Bend Magazine

Precious Byrd at General Duffy’s Waterhole
2023-07-01 19:00 - 22:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | General Duffy’s Waterhole, 404 SW Forest Ave, Redmond, 97756
General Duffy’s Waterhole is excited to host Precious Byrd on July 1, 2023 as part of their 2023 Summer Kickin’ Concert Series in Downtown Redmond! Presented by Subaru of Bend. All ages welcome, show starts at 7pm.
Precious Byrd is one of the most sought after bands in the Pacific Northwest. Voted #1 Party Band in Oregon multiple years running they have played for brands like Nike, Deschutes Brewery, Pendleton Whiskey, and more! Their fresh renditions of modern and classic hits, along with a number of high energy originals are sure to fill the dance floor and get people on their feet!
Precious Byrd plays across the nation and features Grammy award winning bassist Lonnie Chapin and drummer extraordinaire Michael Summers, boasting one of the tightest rhythm sections around. Matched with the soulful high energy of frontman Corey Parnell and his brother Casey Parnell on electric, the crowd gets nothing but their all!
The band also features renowned saxophone player Andy Warr, know for his work on the Oprah Winfrey Show. Top it all off with lead guitarist Derek Williams who has shared the stage with Florida Georgia Line and Jack Owen, and you’ve got a full band ready to rock!
Precious Byrd released their much anticipated original album “Superphonic Magical” in 2016.
They draw thousands to local street festivals and events in their local area and continue to spread love and music wherever they go! Resorts continue to brag about record sales at events these boys play at.

Clay Walker at General Duffy’s Waterhole
2023-07-02 16:00 - 22:00 | General Duffy’s Waterhole, 404 SW Forest Ave, Redmond, 97756
General Duffy’s Waterhole is excited to host Clay Walker on July 2, 2023 as part of their 2023 Summer Kickin’ Concert Series in Downtown Redmond! Presented by Subaru of Bend. All ages welcome! Gates open at 4pm.

Darin Jones & The Last Men Standing at General Duffy’s Waterhole
2023-07-07 19:00 - 22:00 | General Duffy’s Waterhole, 404 SW Forest Ave, Redmond, 97756
General Duffy’s Waterhole is excited to host Darin Jones & The Last Men Standing on July 7, 2023 as part of their 2023 Summer Kickin’ Concert Series in Downtown Redmond! Presented by Subaru of Bend. All ages welcome, show starts at 7pm.
Darin Jones is an independent national recording artist, as well as the lead singer, guitarist and songwriter for his internationally touring six-piece country band: Darin Jones & The Last Men Standing. Originally from Seattle, WA; Darin is now based out of West Tennessee and has had four top 60 charting singles on national country radio. Darin’s wife, Sara Jones, is the granddaughter of country music legend Merle Kilgore (Ring Of Fire/Hank Williams Jr Manager) and is now also a full time singing member in Darin Jones & The Last Men Standing. Sara adds a phenomenal female dynamic to the Darin Jones & LMS live show, including singing lead and harmonies on both cover and original music that the married couple have written. Darin Jones & LMS are available for concert and event bookings of all types and sizes, public and private, and have toured concert main-stages with other national acts like: Zach Bryan, Trace Adkins, Justin Moore, Kelsea Ballerini, Eli Young Band, Lee Brice, Leon Russell, Big N Rich, Craig Morgan, Clay Walker, Koe Wetzel, Cody Canada, Jason Boland, Wade Bowen, Same Riggs, Shane Smith & The Saints, Chase Rice, Blackberry Smoke, Russel Dickerson, A Thousand Horses, The Dead South and many more.

Cheyenne West & Silverado at General Duffy’s Waterhole
2023-07-08 19:00 - 22:00 | General Duffy’s Waterhole, 404 SW Forest Ave, Redmond, 97756
General Duffy’s Waterhole is excited to host Cheyenne West & Silverado on July 8, 2023 as part of their 2023 Summer Kickin’ Concert Series in Downtown Redmond! Presented by Subaru of Bend. All ages welcome, show starts at 7pm.

Drake White at General Duffy’s Waterhole
2023-07-14 16:00 - 22:00 | General Duffy’s Waterhole, 404 SW Forest Ave, Redmond, 97756
General Duffy’s Waterhole is excited to host Drake White on July 14, 2023 as part of their 2023 Summer Kickin’ Concert Series in Downtown Redmond! Presented by Subaru of Bend. All ages welcome!

