Bend Blogs » The Blender

← Hide Sidebar Expand/Collapse Items ↓

The Blender

September 02, 2010
5:11
Happy 90210 Day!
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

It's September 2, 2010, which translates numerically to 9/02/10, making today the most fitting day in the history of time and space to celebrate the legacy of the soap-opera-influenced teenage drama, Beverly Hills 90210.

People are actually celebrating 90210 Day.

If you're not familiar with this show, it was an ongoing saga focused on rich teenagRead More...
September 01, 2010
11:34
Video from the Bob Dylan Show
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: les schwab Amphitheater [edit]

Let me beat you to it -- yes, John Mellencamp was probably better than Bob Dylan at the Les Schwab Amphitheater on Friday night. Everyone has been saying this for the past few days (during which I've been battling a print deadline and ignoring my blogging duties) and I'll begrudgingly agree.

People say that Dylan didn't even sing...which is partially true. They said he didn't play many hits...that's not necessarily true. Sure, he doesn't sound that great behind the mic, but his band iRead More...
August 26, 2010
11:31
Still Time to Vote for Adventure Galley in the Rock the Space Contest
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

Adventure Galley, the Bend-rooted band I've blogged about and wrote this feature story about, is in the finals of the Toyota Music Rock the Space contest.

The band cruised its way out of the preliminary rounds and then made it into the finals, thanks to the success of their song "Addict" -- a track that showcases the big, almoRead More...
August 25, 2010
6:19
Joaquin Phoenix Documentary Trailer is Finally Here
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

If there's one thing I've been anxiously awaiting (Hoverboards excluded), it's the much-rumored documentary, entitled I'm Still Here, about the increasingly weird and insanely bearded Joaquin Phoenix, who gave up on his acting career in the past year to allegedly pursue a life as a rap star. Seriously.

This all became apparent when he appeared horribly unkempt and out-of-this-world despondent on the Late Show with David Letterman and made a case for the fact that he may have completelyRead More...
August 24, 2010
10:20
Mat Kearney Tonight at the Domino Room
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

Before I left on a glorious, glorious, non-blogging and out-of-the-office vacation, I chatted with Mat Kearney about his musical career and what it's like to make music for television doctors to make out to. You can read about that here.

Kearney, a Eugene native and former college soccer player at Chico State, is playing the Domino Room tonight. Chances are you've heard his easy-on-the-ears take on pop rock, but if you haven't check out the video below and you'll realize you know who tRead More...
August 19, 2010
6:15
Video of The Autonomics from the Hump Day Hash at the Century Center
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

With such an awesome line up of music Wednesday night, you couldn't go wrong wherever you ended up. I hit up the Hump Day Hash featuring The Autonomics at the new Century Center, and I've got to say seeing the venue, it's got me pretty stoked for Bend Roots.

The Autonomics were spot on with their indie rock, which they blended with punk, jazz, and country influences. Lead singer Dan Pantenburg has got an insane amount of stage presence and interacted with the crowd very well. The AutonRead More...
August 18, 2010
7:01
Wednesday Night Music Preview - The Builders and The Butchers, The Autonomics and more
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: Live music [edit]

What in the world happened that Wednesday is now the best day for music in Central Oregon? It seems this summer our options for music have been better on Wednesdays than on most Friday and Saturday nights. Here's a run down of the totally awesome line up in Central Oregon tonight. Check back tomorrow for video from The Autonomics show at the Century Center.

The Builders and The Butchers

McMenamins has another possible fire-code situation on its hands with Wednesday’s freeRead More...
August 16, 2010
11:39
Why we should hire Michael Franti to promote tourism in Bend
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: Michael Franti [edit]

Many people have probably already seen this video from Michael Franti's website, but for those of you not in the loop, you've got to check this out. After Franti's show at the Les Schwab Amphitheater on August 5 he recorded this short web-isode for his FrantiV series boasting about how awesome Bend is.

[video [www.youtube.com] 350x290]

The internationally acclaimed musician lists off the boat Read More...
August 13, 2010
10:07
4 Peaks Jamboree Venue Changes AGAIN! Now at original festival location
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

OK, so I've written in the past few weeks about how the 4 Peaks Jamboree, featuring the music of Poor Man's Whiskey and taking place Saturday, had moved to West Wind Ranch, and then about how that event was canceled and the show had moved to the Domino Room.

WELL, now organizers have moved once again, back to the Rockin A Ranch (19449 Tumalo Reservoir Road), where the shindig was originally to take place, and which was also the site of the 2007 and 2008 editions of the 4 Peaks Music FeRead More...
10:07
4 Peaks Jamboree Changes Venue AGAIN! Now at original festival location
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

OK, so I've written in the past few weeks about how the 4 Peaks Jamboree, featuring the music of Poor Man's Whiskey and taking place Saturday, had moved to West Wind Ranch, and then about how that event was canceled and the show would take place at the Domino Room.

WELL, now organizers have moved once again, back to the Rockin A Ranch (19449 Tumalo Reservoir Road), where the shindig was originally to take place. This was also the site of the 2007 and 2008 editions of the 4 Peaks Music Read More...
August 12, 2010
10:02
Pickathon Video Review
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: Pickathon [edit]

Have you checked out Source staffer Sara Roth's review of Pickathon in this week's paper? Well, if you haven't, you should, so you -- like I -- can feel incredibly jealous for not having gone to the Portland-area rootsy music fest last weekend.

But your jealously can be assuaged, albeit slightly, by this video review, edited our own by Anne Pick. Actually, it will probably just make you more jealous, but whatever, it's a super cool video.

[video [http:Read] More...
August 11, 2010
11:28
4 Peaks Jamboree Hits Permit Problems: Will now be at the Domino Room
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

OK, so last week I wrote a post about how the 4 Peaks Jamboree, featuring Poor Man's Whiskey, was taking place at the West Wind Ranch near Tumalo on Saturday.

So yeah, here's the deal -- the county has decided that the 4 Peaks party, meant to be a fundraiser party of about 150 people to keep the festival going into the future, needs a mass gathering permit in order to proceed. So effectively, the outdoor event, with live music, camping and kids activity, is no longer happening.

Read More...
August 10, 2010
7:37
Fall Music Preview: The Thermals, Atmosphere, Blind Pilot, Greg Brown
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

It happens almost every August, right around this time. I see a single "back to school" ad, then I see another one...and then a perfectly good Sunday is ruined by a pre-season NFL game. It means that summer is almost over, and that's depressing, especially this year. I haven't even really had a chance to get sunburned yet. Uggg. Lame-o.

But, as I was putting together music coverage for the next several issues, I realized that the fall music lineup is looking STQS (strong to quite stronRead More...
August 06, 2010
7:22
Michael Franti Video From Last Night: Because you were probably there
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

Well, that was crazy.

Last night several thousand (maybe 5 or 6?) Bendites let loose, to put it conservatively, at the Michael Franti and Spearhead show at the Les Schwab Amphitheater. It was the first time I saw everyone in the venue up on their feet, with almost 100 percent dance participation.

