Reasons to Visit the Southern Oregon Coast this Month

09/01/2010

We can think of countless reasons to visit the Coos Bay/North Bend and Charleston  area this month: friendly faces, beautiful weather, gorgeous beaches, scenery, great deals on hotels and more.

September brings us many exciting events here on the Oregon Coast…here are just a few of the event highlights this month:

7th Annual Mill-luck Salmon Celebration September 4-5 at The Mill Casino Hotel. A celebration of Native American and Coquille Tribal culture on Oregon’s Coos Bay. Native American concert with Joanne Shenandoah, dancing, drumming, traditional Salmon bake, canoe races, demonstrations, vendor booths, educational displays and more. Call 541-756-8800 for more information

11th Annual Coos Basin Amateur Salmon Derby September 11-12. Tickets are $20 per person (under 13 are free) and available for purchase at local boat ramp on the day of the event. All proceeds go towards fish enhancement/education projects in Coos, Tenmile, and Eel Lake Basins. For more information contact Valerie or Armand at 541-759-2709.

Cranberry Festival & Street Rod Show September 11-12 in Old Town Bandon. Annual celebration of the cranberry industry in Bandon, Oregon.  Visitors will enjoy a parade, artists, music,  food and more!  Call Bandon Visitor Center for more information at 541-347-9616
25th Annual Cruz the Coos September 17-19 Sunset Beach, the Mill Casino Hotel, Downtown Coos Bay, and Shore Acres State Park.  More than 400 classic cars can be seen at this fun filled 3 day event. Friday night beach party, Saturday registration and poker run at the Mill Casino Hotel, Saturday night Cruz the Coos through downtown Coos Bay, and a Sunday show and shine at Shore Acres State Park. This three day event is one of the popular events of the Bay Area Fun Festival.   For more information, call Darrell King of Sunset Classic Chevys at 541-888-3863.

Bay Area Fun Festival 2010 September 17-19 Downtown Coos Bay, Various locations.  A festival of fun for families! Live Entertainment, the famous Cruz the Coos, the Prefontaine Memorial Run, parade and so much more! Variety of vendors, arts and crafts and lots of different kinds of food. Beer & wine garden. Most activities in downtown Coos Bay unless otherwise noted. (Central & Hwy 101)For more information call the Visitor Centers at 541-269-0215.

31st Annual Prefontaine Memorial Run September 18. A 10,000 meter road race honoring one of America’s Greatest Distance Runners. For more information contact the Prefontaine memorial Committee. Bob Huggin: 541-269-1103. Cost: $19 or $22 late entrance fee. Register on line at www.PrefontaineRun.com

National Estuaries Day Celebration September 25 10am-3pm. Join South Slough and other local organizations to learn about estuaries and what you can do to protect them. Information booths, children’s activities and guest speakers (free). For more information call the slough at 541-888-5558

Shore Acres Dahlia Day September 25 Shore Acres State Park. Dahlia display and experts from the Southern Oregon Dahlia Society in the Garden House/Pavilion, refreshments. Hosted by Friends of Shore Acres, 11am-4pm. Call 541-888-3732

But that is not all!  Please visit the Oregon’s Adventure Coast Events Page and our Facebook Page to learn more about the many events happening in our area throughout this month and during the year.

By AmyD | Posted in Events | Tagged , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

Make Your Travel Plans Now to Attend the Oregon Coast Music Festival

06/14/2010

Music Festival Kicks Off July 17!

Poster Artist Jerry Baron

The 32nd Annual Oregon Coast Music Festival officially kicks off in Coos Bay, Oregon next month and the free Opening Day Event is scheduled to begin at 12pm on July 17 at Mingus Park with the Bay Area Concert Band.

Concert goers will enjoy wine, food, and wonderful music to start the celebration.  This annual summer festival features performances in a multitude of musical styles that reflects the diverse musical tastes of our community: jazz, traditional, Native American, blues, Celtic, chamber, and features our 80-piece symphony orchestra made up of outstanding musicians from all across the country.

