Travis Ehrenstrom
wednesday 26
The Sisters folk singer is mellow and smooth, like a fine bourbon. Pull up a chair, warm your toes by the fire and listen for awhile. It's free! 21+, 9 p.m. The Hideaway, 939 SE 2nd St.
Full Moon at Silver Moon
friday 28
Silvero, a soulful surf-punk band, and Wilderness, a jazz-fusion rock group, paired with a few delicious IPAs will make you forget all the stress of the holiday season. 21+. $5. 9:30 p.m. Silver Moon Brewing, 24 NW Greenwood Ave.
Sassparilla
saturday 29
Back porch whisky-punk bluegrass band, Sassparilla relies on a wash-tub bass, an accordion guitar and all sorts of alternative instruments that look like they came from the bottom of the sale bin at a second-hand music store in Southern Appalachia. 18+. $7. 7p.m.The Belfry, 302 E. Main St.
"Crowd Control" with Cash Levy
saturday 29
Remember about two years ago when some crazy comedian came to town to do a totally live improvisational one-hour comedy special at the Tower starring himself and the people of Bend? Uh, yeah. He actually got that thing on the air. All ages. $14. 8 p.m. Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St.
Oregon and Oregon State Bowl Games
saturday 29 & thursday 3
The Ducks and Beavers football squads are taking their excellent season performances into a couple of bowl games. The Beavers will battle Texas in the Valero Alamo Bowl and the Ducks will try to wreak havoc on Kansas State in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl. Free, All ages. Minors need parent/guardian. Oregon State University on Dec. 29 at 3:45 p.m., University of Oregon on Jan. 3 at 5:30 p.m. McMenamins,700 NW Bond St.
New Year's Eve! monday 31
Once again, it's that great-excuse-to-stay-out-late-and-act-crazy night. Here, let us help you find the right party... We HIGHLY recommend the Larry and His Flask show at Century Center (p.s. it's the last show there for awhile). But for all the parties in and around town, check out our Culture page, where you'll find a full list of the biggest and best events. Happy New Year, y'all!
New Year's Day Run
tuesday 1
Start 2013 on a healthy note with a run on the Larkspur trail, then around and up Pilot Butte. Runners, walkers, joggers, speed-walkers, jump-ropers and skippers are welcome. Enjoy hot chocolate, coffee and goodies after the excursion. 9 a.m. Lakespur Park, 1600 SE Reed Market Rd.
New Year's Day Nordic Relay
tuesday 1
Got two buddies and the drive to be active on New Year's Day? Strap on your Nordic skis and participate in MBSEF's three-leg relay race, sponsored by Great Harvest Bakery. Be sure to dress silly. 10 a.m. Mt Bachelor, 1300 Century Dr.
New Years Day Bash
tuesday 1
If you get too crazy and don't make it to Century Center on New Year's Eve, fear not! Larry and His Flask will be performing two nights, one in 2012 and one in 2013. They're taking the stage New Year's Day alongside Possessed by Paul James. No matter how severe your hangover, this show is worth dragging yourself off of the couch for. 21+. $5. 8 p.m. The Horned Hand, 507 NW Colorado Ave.
Franchot Tone
wednesday 2
Did you read our Sound editor's piece in last week's paper on this pop-reggae artist? If you did, then you'd know Franchot moved away from Bend, lives in L.A., and now has a solo album titled, Thanks for This. Free, All ages, 7 p.m. McMenamins, 700 NW Bond St.