The show was full of the standard "How ya feelin'?!" call outs from Franti and obligatory hand-waving, and it seemed like everyone from one side of Bend's cultural spectrum was in attenRead More...
August 05, 2010
7:50
Pickathon Preview: Dr. Dog, Bonnie "Prince" Billy, Langhorne Slim and more
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: Pickathon [edit]

As I've been saying quite a bit lately, I really believe that Pickathon is Oregon's premiere outdoor music festival. The wooded setting, the eclectic yet focused lineup, the schedule that has most acts playing multiple times, saving you the festival stress when two bands are playing at once -- that makes for a great festival.

We'rRead More...
August 04, 2010
5:54
Bend Roots Open Meeting Tonight with Music from the Mostest
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: Bend Roots Revival [edit]

Bend Roots Revival, Bend's quintessential local music event, is slated for September 23-26...which is actually pretty soon, considering this summer is ripping by.

As local music fans know, the location of the festival has shifted to the Century Center, an expansive indoor/outdoor space on Century Drive that's also home to the West Bend Tennis Center and other businesses. Ramping up to the festival, there's been the Hump Day Hash concert series, which this week brings in Mark Ransom's wRead More...
August 02, 2010
5:22
Poor Man's Whiskey Returns to Bend for Outdoor Show
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

One of Bend's favorite bands -- and one that keeps coming back a couple times a year -- Poor Man's Whiskey will play an outdoor show this summer. It's slated for August 14th and the location is the West Wind Ranch (home to a music festival just a few weekends back) out in Tumalo. The show was originally billed as a private gRead More...
July 30, 2010
6:48
Styx Tonight at the Fair, For Real!
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

The same river of classic rock that has brought us Steve Miller Band earlier this month continues to flow through Central Oregon, this time leading the big hair and big sounds of Styx into the Deschutes County Fair tonight for a free show (if you got a ticket from the Twins radio station and pay to enter the fair).

Styx, best known for their late 1970s, early 1980s string of hits, that included "Come Sail Away" and "Mr. Roboto," among others has been rocking steadily for the past two dRead More...
July 29, 2010
12:08
Larry and His Flask...On a Billboard?
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: Larry and His Flask [edit]

There's an old saying that goes "You know your band is getting huge when your name is up on a billboard."

OK, I just made that up, but it's true and something our very own Larry and His Flask realized recently when they got their collective eyeballs on this massive billboard (seen above) in Las Vegas pumping up the upcoming Dropkick Murphys show that the band is opening on Read More...
July 28, 2010
7:56
Video From the Weekend in Music: Hillstomp, Dusty Rhodes
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

As you'll see in this week's Sound Check column, there was plenty of music going on over the weekend. I know, I'm a little slow in posting this, but I caught some of the madness on video and wanted to make use of it.

Here's some footage of the raucous and exceptionally sweaty Friday night Hillstomp show at the Domino Room, as well as the massively awesome show from Dusty Rhodes and the River Band, who played their last show EVER in Bend at the Silver Moon. The band is calling it quits Read More...
July 27, 2010
5:21
Win Free Tickets to Pickathon!
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: Pickathon [edit]

Pickathon, the indie roots festival that takes place on a spacious farm just outside of Portland, is now less than two weeks away, in case you didn't know. Check out the lineup for this year's festival here, and you'll see that Bonnie "Prince" Billy, Dr. Dog, Heartless Bastards, Langhorne Slim and many, many others are on the bill.
Read More...
July 24, 2010
11:30
See Dusty Rhodes and the River Band Sunday Night...It will be your last chance
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

Since Dusty Rhodes and the River Band headlined the Bite of Bend last year, they've been not only on my radar, but constantly in my ear, with their 2009 record Palace and Stage quickly becoming one of my favorites from the past few years. I even wrote a feature about the band for Jambase.com.

That's why I've been jogging and yanking out some pull ups (three or four at a time) to get ready for the band's show on Sunday night at Silver Read More...
July 23, 2010
9:44
PDXchange Program Announces Fall Shows: The Thermals, Blind Pilot, Weinland/Laura Veirs
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: PDXchange [edit]

Three cheers for the PDXchange Program!

OK, now that you've done the whole "hip-hip-hooray" thing in your mind three times, or perhaps out loud if you're the sort of person who yells excitedly to yourself, here's the reason for our collective excitement: Henry Abel, the man behind the PDXchange Program, has announced three more shows at the Tower Theatre for the fall.

Last night Loch Lomond and Portland Cello Project played to a mostly full Tower Theatre, making it the latesRead More...
July 22, 2010
10:17
PDXchange Brings Portland Cello Project and Loch Lomond to the Tower
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: Tower Theatre [edit]

In last week's issue, I profiled Loch Lomond, the Portland-based chamber folk pop act that features Bend native Ritchie Young. Tonight, Loch Lomond joins the Portland Cello Project for the latest installment of the PDXchange Program.

While the Portland Cello Project is a sight to be seen unto itself, expect a big sound from Loch Lomond, as well. In other words, don't show up late because Loch Lomond is kicking off the show. But after Portland Cello Project plays on their own, Loch LomoRead More...
July 21, 2010
6:35
Derrick Brown: The Witty Poet Performs Two Shows Tonight
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

Derrick Brown, the Long Beach-based slam poet who's as funny as he is sharp with his words, is giving Bend two shows tonight.

Before becoming one of the most lauded touring poets you're likely to find, Brown was a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne, making him probably the only ex-military performance artists you'll see this year. Brown is also well known in the music world, having toured with the Decemberists, Cold War Kids and Flaming Lips, just to name a few. His show incorporates mRead More...
July 20, 2010
7:28
Guitars on Fire: Ottmar Liebert Tonight at the Tower
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

Hello guitar fans. There's a lot of you out here in Bend and I have a guess what you'll be doing tonight.

You're almost certainly going to be at the Tower Theatre where Ottmar Liebert is playing with his band, Luna Negra. The flamenco guitarist is one of the most vibrant players you're likely to see on the Tower stage this year, mostly because of his propensity to turn classical guitar conventions on their head.

The show is at 8pm and tickets are $30.

Here's some footage Read More...
July 17, 2010
10:38
Chickity China The Chinese Chicken! Barenaked Ladies are in Bend
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: les schwab Amphitheater [edit]

The popular Canadian cross-genre act, Barenaked Ladies, is playing the Les Schwab Amphitheater tonight. The show kicks off at 6:30pm tonight (Saturday) and tickets are still available.

I could type on and on about this band and its successful career and its recent lineup changes, but I'd rather just show you this video, because you probably haven't seen it in a decade or so.

[video [www.youtube.com] 600x345]
July 16, 2010
7:56
Tonight is Andy McCumber's last show with longtime punk acts No Cash Value and Hands on Throat
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

After a decade playing his way through Bend’s punk scene, Andy McCumber is appearing at his final show tonight at Players Bar and Grill with both of his bands, No Cash Value and Hands on Throat.

He first began playing in Bend with No Cash Value in 2000 after moving to the region from eastern Oregon and then joined Hands on TRead More...
July 15, 2010
6:25
Thursday's Big Night of Music: The Aggrolites, White Buffalo, The Poison Control Center
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

I'm indecisive. I spend more of my lunch break deciding what to eat than I do eating. I flip endlessly through my iTunes each morning looking for the most appropriate album for the day ahead and when I'm at the Redbox DVD kiosk...well, that's the only place I'm not indecisive, because it would be rude to make people wait while I debated between Freaky Friday and Freaky Friday 2.

