Water Music anniversary finale has Christmas theme: Concert offers ‘jazzy melodies of the season’

Published 8:27 am Thursday, December 4, 2025

CHINOOK — The Water Music Society’s annual Christmas concert 2 p.m. Dec. 7 will see the return of pianist George Mitchell. Vocalist Gina Saputo and three other musicians will perform.

The show is at the Chinook Event Center, 810 U.S. Highway 101 in Chinook. It begins with a social hour at 2 p.m. with the concert at 3 p.m. Tickets are $15, online or at the door if any remain.

Those attending are encouraged to wear red or Christmas themed sweaters.
“We love sharing the joys of the holiday season with our audiences,” said Diane Marshall, who leads the society’s festivities. “The Water Music Society’s annual Christmas concert is the highlight of the season and gets our holiday ‘mojo’ jumpstarted.
“From red sweaters, to goofy sweatshirts and everything in between, people love dressing for the season and coming to listen to jazzy tunes and enjoy a glass of bubbly, not to mention fantastic gourmet cookies and tasty appetizers.”
The musicians bring a wealth of experience.

Mitchell is a Portland-based music teacher who has taught hundreds of music students from Oregon and Washington advanced jazz methods and interpretation. He also has served as the touring pianist for Diana Ross.

Saputo has toured with jazz performers such as Herbie Hancock and Wayne Shorter. After 23 years in Los Angeles, she recently relocated to Portland with her husband, jazz organist Joe Bagg.

Mike Horsfall will play vibes. He has served as educator, composer, arranger, recording artist and concert soloist on piano and vibraphone for over 35 years. He co-founded the trio Tall Jazz.

Bass player Kevin Deitz has performed with Mose Allison, Art Blakey, Dave Brubeck and Sheena Easton.
Brent Follis will appear on drums. He is a producer and educator who left the Northwest for New York City but has returned to Portland.

The Ilwaco High School jazz band under director Rachel Lake will perform during the social hour ahead of the appearance by the professional musicians.

The Water Music Society began 40 years ago and its members have been bringing music to the Long Beach Peninsula since. Events include a fall concert and two outdoor summer events, Music in the Gardens and Jazz and Oysters. Money raised by the group benefits Ocean Beach and Naselle school district music and art programs.

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Water Music Society
Christmas concert
Chinook Event Center, 810 U.S. Highway 101, Chinook.
Social hour at 2 p.m., concert at 3 p.m. Dec. 7
Seasonal appetizers, beverages and no-host wine bar
Tickets are $15, online at www.watermusicsociety.com or at the door.

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‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source discoverourcoast.com ’