Upcoming Dates
Save the dates! I love collaboration and working with others, so that is a theme of my shows. Stay tuned for details about special guests and unique performances. Check back for regular updates.
Omar’s Sunday Soiree: Fiddles, Strings and Stories #1
Fiddler and studio multi-instrumentalist Omar Ruiz-Lopez (Violet Bell) is launching a 3 month residency and series of shows at The Artscenter in Carrboro, NC, starting 1/5/25. Following a period of recording and playing with several acts in Nashville, this will be a homecoming of sorts, celebrating the richness of the Triangle roots music scene.
Joined by a different backing band, each show will have its own theme and sound. Up first on 1/5 in the band is Mike Devito (Magic Tuber Stringband) on upright bass and Gabe Anderson (Sleepy Cat Records) on percussion, and will feature new songs and fiddle tunes by Omar. Chessa Rich (Skylar Gudasz, piano, guitar, flute) joins as opener and collaborator.
For the 2/16 show, Eric Hirsh (Orquesta Gardel, The Beast, piano) joins as opener and collaborator.
For the 3/24 show, Tatiana Hargreaves (Allison DeGroot and Tatiana Hargreaves, fiddle) is the opener and collaborator.
$25 door, seated shows.
Omar’s Sunday Soiree: Fiddles, Strings and Stories #2
Fiddler and studio multi-instrumentalist Omar Ruiz-Lopez (Violet Bell) is launching a 3 month residency and series of shows at The Artscenter in Carrboro, NC, starting 1/5/25. Following a period of recording and playing with several acts in Nashville, this will be a homecoming of sorts, celebrating the richness of the Triangle roots music scene.
Joined by a different backing band, each show will have its own theme and sound.
For the 2/16 show, Eric Hirsh (Orquesta Gardel, The Beast, piano) joins as opener and collaborator.
For the 3/23 show, Tatiana Hargreaves (Allison DeGroot and Tatiana Hargreaves, fiddle) is the opener and collaborator.
$25 door, seated shows.
Omar’s Sunday Soiree: Fiddles, Strings and Stories #3
Fiddler and studio multi-instrumentalist Omar Ruiz-Lopez (Violet Bell) is launching a 3 month residency and series of shows at The Artscenter in Carrboro, NC, starting 1/5/25. Following a period of recording and playing with several acts in Nashville, this will be a homecoming of sorts, celebrating the richness of the Triangle roots music scene.
Joined by a different backing band, each show will have its own theme and sound.
For the 3/23 show, Tatiana Hargreaves (Allison DeGroot and Tatiana Hargreaves, fiddle) is the opener and collaborator.
$25 door, seated show.
Shakori Hills
The Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival of Music & Dance is a collaboration between the Shakori Hills Community Arts Center and the GrassRoots Festival Organization, providing a family-friendly celebration of music, dance, art and education; a Music Lovers' Paradise!
I will be playing with my own band as well as with Angela Autumn (Nashville, TN), and possible others!
NORTHWEST SONGWRITER SOIREE RETREAT in Rockaway, OR
AUTUMN SONGWRITER SOIREE RETREAT
November 21-24th, 2024
What’s Included
Open Mic Soiree
This is the heart of the soiree. Each night we will gather together in an intentional and supportive space, to share original songs. Participants are encouraged to talk about the process!
Songwriting Workshops
We are over the moon excited to have some amazing regionally recognized and talented teachers, performers and mentors join us. We will be offering daily workshop choices in all aspects of songwriting including lyricism, arranging, storytelling, form, musicality and more! All levels.
Music, Performance, and Creativity Workshops
Whether you are a professional or don’t identify as a “musician,” We have lots of dynamic ways you can participate and learn! Want to learn how to play the ukulele or guitar or just sing in a group? This retreat is for ANYONE who wants to be creative or just enjoy the community vibes. We will be offering workshops on circle singing, vocal improv, drumming, beginning guitar, ukulele, music performance, confidence and more!
Yoga and Dance
Begin each day with an optional, inspiring led yoga class taught by one of our renowned teachers, and an ecstatic dance on Sunday!