So one can imagine my concern with choosing a show to attend tonight. And this is something the rest oRead More...
July 14, 2010
10:42
Check Out the New Bend Roots Location Tonight and See Mosley Wotta, Too
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

You may or may not know that the Bend Roots Revival, the late-September local music extravaganza, is moving for this September's festival. The super popular event quickly outgrew its previous location between Parrilla Grill and the Victorian Cafe and is now setting up shop in the Century Center, which includes the West Bend Tennis Center (1355 SW Commerce St., across from K-Market off of Century Dr.)

The Hump Day Hash series kicks off tonight at 6pm and should serve as a preview of theRead More...
July 13, 2010
6:54
Bend-Rooted Band Adventure Galley Makes Finals of Toyota Music Contest
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

If you haven't had enough with music competitions in the wake of the three-month Last Band Standing, here's another one you can cast your vote in -- the Toyota Music Rock the Space contest.

Featured in the finals of this contest is Adventure Galley a band that began its career in Bend before heading over to Eugene. Brock GrenfRead More...
July 09, 2010
6:43
Bend Summer Fest Music Schedule
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

So, it appears there have been some changes to the Bend Summer Festival music schedule since we put together the Picks page for this week's print edition.

Here is an updated roster of what's going on at which stage this weekend in downtown Bend.

Saturday July 10th:

Clear 101.7 Main Stage

11:00 a.m.   Brad Tisdel

1:00 p.m.     Sarah Jackson Holman

2:30 p.m.     Jena Rickards

4:00 p.m. &Read More...
July 08, 2010
10:16
92.7FM Bumps Up the Dial to 92.9
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

If you tuned into 92.7FM -- or 92/7, as the station labeled itself upon taking to the air back in 2006 -- you probably heard something that sounded like alien robots talking over remixed popular rock songs.

The reason is that 92/7 has become 92/9, moving up the dial one click because of frequency issues with another Oregon radio station. I checked with Programming Manager (and Big Lewboski expert) Mike Flanagan at the station and he said they plan to be completely switched over to theiRead More...
July 07, 2010
7:45
Last Band Standing: The Correct Results
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: Last Band standing [edit]

OK. So we all know by now that Mosley Wotta won Last Band Standing last Thursday.

But there was a problem with how the other three bands placed and that mix-up wasn’t fully settled until yesterday afternoon when Combined Communications brass informed us that the second-place winner was not Empty Space Orchestra, as was announced from the stage, but rather KleverKill.

So here’s how Combined Communications told us things got turned upside down: After the votes were metRead More...
July 06, 2010
7:48
Video from Sara Jackson-Holman's First Bend Show
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: Sara Jackson-Hollman [edit]

Sara Jackson-Holman, the 21-year-old Bend native who suddenly rose to national prominence after Expunged Records came across her demos on MySpace last year, finally played her first local show last night at the Oxford Hotel.

With a near-capacity crowd on hand that was full of family and friends, Jackson-Holman took the stage and played a neatly packaged one-hour set that included most, if not all, of the songs from her studio record, When You Dream. Standing behind her keyboard and acRead More...
July 01, 2010
20:22
Mosley Wotta Wins Last Band Standing Bend
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

After 12 weeks of preliminary, semifinals and now the finals round, a winner has been crowned in the first-ever Last Band Standing Bend competition and his name is Mosley Wotta.

The local hip-hop hero, known for his larger-than-life stage presence and high-minded lyrics, takes home a big bag of goodies worth some $30,000, including a 15-passenger van. Another hoorayRead More...
11:57
Bob Dylan and John Mellencamp's Addition to Amphitheater Schedule Is Pretty Rad
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

Once it finally got started, this summer has been pretty rad musically. I'm talking about the Band of Horses explosion that kicked off the "summer music season" and then killer sets this past weekend at the Bite of Bend, but now there's more on the horizon.

First it was the announcement of a solid Clear Summer Nights lineup that includes Colin Hay, Robert Randolph and the Family Band and others. Now, there's more news, like the fact that Bob Dylan -- yes that Bob Dylan, as in "Bob FreaRead More...
June 29, 2010
11:58
Video From the Bite of Bend Stage: Rubblebucket and March Fourth Marching Band
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: bite of Bend [edit]

OK, I'm a little late on this, but there are some things people need to know about last weekend:

1) The Saturday lineup for the Bite of Bend was some of the best festival music we've ever had in this town.

2) When it's rained for three straight weeks and finally gets sunny, people in Bend go nuts, bonkers, bananas.

AND

3) Rubblebucket. Say it. Learn it. Know it. You'll be hearing that phrase a lot in the next year. This band is one of the most innovative, fresh, paRead More...
June 25, 2010
7:27
Last Band Standing Finals are Set: Empty Space Orchestra and Klever Kill advance
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: Last Band standing [edit]

Inside the packed and sweaty -- I mean "summery" -- Boondocks Bar and Grill last night, two more bands punched their tickets for an appearance in the finals of Last Band Standing.

Well-known space-prog-rockers Empty Space Orchestra and the crunchy metalistas of Klever Kill, will both appear in the final round of Last Band Standing, to be held on Thursday, July 1 at Boondocks. The show starts at 8pm and is $5 at the door or $3 in advance at Bend Indoor Gardening Station.

If you hRead More...
June 24, 2010
6:11
Stephanie Schneiderman at McMenamins Old St. Francis School Wednesday Night - Video
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: McMenamins [edit]

For those of you who didn't make it down to McMenamins last night for their weekly free music series, here's your chance to check out some video of the insanely awesome Stephanie Schneiderman. Her song "Oxygen", which we caught on video below, was recently featured during a steamy hot tub scene on the Oxygen Network's Bad Girl's Club.

[video [www.youtube.com] 350x290]

Schneiderman is best known for her involvement in the PortlRead More...
June 23, 2010
10:06
Clear Summer Nights Lineup Released: Robert Randolph and the Family Band is coming to Bend!
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

The lineup for the annual Clear Summer Nights concert series at the Athletic Club of Bend has been released, and it's strong to quite strong (STQS), including a show by pedal-steel guitar gospel prodigy turned rock and roll hero Robert Randolph and the Family Band on August 15.

Randolph, who just released his new record, We Walk this Road, this week, learned his craft in the churches then soon took the show on the road in his teens, quickly gaining a reputation for the high-energy insRead More...
June 22, 2010
5:58
Dusty Rhodes and the River Band Return to Bend July 25
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: Silver Moon Brewing Co. [edit]

Just as I was planning a quick trip over to Portland in July to see Dusty Rhodes and the River Band, I got word yesterday that the rootsy/soulful Anaheim indie rockers were making a stop here in Bend on July 25 at the Silver Moon.

The last time the sextet was in town was about a year ago at the Bite of Bend when they headlined the main stage on an insanely cold Saturday night. Cold or not, they showed off their big, eclectic sound to an appreciative crowd who went wild when DRRB kickedRead More...
June 21, 2010
10:10
Hank III - Tonight at the Domino Room
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

If you made it out to see Merle Haggard last night, you can continue your streak of days attending outlaw country shows by making it down to the Domino Room tonight for Hank III.

We profiled Hank III in this week's issue, talking to the grandson of the country legend about lots of things, including why he insists on being such a renegade.

