The Defibulators
thursday 21
This Brooklyn-based septet have the bluegrass chops of an act like Yonder Mountain String Band, but when they see fit are known to rip into a near-punk explosion of rockabilly on stage. The band is in the middle of a marathon coast-to-coast tour, but are stopping off at McMenamins for what we're betting will one of the wildest free shows of the fall. Also, the vocals of Erin Bru are downright delightful. Make sure you click over to thedefibulators.com and give these guys (and gal) a listen. Free. 7pm. McMenamins Old St. Francis School, 700 NW Bond St.
Central Oregon's Last Comic Standing
friday 22
Bend's very own show of local comedians got off to a riotous start last week with the opening night of competition. The second round of qualifying performances takes place on Friday night, bringing another group of talented joke tellers to the Old Stone stage to make you laugh with their five-minute act. $5 at the door or in advance at bendticket.com. 8pm. Old Stone Church, 157 NW Franklin Ave.
Warren Miller's Wintervention
saturday 23
With yet another report coming out this week that we're in for a huge winter, it's only fitting that Bend's biggest ski film screening is once again upon us with Warren Miller's new film, Wintervention. The film - the 61st in the Warren Miller franchise - takes viewers to snowy far-off locals like Norway, Alaska and Antarctica and includes athletes like Chris Davenport and Lindsey Vonn and is narrated by the legendary Jonny Moseley. The film will be shown three times over the course of the day. Showings at 2pm, 6pm and 9pm. All ages, except 9pm, which is 21+. $18. Saturday, Oct 23. Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St.
Deschutes Brewery's
Fresh Hop Beer Tasting
saturday 23
A few weeks ago, or maybe a month ago, hop farmers harvested their crops and brewers were quick to get those tossed in the vat to turn them into special beers. At this annual dinner hosted by Deschutes Brewery, you can taste fresh hop beers accompanied by appetizers. There's almost nothing as tasty as what you'll find here. For tickets or more info, contact 541-312-6946. deschutesbrewery.com. 7pm Saturday, Oct 23. Deschutes Brewery, Mountain Room, 901 SW Simpson Ave.
The Capitol Steps
tuesday 26
The Upfront column wrote about this show this week, wondering why the heck Lars Larson is making an appearance at the performance of the political humor group The Capitol Steps. Nevertheless, there should be plenty of election season zingers at this show as well as a rumored parody song about the Dudley/Kitzhaber gubernatorial race here in Oregon. $40/$45 reserved. $52/VIP package. 7:30pm. Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St.
The Acorn Project
wednesday 27
While jam bands may be fewer and farther between these days, this young group out of Bellingham has kept the noodly dance party alive in the Northwest with a six-piece attack featuring some excellent saxophone work. The band leans more toward the electro side of the spectrum, but in the half dozen or so shows they've played in the area over the past couple of years, they've never disappointed. Free. 7pm. McMenamins Old St. Francis School.
Laura Veirs & Weinland
wednesday 27
We profiled Laura Veirs (and her six-month-old baby boy) in this week's Sound section, and you should give that a read. Also, remember this is probably the last PDXchange show of the year at the Tower, so get out there and see what all the buzz has been about. Make sure you're on time because Weinland is worth hearing, too. $15. All ages. 8pm. Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St.
