Category Archives: Concerts

“Harp Guitar In The Woods” Saturday, June 25th 6:30pm Potluck, 8pm Concert

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I will be performing an outdoor harp guitar concert in the woods at my home on top of Prospect Ridge Saturday, June 25th.  You are invited to a potluck dinner at 6:30pm where we can visit followed by an intimate concert at 8pm.  Plan to bring an entree or a dessert item.

For tickets, you may order them via PayPal to ensure a spot at one of the most exciting events of the year – trust me.

10. Harp Guitar Retreat 2014 class with Mason Williams
8. Harp Guitar Retreat 2014 Potluck2
7. Harp Guitar Retreat 2014 Potluck1

This year the music will be about the evening sky.  A special piece will be premiered at sunset titled “Harp Guitar Sunset” where I will be accompanied by several other harp guitarists attending the 9th Annual Harp Guitar Retreat.  I hope you can be a part of this special occasion.  This is not just a concert, but an experience!

17. Harp Guitar Retreat 2014 Sunset

Seating is limited (last year’s event nearly sold out!).  Admission is $30.00 per person.

To purchase tickets, use our handy PayPal ticket service to ensure a seat. Once you have secured your admission you will be sent the address and directions to the event. RSVP if you will be coming to the potluck. I hope to see you there!

John Doan

Event Details

  • Artist: John Doan
  • Date: 06/25/16
  • Time: 8:00pm
  • Venue: John Doan Home
  • City: Salem, Oregon
  • Venue phone: 503-364-478
  • Country: United States
  • Admission: $30
  • Age restrictions: All Ages
  • Box office: 503-364-4787
  • Notes: I will be performing an outdoor harp guitar concert in the woods on my property on top of Prospect Ridge. You are invited to a potluck dinner at 6:30pm where we can visit followed by an intimate concert at 8pm. Plan to bring an entree or a dessert item.

Christmas Unplugged 2015 Concert Tour

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Willamette University presents Emmy-Nominated musician and storyteller John Doan with his acclaimed “Christmas Unplugged – Reclaiming the Holiday Spirit” program. Imagine stepping into a time machine with Dr. Who to experience the world when people actually entertained themselves and each other. That is what it may feel like entering the performance site that has been transformed into a period parlor. The immersion experience is heightened by group sing-alongs and whistle-alongs, archival photographs, and by hearing the very sounds of a century ago on period instruments common then (harp guitar, classical banjo, various zithers) but rarely if ever heard today. Emmy nominated for “Best Entertainment Special of the Year” John’s physical comedy interspersed with fine musicianship makes for a fun filled evening for all ages.

Event Details

  • Artist: John Doan
  • Tour: Christmas Unplugged 2015
  • Date: 12/06/15
  • Time: 7:00pm
  • Venue: Willamette University, Hudson Hall
  • City: Salem , Oregon
  • Address: 900 State Street
  • Venue phone: 503-370-6255
  • Country: United States
  • Admission: $15
  • Age restrictions: All Ages
  • Box office: (503) 370-6255
  • Artist: John Doan
  • Tour: Christmas Unplugged 2015
  • Date: 12/20/15
  • Time: 3:00pm
  • Venue: Rose Theater, Roseburg High School
  • City: Roseburg , Oregon
  • Address: 400 W Harvard Ave.
  • Country: United States
  • Admission: begins at $5.00
  • Age restrictions: All Ages
  • Box office: 541-863-2102

10th Anniversary Season of Portland Classic Guitar Series Presents John Doan

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The 10th Anniversary Season of the Portland Classic Guitar Series presents Emmy-Nominated musician and storyteller John Doan with his acclaimed “Homage to Fernando Sor” program.

Imagine stepping into a time machine with Doctor Who to experience the world that shaped the beginnings of the classical guitar and the life of its most revered player, Fernando Sor.

That is what it may feel like as you hear the very sounds of 200 years ago on period instruments that Sor would have known but are rarely if ever heard today followed by John’s own inspired compositions that try to unveil the meaning and feeling behind what Sor himself tried to convey within his own musical language. Yesterday becomes today as history comes to life again.

In addition to the music you will see the world as Sor would have seen it through a multimedia presentation of period paintings both during the show and pre-show. John guides his audience in an immersion experience by playing themes of Sor’s on one of the first guitars made in England in 1819 perhaps at the commission of Sor himself. He then follows with his own haunting music inspired by Sor’s themes on a rare Bog Oak guitar – English maker Gary Southwell’s first guitar made from wood 5,500 years old!