The show is at 8pm and it's all ages. Before you go, check out the this video of Hank II playing "My Drinking Problem."
June 17, 2010
6:12
Jason Evers: The Movie -- Part One of the Blockbuster Screenplay
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: OLCC [edit]

Because someone is probably already working on the Lifetime Original Movie about the Jason Evers (or Doitchin Krasev, if you like to challenge yourself when it comes to pronunciation) scandal, which continues to pump out one awesome headline after another, the Source has begun production of our own film: Jason Evers: The Movie.

Read More...
June 16, 2010
12:48
Mosley Wotta Debuts New Album: "Wake"
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

After a long production process, Mosley Wotta, Bend's well-known and omni-present MC, is releasing his first full-length album, entitled Wake, this week. He'll be rolling the disc out (and likely performing cuts from it) at his semifinal appearance at Last Band Standing tomorrow night at Boondocks Bar and Grill.

The album features some familiar tunes from MoWo, including Read More...
June 14, 2010
12:59
Bend Loves Soccer: And, OK, I’ll admit it…so do I, kinda
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: world cup [edit]

Because I’m a patriot, among other reasons, I stopped by the theater at McMenamins Old St. Francis School late Saturday morning to watch the USA vs. England World Cup match. I opened the door and couldn’t see a damn thing in the darkened room, other than the massive screen displaying the 1-0 score (England was a head at the time) so I stood about six inches within the door, completely blind.

Then my eyes adjusted, revealing the place to be packed like a Justin Bieber concert on BieberRead More...
June 11, 2010
10:58
Getting Weird on a Saturday Night: Hellzapopin at the Domino Room
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

You may very well have already experienced the following scene:

You: "Hey, what are you doing Saturday night?"

Your friend, who probably has more tattoos than you: "I dunno, probably just watching World Cup highlights. Oh, but that's after I go see some people pierce rusty items through their necks, eat fire and lie on beds of nails and generally scare the crap out of me."

You: "That sounds incredible. In fact, I think I just peed my pants a little bit."

Annnnnd scRead More...
June 10, 2010
6:31
Rubblebucket: They're probably the best free show you'll see this summer
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: bite of Bend [edit]

While putting together some advance coverage for the Bite of Bend yesterday, I finally spent some time listening to Rubblebucket, a Brooklyn/Vermont-based 10-piece genre-smashing, dance-rock band that is playing for free at the annual food festival on Saturday, June 26.

Rubblebucket, which combines West African rhythms with cutting-edge indie rock poppiness (and plenty of horns), has been gaining attention as of late, landing them on national festival lineups including High Sierra and Read More...
June 09, 2010
6:01
Band Name of the Day: Dangermuffin (and they're playing tonight)
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: McMenamins [edit]

With a name that sounds like a cross between a superhero and a baked good, Dangermuffin is stopping off in Bend today to play the free McMenamins show tonight.

The South Carolina band is rootsy to the core and presents themselves like an Avett Brothers-esque Americana band, but when they start playing, they're suddenly electrified, pumping out Southern-infused rock and roll.

Dangermuffin is out on the road for most of the summer and spending plenty of time in the Northwest, inclRead More...
June 08, 2010
5:45
Watch the Crowning of the National Moustache Champion
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: Beard and Moustache National Championships [edit]

We're probably a day or two out from posting our documentary from the Beard and Moustache National Championships, but in the meantime, I thought I'd give you a sample.

For all of you that didn't make it out to the Les Schwab Amphitheater last weekend to crowd up against the stage and take in some of the hairiest faces in America, here's what you missed. And for all of you still suffering from laugh-induced pain in your abdominal region, here's a reminder of exactly how much fun yRead More...
June 04, 2010
6:03
Rad! Why The Helio Sequence show last night was one of the best rock shows at the Tower
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: Tower Theatre [edit]

Hyperbole? Well, I don’t think so. But I really think that last night's PDXchange Program show featuring The Helio Sequence and local openers Empty Space Orchestra was one of the coolest rock shows I’ve ever seen in Bend, and probably the best for the Tower Theatre.

Less than a week after the much-raved-about Band of Horses show at the LSA, The Helio Sequence nearly sold out the Tower and proved that maybe, just maybe Bend will start supporting indie rock, thus enticing more awesome PRead More...
June 03, 2010
5:07
The Helio Sequence Tonight at the Tower
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: Tower Theatre [edit]

It seems like it's been months since those first posters hit the streets announcing that The Helio Sequence was coming to play at the Tower Theatre -- causing some of the more cynical indie rock fans in Bend to stop and say, "Really? No way."

But it's true, and the show, the second installment of the PDXchange Program, is tonight with our very own Empty Space Orchestra opening. I chatted with ESO's Shane Thomas at Last Band Standing a couple weeks ago and he played it pretty cool whenRead More...
4:07
The Helio Sequence Tonight at the Tower
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: Tower Theatre [edit]

It seems like it's been months since those first posters hit the streets announcing that The Helio Sequence was coming to play at the Tower Theatre -- causing some of the more cynical indie rock fans in Bend to stop and say, "Really? No way."

But it's true, and the show, the second installment of the PDXchange Program, is tonight with our very own Empty Space Orchestra opening. I chatted with ESO's Shane Thomas at Last Band Standing a couple weeks ago and he played it pretty cool when Read More...
May 28, 2010
12:28
Summer Music Begins! Goo Goo Dolls, Band of Horses, She & Him
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

Summer is here. Kind of. But let's forget about the weather for a second and focus at the topic at hand (well, the topic that doesn't have to do with "Jason Evers" turning out to be a robot spy) and look at the beginning out the outdoor music season here in Bend.

Tonight, the Goo Goo Dolls open up the Les Schwab Amphitheater in style with a big show sure to bring many of us back to the glory days of the late 1999s. And just look out your window - it's not raining!

The music coRead More...
11:28
Summer Music Begins! Goo Goo Dolls, Band of Horses, She & Him
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

Summer is here. Kind of. But let's forget about the weather for a second and focus at the topic at hand (well, the topic that doesn't have to do with "Jason Evers" turning out to be a robot spy) and look at the beginning out the outdoor music season here in Bend.

Tonight, the Goo Goo Dolls open up the Les Schwab Amphitheater in style with a big show sure to bring many of us back to the glory days of the late 1999s. And just look out your window - it's not raining!

The music coRead More...
May 26, 2010
9:40
Free Local Music Downloads: Sara Jackson-Holman, Empty Space Orchestra and more
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

Hopefully, you've had a chance to take a look at our Local Music Issue and have now realized that it's your God-given right to download some free music. Below you can stream new music from six local acts, including Sara Jackson-Holman, the Bendite who's charged to sudden fame that we featured in the iRead More...
8:40
Free Local Music Downloads: Sara Jackson-Holman, Empty Space Orchestra and more
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

Hopefully, you've had a chance to take a look at our Local Music Issue and have now realized that it's your God-given right to download some free music. Below you can stream new music from six local acts, including Sara Jackson-Holman, the Bendite who's charged to sudden fame that we featured in the iRead More...
May 24, 2010
7:03
Why The Feds Can't Identify "Jason Evers": Because he's a robot
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: Jason Evers [edit]

OK, so the U.S. State Department Diplomatic Security Service is asking for anyone who might have a clue as to the real identity of former OLCC rabble-rouser and presently imprisoned man of balded mystery “Jason Evers.” They have even posted these photos on their website, hoping that someone will glance upon them and say, “Hey, I know that douche! We took karate lessons together back in ‘87!”
6:03
Why The Feds Can't Identify "Jason Evers": Because he's a robot
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: Jason Evers [edit]

OK, so the U.S. State Department Diplomatic Security Service is asking for anyone who might have a clue as to the real identity of former OLCC rabble-rouser and presently imprisoned man of balded mystery “Jason Evers.” They have even posted these photos on their website, hoping that someone will glance upon them and say, “Hey, I know that douche! We took karate lessons together back in ‘87!”
May 22, 2010
11:58
Win the New Horse Feathers CD, "Thistled Spring"
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

As you probably know by now, Horse Feathers are playing in town on Tuesday night at the Tower Theatre to kick off the PDXchange concert series. Here's my profile of the band, which ran in this week's print edition of the paper.

