July 1, 2022 4:20 a.m.

In the KQEN Cultural Spotlight:

The Riverbend Live! concert series is returning for its 26th season beginning Friday night.

Taking place in Winston’s Riverbend Park, this year has expanded to six Friday nights. Concerts feature a variety of genres and will include Latin jazz, blues, soul, a youth theater production, cowboy poetry and western music, and a local artist showcase.

The series opens with the Bobby Torres Ensemble with Claudia Lennear. An Oregon music hall of fame inductee and noted percussionist, Torres has been honing his unique Latin Jazz sound in Portland for the last twenty-five years. Before that he was all over the world. Torres played Woodstock with Joe Cocker, and toured with Tom Jones for ten years before forming his own group.

Those attending can bring a blanket or chair. Food can be brought in from home, along with wine or beer. Vendors will also have dinner and more available. Riverbend Live! is a tobacco free venue, and pets are not allowed.

All concerts begin at 7:00 p.m. Take exit 119 off of Interstate 5 and follow the signs. Complete details at www.riverbendlive.org.