Our Picks for 05/09

The 44’s

wednesday 9

The traditional, raw sound of this Los Angeles-based blues band will transport you back to a smoky Chicago tavern circa 1950. Their music is packed with the sort of guitar solos and harmonica riffs that you’d expect from a band that plays vintage instruments. And they’re not averse to hard touring either. Last year the 44’s played 200 shows—a feat that’s won them praise nationwide. Local spaghetti surf-rock band Shade 13 opens the show. $5. 8pm. The Horned Hand, 507 NW Colorado Ave.

Tight Lines Auction and BBQ Dinner

friday 11

The sixth annual auction is a benefit for the region’s preeminent stream flow restoration organization, the Deschutes River Conservancy whose efforts are largely responsible for the five-fold increase in summer flows on the middle Deschutes River below Bend. The auction, which includes a BBQ dinner of chili-rubbed BBQ beef and wild smoked salmon from Tate and Tate, is an opportunity for fisherman and river lovers to swap stories and place a bid on one-of-a kind, water-based adventures, including a weeklong Mexican bonefishing trip, as well as guided trips on the Deschutes River, the Metolius River, a stay at the private Disney Riffle Ranch on the lower Deschutes and more. $50/person (Includes dinner and two drink tix.) Aspen Hall, 18920 Shevlin Park Rd.

Social Distortion

wednesday 16

The SoCal punk band has stood the test of time. Turn the page to learn more about their staying power and Mike Ness’s Hamburgler collection. Toadies and Lindi Ortega open the show. $36 at bendticket.com. 8pm. Midtown Ballroom, 51 NW Greenwood Ave.

Ten Friends Spring
Celebration

saturday 12

Here’s an inexpensive way to enjoy ethnic food and support a good cause. You donate $10 and in return, you get a Nepali meal, live music and a serious case of the feel-good fuzzies since your money will go straight to the children of Nepal. While there, make a bid in the silent auction or buy a couple of the Nepali items for sale. tenfriends.org. $10 suggested donation. 5:30-9pm. Aspen Hall, 18920 Shevlin Park Rd.

The Sweatband

saturday 12

You don’t know it, yet, but you love this band. Take some of the most talented musicians around here, have them bust out the best funk of all time, and add their new jams with lyrics like “There must be some booty near, cuz something smells funky in here,” and owwww! your Saturday night just got funked. $3. 9pm. Silver Moon Brewing, 24 NW Greenwood Ave.

Gear Up for Summer

saturday 12

Why are we spotlighting a used gear swap on our Picks Page, you ask? Well because this isn’t you average hand-me down exchange program. For starters, it’s a fundraiser for the Deschutes County Search and Rescue. But more importantly, ok maybe not more importantly, but just as importantly, it’s a rock ‘n roll party that features live music, food from Dump City Dumplings and Real Food Bistro, among others, and awesome competitions like the Cycle Pub time trial. Wash it all down with a Mountain Rescue Pale Ale and take home some new-to-you gear for a good cause. We call that a win-win-win. 8am-6pm. GoodLife Brewing, 70 SW Century Dr.

Cascade Chainbreaker

sunday 13

What better way to honor dear ole mum than racing your mountain bike on Mother’s Day? Seriously, maybe you can get mom out for a ride (her first race?) or you could invite her to sip a cocktail in the shade and watch you suffer lap after lap. She might like that. The course is fast and dusty and fairly long, 15-38 miles depending on your category. Don’t worry about the dust, there’ll be beer at the finish to quench your thirst. Register for this Bend classic at obra.org. $30. 10am. A quarter mile west of Shevlin Park, turn left at the top of the hill and follow the signs.

Bend Poetry Slam

monday 14

It’s back and, after the slam hiatus, you know all those angsty poets have been working up some good stuff and are just itching to let it fly. Extra fun: judges will be randomly selected from the audience! 21 +. Sign up at 7:30pm, $3 suggested donation at the door for prizes. 8pm. Astro Lounge, 939 NW Bond St.

Robert Wynia

tuesday 15

This is a good deal. Seeing Floater’s frontman in the rather intimate setting of Players is going to be sweet (Did we just say the words Players and intimate in the same sentence?). Seriously, people love Floater and they love Robert Wynia. You might want to get there early if you’re one of them. $7 at bendticket.com/$10 DOS. 8pm. Player’s Bar and Grill, 25 SW Century Dr.

Lindsey Buckingham

thursday 17

Yes, you read that right. Lindsey Freakin’ Buckingham is coming to the Tower Theatre. Who is she you ask? Well for starters she is a he and he just happened to lead one of the most influential and important bands of the 1970s, Fleetwood Freakin’ Mac, my friend. We can’t promise that Buckingham is going to play “Rhiannon,” or “Go Your Own Way,” but you’re promised an intimate night with one of his generation’s great rock composers. Yes, this show comes with a big city price tag, but it’s a big city experience right here on Wall Street. $62 at towertheatre.com. 8pm. The Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St.

This article appears in May 10-16, 2012.