But before you hit up the show, it would be good to check out their new CD, Thistled Spring, which you could do merely by e-mailing me ( mike@tsweekly.com ) with "Horse Feathers" in the subject line, because I'm giving away a copy of the disc for freakin' Read More...
10:58
Win the New Horse Feathers CD, "Thistled Spring"
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

As you probably know by now, Horse Feathers are playing in town on Tuesday night at the Tower Theatre to kick off the PDXchange concert series. Here's my profile of the band, which ran in this week's print edition of the paper.

But before you hit up the show, it would be good to check out their new CD, Thistled Spring, which you could do merely by e-mailing me ( mike@tsweekly.com ) with "Horse Feathers" in the subject line, because I'm giving away a copy of the disc for freakin' Read More...
May 21, 2010
6:37
Music For Dogs: 5 for Fido Tonight at Mountain's Edge
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

This isn't music for dogs necessarily, but rather music that benefits dogs. The 5 for Fido event features a hand's worth of local bands playing music to raise money for the Lost Dogs film project and the Central Oregon Human Society.

The lineup for the 21-and-over show at Mountain's Edge Bar includes a wildly eclectic lineup that features some familiar names like Leif James, Boxcar String Band, Sofa Kings, Still Fear and Exfixia.

Tickets are $5 (keeping with the five theme) and Read More...
5:37
Music For Dogs: 5 for Fido Tonight at Mountain's Edge
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

This isn't music for dogs necessarily, but rather music that benefits dogs. The 5 for Fido event features a hand's worth of local bands playing music to raise money for the Lost Dogs film project and the Central Oregon Human Society.

The lineup for the 21-and-over show at Mountain's Edge Bar includes a wildly eclectic lineup that features some familiar names like Leif James, Boxcar String Band, Sofa Kings, Still Fear and Exfixia.

Tickets are $5 (keeping with the five theme) and Read More...
May 20, 2010
9:51
Win Tickets to Tribal Seeds at the Domino Room Friday Night
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: Reggae [edit]

If you're wondering why this blog has partially turned into a clearinghouse for free stuff, I can answer that for you: Free stuff is awesome. It's better than candy.

This week, I've got a pair of tickets to see Tribal Seeds, the increasingly popular youthful San Diego reggae act that is taking the stage at the Domino Room on Friday night. All you have to do is e-mail me ( mike@tsweekly.com ) by noon tomorrow (Friday) with "Tribal Seeds" in the subject line and I'll enter you to win.
8:51
Win Tickets to Tribal Seeds at the Domino Room Friday Night
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: Reggae [edit]

If you're wondering why this blog has partially turned into a clearinghouse for free stuff, I can answer that for you: Free stuff is awesome. It's better than candy.

This week, I've got a pair of tickets to see Tribal Seeds, the increasingly popular youthful San Diego reggae act that is taking the stage at the Domino Room on Friday night. All you have to do is e-mail me ( mike@tsweekly.com ) by noon tomorrow (Friday) with "Tribal Seeds" in the subject line and I'll enter you to win.
May 18, 2010
6:09
Bite of Bend Schedule and Music Lineup: March Fourth Marching Band, Ascetic Junkies and more
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: bite of Bend [edit]

It might still be a month off (June 26 and 27), but the music and event schedule for the Bite of Bend was just released. As far as the free music lineup is concerned, this is looking to be one of the stronger music offerings we've seen from the Bite in recent years.

Headlining the event on Saturday night is March Fourth Marching Band, the Portland mega group that is, as its name implies, a freaking marking band, complete with plenty of drums, horns and more flair than you can shake a Read More...
5:09
Bite of Bend Schedule and Music Lineup: March Fourth Marching Band, Ascetic Junkies and more
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: bite of Bend [edit]

It might still be a month off (June 26 and 27), but the music and event schedule for the Bite of Bend was just released. As far as the free music lineup is concerned, this is looking to be one of the stronger music offerings we've seen from the Bite in recent years.

Headlining the event on Saturday night is March Fourth Marching Band, the Portland mega group that is, as its name implies, a freaking marking band, complete with plenty of drums, horns and more flair than you can shake a Read More...
May 17, 2010
10:03
Charlie Hunter Tonight at the Domino Room
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

Jazzy? Funky? Excellently danceable? Yes, yes and yes. If you're wondering what my string of rhetorical questions is in reference to, here's an answer: The Charlie Hunter Trio.

The band is playing tonight at the Domino Room for a show that will provide you with some of the best instrumental sounds you're likely to hear this year in Bend. Is that a bold claim? Yeah, probably, but if you'd ever seen Hunter and company in action, it's pretty damn accurate.

Rather than continue to dRead More...
9:03
Charlie Hunter Tonight at the Domino Room
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

Jazzy? Funky? Excellently danceable? Yes, yes and yes. If you're wondering what my string of rhetorical questions is in reference to, here's an answer: The Charlie Hunter Trio.

The band is playing tonight at the Domino Room for a show that will provide you with some of the best instrumental sounds you're likely to hear this year in Bend. Is that a bold claim? Yeah, probably, but if you'd ever seen Hunter and company in action, it's pretty damn accurate.

Rather than continue to dRead More...
May 14, 2010
6:59
Bend’s SuperRad Weekend of Music: Larry and His Flask, Straight No Chaser, That 1 Guy
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: Larry and His Flask [edit]

Yeah, I know. It’s Pole Pedal Paddle weekend. But it’s also SuperRad™ May Music Weekend. So if you’d rather go out and see music than ski, bike, run, kayak and then ride a hoverboard to the finish line (or maybe you like to do all this AND see live music) here are some pointers.

Friday night, Larry and His Flask are playing at the Domino Room with Mosley Wotta and other bands. It’s actually all ages, which means if you were too young to see some of the banRead More...
5:59
Bend’s SuperRad Weekend of Music: Larry and His Flask, Straight No Chaser, That 1 Guy
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: Larry and His Flask [edit]

Yeah, I know. It’s Pole Pedal Paddle weekend. But it’s also SuperRad™ May Music Weekend. So if you’d rather go out and see music than ski, bike, run, kayak and then ride a hoverboard to the finish line (or maybe you like to do all this AND see live music) here are some pointers.

Friday night, Larry and His Flask are playing at the Domino Room with Mosley Wotta and other bands. It’s actually all ages, which means if you were too young to see some of the banRead More...
May 12, 2010
12:05
Want to See Some People Jump Off Some Crazy Stuff? It's called free running
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

If you haven't had a chance to get your hands on the print edition of the Source yet this week, you should pick it up soon to take a look at our annual Sports and Recreation Issue.

