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)
Eel Sallad (If you love strong pipes & big emotions, you will adore Dallas Lee, who fronts this band)
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)
The Head and the Heart (We've seen them several times -- next up is Red Rocks, summer, 2026!)
Jacob Westfall (An AMAZING songwriter and storyteller--love him solo and w/ his band)
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)
Mumford & Sons (We caught the tail end of their show in Verona, Italy many years ago -- one of my favorite lifetime music memories. Hope to see them there again in the future, more planfully)
Paula Cole (I have admired and supported her work since the early 1990's. Listen to an interview here.)
Ronnie Carrier (Ronnie is a fabulous song writer and story teller. She is also a true supporter of the music community in the Portland area.)
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).
Other Live Performers Whose Work We've Especially Enjoyed and Would Love to See Again:
Alice Wallace (We attended a house concert when she was passing through Portland. Beautiful songs and storytelling--and she yodels! She is currently based in Nashville; would love to see her there some time!)
Covenhoven (Deep, delicious voice. captivating storyteller)
Dan Rodriguez (He put on a wonderful show at the White Eagle, Spring 2025. He has a huge following.)
Goldpine (They opened for a Fox & Bones concert we attended. Powerful songs and storytelling.)
Grace Cooper (We've seen he in Central Oregon several times; she's currently overseas pursuing an advanced science degree. My recollection is she's also a Zag!)
John Craigie (He opened for Blind Pilot at Topaz Farm, Summer 2025. Fantastic show! His music is amazing, and he is absolutely hilarious without even trying to be!)
Kathryn Claire (We attended a house concert in her home; beautiful voice, amazing fiddle player.)
Phillip Scales (We saw him at the Al's Den in 2024. Really enjoyed the show.)
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)
Midtown Yacht Club (no boats, but fun food carts and live music)
Old St. Francis School (Additional schedule info on the main McMenamins site)
Portello Lounge (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):
48 North Pizzeria (live music several nights a week)
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: November 22, 2025
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