Jan 22 - Jan 27, 2025
Oregon
Oregon Festival of American Music
Program No. 14988RJ
If you love music, join us for toe-tapping concerts, films, lectures and rehearsal access at the Oregon Festival of American Music!
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800-454-5768
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DATES & PRICES
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6 days
5 nights
14 meals
5B 4L 5D
5
Morning Lecture, Jazz Party concert
Eugene, OR
6
Program Concludes
Eugene, OR
At a Glance
Since 1992, the Oregon Festival of American Music (OFAM) has been delighting audiences with music performances and educational events dedicated to the traditional music of America. Join a group of fellow Road Scholars in beautiful Eugene, Oregon for spectacular music that focuses on the Great American Songbook. Each season offers a unique festival theme and will be packed with unique concerts, amazing artists, sing-alongs, talks, films and guest lectures that you’re sure to love!
Activity Level
Easy Going
Walking up to four blocks. Shuttles do not have wheelchair lifts.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Meet guest artists and faculty members at the Shedd Music School who offer insight into performances and a variety of musical topics.
- Attend multiple evening and matinee concerts highlighting music from the American Traditional Songbook with special emphasis on the festival’s theme.
- Delight in a sing-along led by a music expert from The John G. Shedd Institute for the Arts, highlighting the music you will enjoy throughout the week.
General Notes
Program includes A-level seats to multiple festival evening and matinee concerts. Upgrade to AA level available for purchase.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Chuck Redd
Chuck Redd is a professional percussionist capable of wowing any audience with his jaw-dropping solos. He’s an expert on musical stylings, arranging, improvisation and technique, and his friendly demeanor and warm personality make him approachable and easy to ask questions.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Chuck Redd
View biography
Chuck Redd is a professional percussionist capable of wowing any audience with his jaw-dropping solos. He’s an expert on musical stylings, arranging, improvisation and technique, and his friendly demeanor and warm personality make him approachable and easy to ask questions.
Amy Adams
View biography
Amy is Director and Conductor of the Oregon Festival of American Music Songsters. A graduate of the University of Oregon School of Music and Dance, Amy has been involved in music education and Eugene’s performing arts community for over twenty years, including acting as chorus manager for the Eugene Symphony Chorus. She is a freelance accompanist and can usually be found at home covering her favorite jazz and pop tunes, accompanying community choruses, singing Mozart and Bach or preparing children’s choirs to sing with orchestras.
Matt Treder
View biography
Matt Treder’s love affair with the piano began as soon as he could reach the keys. At home in almost any musical milieu, he has played in jazz combos, toured in a country band, co-founded Eugene cult rock band ToneDawg and composed music for video games. He is on faculty at The Shedd Institute and serves as music director at the Spiritual Growth Center of Eugene. He primarily plays be ear and has fun taking different to demonstrate what we mean by “standards-based jazz”.
Ginevra Ralph
View biography
An educator by profession and arts supporter by avocation, Ginevra Ralph helped to found both the Eugene Opera and Eugene Ballet in the 1970s. She is the co-founder of The John G. Shedd Institute for the Arts, the only community music institute in the state of Oregon outside of Portland. A long-time advocate and teacher of students with cognitive and physical disabilities, Ginevra applied this teaching experience as she developed curriculum and instructional principles for The Shedd to include all ages and abilities.
James Ralph
View biography
James Ralph co-founded the Oregon Festival of American Music in 1991 and serves as the executive director and principal artistic leader of The Shedd Institute. He developed its innovative, thematically-based festival programming approach, which features multiple artistic directors and cultural projects that incorporate multiple genres of music, literature, history, criticism, fine art, dance, musical theater and film into single festival structures. Jim has a B.S. in anthropology and an M.A. in medieval church history. He loves teaching and providing lifelong learning opportunities to his community.
Heidi Turnquist
View biography
Heidi Turnquist is the Shedd Music School Administrator. She participated in the Oregon Festival of American Music as a member of the Young Artist Academy vocal ensemble from 1998-2001. Her college background includes curriculum development as well as musical theatre, musical comedy, improv, and dance. She is active in the local theatre scene, and has performed in musicals, operas, choirs, and more around the Eugene area.