The festival builds in popularity each year and is getting noticed by critics. Here are some of the reviews of the event from previous years:

“Coos Bay may be a long way from Portland or San Francisco, but the concerts of the Oregon Coast Music Festival rival the best heard in the bigger cities. Live orchestral classical music performed before a regional audience is a rare cultural jewel. It deserves our respect and support.” -Keith Henty, JEFFERSON PUBLIC RADIO

“The concert was wonderful — really quite an amazing performance. This was the third time I’ve been down to hear the OCMA orchestra, and the repertoire is always interesting, the performances spirited, and the auditorium an infinitely remarkable place to hear such music. Your festival and its orchestra are real gems.“-Peter Dammann, Producer PORTLAND WATERFRONT BLUES FESTIVAL

The festival runs through July 31 has multiple dates and venues that include Marshfield Auditorium, Mingus Park, Shore Acres State Park, The Mill Casino, OIMB Boathouse, Black Market Gourmet and Hales Center. To see the full event schedule and to get ticket information, visit www.oregoncoastmusic.com

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Did you know the Oregon Coast Music Festival…

  • Attracts over 5,000 total patrons annually to concerts in Coos Bay, North Bend, Bandon, Shore Acres and Charleston.
  • Is the only festival of its kind in southwestern Oregon and features top caliber performing artists from throughout the United States.
  • Draws part of its audience from out-of-town, and to help boost the economy and popularity of Oregon’s Bay Area during the ten-day festival.
  • Has initiated a scholarship/musical instrument support program for promising young south coast musicians.

For more information about OCMF please call 541-267-0938 or toll free 1-877-897-9350

By AmyD | Posted in Events, Local Features | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments (0)

Win Tickets to Friday’s Southcoast Clambake Jazz Festival Shows!

03/09/2010
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Pssst!  Want to win free passes to the  Friday March 12 Southcoast Clambake Jazz Festival performances?  Who doesn’t?

You probably already know of a little social networking site called “Facebook”- right?  All you have to do join the Oregon’s Adventure Coast Facebook Page and post a brief comment on our “wall” describing what you most love about the festival and/or why you deserve free passes Friday’s performances Southcoast Clambake Jazz Festival.

Rules:

  • You must be a “fan” of the Oregon’s Adventure Coast Facebook page to participate.
  • Your post must state what you most love about the festival and/or why you deserve free passes Friday’s performances Southcoast Clambake Jazz Festival.
  • Posts must be made to the Oregon’s Adventure Coast Facebook wall anytime between now and Thursday, March 11 at 12pm PST.
  • Rude or vulgar comments will automatically be dismissed and disqualified for the drawing.

That’s it!  That is all you have to do to be entered to win 2 passes for Friday night.  No forms, no email lists, no junk mail. We will randomly select a fan who posts a comment on our page between now and Thursday (at 12pm EST).  The winner will be announced Thursday afternoon on this blog and on the Facebook page and will be contacted via Facebook (so be sure to check back!).

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Tickets Are Now On Sale for the May 28 Country Rat Pack Concert

02/20/2010
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Country superstars Tracy Byrd, Tracy Lawrence &  Richie McDonald  will be bringing the Country Rat Pack Tour to the Oregon Coast on Friday, May 28 at The Mill Casino Hotel and RV Park in Coos Bay.

Double-platinum recording artist Tracy Byrd is one of country music’s best-loved artists, achieving gold status on five straight albums. Byrd’s smash hits include “Lifestyles of the Not So Rich and Famous,” “I’m from the Country,” “The Keeper of the Stars” and the remarkable “Watermelon Crawl.” Multiple Grammy winner and double-platinum recording artist Tracy Lawrence has produced numerous  #1 hits including “If The World had a Front Porch,” “Time Marches On,” “Can’t Break It To My Heart” and “Texas Tornado.” And, for more than a dozen years, Richie McDonald was the voice and most recognizable face for the platinum-selling country group, Lonestar. As lead singer for the CMA and ACM Award-winning group, Richie’s soaring vocals propelled such classics as “Amazed,” “No News” and “I’m Already There.”

Tickets for the performances are on sale now in the Ko-Kwel Gift Shop, you can get more information by calling 800.953.4800.  This concert is for those 21 or older.

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Bring on the Jazz: Annual Southcoast Clambake Jazz Festival Coming Mar 12 -14, 2010

02/13/2010

The spirit of New Orleans will coming to the South Oregon Coast once again during Southcoast Clambake Jazz Festival March 12 thru 14, 2010.  This annual festival fills our coast with the lively sounds of Swing, Jazz and American Standards.

The jazz events will be held at various locations throughout Coos Bay, Charleston and North Bend including the Mill Casino Hotel and RV Park and The Red Lion Hotel.

Don your  20s-60s vintage duds and embrace the jazz culture with dancing, food and  sublime  music from eleven bands coming together to pay tribute to America’s original music such as Dixieland, Big Band, Jump & Jive, Rock & Roll, Zydeco, Blues and Doo-wop.

