Picks

The Ascetic Junkies, Chris Beland
friday 2
We could go on and on about all the diverse styles The Ascetic Junkies blend together to create their signature sweet-and-saucy indie-folk rock, but you need to see this band for yourself. The Portland act goes from a sweet bluegrass-tinged number seasoned with the vocals of husband-and-wife tag team Kali Giaritta and Matt Harmon to raging indie rock song in no time. Give a listen to their excellent This Cage Has No Bottom and you'll be ready for this sure-to-be-rad show. Local songwriter Chris Beland. $7 at bendticket.com, $10 door. 9pm. Silver Moon Brewing Co., 24 NW Greenwood Ave.
First Friday
friday 2
Looking for a way to kick-off your Friday night? First Friday art walk is always a good call. Whether you're a true art collector/connoisseur, casual admirer, or are just out for the people watching, free apps, wine, and music, art walk's offerings are many. From Sheri McGovern's knitted goods at Amalia's, to the blues and fine art at Velvet, to the “wine samples” found at just about every participating downtown retailer, First Friday art walk truly has something for damn near everyone. 6pm. Free. Downtown Bend.

I Like Pie, NeighborImpact Benefit Run
thursday 24
Last week, we told you about one Thanksgiving Day race, the Turkey Trot (9 a.m., Old Mill District), but there's another pre-feast race you can complete before guiltlessly indulging in pie. This friendly, untimed race asks that you bring a pie for the masses, and you can win an award if your creation is one of the top three. The run (get your mind off the pie for a second) benefits NeighborImpact and has 2K, 5K and 10K options on the First Street river trail. $5 and five cans of food entry fee. Meet at Riverfront Plaza behind Footzone. 9am.

Wild Horse, Wild Ride
thursday 17
If you didn't make it to BendFilm, you might not know about a great a documentary called Wild Horse, Wild Ride, which took home the Audience Award at this year's festival. The stunning documentary shares the story of a handful of unforgettable characters as they set out on a 100-day quest to tame a wild mustang. Following the screening, the directors of the film, Alex Dawson and Greg Gricus, will be answering questions via Skype. $12 at towertheatre.org. 7pm. Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St.
Last Comic Standing Finals
friday 18
After three weeks of preliminary rounds and semifinals, Central Oregon's Last Comic Standing has reached its final round. Here's a list of the six comics who have made it all the way to the end: Tim Finley, Stan Whitton, Jason Silveus, Chelsea Woodmansee, Alex Rios and Samantha Albert. Each of them will be hitting the stage with the hope of winning $5,000 in prizes. If you know these people, you best show up and vote for them – it's completely decided by audience vote. Also on the bill is professional comic Johnny Loquasto, who will be warming up the crowd with his touring hilarity. 21 and over. $15 at bendticket.com. 8pm. Old Stone Church, 157 NW Franklin Ave.

Collie Buddz
wednesday 9
This reggae/hip-hop innovator from Bermuda is often called a “singjay” for his ability to not just spit rhymes, but to do so melodically and awesomely. This full-fledged party of a neo-reggae will be a good chance to see one of the biggest up and comers in the genre in a cozy yet festive setting at the Domino Room.

The Nature of Words
wednesday 2 – sunday 6
If you flip to the Culture section of the paper this week, you can read our interview with famed memoirist, Augusten Burroughs, who is appearing at The Nature of Words this week to teach a workshop (sorry, it's sold out) and also deliver the key note address on Saturday night (not sold out as of press time). Also appearing at the festival are Heidi Durrow, Keith Scribner, Buddy Wakefield, William Kittredge and a bevy of other impressive writers. See a complete schedule and buy tickets at thenatureofwords.org.
Gardens, Rural Demons
thursday 3
A few things about Gardens: 1) They sound nothing like their botanical band name, 2) They are from Detroit, 3) They play a perfectly garage-y blend of throwback punk and a surf guitar, oh and 4) This stuff gets pretty trippy on occasion. Add those four things together and you've got a good reason to be over at the Horned Hand on Thursday night for this show. And 5) Local Americana rebels Rural Demons open the show. $2-5 suggested donation. 8pm. The Horned Hand, 507 NW Colorado Ave.

