thursday 22
Plow United
ROCK—Legendary punk rockers Plow United toured the backwater clubs of America from 1992 to 1998. The band broke up, then inadvertently cultivated a mysterious buzz that spurred a reunion more than a decade later. Tuck and Roll and No Cash Value open. 9 pm. Astro Lounge, 939 NW Bond St. $5.
friday 23
Breaking Away
OUTDOOR FILM—Could there be a better movie than Breaking Away? Underdog sports story? Check! Ridiculous but beautiful biking scenes? Yup. Love story? Yes, especially touching because protagonist David invents a backstory as a wayward Italian in Indiana. Coming of age? Yes, with Dennis Quaid's washboard abs, and the heartbreaking truth that you know his best days are behind him. 6 pm, NorthWest Crossing's Compass Park. Free.
friday 23
Day Day and 3 Tha Hard Way
HIP-HOP—We don't get enough hip-hop in Bend. Thankfully, Connectin Tha Streets and ENyO FAcE Records are keeping us from becoming awash in a tsunami of emo indie bluegrass. Friday night's theme, "Bringing the Bay to Bend," means live acts Don P, Law-Le$$, Sizzul and more. 21+. 9 pm. Astro Lounge, 939 NW Bond St. $5.
friday 23-sat 24
Shakespeare in the Park
THEATER—The Northwest Classical Theatrical Company's outdoor production of a Shakespeare play is one of our favorite summer events. Riverside Boulevard along Drake Park will be closed for the performances, making the park a quiet and magical setting for one of the Bard's merriest comedies, Much Ado About Nothing. Doors at 6 pm. Shows at 7 pm. Drake Park. $22-$77.
saturday 24
Les Claypool
MUSIC—Primus frontman Les Claypool, the fishing fiend and bass-slapping badass has long been considered one of the best (oddest) bass players in the world. This summer he and guitarist Bryan Kehoe are touring as "Duo de Twang." Expect Primus favorites like "Jerry was a Race Car Driver" (!) as well as new tunes with a Texas twang twist. 6 pm. Century Center Courtyard, 70 SW Century Dr. $28.
sunday 25
Afroman
HIP-HOP—More hip-hop? Yes! Tonight's entertainment is courtesy of the So-Cal artist who gave us the memorable single "Because I Got High," a track that lays out a litany of excuses for failing to do the chores Afroman meant to do, before he indulged. All ages. 9 pm. Domino Room, 51 NW Greenwood Ave. $18-$20.
sunday 25
Joshua Radin
MUSIC—Playing songs for the background of dramatic television scenes probably wasn't Joshua Radin's intention when he started writing music, but his whispery-sweet vocals and breakup-inspired lyrics happen be a perfect match for tearful departures, reunions and makeout sessions. His songs have appeared more than 75 times on film and television soundtracks. 6 pm. Athletic Club of Bend, 61615 Athletic Club Dr. $28-$68.
monday 26
More Than Honey
FILM—A tribute to bees and another exposé on why corporations suck donkey dick, More Than Honey is a touching, beautiful tribute to honeybees and a sobering, scary reminder of their perilous state. (In case you haven't heard, they're dying by the millions.) Fri-Sun 4 pm. Tin Pan Theater, 869 NW Tin Pan Alley. $6
tuesday 27
Author R. Gregory Nokes
READING—Oregon does not boast the greatest history in terms of racial kindness, and the story is not told often enough. In his book "Breaking Chains," seasoned journalist Greg Nokes tells the insightful pre-Civil War story of an Oregon slave with gumption and smarts enough to sue his heartless master for a broken promise of freedom. 7 pm. Old St Francis School, 700 NW Bond. Free.
wednesday 28
Craig Carothers
MUSIC—The singer-songwriter from Portland has now lived in Nashville for 13 years, has won awards and has seen his songs recorded by country stalwarts like Trisha Yearwood. The guitar-pickin' storyteller is one part Greg Brown and one part Peter, Paul and Mary, and his message is as heartfelt as ever. Music City has been good to Carothers. 7pm. McMenamins, 700 NW Bond St. Free.
