thursday 3
Repair Cafe
FIXER-UPPER—Turning broken junk into fixed awesomeness is as easy as a trip to Pakit this weekend. Repair Cafe, hosted by who else but the Environmental Center, aims to straight up fix stuff with the philosophy that two heads are better than one when it comes to conservation and repairs. The event also serves as the kick-off to Pakit's annual Trashfromation week, which aims not to fix junk, but transform it into art. 6 pm. Pakit Liquidators, 903 SE Armour.
thursday 3
Rebelution
MUSIC—In spite of their use of heavy metal font and their name, which implies conflict, Rebelution produces some of the most untroubled and enjoyable music currently touring, so much closer to Marley than Motley, with easygoing saxophones and lyrics that out-and-out smile. 9 pm. Midtown Ballroom, 51 NW Greenwood. $22.50-$25 at bendticket.com
friday 4
Beats Antique
MUSIC—Twisted, uplifting, and totally booty-shakin', Beats Antique brings to life tribal beats and contemporary electronica in a worldly blur of belly dancers, whimsical creatures, robots, strings and dub. For the third year running, the group turns Bend into its dreamlike playground and personal dance party. 9 pm. Midtown Ballroom 51 NW Greenwood Ave. $20 at bendticket.com.
friday 4
M.C. Escher 21 Prints
FIRST FRIDAY—One of the more intriguing art shows this evening, MC Escher 21 Prints presents, well, 21 originals from the original illustrator (and original M.C.; take that, Usher). Prints like his mind-bending staircases and his intricately perfected geography of castles have adorned college dorm rooms for years. These are originals. 5:30 pm. Atelier 6000, 389 SW Scalehouse Ct, Suite 120.
saturday 5
George Winston
PIANO—Inspired by the classic compositions of Charles Schulz, Winston is the Godfather of the new pianist. Making his first album in 1972 and continuing to survive as a solo musician, making a combination of tribute albums and original arrangements for over 40 years, Winston is a polished musician who hasn't lost any of his passion over his long career. 7 pm. Tower Theatre, 835 Wall St. $23-51.
saturday 5
Back Alley Barbers
PSYCHOBILLY— Like a tattooed, pin-up girl with a voice like Gwen Stefani, Sara Linkof and the Back Alley Barbers mix reggae, skate-punk, rockabilly, and sexy blues into driving rock songs. Straight razor shave not included. 9 pm. Volcanic Theatre Pub, 70 SW Century Dr. $5.
saturday 5
Sassparilla
MUSIC—Appropriately set in the city's most eclectic music venue, Sassparilla is a popular mixed bag of musical talents; low-key cow-punk smoothed with harmonized vocals, and then spiced right back up with fiddles, accordions and washboards. 8 pm. Pakit Liquidators, 903 SE Armour. $5.
sunday 6
Harlem Gospel Choir
GOSPEL—We're not saying that you necessarily need to have your soul saved, but is there a more beautiful (and painless) way to do so than an evening with the rich sounds of the Harlem Gospel Choir washing over you? They've played for Nelson Mandela and for Pope John Paul II. Are you trying to tell me you are better than those men? 7:30 pm. Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall. $35-$45.
monday 7
Championship NCAA
BASKETBALL—By now, your brackets are busted and that idea of winning $1 billion from Warren Buffett for perfection seems like every other pipedream you've had. Still, be magnanimous. Even if your team folded in a first round upset (or, was crushed by the Badgers in a second half comeback), come cheer for the end of March Madness. 6 pm. Riverbend Brewing, 2650 NE Division.
wednesday 9
West Water Outlaws
ROCK—Queens of the Stone Age knock-offs (we mean that in a good way), red-faced, Southern rock and roll good ol' boys, West Water Outlaws shrug the notion that the only great bands to come out of Boulder, Colo., have a banjo in them. They will rock, and they will rock hard. 7 pm. McMenamins, 700 NW Wall St. Free.