Suggested Reading List
(1 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Oregon Festival of American Music
Program Number: 14988
The Poets of Tin Pan Alley: A History of America's Great Lyricists
Furia's history is the current "bible" on the subject and a great resource for either setting the stage for OFAM or for in-depth vignettes on your favorite writers.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
6 days
Program Begins
Eugene, OR
Program Concludes
Eugene, OR
Meals
14
| 5B |
4L |
5D |
Activity Level
Since 1992, the Oregon Festival of American Music (OFAM) has been delighting audiences with music performances and educational events dedicated to the traditional music of America. Join a group of fellow Road Scholars in beautiful Eugene, Oregon for spectacular music that focuses on the Great American Songbook. Each season offers a unique festival theme and will be packed with unique concerts, amazing artists, sing-alongs, talks, films and guest lectures that you’re sure to love!)
Best of all, you'll...
- Meet guest artists and faculty members at the Shedd Music School who offer insight into performances and a variety of musical topics.
- Attend multiple evening and matinee concerts highlighting music from the American Traditional Songbook with special emphasis on the festival’s theme.
- Delight in a sing-along led by a music expert from The John G. Shedd Institute for the Arts, highlighting the music you will enjoy throughout the week.
General Notes
Program includes A-level seats to multiple festival evening and matinee concerts. Upgrade to AA level available for purchase.
Featured Expert
Chuck Redd
Chuck Redd is a professional percussionist capable of wowing any audience with his jaw-dropping solos. He’s an expert on musical stylings, arranging, improvisation and technique, and his friendly demeanor and warm personality make him approachable and easy to ask questions.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Matt Treder
Matt Treder’s love affair with the piano began as soon as he could reach the keys. At home in almost any musical milieu, he has played in jazz combos, toured in a country band, co-founded Eugene cult rock band ToneDawg and composed music for video games. He is on faculty at The Shedd Institute and serves as music director at the Spiritual Growth Center of Eugene. He primarily plays be ear and has fun taking different to demonstrate what we mean by “standards-based jazz”.
Ginevra Ralph
An educator by profession and arts supporter by avocation, Ginevra Ralph helped to found both the Eugene Opera and Eugene Ballet in the 1970s. She is the co-founder of The John G. Shedd Institute for the Arts, the only community music institute in the state of Oregon outside of Portland. A long-time advocate and teacher of students with cognitive and physical disabilities, Ginevra applied this teaching experience as she developed curriculum and instructional principles for The Shedd to include all ages and abilities.
James Ralph
James Ralph co-founded the Oregon Festival of American Music in 1991 and serves as the executive director and principal artistic leader of The Shedd Institute. He developed its innovative, thematically-based festival programming approach, which features multiple artistic directors and cultural projects that incorporate multiple genres of music, literature, history, criticism, fine art, dance, musical theater and film into single festival structures. Jim has a B.S. in anthropology and an M.A. in medieval church history. He loves teaching and providing lifelong learning opportunities to his community.
Heidi Turnquist
Heidi Turnquist is the Shedd Music School Administrator. She participated in the Oregon Festival of American Music as a member of the Young Artist Academy vocal ensemble from 1998-2001. Her college background includes curriculum development as well as musical theatre, musical comedy, improv, and dance. She is active in the local theatre scene, and has performed in musicals, operas, choirs, and more around the Eugene area.
Activity Level
Easy Going
Walking up to four blocks. Shuttles do not have wheelchair lifts.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List
(1 Books)
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call
800-454-5768
Year
- 2025
Date
- Jan 22 - Jan 27
Please Note: The program differs on certain dates.
Jan 22 - Jan 27, 2025 Itinerary Differences: My Favorite Work of Art
Jazz & The Songbook
We dedicate Oregon Festival of American Music 2025 (both Winter and Summer) to an exploration of the relationship between jazz and the Classic Songbook, which, of course, has always provided the lion’s share of the musical source material upon which jazz musicians base their art. At this Winter’s kick-off, Chuck Redd and company begin that journey with 4 concerts which each focus on the works of a Songbook composer who were especially popular: Richard Rodgers, Harold Arlen, George Gershwin and Cole Porter.
This departure is 6 days / 5 nights. Meals: 14 total (5 B, 4 L, 5 D)
Please Note: The program differs on certain dates.
