Top Ten Reasons to See a Jazz Concert at WOU

Top Ten Reasons to See a Jazz Concert at WOU

10. Concerts at Western Oregon University are extremely affordable, sometimes even free. So there’s no strain on your wallet.

9. The musicians are all extremely talented and some (like Gordon Lee) are very well known within the jazz studies community.

8. You’re helping support the music school at Western Oregon University.

7. Its local. Finding the Rice Auditorium is simple and there is no shortage of parking.

6. Trying to impress someone? Take them on a date to an Oregon jazz concert. It not only makes you appear cultured, but it will also be fun.

5. No reservations are required! Tickets can be purchased at the door, making spur of the moment visits easy.

4. There is a lot of variety within the concerts—there are many different combos and musicians playing. They can be professionals or even students at Western Oregon University.

3. Rice Auditorium (the place where all concerts are held) is a relatively new building. It can hold large audiences without feeling crowded and smaller audiences can sit close to the stage.

2. Remember, it is affordable.

1. It is more enriching than watching another episode of “Desperate Housewives.”

Oregon Jazz… (student dialog)

“Owen, what do you know about Oregon jazz studies?”

Owen looked up from the television. “Why?”

“Research paper.” Rachel flopped down on the couch, brandishing a pencil. “Seriously, the only thing I know about jazz is that it’s usually played in lounges and stuff. So how do you define jazz and why should I care?”

He gave her a disparaging look. “Jazz—a mix of African origins, Southern American and European influences. And you should care because you live amidst jazz legends.”

She raised an eyebrow. “Humble, aren’t you?”

“Not me.” He grinned. “Here—Oregon. And both Western Oregon University and University of Oregon. The former has Gordon Lee, a well-known composer and jazz pianist. And the latter has an award-winning jazz department.”

“So Oregon is basically swimming in a sea of jazz talent?”

He laughed and nodded. “Basically.”

Rachel began scribbling on a notepad. “Okay, what else?”

Holding up three fingers, Owen said seriously, “Three words. Portland Jazz Festival. It takes place every February, during Black History Month, to commemorate both the city and jazz itself. Huge event. You wouldn’t just be swimming in talent—you’d be drowning in it.”

She narrowed her eyes skeptically. “And all this talent comes at the low, low price of…?”

“Actually,” he said, “the tickets aren’t grossly expensive.”

Scoffing, she waved her hand at herself. “Um, hello. Poor college student. I found three quarters in my jacket pocket today and thought I’d hit the jackpot. Can’t imagine what I would’ve done if it had been a whole dollar. My heart might have given out.”

“Fine,” he chuckled. “Western’s jazz is usually free. You can appreciate it here.”

She stood, tucking the notepad under one arm. “Sounds good. Now I’m off to Google ‘Oregon jazz.’”

“He,” he called after her. “Don’t have a heart attack, but I think I saw some pennies on the floor near the stairs.”

“Oh, har, har.”

Portland Symphony

Classical music lovers have it pretty good in Portland, Oregon. There are numerous concerts in many locations happening all the time, and one of the oldest musical attractions is the Oregon Symphony. It began performing in the 1800s, making it the oldest orchestra in the West. And the years have not diminished its appeal—according to the symphony website, attendance is usually 225,000 people per season. “The Oregon Symphony is proud to provide varied music of the highest artistic standards to diverse audiences, with a commitment to educating children as the musicians and audiences of tomorrow,” reads the symphony’s Web site. There are a number of diverse concerts, varying from classical to gospel to youth. It’s quite a tourist draw, bringing in music lovers from all over the Northwest and the rest of the U.S. The symphony has been acknowledged for having “acclaimed music directors, skilled performers, diverse programs and outstanding community services in education and regional touring.”

And the Oregon Symphony isn’t the only place to find classical music. There’s the Salem Orchestra, the Portland Baroque Orchestra, Willamette University, University of Oregon and Western Oregon University. Music Schools are actually great places to find concerts, because there’s nearly always one happening. And prices are just a fraction of what they would be anywhere else. In fact, many of them are free. (Which, as everyone knows, is the best price of all!)