Cherry Poppin' Daddies at General Duffy’s Waterhole
2023-07-15 19:00 - 22:00 | General Duffy’s Waterhole, 404 SW Forest Ave, Redmond, 97756
General Duffy’s Waterhole is excited to host Cherry Poppin’ Daddies on July 15, 2023 as part of their 2023 Summer Kickin’ Concert Series in Downtown Redmond! Presented by Subaru of Bend. All ages welcome, show starts at 7pm.
In the past few years Cherry Poppin’ Daddies have become the kind of band that you would want to book if you were throwing a soiree at the Gatsby mansion. Penning elegant, lush, pitch perfect arrangements of much of the great American songbook, from Cole Porter to Frank Sinatra, the Daddies have surprised many- likely familiar with them from the early 90’s- whose limited exposure to the band undoubtedly consists of an image of spray painted vans careening across the US as an iconoclastic, misfit part of an already marginalized punk/ska scene.
In fact the Daddies have of late put together a number of excellent swing/ jazz sit down theatre type shows, each tailored to a different era of swing music: a “Jazz Age Lawn Party” consisting of roaring 20’s and Cotton Club Era material, a swanky “Live at the Sands” type tribute to the Rat Pack, and a World War 2 “Christmas Canteen” show that is part Tiki, part Benny Goodman and comes across like a radio broadcast from Guadalcanal circa 1942. The sheer craftsmanship and professional attention to detail of these performances have shed new light on this criminally underestimated band.
On top of being a show band nonpareil, the Daddies have an “oh by the way” double platinum ability to pen original material that, while influenced by a history of American popular music, is wholly modern lyrically, and itself stands up as classic. The 1997 release of Zoot Suit Riot set the bar for the neo-swing movement of the era in terms of originality, lyrical depth, and flat out musical sales.
When you see the Daddies perform their original material you are struck by the poetry and audacity of artistic vision. Whole stirring narratives are laid down in swinging couplets that evince dual meaning and social critique. Consider Master and Slave from 1990…
“Friends and Romans I’m your brother
I’m scratchin’ to hang on
The pursuit of happiness is just a carpetbaggers con
When a can of pork and beans could change my attitude
You wont give it up, but I could’ve been you
While the masters and the slaves scratch for pieces of the dream
For purple mountains majesty whatever the hell that means
They give up on each other and that’s the way they get ahead
But I can still see the stars
Through these red, white and blue prison bars”
…ok, this is not Cole Porter clever, but it’s not trying to be, it’s something striving to be new, to be challenging, courageous, and truthful. It’s not art simply designed to match the couch. What kind of band takes these kind of chances, both musically and thematically? The Daddies, that’s who.
Singer songwriter/ bandleader Steve Perry puts it this way, “Lately, by laying our hands on the great American songbook, we have been trying to fill in for audiences the historical back story of what inspires our original brand of Americana, because in essence that is what I consider us to be, an Americana band. But instead of taking mostly from a delta blues tradition- like many of the bands labeled “Americana”- we adhere mostly to a pre rock, pre mid 50’s, hot jazz and essentially Tin Pan Alley tradition. Then we attempt to deconstruct and détourne those set of tropes to fit modern themes, be that something like child abuse or say the opioid crisis. It’s unfortunate, but I believe it comforts modern audiences to see that we are able to play, in an orthodox fashion, material that is in the tradition, before they allow us to reach out for something unfamiliar, multifaceted, or god forbid anti-bourgeois in point of view like many of our originals are”
Sadly, over the past year the band has been laying low and playing a bit closer to home in order that Perry can be a caregiver to his wife, business partner, and video muse, Yvette “Cherry” Perry who was recently diagnosed with stage IV colorectal cancer. “This setback for our family has brought us closer to our fans, who have been so giving of their best wishes and helping with small donations to Yvette’s cancer care. We pledge to continue our advocacy work nationally toward earlier colorectal screening protocols and baseline cancer research so that this scourge that has been loosed on so many families like ours can be wiped out sooner rather than later.”
Proximity to home has allowed the Eugene, Oregon band to recently finish a new recording slated for release in late 2018 called Bigger Life. Perry says, “Bigger Life is 14 songs that will allow us to touch base with our punk/ ska audience. We will continue to play the all swing, classy theater type shows that are our bread and butter, but in addition, at some point in 2019 and 2020, we would like to book a few special tours and play occasional festivals where we crank it up and play only ska punk, hopefully joining forces with some of the bands that befriended us as we were all coming up in this business. This new record turned out really special and we are excited for people to get their ears on it.”

