The Web site of local promoter Random Presents is one of my daily clicks, and if you live in Central Oregon and you love music, it should be one of yours, too.
That said, it’s been pretty quiet over there over the past several weeks. Random’s steady stream of new concerts slowed a bit in May and June, in part, no doubt, because the economy is forcing everyone — including concert promoters, obviously — to make cautious and smart business decisions these days.
But the Random tap has turned back on, it seems, for a spate of shows in late July and early August, including two biggies to be held at the Midtown Ballroom. Here are the details:
-Roots-reggae legends The Itals will return to the Domino Room on July 15. The Kingston, Jamaica trio has been together for more than 30 years, earning a Grammy nomination in 1987. This is their third or fourth trip to Bend in the past few years.
-The Rev. Peyton’s Big Damn Band will also return to the Domino Room on July 21, bringing their Indiana hillbilly blues act back to town for the second time in six months.
-Rap fans, here’s your treat: Iconic Oakland rapper Too $hort will play the Midtown Ballroom on July 23, headlining a miles-long bill that includes Mistah Fab, Tha Jacka and Bend’s own Top Shelf.
-This one, I think, will be the biggest draw: A double-bill of weed-happy rap-rockers Kottonmouth Kings and Canadian hip-hop crew Swollen Members will hit the Midtown Ballroom on Aug. 1. Like ‘em or not, those two acts are right up Bend’s alley. Put ‘em together on a Saturday night, and you have what will likely be one of the huge shows of the summer.
-This just in: Georgia-based Southern rock/hip-hop hybrid Rehab will return to town on Aug. 8 for a show at the Domino Room.
Get more info on all these at www.randompresents.com.
Tags: Kottonmouth Kings, Rehab, Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band, Swollen Members, The Itals, Too $hort
