Oregon - Music and Performing Arts

By Smithsonian.com
Smithsonian.com, November 06, 2007

The rugged beauty of the coast and the energy of its battering waves inspire a vibrant community of artists, performers, writers and musicians. With an array of events and attractions such as poetry readings like the Astoria Fisher Poets Gathering, arts-and-crafts festivals like the Stormy Weather Arts Festival, and music festivals including Jazz at Newport, Chowder, Blues & Brews and the Oregon Coast Music Festival, a coast getaway will rekindle your sense of discovery. In Eugene, view a performance of the Eugene Opera and the Eugene Ballet at the acclaimed Hult Center for Performing Arts. Farther north, catch sidewalk art, live music, and independent movies at Corvallis’ da Vinci Days, or line dance at Oregon Jamboree, the Northwest's premier country music and camping festival. In Southern Oregon, jam to local music at Medford's annual Art in Bloom Festival, watch the graceful pirouettes of Ballet Rogue at the Craterian Ginger Rogers Theatre, or listen to swing and jazz at Jazz Jubilee. Central Oregon hosts many live music events, including the Cascade Festival of Music, Munch & Music, Music on the Green, and Sunriver Music Festival.