Raft ‘N Brew
2023-07-19 16:30 | Sun Country Tours, 531 SW 13th Street, Bend, OR, 97702, United States
Join Sun Country Tours on Wednesdays in July and August for a three-mile paddle on the Upper Deschutes followed by live music, beer tasting from a local brewery and hors d’oeuvres on the Sun Country Tours patio. This week features Boneyard Beer and live music by Erin Cole Baker, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Mt. Bachelor Play Forever Fund.
Tickets: $89 | Also check out more info here

FairWell Festival
2023-07-21 12:00 - 2023-07-23 23:00 | Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center, 3800 SW Airport Way, Redmond, OR, 97756, United States
The inaugural FairWell Festival, a three-day music event, comes to town this weekend. Groove to more than 36 performances on three stages featuring folk, blues, rock, country and soul music. Treat yourself to tasty food, wine, craft beers and more.
Tickets start at $100.

Redwood Son at General Duffy’s Waterhole
2023-07-21 19:00 - 22:00 | General Duffy’s Waterhole, 404 SW Forest Ave, Redmond, 97756
General Duffy’s Waterhole is excited to host Redwood Son on July 21, 2023 as part of their 2023 Summer Kickin’ Concert Series in Downtown Redmond! Presented by Subaru of Bend. All ages welcome, show starts at 7pm.
Redwood Son’s Josh Malm is an anomaly. As he will tell you, “Saying I’m not a simple man is an understatement. It’s more like, people rarely know what I’m even doing. It’s just crazy-making, odd behavior, that quite frankly pisses a lot of folks off. People love me or they hate me,” says the Portland, Oregon-based musician who has spent four years seeing his latest, Saints & Renegades come to light. With a release (vinyl, CD, and digital) finally set for September 28, 2018, unconventional is one way to sum up the man who goes by the moniker Redwood Son, which is also his band’s name.
In 2016 he decided to pack up his bags from Portland, while still working on finishing Saints & Renegades, and move to Nashville, to be closer to his ilk. While most artists would stay put to finish up their record, Malm needed a change of scenery. While working on the eleven track collection of warm, vintage-meets-contemporary country-soul-rock that would become Saints & Renegades, Malm was also working on building his company, Westicana, both the label that releases his albums and a leading Northwest show promotion company.
In honor of Westicana, and to celebrate the launch of the brand, shortly after his move he released an EP, aptly titled Westicana. As he puts it, “The Westicana EP was intended to get some new music out there to my fans, old and new, while also building a brand for my own label, Westicana Records, and my show promotion company, Westicana Presents.”
The result was staggering, with Redwood Son and Westicana Records moving two thousand units without any press or radio coverage.
“I played the Northwest like a cyclone, with a blue collar approach that was borderline psycho,” he says of the feat. “It didn’t go unnoticed, but it also didn’t get any press either.”
With the EP out, and a solid fan base awaiting the full-length album, Malm focused back on the prize, Saints & Renegades. The record chronicles his struggles, depression, fight, and hopes with not only his move, but his music career. With a theme of never giving up, keep fighting, stay honest, and keep it real running through the album, the eleven songs tell the story of both his journey to Nashville, and his struggle to get the album released.
“Saints & Renegades was something that struck me as a fitting title, to represent the duality of the project. There is a certain amount of insanity that almost always comes with making a record. One day I may feel like a sensitive songwriter who aims to inspire people through my vulnerability – a saint. Then, other days I am convinced that no one gives a shit about that, and we all just need to rock and roll – a renegade,” he says of the album’s title. “When I start letting insecurity take over, it’s usually followed by a bit of rebellious rage. Once I work through that mess, there is usually a sense of peace and indifference about music all together. It’s so strange to me.”
The album kicks off with the late-night, dusty road county melody of “Comeback,” a song that proclaims, “I come back, but I come back stronger. I’m not a simple man, and you can count on that.” This serves as Malm’s anthem, as we have already established that he’s anything but simple.
“The lyrics on ‘Comeback,’ especially that line, are perfect for my unorthodox approach to everything in life, especially my music career,” says Malm of the aforementioned lyrics. “I’ve always been a comeback kid. My down, but certainly-not-out mentality has gotten me through a ton of stuff over the years. Maybe it’s because I’m a leo or something, but I feel like my music career has definitely gotten nine lives of a cat-level of survival.”
