Founded in the early 1960s by visionary vocalist Dr. Joseph Shabalala in Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, acapella group Ladysmith Black Mambazo emerged from humble beginnings to become one of the most renowned musical groups in the world. Rooted in the traditions of South African music, the group draws inspiration from ancestral history and the rhythms […]
Armando Borrego
Armando is a California transplant who moved to Bend in search of adventure. He enjoys stories that shed light on local events, and loves keeping up with the modern music scene. In his free time, you can find him riding his bike, watching movies, and painting large murals that he doesn't have space for.
Wreckless Strangers
Wreckless Strangers, a band born from a simple jam session among friends and family in 2016, has grown into a renowned super-group with three original albums and a penchant for emphasizing the enduring spirit of San Francisco’s rich musical heritage. “The band started about eight years ago. It was a chance for our drummer, Mick […]
Source Material: New Local EPs
“Into the Stratosphere” – Fractal Local dance-groove and jam band, Fractal, recently released its first EP, “Into the Stratosphere,” on March 5. Percussionist Jarrod Donatelli offered some of his thoughts on the recording process. “We just hit it hard for six hours,” said Donatelli. “We did four tracks, two takes on each song and Matt, […]
Spring Arts and Culture Event Roundup
PEFORMING ARTS The Winery Comedy Tour Embark on a laughter-filled evening at the Winery Comedy Tour, hosted at the charming Wine Shop in Bend. This unique fusion of comedy and wine promises a delightful experience on Thu., March 14, at The Wine Shop and Beer Tasting Bar. 55 NW Minnesota Ave., Bend. $13-$20. Piano Showcase […]
Central Oregon’s Winter PrideFest is Here!
The upcoming Central Oregon Winter PrideFest promises an unforgettable blend of entertainment, outdoor adventures and cultural experiences, uniting the community in a celebration of diversity and inclusion. “This is the sixth year we’ll be having it,” OUT Central Oregon Board President Brayan Gonzalez explained. “It’s four days of indoor/outdoor events and is a huge point […]
A Look Ahead to Summer 2024: Musicians Descend on Bend
With the recent rounds of snowfall, I’ve found myself daydreaming of spring and summer. Sure, there’ll be plenty of time for paddle boarding and biking when the dog days of summer come around, but there’s no better way to spend a summer night than by enjoying an amazing live concert. Luckily, from post-grunge and pop-rock, […]
Musicians Inspired by Everyday Miracles
Heart Dance Records is an independent record label that specializes in ambient, electronic, and new age music with its main HQ in Phoenix, Arizona. Initially a label started by classically trained flutist, Sherry Finzer, Heart Dance Records has grown into a nationwide recording company with countless talented artists recording and distributing original music as part […]
The Target Zone
Roller derby, a sport born from a fusion of speed, strategy and grit, has become a powerful force in fostering camaraderie and confidence among some athletes in Central Oregon. In this gritty realm, a unique sisterhood of skaters is defying stereotypes, embracing strength and rewriting the rules. After almost two decades of being a “best-kept […]
Get the Girls Out!
SheJumps is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating opportunities for women and girls to engage in outdoor adventures, ranging from skiing to hiking, camping and more. This Sunday, adrenaline meets empowerment as this trailblazing nonprofit organization gears up for an exhilarating skiing event, “SheJumps, Get the Girls Out.” The nationwide campaign promises a day of […]
She’s Speaking Live!
Frustrated by the persistent underrepresentation of women in key music industry roles and the recent revelations about gender bias in streaming algorithms, three Oregon singer/songwriters, Beth Wood, Bre Gregg and Kristen Grainger, decided to take matters into their own hands. “She’s Speaking is our project that we started in 2020,” said Wood. “It grew out […]

