Picks

thursday 22 Plow United ROCK—Legendary punk rockers Plow United toured the backwater clubs of America from 1992 to 1998. The band broke up, then inadvertently cultivated a mysterious buzz that spurred a reunion more than a decade later. Tuck and Roll and No Cash Value open. 9 pm. Astro Lounge, 939 NW Bond St. $5. […]

wednesday 14 What’s Brewing? PRESENTATION—What’s up in Salem? Get the conservative perspective from Sen. Tim Knopp and Rep. Jason Conger. To recap: Knopp enjoyed some measure of success this legislative session (see: “Jenna’s Law”); Conger, however, earned two F’s and a B from us in our recent legislative report card. Grab a pint and some […]

friday 9 Scotch & Cigar Dinner SIP & PUFF—The event’s title leaves out the smorgasbord of food—bacon-wrapped scallops, smoked salmon and lamb chops. But six top-shelf aged scotches, coupled with fine cigars, are the drivers of this event. Don’t be surprised if the ghost of Hemingway shows up. 7 pm. McMenamins Old St. Francis School, […]

wed 31 and sat 3 Cheap Trick and Kansas ROCK—The rambunctious Cheap Trick, performing Wednesday, is just a warmup for Kansas (Saturday), whose graying members each have one foot in the grave. But the Americana revival makes the group surprisingly relevant again! And, yes, we all are dust in the wind. You can pick up […]

wednesday 24 Alive After Five MUSIC—Check out the feature (pg. 8) for more on the relevancy of free shows in Bend. Then, get out and see one. LeRoy Bell of LeRoy Bell and His Only Friends (all two of them) has written soft-rock billboard-topping hits for luminaries like Elton John. Sounds like: a less douchey […]

wednesday 17 Point Break SWAYZE SUMMER—Kathryn Bigelow’s action/surf/adventure film Point Break is, obviously, one of the greatest movies of all time. Catch the 1991 classic, starring Keanu Reeves, Gary Busey and, of course, Patrick Swayze, with his golden locks and glistening pectorals, FOR FREE, while sipping a cold one. “You know I can’t handle a […]

friday 12 Pink Martini OUTDOOR MUSIC—Most surprising about Pink Martini is how wholesome it is, a 21st century, postmodern version of the Carter Family (and/or Liberace). Borrowing from show tunes, Von Trapp classics and sparkly ditties, the music is highly proficient yet easily consumed, as effervescent as a flute of champagne. 6:30 pm. Les Schwab […]

thursday 4 Fourth of July (Day) FREEDOM—We can’t say when or where Thursday’s Freedom Ride will start, but we can say it’s one of the biggest, most important community events of the year. Celebrate freedom, America, bikes, cats—whatever—just let it ring, while riding around town with thousands of other freedom lovers. Also, don’t miss the […]

thursday 27 Presidents of the United States of America POP-PUNK—While “Peaches” and “Lump” (FUN FACT: videos for both songs were directed by Roman Coppola) make up the best-known entries in the sugarcoated grunge rockers’ catalog, the Presidents' repertoire spans six full-length albums. In the band's two-decade run, PUSA has performed for Bill Clinton, John Kerry […]

thursday 20 Fermentation Celebration BEER—A beer walk that includes samples from EVERY SINGLE CENTRAL OREGON BREWERY, as well as live music by Truck Stop Gravy and Cody Beebe and the Crooks. With 20 breweries in the area, participating in the celebration seems like the least we can do. 5-10 pm. Old Mill District, 520 Southwest […]