Malm also got sober while making Saints & Renegades, another mountain that added to the stresses and forces working against him, but something he wasn’t willing to buckle under. This shows up in the lyrics and melodic mood of “You Know You,” a song about self-doubt, personal journeys, and finding one’s true self.
“Sinking to the bottom of the bottle, drowning my sorrows, drinking them down one swallow at a time. Trying to find my true self, but my soul is so hollow,” he opens the song with. However, his sense of optimistic and personal strength shines through, later singing, “How you gonna know if you won’t even try it? How you going to live so afraid of dying? Open your mind and your heart will shine on through. Sometimes you want to fly, but can’t let go. Sometimes you gotta climb, when you know you’re gonna fall.”
The self-doubt that bogs Malm down at times is also one vehicle that helps drive him. He will quickly admit that he may indeed be his harshest critic, as he attempts to discuss his favorite tracks on the album, unable to pick just one.
“Honestly,” he says, “I’ve gone back and forth so many times between hating it, and loving it, that I am just content now. It’s really just a solid album of songs that mean something. If I had to choose one though, it’d be ‘Punches.’ There’s nothing I have ever done that encapsulated all of my influences perfectly into three minutes like ‘Punches’ does.”
“Punches” asks, “Tell me, am I the only one that still hasn’t figured it out?” as the song encompasses influences ranging between indie-rock and subdued Americana, all with an undertow of soul brought on by the temporary flood of keyboards.
While he ponders his own question himself, Malm will tell you he’s quite happy with how the record turned out, refusing to look back as he moves forward.
“I can’t even go there. There are way too many rabbit holes to get lost in. It is a Pandora’s Box I choose not to open. My lessons have been noted and I will do my best to not repeat mistakes that were made along the way. There are far too many to discuss now. It would just be counterproductive. I am happy with where things are at.”
There is plenty of time – and moments – to look back on during the making of this record, with four years passing before it came to fruition, a timeline Malm didn’t plan on, nor could he have ever envisioned it would take this long.
“I did not envision it taking four years to finally release! That was a big surprise. Life just kept kicking my ass, and I went back and forth so much on whether the record was even worth it or not.”
Though, as much as there is gloom, Malm, like the songs and melodies on Saints & Renegade, always sees the light at the end of the tunnel. Reflecting on it all and looking back at the time it took to make this record and see it finally set for release, Malm points out a surprising fact: “Oddly enough, we are doing the release in September, which is exactly four and a half years from the time we started the project.”
He is most excited about finally seeing one of his albums released on vinyl.
“I knew from the very start that I was going to do a vinyl release. This record needed to be heard in that way. No matter what, I was going to see that through if it killed me. Guess I survived it, though,” he says with laughter and a smile. Though, in a lot of ways, the record almost did kill him.
Paying homage to Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers, while recalling the likes of Jack Johnson, Eric Church, and Ryan Bingham, Redwood Son did what it set out to do, even if it took a move to Nashville to find himself, a move back to Portland to realize that is where he needed to be, and four years; Malm and company created a warm, vintage-meets-contemporary country-soul-rock that he can hold his head high on and be very proud of.
“The highlights are pretty much all tied up in the journey,” reflects Malm. “There were a lot of lows, but also lots of highs. Mostly though, there were lots of reminders about how crazy we are as artists to take this path in life. I couldn’t imagine doing anything else though. Period. Music and this insane industry get me going and the blood boiling and a smile on my face.”
Now Malm’s only goal is to keep his head high and aim for the sky, because if Saints & Renegades has taught him anything, it’s that he may not have it all figured out just yet, but he knows the direction he wants to travel, and he knows his tenacity and uncompromising passion will lead him to his destination.

Son de Cuba at General Duffy’s Waterhole
2023-07-22 19:00 - 22:00 | General Duffy’s Waterhole, 404 SW Forest Ave, Redmond, 97756
General Duffy’s Waterhole is excited to host Son de Cuba on July 22, 2023 as part of their 2023 Summer Kickin’ Concert Series in Downtown Redmond! Presented by Subaru of Bend. All ages welcome, show starts at 7pm.

