Winter, traditionally, has been the time for Central Oregon music junkies to hunker down in the basement with a stack of beloved albums rather than hit the bars and clubs for live shows. This year, however is looking pretty promising, especially knowing a band like Son Volt is coming to Bend before the year is out.
With a fall featuring a strong lineup including Saturday’s Poor Man’s Whiskey show (where they’ll perform Dark Side of the Moonshine), and Wednesday night’s appearance by The Heavy at the Silver Moon – things are certainly looking up. But things don’t end there.
The Midtown/Domino Room complex, thanks to Random Presents, will be bringing the likes of Canadian hip-hop soldiers Swollen Members (11/6), Celtic-flavored punks (with a strong Bend following) Dropkick Murhpys (11/8) and a just-announced return performance from reggae legend Eek a Mouse (11/18).
The Silver Moon’s November lineup might not have the big-time flair it showed this summer, which is understandable, but they do have shows by revered locals as well as a return by Colorado bluegrass youngsters Head for the Hills on 11/13. Bend’s Cult of Burning Man will be appeased by a Lynx and Janover show on 11/18 and all the ladies in the house (single or otherwise) will enjoy an all-day festival called “Chicks with Picks” featuring a slew of lady-led Bend bands.
OK, here’s the really cool addition to the winter lineup: Son Volt, the St. Louis the alt-country rockers that have been fronted by Jay Farrar after the breakup of Uncle Tupelo in 1994 (as you probably know, this also led former Tupelo member Jeff Tweedy to form Wilco) is hitting the Domino Room on December 7. File this under Unexpectedly Awesome.
Looking out even further, Bend Winterfest (February 12 and 13) has announced its headliners, which this year includes The Gourds and all-woman AC/DC cover band, Hells Belles.
So hey, don’t descend to the basement just yet, there’s still plenty of hope.
This article appears in Oct 22-28, 2009.
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