thursday 9
Necktie Killer
MUSIC—One of Bend's best bands, the horn-heavy ska rockers Necktie Killer, are on a tear. If you missed all of the many December shows, well, that's sad. But don't cry, the seven-man crew is back in 2014 with a free show for all y'all. 7-10 pm. McMenamins, 700 NW Bend. Free.
thrusday 9
Grit and Grizzle & Second Son
MUSIC—We're calling this performance, "The Young Bands of Bend Showcase." Second Son is the recently formed Americana project of songwriter Micah Peterson and a band of thoughtful, twangy cowboys. Grit and Grizzle have been a band for several years now and have no shortage of bluegrass pickin' cred, but the members can barely order a beer for lack of years. 8 pm. Volcanic Theatre Pub, 70 SW Century Dr. $5.
friday 10
Backcountry Film Fest
MOVIES—The best part about this human-powered, snow-covered mini film fest? A whopping 10 movies! Leading the inspiring pack is Valhalla, a new Sweetgrass Productions film voted "Best of Festival." Also promising is the collection of enticing shorts—among them, Youth, which proves kids can ski out-of-bounds too, and Strong, a reflection on avalanche survival. 7 pm. Volcanic Theatre Pub, 70 SW Century Dr. $10 at bendticket.com.
saturday 11
Red Molly
MUSIC—The musical opposite of cynical and snarky, Red Molly dresses up traditional Americana music in three-part harmonies, steel guitars, sundresses and cowgirl boots. Playful, flirty, beautiful and enchanting, this is the trio's third trip to Central Oregon after a wildly popular 2011 appearance at Sisters Folk Festival. 7:30 pm, Tower Theater, 835 NW Wall. $20-$25.
saturday 11
Polecat & Pitchfork Revolution
MUSIC—Portland band Polecat takes stomp grass, reggae, classical and funk, tosses them in a blender, and cranks the power to full purée. Local favorites Pitchfork Revolution get the crowd moving with its traditional fast-paced bluegrass barnburners. 9 pm. Domino Room, 51 NW Greenwood Ave. $10.
sunday 12
Central Oregon Symphony
MUSIC—Continuing its mission to bring classical music to Central Oregon, the local symphony—now under the direction of Michael Gesme and in its 47th year of existence—strikes up its "music in public places" campaign with a spotlight performance of solos and group numbers. 2 pm. Central Oregon Community College, Willie Hall, 2600 NW College Way. Free.
monday 13
Media Salon
MEDIA SALON—Oh, sure, skiing is fun and all. But it is also business—a unique industry with hundreds of moving parts as dependent on the weather as farming, and as tricky to market as a sports car. At this month's Media Salon, Editor Phil Busse Q&As Oprah-style with the brains behind those who make Bend a ski town. 7 pm, Broken Top Bottle Shop, 1740 NW Pence. Free.
tuesday 14
Every War has Two Losers
FILM—Oregon's best-known poet, William Stafford, is much like the state's landscape—rugged, simple and elegant. As a young man, he objected to serving in World War II and spent his time in so-called service camps. Every War has Two Losers is a lyrical film based on his journals from those years—and an argument for peace. 6 pm, Tin Pan Theater, 860 NW Tin Pan Alley. Free.
thursday 16
Keith Anderson
MUSIC—It's easy to get behind Keith Anderson's sing-songy honky tonk once you make peace with the fact that it's pop country. The Midwesterner (and former body builder) has collaborated with Garth Brooks and the late George Jones, and recorded a number of hit singles, thanks to lyrics like this: "I got Tom Petty playing in my Silverado and I'm icing down a six pack." 9 pm. Maverick's, 20565 Brinson Blvd. $16.
thursday 16
Old Man Markley
MUSIC—Know how Larry and His Flask is all punk bluegrass and high energy? Old Man Markley is similar, but with a pair of female vocalists who give the seven-piece L.A. band wings. After sharing stages with Flogging Molly, NOFX and most recently, Rev. Horton Heat, it's good to see OMM take its rightful place as headliners. 9 pm. Volcanic Theatre Pub, 70 SW Century Dr. $8 at bendticket.com.
