Nay's News December 2024

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Happy December! I hope you're finding peace in the quiet moments of this busy season. In Oregon, the chill has set in, and cozy nights with hot tea (and maybe some holiday music!) are in full swing. If you’re feeling the weight of the holidays, I hope my music can offer a bit of calm and comfort.

I’ve been so grateful to hear that my Lucente Skye album Discovering Peace has helped many of you find moments of relief from stress and anxiety. If you haven’t had a chance to listen yet, it’s always here when you need a peaceful escape.

Big News from Lucente Skye:

The second single from my Oregon Landscapes album, "Deschutes River," was released on November 29. It’s a calming, flowing piece inspired by the beauty of this gorgeous river in central Oregon, and I’m so excited for you to hear it.

The next track, “Alpenglow,” will be out on December 20—a snowy song just in time for the holidays. Both tracks feature stunning artwork by Lindsay Gilmore, and I can’t wait for you to experience them.

SHEET MUSIC AVAILABLE

For those of you who like to play along, I’m excited to share that "Deschutes River" sheet music is now available in my shop!

And if you're still looking for that perfect holiday gift for a piano player, I have sheet music for "Bittersweet," "Clouds in My Mind," "Heart," "Flow," "Discovering Peace," and "Energy"—all from my Discovering Peace album.

PHYSICAL CDS

Oh, and for those of you who still believe in the magic of CDs (I see you, retro music lovers!), they also make great gifts for that special person who hasn’t yet switched completely to streaming. You can snag my CDs in my shop.

A Special Holiday Release / Introducing Frances Gardner

I’m excited to announce that my Christmas piano songs are now part of a new artist profile: Frances Gardner. This is my grandma’s name, whom I always called “Grandma Frankie.” You can now find my piano versions of "Silent Night" and "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" on streaming platforms, and a brand-new holiday song will be released on December 20. Make sure to follow Frances Gardner on your favorite streaming platforms to get the new song as soon as it drops!

🎧 Christmas Coffeehouse Playlist
Looking for the perfect soundtrack for your holiday to-do list? I've curated a Christmas Coffeehouse playlist on Spotify, filled with a mix of my favorite holiday tunes and a few of my own recordings as a singer-songwriter and pianist. It’s perfect for wrapping gifts, sipping cocoa, or pretending you're in your own cozy coffee shop. 

UPCOMING SHOWS

Oregon Repertory Singers "Glory of Christmas"
December 8, 13 & 15, 2024
First United Methodist Church of Portland, OR
The choir has me back at the piano and harpsichord with them this December for a concert of great holiday classics by Handel, Berlioz, and Poulenc, as well as two of my choral compositions, "Noel" and "Angel in the Snow."

Every Brain Needs (Love) Music
February 14, 2025
Patricia Reser Center for the Arts in Beaverton, OR
This multi-media Valentine’s Day event is a collaboration between the Portland Chamber Orchestra and Science on Tap. I'm thrilled to perform again with neuroscientist Dr. Larry Sherman, Native American flutist James Greeley, blues singer Marilyn Keller, and the PCO.

Song Suffragettes PNW is happening!

The first-ever Song Suffragettes PNW event is in the works for March 8, 2025, at McMenamins Kennedy School on International Women’s Day. It’s going to be a celebration of incredible female singer-songwriters, and I’d love for you to join us! Save the date, and please reach out if you'd like to be a corporate sponsor or get involved!

Recent Highlights

This past month has been filled with special moments, both musically and personally:

I was interviewed for the Moveable Do Podcast, where I shared insights into my music and creative process. You can listen to the episode HERE.

It was a wonderful time with Beth Wood during our livestream called "Joyful Measures", combining poetry and Lucente Skye piano music. If you missed it, the full replay is available on YouTube.

I also had the privilege of working with the talented students at West Salem High School for a composer clinic, and we rehearsed my SATB choral piece "Winter Solstice". It was such a joy to connect with them!

Adventures

Last month, I had the chance to do some hiking in the San Juan Islands and spend time there with my dear friend Morten Lauridsen (Skip). He is a world-renowned choral composer, and spending time with him is always a huge inspiration. His generous spirit, stories and encouragement lifted me up, the island air nourished my soul, and I left with a renewed sense of creativity.

As we head into the final weeks of 2024, I want to express my deep gratitude for your support this year. Whether you’ve listened to my music, attended a show, or just reached out with a kind word, I am so thankful for you. I hope you find moments of peace and joy as we wrap up this year and enter the holiday season.

Wishing you all the best,
Naomi (Nay)

P.S. – The snow’s finally here, and I’m gearing up to hit the cross-country trails. Maybe it's time to write a song that sounds like skis gliding on snow—smooth, rhythmic, and hopefully without any face plants! ❄️⛷️