Sweet Sounds in Summer

Bringing music to Redmond residents once again is the seventh annual Music in the Canyon series. Set in one of Central Oregon’s best outdoor venues, American Legion Park, Music in the Canyon will present a concert every other Wednesday night from 5:30 to 8 p.m. this summer.

Three Creeks Brewing will offer beer on tap, while the Patty Wagon grills up hamburgers and hot dogs. This free summer concert series brings together family and friends while keeping the focus on the music.

“We try to make it so people can converse and have fun,” said organizer Jim Bull.

Kicking off the series July 1st, as they always do, is the country-rock band, Countryfied. They have been putting on high-energy show for more than two decades and have four records to their name.

July 15, the High Desert Hustlers bring their blues act to Redmond. Lead by Kenny “Blue” Ray, the High Desert Hustlers have been preaching the blues locally for years.

Franchot Tone comes to Redmond July 29. A local Bend favorite, Tone specializes in “breezy melodies and easygoing vibes.” Up and coming pop rockers, Moon Room will open for that show.

August 12 will see Hobbs the Band bringing their Sisters-based, post-industrial blues rock to Music in the Canyon. The five-member band, lead by guitarist Hobbs Magaret, features some of Central Oregon’s top rock musicians.

The grand finale comes on August 26 with The Stunt Poets and The Cutmen entertaining the crowd. The Stunt Poets will show off their Americana rock, while the The Cutmen have been performing soul, jazz and funk across Oregon.

The venue at American Legion Park was designed with sound in mind by The Redmond Rotary and Music in the Canyon organizer, Bull. The terraced seating and boulder outline create a natural amphitheater, complete with exceptional sound.

The Music in the Canyon series is put on by the nonprofit, the Music in the Canyon Foundation. The foundation aims to keep the music series going, and to assist performance and art in Redmond. Their board consists of Jim Bull (president), Katie Hammer, Phil Emerson, and Jason Jackson.

“It’s about helping the community,” said Bull. “We definitely want it to do more than just the five shows during the summer.”

The foundation is looking for patrons to help support the music scene in Redmond. Any size donations can be made through the www.musicinthecanyon.org website. Both the foundation and the Music in the Canyon music series highlight Bull’s commitment to music and the community. Bull has been in the music business for more than 20 years, recently doing sound for larger venues and events in Oregon.

“I want to bring something special to the people of Redmond,” said Bull.

The Music in the Canyon series traditionally gets between 300 and 800 appreciative and attentive people at the shows, depending upon weather.

American Legion Park is located at 850 SW Rimrock Way and Highland Avenue in Redmond. More information can be found at www.musicinthecanyon.org.