West Linn singer-songwriter Loraine played her own songs to a room full of neighbors on Saturday, Aug. 1, celebrating the release of "Long Time Coming," her first full-length album.

The free afternoon show at Taste Wine Bar on Willamette Falls Drive marked a milestone for the Dutch-born artist, who told the West Linn Tidings the event felt like a homecoming.

"I was mostly excited. I was a little nervous because, when you perform your own music, it's always a little more vulnerable, a little bit more soul-bearing than when I perform with my rock band," Loraine said. "It went really well. I felt a lot of love and support from my community, so that's my highlight."

The show ran from 3 to 5 p.m. Admission was free.

The 11-track album, released in July, blends '80s-inspired pop with contemporary electronic production. Loraine collaborated with German producer Stella Scholaja on the record, which follows two earlier EPs. Tracks range from the title cut to "In the Name of Love" and a bonus closer, "Starlight."

Loraine grew up in Belgium and the Netherlands, where her mother's work as a teacher and school director helped foster a musical household. She played clarinet in orchestras as a kid and said classical music participation is more common in European upbringings. American artists she listened to from across the Atlantic, including BANKS, Journey and Christina Aguilera, pulled her toward pop songwriting.

Her husband, Shaun Kosta, posted on Instagram on July 17 celebrating the release:

@shaunkosta: "It's pop: fun and easy to digest. But it's got depth, too. It's not 'sugar pop' pop. It'll charm, inspire and get ya moving!"

Taste Wine Bar, opened by West Linn locals Robbie Hanson and Jonathan Scrimenti at 1914 Willamette Falls Drive, Suite 120, has positioned itself as a neighborhood gathering spot with roughly 20 wines by the glass. The venue's corner location in Historic Willamette put Loraine's release party steps from the weekly summer street market.

Listeners can find "Long Time Coming" on YouTube at youtube.com/@hernameisloraine.

Upcoming local arts events

  • Wednesdays in Willamette Summer Street Market: 4–8 p.m. each Wednesday through Wednesday, Sept. 9, on Willamette Falls Drive, West Linn.
  • West Linn Music in the Park: 6:30–8:30 p.m. Thursdays through Thursday, Aug. 20, at Tanner Creek Park on Parker Road. Free.
  • Lake Oswego Coffee House & Wine Bar: Live music with Matt & Sophia and Del Rio Vineyards wine tasting, Saturday, Aug. 15, 6–8 p.m., 148 B Ave., Suite 200, Lake Oswego.