Our Picks for 05/17

Pedal-Driven, A Bikeumentary

thursday 17

This behind-the-scenes documentary highlights an emerging conflict birthed in our national forests—who gets to use the trail? Follow a band of freeride mountain bikers, the skate-punk equivalents of the cycling world, who argue that they belong. Unfortunately, the U.S. Forest Service doesn’t see it that way, despite the two groups’ common ground—a desire to preserve public land for the use and enjoyment of the American people. Expect radical scenery, freeride mania and a compelling story about conflicting user groups. A benefit for the Central Oregon Trail Alliance! $5. 9pm. McMenamins, 700 NW Bond St.

Armchair

thursday 17

The owners of Tin Pan Theater, that new movie theater downtown, said they were going to do cultural stuff and they weren’t just blowing smoke. “Armchair” is a storytelling thing, where seven people will get on stage and tell a 10-minute tale on ‘trespassing’ in true Ira Glass fashion. Local musicians will perform and you can get in on an informal storytelling opportunity during intermission. Way cool. $5. Limited seating. Doors at 7pm. Tin Pan Theater, 869 NW Tin Pan Alley.

4 Peaks Pre-Funk Party

thursday 17 – saturday 19

Bend’s very own summer music fest is ramping up and they want you on board. Check out these free music events, happening in the name of 4 Peaks, and pick up discounted locals tickets to the festival, slated for June 22-24. Here you go: High Beamz, a Portland jazz, funk and blues band plays the Summit Saloon at 9pm Thursday night. Bring two cans of non-perishable food for free entry to see Huckle at the Astro Lounge at 9pm on Friday. Then it’s a local band extravaganza at Silver Moon on Saturday with sets from Mark Ransom, the Bend Uke Group, Truckstop Gravy, Bond Street Allstars, MMR, BlackStrap and Pitchfork Revolution. The fun starts at 9pm. See our calendar for a full listing.

Pole Pedal Paddle 2012

saturday 19

It’s happening! This is your big day! If you’re racing, make sure to eat thousands of calories worth of oats, down gallons of coffee and, courtesy of race-day jitters, don’t forget to factor in the multiple pre-race poops you’re likely to drop. Seriously, if you’re racing, good luck. If you’re planning on spectating, get comfy. Grab a lawn chair, a cooler of fizzy beer, your sunscreen and set up shop along Century or near the Les Schwab Amphitheater (finish line!). And don’t plan on driving Saturday— traffic on the westside is sure to be a cluster. It all starts at 8am, at Mt. Bachelor, 13000 Century Dr.

Pure Prairie League

saturday 19

We’re sure that Pure Prairie League has other songs besides the questionably spelled “Amie” and if you know what they are, then this is a show for you. Don’t expect former collaborators Vince Gill or Emmylou Harris to appear from the rafters, but this will be a night of nostalgic country rocking nonetheless. $35. 8pm. Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St.

Sunspot Jonz, Aceyalone, J. Natural with Dj Tram

sunday 20

Sunspot Jonz, formally known as BFAP, was a member of one of the largest indie-rap success sorties of the 1990s. His group, Living Legends, built their fan base by selling over 300,000 tapes on the streets of L.A., allowing them to take several self-funded tours throughout Europe. L.A. rapper Aceyalone and female MC J. Natural will bring their West coast-style rap along with DJ Tram’s up-tempo electronica. $12. 9pm. Domino Room, 51 NW Greenwood Ave.

Hey Marseilles with Lemolo

wednesday 23

Seven-piece folk-pop mini-orchestra Hey Marseilles will squeeze onto the tiny stage in the Father Luke room. Turn the page and check out this week’s Sound feature for more on their vintage pop tunes. Free. All ages. 7pm. McMenamins, 700 Northwest Bond St.

Accelerate Bend

thursday 24

To be honest, the idea of “visioning” about the future with dozens of our neighbors initially made our skin crawl. But, then we took a long hard look in the mirror and said, Source, stop being so f’ing snarky. It’s pretty important that Bend has some community-wide goals rooted in what the people want. Get over your snarkier self, too, and go daydream about what this town could be. This kick-off event actually sounds fun—big dreams from big names in town, slideshows and electronic audience polling via handheld devices. Free, but sign up required at towertheatre.com or bend2030.org. 7pm. Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St.

Julia Kennedy Cochran Reading

thursday 24

Ed Kennedy became the most infamous newsman of WWII when he defied a news embargo, announced the German surrender and was promptly fired from his job with the Associated Press. More than 60 years later, his name has been officially cleared by his daughter’s new work, Ed Kennedy’s War: V-E Day, Censorship and the Associated Press, in which Julia Kennedy Cochran tells the story of her father’s personal sacrifices for the sake of free speech. This book is getting a lot of press and we’re lucky she’s a local and that we get to hear her read from the book at this free event. 6pm. Nature of Words literary arts center, 224 NW Oregon Ave.

Central Oregon Beer Week

monday 21 – sunday 27

Beer tastings, brewery tours and beer dinners are on the menu for this weeklong celebration of Central Oregon’s craft brewing culture. It all leads up to Mt. Bachelor Brewski, Saturday’s on-snow craft beer lounge which can be found at Bachelor’s West Village on closing weekend. Prost! Multiple locations.
Check centraloregonbeerweek.com/events for details.

This article appears in May 17-23, 2012.