Photo Tara Reynvann
Last Band Standing, No. 1
thursday 19
This is the kickoff of the annual elimination-style concert series that pits local bands against one another and allows concertgoers to vote on who advances to the next round. Winning the whole damn thing is a big damn deal. Aside from bragging rights, winners earn recording time at Ninkasi's Studio in Eugene. Entrants in Thursday's opening round include The Vaulted, Open Fate, The Dream Symphony, Downhill Ryder, and Greyside. Doors at 7pm, show at 8pm. Century Center, 70 SW Century Dr.
University of Oregon Music Festival
thursday 19
Help the University of Oregon celebrate jazz appreciation month and hit up this free event. Dean Kramer and Claire Wachter play the piano like MJ played basketball. Prepare yourself for an evening of exquisite music as the pair puts a jazzy spin on the works of such classical composers as Claude Debussy. Kramer and Wachter also plan to bust out a few compositions from Gershwin's American folk opera Porgy and Bess. Did we mention it's free? Free. 7pm. Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St.
Tipper and Papadosio
friday 20
Looking to lose your mind for the evening? Papadosio, an Ashville, N.C. electronic jam band is dosing its way across the country in order to share a stage with British drum'n'bass wizard, Tipper. Joining the international superstar are fellow ravers Govinda, SPL, Woody McBride and Triage. The stoner electronica wave of the late '90s is clearly alive and well. Empty Space Orchestra, our local jammy space rangers, open the show. 18+. $20 at papadosio.com. 8pm. Century Center, 70 SW Century Dr.
Yonder Mountain String Band
friday 20
After more than 11 years touring 'round the nation, Yonder still delivers. You should go see this show. Read more in this week's Sound section. $21 at bendticket.com, $25 at the door. 8pm. Midtown Ballroom, 51 NW Greenwood Ave.
All You All EP Release Party
friday 20
All You All, Adventure Galley and Jacuzzi - three experimental pop-rock bands under one roof! Read On Stage to learn more about this night of indie awesomeness. All ages. $5. 7pm. Poethouse Art, 856 NW Bond St.
Smith Rock State Park Cleanup
saturday 21
If you've lived in this area for more than a few months, chances are you've probably been to Smith Rock State Park to climb Monkey Face or hike up Misery Ridge. You can help keep the park sweet by picking up litter and removing non-native plants. Get your gloves on and pitch in. Free. Register at solv.org. 9am. Smith Rock State Park, 9241 Wallenberg Rd., Terrebonne.
Jason & The Punknecks, The Kentucky Longrifles
saturday 21
The self-described "hillbilly band of sexy punky tonkers," are blowing in from Nashville and will mark the night a success if they can avoid any run-ins with the man. Seriously, this rowdy three-piece punk country band is always on the prowl for a drink, a smoke and a good time. Join them and The Kentucky Longrifles in their noble quest. $5. 8pm. The Horned Hand, 507 NW Colorado Ave.
Earth Day!
saturday 21-sunday 22
There's a lot of Earth celebrating going on this weekend. Saturday, dust off your favorite animal costume and get yourself downtown for a silly good time at the Earth Day Fair and Parade. The Parade gathers at Louisiana and Troy Field at 10:30am and the fair runs from 11:30am-3pm. The Earth Day Garden Party, also on Saturday, is a lesson on how to make a difference in your own corner of the world. Free local food, bluegrass, discussions and workshops will fill the afternoon. Meet up at 12pm at the Nativity Lutheran Church. On Sunday, celebrate Earth Day at the vineyard. You've heard of planting a tree on Earth Day? Why not a vine? Maragas Winery gives you the vine, you plant it. Bring a picnic to enjoy on the lawn, complete with a gorgeous view of the Cascades. It's free and runs from10:30am-12pm at the Maragas Winery on Hwy. 97.
10 Barrel Charity Night
tuesday 24
Really, is there a more fun way to celebrate the Earth and all the organizations that work for it than drinking beer? A portion of all the food and drink consumed at 10 Barrel on this night will be donated to The Environmental Center. 5pm. 10 Barrel Brewpub, 1135 NW Galveston Ave.
Jonathan Byrd and Chris Kokesh
wednesday 25
Jonathan Byrd is a brilliant songwriter whose musical style has been likened to folk legends John Prine, Guy Clark and Lyle Lovett. Fiddler and vocalist Chris Kokesh joined forces with the rootsy North Carolinian in 2007 and the pair has been touring as the Barn Birds ever since. The show is $15, but it's BYOB, so be sure to do your math before deciding whether you can swing this show. Really, you should make it happen. This is big talent in the little town of Sisters. $15 suggested donation. 7pm. The Barn, 68467 Three Creek Rd.
