Wendy Goodwin

Seems like I just dusted off the rosin on my violin from the Acoustic Christmas series and here it is almost May!  In February we welcomed a new addition to our family- a baby girl- and so the home front is buzzing with two little ones, a retired racing greyhound and one solitary remaining houseplant.  (The houseplant really doesn’t buzz, I just thought I’d mention that to include the flora as well as the fauna.)

This weekend you’ll find me in Eastern Oregon—playing two sacred concerts with guitarist Nate Macy. Every winter we look forward to the Acoustic Christmas concert series not only because of the fun of creating the music but also because we’ve seen how the events help foster community and sacred space.  We’re excited to begin offering music with this purpose not just during the holiday season. 

The music will feature selections from two recent albums:  Nate’s newest release Making Space and my first solo record: Place of Refuge. 

Saturday, April 27th, 2013
First United Methodist Church
Hermiston, OR
7:00 p.m.

Sunday, April 28th, 2013
The Dalles First United Methodist Church
The Dalles, OR
5:00 p.m.

Both concerts are free and families are welcome.  Oh, and if you are interested in hosting a sacred concert at your church or other gathering space, please be in touch.  We’re excited about taking this music outside of our normal venues.  For more information, you can visit the website we’ve setup:  www.sacredacoustic.wordpress.com

I had a conversation with a friend once where we showed our true cards about what music meant to us.  For him, it mattered not if there was an audience as long as he had his instrument and uninterrupted time to create.  For me, the hours spent in preparation would not be worth it if I didn’t see an opportunity to uplift or encourage a listener on the other end.

Why Acoustic Christmas?

Acoustic Christmas is the embodiment of what I strive for—the chance to gather with an ensemble of like minded musicians and use our gifts and time to help people experience joy and community during the busy holiday season.  To be honest, I struggle with Christmas. I love it so much and yet I battle the nostalgia and the sense that the years are passing by much to quickly.  Rather than being some sort of anti-holiday Grinch, each year I run in the opposite direction, hoping that I can just do something good with all the blessings I’ve been given.

And so for the 9^th consecutive season, a wonderful group of musical merry makers will gather together to present a series of concerts in local venues throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington.  The concerts are free and meant to be enjoyed by families—come as you are.  Don’t worry if your kids are wiggly.  Mine will probably be dancing in the aisles.  The concerts are free not because they are "cheap" or poorly done, but because in this present age of mass consumerism where everything has a price, we wanted to create a space where you could just be free from that stuff for a while.

What People Are Saying:

"Just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed the concert that you and your ensemble provided for all of us in the Pearl.  I found your concert to be the perfect Holiday gift…it was absolutely beautiful and what so many need…community."—Sarah

"Your concert was the highlight of our Christmas season."–Deb & Tim

"A soothing antidote to the holiday hubbub."–Nancy

Our Nine-Piece Ensemble:

Wendy Goodwin, Noelle Sisk & Alex Kazmierowicz:  Violin & Fiddle
Owen Hoffman-Smith:  Cello
Nate Macy:  Guitar & Banjo
Aaron Pruitt:  Piano & Vocals
Nolan Staples:  Bass
James “Jimmy” Watson:  Percussion
Bethany Cibolski:  Soprano

Concert Schedule:

(For addresses & map links please click here)

Tuesday, December 18^th 7:00 p.m.  West Hills Friends Church
Wednesday, December 19^th 7:00 p.m. Newberg Friends Church
Thursday, December 20^th 7:00 p.m.  Cherry Grove Friends Church
Friday, December 21^st 7:00 p.m.  St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church
Saturday, December 22^nd 7:00 p.m.  Tigard Grange

Happy Fall!  Right now I am metaphorically raking leaves as I gather together materials, schedules, artists and publicity for upcoming concert series.  I use this analogy because those gorgeous reds, yellows, purples and golds inspire my creativity with their simple beauty and it is so much a part of the process of nature– just as the planning is imperative to the making of good art.  And so… I am thankful for it all.

Specifically, I’m excited to be collaborating with guitarist/vocalist Nate Macy on an evening of music to be held at Metolius Friends Church in Central Oregon on Sunday the 28th of October at 6 p.m.   We will be sharing original music from our recent album releases encircling the themes of rest and space.  We’ll be joined by Noelle Sisk (violin/mandolin) and Nolan Staples (acoustic bass.)  There is no cover charge.  We really hope that if you live in the area that you will join us!

Central Oregon is one of the places I love most in the world.  There’s a certain point when driving Hwy 22 over the Santiam Pass that I have to roll the windows down regardless of the weather because the delicious smell of pine and juniper just make me so happy.  It’s been this way for years.  I have to add Sisters Coffee Company and the Blackberry Cobbler at Deschutes Brewery to my list and then of course the sweeping views of the Three Sisters, Broken Top and more.

