This year the summer solstice will be filled with the blues. Silver Moon Brewing is hosting its first Bend Blues Fest on June 21. Two outdoor stages will feature a lineup of local musicians starting at 2pm.
Last October, Silver Moon launched a monthly Blues Revival after a regular performer at Sunday night open mic requested it, Jeshua Marshall from Silver Moon told the Source. Chicago Bob Dougherty wanted to focus musical energy around his roots in Chicago and the blues. Marshall says the success from that led them to a partnership creating this inaugural Blues Fest.
“The lineup of musicians is primarily Bend residents. Deep musical talent has found its way here to Bend and this event will showcase incredible blues talent you never knew was living right here,” Marshall says. “Many of these players enjoyed professional music careers and some are waiting to be discovered as the next force in the blues.”
Chris Cain is headlining the event. The blues guitarist travels all over the world performing. He’s released more than a dozen albums and is known for deep vocals and jazz-inspired, blues guitar riffs. Cain says he was inspired by B.B. King and Albert King. He’s scheduled to hit the stage at 8:30pm.
Other performers include Thomas T & the Blue Chips playing Chicago and Texas-style blues. Brother Gabe Trio, Funk Around and Find Out, a high-energy funk/fusion ensemble, Catfish Stu, Ben Johnson, and the Bend Blues Revival All Stars round out the lineup. The Gospel Brunch Band kicks things off at 2pm.
“We plan on making the longest day of the year ring out with the energy the blues evokes. Fusion/blues dancers have been showing up for the revivals and we anticipate this to be a big dance party too!” Marshall says.
This article appears in Source Weekly May 29, 2025.
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