Ronnie Baker Brooks Brings Chicago Blues To Riverbend Live Friday

WINSTON, Ore. - Award-winning guitarist and vocalist Ronnie Baker Brooks will bring a high-energy blend of Chicago blues, rock, funk and soul to the Riverbend Live! stage this Friday.

The free concert begins at 7 p.m. Friday, July 17, at the Riverbend Park Outdoor Amphitheater in Winston. Brooks is the fourth featured performer in Riverbend Live!’s 30th anniversary season.

Brooks grew up surrounded by blues music as the son of legendary Chicago guitarist and Blues Hall of Famer Lonnie Brooks. He received his first guitar at age nine but had to work his way onto the stage, beginning his professional career as a roadie for his father’s band.

He later played bass before becoming the band’s full-time second guitarist. Brooks spent 12 years performing alongside his father, gaining experience while sharing stages with artists including B.B. King, Koko Taylor, Buddy Guy, Eric Clapton and Taj Mahal. He also learned directly from blues musicians including Albert Collins and Willie Dixon.

Brooks eventually stepped out on his own, developing a sound that remains rooted in traditional Chicago blues while incorporating elements of rock, funk and soul. His performances are known for soulful vocals, energetic stage presence and powerful guitar work.

His latest album, Blues In My DNA, was released by Alligator Records in 2024 and features 11 original songs exploring his family history, musical influences and experiences. The album was produced by Jim Gaines, whose credits include work with Santana, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Luther Allison.

The project earned Brooks three Blues Music Awards in 2025:

• Contemporary Blues Artist of the Year
• Contemporary Blues Album of the Year for Blues In My DNA
• Song of the Year for the album’s title track

The Friday performance is free and open to the public. Riverbend Live! organizers encourage those attending to:

• Bring blankets or lawn chairs
• Bring dinner and drinks, if desired
• Visit the rotating food trucks expected to be available
• Leave pets at home
• Avoid smoking inside the concert area

Shows generally last about two hours.

Following Ronnie Baker Brooks, Riverbend Live!’s remaining 2026 schedule includes:

• July 24: Cowboy Poetry and Western Music Roundtable
• July 31 and Aug. 1: Riverbend Live! Youth Theater presents Into the Woods JR.

More information about Brooks is available through the artist page from Concerted Efforts. Additional information about the concert series is available at riverbendlive.org.