A real mainstay of the Bend music scene, the free Summer Sunday Concerts at Les Schwab Amphitheater, offer something for just about everyone. Regardless of socio-economic status, Bend music lovers can access some of the finest shows of the year at these free concerts, providing an opportunity for small and mid-sized bands to get in […]
Les Schwab Amphitheater
Posted inMusic
Alabama Shakes’ Drummer Steve Johnson & ‘Sound & Color’
Sold out show in Bend kicks off summer music season
Alabama Shakes’ current album, “Sound & Color,” is one of the boldest second albums in recent years, taking the fairly straightforward (but stirring) blues and soul-rooted rock of the group’s 2012 debut, “Boys & Girls,” and turning it on its ear with a host of stylistic twists and an adventurous approach to the music. Some […]
Posted inSpecial Issues & Guides
Big Outdoor Shows Coming to Bend
One of the most exciting things about living in Bend are the summer concerts. Some years might be better than others, but there are always at least a handful of bands to really look forward to. Bend promoters have always found interesting indie bands to book, but the summer is really when the giant acts […]
Posted inSpecial Issues & Guides
Summer Music Guide 2016
Music under the stars
Summer music, could two words sound lovelier together? Live music under a deep blue sky on a warm starry night could very well be one of the best things in life. In the 2016 Summer Music Guide, we’ve included Central Oregon’s outdoor music events and a few more within driving distance. From Memorial Day weekend […]
Posted inNews
Oregon Adaptive Sports Athletes Race Pole Pedal Paddle
The 40th annual PPP expects 3,000 competitors
The annual Pole, Pedal, Paddle is a part of Bend’s outdoor DNA. Organized by the Mt. Bachelor Sports Education Foundation, this year’s multi-sport event—the 40th annual—will take place on Saturday, May 21. Last year the number of participants was down from previous years because of a lack of snow, resulting in a shortened Nordic event. […]
Posted inNews
Lineup Announced for Free Summer Sundays Concert Series at LSA
BEND, OR—Central Oregon locals and visitors are invited to dance their Sundays away at the 2016 Bend Memorial Clinic (BMC) Free Summer Sunday Concert Series. These annual Sunday afternoon concerts at the Les Schwab Amphitheater, which start on June 5, have become a staple of summer in Bend. With musical styles ranging from hip hop […]
Posted inCulture
Mandatory Puns
Weird Al drops his word crimes all over Bend
Weird Al Yankovic introduced me to music. I heard “Yoda” before I ever heard The Kinks’ “Lola” and “I Love Rocky Road” was a part of my consciousness long before Joan Jett and The Blackhearts’ “I Love Rock and Roll.” I doubt I’m alone—and perhaps his current surge of success is due to an emerging […]
Posted inMusic
Is That a Weissenborn?
Ben Harper still rocks while sitting down
Ben Harper is one of those one-man-bands you have to see in person to believe. From the regular guitar to the Weissenborn slide guitar, he can carry a tune on just about any guitar that can carry a tune, among other instruments. But he doesn’t just fly solo, the singer/songwriter recently reunited with his former […]
Posted inMusic
Michael Franti Rises Up, Again
Drawing inspiration and positivity from a family crisis
For over 20 years, Michael Franti & Spearhead have used an infectious blend of reggae, hip-hop, and rock as a platform for spreading uplifting messages of community and social justice. Of course, it’s easy to radiate positivity and maintain an optimistic worldview when you’re a wildly successful international rock star. But Franti’s resilience to adversity […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Bend Brewfest: The Cheat Sheet
Grab your tokens and try these beers first
Ladies and gentlemen, get your livers ready. Run a couple extra laps around the block. Invest in a good water bottle. Maybe some pretzel necklaces, too. It’s gonna be a long weekend. Bend Brewfest is back, kicking off at noon sharp on Thursday and running (or staggering, depending on how much you indulge) all the […]