Organizers of Oregon Coast Jazz Party’s 20th anniversary promise one of its strongest lineups

Chris Graamans **Oregon Coast Jazz Party music director Ken Peplowski, right, will perform this weekend on the saxophone and clarinet.**

By Oregon Coast TODAY

The Oregon Coast Jazz Party returns to Newport for its 20th anniversary and three days of exceptional live jazz starting Friday, Oct. 4.

What began in 2004 as Jazz at Newport has endured, evolved and is now known nationally for its talent draw and picturesque setting in Nye Beach, just steps from the Pacific Ocean.

“I believe this year’s Jazz Party has one of the strongest line-ups we’ve ever had,” said music director Ken Peplowski. “Our talent stretches from coast to coast. Each segment contains something different, surprising or just plain joyous.”

The 2024 talent includes Peplowski on saxophone and clarinet; Randy Brecker on trumpet; Dave Captein on bass; Jacob Chung on saxophone; Diego Figueiredo on guitar; and vocalist Niki Haris.

Peplowski is well known among jazz enthusiasts worldwide. With his innate sense of rhythm, incredible technical fluency and rich, full sound, he is admired by audiences and critics and has been referred to as “the greatest living jazz clarinetist” by Russell Davies of BBC Two. Peplowski is also one of the world’s most recorded jazz players and has played with epic talent that includes Benny Goodman, Mel Tormé, Peggy Lee, Charlie Byrd, Rosemary Clooney and many others.

A team of devoted organizers, volunteers and staff members has been preparing for months to make the 20th anniversary weekend come to beautiful, musical life.

“This milestone honors not just the music, but the shared moments and community spirit that define this beloved event,” said Oregon Coast Council for the Arts executive director Jason Holland. “Together, we’ve built a legacy of world-class jazz on the Oregon Coast.”

Two of four sessions still have available tickets, including the opening night performance at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4, and the 1 p.m. session Saturday, Oct. 5.

Performances take place in Newport Performing Arts Center’s Alice Silverman Theatre. All proceeds benefit Oregon Coast Council for the Arts. For more information, go to coastarts.org or call 541-265-2787.