There are several films I have been looking forward to this fall, chronologically the first being Easy A, starring Emma Stone as Olive Pendgerghast, a Hester Prynne for the digital age. Going in with such high expectations often times can be a downer when the movie doesn't live up to those, but Easy A was exactly what I wanted, by evidence of my wild laughter in the theater. Rather than account what was right and wrong with the film and wax critically about it, I am going to give you a list of the reasons why you should see this hilarious piece of teen comedy.
A is for Awesome: 10 Reasons why Easy A is amazing and you should see it immediately
Posted inMusic
The Bend Roots Revival Survival Guide
The Revival Survival Guide
Now in its fifth year, the Bend Roots Revival, the most significant celebration of local and regional music in our area, has gotten even bigger. Previously spread between the Parrilla Grill and the Victorian Café, Bend Roots quickly outgrew that location. With some 100 acts and workshops going down between Friday and Sunday, Bend Roots has now moved to the Century Center (see next page).
Mark Ransom, the local musician who serves as the festival's creative director, says that Bend Roots had outgrown its old spot, but is excited as ever for this year's expanded version of the increasingly community-oriented event. Not only is its venue considerably larger, but Bend Root s continues to stretch the definition of “roots” music, bringing in an even more eclectic lineup with rock bands like The Autonomics (6pm, Saturday, BIGS Stage) and The Dirty Words (6pm, Saturday), but keeping popular local acoustic acts like Moon Mountain Ramblers (8pm, Friday, BIGS stage) and Blackstrap (5:30pm, Sunday, Dave's Garage) high up on the lineup.
Posted inNews
Bend Roots Revival Kicks Off Tonight
You’ll have to wait until tomorrow afternoon to get into the Century Center, but the Bend Roots Revival (about which we’ll be writing/posting video/raving for the next few days on this blog) is kicking into motion tonight. Here’s a link to our full festival preview, which is also a two-page spread in the print edition.
Posted inMusic
Grinderman: Grinderman 2
The thing that gets me every time – be it on a Bad Seeds' album, in his fiction or with Grinderman – is how human Nick Cave is. He is a flawed, soft-fleshed mortal creature, just like the rest of us. His humanity comes out in the way he sings like he's speaking in tongues, repeating a word or a phrase over and over again until he's wrung all the blood and fluids from it. The way he growls and hums lyrics. And the way he talks of the nightmares in his head: of eating inchworms, of swearing off God, of black unicorns, slave dwarves and Steve McQueen.
Posted inNews
A Dishonest and Desperate Move by Democrats
Oregon Republicans are furious with Democrats for accusing them of backing a 30% sales tax – and they've got reason to be mad, because they're not doing anything of the kind.
A mailer sent by Future PAC, the campaign arm of Oregon House Democrats, claims that three GOP House candidates – all in the Portland area – support a 30% sales tax.
Posted inFood & Drink
NW Urban Grill Closes
One of Bend's recently opened restaurants, the NW Urban Grill, has closed. We've received confirmation from a reliable source that after just five months of service, the restaurant has sold to the owner of the Brickhouse in Redmond, which will open a steak and seafood joint in the location.
Posted inFood & Drink
NW Urban Grill Closes
One of Bend's recently opened restaurants, the NW Urban Grill, has closed. We've received confirmation from a reliable source that after just five months of service, the restaurant has sold to the owner of the Brickhouse in Redmond, which will open a steak and seafood joint in the location.
Posted inFood & Drink
Big Easy Eating: Bourbon Street comes to Bend
First, a disclaimer: I have never been to New Orleans. But this hasn't stopped me from developing a far-away love for the food, culture and history of this unique American city. So I was thrilled when Bourbon Street Bend, the New Orleans-style eatery, opened this summer in the old Staccato location on Minnesota Ave.
Posted inOutside
Run Without the Sun: A recap of the weekend's epic trail running events
ON THE RUN
Editor's Note: This is the first installment in a semi-regular column dedicated to running, including events coverage, trail updates, conditioning and general buzz from around Central Oregon's prolific competitive and casual running scene.
A rare wet mid-September weekend brought two great running events to Central Oregon. The Bigfoot 10K, the elder statesman of foot races in Central Oregon, was held on Sunday. Bigfoot is a true community event put on every year by Central Oregon Running Klub. All the proceeds benefit the Bend LaPine High School Cross Country teams. The slightly downhill course offers up fast times and more than 150 high school runners volunteer to build atmosphere by cheering on participants while making sure they're heading in the right direction.
Posted inOutside
More Than Just the McKenzie: Exploring fall colors on the wet side
Ahh, rain and fall colors. Does it get any better than this? I just rode the McKenzie River Trail (MRT) and even when it's raining you stay mostly dry underneath the high canopy of old growth forest that covers this trail. Fall colors are just beginning to show themselves and it only gets better as winter approaches. The MRT is one of those classic rides – very scenic, plenty of challenges for every level of mountain biker and a full day immersed in some spectacularly pristine nature. I liken riding the McKenzie to a biking baptism, as it has a renewing effect.