Event Details:
Mar 12, 2010 thru Mar 14, 2010
Friday Noon – Midnight, Saturday 9am – Midnight, Sunday 9am – 6pm. All event 3 day pass $65.

For more information visit www.ClamBakeJazz.com

By AmyD | Posted in Coos Bay, Events | Tagged , , , , | Comments (2)

Oregon Coast History Lesson: The Story of the Myrtlewood Coins

02/11/2010
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The Historical Significance of the Myrtlewood Coin

The First Ever Oregon Coast Adventure Geocaching Challenge kicks off this weekend and we are celebrating 10 year’s of Geocaching by introducing a unique handcrafted Myrtlewood GeoCoin from our friends at Oregon Connection as the prize.

Myrtlewood has a rich history here on the South Coast, the town of North Bend was the first and only to actually use Myrtlewood coins as currency during the depression.

The story of Myrtlewood coins begins on February 11, 1933, when North Bend’s only banking facility locked its doors. This was more than a month before President Franklin Roosevelt ordered a nationwide bank closure to end depositors’ “runs” and to reorganize the banking system. According to bank officials, the sudden and unannounced local closure was to be temporary, giving the institution time to gather additional resources.

Among depositors of the locked bank was the city of North Bend. Lacking access to funds, officials were unable to pay employee salaries and other bills for the city of nearly 4,000. The city was by no means insolvent; it just could not get its municipal hands on the monies needed.

At the March meeting of the city council, Ordinance #653 was read and passed authorizing the issuance of $1,000 worth of myrtlewood discs to be used temporarily to pay salaries and bills. The tokens were to be redeemed by the city from June 15 through July 15 of that year.

For years, the Chase Manhattan Bank of New York displayed a complete set of these coins, which punctuated a unique occasion in the United States’ economic history. As part of the city of North Bend’s Celebration of Oregon’s Centennial in 1959, the Chamber of Commerce promoted souvenir tokens with a $.50 redeemable face value. The discs were sold to the public with the Chamber receiving the profit. Although easily confused due to the myrtlewood used, printed design and sponsor distinguish the 1959 issues. Only the 1933 coins are still redeemable and recognized currency within the city.

The Story of Myrtlewood
Myrtlewood can be found in Southwestern Oregon and parts of Northern California. This multi-trunked, broadleafed evergreen produces a dense, richly grained wood with sculpted patterns akin to flames and tiger stripes. The myrtle tree is so symmetrical it appears as a carefully pruned, cultivated tree. It is as beautiful in its natural form as in the finished artisan products.

As far back as the late 1800’s, a cottage industry of handcrafted gifts began along the South Coast. In the early 1900’s, The Oregon Connection (The House of Myrtlewood) opened its doors and to this day is considered one of the largest and oldest factories in Oregon producing Myrtlewood products.

Through the years, positive changes have continuously been made including expanded product lines, gourmet food items, the famous patented “wooden touch putter” and unique tasty fudge. In 2006, the Oregon Connection was purchased over a handshake by Star of Hope, a non-profit organization who’s mission is provide community support services to adults with developmental disabilities in a manner which encourages independence, productivity, and physical integrity.

By AmyD | Posted in Events, South Oregon Coast Buzz | Tagged , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

Winter Highlights on the South Oregon Coast

01/11/2010

Even the chilly winter days on the Oregon Coast have a special appeal that draw visitors each year to enjoy the food, art, music, people, festivals and beautiful coastal scenery all winter.   For a full list of events visit Oregon’s Adventure Coast Events Page.

January Highlights

2010 Jazz Festival Preview
Performances by Shirley Kintner, Patsy Cline and the Midnight Walkers and It’s About Time Big Band

You’ll “Fall to Pieces” and go “Crazy” with Shirley Kintner & “Pasty Cline and the Midnight Walkers” and It’s About Time Big Band.  If you are looking for an excuse to dance the night away then you won’t want to miss this performance!

January 16, 2010 7 pm at The Mill Casino
Tickets -  $10 available at KoKwel Gifts 541-756-8800

Little Theatre on the Bay Presents
Neil Simon’s Laughter on the 23rd Floor

Jan 22, 2010 thru February 6, 2010- Showtimes are Fri & Sat 8pm, Sun 2pm
Set in a New York Cityoffice; there is non-stop laughter and antics as a team of hilarious misfits work to write and produce The Max Prince Show, a 1950s weekly variety program.
Call 877-756-4336 for more information. All tickets $12  North Bend

Thumbs Up From Katherine: you’d never guess there’s so much quality and talent packed into this tiny little theatre, but any production I’ve ever attended there has been amazing.Its a very intimate place with no bad seat and amazing actors.

