Harefest will not be happening again this summer, but the spirit of the popular annual tribute band festival will very much live on, as the event’s organizers join forces for a jam-packed outdoor concert series hosted by the Wild Hare Saloon in Canby.
The Wild Hare and J-Fell Presents have announced a series of summer concerts at the Canby restaurant and bar, featuring some of the area’s best-known tribute and cover bands.
Though the series differs from Harefest — with one- or two-act shows being presented over a series of months rather than the two-day extravaganza featuring dozens of acts on multiple stages — it will feature many bands who have attended the annual tribute band festival over the years.
The setup of the Wild Hare Summer Concert Series will also more or less mirror the original footprint of Harefest, which promoter Jason Fellman and Wild Hare owner Joan Monen launched with three bands in 2010.
Harefest, which has grown considerably since then, has seen its 10th iteration (and planned debut at the Clackamas County Fairgrounds) delayed two straight years due to Covid-19.
“This was a great opportunity to get back to the roots of Harefest,” said Fellman. “Rather than lament another festival postponement, we decided to utilize the original Harefest venue layout and location to create a series that fans can enjoy all summer long.”
The Wild Hare Summer Concert Series begins Saturday, June 5, and runs through September. All shows start at 7 p.m. Ticket prices will be announced two weeks before each show to allow for changes required by Oregon Health Authority’s event capacity and safety policies. Concerts will take place rain or shine.
The current line-up is:
For tickets and more information, visit j-fell.com.