Come experience a concert that contemplates the mystery of time passing, the drama of living in challenging times where the stakes are high in love and war and where moments of beauty connects the past to our present. Continue reading →

Event Details

  • Artist: John Doan
  • Date: 02/27/15
  • Time: 8:00pm
  • Venue: Marylhurst University Wiegand Hall
  • City: Marylhurst , Oregon
  • Address: 17600 Pacific Highway (Hwy. 43)
  • Venue phone: 503-654-0082
  • Country: United States
  • Age restrictions: All Ages
  • Box office: 503-654-0082
  • Notes: The 10th Anniversary Season of the Portland Classic Guitar Series presents Emmy-Nominated musician and storyteller John Doan with his acclaimed “Homage to Fernando Sor” program.

2014 Christmas Unplugged John Doan Concert Schedule

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John Doan in concert with his popular Victorian Christmas Show playing electric guitar

This year, Christmas Unplugged – Reclaiming the Holiday Spirit is on tour throughout the Pacific Northwest, bringing fun, laughter, stories, and beautiful music from across the centuries into our concert living room. It is a beautiful celebration of fun, family, laughter, and music, and you are invited to join us in this annual tradition.

For over 25 years, Emmy Nominee John Doan has been bringing the magic of Christmas explored through stories, songs, and musical instruments from today’s modern digital to the ancient past where the music we made was our entertainment. Harp Guitar, Mandolin, and acoustic guitar collection - John Doan.

We are especially excited about the Christmas tour this year as it includes the lovely Egyptian Theatre which was built in 1925 and retains all the original thematic detail throughout the building. The Holiday time travel will thus not only be on stage but in the charm of this newly renovated theatre. You will not be able to resist the nostalgia and warmed of an old fashioned Christmas.

“Christmas Unplugged – Reclaiming the Holiday Spirit” will be featured in this year’s Annual Dicken’s Festival in Tacoma, Washington, at the Center for Spiritual Living.

Imagine stepping into a time machine with Dr. Who to experience the world when people actually entertained themselves and each other. That is what it may feel like entering the performance site that has been transformed into a period parlor. The immersion experience is heightened by group sing-alongs and whistle-alongs, archival photographs, and by hearing the very sounds of a century ago on period instruments common then (harp guitar, classical banjo, various zithers) but rarely if ever heard today. Emmy nominated for “Best Entertainment Special of the Year” John’s physical comedy interspersed with fine musicianship makes for a fun filled evening for all ages. Continue reading →

Event Details

  • Artist: John Doan
  • Tour: 2014 Christmas Unplugged Tour
  • Date: 11/30/14
  • Time: 7:00pm
  • Venue: Willamette University, Hudson Hall
  • City: Salem , Oregon
  • Address: 900 State Street
  • Venue phone: 503-370-6255
  • Country: United States
  • Admission: $15.00
  • Age restrictions: All Ages
  • Box office: (503) 370-6255
  • More information
  • Notes: “Christmas Unplugged – Reclaiming the Holiday Spirit”. Advanced tickets are available at the Music Department or by phone at $15.00 for adults and $10.00 for Seniors, children and students under 18. Tickets at the door are $18.00. Willamette University students, faculty, and staff may acquire free tickets up to one week prior to the event (tickets are limited). For more information and phone reservations call (503) 370-6255 or go online at www.johndoan.com.
  • Artist: John Doan
  • Tour: 2014 Christmas Unplugged Tour
  • Date: 12/07/14
  • Time: 7:00pm
  • Venue: Center for Spiritual Living
  • City: Tacoma , WA
  • Address: 206 N J Street
  • Country: United States
  • Admission: TBA
  • Age restrictions: All Ages
  • More information
  • Notes: “Christmas Unplugged – Reclaiming the Holiday Spirit” will be featured in this year’s Annual Dicken’s Festival in Tacoma, WA.
  • Artist: John Doan
  • Tour: 2014 Christmas Unplugged Tour
  • Date: 12/13/14
  • Time: 8:00pm
  • Venue: Troubadour Music Center
  • City: Corvallis , OR
  • Address: 521 SW Second Street
  • Venue phone: 541-752-7720
  • Country: United States
  • Admission: TBA
  • Age restrictions: All Ages
  • Notes: Christmas Unplugged – Reclaiming the Holiday Spirit will find itself in one of the most long lived and beloved music shops in the region. Surrounded with instruments of all kinds John will present his fun filled program celebrating the season with sing alongs and performances on rare instruments from a century ago.
  • Artist: John Doan
  • Tour: 2014 Christmas Unplugged Tour
  • Date: 12/21/14
  • Time: 2:00pm
  • Venue: Egyptian Theatre
  • City: Coos Bay , Oregon
  • Address: 229 S. Broadway
  • Venue phone: 541-269-8650
  • Country: United States
  • Admission: TBA
  • Age restrictions: All Ages
  • Box office: 541-808-8295
  • Notes: Emmy Nominee John Doan brings his “Christmas Unplugged – Reclaiming the Holiday Spirit” to the Egyptian Theatre which was built in 1925 and retains all the original thematic detail throughout the building. The Holiday time travel will thus not only be on stage but in the charm of this newly renovated theatre. You will not be able to resist the nostalgia and warmed of an old fashioned Christmas.

