Before we get into the review proper, I thought I would state the obvious. All criticism is subjective. Just because I think one of the best films of the year so far is a flick about a sausage trying to have sex, find God and dose humanity with bath salts doesn’t mean everyone else will […]
Bend Oregon News
Posted inFood & Drink
Love Your Farmer
There’s still time for the last of the CROP farmers markets this season
Do you know where your food comes from? Do you know your farmers practices? Do you want to? Knowing where your food is grown and processed is an important part of healthy living. Last year the Crook County Small Farm Alliance received a USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant intended to promote farms that market directly […]
Posted inFood & Drink
The Elusive Oktoberfest Beer
Put down the IPA for a sec and enjoy the season
Oktoberfest, the weeks-long Bavarian beer festival and fun fair that is to Germany what apple pie is to the USA, kicks off in Munich Sept. 17. Bend’s own downtown Oktoberfest, somewhat smaller-sized but no less ribald and fun, takes place on the 16th and 17th. The main difference between the two: Germans will drink Märzen […]
Posted inCulture
Mysterious Bikelane Art
Been wondering about the artistic stencils on Riverfront Boulevard? Us, too. All we know is, it’s not the city.
Bikers, walkers and other active commuters may have noticed the varied road stencils marking bike lanes in Bend. Some of those stencils feature cyclists with a funky hat or other accoutrements. Most of the stencils are funded by the City of Bend’s street department Right of Way—that is, except the ones marking Riverfront Boulevard. When […]
Posted inCulture
Art on the Walls
High Desert Mural Festival aims to change the rules to allow more street art
If you make it beautiful, they will come. That’s what Douglas Robertson, founder of the High Desert Mural Festival (HDMF), believes. Unfortunately, a quirk in the wording of the Oregon Constitution is restricting where the event can display its art—a hurdle Robertson is hopeful will soon be overcome. An accomplished artist with over 25 years […]
Posted inCulture
Broadway Revisited
Shore Thing Productions presents “A Chorus Line”
Though it debuted more than 40 years ago, “A Chorus Line” remains both entertaining and relevant to today’s theater-goers. Given the increasingly competitive job market—with application processes that often feel like Broadway tryouts—Shore Thing Productions’ take on the award-winning musical aims to resonate with modern-day audiences. Broadway veteran Michael Heaton, who was just getting his […]
Posted inNews
Fixing Our Schools
The Oregon PTA calls for the State to address billions in overdue repairs—but where’s the money coming from?
When Bend teacher Travis Overley was a student teacher at Bend High School, teaching in front of a class of more than 40 students was common. At Bend High, however—one of the oldest buildings in the Bend-La Pine School District—Overley says it wasn’t just the size of the classes that stood out. “Kids are sitting […]
Posted inCulture
BendFilm Announces 2016 Films
BendFilm has finally announced its opening night film, as well as the entire slate of feature films for the 13th annual festival, taking place Oct. 6-9. This year promises to be filled with films that not only challenge and educate, but also entertain. All told, there are 10 narratives, 10 documentaries and 68 shorts. The […]
Posted inCulture
That Dream-Like Feel
Friends who play together, display together
“Whenever we show a new artist, it changes the whole feel of the space,” explained Katie Clabough, art curator at Nancy P’s Bakery. Today, that “feel” is pretty dream-like. Nationally-known artist Denise Kester’s art is displayed there right now, alongside local artist Mare Schelz. Both artists have been friends for 30 years. They say their […]
Posted inNews
Stigma Follows those Convicted of Cannabis Crimes, but New Laws Offer Some Hope
People who have been convicted of cannabis-related crimes live their lives with the proverbial scarlet letter sewn onto their shirts. To say these folks face difficulty in doing things many people take for granted is an understatement. Most people convicted of cannabis crimes cannot get a car or home loan, or often the kind of […]
