8 // COASTWEEKEND.COM
NOTES OF
CHRISTMAS
PAST
JOHN DOAN’S ‘CHRISTMAS UNPLUGGED’
RECALLS VINTAGE INSTRUMENTS,
RICHER HUMAN CONNECTIONS
By PATRICK WEBB
FOR COAST WEEKEND
T
he title of John Doan’s sea-
sonal concert on Friday in
Astoria offers several depths
of meaning.
“Christmas Unplugged – Reclaiming
the Holiday Spirit” refers to his acoustic
music, produced on his harp guitar and
other unusual stringed instruments from
the past. But he also invites concertgoers
to unplug their modern technology, em-
brace a face-to-face sense of community,
and participate in a musical sing-along
and whistle-along.
“It’s become more and more essential
for our culture to look at who we are,”
said Doan, a thoughtful interview subject
who speaks in rich sentences and savors
connecting the dots.
“Education sometimes misses that a
past-to-now program is as much about
now as it is about the past,” he said, when
asked about preserving historical musical
instruments and traditions.
“I feel like Indiana Jones who has
found these great treasures and tried to
make sense of them.”
IF YOU GO
“Christmas Unplugged –
Reclaiming the Holiday Spirit”
When: 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7
Where: Lewis and Clark Bible
Church, 35082 Seppa Lane, Astoria
Admission: Suggested donation,
$12-$15 for adults and $10 for
seniors and children.
Box Office: 503-325-7011.
johndoan.com
PHOTOS COURTESY JOHN DOAN
ABOVE: A portable fold-out 8-foot fireplace provides a parlor-like atmosphere for John Doan when he performs. A giant screen displays photos
from a past era of music making. TOP: This undated photo of a woman with a mandolin is among John Doan’s collection of historical photos that
help illustrate his performances.