all week!
This place is blowing up! First it's hip-hop duo Blackalicious with Medium Troy and Smasheltooth at 8 p.m., Friday (21+. $10). On Saturday, Portland-based R&B band Excellent Gentlemen plays at 8 p.m. (21+. No cover). And there's more hip-hop at 9 p.m. on Tuesday with Northorn Lights, Graft and Civil Warriors (21+. No cover.) Liquid Lounge, 70 NW Newport Ave.
thursday 13
"Born in the USA" alone makes Bruce Springsteen an American hero. Not to mention his hundreds of other songs about freedom, Jersey, and the entire Nebraska album. Take an inside look at the life and times of The Boss with acclaimed music writer Peter Ames Carlin, the author of Springsteen's recent biography Bruce. Free. 6:30 p.m. East Bend Public Library, 62080 Dean Swift Rd.
thursday 13
If you're looking for a spiritual boost, Local author and Buddhism expert Michael Stevens will be reading excerpts from his book, Being an Ordinary Buddha: Practicing the Natural Mind. A short discussion on "Integrating Meditation With Everyday Life" will follow. 7 p.m. Old Stone Church, 157 NW Franklin Ave.
friday 14
There's just something about jazzy Christmas carols that gets us in the spirit. It helps that Chuck Israel, the leader of this eight-piece orchestra, is pretty darn famous in the jazz world. He's based out of Portland now, but has performed all over the world. Pretty cool show. $30/Adult. $10/18 and under. 7 p.m. Sunriver Resort, 17600 Century Drive.
friday 14 – sunday 16
The sixth annual snowboard rally, a fundraiser for Bend's Tyler Ekland, is going down this weekend and there's a whole host of events piggybacking off of the two-day competition. On Friday, go to the Century Center at 6 p.m. for food, beer, art, live music and a silent auction. The racing starts at Bachelor at 10 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Sunday night, when you're all shredded out, get a drink and a high-five at Velvet's Derby after party, which kicks off at 9 p.m. Race registration. $35. Mt. Bachelor, 13000 Century Drive.
saturday 15
Our favorite youth rockers, The Autonomics, are back! And they're here to rock the bejesus out of their former hometown. Joined by locals Rum and the Sea and A Happy Death, this hometown reunion will not disappoint. All ages. 8 p.m. $5 advance, $10 at the door. Old Stone Church, 157 Northwest Franklin Ave.
saturday 15 and sunday 16
Get ready for some family fun and lastminute Made-in-Bend gift ideas at this weekend's Bend Holiday Noel extravaganza! Featuring over 75 local artisans, businesses and food vendors, the festival also includes 11 holiday-themed musical performances, including one by the funky Portland Cello Project. Free. Saturday 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Athletic Club of Bend, 61615 Athletic Club Dr.
sunday 16
Inspired by Ryan Adams and Bruce Springsteen, Bill More's songs have the kind of raw emotion that sticks with you. Be prepared to leave heartbroken...in a good way! All ages. $10-$15 suggested donation. Potluck at 5:30 p.m., bring a dish to share and BYOB. Show at 7 p.m. Higher Ground Community House, 2558 Daggett St.
tuesday 18
In case you've been living in the Arnold Lava Tubes, THE Snoop Dogg is coming to town! And he's reportedly coming as the D-O-double G, not the new reggae-happy "Snoop Lion," his latest incarnation. The show is SOLD OUT but it appears there are STILL TICKETS available on Bend Craigslist. 8 p.m. All ages. Midtown Ballroom, 51 NW Greenwood Ave.
tuesday 18
Remember the Pole Creek Fire? This past fall that wildfire northwest of Bend burned nearly 27,000 acres of National Forest land. It was expensive to fight and made for smoky conditions for weeks, but some good will come of it. Learn about current recovery efforts and how the wildfire should foster a healthy ecosystem during the museum's Lunch and Lecture Series. Free with museum admission. 12 p.m. High Desert Museum, 59800 S. Hwy 97