Weeding Party with Pollinator Pathway Bend
2023-07-25 09:00 - 10:00 | Franklin’s Corner Community Garden, 520 NE 8th St, Bend, 97701
Join Pollinator Pathway Bend for a weekly weeding party at Franklin’s Corner community garden, an entirely organic community garden that is maintained by volunteers. Bring weeding tools, shovel, bucket, gloves, hat, sunscreen and water. Parking on NE Larch. Drive east on NE Franklin to NE 10th Street, turn right and proceed one block to NE Larch, turn right.

Tuesday Wine on the Deck
2023-07-25 15:00 - 18:00 | The Suttle Lodge & Boathouse, 13300 US-20, Sisters, OR, 97759, United States
Head to Suttle Lake for Tuesday Wine on the Deck to indulge in an exceptional experience featuring locally renowned Bar Fiori founded in 2021 by Bend’s Kelsey Kuther. Bar Fiori will bring natural wines to the table, paired expertly with seasonal small plates from Skip Kitchen.
Tickets: $60

Healing Reins Bingo
2023-07-25 18:00 - 20:00 | Deschutes Brewery Bend Public House, 1044 NW Bond Street, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join a round of bingo and sip refreshing pints while supporting Healing Reins Equine Assisted Services. Every Bingo card purchase and $1 from each pint sold directly benefit this worthy cause. Have fun, win prizes and make a positive impact.

Pacific Northwest Classic 2023 sponsored by Thump Coffee
2023-07-26 08:00 - 2023-07-30 18:00 | Pine Nursery Park, 3750 NE Purcell Blvd, Bend, 97701, Andorra
Watch over 700 pickleball players compete for a $34k purse! Sponsored by Thump Coffee and hosted by Bend Pickleball Club, Pacific Northwest Classic is one of the region’s most popular pickleball tournaments among amateurs and pros. Join us for five days of fun, fast-paced play served up under the high desert sun!

Weeding Party with Pollinator Pathway Bend
2023-07-26 17:00 - 19:00 | Laurel Pocket Park, NE 8th St / NE Olney Ave, Bend, 97701
Join Pollinator Pathway Bend for a weeding party at Laurel Pocket Park, which is maintained entirely by volunteers. Bring a bucket/bag for collecting weeds, tools, gloves, hat, sunscreen and water. Parking on NE Penn near NE 7th.

Slammin’ Summer Series
2023-07-26 17:00 - 19:30 | Jackson’s Corner, 845 NW Delaware Ave, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Jackson’s Corner and Spider City Brewing collaborate to present Slammin’ Summer Series, an elevated evening of local beer and food. Indulge in five carefully curated courses paired with exquisite beers and the chance to meet the talented brewmaster and team of chefs behind your delicious meal.
Tickets: $108

Viaggio Bubble Bar
2023-07-28 12:00 - 2023-07-30 21:00 | Viaggio Wine Merchant, 210 SW Century Drive, Ste 160, Bend, 97702
Join us for a fun weekend celebrating all-things-bubbly! We have a fantastic line-up of Champagne, wines from around the world, select and very cool beers, and non-alcoholic drinks. Enjoy with our European-style snacks and enjoy on our shaded patio, at the farm table, on the couch or at the bar! It’s one of our favorite monthly happenings!
Friday 12-9pm
Saturday 12-9pm
Sunday 12-8pm

A Night in Ghana
2023-07-28 16:00 - 21:00 | Open Space Event Studios, 220 Northeast Lafayette Avenue, bend, 97701
Join the 4th Annual Night in Ghana, a cultural celebration and fundraiser presented by the human rights organization Volta Revival Foundation. Enjoy Ghanaian music, cuisine, goods, an art auction and a children’s carnival. All proceeds support VRF’s shelter for children rescued from forced labor and trafficking in Ghana.
Free

