Street Performer Taylor Levin, pictured at left, seranades shoppers at the Wednesday farmers market in downtown Bend. Credit: Kyle Switzer

As local shows continue to be postponed, venue seating is limited, and COVID-19 cases go up, being a local musician is proving to be one of the hardest jobs to bounce back from in this pandemic era. To the local music lover, the horizon is looking gray. However, to the jobless but ever so optimistic Bend musician, there might be one last venue available.

Street musicians have been covering every corner in Bend, often without any equipment other than a guitar and an open case. New sounds and experimental vocals emerge from every corner of Bend. Bond and Wall streets are the new local venues of choice; First Friday is proving to be the new Coachella for street musicians.

The Source roamed the streets this week, grabbing photos (and video—check it out at bendsource.com) of some of the local acts. Here are a few we found.

Street Performer Taylor Levin, pictured at left, seranades shoppers at the Wednesday farmers market in downtown Bend. Credit: Kyle Switzer
Street Performer Taylor Levin, pictured at left, seranades shoppers at the Wednesday farmers market in downtown Bend. Credit: Kyle Switzer
James Michel Miller, shown at right, strums his guitar at a downtown sweet spot, on the corner of Wall and Oregon, right outside of Goody’s. Credit: Kyle Switzer
James Michel Miller, shown at right, strums his guitar at a downtown sweet spot, on the corner of Wall and Oregon, right outside of Goody’s. Credit: Kyle Switzer
Traveling street performer “Wade,” left, stops by to play on the corner of Bond and Minnesota. Wade, not being a local, was only passing through Bend. Credit: Kyle Switzer
Traveling street performer “Wade,” left, stops by to play on the corner of Bond and Minnesota. Wade, not being a local, was only passing through Bend. Credit: Kyle Switzer

This article appears in Jul 29 – Aug 5, 2020.

MAKE LOCAL JOURNALISM HAPPEN

$
$
$

We're stronger together! Become a Source member and help us empower the community through impactful, local news. Your support makes a difference!

Creative Commons License

Republish our articles for free, online or in print, under a Creative Commons license.

Trending

The Deschutes Public Library’s New Central Library is NighThe Deschutes Public Library’s New Central Library is NighMay 8, 2026Peter Madsen
Deschutes County Candidate Accused of Illegal AI Fake-Out on Campaign Website Deschutes County Candidate Accused of Illegal AI Fake-Out on Campaign Website May 12, 2026Clayton Franke
Long-planned Galveston Avenue Road Project Set For This SummerLong-planned Galveston Avenue Road Project Set For This SummerMay 14, 2026Clayton Franke
Seven Red Light Cameras Go Live in Redmond May 15Seven Red Light Cameras Go Live in Redmond May 15May 11, 2026Nic Moye

While growing up in Bend Oregon, Source intern Kyle Switzer has been shooting the city of Bend for years. Additionally, in recent years, the shutter has been firing all around the world, capturing places...

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *