From August 10-20, 2026, Sunriver Music Festival presents its 49th season in two spectacular, historic Central Oregon venues—the Sunriver Resort Great Hall and the Tower Theatre in downtown Bend. Performances feature world-class orchestra musicians and renowned soloists, led by Artistic Director & Conductor Brett Mitchell. This summer’s concert series includes a celebration of American orchestral music as part of the nationwide commemoration of the country’s 250th Anniversary. Page 2Sunriver Music Festival Announces 49th Summer Concert […]
Sunriver Music Festival Announces 49th Summer Concert Series
Posted inBusiness News
Mortgage Rates in Historical Perspective
With mortgage rates recently dipping slightly below 6%, many buyers are asking the same question: is that actually a good rate? The answer depends entirely on perspective. Compared to just a few years ago, anything above 5% can feel high. But historically speaking, today’s rates are far more reasonable than many headlines — and group […]
Posted inFilm
Sahasi Chori (Brave Girl) Puts a Human Face on Trafficking
For the last few years, I’ve been the lead shorts programmer for the Bend Film Festival, which has involved me watching hundreds and hundreds of short films over several months of submissions. One thing I’ve learned in that time is that it’s easy to tell when you’re watching a terrible one, but when you discover […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Sip Happens at Minnie’s
On any given evening in downtown Bend, the sidewalks along Wall and Bond Streets hum with the usual mix of après ski glow, Patagonia puffers and the anticipatory buzz of dinner reservations. But inside the newly opened The Westman is a softer scene. One that invites you to sink in, warm up and linger over […]
Posted inColumns
Two Heroes
When they tell you “You can’t go on that path, it is beyond you!” —grab that path as your destiny. ~Likutei Sichot Hero #1 Just recently I met a woman, Julie Lorenzen, at the Larkspur Community Center where I do my morning workouts. The Center has become more of a holy sanctuary to me than […]
Posted inBusiness News
Jazz Show Brings Contemporary Big Band Sound; Cascade Chorale Performs ‘Sounds of Nature’
Featuring the music of jazz composer Tom Kubis, Central Oregon Community College’s Big Band Jazz group is performing its winter concert at 7 p.m. on Friday, March 6, in Wille Hall on the Bend campus. The performance is free, though donations are appreciated. Visit centraloregonjazz.org to learn more. Kubis’ musical arrangements define the contemporary big band sound and […]
Posted inBusiness News
Seed to Table Offers Adult Garden Education Workshop Series
Beginning in March, Seed to Table Field Manager, Vivian Toll will teach six, two-hour workshops designed to guide participants through a full growing season. Classes will include soil health, farm ecosystems, plant care and the growing process. “I get questions all the time about what kind of compost we use and how to plan for […]
Posted inBusiness News
St. Charles Adds Access to Healthy, Affordable Foods as Priority
Many Central Oregonians struggle to access affordable healthy food and that need is increasing, according to results from the 2025 Community Healthy Needs Assessment recently produced by St. Charles Health System. The survey showed 24% of Central Oregonians said better access to affordable healthy food is the factor that would most improve their overall quality of life, […]
Posted inBusiness News
Downtown Bend Mural Call for Artists
Downtown Bend is seeking a talented artist (or artist team) to create a large-scale public mural on the side of Lift Fitness Studio at 514 NW Franklin Ave. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute a bold, visually compelling piece of public art that reflects the heart and spirit of our community. 📍 Project Details: We […]
Posted inBusiness News
Saints Gala Raises Record $675K for St. Charles Foundation
St. Charles annual Saints Gala co-sponsored by Genentech and CORA was a resounding success on Saturday night, bringing in a record-setting $675,000 for St. Charles Foundation. This year’s special appeal focused on emergency services and the Emergency Department at St. Charles Bend. “This year’s gala was inspiring and heartwarming as more than 500 attendees came […]