Lonestar at General Duffy’s Waterhole
2023-07-28 16:00 - 22:00 | General Duffy’s Waterhole, 404 SW Forest Ave, Redmond, 97756
General Duffy’s Waterhole is excited to host Lonestar on July 28, 2023 as part of their 2023 Summer Kickin’ Concert Series in Downtown Redmond! Presented by Subaru of Bend. All ages welcome, show starts at 4pm.
Not every musician has the opportunity to revisit and even potentially improve upon their biggest hits. But on the forthcoming TEN to 1 record, the award-winning band Lonestar— Dean Sams (keyboards, acoustic guitar, background vocals), Michael Britt (lead guitarist, background vocals), Keech Rainwater (drums) and Drew Womack (lead vocals, guitar)—are taking a fresh look at all 10 of their chart-topping country songs.
This streak started in 1996 with the band’s second single, the rock-edged “No News,” which describes a man left bereft (and confused) when his girlfriend suddenly disappears, and the following year’s tender “Come Cryin’ to Me” and “Everything’s Changed.” The band’s quadruple-platinum 1999 album Lonely Grill spawned four No. 1 hits (including the beloved global smash “Amazed”) and established Lonestar as music’s preeminent pop-country band—a status they’d maintain through the 2000s and beyond, thanks to songs full of energy and creative lyrics (“What About Now”) and (“Mr. Mom”), along with heartfelt messages and soaring melodies (“I’m Already There”).
With these re-recordings, the band members were mindful of striking a balance between preserving the sonic elements fans were familiar with—and not repeating them. “It was a high wire act trying to figure out how to change it a little bit and not throw people off too much,” Britt says. “I’ve seen bands that when they do the big hits that I know, and they change it up too much, I feel disappointed. I think people want to sing along—the vocal melody is what people really are latching onto the majority of time.
“That’s what was in everybody’s minds when we were trying to come up with different arrangements, was trying to keep the vocal melody true,” he continues. “Don’t change it so much that people go, ‘That’s not even the same song.'”
As a result, many of Lonestar’s re-recordings have merely cosmetic updates and changes. “Mr. Mom” is “a little bit more country-sounding,” Britt says, while Sams created some loops for “Smile” to “make it more modern-feeling, and have a little more motion,” he says. “It’s a little bigger-sounding than what the original record is. We kept most of the songs pretty close to the originals, but with just more updated, modern sounds.”
The changes to “Amazed,” meanwhile, reflect the power ballad’s status as an exclamation mark during concerts. “Since it’s usually the biggest part or finale of the show, we’ve made it a little bit more bombastic,” Britt says. “We didn’t want to change it so much as just to make it more epic.”
TEN to 1 reflects the ways Lonestar’s hits have evolved over the years during the band’s rousing, high-energy concerts. For example, Britt improvised a guitar solo in the studio for the new version of “Tell Her,” just as he’s done live in the last few years.
“We’ve all played these songs live so much that we’ve morphed them over the years and play them a little bit differently,” Sams says. “In re-recording them, it was taking all the different things that we have done and harnessing it into the best direction for today. Michael’s got a lot better guitar sounds than he had when we made a lot of these hits; Keech has better drums.” Sams also produced the TEN to 1 record sessions, and he approached the songs with fresh ears from both a musical and studio perspective. “I had to look at the music this time, like, ‘As not only a band member, but as the producer of this record, how can I keep the integrity of what made the songs the hits they were—but also update them so when people listen to them, there’s something unique and different about them that catches their ear for today’s time?'”
Perhaps the biggest example of this contemporary updating is “Come Cryin’ to Me,” which the band members agree is the biggest sonic departure. A particular concert by indie-folk act The Lumineers inspired a completely new direction for the song; Lonestar’s updated version has gang vocals, four-on-the-floor beats, and percussion that adds a galloping vibe.
Womack, who joined the group in early 2021, also put his own soulful spin on the songs, and brought his deep experience recording session and lead vocals to the studio process. “I sat there and listened to each song about 20 times, and the phrasing and the feel of the new tracks, and tried to absorb it to where I can sing it in one take,” he says. “And then I went in and sang four or five passes, and then go back and listen to it and choose the best track.”
The vocalist is also no stranger to chart success. He co-wrote Kenny Chesney’s first No. 1 hit, “She’s Got It All,” while his former band, Sons of the Desert, also had multiple country hits in the ’90s and collaborated with Lee Ann Womack on her crossover hit “I Hope You Dance.” Drew Womack also has deep personal and professional ties to his new band; Sons of the Desert crossed paths with Lonestar many times, even opening shows for them early on.
“We actually covered a couple of the songs that I’m re-recording,” Womack says. “It’s surreal re-recording for a greatest hits record songs that I covered back when I was 23, 24. But it’s been great. We have very similar tastes in music and similar temperaments. And I’ve always been a band guy from day one—so this is just like coming home, like flopping right back into a band. It feels right to me.”
The rest of Lonestar also speak of how easily Womack fit into the lineup. “Everybody has a best friend somewhere—and then all of a sudden, at the job that you love, you get to work with them every day,” Rainwater says. “It’s a great feeling that one of your good friends is now one of your bandmates. And it shows on stage when we play—it comes through in the music a little bit, in the attitude and the stage presence.”
Adds Sams: “His vocals are soulful. What I love about him is that you feel every word that he sings, which is probably the biggest compliment I can give. He has this really unique way of attaching himself to the lyric of the song and making the audience that is listening to him feel what he is feeling. It’s a gift.”
Lonestar’s roots date back to the early ’90s, when Sams originally moved to Nashville from his native Texas intending to be a solo artist. However, after a few months, he realized that he was better suited for a band and recruited Britt and Rainwater.
Lonestar found success out of the gate with their self-titled 1995 debut, which spawned the hit “Tequila Talkin'” along with “No News.”
Other honors soon followed: The band has won many of music’s top honors, including Academy Of Country Music awards for New Vocal Group in 1996, and Single and Song Of The Year in 2000, along with Humanitarian Of The Year in 2002. They also won Country Music Association’s Vocal Group of the Year and International Artist Achievement award in 2001. All told, Lonestar have sold more than 10.5 million records since their formation.
Sams and Womack have already started writing new songs together, which has been a hugely positive creative experience. “We jelled very quickly,” Sams says. “When something feels comfortable, it really makes the creative process much more enjoyable and fun, and it actually doesn’t feel like work. Drew is such a positive person and he fits in with me, Michael and Keech so much. And there’s just this newfound energy and life that we haven’t had for some time.”
And so as Lonestar looks toward a big career milestone—the band is celebrating 30 years in 2022—and the release of TEN to 1, they are full of gratitude for what they’ve accomplished already, and excited about what the future holds. “People that we used to look up to back in the day—like the Rolling Stones, Boston, and even bands like Alabama—they’re older than us,” Rainwater says. “We look up to those people as like the senior class. But now we are sort of the senior class that people seem to look up to and ask questions about and ask for our expertise.”
Adds Sams: “It’s amazing that we’re still standing and putting on great shows after all these years. The fans are still coming out to our shows night after night, to see us and hear our music. That’s almost 30 years of touring, and I can’t tell you how grateful I am—and I’ve never once taken it for granted.”

