Our Mission

Our Mission: Boosting Music Education in Rural Oregon Our Vision: We place high value on cultural preservation and music education initiatives in Oregon.

Our Approach: We host events as a fundraising vehicle for local music programs

About Us

Forming as a non-profit in 2022, Shaniko Music Sanctuary utilizes events to raise funds for Oregon Music Education. The bread and butter of our structure centers around producing music events throughout the year with proceeds going to various recipient organizations in rural Oregon. SWCSD Music teacher Marty Hansen has leveraged a $3900 donation to acquire instruments for his classes, and has built brass and string programs into his current general music offering. South Wasco Library now offers instruments for checkout with a library card in Maupin. And we are working to stand up music venues throughout the County in the next 5 years. Shaniko Music Sanctuary aims to help sustain the growing momentum for music in Wasco County.

Our Initiatives

Engage the Community

Bringing people together to learn, play, and enjoy music fosters a sense of community. Giving these performers an opportunity get to know the attendees throughout the day by hosting classes & letting loose in jams is a festival staple – it really builds community in sending the message that everyone is welcome, regardless of skillset or age or background.

Highlight Local Cities with Events

A successful bluegrass festival will build on Central Oregon’s reputation as a destination. Scheduling local music events encourages people to explore rural Oregon, increasing exposure to the region. It’s common for bluegrass-ers to attend festivals with their spouse and kids who are often seeking out additional entertainment, of which Wasco County has a-plenty.

Stimulate an All-Ages Atmosphere

Bluegrass doesn’t care what year you were born. A trad-grass jam is truely special in that it really does provide inclusivity to all ages. Jam circles are often comprised of the old and young, alike, building a generational bridge in the community.

Strengthen the Bluegrass Scene

There is an undeniable bluegrass community of listeners and pickers in the state of Oregon area. There is high-demand for local bluegrass with prime opportunity to fill a hole in the market. Bluegrass is blooming in Portland and Northern California, and Central Oregon is perfectly placed to celebrate and preserve the tradition.

Include Immersive Experiences

Workshops provide learning experiences for musicians of all skill levels, keeping traditional music alive. Open jam sessions allow musicians to connect, learn, and create spontaneous music together. A mix of wellknown and emerging artists make Central Oregon an exciting hub for bluegrass enthusiasts.

Impact

The Impact of Music reaches far beyond Learning to Play an Instrument. Musicians are creative problem solvers. They collaborate well in a team environment. They have learned the nuance of emotional expression through music. Today’s support of youth participation in music contributes directly to a workforce-ready culture in tomorrow’s generation of workers and entrepreneurs.

The learning process is a lifelong journey that buildings relationships and social prowess. We believe it’s never too late to take the first step, and thrive on providing environments for new and amateur bluegrass musicians to come together to explore their craft. We are committed to nurturing partnerships with local organizations and schools to support longevity of the arts in our region.

A small wooden gas station building with a large sign that reads 'GAS 24/7 SELF SERVE' and two wagon wheel decorations mounted on the upper facade. There are flower baskets hanging near the windows, and signs on the ramp outside advertising a music e
People gathered in a cozy room with American flags, a wood stove, and various decorations, enjoying food and drinks, some waving at the camera.
An open guitar case filled with guitar accessories, a round banjo with a reflective surface, and a beige baseball cap with red and black lettering that reads 'Banjo Revolution Nechville'. In the background, a red door and vintage wooden furniture are
Person wearing a plaid shirt playing an electric guitar.
An older man with a beard wearing a cowboy hat, tan shirt, and jeans is sitting outside on a wooden platform, playing a guitar. Behind him is an old, rustic wooden church with a small bell tower and a white cross on its front.
A group of musicians performing in a cozy, rustic room with natural light, white curtains, and string lights. Some are playing guitars, a woman is playing a double bass, and a man is playing a ukulele.
A woman with gray hair playing an acoustic guitar indoors near a white door with stained glass. Behind her is a mounted deer head, a guitar hanging on the wall, and a poster partially visible. There are ropes in the foreground and a black chest with
Person dressed in old-fashioned cowboy or pioneer clothing standing indoors next to a wood stove with visible fire.
Brochure for Shaniko Music Sanctuary listing activities and facilities including RV camping, lodging, local dining options, and points of interest in Shaniko, Oregon.
Two men working at a food truck preparing food, viewed through a glass window with a sign that reads 'PICK-UP HERE' and downward arrows.
A group of six people seated on a bench playing banjos and guitars, with one person in the foreground playing a resonator guitar. There is a small fire in a metal fire pit on the wooden floor in front of them, creating a cozy, rustic atmosphere.
A breakfast sandwich with egg, bacon, and cheese in a poppy seed bagel, wrapped in foil, held by a person's hand.
A woman playing pool in a rustic wooden game room with artwork on the walls and a chandelier made of antlers hanging from the ceiling.