Kenny Wayne Shepherd

It’s late May, which means it’s about time for Bend’s Hayden Home Amphitheater (344 SW Shevlin Hixon Drive) to come to life for its summer concert season. This year, the venue along the Deschutes River has 51 concerts planned between now and Sept. 14.

First up is one for the guitar aficionados as blues-rock giant and ultra-skilled player Kenny Wayne Shepherd brings his Backroads Blues Festival to town. An extension of his “10 Days Out: Blues from the Backroads” film and album project, the festival features Shepherd alongside blues legends like Bobby Rush, King Solomon Hicks and fellow guitar hero Joe Bonamassa. That’s a lot of blues! 6 p.m. Saturday, doors open 4:30 p.m., $45 and up.

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Hayden Homes Amphitheater in Bend: What to know before you go

On Sunday night, the amphitheater welcomes folk singer James Taylor to town for a show that’s being billed as “an evening with,” which means there’s no opener. Just a night full of Taylor doing what he does best, which is play gentle, reflective folk songs you likely know by heart. Taylor’s many big hits include “Fire and Rain,” “You’ve Got a Friend,” “Carolina in My Mind” and “How Sweet It Is (to Be Loved By You).” 7 p.m. Sunday, doors open 5:30 p.m. $80 and up.

For more information, visit the Hayden Homes Amphitheater’s website at bendconcerts.com.