Volunteers Needed for Pollinator Pathway Bend Info Table
2023-07-28 17:00 - 19:00 | Alpenglow Park, 61049 SE 15th St, Bend, 97702
Volunteers are needed for the Pollinator Pathway Bend info table at the Community Celebrations at Alpenglow Park! Share info on native pollinators and plants and help hand out amber light bulbs as part of the Get Stars Central Oregon grant. If you can help, contact Cliff Mitchell at cliffmitchell1@yahoo.com.

Stand Up Paddle Board Yoga
2023-07-29 09:00 - 10:30 | Drake Park, 777 NW Riverside Blvd, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Get outside and test your yoga skills with stand up paddleboard yoga at Drake Park. No expertise is needed; just wear flip-flops, bring a dry bag, arrive 10 minutes before class and enjoy the challenge.
Tickets: $25

Annual Deschutes River Cleanup
2023-07-29 09:00 - 14:00
Join the Upper Deschutes Watershed Council for the largest annual Deschutes River Cleanup, where volunteers of all ages are invited to help protect the river and its riparian areas at multiple park locations. Enjoy a day of stewardship and build on last year’s success of removing 2,600 pounds of garbage and weeds.

Countryfied at General Duffy’s Waterhole
2023-07-29 19:00 - 22:00 | General Duffy’s Waterhole, 404 SW Forest Ave, Redmond, 97756
General Duffy’s Waterhole is excited to host Countryfied on July 29, 2023 as part of their 2023 Summer Kickin’ Concert Series in Downtown Redmond! Presented by Subaru of Bend. All ages welcome, show starts at 7pm.
Countryfied is a regional, high energy, country rock based, variety band. Countryfied has been entertaining audiences of all sizes and ages for over twenty years. Credited with four albums, and seen in concert with such greats ranging from Merle Haggard, Billy Ray Cyrus, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Starship and many more.

