GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Gemini writer Raymond Carter (1938โ1988) established a reputation as a master of terse minimalism. One critic noted that he practiced the “Theory of Omission”โan approach to writing fiction that mandates the elimination of superfluous narrative elements. But it turns out that Carver’s editor Gordon Lish had a major role in all […]
Horoscope Week of May 22, 2025
Laid-Back Legend
James Taylor eased us into the summer concert series at Hayden Homes Amphitheater in Bend Monday, May 19. Just before 8pm, he casually strolled onto stage, picked up his guitar, sat on a stool and began singing “Wandering,” a folk song he wrote in 1975. The audience was bundled in coats, hats and gloves as […]
First Cargo E-Bike Festival
With electric bikes becoming mainstream, Bend Bikes and Bend Electric Bikes are teaming up to put on the first “Coffee & Cargo Bike Show.” Owners of electric cargo bikes are invited to show off their bikes, share cycling adventures and meet fellow riders. Even if you don’t own a bike, everyone is welcome. “I imagine […]
This Ain’t Netflix
Matt Rife. Trevor Noah. Jerry Seinfeld. No. You’re not scrolling through your favorite streaming platform’s list of stand-up comedy specials. This short list of comedic all-stars is bringing distinct styles to Hayden Homes Amphitheater this summer in Bend. It’s tempting to imagine what spontaneous crowd work or social observations these wry commentors might have for […]
A Gravel Ride Thatโs Not a Race
A grassroots, do-it-yourself gravel ride is returning for the second year this June. The Barnduster Gran Fundo is a fundraiser for Sisters Trails Alliance. It’s an untimed, mostly self-supported ride, bringing gravel cyclists of all levels together for a day of riding and comradery. The 40-mile course is primarily in the Deschutes National Forest starting at […]
โGet Innocuous!โ LCD Soundsystem and TV On The Radio Bring NYC Dance Punk to Bend
Judging by LCD Soundsystem’s packed show at Hayden Homes Amphitheater last year, it might seem impossible that the group, fronted by James Murphy, was destined for anything but greatness. But flashback 23 years ago to a period shortly after 9/11: Murphy was having a creative โ if not full-blown identity โ crisis. The founder and […]
Food, Books and Connection
In my half-filled baby book, my mother wrote several entries about my appetite such as, “Loves bananas, crackers, and cookies” or “Loves to eat all the time.” Was this an early indication of my affair with food? I use that word quite seriously because it’s something I keep quiet about unless I’m around other food-smitten […]
Big Ponderoo
One of the best things about Central Oregonians is our love of nature. So it’s no surprise that the SFF Presents outdoor festival, Big Ponderoo, is returning for its fourth year. Nestled beneath the giant shade trees of the idyllic Village Green Park in Sisters, this family-friendly event promises to be a summer sensation. With […]
Movement Enthusiast Unlocks Joy Through Dance
Born to dance, Elise Porter, a Bend resident and local movement aficionado, pursues her life’s purpose by helping “humans get unstuck and release into the full joy of movement expression.” Propelling herself into as many styles of dance as possible, from high-school belly dancing classes and ballet-modern fusion in college, she’d jumped at every dance […]
Same Spirit, New Stage: The 4 Peaks Music Festival Moves Indoors
The 4 Peaks Presents Music Festival, a cherished Central Oregon tradition since 2007, looks a little different this year, but the spirit remains the same. While it usually takes place outdoors, 2025’s event will move inside to the historic Tower Theatre in downtown Bend June 20-22. The 4 Peaks Music Festival all began with five […]