Wine Maker’s Dinner Jan 31, 2010
Mill Casino Hotel, Coos Bay Oregon

The Mill Casino invites you to experience the best in regional wine and food. Bob Bertheau, Chateau Ste Michelle Head Winemaker will team up with The Mill’s Executive Chef, Dan Catanio. Four courses, four vintages, one delicious afternoon at The Mill.

4 pm in The Mill’s upstairs meeting rooms $65 – tickets available at KoKwel Gifts 541-756-8800

Thumbs Up From Katherine: I cannot say enough about this. I’m cheap, really cheap sometimes, but I won’t bat an eye when it comes to paying $65 for this meal because its honestly worth so much more. You get a perfectly matched entrée and glass of wine, anywhere from 4-5 courses. Its a leisurely  meal where the chef and wine maker talk to you in between, the food is stunning, the wine is perfectly matched, the service is impeccable, its a great relaxed yet elegant feel. You can wear jeans or your Sunday dress and like all of the Coos Bay area, you’ll fit in no matter what you’re wearing.

February Highlights

The Coastal Celtic Society  Presents Burns Night Celebration and Dinner
February 6, 2010 5 pm – 11 pm
The Mill Casino Hotel

Burns Night is a Scottish ritual when friends gather and celebrate the life of poet Robert Burns (1759-1796) with traditional readings, music and food.  This event will feature a  Traditional Burns’ Night Program, Food and Entertainment by: Pipers Wylie McKinnon & Tom Shine, Sandy MacKenzie, Burns’ Poetry, John MacRae on Guitar and Sandy MacPherson on Harp

For more information or to order tickets, call Robert More at 541-217-1118

South Coast Running Club Presents Prediction Run/Walk
10 am Feb 6, 2010, Coos Bay Boardwalk
5 Mile run/3 mile walk. Gift certificates to entrants who predict closest finishing times (no watches allowed). Ribbons. Chili Afterward.
Call Pete and Carole Dawson for more information 541-267-6329

Feb 11, 2010    Art Walk
Various locations 5pm – 8pm. Contact Crystal Dolphin for more information, 541-756-1989
A self guided walking tour, 2nd Thursday of each month. Featuring local Artists, tasty food and most especially fun! Maps are available.    Coos Bay, North Bend

Feb 12, 2010   Davy Jones in Concert
Mill Casino Hotel. Call 541-756-8800 for more information
Tickets on sale at KoKwel Gifts, $25 per person general admission or $19.50 for Millionaire$ Club members. www.themillcasino.com     North Bend

10 Years of Geocaching and the Oregon’s Adventure Coast Challenge February 13, 2010, The Red Lion Hotel, Oregon Coast Hwy 101. Coos Bay, Oregon. Don’t miss this 4th annual Meet & Eat Event! Geocachers will get together for a Buffet Syle Lunch for an afternoon of Geo-Chat & Geo-Fun. Bring Travel Bugs & GeoCoins for trade and discovery. This Event will also be the Kick Off for Oregons Adventure Coast Challenge. The Challenge will be to locate a number of interesting and historical locations by Coordinates throughout Oregon’s Adventure Coast and answer specific questions about each location.

For more information, call Steve ‘n’ Nancy Wilcox at 541-266-8889 or email swilcox8889@yahoo.com or Steve ‘n’ Nancy on www.geocaching.com

Annual Charleston Crab Feed
Feb 13, 2010 11am-4pm
Old Charleston School House, Seven Devils Road

Great Way to Celebrate Valentine Day and Oregon’s Birthday! Fresh Dungeness Crab Dinners, whole or half crabs at $15 & $9, includes beans, salad, bread and beverage. All proceeds help support the Charleston Visitor Center.
For more information, call Mel Campbell at 541-888-4875 or the Coos Bay Visitor Center at 541-269-0215

Confluence 2010 – Wine, Beer, Seafood Festival
Feb 13, 2010 thru Feb 14, 2010

Situated between Florence and Coos Bay on the southern end of the Central Coast, this event will take place at the old W.F. Jewett School building in Gardiner. Bands from the Washington, Portland, Eugene, Coos Bay, Reedsport and Bandon areas will perform various genres of music throughout the weekend. Oregon wineries and microbreweries will offer tasting’s and sales of their premium wines and micro-brewed beer.

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