Our Picks For 08/15-08/23

Awesome Land: Women Of Dirt

wednesday 15

Two X chromosomes—that’s what separates this film from the scores of other bike porn flicks out there, which are dominated by those made up of XY chromosomes, otherwise know as men. Women Of Dirt is all about females who shred. And, while endurance nerds do make a showing in this film, it’s the women in the wonderful worlds of dirt-jumping, freeriding and downhill racing that make the movie special. Support women in the sport —it was a woman who won the U.S.’s only Olympic mountain biking medal—and support this film. $5, cash only. 21+. 8:30 p.m. McMenamins Old St. Francis School, 700 NW Bond St.

Benyaro with The Harmed Brothers

thursday 16

Straight from NYC, Benyaro brings to town big-city culture married to an earthy, cozy sound. The indie-acoustic roots duo, who made the long trek to SXSW this past spring, plays a folksy style of music that’s sure to be familiar and appreciated by Bendites. Listen to “Bullet-like Belief” on Spotify. It’s a great song. These two dudes not only write good music, but they can rock the eFF out. And they’ll be here with Eugene duo The Harmed brothers, an indie slamgrass band often likened to the Avett Brothers, and not just because they use the word ‘Brother’ in their name. $5. 21+. 9pm. The Horned Hand, 507 NW Colorado Ave.

Bend Brewfest

thursday 16 to saturday 18

Dozens of breweries from around Oregon and the West coast descend on Bend for the ninth annual Bend Brewfest at the Old Mill. Taste these flagship and limited release specials all within stumbling distance of each other in the Les Schwab Amphitheater. Admission is free and the event is family-friendly. $10 gets you a commemorative mug and tokens for beer samples. Bring your cash (no credit cards accepted) and your appetite. The best of Bend’s mobile food vendors will be on hand. Free. All ages. Thursday and Friday 3-11 p.m., Saturday noon to 11 p.m. Les Schwab Amphitheater, 344 SW Shevlin Hixon Dr.

Sunriver Music Festival Classic Concert II

friday 17

Steven Moeckel’s violin skills have been referred to in the following way “breathtaking technique that enables him to achieve the highest level of violin artistry, flawlessly and beyond reproach.” That’s a pretty good reason to go see the international soloist play Schubert’s Symphony No.5, D.485 B-flat Major and Beethoven’s Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 61. If you need more reason to go consider that it’s one of only four shows left in the popular concert season’s 2012 slate of performances. $30 to $60, at towertheatre.org. 7:30 p.m. Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St.

How Did We Get Here?
Human Origins, Evolution and Migrations Lecture

friday 17

Thanks to recent archeological discoveries, Oregon finds itself smack in the middle of a simmering discussion about human evolution and the origins of Native American civilization in North America. One of the leading researchers, University of Oregon scholar Dennis Jenkins, will illuminate the role that Oregon’s Paisley Caves are playing in a renewed debate about the evolution revolution. $10. All ages. 6:30 p.m. Sunriver Nature Center, 57245 River Rd.

Sara Jackson-Holman CD Release Party

friday 17

Homegrown pianist and songwriter Sara Jackson-Holman is back in Bend to release her sophomore album Cardiology. The music is part classical, part indie-rock, part ethereal, part pop. It’s hard to define and it’s turning heads in the industry. After her single “Into the Blue” was played as season two of the ABC show Castle drew to a close, she’s seen nothing but success. Come say hello and support our local girl as she makes a run for the big leagues. $10/advance. $12/ATD. 8 p.m. Cascades Theatrical Company, 148 NW Greenwood Ave.

High & Dry Bluegrass Festival

friday 17 – sunday 19

The High & Dry Bluegrass Festival could just as easily be called “The Summer’s Least Expensive Three Days of Stringed Music Fun to Which You Can Bring a Cooler of Your Own Beer.” Three days of regional bluegrass music is only $15. Camping is available and, in keeping with the event’s ultra-economical theme, it’s only $10. Seriously? You’d be foolish NOT to go. Bring a little extra cash as there will be a few food vendors, but you can also bring your own. The promoters really want you to have a good time without breaking your bank account or busting your ass with silly festival regulations. Close to the Bend Airport, it’s truly in a high and dry desert setting, so be responsible while you’re having fun out there. Starts 12:30 p.m. Runway Ranch, 22568 Nelson Rd., Bend.

Michael Franti & Spearhead

wednesday 22

The Bob Marley wannabe is back and he’s bringing all of his feel-good protest pop-rock with him. Is the message behind his reggae, hip-hop, roots-rock sound cheesy? Kind of, but he’s a big name, and the uber-positive message relayed in his more recent recordings seems to have a broad appeal. The guy just wants to wrap you up in his big dreadlocks and tell you how much he loves you. What’s wrong with that? Amanda Shaw opens the show. $35 at ticketfly.com. All ages. 6:30 p.m. Les Schwab Amphitheater. 344 SW Shevlin Hixon Dr.

Jet West

wednesday 22

See what we’re doing here? We’re pushing the island vibe. Can you blame us? It’s hot as balls outside. Hot music needs mellow reggae. These five dudes, hailing from the beaches of San Diego and L.A., got together and started a band called Jet West. Their reggae-rock sound is catchy and, unlike some of the artists in their genre, their music actually channels roots reggae. It must be the trumpet. $5. 9:30 p.m. Silvermoon Brewing, 24 NW Greenwood Ave.

Shakespeare in the Park:
Romeo and Juliet

thursday 23 to saturday 25

Get some culture in your life this weekend by taking in a performance of Romeo and Juliet. What’s more summery than Shakespeare in the park? Nothing, that’s what. And when was the last time you actually saw Romeo and Juliet performed live? High school? Can you tell us what prevented the two young lovers from being together? We didn’t think so. We’ll see y’all there. $20-$75. Tickets at shakespearebend.com. Three performances each at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Drake Park, 777 NW Riverside Dr.

This article appears in Aug 16-22, 2012.