Wine & Jazz blooms: Devin Phillips, Patrick Lamb headline festival

By Melissa Wagoner

A host of jazz musicians are making their way to Silverton for the second annual Willamette Valley Wine and Jazz Festival March 12 and 13.

The festival music will kick off on Saturday at the Oregon Garden with Devin Phillips, 1-3 p.m. Originating from the home of jazz, New Orleans, Phillips has performed with such big names as Lenny Kravitz and recorded an award-winning album with Los Hombres Calientes.

At 3 p.m. Patrick Lamb takes center stage. A saxophonist from the Pacific Northwest, Lamb combines elements from several genres of music including; funk, soul, R&B as well as jazz to create his own unique sound. He’s made a name for himself across the country and performed at the White House.

“We are thrilled with the headliners this year,” Jason Hanson, co-owner of Hanson Vineyards and member of the festival board, said.

“It’s not too often that top artists in their craft come to Silverton. So when they do, it’s quite the opportunity.”

Along with these jazz headliners will be an array of local and award-winning wines.

“Events like this not only promote Silverton as a destination for art and culture, but help remind folks that there is a world of wine right here in the east Willamette Valley,” Hanson said.

“Our local wineries are making award-winning wines, and this is a great opportunity to share them with folks here in the Mount Angel and Silverton community,” Hanson, whose 2014 Pinot Noir Blanc was recognized at the Newport Seafood and Wine Festival, said.

The Oregon Garden opens the festival on Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. in the Grand Hall.

“The ‘main event’ at The Oregon Garden is, of course, the highlight of the festival. That’s where you’ll find the big-name jazz performers and all 10 wineries pouring their wine.  Folks can get tastes, enjoy the music, even take a wander through The Garden,” Hanson explained.

Tickets, $25, include five tastings, the Phillips and Lamb concerts and admission to The Garden.

“Guests can explore our spring blooms throughout 80-acres while enjoying a glass of their favorite wine,” Brittney Hatteberg the Director of Marketing and Communications at the Oregon Garden Resort and a festival board member said.

“If you haven’t been to the Garden in a while, this would be the perfect reason to visit us again.”

At 5 p.m. the festival moves downtown where five venues will offer small plate food and wine pairings and more jazz throughout the evening.

“This is just our second year of Willamette Valley Wine and Jazz, so we are excited to see it grow. We have changed up the flow of the event, which is really exciting and should be easier for guests,” Hatteberg said.

The festival culminates on Sunday with wine and jazz brunches fowntown at both the Creekside Grill and Gather, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Silverton Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Stacy Palmer said the Willamette Valley Wine and Jazz Festival is a great opportunity to feature local wines in a local setting with quality music.

“The Willamette Valley Wine and Jazz Festival has been a great addition to the number of great events set in Silverton,” Palmer said, adding the blending of The Oregon Garden and the historic downtown venues is what makes this event special.

“It’s a great influx for the local economy and a great way to showcase local products,” Palmer said.

Hanson and Hatteberg encourage everyone to come out and enjoy the festival for the wine, the jazz and the food.

“A glass of wine helps even the most musically impaired person find the beat,” Hanson said. “This event is quite a deal; you get jazz performers who’ve traveled the world playing with the greats.  You get an afternoon in The Oregon Garden, 10 wineries all in one place, and no traffic.”