I’m on the verge of being able to report specific details about our upcoming Acoustic Christmas series.  I’m excited that we’ll be returning to some wonderful venues and also thrilled to be playing at some brand new ones.  We’re moving forward with the live CD from last year’s concert series and I’m so happy about that as it’s been something we’ve wanted to do for so long!    So please check back soon and I’ll have much more to report.

Until then, hope that you are enjoying all that the Fall has to offer both visually and as a chance to reflect.  Blessings.

The Coffee:

As many of you know, I’m on a life quest to find the consummate coffee shop.  I believe this endeavor to be as elusive as the quest for Camelot but boy is the journey delightful!  While my hometown offers at least 10 mochas worth drinking within a mile of my home, I find it even more satisfying to discover the cafes in the towns that I visit on travel~ and this month has seen a lot of car time. 

In Ashland a few weeks ago that coffee shop was found in all it’s unpretentious glory:  Rogue Valley Roasting Company!    Maybe it was the wonderful group of retirees trading gossip before the 7 a.m. hour had even struck or perhaps it was the extremely friendly baristas, but the latte I enjoyed stood on its own.  It’s definitely not coffee for the faint of heart—that cup was strong but it was balanced with the perfect amount of foam and served in a fantastic glass mug. (the mug is of course part of the experience.)

The August 29th Jazz Show:

I’m back in Portland now for a while and finalizing the set list for next week’s show at Wilfs at Union Station.  I’m excited to be back at Wilfs.  It’s wonderful to be able to perform with stellar jazz musicians Ron Steen (Drums) and Joe Millward (Piano).  The conundrum for an artist like me is always narrowing down the songs to perform.  For sure I’ll be doing some selections from the new album.  I’ll be rounding that out with some classic jazz standards that I love to sing and rip up on my violin and finally, I’ve got a few folk tunes that I am “unfolking.”  I may even have a special guest or two. 

Looking ahead, believe it or not I’m working on Acoustic Christmas plans as well as pursuing opportunities to share the music from the new album beyond my local venues.  I will keep you posted. 

As always, thanks so much for stopping by… and if you haven’t had a chance to check out the new album, you can listen to the songs right here by clicking below. 

Hi there!  Thanks for stopping by. There have been so many things going on that I have not had a chance to do much documenting and in this modern age of immediate connectivity I suppose the fact that my dog and my husband are the only ones who know the full story on my professional life is not a good sign!

The CD—Place of Refuge

 After nearly a year of work, my first solo CD project is finished and available.  I am SO pleased with the outcome and grateful to have had the artistic contributions of some folks I really admire—including Puck Fair’s Brian Dunning (flutes/pennywhistles), Joy Kills Sorrow’s Jacob Jolliff (Mandolin), Kung Fu Bakery’s Tim Ellis (guitar), Pink Martini’s Phil Baker (bass), extraordinary session drummer Mike Snyder (percussion), and Ark Music’s Jeff Johnson (pianist/producer).   The process began with a series of compositions inspired by my love of travel.  The finished album takes listeners on a journey from Patagonia to the Sierra Nevada Mountain range to the bustling streets of Tokyo and beyond.  You can sample the album on both Itunes & CD Baby and stay tuned for “official” CD release concerts this Fall.

Destination Weddings–Effesenden Music says Aloha!

For those of you who don’t know about my alter ego, I founded a company in 2002 called Effesenden Music which performs customized arrangements of popular music for weddings and events.  Last month, our string quartet had the privilege of performing for an exquisitely beautiful wedding ceremony and reception at the iconic Haiku Mill in Maui.  I was joined by three wonderful string players and friends:  Noelle Sisk, Nelly Kovalev & Trevor Fitzpatrick and our repertoire ranged from Bach to KISS!  The bride was stunning in a delicate pink gown and our cocktail hour music was only interrupted once by a falling mango.  Now that’s an unusual job liability!

KindlingsFest 2012 
In a few short weeks I’ll be heading to the gorgeous Orcas Island located in Washington’s San Juan Island chain for KindlingsFest 2012 an exciting arts conference with a spiritual bent.  I’ll be performing with my friend and musical colleague Jeff Johnson for morning gatherings. 

And Beyond…

I promise to stay in touch better.  Thank you so much for your interest in my music and I hope that you’ll stop by often as there are so many exciting things in the works!  Until then, have a wonderful summer!

WHEN:  Sunday, May 20th, 2012  6:00 p.m.

WHERE:  West Chehalem Friends Church
16700 Northeast North Valley Road  Newberg, OR 97132

WHAT:  An Acoustic Evening with Wendy Goodwin & Friends
This concert is presented as a benefit for the West Chehalem Friends Church camp scholarship program.  The concert is free and family friendly.  Reception with refreshments will follow the concert.

