If Shiv Shakti isn’t yet a household name in Central Oregon, he should be. The man is on a mission. His goal? To put Bend on the map as a model of self-sustainability where citizens have access to fresh, healthy and locally grown food. Shakti’s passion for agriculture began in Punjab, India, a region known […]
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Posted inMusic
‘Half a Hundred Years,’ and Then Some
Ray Benson and Asleep at the Wheel’s decades-long revival of Western swing rolls on
“I never thought I’d last a half a hundred years,” bellows the smooth baritone of Ray Benson on Asleep at the Wheel’s “Half a Hundred Years” — not a lot of folks have had this kind of longevity in the music industry. From behind a big white beard, Benson’s answer to his showbiz success is […]
Posted inMusic
Spreading Love: A Q/A with The Motet
New year, new vocalist, new songs
For 26 years, The Motet has been bringing funk and soul music to stages, shaking booties and spreading good vibes. Based out of Denver, today’s lineup features bandleader and drummer Dave Watts, Joey Porter on keys, Garrett Sayers on bass, Drew Sayers on keys and saxophone and Ryan Jalbert on guitar. With the release 2024’s […]
Posted inMusic
The Multifaceted Steve Poltz
The folk singer and songwriter defies definition
Does everything an artist says have to be true? Musicians surely take us on journeys with their songs, weaving together tales based on experiences and imagination. Steve Poltz is one of those singer/songwriters, a troubadour who spins stories in his songs and from stages. He can pull your leg while also baring his soul. It’s […]
Posted inCulture
From Chimpan-A to Chimpan-Z
Robbie Williams struggles to be a “Better Man”
Tell me if you’ve heard this one before: So, you take the traditional musical biopic like “A Complete Unknown” or “Walk the Line,” but instead of casting some popular actor like lil’ Timmy Chalamet or Joaq Phoenix to play the subject, you instead have the musician played by a computer-generated monkey. Yeah, me neither. But […]
Posted inMusic
Who’s Teaching Who?
Sisters Folk Fest’s video sessions document impactful experiences for instructors and students at last year’s Americana Song Academy
Raise your hand if you’ve ever written a song about peanut butter and boogers. Singer/songwriter Jenner Fox has, alongside a gaggle of 7-year-olds. These are the stories told in the classroom that is the Sisters Folk Festival’s continuing education program the Americana Song Academy. Last year’s classes took place in late September at the picturesque […]
Posted inNews
LISTEN: Bend Don’t Break with Sally Compton 🎧
Executive Director of Think Wild
In this week’s episode of Bend Don’t Break, host Aaron Switzer sits down with Sally, Executive Director of Think Wild, a Bend-based wildlife conservation center. Sally shares her inspiring journey from working at the Newport Aquarium to leading a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to wildlife rescue, education, conservation, and habitat restoration across Central and Eastern Oregon. […]
Posted inMusic
Gather ‘Round the Fire
A chat with returning singer/songwriters Austin Quattlebaum, Karyn Ann and
Joel Chadd before they play The Suttle Lodge’s Fireside Series this winter
It’s December and the cold weather is officially here. While ski bums and shredders are rejoicing, others may be seeking a little respite to warm their frozen bones. Winters at The Suttle Lodge & Boathouse in the Deschutes National Forest are the time to cozy up by the warmth of a fire and take in […]
Posted inNews
LISTEN: Bend Don’t Break with Jeff Knapp 🎧
CEO of Visit Bend
In this episode of Bend Don’t Break, Aaron Switzer sits down with Jeff Knapp, the newly appointed CEO of Visit Bend, to delve into his journey from a humble start in hospitality to leading one of Oregon’s most celebrated visitor bureaus. Jeff shares stories of his early days in the industry, moving from bussing tables […]
Posted inNews
LISTEN: Bend Don’t Break with Michelle Healy 🎧
Executive Director of Bend Park and Recreation
In this episode of Bend Don’t Break, Aaron Switzer speaks with Michelle Healy, Executive Director of Bend Park and Recreation District, about what makes Bend’s parks and trails some of the most cherished community assets. Michelle shares insights from her extensive background in parks and recreation, which spans from lifeguarding and supervising recreation facilities to […]
