Open Arts Center (OAC) is launching The Gallery Sessions: An OAC Music Listening Series, a new six-concert series designed to create a more intimate and intentional way to experience live music in Central Oregon.
Taking place October 2026 through March 2027 in OAC’s Rachel Binah Gallery, The Gallery Sessions will transform the gallery into an intimate listening room with approximately 75 seats per performance. Each concert will center original music, thoughtful listening, and direct connection between artists and audiences.
This isn’t background music.
The series is designed for people who want to slow down, listen closely, and experience the music beyond the performance itself. Each evening will include an opportunity for audiences to hear directly from the artists through conversation and live Q&A, exploring the stories, influences, choices, and creative processes behind the songs.
The Gallery Sessions puts the artistry behind the music at the center of the experience. Rather than simply introducing an artist and their songs, each performance creates space for audiences to learn how the music came to be and ask questions of the people who made it.
Following each concert, artists will participate in a live audience Q&A, offering a chance to talk about songwriting, influences, creative choices, and the experiences that shape their work.
The inaugural season features six performances highlighting Central Oregon artists and songwriters:
● October 16, 2026 — Rooster Blackspur with Bella Cooper
● November 13, 2026 — Joel Chadd & Sturtz
● December 11, 2026 — Sun Dive with Travis Ehrenstrom
● January 15, 2027 — Nathaniel Talbot & Special Guest
● February 19, 2027 — Teen Songwriters in the Round
● March 12, 2027 — Alicia Viani & Beth Wood
Investing in the Next Generation of Musicians
One of the six concerts will also serve as the culmination of a new youth artist-development initiative. In partnership with Cascade School of Music, OAC will offer a six-week Teen Songwriting & Mentorship Pilot from January 11 through February 19, 2027, at no cost to up to eight participating teens.
The pilot will include songwriting workshops, mentorship with professional musicians, performance preparation, and hands-on experience with professional rehearsal and sound check.
The program will culminate in Teen Songwriters in the Round on February 19, when participating teens will join professional singer-songwriters to share original work and talk about the stories and creative processes behind their songs.
The pilot is intended to explore new pathways for young people interested in songwriting, performance, music production, and the broader creative and technical sides of the music industry.
This story is based on submitted information and has not been verified by our news team.
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