There’s no shortage of places to catch a show in Central Oregon — we’re teeming with local talent, and traveling acts come through every summer. While there are plenty of solid venues in town to catch a free, local show (and free is relative, support the local bands you love, folks), I’d have to say that […]
Staff Pick
Posted inBest Of Central Oregon
Best Ongoing Public Debate
Dredging Mirror Pond
What’s all that sludge in the shallow water that is Mirror Pond? Who should clean up that stuff? Who’s gonna pay for that shizz? What about making the pond into a free-flowing river instead? Who even owns the pond, anyway? If these questions sound to you like a Bend-y version of Groundhog Day, you’re not […]
Posted inBest Of Central Oregon
Best Republican PR Stunt
Fleeing Oregon to protest Cap and Invest legislation
If Oregon Senate Republicans’ goal this year was to position themselves as righteous outlaws, out there to rabble rouse anything that remotely whiffs of “climate change legislation,” then call “The Base” placated. In one epic public relations stunt, Senate Republicans appeared to have a grand time fleeing the state to oppose HB 2020, the proposed […]
Posted inBest Of Central Oregon
Best Way to Commute in the Winter
Cross country skis & snowshoes
Most can agree that getting around after a heavy snowfall in Bend isn’t fun or ideal—despite how much we like to tout how good we are at driving on snow and ice-covered streets compared to newbies from California. Plows have trouble keeping the streets clear, sidewalks quickly become unusable (or they’re non-existent)—and some of us […]
Posted inBest Of Central Oregon
Best Local Band
Night Channels
For what really was their first year on the Central Oregon scene, alternative rockers the Night Channels have utilized creative outlets to the fullest. From countless shows at The Capitol, The Domino Room and the not-to-be-forgotten Di’s Pizza in Redmond, the young group has fully immersed itself into the music scene, determined to leave a […]
Posted inBest Of Central Oregon
Best Open Mic
M&J Tavern
After a brief closure of its musical festivities, the M&J Tavern is back and showcasing all of the local talent we have in the area– and they clearly haven’t lost a step. When an open mic is like going to a billed concert, you know it’s something special. The energy at M&J’s open mic is […]
Posted inBest Of Central Oregon
Best Place to Throw Your Dog Poop
Hint: Not in a bag, left on the side of the trail
Most people who’ve spent any time hiking trails around Bend, or taking their kids to school, or just walking down the sidewalk have seen them: black plastic bags filled with dog excrement left lying about like a nightmarish version of an Easter egg hunt. Maybe the bags are left around because people forget them. You’re […]
Posted inBest Of Central Oregon
Best Job (When you don’t wanna work in Bend)
Freelance Writer, Graphic Designer, Social Media Guru, Etc.
In Bend, it’s typical to hear someone mutter, “Doesn’t anyone work in this town?” Well, friend, why live in one of the most beautiful places on Earth if you’re going to sit in an office all day? Many Bendites have found ways to make a living without working a traditional 9 to 5 desk job. […]
Posted inBest Of Central Oregon
Best Silver Lining on a City Council Decision
A New Spot For Outdoor Concerts On The East Side
If you’ve been keeping up with the ongoing, dramatic saga surrounding noise and concerts in the City of Bend, then you know that earlier this year the City Council voted to limit the number of Temporary Change of Occupancy permits. What does this mean to the live music community? The Century Center, one of the […]
Posted inBest Of Central Oregon
Best Community Problem Solving
A New Warming Shelter For People In Need
It was already past the worst of winter when I set foot inside the Sagewood Sanctuary on Greenwood Avenue, near Bend’s downtown. The year 2018 won’t go down as one of the worst winters, but for someone who lives without permanent—and properly insulated—shelter, temps that dip below freezing pose a host of challenges and dangers. […]