Rather than write about mountain biking and rock climbing and kayaking and trail running and .........Whoa, sorry, those sports are all so boring that I fell asleep just typing about them. OK, they're not boring, but compared to the ridonnnnculous "fringe" Read More...
11:05
Want to See Some People Jump Off Some Crazy Stuff? It's called free running
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

If you haven't had a chance to get your hands on the print edition of the Source yet this week, you should pick it up soon to take a look at our annual Sports and Recreation Issue.

Rather than write about mountain biking and rock climbing and kayaking and trail running and .........Whoa, sorry, those sports are all so boring that I fell asleep just typing about them. OK, they're not boring, but compared to the ridonnnnculous "fringe" Read More...
May 11, 2010
13:37
Win Tickets to the Parental Advisory Tour: Nashville Pussy, Green Jelly, Psychostick
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: Ticket Giveaway [edit]

Hey there. So if you're reading this, you probably weren't offended by that band name in the title. Or maybe you were really offended.

Either way, we are giving out two pairs of tickets to see this tour when it stops at the Domino Room on Thursday night. The show includes cult rockers Nashville Pussy at the top of the bill along with the comedic, costume-wearing metal weirdos of Green Jelly.

There's also another funny guy band on the bill in the form of Psychostick, the ArizonRead More...
12:37
Win Tickets to the Parental Advisory Tour: Nashville Pussy, Green Jelly, Psychostick
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: Ticket Giveaway [edit]

Hey there. So if you're reading this, you probably weren't offended by that band name in the title. Or maybe you were really offended.

Either way, we are giving out two pairs of tickets to see this tour when it stops at the Domino Room on Thursday night. The show includes cult rockers Nashville Pussy at the top of the bill along with the comedic, costume-wearing metal weirdos of Green Jelly.

There's also another funny guy band on the bill in the form of Psychostick, the ArizonRead More...
5:33
Ascetic Junkies: Video from Saturday night's show
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

On Saturday night, I was a bit torn between shows. Should I check out Jerry Joseph and the Jackmormons at the Annex or finally see what all the buzz is about with a Portland indie folk rock band called The Ascetic Junkies?

Well, I thought I would do both -- see the first set from Ascetic Junkies then cross the street to the Annex. Yeah, that didn't quite happen. I couldn't get myself to leave the bubbly and infectious pop goodness of this band. They're like Pop Rocks -- sweet but with Read More...
4:33
Ascetic Junkies: Video from Saturday night's show
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

On Saturday night, I was a bit torn between shows. Should I check out Jerry Joseph and the Jackmormons at the Annex or finally see what all the buzz is about with a Portland indie folk rock band called The Ascetic Junkies?

Well, I thought I would do both -- see the first set from Ascetic Junkies then cross the street to the Annex. Yeah, that didn't quite happen. I couldn't get myself to leave the bubbly and infectious pop goodness of this band. They're like Pop Rocks -- sweet but with Read More...
May 07, 2010
6:52
Video: Elliot wins Last Band Standing round 3, judges wildcard another band through
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

Boondocks Bar and Grill was once again packed for Last Band Standing last night as five more bands took the stage as their respective camps looked on (or slam danced on).

At the end of the night, it was the well-groomed fans of pop rock band Elliot, that brought home the win. The band, which has a strong following on the regional Christian rock circuit, were remarkably polished in their presentation and are perhaps the most radio-friendly (albeit somewhat cornball) to take the LBS stagRead More...
5:52
Video: Elliot wins Last Band Standing round 3, judges wildcard another band through
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

Boondocks Bar and Grill was once again packed for Last Band Standing last night as five more bands took the stage as their respective camps looked on (or slam danced on).

At the end of the night, it was the well-groomed fans of pop rock band Elliot, that brought home the win. The band, which has a strong following on the regional Christian rock circuit, were remarkably polished in their presentation and are perhaps the most radio-friendly (albeit somewhat cornball) to take the LBS stagRead More...
May 06, 2010
7:28
The Colbert Report Takes on Bend's Clothesline Lady in This Hilarious Segment
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

As if Bend hasn't had enough weird news exposure lately with our mysterious "Jason Evers" and the bevy of other real-estate bizarreness, in addition to the counterfeit underwear ring that was recently exposed in town (OK, I made that one up), the clothesline lady was back in the national news last night in this segment from the Colbert Report.

In typical Colbert style, the segment makes Susan Taylor, as well as her adversaries look pretty bonkers. But the pieRead More...
6:28
The Colbert Report Takes on Bend's Clothesline Lady in This Hilarious Segment
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

As if Bend hasn't had enough weird news exposure lately with our mysterious "Jason Evers" and the bevy of other real-estate bizarreness, in addition to the counterfeit underwear ring that was recently exposed in town (OK, I made that one up), the clothesline lady was back in the national news last night in this segment from the Colbert Report.

In typical Colbert style, the segment makes Susan Taylor, as well as her adversaries look pretty bonkers. But the pieRead More...
May 05, 2010
10:49
Win Tickets to See the Ascetic Junkies on Saturday Night
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

For this week's installment of our effort to continually give out "free stuff," I have five spots on the will-call list for Saturday night's show at the Silver Moon with Portland indie folk rockers The Ascetic Junkies, who are joined by local opening band Blackstrap.

The band, which sports a poppy yet thoughtful sound by way of vocals from both Kali Giaratta and Matt Harmon, has played a series of shows at the Silver Moon over the past several months, and have earned a following on thiRead More...
9:49
Win Tickets to See the Ascetic Junkies on Saturday Night
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

For this week's installment of our effort to continually give out "free stuff," I have five spots on the will-call list for Saturday night's show at the Silver Moon with Portland indie folk rockers The Ascetic Junkies, who are joined by local opening band Blackstrap.

The band, which sports a poppy yet thoughtful sound by way of vocals from both Kali Giaratta and Matt Harmon, has played a series of shows at the Silver Moon over the past several months, and have earned a following on thiRead More...
May 04, 2010
7:21
See This Film: Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars documentary tonight at the Tower Theatre
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

Tonight, the Tower Theatre is screening a documentary about the Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars, the reggae/Afro-beat band that will play at the Tower on May 18.

The film tells the story of the band, which originated in the refugee camps of Sierra Leone -- a country that was devastated by civil war and remains one of the most impoverished countries in the world. But more than music, the films describes the way in which the band has inspired and provided hope to the people of the countRead More...
6:21
See This Film: Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars documentary tonight at the Tower Theatre
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

Tonight, the Tower Theatre is screening a documentary about the Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars, the reggae/Afro-beat band that will play at the Tower on May 18.

The film tells the story of the band, which originated in the refugee camps of Sierra Leone -- a country that was devastated by civil war and remains one of the most impoverished countries in the world. But more than music, the films describes the way in which the band has inspired and provided hope to the people of the countRead More...
April 30, 2010
12:59
The OLCC's Jason Evers is in Jail
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: OLCC [edit]

You may have already heard about this from local bartender/restaurant owner who was doing cartwheels and high-fiving strangers on the street, but the embattled former regional manager of the Oregon Liquor Control Commission, Jason Evers, is sitting in the Ada County, Idaho, jail right now.

