April 6, 2026 6:40 p.m. 

In the KQEN Cultural Spotlight:

The Riverbend Live! summer concert series returns to Winston to celebrate its 30th anniversary season.

For three decades, the non-profit organization has brought free to the audience, high quality live entertainment to the Riverbend Park amphitheater, creating a summer tradition for residents of Douglas County and visitors from outside of the area as well.

Artists this season include:

*June 26th: Internationally acclaimed blues-rock guitarist and singer Colin James

*July 3rd: Grammy nominated blues powerhouse Shemekia Copeland

*July 10th: “Good Vibrations” a tribute band celebrating the music of The Beach Boys

*July 17th: Chicago blues guitarist and vocalist Ronnie Baker Brooks

*July 24th: Cowboy Poetry and Western Music Night with Andy Hedges, Dakota Robinson, Kristyn Harris and Jake Riley, bringing authentic voices from ranch life and cowboy culture to the stage

*July 31st and August 1st: Youth Theatre production of “Into the Woods JR”.

Concerts begin on Friday nights at 7:00 p.m. and last approximately two hours. Pets and smoking are not permitted inside the venue area

As Riverbend Live! celebrates its 30th anniversary season, the organization is at an important crossroads. The current volunteer leadership is transitioning and without new organizers stepping forward to share responsibilities, th3 2026 concert season may be the last. Riverbend Live! is seeking community members interested in helping sustain this long-standing tradition. For more information on how to get involved and to learn more about this year’s performers, go to: www.riverbendlive.org, or email: info@riverbendlive.org