By NAIMA BAKER/Oregon Coast TODAY
Discover the utterly entertaining best-kept secret in Gleneden Beach, the Lincoln Pops Big Band’s monthly concerts, where the bops don’t stop. Blink and you could miss the humble venue at the Gleneden Beach Community Club in this seemingly sleepy part of town where the Pops play, but it would be a shame to miss the pep in every step going on inside.
On the third Thursday of every month (except January) and for the outrageously low price of $10, this nearly 20-piece big band puts together a performance with three whole sets for anything but the money.
“We do it for the love of music,” said Patty George, one of the band’s four vocalists, a sentiment shared and repeated by many of the volunteer musicians. “We have so much fun.”
Bob Whistler and Barbara Hale planted the seeds for this invigorating musical ensemble in 1990, originally operating Lincoln Pops as a concert band. Now, the very reasonable admission price includes not only more than two hours of big band bliss but also one hour of dancing lessons.
Coaxing out the confident swing dancer from even the clumsiest of beginners, Bonnie Prater patiently guides newcomers through some basic box, slow, quick and turning steps, along with some arm advice and other helpful hints. Be prepared to learn, step on a few toes and laugh a lot, the key element to improvement.
“We were always bumping into each other and people were looking,” said Aracelly Robbins of herself and husband Jerry. “It was bad. Finally, I said, ‘We just have to forget about being good and have fun.’ That’s when we really started learning how to dance.”
With their care-free attitude and years of lessons from Prater, these regulars make partner dancing look easy, inspiring the students of swing to keep practicing, drilling in the muscle memory of the movements, until the lights dim and the real performance begins.
Like the audience, the band represents a group of all ages and different backgrounds. Bass player Cameron Locklear joined at the tender age of 15, accompanying longer standing members like drummer Rick LeDoux. Highly proficient piano player Milo Graamans is a godsend to the group and deeply appreciated in multiple music circles. Sporting a bright pink mane, Irene Barajas plays the baritone saxophone and represents a younger generation of musicians as her friends, fans and fiancé support her in the audience.
“I come all the way from north Tillamook County just for this beautiful place to gather,” said Normene Ishaq. “We’ve been seeing people in their 20s here, and it’s adorable to watch the older dancers. I love it so much and they’re killing it! I hope I’ll be like that one day.”
In between playing the bongos next to vibraphone player Barbara LaPine, George sings with the perfect hint of gravel, animatedly performing some fast-tempo songs like “So Nice” by Stacy Kent. Adding local star power to the party, formally trained opera singer Megan Walters, recently appearing as Miss Scarlet in “Clue”, shares her sultry vocals in sizzling jazzy tunes like “Black Coffee” and “Fever.” More toe-tapping tunes come courtesy of Marc Montminy, who sings with a smooth balanced cadence, fully lifting the notes to songs like “Fly Me To the Moon” and “Artificial Flowers.”
The rousing range of music offers something for every listener, whether it’s a high-stepping mambo, a trilling brass clash that slides into a thrilling tango or the purely fun and upbeat “Beer Barrel Polka” and the theme song from “I Dream of Jeannie.” Softer melodies waft through the air, when the band sprinkles in the occasional waltz or romantic serenade and couples slow their steps, swaying closer together. Every tune is an aural delight, performed with professional orchestra level skill.
“Most of us have other jobs and it can be a challenge to get here,” said Walters, alluding to the enthusiastic dedication behind the high energy performances. “Once we all get here its always worth it.”
A melodic asset to the community, Lincoln Pops plays frequently at the Newport Performing Arts Center, including for this month’s production of “The Spongebob Musical.”
Casual dress, sparkles or wedding veils — all are welcome, just wear comfortable shoes. Try some steps if you fancy, even the most skilled dancers could not be more forgiving and encouraging. Or, purchase some pie and watch the fanfare.
This big band will leave you lifted with your favorite notes fresh in your mind, humming your favorite tunes all the way home. Montminy said it perfectly, “It’s a dream come true.”
- The Lincoln Pops play every third Thursday except in January from 6-9:30 p.m. at the Gleneden Beach Community Club, 110 Azalea St. Tickets are $10 per person. For more information, go to the Lincoln Pops Big Band page on Facebook.
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