Britt Festivals: Mixing the Music

Oregon Music Festivals: In our blog, we write about southern Oregon’s gems. Right at the top of these treasures sits Britt Festivals. Conceived in 1963 by Portland conductor, John Trudeau, “The Britt” has been offering world-class music for 47 years. Trudeau picked the tiny town of Jacksonville and the incredible historic hillside estate of Peter Britt. The venue offers music lovers great views, incredible acoustics, and it is nestled in the quaint southern Oregon town of Jacksonville.

Sara King Cole, Marketing Manager for the Britt Festivals is a wealth of knowledge. “47 years ago Britt Festivals started with a plywood stage and a canvas canopy–there are great stories about the original classical musicians literally having to protect their instruments from the rain coming through the leaky canvas roof. Today, we have a permanent stage, full cover, and a top-of-the-line sound system so our musicians no longer have those concerns.”

The Britt Festivals’ 2009 performances begin June 12 and run through September 15. The artist lineup boasts an incredible array of musicians and performing talents. You’ll find everything from the classical (a three-week festival that is still the heart of Britt) to Etta James, Diana Krall, and a special August 30th performance by Pink Martini honoring Oregon’s 150 birthday celebration.

More information is available by accessing the Britt Festivals website or by calling their box office at: 1-800-882-7488.

All photos copyrighted by Britt Festivals.