Group Connection and Play
Part of what makes the soiree unique is the safe, supportive and connected space we create. We will be taking some time to get to know each other (just like Summer camp!) and offer some fun, connecting activities to make the weekend even more awesome. Optional, yet encouraged!
Reflection Time/Nature/Fun
We came here to relax, right?! Take the time YOU need to unwind, be still and let inspiration find you. We will provide lots of free time and space for reflection, nature and connection with other activities. The camp is situated on 120 wooded acres, with mountain trails and a scenic lakefront just one block from the beach. The property offers hiking trails, big starry skies, and a serene and meditative nature experience! There are also plenty of games to play for that summer camp feel – Check it out!
Food and Accommodation at an amazzzing Retreat Center In Rockaway, OR!
We are very excited to announce a move to our new home on the Oregon coast at the Twin Rocks Camp, located on 120 magnificent acres in Rockaway, OR! Twin Rocks is a well established retreat center boasting stunning views of the coastline, and a deep rooted community which has been built to support community and connection. Twin Rocks is focused on providing a peaceful, nature-focused environment that promotes growth and community building through rest, reflection, and engagement.
They are very open and encouraging to groups of all beliefs and backgrounds. The meeting spaces are welcoming and versatile, with space for yoga, dance and performing!
Accommodations are clean, comfy and easily accessible within and near the main lodges. Sleeping arrangements consist of clean and cozy individual and shared rooms in different configurations (single/double/triple/bunks). First come first serve so sign up now if you want a specific room)! You can learn more on our accommodation page.
All food is included! Enjoy three nutritious and healthy home cooked meals a day, as well as 24 hour coffee, tea and other refreshments always available in the lodges. The kitchen staff is friendly to all dietary needs including vegan, GF, Kosher, etc. How awesome is that!
Autumn House Concert W Omar Ruiz-Lopez and Cameron DeWhitt
**THE SONGWRITER SOIREE PRESENTS!**
Join us for a cozy and dreamy night at a private fireside residence for this VERY special one-of-a-kind house concert — As part of the NW Songwriter Soiree Retreat pre party!
>>>. GET TICKETS: https://tinyurl.com/3wb6u82u. <<<
Appalachian violins, nostalgic banjos, and soulful stories abound with this special night of two dynamic folk troubadours.
We are so lucky to have the amazing Omar Ruiz-Lopez joining us all the way from Nashville, Tennessee!! And the incredible clawhammer banjo artist Cameron DeWhitt!
You won't want to miss this incredible opportunity to see them in such an intimate setting.
LOCATION: A cozy private residence in the Mississippi neighborhood, Portland
Doors: 6:30pm, Show: 7pm
$20adv/$25dos
Please bring a drink, dessert, or snack to share if you feel inspired : )
Get tickets as space is capped at 60 and it will sell out!
>>>GET TICKETS: https://tinyurl.com/3wb6u82u
Cuddle Concert w Micaela Kingslight/Omar Ruiz-Lopez
Cuddle Concert with Micaela Kingslight and Omar Ruiz-Lopez
Be serenaded by the soulful songs of Micaela Kingslight and Nashville songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Omar Ruiz-Lopez while enjoying closeness and connection with community in a safe and nurturing environment. There will be options to cuddle or not depending on your needs and a safe container of consent in place at the beginning of the concert. Please bring “squish” (pillows, blankets, cuddly stuffed animals etc). Feel free to bring snacks to share after the concert.
Children are welcome if they can match a calm, cuddly energy inside or if they can be quietly self-entertained outside without needing to run in and out of the yurt. No dogs please.
Tickets: Sliding scale $20-30+, paid in advance through Venmo @mkingslight or at the door
When: Sunday Oct 17 5:30-8
5:30: Doors open
6-8: Music!
8pm and beyond: Sharing snacks and connection time
Where: Concrescence (PM Micaela Kingslight for address and directions)
Omar Ruiz-Lopez (he/him) is a distinguished musician and educator based in Nashville, with a remarkable command over multiple instruments, including violin, viola, guitar, and mandolin. His extensive teaching expertise extends to coaching chamber music ensembles and conducting.
