thursday 16
League of Women Voters Candidates Forum
POLITICS—We're entering the election season home stretch. Political ads are peppering the morning commercial breaks and lawn signs are scattered across neighborhoods like miniature billboards (and some actual billboards). Cut through the marketing crap and hear the candidates for Bend City Council Position 6, live and unscripted. 5:15 pm. Deschutes County Admin Building, 1300 Wall St. Free.
thursday 16
What's on the Ballot? With Neil Bryant
POLITICS—While some ballot measures have gotten a lot of attention (cough-WEED-cough), others have flown a bit under the radar. Bend Chamber hosts a guide to the ballot, with former State Senator Neil Bryant. Get his perspective, but don't forget to read our endorsements starting on page 8. 8 am. Deschutes County Admin Building, 1300 Wall St. $15 for members, $20 for non-members.
friday 17
Matisyahu
HIP-HOP—Former Bendite Matisyahu is best known as the Hasidic Jewish rapper who took audiences by storm with his radio-friendly reggae-pop album Youth, his traditional look and his incredible stage presence. Now, sans beard and with a new life outlook, the rapper still retains every bit of quick-tongued charm from his formerly hairy self. 9 pm. Midtown Ballroom, 51 NW Greenwood Ave. $22.50.
saturday 18
Rocky Horror Picture Show
FILM—Party with the "sweet transvestite from transsexual Transylvania" in a showing of the cult classic film with live actors, no rice. You'll be doing the "Time Warp" again with Janet, Dr. Frank N. Furter, Brad, Riff Raff and the whole gang. Midnight. 2nd Street Theater, 220 NE Lafayette. $10.
saturday 18
Battle of Brews
BREW-OFF—While there are plenty of brewfests showcasing the region's tried and true brews, this second annual home brewers contest discovers what is being experimented, tinkered and concocted in garages and basements around town, like discovering a band never heard by the public before. The winning beer is brought to market by Silver Moon! 6 pm. Signup in advance. Silver Moon Brewing, 24 NW Greenwood. Free.
saturday 18
Zombie Run
ARGGGHH—The rules are fairly simple: RUN! Run for your life. "Survivors" are given a few minute head start before the "zombies" take pursuit and try to grab red flags from the runners—and, otherwise, devour their brains. 6 pm. Starts at Bellatazza Plaza on Wall St. $25 adv., $35 day of registration.
saturday 18
Poison Waters and Friends
DRAG—Portland performer and drag show hostess with the mostess Poison Waters returns to Bend for her 12th annual Human Dignity Coalition fundraiser—yes, she's been sashaying her sequined self into Central Oregon for longer than there's been a Pride Fest—to delight and debauch audiences with Whitney Houston covers and off-color comedy. 7 pm. Bend Community Center, 1036 NE 5th St. $10 adv., $15 door, $20 VIP.
monday 20
Central Oregon Symphony Fall Concert
STRINGS & THINGS—With a classic repertoire of Mozart and Brahms, Central Oregon Symphony also tosses in gutsy guitar playing from Petar Jankovic, who has explained that he views his guitar as the same way a samurai views a sharp-edged sword. 7:30 pm. Bend High, 230 NE 6th Ave. $50, limited complimentary tickets.
tuesday 21
Skiing in a State of Control
TALL SKI TALES—It sounds like an episode of "South Park," but North Korea's iron- fisted Kim Jong Un did, in fact, order that a luxury ski resort be built in the mountains of the heavily militarized Kangwon Province. Yeah, weird. Last February, Bend-based writer Tim Neville was one of the first to ski the slopes there—and returns to tell the odd tale. 6 pm. Downtown Bend Public Library, 601 NW Wall. Free.
wednesday 22
Sisters Old Time Radio Show
RADIO—In an Orson Wells-style radio read (hopefully less terrifying and with some more laughs), episodes of "Gunsmoke," "Richard Diamond," and "Private Detective," are read live. If you don't have a reference point for those classic radio shows, Google them (we know that seems counterintuitive), and then enjoy some old-timey live-action fun. 7 pm. The Belfry, 302 E Main St. Sisters. $5.