The time has arrived for the 97th annual Academy Awards, and you have more options than ever to watch them. You can either tune into your local ABC affiliate, stream it live on Hulu or YouTube TV or you can attend the BendFilm Gala and Watch Party (which starts at 3:30pm at the Unitarian church) […]
Home Feature
Posted inMusic
Central Oregon’s Bluegrass Scene Unites
With eight bands, workshops and an open jam session, The Bluegrass Bend-r showcases the region’s best at the Volcanic
Austin Quattlebaum plays what he calls “weird-grass. More accurately, it’s probably indie folk with a bluegrass edge,” he explains. He’s been performing in Bend for over a decade — often with James Rossi on fiddle, Josiah Payne on mandolin and Mark Karwan on bass — and always had the desire to create a local bluegrass […]
Posted inOutside
Snow, Sparkles and Celebration: Winter PrideFest Returns
Winter PrideFest offers a weekend of dancing, connection and outdoor adventure in the heart of Central Oregon
Snow, sequins and celebration: Winter PrideFest is back, and bigger and bolder than ever. Since 2018, OUT Central Oregon has hosted the vibrant festival to honor Pride, inclusivity and a shared love of the outdoors. From March 6-9, the festival transforms Central Oregon into a winter wonderland of LGBTQ+ joy, featuring skiing, dancing, snowshoeing, comedy […]
Posted inNews
A Community Call for Action on Wildfire Hazard Maps
Local leaders voice opposition to statewide wildfire hazard maps, citing community frustrations
On Feb. 12, Deschutes County Commissioners had a focused discussion on concerns regarding the state’s recently finalized wildfire hazard map and how residents feel impacted by its designations. Commissioner Patti Adair voiced her opposition to the map at the meeting, citing concerns that the maps are decreasing homeowners’ property values and lowering resale values. This […]
Posted inNews
Parks Board Re-Evaluates the Reality of a Southern Pedestrian Bridge
Bend Park and Recreation Board renews its interest in a proposed — and controversial — bike and pedestrian bridge on the south end of Bend
The Bend Park and Recreation Board on Feb. 18 unanimously voted in favor of further exploring the feasibility of a highly supported bike and pedestrian bridge crossing the Deschutes River, near Bend’s southern urban growth boundary. The decision puts a plan in motion to examine the viability of a trail connection that aims to close […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Kefi Fast Fresh Mediterranean Celebrates Five Years in Bend
Family-owned Greek restaurant marks its anniversary with special deals and a celebration of its community
As its name says, Kefi Fast Fresh Mediterranean is known for its quick, fresh Mediterranean cuisine. The family-owned restaurant in Bend is marking a major milestone this month — its five-year anniversary — and will celebrate with a weekend of deals, including bowls and wraps for just $11 (the same price as when it first […]
Posted inOutside
What You’ll Find at Lake Abert
Familiarize yourself with this abundant high desert ecosystem
Brisk air and dark shadows cast over the lake while the sun makes its daily journey up Abert Rim. Western meadowlarks sing and distant chukar calls echo through the air. Coyotes stride across dry lakebed and juvenile birds drink from fresh water streams while a northern harrier glides above. An entire ecosystem rises for another […]
Posted inMusic
Rockabilly Road Warrior
Perennial rocker and revivalist The Reverend Horton Heat returns to Bend on Feb. 26
When it comes to exploring the 1950s roots of rock ‘n’ roll, you can do a lot worse than to delve into the catalog of The Reverend Horton Heat. Singer and guitarist Jim “the Rev” Heath has been preaching the gospel of that era of music via a slew of albums of original material released […]
Posted inNews
Central Oregon Reacts to Trump’s Sweeping Changes
From canceling DEI initiatives to rolling back protections for immigrants and narrowing the official definition of gender, the president’s early actions are changing life for many in the region
Following President Donald Trump’s inauguration, the administration has moved quickly to overturn, dismantle and freeze national programs and government agencies. While many of those executive orders and proclamations are being challenged in the courts and by political opposition, the force of the changes over the last few weeks is already being felt at the local […]
Posted inNews
The Women’s Issue
Conversations with local leaders on finding strength, hope and power to face the challenges ahead
In conversation with Nicole Vulcan There’s a quote by Audre Lorde I keep coming back to: The words and poetry of Lorde, a self-described “Black, lesbian, mother, warrior, poet” are some of the spiritual foods I consume in times that require strength and hope and power — like the times many of my fellow Americans, […]
