I just got home a bit ago from a very sold-out appearance by The Shins at the Domino Room here in Bend and I’m pleased to say that this rehashed version of the band far exceeded my expectations.
In fact, James Mercer and crew — cheered on by an incredibly appreciative audience — looked to be in rare form with an hour-and-a-half-long set that included plenty of hits from the old days as well as a couple new tunes.
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Whisker Wars: The new reality show features plenty of Bend
Remember last year when we devoted nearly an entire issue to beards, mustaches and the men who wear them? A year ago, Bend was hosting the Beard Team USA National Beard and Moustache Championships. And we definitely had beard fever.
New Brett Dennen Video Features Bend, Oregon!
I was just taking a look at the new Brett Dennen video for his song “Comeback Kid (That’s My Dog)” and all of the sudden was all like, “Whoa, I think I just spotted someone I know!”
That’s because parts of the video were filmed at Dennen’s early June show at the Athletic Club of Bend, which is pretty cool. Even cooler is that the video was directed by Bend’s own Ben Moon!
Here’s the video.
New Larry and His Flask Music Video
I just came across this new video for Larry and His Flask’s “Call it What You Will” (off their amazing new album — but it now) and figured I should share it. After all, this is the Summer of the Flask, as I’m calling it, seeing as how the band is tearing it up on the Warped Tour and getting bigger than ever.
Night Ranger’s Ridiculously Awesome Music Video
Tomorrow night a band called Night Ranger is playing at Troy Field (that park next to McMenamins that people think is a dog park but actually isn’t) and it’s for free.
Who is Night Ranger? They’re the band that sang “Sister Christian” of course! They’re also the band behind one of the most bizarre music videos of all time.
Freedom Ride Videos and Photos
If you didn’t see it, you almost certainly heard about it by now. I’m talking about Monday’s Freedom Ride, the annual DIY (and not recognized by the city) bike parade that has grown into one of Bend’s great Fourth of July traditions.
Dumpstaphunk Video From Bite of Bend
I would guess that there were at least a few Bent Blog readers down at the Bite of Bend on Saturday night to see the thunderously funky set from Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk.
The New Orleans band’s set struck me as one of the most impressive shows — especially free shows — I’ve seen in Bend in a long while.
Video From Last Night’s Vandaveer Show
If you didn’t get out to see Washington D.C.
Death Cab for Cutie, Jenny and Johnny Video Plus Decemberists Preview
Last night the summer concert season kicked off at the Les Schwab Amphitheater with music from Death Cab for Cutie, Bright Eyes and Jenny and Johnny. Needless to say, the show was awesome.
Match Deschutes Brewery’s Labels With the Landmarks
I just came across this short film from Deschutes Brewery in which a couple travels through Central Oregon visiting the landmarks seen on the labels of Deschutes’ beers.
It’s a pretty interesting tour through our region and a bit of background behind the iconic labels on the brewery’s beer.

