There have been some big changes at the amphitheater in Bend, Oregon. I featured the art in and around this venue in a post in June 2020. At that time, it was called the Les Schwab Amphitheater. It was named after a local entrepreneur who developed a thriving national tire business. Now the site is the Hayden Homes Amphitheater, named after a local home builder.
This site, the largest outdoor music venue in Bend, hosts concerts as well as events like Brewfest. Live Nation, the world’s leading live entertainment company, will partner with Hayden Homes in managing events. This page lists events scheduled for 2022.
Before and after views of the big changes
Today I’ll turn my lenses toward some of the changes at this site.
The stage before was small with whimsical art on the front and back. Here’s the artwork that was on the back of the stage. I loved the raven in this mural.
The new industrial-style stage is much larger and has a big open “window” space to take in the view.
The next two pictures show the before and after images of the stage. Prior to the changes, shows set up a limited number of folding chairs and a set of bleachers.
Now, attendees that buy seats can sit in a couple semi-permanent structures. Many concert goers choose the less expensive option of standing.
I took this picture of the rules of the venue last summer. Last week they decided you cannot bring your own chair to any event. However, they’ll gladly rent you a chair!
During the concert season, food and drink carts are set up near the entrance.
They are currently in the process of shifting the trail’s location and building a new main entrance. This photo shows the construction in progress today.
The next two photos show a before and after view of the stage from across the river.
Do you see the dark shape on the rocks in the middle of the Deschutes River in the second picture? That’s an eagle that followed me on my morning walk. It wasn’t sure if it liked the big changes at the amphitheater and took flight in search of quieter environments.
That was a beautiful mural of the raven. I imagine there are many who are sorry it is gone. Your post reminded me of an outdoor venue that was home to a school program that teaches theater production. They lost the venue for various reasons, and have since moved to a much more sophisticated amphitheater that has all the bells and whistles for national performers to visit, and it still has a main goal of teaching students the art of performance.
Yeah, they said they were going to save the art but I don’t know what happened to it. Thanks for sharing info about a theater program near you! I was in drama so I can relate. 😁
Wowza!
Lots to say “Wow” about there. 😌
Indeed. I’ll be digging back through your posts as I plan my trip south to Bend. C’mon Spring!
Let me know if you want a guide when you visit. 🙂
Excellent. Ya’ gotta love progress. (Rent-a-chair.) 🙂
Thanks, John! Yeah, their eagerness to rent you a chair made ne laugh. 😄
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