Announcing the Cast of Song of Sunset: Episode 2 — “Rust and Reverb”

Where poetry meets distortion and the crowd sings back.

The next chapter of Song of Sunset dives into the grittier, louder side of Oregon’s small-stage music scene — where the sound of the crowd nearly matches the roar of the amps, and every note carries the pulse of community.

Set once again against the twilight skies of Bend, Oregon, Episode 2: Rust and Reverb explores the punk-edged spirit of Americana through the people who keep the music alive — from the stage to the bar stool, and every place in between.

Johnny Bourbon — The Cowpunk Heart

We open with local firebrand Johnny Bourbon, whose rough-edged “Americana Punk” sound blurs the line between country storytelling and punk rebellion. Once busking outside M & J Tavern before he was old enough to enter, Johnny now takes the stage inside — a full-circle moment that captures the spirit of persistence and hometown grit.

CJ Hitchcock — The believer

Back from Episode 1, M & J Tavern owner CJ Hitchcock returns to share how he’s spent decades giving new musicians their first chance. From the early sidewalk sets to the packed Friday nights, CJ’s story bridges the past and future of Bend’s live-music legacy.

James Gilcrest — The Listener

Every scene has its legends — not all of them stand on stage. James Gilcrest is the quiet constant in the crowd, the first to arrive and the last to leave. Through him, the film reveals the power of music to heal, to connect, and to give meaning long after the last song fades.

Jeshua Marshall — The Builder of Stages

Best known as the founder of Larry and His Flask, Jeshua Marshall steps into the spotlight as Silver Moon Brewing’s lead talent buyer. He shares how the venue under Highway 97 grew into one of Bend’s most vital music destinations — and what it means to nurture the next generation of artists while still chasing his own creative fire.

Rudolf Korv — The Road Musician

With the open road as his muse, Rudolf Korv brings a cinematic chapter to the story. His song “Oregon” scores a sequence of highways and headlights — a portrait of a regional artist who keeps returning to Bend for its golden-hour audiences and small-stage energy.

Marianna Jean Wilson — The Stage Keeper

At the heart of Silver Moon’s open mics, Marianna Jean Wilson holds the reins as show manager and host. She champions the louder, looser, more diverse side of Bend’s scene — from punk poets to bluegrass dreamers — showing how every night here becomes its own experiment in joy.

A Sunset That Echoes Louder

From the back-door glow of M & J Tavern to the alley lights behind Silver Moon, Rust and Reverb captures the grit, gratitude, and togetherness that define small-stage life.

This episode is about the people who keep showing up when the amps hum into the night.

🎬 Coming Spring 2026

Follow behind-the-scenes updates, interviews, and event announcements at SongofSunset.com

Watch Episode 1 now — rent it for only $2.99 and help fund the next chapter: RENT NOW