Select trip year and date
- 2025
- Jan 22 - Jan 27
Jan 22 - Jan 27, 2025 Itinerary Differences: My Favorite Work of Art
Jazz & The Songbook
We dedicate Oregon Festival of American Music 2025 (both Winter and Summer) to an exploration of the relationship between jazz and the Classic Songbook, which, of course, has always provided the lion’s share of the musical source material upon which jazz musicians base their art. At this Winter’s kick-off, Chuck Redd and company begin that journey with 4 concerts which each focus on the works of a Songbook composer who were especially popular: Richard Rodgers, Harold Arlen, George Gershwin and Cole Porter.
This departure is 6 days / 5 nights. Meals: 14 total (5 B, 4 L, 5 D)
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
6 days
5 nights
What's Included
14 meals | 5B | 4L | 5D |
13 expert-led lectures
1 expert-led field trip
7 performances
An experienced Group Leader
5 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
Check-in, Welcome Dinner, Orientation, Evening Concert
Location:
Eugene, OR
Meals:
D
Stay:
Campus Inn
Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 3:00 p.m.
Afternoon:
When you check in at the front desk, pick up your welcome packet containing your name-tag, up-to-date schedule that reflects any last-minute changes, other important information, and to learn when and where the Orientation session will take place. If you arrive late, please ask for your packet when you check in. Then take some time to freshen up and relax before dinner. At 5:30 p.m., we will begin van shuttle service from the hotel to The Shedd (John G. Shedd Institute for the Arts) for dinner. This Road Scholar program at OFAM includes 3 evening concerts, 2 matinees, and the Jazz Party. Road Scholar tickets are in A-level seating that can be upgraded to AA-level for a small fee. To reserve your seats, you can contact the Shedd Ticket Office directly at 541-434-7000.
Dinner:
6:00 p.m. In Warren Court at The Shedd, we’ll have plated meals with beverage choices of soda, coffee tea, Oregon water; other beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
Orientation: Heidi Turnquist, Director of Education at The Shedd Music School, will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Shuttles will take participants back to their hotels after orientation.
Day
2
Faculty-Artist Presentations, Matinee and Evening Concerts
Location:
Eugene, OR
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Campus Inn
Activity Note
Shuttles from the hotel to The Shedd will be available. If you prefer to walk the few blocks, we will give you easy directions. Many stairs in handicapped accessible building, elevator available.
Breakfast:
In Warren Court at The Shedd, choose what you like from the breakfast buffet.
Morning:
Road Scholars will join the community festival attendees for a screening of one of the theme-specific film showings in the Sheffer Recital Hall at The Shedd. The films are introduced by University of Oregon film expert, Bill Taliaferro.
Lunch:
In Warren Court at The Shedd, choose what you like from the lunch buffet that includes soda, coffee, tea, Oregon water; other beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon:
Our series of presentations and activities for Road Scholar will begin in The Shedd Music School. After lunch you can attend the Festival’s community sing-along, led by The Shedd's vocal department head, Amy Adams, to join in singing many of the great Songbook melodies you'll be enjoying all week. In the later afternoon there will be a Road Scholar class/lecture led by performing musicians or local experts matching this winter's theme. Before dinner, there will be a public talk on one of the many theme specific subjects in The Sheffer Recital Hall
Dinner:
Shedd plated meal.
Evening:
Evening Concert: Chuck Redd and his Festival jazz unit present a fine selection of Harold Arlen classics Shuttles will be provided to hotels after the concert.
Day
3
Faculty Presentations, Films, Festival Artists, Concerts
Location:
Eugene, OR
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Campus Inn
Activity Note
Shuttles from the hotel to The Shedd will be available. If you prefer to walk the few blocks, we will give you easy directions. Many stairs in handicapped accessible building, elevator available.
Breakfast:
Shedd buffet.
Morning:
Our series of films and presentations will continue in The Sheffer Recital Hall.
Lunch:
Shedd buffet.
Afternoon:
After lunch we will have our matinee concert: Chuck Redd and his group will bring you a concert dedicated to the music of Richard Rodgers. After the concert, our expert-led lecture series continues. There will also be another public talk in the Sheffer Recital Hall.
Dinner:
Shedd plated meal.
Evening:
Concert in the Jaqua Hall: Pianist Randy Porter will lead a concert dedicated to George Gershwin. Shuttles will be provided to hotels after the concert.
