friday 2
First Friday
LOCAL ART—Start the New Year with art from amazing local talent including the Gold Standard show at Townshend's—old school traditional tattoo art—by tattoo shop owner Dirk Spece and artist KC Carew. Whimsical creature artist Megan McGuinness shows at Velvet and at Bishops Barbershop as the Source artist of the month. Read more about her work on pg. 20. 5 pm. Downtown Bend. Free.
friday 2
Tower Theatre Open Mic
OPEN MIC—Do you dream of playing the same stage as Los Lobos, George Winston, Elvis (impersonator), Taj Mahal, Billy Bragg and more?! Now's your chance! Not to share the stage at the same time of course, but to play on the same physical stage as the Tower Theatre opens it's doors and it's mic to the public. 6 pm, (signups start at the box office at 10 am). Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St. Free.
saturday 3
The Cutmen
MUSIC—With funky soul, jazzy boogaloo horns and attitude, local crew the Cutmen will have you rump shaking all night with their upbeat horns, keys, and pedaled-up guitar infused music. These musicians show their chops with jazz and blues-based foundations with improvisational and jam rants that spiral songs into whirling instrumental tornadoes. 9 pm. Volcanic Theatre Pub, 70 SW Century Dr. $5.
saturday 3
Honey Don't
MUSIC—Recent transplants to Oregon from the string summit of Colorado, husband and wife team Bill and Shelly Powers play Americana blasters filled with fiddle. Mr. Powers' sultry tenor vocals flow with an experience and wisdom that betray his years of musicianship. From soft and sweet to barn burning, Honey Don't is a definite do. 6:30 pm. Bend Brewing Company, 1019 Northwest Brooks St. No cover.
monday 5
Red Cross Blood Drive
CHARITY—Extend the season of giving with this free, mostly painless, widely accessible form of charity. Bonus: Gay and bisexual man who take a vow of chastity now may be able to donate in a year—after a new FDA policy, allowing men to give blood if they haven't slept with a man in 12 months, goes into effect. 1-6:30 pm. Bend Blood Donation Center, 815 SW Bond St. Free.
monday 5
Keep on Keepin' On
FILM—Short-listed for an Oscar for best documentary, Keep On Keepin' On breaks the mold for music documentaries and tells the story of a 93-year-old blues musician who just, well, keeps on mentoring a 23-year-old blind piano player. Uplifting and affirming, it's beautifully scored and filmed. 6 pm. Tin Pan Theater, 869 NW Tin Pan Alley. $5.
tuesday 6
Bend Town Hall Legislative Outlook 2015
POLITICS—Local elected officials Sen. Tim Knopp and Rep. Knute Buehler will join lobbyist Erik Kancler for an overview of issues likely to be heard in Salem that affect the daily lives of Bendites, including biofuels, Cover Oregon, workforce education, affordable housing, and taxes. 5-7 pm. Deschutes Brewery Public House Tap Room, 1044 NW Bond St. In advance: $15 Bend Chamber members, $20 general. At the door: $5 more.
wednesday 7
Moonshine Bandits
COUNTRY RAP—Yes, the genre still exists. Even as some of hip-hop's biggest names take Iggy Azalia to task for failing to recognize the art form's political roots in the black community, rednecks are still trying to claim rap. But if you wear the moniker "white trash" with pride, enjoy making donuts in muddy fields with your "big-ass tires," or fly a Confederate flag, this show may be for you. 8 pm. Domino Room, 51 NW Greenwood Ave. $15 in advance.
wednesday 7
Dead Winter Carpenters
MUSIC—With a touch of Calexico, some jam band nostalgia, and a healthy dose of Charlie Daniels, the Dead Winter Carpenters are a fun-spirited good-time band, perfect for the winter blues. 7 pm. McMenamin's Old St Francis, 700 NW Bond. No cover.
thursday 8
The Junebugs
MUSIC—From one ski town to another, the Junebugs carry their slack-string guitar chords and easy-going harmonizing; if you're lucky, they will play their gospel-infused and violin-laced cover of Foster the People's "Pumped Up Kicks," and a fun and haunting version of Lorde's "Royals." 7 pm. McMenamin's Old St Francis, 700 NW Bond. No cover.
