Maybe you’re used to getting up early and seizing the day for your outdoor pursuits during the winter, basking in that sweet sunshine under blue skies while you romp through the snowy wonderland that is the Deschutes National Forest this time of year.
This Saturday, Dec. 14, you’ll want to show up late to the Mt. Bachelor Nordic Center because pianist Paula Dreyer has prepared the first evening in her series of Piano Flow Live, where you can ski or snowshoe candlelit trails while she plays live music.
“Piano has been a lifelong passion of mine since the age of 7. I’m beyond excited that the people of Bend have welcomed this concert series with open arms,” Dreyer says. “We are fortunate to live in such a unique, magical area. The combination of beautiful live music with visual arts and our gorgeous settings is truly remarkable.”
With two performances on Saturday, from 5 to 6pm and then 7 to 8pm, tickets include wireless headphones that will transmit Dreyer’s live piano playing across the outside network of trails. But headphones are limited to 100 pairs, “which can be nice, as it adds to a more intimate feel for each show,” she says.
The Nordic Lodge’s XC Café will be open, offering hot drinks and food, and you can listen acoustically sitting by the fire. Plus, artist Julianne Mellas will be inside creating a live watercolor scenery capturing the evening. The Source Weekly caught up with Paula Dreyer to learn more.
Source Weekly: How did this event come about?
Paula Dreyer: I started my Piano Flow Live concert series combining live music, outdoor adventure and visual arts at Virginia Meissner Sno-Park in 2020. I was cross-country skiing one beautiful afternoon at Meissner, and I thought it would be so beautiful to have that experience while listening to a piano concert. I reached out to a board member from Meissner, and we started brainstorming about the candles and atmosphere and the rest is history! I received a grant from the Bend Cultural Tourism Fund, and it really took off from there. This is my first season to take the series to Mt. Bachelor Nordic Center and I’m thrilled! It’s going to be beautiful.
“I like to say it’s a choose-your-own-adventure experience: Some people like to simply listen acoustically in the lodge, and others like to be more adventurous and take part in skiing or snowshoeing during the concert.” — Paula Dreyer
I like to say it’s a choose-your-own-adventure experience: Some people like to simply listen acoustically in the lodge, and others like to be more adventurous and take part in skiing or snowshoeing during the concert. I have also done shows at places like Smith Rock (hiking), Riverbend Park (kayaking/paddleboarding) and the lava caves at Juniper Preserve (cave exploring). I love thinking of outside-the-box concepts and watching them come to fruition!
SW: This sounds like a silent disco on skis! What’s the vibe of the music you will be playing?
PD: The vibe of my music is always inspiring and introspective, no matter the style. I play a real mix of originals, improvisations and intricately beautiful covers. I am classically trained and always seek to inspire, include and connect people through music. I feel inspired by my environment and like to capture ideas of the cosmos, nature and our shared human experience. For example, I have a piece inspired by the lift on Mt. Bachelor called “Cloudchaser.” Here, I’m capturing the idea of the ever-changing, drifting clouds — it ends with a long improvisation based on the theme. I’ve created my own unique sound, taking listeners on a musical journey that is intimate, hopeful, hauntingly melodic and rhythmically alive. I love sculpting the set list based on the environment of where the show will take place. My concerts on the river have many water-themed pieces. Each show is different and has a life of its own.
The December show is always a fun one to plan because I love adding tunes like “Linus and Lucy” by Vince Guaraldi and “River” by Joni Mitchell, as well as some other seasonal favorites such as “Auld Lang Syne.”
SW: I see you encourage costumes and glow-in-the-dark attire. What are some memorable moments from past events like this?
PD: It’s always fun to shine during the holiday season! Any extra lighting makes it easier to see on the trails and is more fun than a simple headlamp. I always ask myself: How can this experience be even cooler? How can this be even more fun? My favorite memories involve a concert attendee wrapped in holiday lights from head to toe over her snowsuit and another attendee who wore a full unicorn onesie. Anything goes! I always appreciate the range in ages — we get babies up to people in their 80s and they all seem to enjoy themselves!
This article appears in Source Weekly December 12, 2024.
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