Life Cycles
thursday 17
The DVD of Life Cycles is one of three movies the Source's bike racing expert has in his house. To quote our editorial compadre, "It's beautiful." A winner of numerous film festival awards, it's a must-see for any mountain biker or anyone who just plain loves a well-shot film. 21+. $5. 9 p.m. McMenamins, 700 NW Wall St.
City Club: Bend 2030/Accelerate Bend
thursday 17
This is your chance to see what leaders and regular people say they want Bend to look like in 10, 15, 25 or 50 years from now. Gardens in the medians? A new university campus? One hour of the biggest dreams we've got for this town. Go check 'em out. $20 for members, $35 for non-members. 11:30 a.m. St. Charles Medical Center, 2500 NE Neff Rd.
Pitchfork Revolution
friday 18
You've probably seen Pitchfork before. They're that really fun Bend bluegrass band. What you probably haven't seen, however, is The Belfry, a sweet new music venue in Sisters. The converted church has hosted a consistent run of shows since December and is a lovely addition to C.O.'s live music scene. Dig it. All ages. $5. 7 p.m. The Belfry, 302 E. Main St., Sisters.
Backcountry Film Festival
friday 18
If you love the snow, well, anything winter, don't miss this gnarly film festival. Ranging from the profile of a sit-ski badass to the story of shredding some wicked powder in Japan, seven selected films capture our passion for the backcountry. 21+. $10. 9 p.m. McMenamins, 700 NW Wall St.
Karrin Allyson
friday 18 & saturday 19
Classily trained pianist and vocalist Karrin Allyson has been called one of the most underrated voices in contemporary jazz. Joined by a three-piece band, she'll perform a trio of shows and put on a free jazz education workshop for local students at COCC, too. (See CULTURE for more on the workshops.) All ages. $49. Fri. 8 p.m., Sat. 5 p.m. & 8 p.m. The Oxford Hotel, 10 NW Minnesota Ave.
Gay Night
saturday 19
So, you know how there's no gay bar around here? LAME. Someone please fix this problem. In the meantime, The Human Dignity Coalition is kick-starting a brand-new monthly soiree dedicated to the LGBTQ community in Central Oregon. If you're gay or not, go! so they'll keep doing this. 21+. $3 7:30-10:30 p.m. Seven Nightclub, 1033 NW Bond St.
Vertfest
saturday 19
No lifts allowed. Climb the mountain and race down in the seventh annual Vertfest, the largest backcountry and uphill race in the Northwest. Categories include a 4,000-foot vertical climb, a 2,000-foot option, and a recreational Cone lap for beginners. There's seperate catagories for randonee, splitboard and telemark folk. Register online at mtbachelor.com. 8 a.m. Mt. Bachelor, 13000 Century Dr.
Red Wanting Blue
wednesday 23
RWB is known for having one of the most entertaining front men in the underground folk-pop business. Scott Terry sounds like Eddie Vedder covering Hootie and the Blowfish tunes. Cardigans, banjos and beards make for a perfect '90s coffee shop vibe and sound. All ages. No cover. 7 p.m McMenamins, 700 NW Bond St.
Frogtown
thursday 24
We've heard parents say that, while they love Bend, they wish their children were growing up in a more diverse community. If this is you, don't miss Frogtown. Sweet story about a frog that just wants to play the sax, but it's really about multiculturalism and fitting in. Lots to talk about there. Recommended for kids ages 5-10. $8 to $12. 6 p.m. Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St.
Grit: Mental Strength for Athletes
thursday 24
You can do all the squats and hill repeats you want—but if your head ain't right, you won't perform. So put down the protein shake and go listen to licensed therapist Melinda Halpern. She'll explain how to mentally prepare for racing and training in any sport. Free. 7 p.m. Foot Zone, 845 Wall St.