Episode 1: In My Day
Where it all started
The pilot episode of Song of Sunset pairs documentary storytelling with live performance to celebrate Oregon’s small stages and the songwriters who bring them to life.
Who is in it
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![Man playing acoustic guitar in a cozy room, wearing a t-shirt and flannel, with long hair and a microphone.]()
Eric Leadbetter
This Central Oregon-based singer-songwriter whose original music channels the spirit of classic rock with heartfelt storytelling. A seasoned performer, he began his musical journey in 2003 and spent over a decade touring nationally with his band Jive Coulis before forming Leadbetter Band in 2017. With multiple albums to his name — including the solo acoustic release Middle Ground
— Eric continues to bring his incredible sound to venues across the Pacific Northwest. Whether performing solo or with a full band, his music aims to uplift, challenge, and connect.
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![Woman singing into a microphone while playing a guitar indoors.]()
Erin Cole- Baker
This artist is a genre-blending songwriter based in Bend, Oregon, known for her ability to move effortlessly between acoustic intimacy and lush electric soundscapes. Whether performing solo or with her band, she fuses folk roots with dreamy textures, drawing comparisons to artists like Brandi Carlile, Neko Case, and Phoebe Bridgers. A Sisters Folk Festival Breedlove artist and International Folk Alliance alum, Erin crafts honest, heartfelt music that reflects the landscapes and communities she calls home. Her performances leave a lasting impression — warm, resonant, and emotionally rich.
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![Musician performing on stage with a guitar, singing into a microphone against a vibrant purple backdrop.]()
Joel Chadd
This a Corvallis, Oregon-born singer-songwriter whose music is rooted in vulnerability, reflection, and emotional connection. Known for his open-hearted lyrics and soulful vocals, Joel’s songs feel deeply personal while speaking to universal experiences. Over the past decade, he has honed a songwriting style that weaves raw honesty with melodic depth — creating space for healing, understanding, and shared humanity. His performances invite listeners to slow down, feel deeply, and connect through the full range of life’s joys and sorrows.
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![A woman with long blonde hair sitting in a studio with stage lights and curtains in the background.]()
Avalon Disko
Volcanic Theater Pub - Production Manager & Assistant Talent Buyer
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![A man with a beard and mustache smiling, wearing a black cap with a colorful logo and a navy blue jacket, sitting in front of a yellowish background with text and logos.]()
John Davis
Volcanic Theater Pub - Owner & Talent Buyer
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![A man wearing a beige fedora, denim jacket, and orange wristwatch sitting on a red quilted leather couch in a modern lounge area with dark walls, large windows, and purple lighting.]()
Derek Sitter
Volcanic Theater Pub - Founder
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![An elderly man with a white beard and gray hair sitting in a bar or pub with a wooden bar counter, bottles on shelves, and multiple TV screens in the background.]()
Mike Martin
M & J Tavern - Longtime Open Mic Host
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![A woman with brown hair in a ponytail smiling, wearing a black hoodie, seated in a bar with a lit bar counter and TV screens in the background.]()
CJ Hitchcock
M & J Tavern - GM
VENUES FEATURED
Episode 1: “In My Day” was filmed at two of Bend’s most beloved music homes — M & J Tavern and Volcanic Theater Pub — both known for their intimate stages, loyal local crowds, and deep roots in Bend, Oregon’s independent music scene.
Supported by:
