For 26 years, The Motet has been bringing funk and soul music to stages, shaking booties and spreading good vibes. Based out of Denver, today’s lineup features bandleader and drummer Dave Watts, Joey Porter on keys, Garrett Sayers on bass, Drew Sayers on keys and saxophone and Ryan Jalbert on guitar. With the release 2024’s […]
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The Multifaceted Steve Poltz
The folk singer and songwriter defies definition
Does everything an artist says have to be true? Musicians surely take us on journeys with their songs, weaving together tales based on experiences and imagination. Steve Poltz is one of those singer/songwriters, a troubadour who spins stories in his songs and from stages. He can pull your leg while also baring his soul. It’s […]
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Local Love: A Q/A with Steve Arnold of Blackstrap Bluegrass
The Bend acoustic quartet has been making bluegrass, Americana and rock 'n' roll music for more than 25 years
“We’re not truly a bluegrass band,” says Steve Arnold, reflecting on his quarter century in Bend’s Blackstrap Bluegrass. It’s easy to understand how a band that’s been making music and playing shows for more than 25 years might not stick to just one lane. “I’m the only original” band member, he continues. “We’ve had three […]
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Dancing to a New Beat with High Step Society
Fusing jazz, EDM and big band style, the Portland-based group creates a party
Based out of Portland, High Step Society fuses jazz and electronic music, bringing high-energy, big band vibes. Known for its innovative sound and dynamic beats, the band creates an inviting space for dancing and celebration. Ahead of the group’s upcoming show with Moontricks at Midtown Ballroom on Thursday, Jan. 23, the Source Weekly spoke with […]
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5 Questions for Yonder Mountain String Band
The jamgrass staples headline two nights at the Volcanic this weekend
More than a few Oregonians hold a special place in their hearts for the Colorado-based, progressive jamgrass group Yonder Mountain String Band. With nearly three decades of musical output and 20 years of throwing Northwest String Summit at Horning’s Hideout in North Plains, Ore., the five-piece returned in November with its 11th studio album, “Nowhere […]
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Local Love: Q/A with Frontwoman and Songwriter Linda Quon
After decades in supporting roles, Linda Quon is stepping forward to front her first band, Linda Quon & Hello Trouble
You might not have heard of Linda Quon & Hello Trouble yet, but if you’re at all familiar with the local music scene, you’ve probably heard the frontwoman’s voice. Linda Quon has been a frequent player since moving to Bend from the San Fernando Valley in 2005, offering vocal harmonies in folk-inspired bands like Parlour, […]
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Swing Into Bend’s Jazz Scene This Winter
Experience the magic of live jazz from local talent to world-class musicians at these upcoming performances
From the soulful sounds of saxophones to lively improvisations, Bend’s jazz scene is alive with energy, offering locals and visitors a chance to experience the timeless magic of the genre. Whether you’re a longtime jazz enthusiast or new to the style, Bend’s venues have a lineup of shows from world-class performances to intimate, local showcases. […]
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Shook Twins: Separate but Connected
After 36 years of close partnership, the sisters harmoniously navigate the intentional space between them
Sisters Katelyn and Laurie Shook have spent more time together than most siblings. While the identical twins from Sandpoint, Idaho, are best known for weaving vocal harmonies and plucked banjo strings into their own idiosyncratic brand of danceable folk-pop as the eponymous Shook Twins, they are not as inseparable today as they’ve been for the […]
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Who’s Teaching Who?
Sisters Folk Fest’s video sessions document impactful experiences for instructors and students at last year’s Americana Song Academy
Raise your hand if you’ve ever written a song about peanut butter and boogers. Singer/songwriter Jenner Fox has, alongside a gaggle of 7-year-olds. These are the stories told in the classroom that is the Sisters Folk Festival’s continuing education program the Americana Song Academy. Last year’s classes took place in late September at the picturesque […]
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Rafe Pearlman Brings Light on the Darkest Day
On this year’s winter solstice, the Pacific Northwest artist will share a new song inspired by his time in Bend
Originally from the wilds of Alaska, singer/songwriter Rafe Pearlman now resides on Washington’s Orcas Island. With these locales as his backdrop, it’s not hard to understand why Mother Nature is so instrumental in Pearlman’s work. As he’s traveled the globe playing shows in India, Europe, Australia, Hong Kong and Mexico, he’s also traversed these United […]