Picks

Too Short
thursday 23
No matter how you feel about this particular genre, we must reiterate the fact that a rap music legend is coming to Bend. His name, you ask? Too Short, the dude who pretty much invented the pimp image that so many other hip-hop artists have emulated over the years, including Snoop Dogg. This ain't his first rodeo in these parts either, he played here in 2004 and 2007. Also on the bill are Mistah Fab, Tha Jacka, Kenny Mack, Top Shelf, Mikey Vegaz, Double 00 & Koshir. Hosted By DJ Fatboy. All ages. 8pm. $24/adv, $29/door. Midtown Ballroom, 51 NW Greenwood Ave.
Bend Roots Fundraiser
thursday 23
Help raise money for this year's Bend Roots Revival. See the Liner Notes column for more info. 7:30pm. Tulen Center, 20 NW Greenwood Ave. $10 donation.

Taarka

thursday 16

The folk-powered world music machine known as Taarka is back in town once again, this time rocking the upper confines of the Summit Saloon and Stage before crossing the mountains for the Northwest String Summit. Yes, it's that time of year again when all the NWSS bands stop off here in Bend to warm up (or warm down) for one of the West Coast's biggest acoustic music festivals. 8pm. The Summit Saloon & Stage, 125 NW Oregon Ave.
Anderson

friday 17
Read more about this electro, indie-pop band from the Netherlands in the On Stage column. Then you'll almost certainly want to hit up Backporch (which is suddenly a music venue on occasion) for this Postal Service-like duo. 7pm. Backporch Coffee Roasters, 1075 NW Newport Ave.

Suzanne Burns/Matt Love Book Release Party
thursday 9
Flip back into the culture section and check out a review of Source contributor Suzanne Burns's new short story collection, Misfits and Other Heroes. Also appearing at this reading is Matt Love, author of Super Sunday in Newport: Notes From My First Year in Town. 7pm Thursday, Jul 9. Between the Covers, 645 NW Delaware Ave. 385-4766.
The Pimps of Joytime
friday 10
Just by hearing their name, you know when you head down for The Pimps of Joytime show, you're going to have a good time. This Brooklyn-based foursome blends funk, soul and indie rock, creating beats that have you grooving in a throwback sorta way. If you missed them in February, here's your chance to catch the funky four before they head back east. 8pm The Summit Saloon & Stage, 125 NW Oregon Ave. Free.

Empty Space Orchestra, Ruins of Ooah
saturday 4
For the second year in a row, Empty Space is playing the Moon on the 4th of July in the shadow of Pilot Butte as it erupts in fireworks. This time around, the band is teaming up with the weirdly danceable grooves of Ruins of Ooah, allowing you to celebrate your country's independence by shaking your ass off. 9pm. $5. Silver Moon Brewery, 24 NW Greenwood Ave.
Pet Parade
saturday 4
Start out the fourth right and prepare to say, "awwww," by heading to downtown Bend for this annual display of cute kids and their equally adorable pets. You'll be sure to see a variety of animals, including dogs, llamas, horses, lizards, goats, and at least a few stuffed animals at this annual tradition. Show up a bit early to snag a good viewing location. No registration is required; participants need only show up with their special pets. Just remember to leave the rabbits and cats at home…isn't it kind of sad that they have to even say that? 10am. Wall St, next to School Admin Building.

 
Bend Pride '09
through saturday 27
The fifth annual celebration of cultural tolerance is well underway with an Open Mic for Rights on Wednesday 6/24 (7pm) at the Silver Moon Brewing Co. On Thursday 6/25, the whole family is invited to an evening of outdoor, old-fashioned "Gaymes" at Juniper Park (5-8pm). The all-ages Queer Prom is Friday night (8pm), and you're welcome to don your sweetest prom attire (which is required) and get down to DJs Babylove and Lucius to support the Human Dignity Coalition's Queer and Allied Youth Program. The big event is Saturday for the Pride Festival on Troy Field (1pm) where you can meet up at Troy Field and decorate your bike before riding through downtown. If you need more details, visit humandignitycoalition.org.
Rainn Wilson: Art and Faith
thursday 25
Check out our interview with Mr. Wilson (better known as Dwight from The Office) in the Culture section and then head to the Old Stone this Thursday night and see Wilson's discussion regarding faith and creativity. 7:30pm. Spiritual Awareness Community at Old Stone Church, 157 NW Franklin Ave.

