Get tickets as fast jazz you can

John Clayton • Photo by Dale Preston

World-class jazz will resound on the Central Coast when the Oregon Coast Jazz Party returns to the Newport Performing Arts Center this October, led by acclaimed bassist and composer John Clayton.

Clayton will serve as interim artistic director for the 2026 festival, stepping in to guide the event following the death of longtime artistic director Ken Peplowski in February. The October celebration will honor Peplowski’s lasting impact on the festival and the jazz world.

A Grammy-winning musician and educator, Clayton brings decades of experience performing and collaborating with some of the biggest names in jazz, along with a deep commitment to the music’s tradition and evolution.

“This year’s party will continue the well-established presentation of jazz artists from across the nation,” Clayton said. “We will also pay tribute to the memory of Ken Peplowski. He is the man whose vision of jazz brought decades of exciting, world-class programs to us. I can promise that anyone who joins us will leave with joyful jazz reverberating through their souls.”

Peplowski was widely regarded as the heart of the Oregon Coast Jazz Party, known for his musical brilliance, humor and ability to bring together top-tier performers for an unforgettable weekend of music.

This year’s event also marks a new partnership with The Jazz Cruise as presenting sponsor, alongside continued support from lead underwriter Rev. Carol Stubbs Smith, helping ensure the festival’s ongoing success.

While the full lineup has yet to be announced, organizers promise a program that reflects both the sophistication and spirit that have defined the event for decades.

The Oregon Coast Jazz Party runs from October 2 through 4 at the Newport Performing Arts Center, located at 777 W Olive Street. For more information, go to coastarts.org/jazz.