Nothing says summer in Central Oregon like live country music. On June 27, the Blacksmith Public House in Redmond is hosting an up-and-coming Christian country star, Chad Bushnell. His Christian country roots and raw storytelling mixed with the fun and welcoming atmosphere of the Blacksmith Public House make this free performance one you won’t want to miss.
Music has always flowed through Bushnell’s veins, and it was clear from a young age that he would follow in his family’s footsteps of becoming a musician. Whether he was attending his father’s country band practice, listening to his grandma, or performing at the rodeo and cowboy church, Bushnell was always surrounded by music. After several years of performing at various talent shows, he finally got his break when he won the California region of the National Cowboy Church Talent Show and went on to place in the top three in Nashville. It was through this competition that Bushnell landed a recording contract. The song he recorded, “What Would Jesus Do?” went on to become the #1 hit on the Christian Country Music Charts on Christmas Day in 2018. The positive feedback he received from his song marked a turning point in his career and allowed him the opportunity to open for many of his country heroes such as Mark Wills, Billy Currington, and Dwight Yoakam. When asked what this experience was like, Bushnell told the Source, “Opening for my country heroes was a dream come true, and if all I got out of this journey was the opportunity to do that, then I would be happy.”
Bushnell released his most recent EP, “Believer,” in January of this year. The EP features five songs that offer an honest look at the challenges that come with balancing a music career and a marriage. One track from the EP, titled “Imperfect Prayer,” reached #1 on several country charts after its release. Bushnell’s humility and down-to-earth personality shine through in his music. When you listen to him you don’t just see a country singer, you see a husband, a son and a real person. His Christian roots are what truly set him apart as a country artist and he hopes that his songs “inspire people to keep their faith and continue to work hard even when times get tough.”
Bushnell is currently on tour and looking forward to his upcoming performance in Redmond. He loves the culture of Central Oregon and appreciates everyone’s enthusiasm for country music. With hard work and dedication, Bushnell hopes to continue touring and will take the stage on this year’s Country Cruising, setting sail this fall with Trace Adkins and other incredible country artists.
This article appears in Source Weekly June 19, 2025.
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