According to a deputy at the jail this afternoon, Evers was arrested on Tuesday, April 27. She couldn’t, however, give any more information about his arrest other than confirming that he is &ldRead More...
11:59
The OLCC's Jason Evers is in Jail
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: OLCC [edit]

You may have already heard about this from local bartender/restaurant owner who was doing cartwheels and high-fiving strangers on the street, but the embattled former regional manager of the Oregon Liquor Control Commission, Jason Evers, is sitting in the Ada County, Idaho, jail right now.

According to a deputy at the jail this afternoon, Evers was arrested on Tuesday, April 27. She couldn’t, however, give any more information about his arrest other than confirming that he is &ldRead More...
April 29, 2010
10:36
New Leif James Music Video
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: Leif James [edit]

Yesterday, Tim Cash of Far From Earth Films stopped by my office and said he'd just wrapped up shooting a video for local blues rocker Leif James.

Then this morning, I get an e-mail with a link to the video. As in it was already done -- less than 24 hours after they finished shooting. Anyone who's done some video editing know this is a Herculean feat.

Take a look at the video, which captures the dusty, one-foot-in-gutter grit with which James often laces his songs. Or at least cRead More...
9:36
New Leif James Music Video
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: Leif James [edit]

Yesterday, Tim Cash of Far From Earth Films stopped by my office and said he'd just wrapped up shooting a video for local blues rocker Leif James.

Then this morning, I get an e-mail with a link to the video. As in it was already done -- less than 24 hours after they finished shooting. Anyone who's done some video editing know this is a Herculean feat.

Take a look at the video, which captures the dusty, one-foot-in-gutter grit with which James often laces his songs. Or at least cRead More...
April 28, 2010
10:24
Enter to Win Free Tickets to See Powerman 5000 in Bend
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: Domino room [edit]

So you like Powerman 5000, don't you? You probably wouldn't click on this link if you weren't.

And there's a good chance you also know that PM5K, as their fans know them, are coming to the Domino Room on Monday, May 3. Well, I've got a few pairs of tickets for this show to give away.

If you're a fan of this band -- and not just someone who wants to check out the musical talents of Rob Zombie's youngerRead More...
9:24
Enter to Win Free Tickets to See Powerman 5000 in Bend
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: Domino room [edit]

So you like Powerman 5000, don't you? You probably wouldn't click on this link if you weren't.

And there's a good chance you also know that PM5K, as their fans know them, are coming to the Domino Room on Monday, May 3. Well, I've got a few pairs of tickets for this show to give away.

If you're a fan of this band -- and not just someone who wants to check out the musical talents of Rob Zombie's youngerRead More...
April 27, 2010
7:12
Pickathon Festival Announces Final Lineup: Dr. Dog, Bonnie Prince Billy, Heartless Bastards and more
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

Pickathon, the indie roots festival that takes place on a farm just east of Portland and is quickly becoming one of the bigger summer music events of the summer, just announced its final lineup.

And, whoa, phew, damn, it looks quite strong and if you're free for the weekend of August 6 to 8, then you should consider making the relatively short trip.

Click here for the complete lineup, ticket info and more.

But here are a few notables that should catch your attention (unleRead More...
6:12
Pickathon Festival Announces Final Lineup: Dr. Dog, Bonnie Prince Billy, Heartless Bastards and more
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

Pickathon, the indie roots festival that takes place on a farm just east of Portland and is quickly becoming one of the bigger summer music events of the summer, just announced its final lineup.

And, whoa, phew, damn, it looks quite strong and if you're free for the weekend of August 6 to 8, then you should consider making the relatively short trip.

Click here for the complete lineup, ticket info and more.

But here are a few notables that should catch your attention (unleRead More...
April 26, 2010
9:29
Tony Furtado Video from Friday Night
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

By the time I pulled open one of the heavy wooden doors at the Old Stone Church here in Bend on Friday night, I could already hear that Tony Furtado's acoustic guitar wizardry was well underway.

Inside, a nearly full house sat rapt by the Portland multi-instrumentalist -- who was going solo for this show. Then, up sprung a group of dancing yahoos to make the scene a little more interesting. It seemed, however, that most people were there to listen, which they did with pleasure as FurtaRead More...
8:29
Tony Furtado Video from Friday Night
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

By the time I pulled open one of the heavy wooden doors at the Old Stone Church here in Bend on Friday night, I could already hear that Tony Furtado's acoustic guitar wizardry was well underway.

Inside, a nearly full house sat rapt by the Portland multi-instrumentalist -- who was going solo for this show. Then, up sprung a group of dancing yahoos to make the scene a little more interesting. It seemed, however, that most people were there to listen, which they did with pleasure as FurtaRead More...
7:18
Butte and Ridge: Two great mountain bike riding areas now even better
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

For years, I bored Source readers with my endless cheerleading for Gray Butte as being the best place to mountain bike in Central Oregon. My reasons then, and now, as to why Gray Butte offers the best riding are simple: great vistas out over the Cascades, superb singletrack, lots of lung busting ups and some incredibly fast downs. But best of all it's being out in the wide-open spaces and not locked into a forest.

Gray Butte is best suited to late winter/early spring riding and this pRead More...
6:18
Butte and Ridge: Two great mountain bike riding areas now even better
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

For years, I bored Source readers with my endless cheerleading for Gray Butte as being the best place to mountain bike in Central Oregon. My reasons then, and now, as to why Gray Butte offers the best riding are simple: great vistas out over the Cascades, superb singletrack, lots of lung busting ups and some incredibly fast downs. But best of all it's being out in the wide-open spaces and not locked into a forest.

Gray Butte is best suited to late winter/early spring riding and this pRead More...
April 23, 2010
7:24
Empty Space Orchestra Free MP3 in advance of their big show Saturday
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: Empty Space Orchestra [edit]

Empty Space Orchestra is playing a big show Saturday night (4/24) at the Domino Room with excellent Portland indie rockers Water & Bodies.

This is the first performance in Bend for ESO in quite some time, and also includes the full lineup, which now includes original member, saxophonist Graham Jacobs. I ran into ESO guitarist Shane Thomas at last night's Last Band Standing showcase (congrats to metal rockers Klever Kill on the win, by the way) and Thomas said that the sound should be Read More...
6:24
Empty Space Orchestra Free MP3 in advance of their big show Saturday
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: Empty Space Orchestra [edit]

Empty Space Orchestra is playing a big show Saturday night (4/24) at the Domino Room with excellent Portland indie rockers Water & Bodies.

This is the first performance in Bend for ESO in quite some time, and also includes the full lineup, which now includes original member, saxophonist Graham Jacobs. I ran into ESO guitarist Shane Thomas at last night's Last Band Standing showcase (congrats to metal rockers Klever Kill on the win, by the way) and Thomas said that the sound should be Read More...
April 22, 2010
10:21
These Guys are Funny! Randy Liedtke and Kyle Kinane tonight at the Summit
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: Beards [edit]

It's been a year -- to the freaking day -- since Redmond native and confirmed beardo Randy Liedtke played a show in Bend. But he is back home for a brief spell and once again is bringing with him a superbly funny and equally bearded fellow named Kyle Kinane.