WHO:
Wendy Goodwin—Violin/Vocals
Aaron Pruitt—Piano/Vocals
Nate Macy—Guitar/Vocals
Jacob Jolliff—Mandolin
Nolan Staples—Bass
James “Jimmy” Watson—Percussion

I am looking forward to this concert!  While NOT a CD release, we WILL be performing all of the songs from my forthcoming CD along with covers by Peter Gabriel, super old hymns re-imagined by our guitarist Nate Macy—as part of his own upcoming CD release, and more.  The concert is free and totally family friendly—that is if your kids like upbeat, Celtic influenced music and lots of interesting instruments to look at followed by a reception with refreshments and plenty of room to run around.

I’m hoping that the gorgeous clover fields surrounding this country church will be in bloom.  If you’ve been out on North Valley Road in the late spring, you know what I’m talking about. . . but whether the bees and my calendar have it all lined up or not, I can promise a wonderful evening of music.  Please join us.  There’s even a CHANCE that my CD will be ready to go…but I can’t promise.

You can also help a really great cause while at this concert by making a donation to support the church’s camp scholarship fund.  I know that for me, attending camps like Tilikum Day Camp and Twin Rocks built lasting wonderful memories—For any of you out there around the same time as me, I have to say that my daughter’s favorite bedtime songs are now the Skunk Song and the Shark Song (with hand motions of course!)  The concert is free so you can come even if you don’t have the funds to send people to camp.  See you there!

Looking for a family outing the week of Christmas that is affordable, relaxing and fun for children and grown ups alike?  Look no further than the 2011 Acoustic Christmas series with Wendy Goodwin & Friends!

The concerts are free admission and feature a 9-piece acoustic band of professional musicians including violins, fiddle, mandolin, guitar, bass, percussion, piano and vocals.  The material is a collection of beloved holiday songs known to elicit toe tapping and the occasional boogie move from the toddler set (which is of course more than welcomed by the band.)  In it’s 8th consecutive season, Acoustic Christmas with Wendy Goodwin and Friends has become a cherished holiday tradition for many families since 2004!

Two concerts take place in Portland cafes offering a relaxing atmosphere for sipping a warm beverage and enjoying the season in community.  For a full listing of Acoustic Christmas concerts as well as Wendy’s complete holiday performance calendar, visit Wendy’s production company website: effesenden music.

CLOUD SEVEN CAFE CONCERT
WHEN:  Wednesday, December 21st at 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: NW 10th & Johnson—on Jamison Square park in the Pearl
Street parking free after 7 p.m. or hop on the streetcar with a stop just steps away from the cafe!
DETAILS:  Doors open at 7 p.m.  The concert lasts about 1 hour and 15 minutes.  Beverages, local wines and pastries will be available for purchase.
www.cloudsevencafe.com

TABORSPACE COMMUNITY COFFEE HOUSE CONCERT
WHEN:  Thursday, December 22nd, at 7:30 p.m.
WHERE:  SE 55th & Belmont—SE Portland
DETAILS:  Doors open at 7 p.m.  The concert lasts about 1 hour and 15 minutes.  Coffee drinks and pastries will be available for purchase.  Free, easy parking in the adjacent parking lot.
www.taborspace.org

Last month I played at Wilfs with the incomparable drummer Ron Steen and pianist Joe Millward.  It was my first time playing with Joe and definitely an experience I hope to repeat!  I was able to record several of the songs we did and have posted them on Youtube.  What a fun and musically fulfilling night this was!

K Bay—working title—is a song I wrote about Honaunau Bay in Kona.  Two of my greatest loves are music and being outdoors.  Honaunau Bay is an incredible place to snorkel.  I found the area to be very mystical—partly because the way the light would beam down through the deep waters below me and partly because it is adjacent to a Hawaiian historical site called Pu’uhonua o Honaunau which is loosely translated “Place of Refuge.”  It is a place where Hawaiians accused of a crime could basically exile themselves and escape punishment—which in ancient Hawaiian culture seemed to have typically been one of a few different brutal executions! 

Parlor Music- a piece I wrote back in the spring of 2009 for my daughter.  It begins with a short classical piece called Ständchen by Franz Schubert.

The CD is done!  The promotional material is out and we head to Germany in late October for a series of concerts.  I cannot wait to play with these wonderful musicians again soon!  We’ll also be appearing together at Christmas time in the Pacific Northwest.

The album will be released on September 13th but you can preview it here.

I’m looking forward to Wednesday, July 13th when I’ll be playing and singing with Ron Steen at the Jazz Club Wilfs at Union Station!  Last time I played at Wilfs was for Tasha Miller’s CD release party and it will be good to be back enshrouded in the vintage, red velvet look and feel of this classic Portland club.   It always makes me think of… yup, you guessed it, White Christmas with Rosemary Clooney and Vera Ellen…. which is a good thing!!!  Here’s a short video from last summer when I so enjoyed playing with Ron Steen, Kevin Deitz and George Mitchell.