'Stranded' in Salem

Matthew Price's debut EP "Stranded" is taking off on the Oregon music scene. The musician and songwriter has a day job, but his creative career has garnered the Silverton native several accolades.

Celebrating the release of his new seven-song recording, Price performs his folk/rock tracks during a show at the Historic Grand Theatre on February 5 at 7:30 p.m.

Price, who makes his home in Salem and works as a third grade teacher at Four Corners Elementary School, had his song "Idol" voted as Portland Songwriter's Association's rock song of the year, and in the past month has become the top-selling Oregon album out of more than 4,400 on CDBaby.

"My inspiration for the album is life," Price said. "As a songwriter, my goal is to take the ordinary and extraordinary parts of everyday life, and use them to create songs that can help people see the world around them in a different way."

Joining Price on stage at this show are lead guitarist Nate Hagen, bassist Jon Pries, and drummer Rob Stroup.

Price takes pride in choosing to have his CD release performance at home.

"I chose to do it at the Grand Theatre because it is a beautiful, historic theater and I'm excited about being part of the building music scene in Salem," he said.

Doors for the show open at 6:45 p.m. Tickets are $8 in advance, and $12 at the door. Advance buyers may purchase the cd in combination with show tickets for $13 on absolutelytix.com

"Stranded" can also be found on iTunes, or in store at Ranch Records. For more information, visit www.matthewpricemusic.com

Foundation offers study scholarship

A biennial offer, the Lillian and Paul Petri Music Study Fund is available for 2010. This performance based program awards up to $15,000 to a top Oregon musician.

The fund offers one person who has already begun or is ready to begin their professional music career the financial assistance to study domestically or abroad. Performers of voice, piano, organ, harpsichord, or orchestral instruments in the European Art Music Tradition between the ages of 21 and 35 who were raised in or are a current Oregon resident may apply.

Applications are available online at www.bentoncountyfoundation.org and must be submitted by February 22.

On April 10, applicants audition for an independent panel who will determine the winner and the exact amount of the award. Criteria is based on the musician's solo performance and their professional plans for the future.

For more information, call 541-753-1603.

Strung together

From their ancient tradition to their current electronic variations, string instruments have a sound that can echo both the past and reverberate what's current.

On Feb. 7, Willamette University hosts "Beyond Six Strings - From Sor to Hendrix" featuring a performance by master harp guitarist John Doan.

This concert is a tribute to innovators in the history of guitar from classical originator Fernando Sor to fan favorite Jimi Hendrix. In this show, Doan uses an original 1819 copy of Sor's guitar, a rare 1829 three-necked Harpolyre, and a twenty string harp guitar.

Doan debuts his own new music as well, from the recording "The Lost Music of Fernando Sor - Complete Works for the Harpolyre." Doan is the first and only modern day player of this 21-stringed, three-neck instrument.

The Salem residents plays at Hudson Hall beginning at 7:30 p.m.

Advance tickets, available for purchase at Willamette's Music Department, are $15 for adults and $10 for seniors and children.