Central Oregonians have a deep appreciation for entertainment and live music. We seek it out. It inspires us. We thrive off of it.
This spring, the Tower Theatre Foundation has announced a few more big names to enhance an already exciting musical line-up. Blues Hall of Famer, Robert Cray, returns to the stage with his band Tuesday, April 5. The King of the Blues is a Northwest native and has been rocking his rootsy sound for more than 40 years. Cray fuses blues, rock, pop and jazz with equal insight and authority.
“He’s an original,” says Bonnie Raitt. “He’s passionate, and he puts on one of the best shows you’ll ever see.”
Canadian folk artists, Dala, take the stage Friday, April 15. Drawing upon influences of the Beatles, Joni Mitchell and Neil Young, they incorporate guitar and piano to create catchy tunes that are insightful and eloquently beautiful.
After their 2011 performance at the Sisters Folk Festival, Creative Director Brad Tisdel said, “They have a special way of blending well-written songs with gorgeous harmonies and dynamic delivery. They exude a joy for singing and playing together that makes them quite extraordinary and unique.”
Sunday, May 8, share Mother’s Day with the Tower family, and enjoy a performance of Close to You: The Music of the Carpenters. Come remember the songs that captured the emotions of a generation. Performer Lisa Rock and her six-piece band pay tribute to the music and life of the Carpenters, singing their most memorable hits, including Rainy Days and Mondays, Top of the World and We’ve Only Just Begun.
Then embark on a virtuoso journey of gypsy jazz through Buenos Aires and Paris with the Gonzalo Bergara Quartet, Tuesday, May 10. The first half features original works influenced by Bergara’s native Argentina, followed by a modern variant of the sound and spirit of Django Reinhardt and the Hot Club of France.
“I’ve wanted to bring Gonzalo’s blazing skills to Bend ever since I first heard him three years ago,” says Tower Executive Director Ray Solley. “Jazz guitar, upright bass and violin overlaid with a 1930’s European nightclub vibe it enthralls your ears.”
Next, GRAMMY-Award winning Cajun revivalists, BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet, are set to return Sunday, May 15. Dubbed “The best Cajun band in the world” by NPR’s Garrison Keiller, BeauSoleil have been blending the rich Cajun traditions of Louisiana with elements of zydeco, New Orleans jazz, Tex-Mex, country and blues for over 30 years.
Sunday, May 22 the powerhouse Argentinian dance company, CheMalambo, present their percussive dance and musical spectacle. Behold the Latin version of Stomp. It’s a wonderfully wild evening of precision footwork, rhythmic stomping, drumming and song from the heart of Argentina and the traditional dance of the South American cowboy.
541-317-0700, www.towertheatre.org