Xavier Rudd brings folk-pop mix to Bend

Published 12:00 am Thursday, August 29, 2019

Fans of Jack Johnson, John Butler and Ben Harper would do well to check out Australian singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Xavier Rudd, who will perform at Midtown Ballroom on Friday. Like those aforementioned artists, Rudd delivers sensitive, soul-searching songs in a wide mix of genres — Hawaiian music, traditional Australian music, reggae, folk and indie-pop form the key pillars of his wheelhouse — often partnered with socially conscious themes including environmentalism and the rights of indigenous Australians. He has released nine studio albums since 2002, most recently last year’s “Storm Boy,” a set that finds Rudd on familiar, folkie ground. Like-minded songwriter Gene Evaro Jr. will open the show.

Xavier Rudd, with Gene Evaro Jr.: 9 p.m. Friday, doors open at 8 p.m.; $27 plus fees; Midtown Ballroom, 51 NW Greenwood Ave., Bend; midtownbend.com or 541-408-4329.