thursday 17
History of Women in the Pacific Northwest
PRESENTATION—Dr. Sue Armitage, professor at Washington State University, will discuss the forgotten, the famous, and the women in between that shaped history in the Pacific Northwest. This presentation is in conjunction with High Desert Museum's Tough by Nature exhibit. 6 pm. High Desert Museum, 59800 S Hwy 97. $3 members, $7 non-members.
friday 18
Madam Officer
ROCK SHOW—Vocal powerhouse Corinne Sharlet returns to Bend from Portland with her band, Madam Officer. With her vocals, lyrics, and keyboard work, plus the incredibly talented rest of her band, Madam Officer's first Bend show shouldn't be missed. 8:30 pm Silver Moon Brewing, 24 NW Greenwood Ave. No cover.
friday 18
The Good Time Travelers
ACOUSTIC DUO—Michael Kirkpatrick and Pete Kartsounes are touring with a mandolin, a guitar, and two mics on their current tour. The soulful, folky duo has added a few musical award titles to their name over the last few years—Kirkpatrick won the 2014 Telluride Troubadour competition and Kartsounes earned the first-runner up position in 2011 and 2013. 9:30 pm. The Capitol, 190 NW Oregon Ave. $5.
saturday 19
The Trail Band
BRASS AND STRING—Five vocalists plus brass and strings makes for one of the most fascinatingly diverse live shows that has come to Central Oregon all year. Seriously folks, they have a hammer dulcimer. You need this show all over your eyes and ears. 3 pm & 7 pm. Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St. $34-$39.50.
saturday 19
Ugly Christmas Sweater Party
PARTY!!—Not that you needed an excuse to wear your ugly Christmas sweater, but now you have two! One in Bend, one in Sisters. Let's get drunk and look ridiculous together. 9 pm. Hardtails Bar and Grill, 175 Larch St. Sisters. No cover. 7 pm. Broken Top Bottle Shop, 1740 NW Pence Ln. No cover.
saturday 19
Apres Ski Bash
MUSIC, BEER BASH—The first Apres Bash of the season will kick off at Crow's Feet Commons. Portland-based rock duo The Helio Sequence is back to perform and Deschutes beer will be served to keep the audience warm on this winter night. The suggested donation will go to a local charity. 6:30 pm. Crow's Feet Commons, 875 NW Brooks St. $5 donation suggested.
saturday 19 & sunday 20
Cocktail Cabaret Christmas
CABARET—Some of the finest vocal and musical talents in Central Oregon get together to sing some sweet holiday tunes while you get full table service from 10 Below. These shows are an absolute blast and should be seen by anyone with a love for musical theater. Saturday, 7 pm. Sunday, 6 pm. 10 Below, 10 NW Minnesota Ave. $18-$25.
saturday 19 – monday 21
Russ Read Memorial Race
SKI FUNDRAISER—The Mount Bachelor Sports Education Foundation is hosting this year's Russ Read Memorial race at Skyliners Lodge. What was formally the Mount Bachelor Open was renamed to honor Read, who served as the director of the MBSEF and helped promote youth skiing programs. The race is open to USSA Licensed competitors U-14 and up, as well as Master's racers. Sat. 7:30 am. Skyliners Lodge, 16125 Skyliners Rd. $44, $38 per entry.
sunday 20
The 12 Bands of Christmas
HOLIDAY—On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love sent to me the JZ Band, the Cutmen, Mt. Jeb, Bobby Lindstrom, Chris Beland, Shireen Amini, Five Pint Mary, Goodlife, Coyote Willow, Parlour, Rock U, and Jeff Crosby! A festive full day of music, a visit from Santa, and proceeds benefiting Operation Elf Box. McMenamins Old St. Francis, 700 NW Bond St. $15 full day pass.
monday 21 – wednesday 23
A Tower Christmas
THEATRE EXTRAVAGANZA—Central Oregon actors and singers are putting on the ultimate Christmas show, complete with Christmas stories, songs, dances, and a visit from the big guy in the red suit. Performances will also get some help from local high school students. 7 pm, Mon-Wed. Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St. Adults $12, children $8.