ABOUT US

OUR MISSION

The Water Music Society, a non-profit organization, provides high quality, affordable music programs for residents and visitors in southwest Washington State.

WMS expands cultural opportunities for the community, increases awareness of diverse types of music, and supports music education in the local schools.

WHERE THE MONEY GOES...
SUPPORTING SCHOOL MUSIC PROGRAMS

An important part of the mission of the Water Music Society is supporting music education in our local schools.    Since 2013, the Society has allocated a total of over $39,000, $4,000 of which was a special appearance by the Obo Addy troupe from Ghana.   All five schools in the area have been included in our mission – Ocean Park Elementary, Long Beach Elementary, Ilwaco Middle School, Ilwaco, High School, and Naselle Schools.
 

 Additionally, each year one of our Water Music Festival artists presents an educational outreach program at the schools.  These programs have been highly motivational for the students.       

HISTORY OF WATER MUSIC SOCIETY

Water Music Society has been providing entertainment of the highest quality and variety since 1984.

In 2013, WMS added, as part of its focus, becoming a fund-raising agent to support music in the schools. A portion of proceeds from WMS events are given to the local schools to enrich the musical environment for young people and further their opportunities for educational workshops and conferences.

A close-up view of two beautiful white calla lilies surrounded by lush green foliage, conveying a sense of natural beauty and serenity. With the Long Beach Peninsula Garden Tour "Music in the Gardens" logo.
Jazz musician Patrick Lamb standing on the beach with his saxophone under the logo for Jazz and Oysters
The four musicians known as the Dan Brubeck Quartet with their instruments. A drummer at his kit, a pianist at a grand piano, a guitarist holding his guitar in front of him with both hands and a bass player holding the neck of his bass which is standing on the floor. Behind them is a black backdrop with swirls and the logo to the Water Music Festival 2024.
Musician Halie Loren standing with bright light reflecting on her face and colorful outfit on the poster for the Water Music Society Christmas Concert.

MUSIC IN THE GARDENS

In July, has been gracing the peninsula since 2005. Ever expanding, the tour includes fabulous gardens, live music and food.

 

 

JAZZ & OYSTERS

Created one year after the October Water Music Festival. Traditionally held in August, J&O is an outdoor event featuring superb jazz artists from around the Northwest as well as delectable foods and beverages. In 2010 we moved from our original venue at the historic Oysterville Schoolhouse to Wilson Field in Ocean Park where there’s more space for parking and definitely more space for dancing!  The 2017 event was held at Long Beach, Veteran’s Field. In 2018 event was moved to the Port of Peninsula, with plenty of parking, as well as a superb view of Willapa Bay and the oyster industry.
 

WATER MUSIC FESTIVAL

Draws audiences from far and wide to the Peninsula for three days of memorable concerts. It has always been the goal of Water Music Festival to feature a variety of artistic genres during any concert weekend and to encourage artists to present a varied program. The Festival particularly welcomes those artists who relate well with the audience.

In 2009, WMF began a program of including talented young people from the community in one or more of the October concerts. This program was enthusiastically received and will be continued. Also, as part of the organization’s mission to promote educational outreach, one or more artists appearing in the October Festival conducts a workshop at the high school which includes elementary, middle and high school students.

CHRISTMAS CONCERT

Has been a favorite way to start the season since 2001.  It has always been offered to serve our winter residents and the many families that come to the peninsula during the holidays.