Day
4
Museum field trip, concerts, lectures, and festival films
Location:
Eugene, OR
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Campus Inn
Activity Note
Shuttles from the hotel to The Shedd will be available. If you prefer to walk the few blocks, we will give you easy directions. Many stairs in handicapped accessible building, elevator available.
Breakfast:
Shedd buffet.
Morning:
We’ll board a bus for a field trip to the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art (JSMA) or the Natural & Cultural History Museum, both on the University of Oregon campus. The JSMA has extensive holdings of Chinese, Japanese, Korean and American art representing past and present world cultures. An educational expert will lead us through current exhibitions and provide insights into the permanent collection. The Museum of Natural and Cultural History is a place for making connections—to each other, to our past, and to our future. It's a place for digging into science, celebrating culture, and joining together to create a just and sustainable world. Returning to The Shedd after our field trip, the remainder of the morning is free. A favorite Eugene Saturday activity is the weekly Saturday Market, a combination of food, crafts, and farmers' market, 1.5 blocks from The Shedd.
Lunch:
Shedd buffet.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we will have another expert led lecture in The Shedd Music School, then The Road Scholars will have an opportunity to sit in and observe a working rehearsal with the OFAM musicians followed by a public talk in The Sheffer Recital Hall.
Dinner:
Shedd plated meal.
Evening:
Concert in the Jaqua Hall: Chuck Redd and the gang are back to pay homage to the great composer and lyricist, Cole Porter. Shuttles will be provided to hotels after the concert.
Day
5
Morning Lecture, Jazz Party concert
Location:
Eugene, OR
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Campus Inn
Activity Note
Shuttles from the hotel to The Shedd will be available. If you prefer to walk the few blocks, we will give you easy directions. Many stairs in handicapped accessible building, elevator available.
Breakfast:
Shedd Buffet
Morning:
Our series of presentations for Road Scholar will continue.
Lunch:
Shedd Buffet
Afternoon:
Our series of presentations for Road Scholar will continue, followed by our ever-popular Jazz Party. Chuck Redd hosts as the OFAM 2025 Winter jazz team offer up their usual 3 1/2 hours of great jazz standards and songbook-based improv. The format for the evening will be the usual: top-ticketed cabaret seating down front of the main floor, and reserved seating up in the balcony, with a full bar in the Tykeson Lobby.
Dinner:
Shedd plated meal
Day
6
Program Concludes
Location:
Eugene, OR
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Hotel checkout at 11:00am
Breakfast:
Shedd buffet for anyone who doesn't have an early airport departure. Shuttles back to the hotels will be available after breakfast.
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MEALS
14 Meals
5 Breakfasts
4 Lunches
5 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- Jan 22, 2025 - Jan 27, 2025
- Jan 22, 2025 - Jan 27, 2025
Participant Reviews
Based on 23 Reviews
Sort By:
Nowhere else will we find more interesting information about the famous and still-popular composers and lyricists of the Tin Pan Alley era! The music and the lyrics provide such meaningful and wonderful context to all the films they are a part of.
— Review left August 12, 2024
A wonderful program. Check that the hotel you choose accommodates your ability to walk to the venue. Shuttles to/from hotels do not run all day and are not on a regular, published schedule.
— Review left August 6, 2024
This was a fantastic trip. The people at the Shedd Institute were so welcoming and knowledgeable. I learned a lot from the lectures, and the concerts were great. Sign me up for next year!
— Review left August 6, 2024
My husband and I love this Road Scholar program at the Oregon Festival of American Music, and we've attended three times now. In Winter 2024 we took my 96-year-old mother with us and she thought it was wonderful. It is not a glitzy, large operation, instead it's a long-running program by a Eugene non-profit that does outstanding music education and produces high-quality musical events. The food was excellent, the hosts are very friendly and down-to-earth, and the music was fantastic. Highly recommended.
— Review left March 18, 2024
This program was outstanding. As my first time with Road Scholar, I wasn't really sure what to expect, but they exceeded my expectations. I am mobility-limited and a solo traveler, but they made access easy. (The Shedd, program provider)reached out to all of us and did everything possible to ensure our satisfaction. The quality of the programming could not have been better. I highly recommend this program and Road Scholar without reservation. In fact, I have already booked three more trips, including the next season of the American Music Festival.
