Posted inMusic

Inside the Universe: The soul, funk and faith of Karl Denson

The soul, funk and faith of Karl Denson.

“You don't see Clark Kent and Superman at the same time, do you?” asks Karl Denson from his home in San Diego, the city where he's lived for the past 15 years.
He's talking about the difference between the saxophone and flute master's two bands, the Greyboy Allstars and Karl Denson's Tiny Universe, the latter of which is coming to Bend this weekend and has also just released its first full-length record in seven years. Denson's name is always associated not only with the jazz, blues and funk genres, but he also pulls some weight in the jam band and dance club circuits, with both Greyboy and his Tiny Universe playing well in all of those camps.

Posted inOutside

Albino Birds: The brass tax when it comes to white birds

The brass tax when it comes to white birds.

This is the time of year when birds and other wildlife unlucky enough to not have their normal colors become very noticeable, such as “leucisitic,” “albino” and “partial albino” forms. These unfortunate victims of a quirk of nature lack their natural colors that would normally protect them from the energy of our sun, keep them safe from inquisitive humans and predators, and be accepted as a member of their own social group.
Even the parents of their own young will sometimes shy away from their offspring if they're too far off their normal appearance. Once an albino robin begins to appear “different,” the parents will eventually try to avoid it. The albino bird, on the other hand, doesn't realize that it's different and keeps trying to join the group. The two photos above are case in point. They are both “loaners,” a partial albino robin, and one that almost made it, but has black eyes, not the unpigmented red eyes of a “true albino.”

Posted inFood & Drink

ยกSi, Estamos Abiertos!: Mexican markets spice up Bend's culinary scene

Mexican markets spice up Bend's culinary scene.

For a relatively small place, it's impressive how well Bend replicates the benefits of big city living without any of the hassle that usually goes along with it. Per capita, Bend probably has more musicians, artists, galleries, readings and performances, microbrews, bars, gourmands and restaurants than most large urban areas. And while a backyard of snowcapped mountains and wildflowers makes up for most everything else, like a grocery store I can walk to and reasonable public transportation, the only real loss I have felt from my former big city life is diversity. I feel this acutely in many aspects of the day-to-day. But as an appreciator of food, its impact can be devastating.
There is, fortunately, one steadily growing ethnic enclave in Central Oregon and with that has come culinary treats. The Mexican community has more than doubled since 1990 ushering in a stream of taquerias and ristorantes. More exciting, since the population reached a critical mass about 10 years ago, Bend has seen the opening of its first ethnic markets.

Posted inFood & Drink

ยกSi, Estamos Abiertos!: Mexican markets spice up Bend's culinary scene

Mexican markets spice up Bend's culinary scene.

For a relatively small place, it's impressive how well Bend replicates the benefits of big city living without any of the hassle that usually goes along with it. Per capita, Bend probably has more musicians, artists, galleries, readings and performances, microbrews, bars, gourmands and restaurants than most large urban areas. And while a backyard of snowcapped mountains and wildflowers makes up for most everything else, like a grocery store I can walk to and reasonable public transportation, the only real loss I have felt from my former big city life is diversity. I feel this acutely in many aspects of the day-to-day. But as an appreciator of food, its impact can be devastating.
There is, fortunately, one steadily growing ethnic enclave in Central Oregon and with that has come culinary treats. The Mexican community has more than doubled since 1990 ushering in a stream of taquerias and ristorantes. More exciting, since the population reached a critical mass about 10 years ago, Bend has seen the opening of its first ethnic markets.

Posted inMusic

Rooted at the Revival

A recap of the Bend Roots Revival music festival.

There was a moment at the Bend Roots Revival on Saturday night as Mosley Wotta was rhyming over the sounds of Empty Space Orchestra when Sound Check looked around and thought, “Damn, this is kind of crazy.”
Not the bad kind of “crazy,” but the sort of wow-there-are-is-a-ridiculous-amount-of-people-here-just-to-see-local-music sort of “crazy.

Posted inCulture

Our Picks for 9/30 – 10/8: Evil Dead, Art Hop, Knobody of Hieroglyphics

What we think you might like to check out in town this week.

Evil Dead: The Musical
Opening thursday 1
Check out our preview of this comedic adaptation of the classic horror romp in the Culture section of the paper. Blood, guts, chainsaws and dance number! What else could you ask for out of your local theater community? Plays October 1-31, Wed – Sat. at 8pm, Sundays at 6pm (No performance Oct 4). $20/adults, $18/students and seniors 62 and up. 2nd Street Theater, 220 NE Lafayette Ave.
Art Hop
friday 2
This super-sized Art Walk takes over much of downtown and beyond with great art appearing in a number of businesses. Don't forget about the complimentary wine and food. Begins at 5pm.

Posted inNews

Settling the Score: Legislators get their “green” cards, Metolius campaign gets a nod and more

Legislators get their “green” cards, Metolius campaign gets a nod and more.

OLCV Gives Telfer A Failing Grade
Central Oregon's first-term legislators emerged on the opposite end of the spectrum on environmental issues, according to the legislative scorecard released this week by the environmental policy watchdog group Oregon League of Conservation Voters (OLCV). The non-profit has been tracking the votes of individual legislators on environmental policy issues for more than three decades and compiling the information into post-session scorecards for voters.
According to the most recent scorecard, newly elected state Rep. Judy Stiegler supported nearly three-quarters of the legislative items identified as being pro-environment by OLCV and other Oregon environmental organizations. First-term senator Chris Telfer, however, secured only a 15 percent pro-environmental voting record, according to OLCV, which singled her out for criticism in its news release.

Posted inOpinion

Pahlisch's Belated Dog Park Bitch

Pahlisch’s Deschutes Landing view ruined by dog park across the river.

On its website, Pahlisch's Deschutes Landing development describes itself “as the next step in authentic Northwest living” with “unparalleled views of the Three Sisters Wilderness, the historic Old Mill District, and the heart of downtown Bend.”
Apparently, one prospective buyer thinks his unparalleled view would be ruined by the sight of – how gross! – a dog park across the river. And thanks to him, and Pahlisch, the fate of the park is in jeopardy.
Pahlisch has complained that the Bend Metro Park & Recreation District didn't go through the proper paperwork for getting the park approved. As a result, Park & Rec has had to file a formal application that will go before the city planning and zoning commission sometime later this month.

Posted inOpinion

Sidewalk Bikers

Sidewalk bikers need to stay in the bike lane.

Here's a clue, because you obviously missed all the other ones. If you look down and see small horizontal lines across the pavement, if everyone around you is on foot, if you see store fronts on one side and cars on the other, you may be on a sidewalk.

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