Christmas Concert 2025

Presented by the Water Music Society

Sunday, December 7, 2025

2:00 pm - 5:00 pm 

• 2 pm social hour including appetizers and (no-host) wine bar
• 3 pm concert starts

Artists: George Mitchell, Gina Saputo, Mike Horsfall, Kevin Deitz, Brent Follis

Water Music Society brings you the most popular event of the holiday season. This concert sells out each year – it is the perfect way to get your holiday mojo started! Don your red sweater, come enjoy a glass of bubbly and holiday appetizers to include homemade Christmas cookies and other savory treats, then enjoy an incredible concert of holiday favorites!! The Ilwaco High School Jazz Band will entertain you during the social hour.

Tickets: $15

All ages. Tickets are non-refundable.

Meet the band:  

George Mitchell

From the age of seven, Mitchell displayed a musical maturity and talent that, by his early twenties, landed him numerous touring engagements.  He is currently the touring pianist for Diana Ross.  When not touring, Mitchell pursues his first love of playing jazz piano and Hammond B-3 organ on the local and regional scene. He is highly sought after as a studio musician and his versatility has made him the piano and keys player of choice for most Northwest band leaders, and a leading accompanist for guest artists in town for symphony and festival engagements.  For the past twenty years, Mitchell has taught hundreds of music arts students from around Oregon and Washington advanced jazz methods and interpretation, enabling them to develop their own style and bring to light existing talents.

Gina Saputo

Gina Saputo has one of the most beautiful and dynamic voices in the jazz world today.  Her early passion for jazz set her on a path of extraordinary success. She pursued jazz studies at the USC and further honed her craft at the prestigious Thelonious Monk Institute, now known as the Herbie Hancock Institute.  An internationally celebrated jazz performer, recording artist, and session singer, she is also a sought-after clinician, model, actress, and author.  Gina has toured with jazz legends such as Herbie Hancock and Wayne Shorter.   After a vibrant 23 years in Los Angeles, Gina recently relocated to Portland, Oregon, with her husband, jazz organist Joe Bagg.  She is a dynamic presence in contemporary jazz! 

Mike Horsfall, Vibes

Mike Horsfall has served as educator, composer, arranger, recording artist and concert soloist on both piano and vibraphone for over 35 years.  He co-founded the trio Tall Jazz, playing vibes and piano and serving as musical director. In 1994 Mike designed a program giving piano students a chance to perform in a professional setting,  and earned wide acclaim from the National Music Teachers Association. Mike is an avid music educator and has performed with a large number of world class musicians, among them Pink Martini. 

Kevin Deitz, Bass

Kevin has had a wealth of experience playing bass everywhere from touring Broadway productions to the stage with the likes of Mose Allison, Art Blakey, Dave Brubeck, Sheena Easton and everyone in between. Equally at home on upright as he is on his 7-string Conklin, Kevin showcases his abilities on both instruments with musicality, style and grace. From lush and beautiful ballads, straight ahead jazz and the bop side of things, Kevin has wonderful tone and great intonation.

Brent Follis, Drums

Drummer, producer, and educator Brent Follis’  journey has led him cross-country and around the globe, performing music for thousands of people.   He transplanted himself in the Pacific Northwest, and then needing to fulfill his yearning for diversity, culture, and thin-crust pizza, he moved to New York City.  He eventually returned to The Rose City, where he maintained a busy recording and performance schedule as a first-call performer and session drummer, his mission being to elevate the music rather than steal the spotlight for himself.