30th Anniversary Party
2023-07-30 14:00 - 18:00 | Bend Pet Express, 420 NE Windy Knolls Drive, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Join Bend Pet Express at the eastside location for its 30th anniversary party with a pet-friendly bash. Enjoy a BBQ, raffle items, swag bags and a fundraiser supporting animal welfare organizations.
Tickets start at $5.

Bend Pet Express 30th Anniversary Party
2023-07-30 14:00 - 18:00 | Bend Pet Express Eastside, 420 NE Windy Knolls Drive, Bend, OR, 97701, United States
Bend Pet Express is having a BBQ and you’re invited! Join them at their eastside location on July 30, 2023.

This event is pet friendly, will have raffle items, swag and more. And the best part is it’s also a fundraiser for
@campclinics_
@streetdoghero
@embersbunnyrescue
@herduneededahome1
Raffle tickets are 10 for $20 and more raffle tickets are available for purchase at the party! Pay for your tickets here and pick them up at the party. You’ll have four different tickets to choose from and each color benefits a local rescue!

Corvallis Knights at Bend Elks Baseball Club
2023-07-30 17:00 - 20:00 | Vince Genna Stadium, 401 SE Roosevelt Ave, Bend, OR, 97702, United States
Attend one of the last Bend Elks Game of the 23 Season with the family because @bendelksbaseball has created a code for 25% General Admission tickets for the game and Mom What’s Next Bend would love to see you in their reserved 3rd Base GA seating section. Use Code: MOM2023
Bend Elks games are very family-friendly. A founding member of the West Coast League, a summer college wood bat baseball league, located at the Bend Fieldhouse, an indoor training facility in Bend, Oregon.

Author and Book Launch Event
2023-08-01 18:30 - 19:30 | Roundabout Books, 900 Northwest Mount Washington Drive #110, Bend, OR, 97703, United States
Join bestselling author Tracey Lange as she presents The Connellys of County Down–a novel exploring family loyalty. Listen to an engaging conversation between Lange, who lives in Bend, and local writer Nicole Meier at this captivating literary event.

Deschutes County Fair & Rodeo
2023-08-02 11:00 - 2023-08-06 20:00 | Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center, 3800 SW Airport Way, Redmond, OR, 97756, United States
The 103rd year of the Deschutes County Fair & Rodeo beckons with melt-in-your-mouth cotton candy, Ferris wheel rides and much more. Get ready for an action-packed championship rodeo, live music, thrilling carnival rides, delicious local food vendors and adorable farm animals.

COMAG 2023 Art Show
2023-08-04 - 2023-08-05 | Open Space Event Studios, 220 Northeast Lafayette Avenue, bend, 97701
It’s our annual retail art event! Over 25 metalsmiths, jewelers, blacksmiths, ceramicists, and 2D artists will all be together to showcase their art.
There will be LIVE demos, beer and wine, a food truck, and a chance to win one of two $100 door prizes to be used with an artist of your choice! It’s free admission. Come to see incredible art and leave with something special and handmade. There will be something for everyone!

The show dates and times are

August 4th
11am – 7 pm

August 5th
10 am – 7 pm
We hope to see you there!
Open Space Event Center
220 NE Lafayette. Bend OR
Free Admission

Sun Garden—new mixed media paintings from Shelli Walters
2023-08-04 15:00 - 19:00 | Tumalo Art Co., 450 SW Powerhouse Dr. #407, Bend, 97702
Tumalo Art Company’s August exhibit, Sun Garden, features new mixed media paintings and paper mache sculpture by Shelli Walters. The opening reception takes place August 4, during the First Friday Gallery Walk from 3-7pm in the Old Mill District.
Visitors to the gallery in August will be treated to an uplifting stroll through whimsical imagined gardens in Shelli’s Sun Garden series. Shelli says this body of work flowed out over the past year in response to the loss of her Mom. Her grief and a complex estate management process had her craving moments of peace and simplicity.
In the studio her garden experience spills out in acrylic paint, collage, graphite and crayon on 24”x12” canvas panels creating mural-like impression of a blissful day in the garden. Paper mache sculptures of deer and birds on bicycles, complement the two-dimensional work. Shelli enjoys repurposing materials to forge these whimsical creations giving what would otherwise end up in the trash or recycle bin a joyful new place in the world.
Tumalo Art Co. is an artist-run gallery in the heart of the Old Mill District open 7 days a week. tumaloartco.com; 541-385-9144.