House Concert in John Doan’s Living Room July 12, 2014

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John Doan - living room concert - the chair awaits in his home.

Join John Doan and the participants of the Annual Harp Guitar Retreat 2014 for an intimate evening concert in John’s own living room. Although we have had people come from far off this is especially for those of you within driving distance of Salem, Oregon. In addition to the intimate house concert (8pm) in my own living room July 12th there will be a potluck (6:30pm) and you are invited! Enjoy visiting with John Doan and other guests while taking in the amazing vistas from his mountain top home.

For tickets, use the paypal link below. Please do not use the comment form to request tickets.




Once you have secured your admission I will send you a confirmation with my address and directions to the event. RSVP if you will be coming to the potluck.

John Doan plays in a home concert with the harpolyre guitar.

John Will play a variety of instruments that he ordinarily could not bring on tour. Past living room concerts have drawn people from as far away as California, Washington and Pennsylvania!

Potluck outdoors at John Doan home summer concert.

John Doan Living Room Concert in Your Own Living Room

If you have any concert venue suggestions, contacts, or would like to have me in your own living room for a house concert, please Contact me.

John Doan living room concert in his home.

Event Details

  • Artist: John Doan
  • Date: 07/12/14
  • Time: 8:00pm
  • Venue: John Doan Home
  • City: Salem, Oregon
  • Venue phone: 503-364-478
  • Country: United States
  • Admission: $29
  • Age restrictions: All Ages
  • Notes: John Doan performs his annual house concert in conjunction with the Annual Harp Guitar Retreat, July 10-13, 2014, in Salem, Oregon. The show begins at 8PM. Attendees are welcome to join us for a potluck dinner at 6:30PM before the show and enjoy the beautiful gardens and view of the valley below the extinct volcano upon which the home resides.

John Doan Performs in China: First Pictures

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John Doan is on tour in China after being so graciously welcomed at the airport. These are the first peeks of his first concert in Xian.

The debut concert was held at the Qujiang Theatre in the heart of Xi’an.  It is a beautiful and intimate facility that soon filled with local people and those who attended at the invitation of my wonderful host Hongquan Wang and the Shaanxi Musicians Association.

I had written out my program and text that I would normally say in English so that it could be read in Chinese (as my Mandarin is currently limited to about 3 words).  Yilin Wang excellently interpreted my text before each song (at least it sounded very authoritative).  I am so use to speaking myself to audiences so as to provide them a bridge to my music so by not being able to speak I initially felt mute and somewhat awkward.

Everything changed once I hit the first note.  I instantly realized that I actually was speaking to the audience directly by playing my music on the harp guitar.  Even the notes sounded a bit Chinese as there was no more distance between us.  They burst to applause after each piece.  Some recording engineers in a sound room were talking to each other and didn’t know that they had a microphone on so my music drifted over some speech in the hall.  Some people in the audience began to shout out to have them be quiet.  I said “Shay Shay (Thank you”).  Once they stopped talking I gave the audience a thumbs up and said “how” (good).  “Hung how” (very good) and the audience erupted in applauds.

The host wanted to have a question and answer session just before starting the second half and many people called out.  One man shouted, “Where do we get your recordings?”  Another asked in Mandarin, “How is the harp guitar different than the guitar?” and so on.

After the concert the audience rushed the stage and wanted to have photos with me.  Everyone waited for me to greet an important man in the arts community.  Then it was another half hour of little children, teens, middle aged to elderly people coming up and posing with me the “Rock Star!”

I made many fans that evening but beyond all that I felt an implied “East meets West” turned into an evening among friends.

John Doan in Xian - Concert Hall exterior
John Doan concert Xian poster on door in concert hall
John Doan in concert at Xian China on stage

John Doan Xian China with audience watching during concert
John Doan in concert at Xian China on stage close up
John Doan Xian China playing harp guitar on stage

John Doan Xian China audience watching concert
John Doan Xian China performing in concert hall in front of the audience
John Doan Xian China during concert playing harp guitar

John Doan with sponsor Yilin Wang after concert in China

Television Interview with John Doan Christmas Show

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From the archives…

In this national television interview by Shannon Woodland with John Doan about the Victorian Christmas show, now called “Christmas Unplugged.”