Hillstomp, Quick and Easy Boys

friday 19
If you think there is another Northwest band as loved in Bend as Hillstomp, you deserve a slap in the face, because you're wrong, my friend. The junkyard blues-rock outfit is back in town and ready to kick off Bite of Bend with what's sure to be a raucous show at the Old Stone. Fellow Portlanders Quick and Easy Boys open the show. 8pm door, 9pm show. $10. Old Stone Church, 157 NW Franklin Ave.
Voodoo Fix
friday 19
This Los Angeles-based band blends blues, rock and funk for a quintessentially rootsy blend. The quartet formed at Whittier College as the school's blues band and has since cultivated their sound in LA clubs and bars, but are now on the road for a show at Seven on Friday night and out at Scoots in Sisters come Saturday. 8pm, Seven Nightclub 1033NW Wall St.

Barry Lopez

thursday 11
Oregon author Barry Lopez has been
called the "nation's premiere nature writer" and we tend to agree with
that assertion. His non-fiction book Arctic Dreams earned him a
national book award in 1986 and in 2004 his novel Resistance was the
winner of the Oregon book award. So, yeah, he's definitely not light in
the resume department. At this event, Lopez will read and also be on
hand to sign your books. 7pm Thursday, Jun 11. Bend Public Library, 601
NW Wall St.
Holden Young Trio
thursday 11
Both
funky and rootsy, Holden Young and his Boulder-based trio descend on
the Moon for what is almost guaranteed to be a perfectly danceable
night. The band jumps genres but seems rooted in Colorado groove-based
roots rock. 9pm. $3. Silver Moon Brewery, 24 NW Greenwood Ave.

David Jacobs-Strain

thursday 28
We'll tell you one more time to
see one of the blues world's brightest young stars while you have the
chance. Sure, he comes around a couple times a year, but that's not an
excuse to miss him, ever. 8pm. $7. Silver Moon Brewing Co. 24 NW
Greenwood Ave.
Ian Tyson and Corb Lund
thursday 28
You'd
probably know a lot more about Ian Tyson than you currently do if you
were Canadian. This rodeo rider turned songwriter is the author of the
hit song "Four Strong Winds" which was later recorded by both Neil
Young and Johnny Cash. Now 75 years old, Tyson is still busy touring
and laying down records. This time around he's on the road with fellow
Canadian country star Corb Lund. 7pm. $45 or $40. Tower Theatre, 835 NW
Wall St.

Big Lebowskiathon
thursday 14
If you're one of those strange
birds who insists that you don't like The Big Lebowski, all we can say
is: "Yeah, well, you know, that's just, like, your opinion, man." But
for all those Little Lebowski Urban Achievers out there, this might be
one of the best nights of the year for you. The Astro goes totally
Lebowski, not only showing the movie, but also holding a best-dressed
contest and, of course, serving up some White Russians. Event begins at
8pm. Movie starts at 9:30pm. Free. Astro Lounge, 147 NW Minnesota Ave.
Flowmotion with Izabella
thursday 14
We
told you about this show last week, but want to reinforce the fact that
if you like dancing, rocking or generally awesome musicianship, you
absolutely must see Flowmotion, Seattle's cross-genre rock outfit. Also
on the bill is Northern California (and Bend favorite) Izabella, who is
touring in support of their new record Drugs & Apple Pie - a record
that accurately captures the band's sunshiney live sound. 9pm. $10. The
Summit Saloon & Stage, 125 NW Minnesota Ave.

The Taffetas

through may 23

Flip to the Culture section to read a review of this play, set in the 1950s and centered on four singing sisters from Muncie, Indiana. Running Apr 30-May 23. Wednesdays - Saturdays at 8pm, Sunday matinees at 3pm. 2nd Street Theater, 220 NE Lafayette Ave. 312-9626. $20/adults, $18/students and seniors.
Epic Trail Ale release party featuring Quincy Street, Sweet Harlots

friday 8

We have a review of this Epic Trail Ale in the Microcosmos column in the Dining section, but we'd also like to alert you to the release party of the beer - which benefits the Central Oregon Trail Alliance, the Bend Paddle Trail Alliance and the Tumalo Langlauf Club - what a sweet outdoor trifecta, eh? There's also bluegrass from Quincy Street and all-female tunes from the Sweet Harlots. 7pm, Silver Moon Brewing Co. 24 NW Greenwood Ave. Donations accepted.