Ween
saturday 2
Two years ago, a band came to the Les Schwab Amphitheater and played one of the most ridiculously hilarious and musically diverse sets in the history of the venue. They were called Ween and we're damn pleased to say they'll be back in town on Saturday night to rock our faces off once again. Ween - comprised of "brothers" Gene and Dean Ween - is known to hopscotch between genres, playing everything from incredibly well-done country music to lounge sounds to all out metal. Just go to the show. You'll see what we're talking about. $34, all ages. 6:30pm. Les Schwab Amphitheater, 344 SW Shevlin Hixon Dr.
The Sweet
Harlots
Wendesday 29
Playing at the Pickin' and Paddlin' series next to the river, Laurel Brauns unveils yet another incarnation of The Sweet Harlots, getting back to her roots with a performance with violinist Julie Southwell. Before the show, there's a screening of a new video from the Bend Paddle Trail Alliance warning river users about the dangers surrounding the Colorado Bridge Dam. Free. 7pm. Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe
Bookplate Auction
and Reception
friday 1
The Nature of Words, Bend's literary organization, is holding this dinner and auction during which they'll unveil the list of authors who will be appearing at the 2011 edition of the literary festival. Also appearing is Heidi Durrow, the author of The Girl Who Fell From the Sky. Tickets $35. Available at thenatureofwords.org, bendticket.com or at the event. 5:30pm-7:30pm Friday, Jul 1. The Oxford Hotel, 10 NW Minnesota Ave.
First Friday
friday 1
As if it wasn't a busy enough weekend with the holiday and all, it just so happens to be First Friday, too. Expect some massive crowds downtown and in the Old Mill District checking out the finest creations from Bend's creative community. Also, you might not even need a jacket! Begins at 5pm. Downtown Bend and the Old Mill District.
Comedy Core Spectacular
friday 1
While you're downtown for First Friday, we whole-heartedly suggest that you pop into the Tower Theater where some of Central Oregon's funniest individuals will be telling jokes - for free! This innovative comedy event features some familiar names from the Bend stand-up circuit, including Stan Whitton, Mark Vaughn, Randall Knight, Jim Mortenson and Jake Woodmansee, all performing 30-minute sets on the biggest stage in town. 6:30pm-8:30pm. Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St.
Last Band Standing
friday 1
The second heat of the semi-finals is set to heat up the Century Center stage as Last Band Standing comes one week closer to naming a champion after a marathon run of preliminary rounds. The bands competing for a spot in next week's big finale features an eclectic mix of bands - ranging from ska and reggae to hardcore rock - including Necktie Killer, Box Car String Band, Jones Road, Cadence, Broken Down Guitars and Stive Roots.
MOsley WOtta
sunday 3
Less than 24 hours after Ween plays the LSA, local hero MOsley WOtta and his band take the same stage - if Dean and Gene don't burn it down - for one of the hip-hop act's biggest performances of the summer. And it's totally free, y'all. 2:30pm-4:30pm. Les Schwab Amphitheater, 344 SW Shevlin Hixon Dr.
Green Team Movie Night: Taking Root
tuesday 5
This film tells the dramatic story of Kenyan Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Wangari Maathai, whose simple act of planting trees grew into the Green Belt Movement. Also showing: Lost in Palm Oil, an expose of the destruction of the Indonesian rainforest for palm oil plantations. 6:30pm-8:30pm Tuesday, Jul 5. First Presbyterian Church, 230 NE 9th St.
Third Seven
wednesday 6
You might not think it could be done, but Billy Mickelson has managed to make the cello super cool. Best known for his work with Dela Project and Mr. Potato, Mickelson, under the moniker Third Seven, plays this free show before he heads away from town for a while on tour. 8pm-11pm. Madhappy Lounge
Munch and Music: Tracorum
thursday 7
If you needed one more sign that summer is upon us, in addition to the crowded bar patios and drivers with out-of-state license plates circling the roundabouts in distress, here it is: Munch and Music has officially begun. The free music series, accompanied by plenty of food, kicks off at 5:30pm on Thursday with music from Tracorum, a Bay Area rock-and-soul band with some cosmic-gospel-thunder-funk influences. 5:30pm-9:30pm. Drake Park.
