Music
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Spitting Fire

A conversation with chart-topping reggae-rapper Matisyahu as he brings his “Hold the Fire Tour” to Bend
Avatar photo by Armando Borrego

American rapper Matisyahu, born Matthew Paul Miller, has long captivated audiences with his distinctive fusion of infectious reggae and thought-provoking lyrics. “When I started out, I had this punk-rock attitude of f*ck the world, that people weren’t good and everything was shallow,” Matisyahu said. “Even though I sing about unity and about everyone coming together, […]

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Into the Breach with Gabe Johnson

Thoughts on a storied career as an agent, musician and promoter at Parallel 44 Presents
Avatar photo by Armando Borrego

Over the years, Parallell 44 Presents has promoted over 1,200 concert events in Central Oregon. Gabe Johnson, affectionally referred to by some as “Brother Gabe,” has been the promoter of Parallel 44 Presents since its inception and served as a talent agent for agency group In the Pocket Artists. If that wasn’t enough, Johnson also […]

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Epiphanies with Tyler Spencer

The beat producer and didgeridoo musician talks about the allure of the aboriginal instrument ahead of his show
Avatar photo by Armando Borrego

Tyler Spencer’s “Didgi-Beat-Fusion” performance, set for Sat., Feb. 17, is centered around the culturally rich aboriginal instrument, the didgeridoo. The instrument produces a distinctive, resonant sound that is used in traditional Australian/Aboriginal ceremonies but also in contemporary music. Breathing life into an ancient tradition, Spencer blends the instrument with rhythm, beats and synths to produce […]

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A Recipe for Rumpeppers

Enigmatic front-man for The Rumpeppers, Zeus Guelfex, shares his thoughts on the band’s evolution and what’s gone into the group’s recent comeback
Avatar photo by Armando Borrego

Local rock band The Rumpeppers were originally founded on two pillars, “we’re drunk and we’re hot,” lead singer Zeus Guelfex explained. The initial idea, a flame from Stratocaster-wielding guitar player Paul Streichan, helped launch the four-piece onto the Bend music scene as a force to be reckoned with. The band’s undeniable chemistry came from the […]

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Celebrating the 24th Anniversary of International Guitar Night

This night of world performance promises solos, duets and quartets showcasing the dexterity and diversity of the guitar
Avatar photo by Armando Borrego

International Guitar Night is back by popular demand at the Tower Theatre and is sure to be a feast for both guitar fanatics and lovers of world music. The performance, set for Tuesday, Feb. 13, features renowned guitarists from around the globe in a continent-converging night of songs. Tapped to host the event is Italian […]

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Over the Edge with Dead Nettle

Ethereal indie-rock band Dead Nettle talks about recording its new demo tape and bringing the shoegaze genre to the forefront
Avatar photo by Armando Borrego

City of Bend, meet four-piece shoegaze and noise-rock group, Dead Nettle. While the band is still fresh, the genre of shoegaze/noise has been around since the early ’80s and is easily identified by its use of obscured vocals, guitar distortion and overwhelming pedal effects to create an ecstatic sounding wave of alternative rock. Dead Nettle […]

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Luck Be a Lady

Travis Ehrenstrom on what stood out during the recording process of Travis Ehrenstrom Band’s new EP, “Lady Luck,” plus an early review of the album
Avatar photo by Armando Borrego

We definitely experimented with more instruments, and synths,” local singer/songwriter Travis Ehrenstrom of Travis Ehrenstrom Band admitted. The experimentation he’s referring to, of course, is the science of piecing together a new album with his bandmates. “It was really just the impetus of feeling like we had enough material to work on something. We took […]

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Celebrating Advocacy and Achievement

In celebration of Black History Month, COCC announces events that highlight Black triumph and educate about a more equitable future
Avatar photo by Armando Borrego

In commitment to fostering understanding, unity and social justice, Central Oregon Community College will host an array of events throughout February and March with the goal of educating and uniting the local community during Black History Month and the Season of Nonviolence. The Season of Nonviolence is a 64-day educational media campaign dedicated to promoting […]

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Gung Ho: They’ve Always Been Ramblers

The Miller Twins’ determination to be authentic to themselves creatively was born from the passing of a mother and the purchase of a mandolin
Avatar photo by Armando Borrego

Acoustic musicians, singer/songwriters, brothers; The Miller Twins have been carving out a distinct path in the Central Oregon music scene for years. Ben Miller and Nat Miller make up the talented duo whose music transcends genre descriptions. From the two brothers’ earliest days, music constantly echoed through the household, ranging from classic rock to indie […]

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A Friend Named Palo

Palo Sopraño loves Mac Demarco, Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder, but his style of expression and his approach to the music could not be more his own
Avatar photo by Armando Borrego

Ryan Pickard is a Bend native and extremely talented singer/songwriter who explores dream-pop and alternative indie under the moniker Palo Sopraño. A little under two weeks out from his next performance at Silver Moon Brewing on Friday, Feb. 2, Sopraño and I met at Duda’s Billiard’s Bar to catch up on his latest music and […]

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