Posts Tagged: family

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

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