Tommy Whiteside’s “Nana’s Piano” Jazz Album Release Party Highlights Roseburg’s Flourishing Music Scene
photo by Angelo Antonio
Roseburg, Oregon – On Saturday, January 4, 2025, The Rosebud Theatre will host the album release party for “Nana’s Piano,” a project that showcases both the talent and growth of Roseburg’s music scene. Created by Roseburg-raised Tommy Whiteside, the album celebrates a deeply personal journey and a collective achievement for the local music community.
The album, featuring six original instrumental jazz compositions, was entirely composed, recorded, mixed, and produced in downtown Roseburg at Way Back Recording, located in the historic Oddfellows building. The musicians, the studio, and even the venue for the release party are all local, emphasizing commitment to the creativity and collaboration of the Southern Oregon region.
At the event, the original musicians featured on the album will perform Nana’s Piano live, making it a rare opportunity to experience the artistry of this project in the place where it was born.
A Story of Returning Home and Building Something New
Tommy Whiteside grew up in Roseburg, where his passion for music was first inspired by his great-grandmother and her piano. After studying music in Seattle, he returned five years ago to Roseburg and found a drive and vision to contribute to its growing music scene.
“This project is the culmination of so much work, not just from me but from the amazing musicians and supporters in this community,” says Whiteside. “It’s a tribute to my Nana, who supported me and my music, and to Roseburg itself—where I’ve had the privilege of seeing live music thrive in new ways.”
The album’s title track “Nana’s Piano” is inspired by the mid-century Kimball spinet piano that Whiteside inherited from his grandmother. It now resides at Way Back Recording, continuing its musical legacy in the ballroom of the historic Oddfellows Hall.
The Album: A Collaborative Snapshot
Nana’s Piano features an ensemble of musicians whose paths converged in Roseburg. From a rhythm section (Judah Sensabaugh, Josh DiStefano) who met in the community Big Band to horn players (Nathaniel Keller, Matthew Krepky, Trevor Thompson) with backgrounds spanning Berklee College of Music and beyond, the group came together in a single recording session.
The creative process was both intimate and timeless. The musicians gathered around ribbon microphones, handwritten charts scattered across the floor, while the smell of coffee brewing in the apartment downstairs added a cozy backdrop to the energy of the recording.
Tracks like “Rocky’s Waltz” inspired by Whiteside’s youngest cat, and the lively “Red Moon” reflect the album’s mix of playfulness, technical precision, and emotional depth.
Event Details
What: Jazz Album Release Party for Nana’s Piano
When: Saturday, January 4, 2025, Doors at 7:00 PM
Where: The Rosebud Theatre, 663 SE Jackson Street, Downtown Roseburg
Tickets: Purchase presale tickets for $12 at; https://bit.ly/nanaspianorelease-rosebudtheatre or limited tickets available at the door the day of the performance
Celebrate this milestone for Tommy Whiteside and the Roseburg music scene with an unforgettable live performance of Nana’s Piano.
About Way Back Recording
Way Back Recording, located in the historic Oddfellows building in downtown Roseburg, is dedicated to capturing authentic sound and supporting local talent. It is becoming a cornerstone for musicians and creatives in the region, with the aim of producing projects that reflect the rich cultural fabric of Southern Oregon.
MEDIA INQUIRIES:
For interviews, photos, or additional details about the event or album, please contact Tommy Whiteside at TWIVmusic@gmail.com
Celebrate the music, the story, and the community on January 4 at The Rosebud Theatre. Don’t miss this landmark event for Roseburg’s arts and culture.