Local musician Joel Chadd is getting back to his roots and sharing a creative space in a new monthly music series, “The Commons Sessions,” every second Thursday, December through March at The Commons Cafe and Taproom in downtown Bend. Chadd will be joined each month by various artists from the area to create a relaxing environment for songwriters to entertain the community and bring people together on these cold Central Oregon winter nights.
Chadd says his ambition to start the series was sparked by “a desire to get back to…why I started playing music: to connect & share songs with friends.” He describes the series, “The Commons Sessions,” as a monthly gathering that’s all about community, creativity, and connection in the heart of Bend…it’s a true locals’ scene — warm, welcoming, and full of heart. Each evening features local songwriters sharing their songs and stories in an intimate, round-style setting. The event is “a chance to support local artists…with a glass of wine or a local beer in hand. A simple, soulful evening where music brings people together.”
The Source recently had the opportunity to chat with Chadd and artists Megan Alder and Alicia Viani, who will perform at the first of The Commons Sessions.
the Source: What are you looking for in the other artists who will perform?
Joel Chadd: I’m looking for folks who have dedicated themselves to their craft of songwriting, not looking for any specific genre, just songwriters who are passionate about their art.
tS: How did you get involved with Joel Chadd and The Commons Sessions?
Megan Alder: I met Joel through mutual friends in the PNW music scene. I moved here from Hood River last spring and Joel was kind enough to include me to help build my audience in Bend.
Alicia Viani: Joel reached out to me to invite me to participate in the songwriters’ event, as there is a thriving and active community of songwriters in this small city. We’re super lucky to have inspiring artists all around! Joel is very involved in the musical scene and knows a lot of people. I can tell he is thoughtfully cultivating each event because the combination of Megan, Bill and myself, for example, will showcase complimentary but diverse musical styles and backgrounds for interesting artistic chemistry.
tS: What does your perfect evening at The Commons look like?
JC: That night would be a blend of young and old, locals and new-to-town folks, some snow falling outside and an audience who’s there to connect with the music and these great songwriters.
MA: The Commons Sessions will be a cozy chance for art and music lovers to experience original music in a listening venue that elevates local talent. I’d love for the room to be filled with energy and support for The Commons, who generously feature artists year round.
AV: I’d love to hear storytelling, I’d love to see some spontaneous co-creation between these artistic folks happening live such as joining one another on songs via instrumental leads and singing harmonies, and I’d love to see the audience have a unique listening experience in Bend by participating in deep listening culture. Bend crowds don’t have a lot of practice or encouragement to truly listen, and I’m grateful for a curated experience of this.
tS: Is there anything else you would like the readers to know?
JC: Tell your friends, every second Thursday! These evenings are about original music and the artists sharing a little window into their world. Please be respectful of the song and if you enjoy the music, please leave a tip in the bucket! All of these songwriters are generously sharing their craft.
The first of the series will take place on Dec. 11 from 6-8pm where Chadd will be joined by local artists, Bill Powers, Alicia Viani, and Megan Alder.
The Commons Sessions will be a free, all-ages event, but tips are welcome.
The Commons Sessions
2nd Thursdays Dec-Mar
The Commons Cafe and Taproom
875 NW Brooks St., Bend
thecommonsbend.com/
Free
This article appears in the Source December 11, 2025.
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