If you’re in search of a night full of good vibes and amazing music, don’t miss Bourbon and Bellows’ performance at Silver Moon Brewing on Saturday, Nov. 15. Hailing from Washington State, the acoustic four-piece band blends the genres of New Orleans folk, blues and gypsy jazz to create a rich sound that will be sure to have you moving and grooving.
Bourbon and Bellows formed in 2018, and after some lineup changes, the group recorded their debut album in 2022. When asked what inspired them to perform exclusively as an acoustic band, frontman Ben Macy shared, “Acoustic instruments have always been my personal preference. They bring a level of intimacy to music. You can’t hide the intent or emotion behind a facade of effects. It’s just all hanging out there.” The group uses a range of acoustic instruments, from accordion, fiddle, guitar and percussion, to create a sound that is sure to pull at the audience’s heartstrings.
“One of the main ideas of Bourbon and Bellows is that acoustic instruments aren’t just for sentimentality, but also for humor, dancing, anger, laughter, even risque stuff,” Macy says. “Basically, the whole range of human experience.” For him and his bandmates, music isn’t just a creative outlet, it’s a way to process and express emotions, whatever they may be. Their commitment to acoustic performance allows those emotions to surface authentically, creating a raw and honest connection with listeners.
Bourbon and Bellows draw inspiration from New Orleans and Deep South jazz influences, to the artistry of performers like Tom Waits and Django Reinhardt. They love to take pieces of music they admire and bring them together with their own signature style. That creativity is exactly what they are hoping to capture with their next two albums which they are currently working on simultaneously. They have so much music they are eager to share, that one album just wasn’t enough.
Their upcoming show at Silver Moon Brewing is more than just a regular performance, it’s a family affair. Frontman Macy, a graduate from Culver High School, has many family ties in the area and many of his relatives will be seeing him live for the first time at this performance. Over the years, Macy has visited Bend with his family and was always inspired by the vibrant music scene. He is thrilled to finally be a part of the scene he once admired from afar and is even more excited to share the stage with his son who will be joining the band on fiddle.
Unlike other groups, Bourbon and Bellows isn’t concerned with fitting into one specific genre or label. Instead, they let the music lead and are guided by, “the groove, tight three-part harmonies and truly just enjoying whatever we are playing. If those three things come together, people seem to have a great time.”
Bourbon and Bellows
Sat. Nov 15, 7PM
Silver Moon Brewing
24 NW Greenwood Ave., Bend
silvermoonbrewing.com/events
$15
This article appears in the Source November 6, 2025.
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