It is that time of year again – our trails and scenic highways are open for the season, the weather is gorgeous and inviting, and the daylight lasts long enough for everyone to soak it up. As the sun sets and cools the Cascades, the music meets Central Oregon in its grand outdoors at the Les Scwhab Ampitheater. Sitting beside the Deschutes River is a stage that has hosted many of the greats, like Paul Simon, Ringo Starr, Bob Dylan, and Steely Dan as well as numerous contemporary artists like Jack Johnson, John Mellencamp, Modest Mouse, The Avett Brothers, and Phish.

The Les Schwab Amphitheater has been running a summer concert series for the past 15 years. However 2018 is a special one for this sweet summer series with 17 total concerts – the most performances they’ve had up to this point! From the mellow vibes of Ray Lamontagne to the rowdy rockin’ nature of Primus, and everything in between, there is something for all music lovers at the LSA this summer. Check out their event calendar to find your flavor! Oh and don’t forget about Free Summer Sunday Concerts, which tend to showcase some of Bend’s more local acts. Here are our most anticipated shows coming this summer with tickets still available:

 

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1. Jethro Tull – Friday, June 8th

These guys have been honing their eclectic bluesy/folky/proggy/hard rock tunes since the late 60’s and have a massive catalogue to show for it. The band truly has taken on a life of its own throughout the years as it has cycled through 33 musicians, always fronted by the very talented Ian Anderson. The creative capacity of Jethro Tull is staggering, evidenced by hits like Locomotive Breath, Aqualung, and Bouree. Happy 50th Anniversary, Tull!

2. Michael Franti and Spearhead – Tuesday, June 19th

Michael Franti blends hip-hop with jazz, funk, reggae, folk, and rock to make infectious, danceable music that often contains powerful social messages. As a humanitarian, Franti believes in using his music as a force of change, but as a performer, Franti is committed to putting on a dynamic, entertaining, and uplifting live show.

3. The Decemberists  – Thursday, July 26th

The Decemberists are heading over to the Les Schwab Amphitheater again, bringing their unique flavor of folk and indie/pop from across the Cascades in Portland. Colin Meloy has led the group from their start in the early 2000’s. His thoughtful and poetic lyrics are a defining characteristic of this band – perhaps showcasing skills that were honed while completing his Creative Writing degree at the University of Montana. We are so excited to have Meloy and company back in Bend!

 

4. The Pixies – Sunday, August 5th

The Pixies are an enormously influential band to rock & roll. The energy in their catalogue can shift from a relaxed surfer vibe to a chaotic, driving punk feel at the drop of a guitar pick. This masterful use of dynamics has been admired by many notable artists, including Kurt Cobain and David Bowie. As fans of good music, we are very grateful they soldiered back after a rather nasty break-up and are crafting new tunes again. You may find yourself asking “Where Is My Mind?” after this explosive performance!

5. The Head and the Heart – Wednesday, September 19th

The Head and the Heart are a humble band of friends with an enormous sound. Their indie folk style was born quite organically about 10 years ago through a series of open mic sessions in Seattle. Their synergy as a group has earned them a lot of success in record sales, live performances, and television (Chuck, How I Met Your Mother, Sons of Anarchy, not a bad résumé). Lost in My Mind is a perfect example of their awesome group dynamic and how musically sympathetic they are to each other. You won’t want to miss out on this one!

 

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Coming to Bend for a show? Book your stay with the Pine Ridge Inn and you can beat the traffic by walking to the Amphitheater along the Deschutes River.