From returning regional favorites to new sounds, the 2026 KeizerFEST will bring must-see music to town May 14-16.
The lineup at the big festival tent opens at the KeizerFEST Kick Off Party on Thursday, May 14. Diners will be treated to the high-energy pickin’ of Syco Billy’s String Band from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
On Friday, May 15, the music menu continues with The Hipwaiters from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. warming up the crowd for festival returnees 5 Guys Named Moe to play from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
On Saturday, May 16, Keizerites have time to catch the parade before the music starts up again with a series of four shows.
Joe Stoddard plays from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m., followed by Schown Slade Band from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. The night scene kicks in with the Schwing ’90s rock band from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., and JFK fires up the rock sounds from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Following is a closer look at the performers who’ll be taking the KeizerFEST stage at Keizer Rapids Park, 1900 Chemawa Road N.
Syco Billy’s String Band
Playing at the May 14 Kick Off
Billed as world class pickers, this group features five musicians including Glen Damewood, Luc Dauvin, Bruce Carnine, Tristin Thomas, and Don Baker. The Syco Billys, as they are called, are noted for humor, authenticity and a style that one reviewer termed “alternative bluegrass.”
“Their perfectly blended sounds of banjo, fiddle, bass, mandolin and classic guitar provide all the earth tones of Appalachia,” notes Corinne Sullivan, founder of National Sounds Mazagine. “The rousing lyrics are thoughtful. The melodies are sublime. Truly a world-class presentation of Americana music that is well worth changing all your plans to enjoy live.”
The Hipwaiters
Playing May 15, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Feel like dancing? That’s the idea when The Hipwaiters take the stage. This Oregon group knows the range of classic rock and classic pop from the 1960s to today, specializing in favorite dance songs.
5 Guys Named Moe
Playing May 15, 8-10 p.m.
“Who makes the cats jump up and down?” That’s a lyric from the 5 Guys’ playlist, but it could describe their energetic show, featuring music styles from rock to Motown to dance hits. They take the KeizerFEST stage at 8-10 p.m. Friday, May 15.
The band has opened for big names including Foghat, Jefferson Starship and CCR Revisited, and shared the stage with Kool & the Gang, The Supremes and more.
But don’t look for five guys, as this band has grown since its start in 1984. Today’s group promises a versatile show featuring 12 performers, a strong horn section, half a dozen lead
singers, and what’s billed as a “groovin’ rhythm section.”
The band takes its name from a 1943 hit song by Louis Jordan.
Catch a vintage clip of that performance on the 5 Guys web page, www.themoes.com
Joe Stoddard
Playing May 16, 12:30-2:30 p.m.
A perennial favorite at KeizerFEST, Joe Stoddard offers a mix of rock and country worth a sing-along, infused with comedy bits to keep the crowd laughing. He’ll be onstage at KeizerFEST Saturday, May 16.
Stoddard’s musical chops go way back, to first performing at age 13. With his brother and a couple of friends in California, he formed a garage band that played high school dances, business openings and teen clubs, according to his website. When the band broke up, he worked at various jobs, started a fish importing business and worked as a milkman.
But music called, and he got back into performing and moved to Oregon. Over 40 years, he’s performed solo, with partners and a band, and with his wife Nancy. Today, he travels coast to coast to perform at fairs, private events, festivals and even on cruise boats.
Schown Slade Band
Playing May 16, 3-5 p.m.
The Schown Slade Band offers a range of classic rock, country and blues music in a style that’s described as danceable, toe-tapping and energetic. Performing tunes ranging from classic standards to current hits, this Oregon band promises skilled guitar work as well as vocal harmonies for a positive, family-friendly vibe.
As the band puts it: Think George Strait, Merle Haggard, Jason Aldean, Steve Miller, Lynyrd Skynyrd, CCR, Bon Jovi, Queen, Journey and everything in between.
Schwing! A Tribute to the 90s
Playing May 16, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
If you’re nostalgic for the music of the ’90s, this is the show for you. Schwing is a tribute band with covers that promise to transport the crowd to a time “when alternative music ruled the airwaves.”
JFK
Playing May 16, 8-10 p.m.
JFK, a hard-rock cover band noted for wowing crowds in Keizer and across Oregon, will perform some of the greatest hits of the 1970s, ’80s and ’90s to get festival-goers on their feet. The band’s set list features music from rock legends including Van Halen, Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, Alice in Chains and Black Crowes.
