleston, are on the southwest coast of the state. Approximately 115 miles from Eugene, Oregon’s second largest city, they are reachable by car. Take the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway along the Oregon coastline for an interesting road trip. Fly one of many airline carriers to Portland, Oregon, or take a train on Amtrak’s Cascades route.
Attending the Oregon Coast Music Festival in July 2010 allows travelers to take in popular music and classical concerts, some free of charge. Stay in area lodging, dine in local restaurants, and take advantage of the many outdoor activities in southwest Oregon — from a national park and recreational area to coastal activities and wine touring.
Susan Lynne Hamilton - Award-winning writer Susan Lynne Hamilton is the Topic Editor of Suite 101's Northwest U.S. travel section, showcasing its rich ...
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