Celebrating its 27th year, this annual tradition is a musical journey back through time, much like Doctor Who, to a time when we made our own entertainment through stories and song.

In old times, people would have zithers, guitars, or banjos, making their own music…anyone in the household could play these.

I’ve found so many instruments, so many artifacts from this time past that have a certain charm to them. They all tell a story about who we were.

…music is a great equalizer. It is something beyond words. It is non-verbal and parodies our emotions…

The annual John Doan Christmas Show, “Christmas Unplugged: Reclaiming the Holiday Spirit” is on tour throughout the Oregon State area now.

If you cannot make the concert, you can honor the tradition with the Wrapped In White” CD and the Victorian Christmas DVD of the Emmy-nominated show.

The 2013 Christmas Unplugged Tour: Updated

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John Doan on stage with the Christmas show.

The 2013 Christmas Tour is on with concerts all over the Pacific Northwest and afar.

For specifics, check the calendar for tour dates and ticket information.

John will be performing an updated version of his popular, Emmy-nominated live show, “Christmas Unplugged: Reclaiming the Holiday Spirit” in Oregon state in Lake Oswego, Salem, Silverton, Tualatin, Portland, and Lincoln City throughout December. It’s fun for children of all ages.

People are concerned about the isolation in this digital era of Individual entertainment choices (according to a recent American Academy of Pediatrics study children ages 8 to 18 average more than seven hours daily using some kind of entertainment media). John worked over the past year to revamp the show a bit to reach out to a wider audience, still bringing the fun and laughter along as he takes you on a historical journey back to a time when we entertained ourselves with stories and music, through to today, a time when we are retreating behind technology, reminding us that we need to make this season and every season a time for stories, laughter, and music.
Continue reading →

Event Details

  • Artist: John Doan
  • Tour: 2013 Christmas Tour
  • Date: 11/30/13
  • Time: 7:00pm
  • Venue: Christ United Methodist Church
  • City: Portland , Oregon
  • Address: 12755 NW Dogwood
  • Venue phone: (503) 646-1598
  • Country: United States
  • Admission: Suggested donation $15.00, $10 students/Seniors, $30 families
  • Age restrictions: All Ages
  • Box office: 503) 646-1598
  • Artist: John Doan
  • Tour: 2013 Christmas Tour
  • Date: 12/01/13
  • Time: 6:00pm
  • Venue: McMinnville Covenant Church
  • City: McMinnville , Oregon
  • Address: 2155 NW 2nd St.
  • Venue phone: (503) 472-9021
  • Country: United States
  • Admission: Suggested donation $10.00 all ages, $30.00 for families
  • Age restrictions: All Ages
  • Box office: (503) 472-9021
  • Artist: John Doan
  • Tour: 2013 Christmas Tour
  • Date: 12/06/13
  • Time: 7:00pm
  • Venue: Christ Church Episcopal Parish
  • City: Lake Oswego , Oregon
  • Address: 1060 Chandler Rd.
  • Venue phone: (503) 636-5618
  • Country: United States
  • Admission: Suggested donation of $15.00, children under 12 are free
  • Age restrictions: All Ages
  • Box office: (503) 636-5618
  • Artist: John Doan
  • Tour: 2013 Christmas Tour
  • Date: 12/08/13
  • Time: 7:00pm
  • Venue: Willamette University, Hudson Hall
  • City: Salem , Oregon
  • Address: 900 State Street
  • Venue phone: 503-370-6255
  • Country: United States
  • Admission: $15.00 for adults and $10.00 for Seniors, children and students under 18. Tickets at the door are $18.00.
  • Age restrictions: All Ages
  • Box office: (503) 370-6255
  • Artist: John Doan
  • Tour: 2013 Christmas Tour
  • Date: 12/13/13
  • Time: 7:30pm
  • Venue: 1st Christian Church of Silverton
  • City: Silverton , OR
  • Address: 402 North 1st Street
  • Venue phone: (503) 873-6620
  • Country: United States
  • Admission: $15.00
  • Age restrictions: All Ages
  • Box office: (503) 873-6620
  • Artist: John Doan
  • Tour: 2013 Christmas Tour
  • Date: 12/14/13
  • Time: 7:30pm
  • Venue: Winona Grange
  • City: Tualatin , Oregon
  • Address: 8340 SW Seneca St.
  • Venue phone: 503-691-2078
  • Country: United States
  • Admission: $12-$17 advance/$20 door
  • Age restrictions: All Ages
  • Artist: John Doan
  • Tour: 2013 Christmas Tour
  • Date: 12/15/13
  • Time: 3:00pm
  • Venue: Vermont Hills Church
  • City: Portland , Oregon
  • Address: 6053 SW 55th Drive
  • Venue phone: 503-246-1213
  • Country: United States
  • Admission: Admission $15 donation at door, $10 for children, students and seniors
  • Age restrictions: All Ages
  • Box office: Tickets at the door
  • Artist: John Doan
  • Tour: 2013 Christmas Tour
  • Date: 12/17/13
  • Time: 7:00pm
  • Venue: Lincoln City Cultural Center
  • City: Lincoln City , Oregon
  • Address: 540 NE Hwy. 101
  • Venue phone: 541-994-9994
  • Country: United States
  • Admission: Advanced tickets $15.00, $17.00 at door, children under 12 free
  • Age restrictions: All Ages
  • Box office: 541-994-9994
  • Artist: John Doan
  • Tour: Christmas Unplugged 2016
  • Date: 12/09/16
  • Time: 7:00pm
  • Venue: Unity of Portland
  • City: Portland , OR
  • Address: 4525 SE Stark Street
  • Venue phone: 503-234-7441
  • Country: United States
  • Admission: Suggested Donation of $15-$20 at the door
  • Age restrictions: All Ages

