wednesday 5
Are you a youngster with some serious poetic chops? If so, head down to the Poethouse and enter yourself in The Nature of Words first SpeakNow event, a spoken word competition for all high school aged students in the region. If you win, there are cash prizes and recognition to be had. Registration at 6:30 p.m. For more info contact [email protected]. 7pm Wednesday, Oct 5. Poethouse Art, 55 NW Minnesota Ave.
Bendfilm Festival
thursday-sunday 6-8
We've got a big ol' preview of the eighth-annual BendFilm in the Culture section and learn about all the independent movies you can check out around town this weekend. Venues include the Oxford Hotel, McMenamins, Regal Old Mill and the Tower Theatre. Tickets are available at the festival hub at the Liberty Theatre downtown.
Richie Spice
friday 7
We feel pretty confident in saying that many of you were at the Ziggy Marley show at the Athletic Club of Bend last weekend, which may go down as one of the craziest shows of the year. If that got you in the mood for more reggae, head to the Domino Room on Friday night for this performance by another legend of the genre, Jamaica's own Richie Spice. All Ages with bar for 21 and over. 9pm. $18/advance at Ranch Records, $20/door. Domino Room, 51 NW Greenwood Ave.
BendFilm First Friday Block Party
friday 7
If you need a proper introduction to BendFilm, all you have to do is stop by the Wells Fargo parking lot downtown and check out this free event. In addition to refreshments and other fun stuff, there are screenings of short films, including a piece by sponsor Natural Vines licorice. Yeah, it's free, but if you want to donate to help out BendFilm, we think that's mighty generous of you. 5pm-9pm. Wells Fargo parking lot, 960 NW Wall St.
Polyrhythmics
friday 7
If you don't like getting down to Afrobeat music, you should really evaluate your musical choices. Specializing in that very style and coming to our own Silver Moon Brewing Co. this weekend is Polyrhythmics. The Seattle-based eight-piece crew also throws down some intense funk, reggae and soul sounds from around the world. We'll go ahead and guarantee a happily dancing crowd at the Moon for this one. $7. 21 and up. 9pm. Silver Moon Brewing Co., 24 NW Greenwood Ave.
Dr. Jane Goodall
saturday 8
In case you've never heard of Jane Goodall (pictured on this page), let us bring you up to speed on one of the most fascinating women in the world. This primatologist and conservationist is best known for her work with chimpanzees in Tanzania, where she was able to essentially assimilate into the animals' society. She's also served as a U.N. Messenger of Peace and continues to work tirelessly on conservation issues throughout the world, which she will cover during this lecture in Redmond. Tickets at chimps-inc.org. 1:30pm-2:30pm. Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center, 3800 SW Airport Way.
Aldrine Guerrero, Ukulele Underground
tuesday 11
You might think it's just a little guitar, but it's not. The ukulele is actually a remarkably cool instrument and we all had a meeting recently and decided that you should learn how to play one of these. Come on. Give it a try at this workshop hosted by master player Aldrine Guerrero who comes to Bend all the way from Kaua'i for a show and workshop. Workshop at 6pm, show at 7:30pm. $15.00 for both show and workshop. For information call 541-815-5224. 6pm-9pm. The Sound Garden, 1279 NE 2nd Street.
Vampires and The People Who Love Them
wednesday 12
"How many vampires do you expect me to care about?" a perturbed Stanley Hudson once asked his coworkers on The Office. It's a good question and you might learn the answer at this presentation by humanities' professor Terry Krueger, who will discuss the role of vampires in our history, folklore and literature. No, they will not be screening any of the Twilight movies. Free. 6:30pm Wednesday, Oct 12. Bend Public Library, 601 NW Wall St.
Riders In the Sky
thursday 13
The wacky musical historians make a return to the Tower to deliver their musical beef. Check out the Sound section and that previous quip might make some more sense. $34, $39 day of. Tickets at towertheatre.org. 8pm. Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St.
