FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Riverbend Live! Marks 30th Anniversary Season with StarStudded Summer Lineup

Winston, Oregon — April 6, 2026 — The beloved Riverbend Live! Summer Concert Series returns to Winston to celebrate its 30th Anniversary season. For three decades, the nonprofit organization has brought free, high-quality live entertainment to the Riverbend Park amphitheater, creating a cherished summer tradition for residents of Douglas County and visitors from throughout the region. The 2026 season features five Friday night concerts and a youth theater production, with performances ranging from internationally acclaimed blues artists to cowboy poetry, nostalgic tribute performances, and a community theater musical performed by local youth. Since its founding, Riverbend Live! has remained committed to making performing arts accessible to everyone. What began as a small community effort has grown into one of Douglas County’s most treasured summer events, attracting audiences of all ages who gather each week along the South Umpqua River for music, storytelling, and family entertainment. The 30th Anniversary season celebrates not only the artists, but also the volunteers, donors, community partners and audience who have supported Riverbend Live! for three decades.

VENUE DETAILS

All performances take place at the Riverbend Park Outdoor Amphitheater in Winston, Oregon. Concerts begin at 7:00 p.m. and run approximately two hours. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets for the lawn. Outside food and picnics are welcome, making the concerts a popular gathering place for families and friends. A local food truck vendor will be present at each concert, with vendor announcements shared through Riverbend Live!’s social media channels prior to each event. The Humble Lush Mobile Bar will offer beverages for all nights except during youth theater performances. For the comfort of all attendees, pets and smoking are not permitted inside the venue area.

2026 30TH ANNIVERSARY SEASON LINE UP

• June 26 – Colin James
• July 3 – Shemekia Copeland 
• July 10 – Good Vibrations: A Celebration of The Beach Boys
• July 17 – Ronnie Baker Brooks
• July 24 – Cowboy Poetry & Western Music Night
• July 31 & August 1 – Riverbend Live! Youth Theater: Into the Woods Jr.

PERFORMANCE DETAILS

June 6 – Colin James

Opening the 30th Anniversary season is internationally acclaimed blues-rock guitarist and singer Colin James, whose remarkable career spans more than three decades. With over 20 studio albums, eight Juno Awards, 31 Maple Blues Awards and multiplatinum record sales, James remains one of the most respected and versatile artists in contemporary blues and roots music. His newest release, Chasing the Sun, showcases James alongside an impressive lineup of guest musicians including Americana icon Lucinda Williams, Rolling Stones bassist Darryl Jones, legendary drummer Charley Drayton, harmonica master Charlie Musselwhite, and gospel vocalists Ann and Regina McCrary. James first gained international recognition with his 1988 self-titled debut album, which became the fastest-selling album in Canadian history and produced the hits Voodoo Thing and Five Long Years. Over the years he has collaborated with legendary artists including Bonnie Raitt, Albert King, Robert Cray, Carlos Santana, Buddy Guy, Keith Richards and Mavis Staples. More than 35 years into his career, James continues to captivate audiences with his masterful guitar playing and electrifying stage performances. https://colinjames.com

July 3 – Skemekia Copeland

GRAMMY-nominated blues powerhouse Shemekia Copeland takes the Riverbend stage on July 3 with her unmistakable voice and powerful songwriting. Praised by The Washington Post as “the greatest blues singer of her generation,” Copeland is known worldwide for her fearless, soulful performances that blend blues, rock, gospel, soul and Americana influences. Born in Harlem and raised in the blues tradition by her father, legendary musician Johnny Copeland, Shemekia began performing professionally at a young age and quickly established herself as one of the most important voices in modern blues music. Her latest album, Blame It On Eve, combines bold storytelling with energetic performances that invite audiences to both think and celebrate. Copeland’s music explores important social themes while maintaining the joy, humor and deep emotion that have made her a beloved performer around the world. Throughout her career she has performed alongside artists such as Bonnie Raitt, Keith Richards, Carlos Santana, Dr. John and James Cotton, and has appeared at major venues including the White House, PBS’s Austin City Limits, and the United Nations General Assembly Hall. https://www.shemekiacopeland.com