— Review left February 11, 2024
A+ in hospitality, comfort, incredible music performances, and FOOD! I felt such warmth from the leadership and every one of the staff from the van drivers to the administrators! My heart and spirit was touched by the music! WOW! Such beauty! Such energy.
I hope to return to the Shedd Institute one day! THANK YOU!
Mary Lou Whitcomb
— Review left January 31, 2024
The music festival is wonderful. The conductor has a great sense of humour and Eugene is a very friendly city. Some of the accommodation is very close to the building where the theatre is and where the food (very good) is served.
— Review left August 23, 2023
This was a wonderful program. The people at the Shedd Institute were very knowledgeable and welcoming, and the music was fantastic!
— Review left August 15, 2023
The music programs at the Shedd in Eugene are excellent and provide a rich contribution to the culture in Eugene. We felt privileged to participate in the events.
— Review left August 14, 2023
This program is a great value, the concerts are utterly terrific, and the group leaders are very focused on making the program accessible for those with hearing or movement issues. That said, if you can walk, Eugene is charming and walkable. Stay an extra day and explore museums, parks, and shopping.
— Review left August 9, 2023
An excellent program five stars all around
— Review left January 24, 2023
This program takes participants on a journey through a specific period of time in America's musical history. Concerts, talks, films and classes, as well as a sing-along, provide many opportunities to learn and experience various aspects of this period of time.
— Review left August 11, 2022
OFAM is unique. The musicians are world class and the concerts are amazing. We had 8 concerts with music from Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Artie Shaw, Benny Goodman, and many more. Also hour long sessions with Chuck Redd, (the band director and outstanding vibraphonist and drummer ) and the Anderson brothers , Peter and Will (terrific on sax and clarinet) were educational and enjoyable. Also an hour discussion with the vocalists. This years theme was the 30’s. Next year the focus will be the 40’s. If you like jazz or swing or the great American song book or music in that era you should definitely consider going to OFAM.
the staff at theShedd and Jim and Ginevra Ralph go out of their way to help you and make your trip memorable- including excellent meals.
— Review left August 8, 2022
Be careful entering The Shedd, especially if you have mobility problems (walker, cane, wheelchair). There is no safety/emergency exit plan. Lots of narrow hallways and stairways. Confusing elevator stops.
— Review left August 5, 2022
If you are into American popular music, this is the program for you.
— Review left August 4, 2022
OFAM presents unique programs that open up new vistas for understanding American jazz and popular music, especially the Great American Songbook. There is always a historical theme, but what matters are the brilliant, accessible, joyful musicians. Unforgettable.
— Review left August 2, 2022
Jazz & swing music performed by some of the best musicians & singers in the country. This is a real toe-tapping experience! The music changes slightly from year to year but it’s all based on “The American Songbook” classics from stage, film & bandstand. If you like Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Irving Berlin, George Gershwin, etc. you will love this program.
— Review left August 1, 2022
A thoroughly enjoyable program, well designed and executed.
— Review left August 1, 2022
The content of this program was very interesting and informative. I loved the entertaining concerts!
— Review left March 14, 2022
Rich and rewarding program of superbly organized and presented lectures, films, and concerts that more than met expectations.
— Review left March 10, 2022
We attended this fun and outstanding program and hope to attend again in 2020. We stayed at Inn at Fifth, just four star accommodations. The Shedd, the program sponsor, provided excellent meals, programs and a free shuttle service (no tipping allowed). It was a short walk from the motel to The Shedd. We have opportunities to meet with some well know jazz musicians and talk with them. The free day we went to the large Farmers' Market nearby. A well done program.
— Review left January 19, 2020
I recently returned from a Road Scholar trip to Eugene OR for a music festival celebrating jazz, swing and the American songbook. The best part for me was hearing talks by, and asking questions of musicians at the top of their games and then hearing them in concerts. Wow. One of the pianists mentioned in passing that he is a professor at Juilliard. That is impressive.
It was an older Road Scholar group, which I expected because of the type of music. A few folks said that they have a son about my age, oh my goodness. Nice, bright and interesting (for the most part) people in the group. I hope to have their facilities when I, hopefully (!), turn 90 or so.
Fred
— Review left August 6, 2019
If you love all forms of American popular music, then this is the course for you.
— Review left July 30, 2019
