Our Picks 1/20-1/27

Armchair Live Storytelling

STRANGER'S STORIES—Is there a better way to spend the evening than by listening to strangers tell stories about their experiences in strange lands? Gather round to hear people tell their 15-minute true stories. A few audience members will have a chance to tell stories as well. 7 pm. Tin Pan Theater, 869 NW Tin Pan Alley. $10

Backcountry Film Festival

CHARITABLE DOCUMENTARY—The 11th annual Backcountry Film Festival will feature powdery shots of backcountry skiing and proceeds raised from the event will benefit the Studying Nature Outdoors in Winter. This organization teaches 2,000 kids about the outdoors. Stick around for the auction and raffle prizes. 7 pm. Volcanic Theatre Pub, 70 SW Century Dr. $10.

"The 39 Steps"

THEATER—Not the same things as the Hitchcock film, this version of "The 39 Steps" is a fast-paced comedic mystery filled with thrills, spills and chills. Fun for all ages, this show will give the entire family something to talk about the next morning over breakfast. 7:30 pm & 2 pm. Cascades Theatrical Company, 148 NW Greenwood Ave. $13-$20.

"Shrek The Musical'

BROADWAY MUSICAL—"Shrek The Musical" on Broadway was a surprisingly fun adaptation of the series of animated films, filled with memorable songs, excellent performances and a child-like sense of wonder. Judging from Thoroughly Modern Productions' past successes, their version might be even better. 7:30 pm & 2 pm. Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St. $28-$35.

The Hidden Life of Ants

EXHIBIT—The High Desert Museum rolls out its new exhibit which focuses on the complex world of ants. Viewers can explore the lives of these tiny creatures through oversized models, a 3D cast of an ant nest, large-scale photographs, and more. These creatures have more in common with humans than would be expected. 10 am-4 pm. High Desert Museum, 59800 S Hwy 97. $12 adults, $10 seniors, $7 ages 5-12, under 4 free.

Innocent Man & Broken Down Guitars

ROCK SHOW—Combining a Boise-based Americana rock band with local favorites Broken Down Guitars sounds like a recipe for bluesy, bar rock kind of fun. For fans of Blues Traveler, Allen Stone, Mickey & The Motorcars and Dangermuffin, Innocent Man is poised to bring excellence to Bend. 9 pm. Volcanic Theatre Pub, 70 SW Century Dr. $5.

Andy Frasco & The U.N.

BLUES—If the doldrums of winter have grabbed on too tightly, going to see a blues/rock band seems like a likely way to feel better. Inspired by Tom Waits, Sam Cooke and many more, Andy Frasco & The U.N. have an original sound all the better to be warmed by. 8 pm. Volcanic Theatre Pub, 70 SW Century Dr. $8.

Salmon in the Deschutes

ENVIRONMENT—Nature Nights are back at the Tower Theatre and January's evening will focus on the history and current state of salmon and steelhead in the Deschutes River basin. This historical presentation will be conducted by retired fisheries biologist Don Ratlif, who currently focuses on salmon reintroduction into the middle Deschutes. 7 pm. Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St. Free, but ticket required.

Wild Wednesday

WILD STORYTELLING—Karen Lillebo and Mike Riley have stories to share with you about their adventures above the Arctic Circle along the Noatak River. Here stories of close encountered with wildlife, frigid waters and unknown territories. This monthly series features storytelling by local adventurers. 5:30 pm. Crow's Feet Commons, 875 NW Brooks St. No cover.

Brothers Gow

FUNK—The San Diego-based funk sextet has traveled more than 30,000 miles on tour since 2007. Their influence stems from thrash to the Red Hot Chili Peppers to old jazz and they've been on stage with the Eric McFadden Trio, Bad Fish and Delta Nove. 7 pm. McMenamins Old St. Francis School, 700 NW Bond St. No cover.