Born in Panama and raised in Puerto Rico, Omar's early exposure to traditional Caribbean folk songs, courtesy of his father, laid the foundation for his deep appreciation for music. Spanish was his first language, and it remains an integral part of his cultural identity.
Together with Lizzy Ross, Omar co-founded the Americana group Violet Bell, where their collaboration seamlessly intertwines top-notch songwriting with a variety of musical landscapes. Omar, a bilingual songwriter and undercover composer, crafts music that beautifully reflects his cultural roots entwined with a rich tapestry of diverse musical influences.
With a wealth of experience in music business, production, and engineering, Omar is not only a skilled performer but also a dedicated educator. His role as a Teaching Artist underscores his commitment to shaping the next generation of musicians.
As a Latin immigrant and a versatile musician spanning multiple genres, Omar has a unique ability to connect with diverse international audiences. His music serves as a bridge, fostering understanding and appreciation across cultural boundaries.
Micaela Kingslight is a multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, songwriter, lifelong music-educator and intuitive somatic bodyworker. Micaela began playing violin and piano at age 3, recorded her first track at age 5, and began teaching music at 15. A truly protean talent, Micaela is equally comfortable with the funky and folksy as well as ultra-hard rock and blues! As lead electric guitarist and songwriter in her group Flypaper, Micaela opened up for internationally touring bands like Primus, The Dresden Dolls, and B.B King, while as a studio musician in Detroit she cut her guitar and vocal chops playing funk and R&B alongside members of Motown staples like the Temptations, The Drifters, and The Supremes. Most recently, Micaela has gained acclaim singing intricate three-part harmonies with the folk/medicine supergroup Three Wheels Turning alongside her collaborators Samara Jade and Aimee Ringle. Her own music combines all of these diverse influences into an eclectic global synthesis incorporating classical guitar, mandolin, harp, and South American Medicine music
ANDY FISCHER-PRICE REBECCA ELATIKI featuring Omar Ruiz-Lopez and more!
Join us for an evening of music and community. Singing songs for the times, to remember our shared humanity, and envision collective healing & liberation.
Both sets will feature a full band of our insanely talented friends: Aimée Ringle (percussion, vox, guitar), Micaela Kingslight (vox, guitar), Jason Krivo Flores (bass), Omar Ruiz-Lopez (violin), and Mr. Yambaby (percussion, vox).
This is a really special lineup that may never come together in this configuration again!
@ Ballard Homestead
6:30p doors, 7p show
All ages, mostly seated, alcohol-free
Shoes off, mix of chairs, floor space for cushions, and dance space in back. BYO cushions/blankets if inspired. Abbey Arts Connect provides free tickets for nonprofit workers, low income families, and veterans.
Sliding scale tickets below:
https://rb.gy/xsktpx
Autumn House Concert w/ Omar Ruiz-Lopez and Bernice Lewis
**THE SONGWRITER SOIREE PRESENTS!**
Join us for a cozy and dreamy night at a private fireside residence for this VERY special one-of-a-kind house concert — As part of the NW Songwriter Soiree Retreat pre party!
>>>. GET TICKETS: https://tinyurl.com/3wb6u82u. <<<
Appalachian violins, nostalgic banjos, and soulful stories abound with this special night of two dynamic folk troubadours.
We are so lucky to have the amazing Omar Ruiz-Lopez joining us all the way from Nashville, Tennessee!! And the incredible folk legend Bernice Lewis from Massachusetts!
You won't want to miss this incredible opportunity to see them in such an intimate setting.
LOCATION: A cozy private residence in the Mississippi neighborhood, Portland
Doors: 6:30pm, Show: 7pm
$20adv/$25dos
Please bring a drink, dessert, or snack to share if you feel inspired : )
Get tickets as space is capped at 60 and it will sell out!
