Picks

The Staxx Brothers
wednesday 2
Seattle's funky, funky rockers, The Staxx Brothers are returning to Bend, and this time the show is totally free. The Staxx Bros mix funk and hip-hop with a thriving funk sound to keep the party rocking and chances are we'll hear a few songs off the band's forthcoming album, Jungle Cat. And did we mention there are about 47 people in this band? OK, more like seven, but it looks like 47 when they're all up on stage funking out all at once. 7pm. McMenamins Old St. Francis School, 700 NW Bond St.

Hilst & Coffey
thursday 24
Hit up this week's Sound section for the story of unlikely songwriter Tim Coffey and his excellent new CD, the release of which he's celebrating at this free show. 7pm. McMenamins Old St. Francis School, 700 NW Bond St.
PUSH Skate Deck Auction
friday 25
One of the coolest community-driven projects in Bend has been the Division Street Skatepark Project, which has been slowly working toward realizing its goal of a high-end skatepark under Highway 97 at Division Street for nearly three years now. This auction, back for another year, features custom-painted skate decks by more than 50 local and regional artists that are auctioned off to benefit the skatepark. In addition to the decks, you'll also hear some music, and enjoy drinks and snacks. 6pm Old Boomtown location, 910 NW Harriman St.

Y La Bamba
wednesday 16
One of the bloggers over on our brand-cranking-new Bent blog has been raving about this show for a while now and we have to agree, this is a really excellent band. Cramming seven members onto the stage, this Portland act manages to weave a few Mexican influences and numbers into its incredibly smooth indie folk sound. Think of a slightly spicier Blind Pilot and you've got this band. Free. 7pm. McMenamins Old St. Francis School

Ignite Bend 6
wednesday 9
Believe it or not, this is the sixth installment of Bend's take on the world-popular Ignite events, which place a presenter on the stage for five minutes, armed only with a microphone and a Power Point presentation of their choosing. Bend is just one of 50-plus Ignite events taking place across the world this week – so we're not the only ones who like this sort of thing. 7pm. Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St.

Vintage Ski Night
Friday 28
Ever wonder how many neon snowsuits you can fit in a bar? Well, you'll find the answer to that very query on Friday night at the Mountain's Edge Bar's Vintage Ski Night, featuring several hours of ski movies from the days of yore. Costumes are encouraged and will be rewarded with prizes, so dig out all your 1991 gear and get down there for this benefit for the Environmental Center. $5. 7pm-9pm Friday, Jan 28. Mountain's Edge Bar, 61131 S Hwy 97.

Mickey Avalon
friday 21
This glam rapper is super, super raunchy – and is actually quite hilarious, whether intentionally or unintentionally – and you can learn about the man behind the potty jokes in this week's Sound section. $20/adv at Bendticket.com, $25/door. All ages. 9pm. Domino Room, 51 NW Greenwood Ave.

The Beat Generation
wednesday 12
Do you want to learn more about Ginsberg, Kerouac and all the other prominent figures of the artistic movement known as the “Beat Generation?” Well, if you don't, you should check out this presentation by COCC Professor Steven Bidlake. Black turtlenecks not provided. 6:30pm Wednesday, Jan 12. Bend Public Library, 601 NW Wall St.

Empty Space Orchestra Winter Residency From Outer Space
friday 7
One of Bend's favorite live acts, the instrumental rocking psychedelic jazzsters of Empty Space Orchestra will be playing the Silver Moon for four different nights this week, beginning with this show featuring opening act The Dela Project. $5/adv at bendticket.com. $7/door. $15/adv for all four shows. 9pm. Silver Moon Brewing Co.
Midtown Budo Fights
saturday 8
The newest arrival on Central Oregon's mixed martial arts scene, Budo Fights presents its third card this Saturday night at the Midtown Ballroom. The event has 13 bouts slated for the evening, including three title fights and three female bouts. Six of the matches feature Central Oregon fighters. Newport Market is sponsoring a canned food drive at the event and any spectator who brings a non-perishable items gets $1 off at the gate. Kids under 10 years old admitted free with an adult. Doors, 6pm, fights 7pm. Midtown Ballroom, 51 NW Greenwood Ave. All ages. $20/advance, $25/day of show. Tickets at Budofights.com., Summit Saloon, Roller Doll Roller Skates.

A Guide to New Year's Eve
at Old St. Francis School
We've said it several times, but McMenamins has long been the go-to spot for most celebratory holidays, including New Year's Eve. You can go big and purchase a lodging package, which will get you in to see Moon Mountain Ramblers, but everyone can join in on Jukebot's rock and roll dance party in the Father Luke's room for free. 9pm. 21 and over. McMenamins Old St. Francis School, 700 NW Bond St.

The Pitchfork Revolution
thursday 23
We know some Bendites have string-fever and what better way to entertain your visiting family who's trickling into town for the holidays than with some electro-acoustic experimental Americana-grass from The Pitchfork Revolution, a band that includes Jayson Bowerman, the guitar maker we featured in last week's issue. The local band's music includes the stringed sounds of the mandolin, banjo, plus the good ol' guitar and bass. Their song “Budz and Gunz” includes this line, which could sum up why we all love Oregon: “We chose to live here in Oregon because we like the mountains and the ocean.” Raise a pint glass and get down with some awesome bluegrass. $5. 9pm. Silver Moon Brewing Co., 24 NW Greenwood Ave.