“This series was started 26 years ago on the idea that communities can be better served by giving members access to free concerts and entertainment for the whole family, “ said Shannon Talbo, event manager at Munch and Music. “Our community has embraced this philosophy and we are thankful that the Bend Memorial Clinic Munch and Music has become such an integral piece of the Bend lifestyle.”
Every Thursday beginning July 7th through August 11th, Bendites can enjoy free music in Drake Park. The evening will include an opening band and a headlining band, time in between acts to grab delicious food from one of the many vendors, craft and fine art vendors, and great kids activities like bouncy houses. Additionally, the Deschutes Brewery Libation Station will be available with beer, wine and an occasional cocktail from week to week. Also on tap is Atlas Cider.
2016 Line-Up:
- July 7: Super Diamond
- July 14: California Honeydrops and Coffis Brothers (co-headliners)
- July 21: The English Beat
- July 28: World’s Finest
- Aug 4: The Quick and Easy Boys and Jive Coulis (co-headliners)
- Aug 11: Devon Allman Band and Redwood Son (co-headliners)
July 7: Super Diamond
ABOUT SUPER DIAMOND: Tribute to the much loved, international pop icon Neil Diamond – perform the timeliness classics including “Sweet Caroline,” “America,” “Cracklin’ Rosie,” “Cherry Cherry,” “Song Sung Blue,” “Forever in Blue Jeans,” and many more. Super Diamond’s success in America is unprecedented for a tribute band. With a nod from Neil (the man himself), Super Diamond has been embraced by the long time Neil Diamond fan-base and also found huge popular in the hip rock clubs of America. http://superdiamond.com
July 14: California Honeydrops and co-headliner Coffis Brothers
ABOUT THE CALIFORNIA HONEYDROPS: The California Honeydrops don’t just play music—they throw parties. Led by a dynamic vocalist and multi-instrumentalist and drawing on diverse musical influences from Bay Area R&B, funk, Southern soul, Delta blues, and New Orleans second-line, the Honeydrops bring vibrant energy and infectious dance-party vibes to their shows.
“Though from Oakland, their Southern-fried jazz is so authentic that [audiences] may wonder whether they’ve been transported to the Big Easy.” LA Times
They’ve taken the party all over the world: on 9 European tours, featured slots at such premiere festivals as Monterey Jazz, High Sierra, and Outside Lands, and recent performances supporting B.B. King, Dr. John, Buddy Guy, and Allen Toussaint. Whether in those high-profile performances or in more intimate venues where the band itself can leave the stage and get down on the dance floor, the California Honeydrops’ shared vision and purpose remain: to make people dance and sing. http://www.cahoneydrops.com
ABOUT THE COFFIS BROTHERS: The Coffis Brothers & The Mountain Men are a rootsy rock n’ roll band born and raised in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Every bit as influential as their early surroundings, songwriters Jamie and Kellen Coffis’ blend of folk, blues, R&B and straight ahead rock are evidence of an upbringing spent listening to all of the right records from Tom Petty, Neil Young, and The Beatles. http://www.coffisbrothers.com
July 21: The English Beat
ABOUT THE ENGLISH BEAT: The English Beat is a band with an energetic mix of musical styles and a sound like no other. The band's unique sound has allowed it to endure for nearly three decades and appeal to fans, young and old, all over the world. The Beat first came to prominence as founding members of the British Two Tone Ska movement, with their classic first album “Just Can't Stop It” fitting squarely in that genre. Along with their contemporaries The Specials, The Selecter, and Madness, the band became an overnight sensation and one of the most popular and influential bands of that movement. However, band leader Dave Wakeling never felt constrained by the movement. Dave has always viewed ska as a springboard, not a straight jacket. Indeed, the band's sound continued to evolve over their first three studio albums, through the General Public era (a band formed by Dave with Ranking Roger, the toaster from The Beat), and has continued it's evolution with the forthcoming English Beat album “Here We Go Love”, a PledgeMusic crowd-funded album set for release in 2016, the band's first new album since 1982's “Special Beat Service”. http://englishbeat.net
July 28: World’s Finest
