The Source Staff

I’m exhausted. I’m also a little sad that my fourth consecutive Sasquatch Festival is over. This was my first year attending the festival as media and I’ve got to say that working the event is way more tiring than merely attending the event. Finding time to hang out with friends, jump from stage to stage to photograph the performers, and of course just plain taking time to enjoy some of the great music over the course of a four day festival is actually quite daunting. Nevertheless, I did it and I loved it. 
Based on the performances I saw this Memorial Day weekend, here are the bands I would say you should never EVER miss should you have a chance to see them in concert. At the end of the post are links to photo coverage for the event, including some taken by Christopher Nelson at the Sasquatch main stage, a special set featuring Nate Ruess of Fun., and some of the people who attended the 11th annual edition of the festival.
 

Yellow Ostrich: The unique sound achieved by building layers of looped guitar and vocals when paired with wildly creative lyrics make for a strong and powerful performance whether seeing them in a small venue or at a big festival. 

Explosions In The Sky: How emotionally charged can an instrumental rock band be? Based on witnessing this band’s opening night set on the Bigfoot stage, there is no limit. Crazy energy and wicked arrangements mean that when you close your eyes at one of their shows… you can travel anywhere inside your head. 

Jack White: At this point in his career, it’s safe to say that Jack White has solidified pure legendary status. Blazing guitar solos and heartfelt rock dominate at his solo shows and his stage presence is larger than life. 

The Human Dignity Coalition has hired a new executive director.
Melissa Adams Gianoplus, assumed that role in early May, in time to assist in the final planning stages of the organization’s largest annual event, the Bend Pride Celebration.

A major local effort is underway to collect $1 million in just over a month to show support for a four-year university in Bend.
The dream of developing a four-year school in Bend is not new, but recently the state set a goal that 40 percent of Oregonians will hold at least a bachelor’s degree.

Jack Black spotted at TJ Maxx in Bend, reports a reputable caller to the Source. Soon after, a bothersome fan insisting on a photo drove him away, reports caller.

It’s been awhile—longer than owner/chef Tim Garling would have liked.
But after the usual number of setbacks and delays associated with new construction, the Jackalope Grill is close to opening its doors downtown.