James Taylor eased us into the summer concert series at Hayden Homes Amphitheater in Bend Monday, May 19. Just before 8pm, he casually strolled onto stage, picked up his guitar, sat on a stool and began singing “Wandering,” a folk song he wrote in 1975.
The audience was bundled in coats, hats and gloves as a steady wind kept a chill on the evening. Taylor, dressed in a blazer, button down shirt and slacks, talked about his discomfort until a man in one of the front rows handed him his puffy coat to wear.
Fifty concerts are scheduled this summer at Hayden Homes Amphitheater so far, but more could be added, Beau Eastes, marketing director of the Old Mill District, told the Source. About half of the main acts are headlining at the amphitheater for the first time. Eastes says it’s the most diverse summer lineup he can remember, including EDM, soul, country, folk, pop and rock legends. Last year, a record 56 acts performed at the venue.
Taylor, who had his first number one hit in 1971 with “You’ve Got a Friend,” has toured Bend in the past. His performance Monday felt calm and soothing. A staff member for the amphitheater said Taylor is a good opening night for them, with a crowd that skews older, opting to sit and relax and listen to a legend.
This article appears in Source Weekly May 22, 2025.
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