Nobody needs another “Best Films List” that includes the Interstellars, Birdmans, or even Boyhoods of 2014—all great films you should check out. Instead, I want to champion some must-see foreign and truly independent films of 2014. The two must-see foreign films are Force Mejeure and Ida. I had the pleasure of seeing Force Majeure at a […]
Section Feature
Posted inMusic
Top Ten Albums of the Year
Way Out Weather Steve Gunn Wrapped up in a blanket of hushed vocals and rich musicianship, the 2014 release by Brooklyn singer/guitarist Steve Gunn is the kind of album that carries with it the heart of America. There’s an Allman Brothers’ vibe to songs like “Wildwood” and “Milly’s Garden,” and the cascading warmth of his […]
Posted inOutside
Two-by-Four
Four impressive build-outs for 2014, and two coming in 2015
Four Impressive Local Additions to Recreation: Whychus Creek reclamation: On October 1, Deschutes Land Trust publicly announced an ambitious goal to fully reclaim and restore Whychus Creek, a cold water tributary that runs northeast from Sisters into the Deschutes River. The mellow stretch of river—and riverside trails—will be a boon to butterfly and bird watching, […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Five Best New Bend Beers of 2014
10 Barrel Jamaican Me Pumpkin Worthy of note both for symbolism (it was 10 Barrel’s last seasonal release before the AB-Inbev buyout) and for its irresistible mix of pumpkin spice and rum flavors. A masterpiece of barrel aging. Bend Brewing Co. Salmonberry Sour It’s a tight contest these days, but this flavorful yet approachable beer […]
Posted inMusic
Rock the Tower
New partnership will bring edgier shows to the downtown venue
The Tower is a gem of a theatre with vaulted ceilings, balconies that appear to float at the back of the venue, a beautiful (albeit not enormous) stage, and plush seats, each embossed with the name of a sponsor who helped fund the 2004 rebuild. Since its refurbishment, the venue has been a magnet for […]
Posted inOutside
From Competitor to Coach
An interview with Jordan Buetow
Earlier this month, Bend Endurance Academy announced a new coach, Jordan Buetow, who joins the staff at the Nordic Development Team Coach. Buetow grew up in Alaska, and more recently, raced for Bates College on the east coast. Two years ago, he spent the summer training with BEA, and now returns as one of its […]
Posted inNews
Far From Ferguson
Bend responds to national conversation on race and police force
From the signs carried by marchers to the name of the event, the statement was simple, yet weighty—”Black Lives Matter.” On Saturday, more than 200 people marched through Bend in solidarity with protestors in cities across the nation, including Washington, D.C. The demonstration, organized by local faith leaders, came about in response to the national […]
Posted inCulture
SlingShot Boomerangs Back to Bend
Documentary about clean water captures optimism
This is a documentary that is equal parts about the main character—Dean Kamen, a prolific inventor—and about a cause—clean water. Those two elements add up to create a film that is way bigger than the sum of its parts. The film was warmly received at the recent BendFilm Festival, where we caught up with producer […]
Posted inFood & Drink
The Nest Grows Larger
Sparrow Bakery adds a new location—and more!
Sparrow Bakery Northwest is so much more than just another place to purchase Bend’s favorite pastry, the Ocean Roll. Recently opened in Northwest Crossing, it’s a large, open space with ample natural lighting, high ceilings, plenty of tables and a fresh, urban decor that’s sophisticated yet inviting. It’s the kind of place where you could […]
Posted inNews
A Voice for Central Oregon
Labor representative Yaju Dharmarajah joins Oregon Civil Rights Council
Labor Commissioner Brad Avakian last week announced the appointment of Bend’s own Yaju Dharmarajah to the Oregon Council on Civil Rights. Dharmarajah is a Sri Lankan immigrant and staff representative with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 75 in Bend, as well as the co-founder of the Central Oregon Social […]
