more photosMemorial Day is a distant memory, the summer solstice has come and gone, and now we’re just past the Fourth of July.
For Central Oregon music fans, that means one thing: Free, outdoor concert series are popping up all over now that sunny, warm weather is here to stay (we hope).
In towns across the region, event planners and sponsors have come together to make live music available for any and all who want it. Bend’s popular Munch & Music series started Thursday night, and here are three others, including two that start this week, one that started in late June, and one that’s brand new.
Alive After 5 comes to Bend’s Old Mill District
The new kid on the block in this bunch is Alive After 5, a four-week series set off the northern part of Powerhouse Drive in Bend’s Old Mill District over the next four weeks.
Alive After 5 kicks off Wednesday with Quarterflash, the Portland-based band that scored some big hits in the 1980s, including “Harden My Heart.” The band is fronted by Marv and Rindy Ross, who lived in Bend in the 1970s and played in bands around town.
The rest of the lineup features Bay Area-based roots/soul artist Nicki Bluhm on July 20, the throwback world-pop of Pepe & the Bottle Blondes on July 27, and the eclectic, multi-instrumental virtuosity of David Lindley on Aug. 3.
Each concert will run from about 5 to 8 p.m. As is almost always the case with these kinds of shows, there will be beer (from 10 Barrel Brewing) and food available for purchase. For more info, visit www.aliveafterfivebend.com.
Music on the Green returns to Redmond
Redmond’s popular Music on the Green series started June 29 with County Line, but with five shows left on the schedule, it’s not too late to check it out for some family-friendly fun times.
Wednesday’s headliner is Central Oregon’s own country sensation, the Brian Hanson Band, which features furious fiddling, fine harmonies and plenty of twang. The lineup continues with The Notables Swing Band on July 27, local Americana group Cinder Blue on Aug. 10, classic hits by 41 East on Aug. 24 and the Hawaiian sounds and moves of the Hokulea Dancers on Sept. 7.
The concerts happen every other Wednesday from 6-7:30 p.m. in Sam Johnson Park at Southwest 15th Street and Southwest Evergreen Avenue in Redmond. Lawn chairs and blankets are welcome, and there will be food vendors, arts and crafts booths and a children’s area.
If parking is scarce, there are additional spots near the Spud Bowl and Redmond High School. For more info, go to www.redmondsummerconcerts.com or 541-923-5191.
Prineville’s ready to Picnic in the Park
Every Wednesday night from now through Aug. 24, Prineville’s Pioneer Park (downtown next to the courthouse) will come alive with the sounds of live music during the seventh annual Picnic in the Park series.
The first concert will feature Cool Conspiracy, a band out of the Willamette Valley that does a mix of jazz standards, contemporary R&B and classic blues. Find them at www.coolconspiracy.com.
The rest of the lineup includes Brady Goss on July 20, Apropos Musique on July 27, The Notables Swing Band on Aug. 3, Earl Wear & Haywire on Aug. 10, Brian Hanson on Aug. 17 and Rhonda Hart & Band on Aug. 24.
The concerts run from 6-8 p.m. and attendees can also check out food vendors and a farmers market. On Aug. 17, there will be a kids’ zone play area.
For more info, contact recreation@ccprd.org or 541-447-1209.
