Riverbend Live Opens 30th Anniversary Season Friday With Colin James

WINSTON, Ore. — A longtime Winston summer tradition returns this Friday as Riverbend Live! opens its 30th anniversary season at Riverbend Park.

The free summer concert series begins Friday, June 26, with internationally known blues-rock guitarist and singer Colin James. The concert starts at 7 p.m. at the Riverbend Park Outdoor Amphitheater.

James has built a career spanning more than three decades, with more than 20 studio albums, multiple Juno Awards, dozens of Maple Blues Awards and a reputation as one of the most respected voices in contemporary blues and roots music. His work has connected him with major names across blues, rock and Americana, and his live shows are known for strong guitar work and a high-energy stage presence.

For Riverbend Live!, his appearance marks the start of a milestone season.

The nonprofit concert series has been bringing free live entertainment to Winston for 30 years, giving Douglas County families and visitors a place to gather along the South Umpqua River for music, theater and community connection.

All concerts begin at 7 p.m. and run about two hours. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets. Outside food and picnics are welcome, and a local food truck vendor is expected at each concert. The Humble Lush Mobile Bar will offer beverages on concert nights, except during the youth theater performances.

Pets and smoking are not allowed inside the venue area.

2026 Riverbend Live! Schedule

Friday, June 26 - Colin James
The season opens with blues-rock guitarist and singer Colin James.

Friday, July 3 - Shemekia Copeland
GRAMMY-nominated blues vocalist Shemekia Copeland brings a powerful mix of blues, soul, rock, gospel and Americana to the Riverbend stage.

Friday, July 10 - Good Vibrations: A Celebration of The Beach Boys
Held during the Winston Summer Night Cruise and Graffiti Weekend season, this tribute show celebrates the classic harmonies and surf-rock sound of The Beach Boys.

Friday, July 17 - Ronnie Baker Brooks
Chicago blues guitarist and vocalist Ronnie Baker Brooks will perform music rooted in blues tradition with elements of rock, funk and soul.

Friday, July 24 - Cowboy Poetry & Western Music Night
This year’s Western-themed evening features Andy Hedges, Dakota Robinson, Kristyn Harris and Jake Riley, bringing cowboy poetry, Western swing and ranch-life storytelling to the stage.

Friday, July 31 and Saturday, August 1 - Into the Woods JR.
The Riverbend Live! Youth Theater Program returns with a two-night production performed by students ages 8 to 17 from the Winston-Dillard area.

A Milestone Season With an Uncertain Future

While the 30th anniversary season is a celebration, Riverbend Live! organizers have also said the series is at an important point in its history.

The program is run by volunteers, and the current leadership team is transitioning. Without new community members stepping forward to help with planning, fundraising, artist booking, event support and other leadership roles, organizers have said the 2026 season could be the final one.

For now, Riverbend Live! is inviting the community to come out, enjoy the music and help celebrate three decades of free entertainment in Winston.

More information is available at riverbendlive.org, on Facebook at Riverbend Live!, or on Instagram at @riverbendlive.