As I've mentioned before, listening to live music is one way I feed my creative soul.
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| Waiting for Blind Pilot to Enter the Stage at Pioneer Courthouse Square, July 2022 |
I've decided to make this pastime a bit easier on myself by creating a blog post with links to some of the bands and music venues I most enjoy. If you are local to Portland and/or Sunriver/Bend, Oregon (or just passing through), maybe this resource will be helpful and inspiring to you, too. If so, I hope you will bookmark it and/or share it with a friend.
Some of my favorite musical artists:
Blind Pilot (They do an annual show at the Liberty Theater in Astoria. We've also heard the lead singer, Isreal Nebeker, solo and The Hackles duo.)
Craig Caruthers (We've been following his work for decades)
Fox and Bones (The artists who wrote and recorded this moving song, a tribute to the tremendous life of my late father-in-law, Henry Prochovnic)
Glen Phillips (I also enjoy the full band, Toad the Wet Sprocket)
Jonatha Brooke (Some day I hope to see her 4 Noses Show. Support her "Kitchen Covid Concerts," here .)
The Junebugs (The lead singer composed and recorded the anniversary song I wrote for my husband)
Maiah Wynne (The musical artist behind the beautiful companion song to Lucy's Blooms. Join her Patreon here)
Paula Cole (I have admired and supported her work since the early 1990's. Listen to an interview here.)
Shawn Mullins (His songs are like stories. I especially love Twin Rocks, Oregon.)
William Topley (We've seen him countless times in Portland. I hope to see him play live at a pub in London some day).
A Growing List of Central Oregon Performers we Love to See and Support When We're in Town:
Favorite Outdoor Venues (Bend/Sunriver Area):
Bend Brewing (great nachos!)
Bend Cider Co. (in Tumalo)
(the) Bite (in Tumalo)
Hayden Homes Amphitheatere (for bigger shows)
On Tap (They have an especially great beer and cider selection. We LOVE their fire pits. Also have an indoor area and a tented area. Location of the music depends on the season.)
Ponch's Place (in the parking area of a veterinary clinic! Nice fire pits, and a tented indoor area)
River's Place (They typically have live music on Thursday and Sunday evenings. Music is indoors in the colder months.)
Silver Moon Brewing (They have the most excellent fire pits! They also have an indoor venue)
Worthy (A gorgeous outdoor stage. Also has a "hopservatory" star gazing spot.)
Favorite Indoor Venues (Bend/Sunriver Area):
Elixer Wine Bar (They have a fantastic open mic night, every Monday evening. A great way to listen to a wide variety of Central Oregon talent!)
The Lot (Food Carts and Tap House - fun vibe, great food carts, and live music every Thursday night)
Old St. Francis School (Additional schedule info on the main McMenamins site)
Portello Wine & Spirits (Great happy hour. We love the vibe here!)
Other spots we visit from time to time:
The Ale Apothecary (an artsy and rustic vibe)
Bunk and Brew (Funky, youthful vibe. Event schedule on FB)
Century Commons Taps and Trucks (in the Sunriver Business Park. Live music on Friday nights)
Commonwealth Pub (in Bend)
Cross Cut Warming Hut (a very rustic, mountain cabin feel -- also have nice fire pits!)
M & J Tavern (very friendly dive bar -- good prices and the chicken dinner is HUGE)
The Village (in Sunriver) -- hosts summer music events
Wetlands Tap House (in LaPine)
Some places on our list to try:
Blacksmith Public House (in Redmond)
Boneyard Beer (in Bend)
Cascade Lakes (Two locations in Bend)
Legend NW Cider Company (in LaPine)
Favorite Outdoor Venues (Portland Area):
Topaz Farm on Sauvie Island (Family friendly, very welcoming, and beautiful setting.)
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| Listening to The Portland Cello Project Playing Prince Music at Topaz Farm |
Favorite Indoor Venues (Portland Area):
Al's Den (a McMenamins)
Haymaker Bar & Eatery (on N. Killingsworth)
McMenamins (other locations)
The Muddy Rudder Public House (A great neighborhood place, with excellent food and service, too!)
White Eagle (a Mcmenamins)
Other Indoor Venues We Enjoy (Portland Area):
Portland City Grill (live piano music on T and W evenings)
T.C. O'Leary's (live music several nights a week)
Some Places We'd Like to Try (Portland Area):
Ponderosa Lounge & Grill (at Jubitz)Secret Grove (coffee by day, music venue by night--currently appears to be D.J. vs. live music)
Portland Mercury's Live Music Calendar
Bookmark this page and check back often; I'll keep this page updated as my list of favorites changes and grows!
Last revised: March 22, 2025
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