John Doan’s Living Room Concert Saturday July 6, 2013

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John Doan - living room concert - the chair awaits in his home.

For those of you within driving distance of Salem, Oregon or who are visiting the area I will be giving an intimate house concert (8pm) in my own living room July 6th with a potluck (6:30pm) and you are invited. Tickets are available for this rare and exciting evening. Once you have secured your admission I will send you a confirmation with my address and directions to the event. RSVP if you will be coming to the potluck.

John Doan plays in a home concert with the harpolyre guitar.

John Will play a variety of instruments that he ordinarily could not bring on tour. Past living room concerts have drawn people from as far away as California, Washington and Pennsylvania!

Potluck outdoors at John Doan home summer concert.

John Doan Living Room Concert in Your Own Living Room

If you have any concert venue suggestions, contacts, or would like to have me in your own living room for a house concert, please Contact me.

John Doan living room concert in his home.

Event Details

  • Artist: John Doan
  • Date: 07/06/13
  • Time: 8:00pm
  • Venue: John Doan Home
  • City: Salem, Oregon
  • Venue phone: 503-364-478
  • Country: United States
  • Admission: $29.00
  • Age restrictions: All Ages
  • Box office: 503-364-4787
  • More information
  • Notes: John Doan will be performing in his own living room on several historical instruments and harp guitars that he never brings on tour. Some of the harp guitarists at the Weekend Harp Guitar Retreat will join him as well. This is not an evening to miss! If you would like to come early for dinner John and his wife Deirdra are hosting a potluck at 6:30PM so plan to bring an entree or a dessert item. This concert, during my 6th Annual Harp Guitar Weekend Retreat, will be a very up front and personal performance. You will enjoy the music while you look out over the Willamette Valley from atop Prospect Ridge. Seating is limited (last year’s event sold out!). Admission is $29.00. (paste the following into your browser) Once you have secured your admission John will confirm that and send you his address and directions to the event. RSVP if you will be coming to the potluck.

John Doan Shares Music and Stories at Lend an Ear, Come and Hear 2013

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Join John Doan and writers from the Pacific Northwest at the annual “Lend an Ear, Come and Hear” poetry and prose reading event. John will be playing harp guitar and sharing stories with the family-friendly audience as we laze in the sun at the Plum Hill Winery.

Plum Hill Winery - rows of grapes in the field of this country winery in Gaston, Oregon.Produced by Writers in the Grove, a local writer’s group offering writing workshops and events monthly in the Forest Grove, Oregon, area. “Lend an Ear, Come and Hear” is an annual event featuring local authors, writers, and poets sharing their work with a public audience.

The event is free and open to all ages. It begins Saturday, July 13, 2013, at 1:30PM and runs until approximate 3:00PM, or whenever John Doan stops sharing his music and stories with the audience picnicking at the beautiful Plum Hill Winery in Gaston, Oregon.

Winners of the Lend an Ear writer’s competition will share their poetry and prose among the lovely grounds of the winery. Snacks and wine tasting will be available for a small fee.

For more information on the Writers in the Grove special event “Lend an Ear,” check out their site.

For directions to the winery, check out their site, Plum Hill Winery.

Please join John and the Writers in the Grove for a special summer event.

Event Details