Stephanie Schneiderman
thursday 27
You might know her as a member of the band Dirty Martini, but Stephanie Schneiderman is also an amazing solo performer. This free show will showcase the gorgeous songstress at her best. Go check it out. Free. All ages. 7pm. McMenamins Old St. Francis School, 700 NW Bond St.
Miles Davis Experience
thursday 27
We have a story this week about the Oxford's jazz series, so if you want to get in the jazzy spirit before those shows begin, take some time to hear the music of one of the genre's greatest performers, Miles Davis. This multi-media performance features the music of Ambrose Akinmusire, who leads a presentation that includes photos, film clips, beat poetry and live performances by trumpet phenomenon Ambrose Akinmusire. Go ahead and check out videos of this performance. It looks incredible. $30 at towertheatre.org. 7:30pm. Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St.

SPL with Harry Champagne and DJ Swett
friday 21
Who is Central Oregon's most world-renown musician? The Dirtball or perhaps the men of Larry and His Flask? Close, but we're going to say that Bend's own SPL (real name: Sam Pool) is likely the most known entity out there, thanks to the DJ's contributions to the dub step and dub hop genres. In fact, he recently got a little shout out in Spin for his efforts! Now, he's coming to town, along with Harry Champagne and DJ Swett to remind us how to party. 21 and over. $5 at brownpapertickets.com/event or $7 at the door. 10pm. Astro Lounge, 939 NW Bond St.
Violin vs. Vinyl with Jay Tablet
friday 21
This crafty Canadian outfit combines the violin work of master player Kytami and the turntable techniques of The Phonograff with the hip-hop verses of Mista Chatman to create one of the most unique party acts you're likely to see. This show also features local MC and producer Jay Tablet, who will be hosting this sure-to-be-raging show. 18 and over. 9pm. Innovation Theatre Works, 1155 SW Division St.

Emma Hill
thursday 13
Whether she's with her band, The Gentlemen Callers, or playing with only pedal steel guitar accompaniment, as she is at this free show, Emma Hill never seems to disappoint us here in Bend. Originally from Alaska, but now living in Portland, Hill sews together emotionally charged Americana tunes that go excellently with her silky voice. 7pm. McMenamins Old St. Francis School, 700 NW Bond St.

SpeakNOW
wednesday 5
Are you a youngster with some serious poetic chops? If so, head down to the Poethouse and enter yourself in The Nature of Words first SpeakNow event, a spoken word competition for all high school aged students in the region. If you win, there are cash prizes and recognition to be had. Registration at 6:30 p.m. For more info contact programs@thenatureofwords.org. 7pm Wednesday, Oct 5. Poethouse Art, 55 NW Minnesota Ave.

Bendfilm Festival
thursday-sunday 6-8
We've got a big ol' preview of the eighth-annual BendFilm in the Culture section and learn about all the independent movies you can check out around town this weekend. Venues include the Oxford Hotel, McMenamins, Regal Old Mill and the Tower Theatre. Tickets are available at the festival hub at the Liberty Theatre downtown.

6th Annual Bend Roots Revival
thursday-sunday 22-25
Bend Roots, the free community music festival, is finally here, which signals the end of summer, but one of the best parties of the year. This time around, there are 100 bands booked for three days at the Century Center, but on Thursday night head down to the Victorian Café and get things started early with a performance by Grateful Dead tribute act Rising Tide. See the big festival guide in the Sound section. Thursday, Victorian Café (14th and Galveston), Friday-Sunday, Century Center, 70 SW Century Dr.
Bend Oktoberfest
friday-saturday 23-24
Like German stuff? Bavarian, actually. Let's be precise. What's not to like about brats, wiener-dog races and high-gravity beers like the Marzen? The original Oktoberfest started in late September and ran through the first Sunday in October, which must be why we celebrate Oktoberfest in the month of September. This one is only two days long, but promises games, food, spirits and fun for all. Free entry, too, and conveniently located in downtown Bend. 5-10pm, Friday. Noon-10pm, Saturday.