World Photo by Alex Powers Oregon Coast Music Association President Carmen Matthews applauds after artist Don McMichael unveiled the poster for the 30th-annual Oregon Coast Music Festival on Friday.

Shaking hands and clapping one another on the back, old friends came together with an affectionate exclamation: “It’s poster night!”

Dozens of enthusiasts and art supporters gathered with the Oregon Coast Music Association at Inland Point in North Bend to celebrate the unveiling of the artwork for this year’s Oregon Coast Music Festival on Friday.

The poster, which signifies the start of the festival’s 30th season, features a painting by Don McMichael — a local artist who has designed more than half of the festival posters — and Oregon Coast Music Association President Carmen Matthews wouldn’t have it any other way.

“He’s been such a major part, an icon for the music festival, it’d seem wrong not to have him. He always comes forth and helps us out.”

This year’s festival spans 14 days, from July 12-26, and features an eclectic week of various bands that draw on styles as varied as jazz and dub reggae, followed by an orchestral week that builds up to three performances by the Festival Symphony. In all, approximately 15 bands will play many local venues, showcasing local talent and bringing “as much variety and culture through music as possible to the community,” said Matthews.

Attendees at this year’s Poster Preview Party enjoyed hors d’ouvres and live music while anticipating the upcoming festival season. After introducing McMichael and sharing mild anecdotes, Matthews and the featured artist pulled a black sheet from the poster, displayed on an easel in a corner, as the crowd applauded.

Set on a dark-colored poster background, “Windward Flight” is a 16-by-20 oil and canvas painting that portrays a whaling vessel and humpback whales. McMichael, a U.S. Coast Guard veteran and maritime artist, enjoys the music festival and was glad to show his support in his own way.

“Saltwater gets into your blood, and pretty soon you can’t live without it,” McMichael said, reflecting on his many festival posters. Some are whimsical, some realistic, and all are maritime-oriented. The retiree began painting in 1978 and will be 70 years old in October, but shows no sign of ever letting up.

“I’ve got two over in my studio, ready to go,” chuckled McMichael.

At the end of poster night, McMichael took a half hour to sign and number copies of the festival poster for association members and fans. Nodding toward the poster and beaming at supporters, Matthews commented on McMichael’s work.

“It’s absolutely fitting for the 30th-year celebration.”