ABOUT WORLD’S FINEST: World's Finest is an eclectic five piece band creating what could best be described as Neo-Americana, World’s Finest has bridged the gap between ska, world music, Americana, dub and bluegrass. Hailing from all over the country the band is comprised of five members: Chris Couch (acoustic guitar, vocals), Dan Hurley (electric banjo, vocals), Sean McLean (sax, electric guitar, vocals), Evan Malfer (electric + upright bass), and Mike Apodaca (drums). Even with their very different musical and geographical backgrounds, they have undoubtedly found inspiration in each other’s taste, talents, and sensibilities. Strong songwriting, beautiful vocal harmonies, engaging band interplay and improvisation are only a handful of the many reasons why the band has garnered critical acclaim, and an ever-growing regional and national fan base. http://worldsfinestmusic.com
August 4: The Quick and Easy Boys and co-headliner Jive Coulis
ABOUT THE QUICK AND EASY BOYS: The Quick & Easy Boys are a power-trio out of Portland, Oregon who creates their own blend of rock and roll. Imagine the Minutemen, the Police, and Band of Gypsies rolled into one. Formed in 2005, The Quick & Easy Boys quickly made a name for themselves in Eugene, Oregon before relocating to Portland and becoming a renown nationally touring act. Their shows are an interactive party with electrifying stage antics and profound musical moments as the trio pours out every ounce of their energy, leaving nothing behind. The band has gained the reputation for moving a crowd all-night long whether it be a big festival or a tiny watering hole. The core members—Sean Badders on vocals and bass, Jimmy Russell on vocals and guitar, and Casey Anderson on drums and vocals—have continued to evolve musically…and audiences continue their enthusiastic calling of “Yeah Bud!” at every show. http://thequickandeasyboys.com
ABOUT JIVE COULIS: Jive Coulis, pronounced ˈJīv Kü-ˈlē, is a three piece rock, blues, and funk band from Ashland, Oregon. Their repertoire consists of mostly original songs with a mix of classic rock, funk and jam covers. The band was formed in Boulder, CO in 2006 and has seen many line-up changes through the years except for Eric Leadbetter (guitar and lead vocals). Eric met Collin Braley (drums, vocals) at an open mic in Ashland and Collin joined Jive Coulis in late 2013. Currently, the duo plays with an array of bass players and other musicians from the Ashland or Bend, OR area following exit of the original bass player, Jordan Mack. http://www.jivecoulis.com
August 11: Devon Allman Band and co-headliner Redwood Son
ABOUT DEVIN ALLMAN BAND: Devin Allman is a Blues Music Award winning singer, guitarist, producer and the next generation of Allman music.
After two albums with his jam band Honeytribe and co-founding the blues rock supergroup Royal Southern Brotherhood, Devon Allman issued a fine solo album with Turquoise; a skilled nuanced, yet kinetic reflection on the murky terrain where Chicago’s signature electric style meets vintage R&B and Rock. Allman the guitar slinger is back in a big way here.
“After spending more than a decade with Honeytree and Royal Southern Brotherhood, the vocalist/guitarist (Gregg’s son) has stepped out with a solo album that tells his personal stories. Turquoise is well-crafted, more reflective than fiery, and soulful,” said Jerry Shriver of USA Today. http://www.devonallmanband.com
ABOUT REDWOOD SON: Since being named “Best New Artist” at the 2011 Portland Music Awards, Redwood Son has done a great deal of growing up. The road will do that to a person, and you can see why there is a new found focus for 2016 and beyond. Redwood Son’s newly released EP titled, Westicana, is fresh and tailored by a complex past that reveals warmth and an intimate connection to honesty. The song “You know You” falls lightly into familiar classic country western lyrics, but the feel-good Americana Roots sway begs a curiosity that leaves hearts wanting more. That is only one of the many existing layers regarding Redwood Son however, as we find a fresh live sound that covers an entire spectrum of music, including; Southern Rock, Funk, Blues and even a dash of authentic Hip-Hop. Produced by Steve Berlin of the iconic band Los Lobos, this album encompasses the essence of the past, present and future, setting the tone for a Fall Vinyl Release, and a heavy tour schedule. http://www.redwoodson.com
For more information, visit munchandmusic.com.
About Munch & Music
Enjoying its 26th anniversary in 2016, the Drake Park Munch & Music free concert series continues to be a summertime favorite. The weekly series provides the community of Central Oregon with a great chance to strengthen their bond while enjoying the arts, outstanding food and free music. The event has been produced by Sionna Productions since 2014. Find out more at munchandmusic.com.
The Bend Memorial Clinic Munch and Music presented by The Source Weekly and Hayden Homes is additionally sponsored by Deschutes Brewery, Atlas Cider, The Peak 104.1, All Star Labor & Staffing and FOX Central Oregon.