>>>GET TICKETS: https://tinyurl.com/3wb6u82u
ABOUT OMAR RUIZ-LOPEZ
Omar Ruiz-Lopez (he/him) is a distinguished musician and educator with a remarkable command over multiple instruments, including the 5-string-violin, cello, guitar, and mandolin. Born in Panama and raised in Puerto Rico, Omar's early exposure to traditional Caribbean folk songs laid the foundation for his deep appreciation for folk music from all over the world.
As a co-founder of the original Americana group, Violet Bell, Omar has made significant contributions to the contemporary folk music scene. His bilingual songwriting and compositional skills reflect a fusion of cultural influences and his dedication to musical excellence. Omar's music is the lovechild of his cultural heritage, a wild affair with diverse musical landscapes.
Omar is not only a skilled performer but also a dedicated educator. His role as a teaching artist and youth orchestra conductor (particularly in the years 2012-2023 with the El Sistema-based nonprofit youth orchestra program Kidznotes) underscores his commitment to shaping the next generation of musicians. He is a firm believer in the transformative power of a well-structured arts education.
As a Latine immigrant and a versatile musician spanning multiple genres, Omar has a unique ability to connect with diverse international audiences. His music serves as a bridge, fostering understanding and appreciation across cultural boundaries.
Of Violet Bell: “One of the best duos working in Americana today" - No Depression Magazine
ABOUT BERNICE LEWIS
Hailing from Massachusetts, Bernice Lewis has been a nationally recognized touring artist for almost four decades. According to Rosanne Cash: “Bernice is one of the keepers of the flame of Real Songwriting.” Lewis — who studied vocal improvisation with Bobby McFerrin, guitar technique with Alex DeGrassi and Guy van Duser, and songwriting with Rosanne Cash and Cris Williamson — has been a featured performer on NPR’s Mountain Stage program, as well as at the Kennedy CenterIn 1987, she was a finalist in the prestigious New Folk Songwriting Contest at the Kerrville (Texas) Folk Festival, where she continues to be a main stage favorite. Her ballad, “Bridges That Hold,” was included in Peter, Paul and Mary’s Lifelines video (PBS).
She has shared the stage with many renowned artists, including Dar Williams, Dixie Chicks, Patty Griffin, Pete Seeger, Ellis Paul, Rory Block, Patty Larkin, and more. She has a fifty year old daily yoga practice, loves good coffee, and her religion is the Grand Canyon.
ABOUT THE SONGWRITER SOIREE (Host)
The Songwriter Soiree is one of the largest communities of songwriters and music lovers in the Pacific Northwest. Founded in 2009 as a monthly living room potluck event, it has grown into a multifaceted organization that offers various experiences for songwriters and music enthusiasts. The Soiree brings together songwriters and musicians of all skill levels and genres, to nurture creativity, deepen our musical expression, foster collaboration, and create an inspiring and supportive space for personal expression.
Cork and Keg in Asheville, NC
Joined by Harry Bartlett, Evan Snoey and Jack Pesch. Full-band matinee show!
Mountain Fiesta in Cumberland Gap, TN
Joined by Harry Bartlett, Evan Snoey and Jack Pesch! Full-band sets and educational outreach workshops.
The Mountain Fiesta is a homemade celebration of Latin American and Appalachian culture, created with the vision of giving our community the opportunity to interact, sing, dance, and learn about the beauty and richness of Appalachian and Latin American folklife, art, and culture. Specifically, the Mountain Fiesta aims to create a space where our community members can learn dances, practice language, and sample food from countries they’ve never been to, while sharing some of our own uniquely Appalachian products and practices. Ultimately, this event is a celebration of the richness and uniqueness of Appalachia and Latin America, set in the heart of the Cumberland Gap. It is a chance to appreciate the similarities and differences between our mountains and the mountains of Latin America. The Mountain Fiesta is an inclusive celebration, with no entry fee, plenty of fun, and interesting opportunities for our entire community. This event is organized and supported based on the understanding that our community – our world – is a better place when we celebrate diversity; when we celebrate each other.
Eno Mountain House in Hillsborough, NC
Joined by Harry Bartlett, Evan Snoey and Jack Pesch for full-band show! BYOB
https://enohouseartistden.com/upcoming-shows
