SEASIDE and WARRENTON – Pianist John Nilsen will appear in two North Coast holiday concerts Saturday, Dec. 20. Both concerts will be solo piano, open to the public for a free will offering. The concerts will be at 2 p.m. at Seaside United Methodist Church, 241 N. Holladay Drive in Seaside, and 4 p.m. at Warrenton United Methodist Church, 679 W. Main Ave. in Warrenton.

Nilsen was born in Seattle and moved to Portland at the age of 4. He began studying classical piano from his mother at age 6 and began playing guitar at 14. He is a Distinguished Alumnus from Southern Oregon University in Ashland, and founder of Magic Wing recording label. He has recorded 16 CDs on the label, including his latest release, “John Nilsen and Swimfish,” a collection of 12 original songs featuring acoustic guitar and rich vocal harmonies with folk-rock appeal. He not only acted as guitarist, pianist and vocalist on the CD, but also composer and co-producer. Nilsen is currently recording his 17th disc, his first solo piano recording in more than 20 years. Currently a resident of West Linn, Nilsen is a mainstay in the annual “Ten Grands” show, which features 10 pianists performing in Portland’s Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall.

Currently one of the Northwest’s largest selling musical artists, Nilsen has also had recordings released in Germany, Taiwan, Philippines, England and Singapore, with reported sales of more than 700,000 copies. With more than 225 annual performances, including national tours of the United States, Britain and Japan, he has earned a devout following of listeners and with his increasing international distribution, his popularity continues to grow.

Often accompanied by many of the finest musicians from the Northwest, Nilsen is an innovative performer who creates an intimate repartee with his audience. “As a performer, I like exploring beyond the boundaries of my recorded songs,” he said. “It gives me the chance to offer something special, spontaneous and personal to my audience. The entire performance hinges on the connection not only between the players, but with the audience as well.”

Nilsen has appeared with such luminaries as José Feliciano, Jesse Colin Young, Kenny G, Alex De Grassi and David Foster. His recordings are featured on more than 40 musical collections and samplers, including a Rhino Records Sampler. Extensive radio play furthers Nilsen’s ever-growing audience.

For more information about Nilsen and to hear samples of his music, visit www.johnnilsen.com