Tifany LeGuyonne is sitting in a third row of seats of a mostly empty Tower Theater, looking up at an equally blank stage where a few crew members and musicians are hustling around in preparation for that evening's community showcase, which will give the public its first glimpse of LeGuyonne's latest artistic endeavor – a full-scale production of Little Shop of Horrors.
The Diva Plant: Cat Call Productions enters its second year with Little Shop of Horrors
Posted inOutside
A Must-Ride Ride for the Fall Season
The Central Oregon Trail Alliance (COTA) has been at the forefront of developing and maintaining one of the great assets of outdoor recreation around here – the single-track mountain biking trails. There are so many different routes and loops to ride that it boggles the mind, and that is one reason I have yet to write about a certain “must ride” trail or loop – until now. (Another reason is I'm trying to remain true to COTA's mission, which focuses on trail maintenance and stewardship as well as access and education, but does not mention “promoting” the sport of mountain biking. It's a slippery slope – let me assure you.)
Posted inOutside
What's SUP Central Oregon?: The stand-up paddleboarding phenomenon in Bend
Stand-up paddleboarding is the fastest growing water sport in the world and it also has a strong hold over paddling enthusiasts here in Central Oregon. Bend's ties to the sport run deep due to local surf stars like Gerry Lopez, and paddle manufacturers Dave and Meg Chun of Kialoa Paddles.
Posted inCulture
Hackin' and Hewin': Machete's riotous good fun doesn't skimp on the exploitation
Machete's origin stems from a pseudo movie trailer (and one of the highlights) in the B-movie homage Grindhouse, Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino’s' double bill. Machete is a fine gory action thriller about a hit man/ex-cop professional slasher seeking revenge on very bad people. Not only do things start off with an immediate bang and an El Mariachi feel within the first five minutes, but Machete delivers ample badass dudes with big knives, guns, sluts and gore… this is my kind of flick.
Posted inCulture
Don't Judge a Movie by its Poster: The American's minimalist approach leaves more to be desired
They say you can't judge a book by its cover, but we're all guilty of it. What they should probably also say is: You can't judge a movie by its poster, which is exactly what I did before I saw The American, starring George Clooney. On the poster, Clooney is running with a gun in his hand with a stern look of concentration on his face. I was expecting an action-packed, James Bond-esque film, except that Clooney is an assassin instead of a spy. I was mistaken.
Posted inCulture
Le Femme Humpita
Hey!! Why do only women spies get to be called “la femmes” (as in La Femme Nikita)? THAT'S DISCRIMINATION, YO. And yes, I'm aware that “la femme” is French for “hot chick” – making it linguistically impossible for a man to hold this title. HOWEVER! Not only would I be a fairly awesome spy, I think I've got what it takes to also make it as a bonafide “la femme.” BEHOLD THE FOLLOWING FACTS!
Posted inMusic
Folk Goes Eclectic: The ever-expanding scope of the Sisters Folk Festival
“This year's festival has a really bluesy feel to it,” says Sisters Folk Festival artistic director Brad Tisdel of the event's 15th anniversary lineup.
He's right. Sisters Folk has always strayed from pure folk music, but this year's festival, taking place this weekend throughout the city of Sisters, features a lineup that's as eclectic as ever. The fest is headlined by John Hammond, but still features folkies like Ray Wylie Hubbard and a parade of other singer songwriters. In the past few years, Tisdel has focused more and more on exposing fans to new artists who they otherwise might never encounter.
Posted inCulture
Our Picks for 9/8-9/16: TJ Grant, Rise Up Fashion Show & Concert, Sisters Folk Festival, Empty Space Orchestra and more!
TJ Grant
wednesday-sunday 8-12
This front man of Seattle act, If Bears Were Bees, goes solo to show off his super-smart songwriting skills that he couples with an incendiary wit and rapid-fire vocals. He's playing for five days straight in some places you typically wouldn't find music. Wednesday: Boneyard Beer, Thursday: Parrilla Grill, Friday: Bend Brewing Co., Saturday: Rockin' Dave's Bagel Bistro, Sunday: 10 Barrel Brewpub.
Posted inNews
Tilting at Windmills: Renewable energy projects like Newberry geothermal present a quandary for conservationists
With its ample sun for solar, wind for turbines and forest for biomass, Central and Eastern Oregon sit at the intersection of the green energy revolution.
The area's potential for renewable energy has drawn millions of dollars in public and private investments over the last few years. It's big business in the high desert, creating hundreds of jobs and generating millions in lease revenue for landowners and taxes for cash strapped local governments.
Posted inOpinion
The DMV Picks the Wrong Home
Pity the poor Bend office of the Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles. For the past year or so it's led a nomadic existence, wandering around like a lost child.
First the lease expired on its longtime home on Emkay Drive on the Westside. That forced it to move into a building on the north end of Third Street that old-timers will remember as the former Bend Welcome Center.