Spring fever has hit Central Oregon hard. Sunny weekends and increasingly warmer days have people strolling along the river, pumping up the tires of their cruiser bikes and thinking about what fun adventures these warmer days will bring.

As I worked on our quickly expanding calendar of events for May, fantastic music shows are in store and I am optimistic about how this bodes for the upcoming outdoor concert/festival season.

Cinco de Mayo has become a huge party in Central Oregon. This year more venues are getting in the action with festive music, dancing, food and crafts. Check out COCC’s party or head out to Maragas winery for a little wine while swaying to some Latin tunes. Amalia’s big block party is moving down to the Old Mill with an amazing line up: Salsa band Papo Medina Y La Expresion Latina; the delicate Spanish guitar of Diego Garcia and Mexican-American quartet, Hacienda!

And then, what is not to love about the opening season at the Les Schwab Amphitheater? The combination of The Shins, The Head and the Heart, Tenacious D and Beck all in one weekend is a very tempting reason to stay in town over Memorial Day. The lineup offers most music lovers something to welcome in the summer season. From blankets on the grassy lawn to the fire pits across the river, there are many ways to experience a concert in the Old Mill.

It is funny to think a year ago Bend didn’t have the Horned Hand or Sound Garden, and now both have been bringing in continuously great shows. I don’t know why it seems like the warmer weather makes the music scene better, maybe it’s just the spirit we bring after having been layered up for months. Time to enjoy!