Avatar photo

Peter Madsen

Peter is a feature & investigative reporter supported by the Lay It Out Foundation. His work regularly appears in the Source. Peter's writing has appeared in Vice, Thrasher and The New York Times. Recently, Peter worked on the Canadian Screen Award-winning film “It’s Not Funny Anymore: From Vice Magazine to Proud Boys." He's also the author of Dealers, published by powerHouse Books.

peter@layitoutfoundation.org
Posted inNews

Bend’s HomeGrown Music Festival: No Longer Just for Locals

The homespun music showcase, bigger than ever, draws bands from outta town
Avatar photo by Peter Madsen

The HomeGrown Music Festival has rolled a super-fatty for Central Oregon music fans this 4/20 weekend. Now in its third year, the local music showcase spans four days, bringing together three dozen bands across five stages, beginning Thursday, April 17 at the Volcanic Theatre Pub. Central Oregon staples — bluegrass and jam bands — are […]

Posted inNews

Local Cowpunkers Jackrat Explore Greener (Indie Rock) Pastures

In recording its debut album, Jackrat is decidedly less bluegrassy
Avatar photo by Peter Madsen

Folks who attended last year’s HomeGrown will remember then-nascent cowpunk band Jackrat. The local trio, who trade in bluegrass-heavy indie rock landscapes, had just released its self-titled debut EP. The crowd was sparse — but enthusiastic. “Trent from Palo Sopraño came up. He was stoked,” says drummer Eric Niziol. In the time since, Niziol, Kevin […]

Posted inNews

Thornburgh Resort Once Again Denied Access to Deschutes River Basin

A circuit court ruled in favor of state regulators’ previous denial
Avatar photo by Peter Madsen

T he developers of a disputed resort were handed the latest in a series of setbacks in their attempt to tap the Deschutes River Basin. On March 31, the Deschutes County Circuit Court dismissed Thornburgh Resort’s attempt to overturn an earlier denial of a previous limited water use license application. The proposed 2,000-acre Thornburgh Resort […]

Posted inFood & Drink

Neighbor Rotisserie Waves Goodbye

The Newport Avenue fast-casual diner shutters Friday
Avatar photo by Peter Madsen

We double-checked — this isn’t an April Fools’ joke.  Late Wednesday evening, the owners of Neighbor Rotisserie announced they’re shuttering the popular Newport Avenue restaurant, which specializes in rotisserie meats, vegetables, soups and sandwiches.  Neighbor Rotisserie’s last day will be Friday, April 4.  “We are so thankful to those of you who have supported this […]

Posted inOutside

Cross is Coming

Cyclocross unites cycling community for dusty, good-natured fun
Avatar photo Peter Madsen

Get ready for beer hand-ups and incessant cough-inducing dust clouds: cyclocross season is barreling toward Central Oregon. A multi-surface cycling discipline that pits furry-limbed mountain bikers against leg-waxing roadies, cyclocross poses the question—if never completely answering it—of which breed of cyclist is more capable. Mt. Bachelor Sports Education Foundation’s Thrilla Cyclocross Series, happening on five […]

Posted inBend Nest

North Star Elementary

Harboring a community of families
Avatar photo Peter Madsen

Wearing a hard hat, Kevin Gehrig strolled through the almost-completed North Star Elementary on a recent afternoon. Gehrig, the principal of Bend-La Pine Schools’ newest school, waved with an easy familiarity to builders adding finishing touches. Since the ground breaking on May 1, 2018, Gehrig has spent many days here, witnessing and sometimes giving input […]

Posted inSpecial Issues & Guides

Do Post-Race Beers Slow Us Down?

When it comes to beer and sport, a look at how much is too much
Avatar photo Peter Madsen

Bend is home to people who love outdoorsy endurance sports as much as they do beer. It’s not uncommon to see competitive runners or cyclists, for example, celebrating hard races or workouts with beers. Some drinking athletes believe you can burn off whatever crap you throw in the furnace, so long as it burns hot […]

Posted inSpecial Issues & Guides

Naked In Nature

The natural—and legal—state of nakedness, in the outdoors and elsewhere
Avatar photo Peter Madsen

Each summer presents new opportunities for never-been-dones: Rock climb at Smith Rock State Park, in the buff. Sunbathe while naked and dozing by a secluded Cascade lake. Play ultimate frisbee while topless—or bottomless—with friends in Drake Park. Consider these perfectly legal ways to ease tan lines and demonstrate your body positivity during these sunny days […]

Posted inNews

Hobby Farms Under Scrutiny

Some Deschutes County residents are crying foul on hobby farmers receiving tax breaks reserved for commercial farmers
Avatar photo Peter Madsen

The rolling hills of Deschutes County are peppered with tidy ranch-style homes. Many of them feature small barns and fenced, postage-stamp yards that hold an assortment of alpacas, chickens or pigs. These hobby farms, which afford a rural lifestyle but not a primary source of income, often explain the appeal of living outside of city […]

Posted inNews

Ascending to Nationals

A local kid sets her sights on competing in world championships in the sport of bouldering
Avatar photo Peter Madsen

On a recent snowy afternoon, climber Mira Capicchioni warmed up inside the Bend Rock Gym with a handful of her teammates from Bend Endurance Academy’s climbing program. They hung around the bouldering section of the gym, which features diverse climbing terrain peppered with color-coded plastic holds and “volumes,” or larger features. After watching her friends […]

Sign up for newsletters

Get the best of The Source - Bend, Oregon directly in your email inbox.

Sending to:

Gift this article