July 17 – Ronnie Baker Brooks

Chicago blues guitarist and vocalist Ronnie Baker Brooks brings his electrifying performance to Riverbend Live! on July 17. The son of legendary blues artist Lonnie Brooks, Ronnie grew up immersed in the Chicago blues tradition, learning directly from icons including B.B. King, Albert Collins, Willie Dixon and Koko Taylor. His latest album, Blues In My DNA, won three 2025 Blues Music Awards, including Song of the Year, and has been widely praised as a career-defining release. Critics describe Brooks as one of today’s most dynamic blues performers. Blues Music Magazine writes that “in Ronnie Baker Brooks’ powerhouse hands, blues-rock never sounded so outrageous and the blues never sounded so profound.” Known for his fiery guitar work, soulful vocals and high-energy stage presence, Brooks continues the legacy of Chicago blues while pushing the genre forward with elements of rock, funk and soul. https://ronniebakerbrooks.com

July 24 – Cowboy Poetry & Western Music Roundtable

Riverbend Live! continues its tradition of celebrating Western heritage with a special evening of cowboy poetry and Western music.This year’s program features Andy Hedges, Dakota Robinson, Kristyn Harris and Jake Riley: four performers who bring authentic voices from ranch life and cowboy culture to the stage. 

Andy Hedges is a Texas-based songster, reciter and guitarist dedicated to preserving the traditional songs and poetry of the American West. Raised in the small community of Tokio, Texas, he developed a love for cowboy music while listening to his father’s recordings of classic Western songs. Hedges performs traditional ballads and cowboy poetry drawn from ranch life and Western history. https://andyhedges.com

Jake Riley, originally from Colorado and now living in Nebraska, shares poetry inspired by his firsthand experiences in ranching and rodeo. He has been featured at the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko, Nevada. https://theotherjakeriley.com

 Dakota Robinson draws on his work on ranches across Texas, Kansas, Wyoming and New Mexico, crafting vivid poetry about the challenges and humor of cowboy life. https://www.facebook.com/dakotarobinsonofficial/ 

Award-winning performer Kristyn Harris brings Western swing music and storytelling to the evening. A six-time International Western Music Association Entertainer of the Year, Harris is known for her powerful vocals, energetic performances and deep connection to ranching traditions. http://www.kristynharris.com

July 31 & August 1 – Youth Theater Presents: Into The Woods, Jr

ABOUT RIVERBEND LIVE!

For 30 years, Riverbend Live! has brought free live music and youth theater to the South Umpqua Valley at the Riverbend Park Amphitheater in Winston, Oregon. Run entirely by volunteers, the nonprofit presents nationally recognized artists alongside community programs designed to make the arts accessible to everyone. A cornerstone of the organization is the Riverbend Live! Youth Theater, a free summer drama program for children ages 8–17 in the Dillard–Winston area. Each year, students participate in a multi-week camp that culminates in a fully staged musical production. As Riverbend Live! celebrates its 30th Anniversary season in 2026, the organization is also at an important crossroads. The current volunteer leadership team is transitioning, and without new organizers stepping forward to share responsibilities, the 2026 season may be the last. Riverbend Live! is seeking community members interested in helping sustain this long-standing tradition. Volunteer leadership roles include coordinating with partners, assisting with artist booking, fundraising and grants, financial oversight, and event support. Those interested in helping ensure the future of Riverbend Live! are encouraged to learn more.

CONNECT WITH US

Instagram: @riverbendlive
Facebook: facebook.com/riverbendlive
Website: www.riverbendlive.org

CONTACT

Riverbend Live! | PO Box 2438 | Winston, OR 97496 | info@riverbendlive.org
Press Inquiries: Ellen Porter, (541) 643-1748 | riverbendlive@gmail.com