‘Pop-up New Year’s Eve’ celebrated at Oaks Park

People who came enjoyed the live music at an unannounced ‘drive-in concert’, in celebration of the start of the New Year in East Portland …

On their stage, set up in the parking lot of non-profit Oaks Amusement Park, Justin Sheehy and Warren Dexter warm up for their surprise ‘Pop-up New Year’s Eve Celebration’ concert.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

It was a welcome surprise, when the duo who put on the well-received “Cinnamon Bear” musical show for families at historic Oaks Amusement Park throughout December decided to return and present a New Year’s Eve show for grownups.

Due to the spur-of-the-moment nature of the concert, Justin Sheehy and Warren Dexter of WebracaDabra Productions said the musicians who’d participated back in December were “otherwise engaged” for the evening, and that they’d be presenting the two-hour musical show themselves.

“We thought we’d do this because COVID-19 coronavirus rules, here in Multnomah County, are keeping venues closed – but there’s still a need for live entertainment,” Justin Sheehy told East Portland News as they were tuning up for their unscheduled show.

The duo of Sheehy and Dexter give a lively show, offering unique entertainment for anyone happening by.

“We’re here this evening to provide a safe in-your-car experience, where people can listen to the music through their vehicle’s stereo radios, and watch the fun onstage,” explained Sheehy.

About the show, he commented, “Warren and I perform all kinds of music, from Cat Stevens to Frank Sinatra – and a lot of 80s and 90s rock music as well.”

During the concert, Sheehy and Dexter’s professional show also included cheerful banter. Their live sound system was excellent, and the music sounded great over the radio in our car.

With the Oaks Amusement Park roller coaster, Adrenaline Peak, lit up in the background, in the comfort and safety of their vehicles folks ring in the New Year at Sheehy and Dexter’s “pop-up concert”.

Because the “Cinnamon Bear” musical was so well received, Sheehy said they were already exploring the idea of creating an all-new musical show, this one featuring the Oaks Amusement Park mascot, Chipper, for weekend late-afternoons. “And, we’d also like to do evening music shows, much like the concert we’re giving tonight, with top Portland area musicians sitting in, joining us,” he remarked.

Keep an eye on the official Oaks Amusement Park website – where upcoming shows will be posted, along with ticket information, at CLICK HERE.

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