Thursday 25 Metal Mulisha Rocks Redmond MOTORCYCLES—The Metal Mulisha people have been behind some of the most entertaining riding exhibitions of the last few years. Their clothing line bears a bit too much of a resemblance to the symbols and iconography of the Schutzstaffel (SS), but they mostly just ride motorcycles around and act extreme. […]
Les Schwab Amphitheater
Festivals of All Kinds
The paddleboard’s been paddled, the lake swum in, the trail hiked, an unduly large number of food-stall dumplings consumed; now it’s time to cap off the summer with some beer. Summer is always a busy time for craft enthusiasts, but over the years, Bendites have seen the second half of August turn into an unofficial […]
Picks 8/10-8/17
Thursday 11 – Thursday 18 Sunriver Music Festival CLASSICAL MUSIC FESTIVAL—The Sunriver Music Festival isn’t just a series of classical music performances; it’s also an educational experience. Adam del Monte will offer a workshop for intermediate and advanced guitarists and William Wolfram will teach a piano masterclass for advanced students. Not many festivals combine education […]
In It Together
Michael Franti has a discography that numbers nine studio albums with his current band, Spearhead, as well as one album with his first group, the Beatnigs, and a pair of titles with the influential group that preceded his solo career, the Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy. But he’s never had a recording experience quite like the […]
Never the Same Show Twice
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 […]
Ben Harper Returns to Les Schwab Amphitheater
It took seven years for Ben Harper to reunite with the Innocent Criminals, and he says in making โCall It What It Is,โ his new album with his long-time band, there was a fundamental change in the dynamic. More than ever, billing โCall It What It Isโ as a Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals […]
Slightly Spectacular
The band Slightly Stoopid has been around for literally decades. Their creative sound is an energetic fusion of reggae, punk, hip-hop, folk, jazz and whatever else they feel like bringing to the mix. Often compared to the legendary group Sublime, this Southern California-born band has made a name for itself across the globe and will […]
Les Schwab Amphitheater Institutes New Sustainable Initiative for All Concerts
Bend, Oregon โ Just in time for concert season, Les Schwab Amphitheater is launching its new โTake Note Initiativeโ starting with its season opener, the Alabama Shakes concert, on Friday, May 27. The new sustainability initiative is designed to reduce waste and make the amphitheater a more environmentally friendly venue. Take Note Initiative elements include: […]
Afro/Cuban Explosion
Tiempo Libre means “free time” in Spanish, a phrase that perfectly describes the feel and themes of this Miami-based Afro-Cuban band. Tiempo Libre’s music feels like a summer Saturday afternoon when the worries of the week are left behind and it’s time to relax and enjoy life. Making their shows feel more like a yard […]
Picks 6/1-6/8
Friday 3 Disco Ball Benefit Fundraiser PARTY FEVER—The Down Syndrome Connection of Central Oregon’s Program is raising money in the best way possible, with a funky disco party! There will be food, music and drinks to keep you going! Dress to impress and you might win their Best Dressed contest. 7-11 p.m., The Pine Shed, […]

