Every few years in Bend there's one night where cowboys and hippies, bikers and businessmen all gather at the Les Schwab Amphitheater and sway to the sounds of American musical hero Willie Nelson. It's all quite magical. And all quite intoxicating -- literally.
Making his third appearance in Bend, the Red Headed Stranger will play from his long list of hit country, swing and rock and roll songs, meaning there's bound to be something you'll recognize. The last time Willie rolled through, he brought out one of the bigger crowds of the year and you can expect the same tonight, but tickets are still on sale.
The show kicks off at 6:30pm.
This show marks the end of the LSA season, and by all accounts, it's been a good one. It began with a huge show from Band of Horses and She and Him (capped by an impromptu fireworks display of unknown origin), then there were back-to-back performances by Steve Miller Band and Barenaked Ladies. In August, many of you joined in for the city-wide party that was Michael Franti and Spearhead or nearly sold out the joint for Bob Dylan and John Mellencamp.
Summer is over, sadly. But it's been a good one for music. But the outdoor music season isn't quite over -- next weekend is the Bend Roots Revival at the Century Center, which is fixing to be more fun than five Super Bowls. We'll have a full guide running in next week's issue, so keep an eye out for that.
In the meantime, enjoy Willie Nelson Day.
