The English Beat have had a long and storied career since their 1978 debut, when they burst forth on the ska-punk/reggae scene in England. Technically, the band is called The Beat, but in North America they’re known as The English Beat, and in Australia they’re The British Beat. Consisting of Dave Wakeling on vocals and […]
Central Oregon Concerts
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Picks 7/13-7/20
Thursday 14 The California Honeydrops LIVE MUSIC—Playing during the 26th annual Munch and Music series, The California Honeydrops are just as sweet as their name implies. Their sound is a lovely throwback to 1960s and 1970s R&B. Think Smokey Robinson with a dash of Sam Cooke. Catch them while you can because these guys are […]
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Camping and Dancing
July brings more music festivals to Central Oregon
After the rousing success of 4 Peaks Music Festival, the fine people of Central Oregon and its surrounding environs have a few more multi-day music shows to look forward to. In fact, two festivals are slated for the next two weekends. Powell Butte will host the 9th Annual Crawfest Music Festival July 15-17, and La […]
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Behind the Mask
The legend of Buckethead lives on
Writing a story about Buckethead is like trying to do an expose on the Loch Ness Monster or Bigfoot. People know Buckethead exists and that he has a real name, but he hasn’t done an interview in a decade and doesn't talk to many people in general. I knew a phone or Skype interview would […]
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Park Parties
Munch and Music returns for its 26th season
Munch and Music is like that relative you only visit for a few days out of the year, but don’t realize how much you miss until you know they’re gone for a while. The weekly summer event has become a Bend institution in the 26 years it has been going with carefully curated bands, food, […]
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Kicked It in the Sun
Built to Spill avoids the time trap
If you’re looking for impartiality, you won’t find it in this article, because Built to Spill is one of my favorite bands of all time. I’m biased. I was 20 the first time I heard “Perfect From Now On,” the band’s 1997 album. It helped me through many dark days, exposed me to what a […]
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Ladies Night
k.d. lang, Neko Case and Laura Veirs
What happens when three of the most incredibly talented women in songwriting combine goals and dreams to create an album together? A self-titled album called “Case/Lang/Veirs.” It all started with an email sent years ago from k.d. lang to Neko Case and Laura Veirs, suggesting that the three make an album together. The successful, soulful […]
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Mt. Bachelor Riverhouse Jazz
Putting Bend on the music lover’s map
With Mt. Bachelor and Smith Rock just a short drive a way—and an excess of lakes, hiking trails, and high desert forest areas to explore—Bend is a dream come true for the active, athletic, and outdoorsy. While nature enthusiasts flock to the area from all over the U.S. for camping, climbing, and skiing, Bend has […]
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Picks 6/22-6/29
Wednesday 22–Saturday 26 Outside Games GREAT OUTDOORS—Subaru of Bend is putting on an event that couldn’t be more Bend if it tried. This five-day fiesta with food and music will be held in varying parts of town, from Riverbend Park to the Deschutes River. You can run, jump, play, or swim with a group, by […]
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Never the Same Show Twice
Widespread Panic keeps innovation alive
I’ve never seen Widespread Panic live, but apparently that’s the only way to really experience what they’ve got going on. Like Phish or the Grateful Dead, Widespread Panic’s music is more complex than the average jam band and the sound is just as playful and digressive. According to guitarist/singer John Bell, they never play the […]