Seattle guitarist Lonnie Mardis joins pianist Scott Cossu in concert Friday, July 6. They will be joined by Miss Oregon 2007. Photo Northwest Performing Arts Inc.

SEASIDE – Master pianist Scott Cossu will combine talents with guitarist Lonnie Mardis at 7 p.m. Friday, July 6, at the Seaside United Methodist Church, 241 N. Holladay Drive. They will be joined by the newly-crowned Miss Oregon 2007 at her first official appearance. A reception will follow. Since Miss Oregon 2007 will not be crowned until June 29, her performance will be a surprise.

Cossu, a pianist, flautist, composer and arranger, has been on the Windham Hill recording label for more than a decade. His work includes seven CDs, including his latest recording, “Emerald Pathway.” Cossu’s work also includes scores for the acclaimed PBS series Nova, film documentaries and nature videos. His years of classical training and his study of ethnic music from Sudan, Thailand, China, Rumania and Ecuador result in unique music that has been performed in concerts worldwide and recorded since 1981.

Mardis, a Northwest native, has performed as a solo artist, guitarist, composer, arranger and music educator. He also plays in the Lonnie Mardis Jazz Trio, Quartet and variety Big Band. Mardis leads the Seattle Central Community College Jazz Orchestra and is the music director for the Federal Way Symphony Big Band. He is featured on many albums of Northwest artists. Mardis keeps a busy schedule from his home base in Seattle, playing with such notables as Cossu, Rob McConnell, and the Seattle Composers Alliance Big Band, and he has worked with Roger Fisher of Heart fame.

This concert is a fundraiser for Northwest Performing Arts Inc., a nonprofit cultural organization dedicated to enriching the community through performances and performing arts education. Admission is $15 per person or $25 for a family. Admission fees may be applied to annual membership dues, and members will have free or discounted admission to future events. Membership is $25 per year for individuals and $35 per year for families. Memberships are tax deductible. For more information or a membership application, call Kathy Gordon at (503) 717-0103.