Liedtke has been living in LA for the past two years, appearing on television shows, hosting comedy showcases and generally being a funny guy. Kinane is a super hilarious comic who has made some appearances on Carson Daly and elsewRead More...
9:21
These Guys are Funny! Randy Liedtke and Kyle Kinane tonight at the Summit
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: Beards [edit]

It's been a year -- to the freaking day -- since Redmond native and confirmed beardo Randy Liedtke played a show in Bend. But he is back home for a brief spell and once again is bringing with him a superbly funny and equally bearded fellow named Kyle Kinane.

Liedtke has been living in LA for the past two years, appearing on television shows, hosting comedy showcases and generally being a funny guy. Kinane is a super hilarious comic who has made some appearances on Carson Daly and elsewRead More...
April 21, 2010
5:39
Win Tickets to See Tony Furtado on Friday
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

For the first time in more than a year, Tony Furtado is returning to Bend, this time playing a show at the Old Stone Church on Friday night.

You probably want to go, don't you? Yeah, that's right. You remember when the rootsy multi-instrumentalist and his band tore up downtown at Bite of Bend 2008 and you want more.

Well, Read More...
4:39
Win Tickets to See Tony Furtado on Friday
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

For the first time in more than a year, Tony Furtado is returning to Bend, this time playing a show at the Old Stone Church on Friday night.

You probably want to go, don't you? Yeah, that's right. You remember when the rootsy multi-instrumentalist and his band tore up downtown at Bite of Bend 2008 and you want more.

Well, Read More...
April 20, 2010
11:00
Michael Franti and Spearhead Returning to Bend on August 5
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: les schwab Amphitheater [edit]

Well, darn it if the summer music schedule didn't just go and get even more awesome with the addition of Michael Franti and Spearhead to the Les Schwab Amphitheater lineup.

The show is slated for August 5 and tickets go on sale at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, April 24 through Ticketmaster.

Does anyone remember the last time Franti and company came through Bend? If you do, you'll recall it was Memorial Day 2008 and the weather realllllly sucked. It rained right up until the show and thenRead More...
10:00
Michael Franti and Spearhead Returning to Bend on August 5
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: les schwab Amphitheater [edit]

Well, darn it if the summer music schedule didn't just go and get even more awesome with the addition of Michael Franti and Spearhead to the Les Schwab Amphitheater lineup.

The show is slated for August 5 and tickets go on sale at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, April 24 through Ticketmaster.

Does anyone remember the last time Franti and company came through Bend? If you do, you'll recall it was Memorial Day 2008 and the weather realllllly sucked. It rained right up until the show and thenRead More...
April 19, 2010
11:27
Video From Larry and His Flask's Wild Alley Show
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: Larry and His Flask [edit]

After returning from a cross-country trip last week, I was endlessly bummed to learn that the Larry and His Flask's show at Silver Moon on April 8 I had missed had been one of the zaniest gigs ever at the venue. But thankfully, just a week later, I had a chance to see LAHF in full buck-wild form -- and for free.

The band played to an impressively sized group (maybe a couple hundred?) behind Ranch Records in honor of Record Store Day. I could continue typing about how insanely cool it wRead More...
10:27
Video From Larry and His Flask's Wild Alley Show
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: Larry and His Flask [edit]

After returning from a cross-country trip last week, I was endlessly bummed to learn that the Larry and His Flask's show at Silver Moon on April 8 I had missed had been one of the zaniest gigs ever at the venue. But thankfully, just a week later, I had a chance to see LAHF in full buck-wild form -- and for free.

The band played to an impressively sized group (maybe a couple hundred?) behind Ranch Records in honor of Record Store Day. I could continue typing about how insanely cool it wRead More...
April 16, 2010
17:34
Saturday is Record Store Day: Celebrate at Bend's Ranch Records
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

It's somewhat of a strange holiday (or probably not actually a holiday exactly) but Saturday (4/17) is Record Store Day. Across the country, record stores will celebrate the spirit of independent music with events and concerts inside and outside of their shops.

In Bend, we only have one actual independent record store, and that's Ranch Records. For Saturday, Ranch is celebrating with a lineup of live music and some specialty items for sale.

The store opens at 10am and live musicRead More...
16:34
Saturday is Record Store Day: Celebrate at Bend's Ranch Records
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

It's somewhat of a strange holiday (or probably not actually a holiday exactly) but Saturday (4/17) is Record Store Day. Across the country, record stores will celebrate the spirit of independent music with events and concerts inside and outside of their shops.

In Bend, we only have one actual independent record store, and that's Ranch Records. For Saturday, Ranch is celebrating with a lineup of live music and some specialty items for sale.

The store opens at 10am and live musicRead More...
April 15, 2010
9:49
Marijuana Legalization Concert and Rally Comes to Redmond on 4/23
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

This event isn’t on 4/20, the stoney-est day of the year, but it’s close enough.

On April 23, the Hooker Creek Events Center on the Deschutes County Fairgrounds in Redmond will serve as host to the Hemp is Earth Medicine Tour, a concert and rally supporting The Oregon Cannabis Tax Act, a measure that would regulate and tax maRead More...
8:49
Marijuana Legalization Concert and Rally Comes to Redmond on 4/23
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

This event isn’t on 4/20, the stoney-est day of the year, but it’s close enough.

On April 23, the Hooker Creek Events Center on the Deschutes County Fairgrounds in Redmond will serve as host to the Hemp is Earth Medicine Tour, a concert and rally supporting The Oregon Cannabis Tax Act, a measure that would regulate and tax maRead More...
April 13, 2010
10:56
Last Band Standing Announces Lineup of Competitors
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

I just got final word from the folks at Combined Communications about the bands selected for the Last Band Standing competition, which gets underway next week. More than 100 bands entered and here are the 38 that were selected to compete for the ridiculously crazy awesome grand prize: a 15-passenger van, a Gibson guitar, a recording contract and plenty other goodies.

As you'll see below, there are plenty of a familiar names from the local music scene, but also some less-known acts thaRead More...
9:56
Last Band Standing Announces Lineup of Competitors
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

I just got final word from the folks at Combined Communications about the bands selected for the Last Band Standing competition, which gets underway next week. More than 100 bands entered and here are the 38 that were selected to compete for the ridiculously crazy awesome grand prize: a 15-passenger van, a Gibson guitar, a recording contract and plenty other goodies.

As you'll see below, there are plenty of a familiar names from the local music scene, but also some less-known acts thaRead More...
April 09, 2010
11:19
Bend, Oregon Weekend Entertainment Guide
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: Local music [edit]

The options for entertainment this weekend may not be immense, but there are definitely a few shows worth checking out. Here are a few of our suggests for musical and comedic goodness this weekend.

Tony Smiley & The Bird

friday 9

Portland’s Tony Smiley calls himself a “Loop Ninja,” by which he means that he uses technological gadgets (those are the best kind of gadgets) to make himself into a one-man band. He does everything from straight-ahead rock to beat boxing aRead More...
10:19
Bend, Oregon Weekend Entertainment Guide
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: Local music [edit]

The options for entertainment this weekend may not be immense, but there are definitely a few shows worth checking out. Here are a few of our suggests for musical and comedic goodness this weekend.

Tony Smiley & The Bird

friday 9

Portland’s Tony Smiley calls himself a “Loop Ninja,” by which he means that he uses technological gadgets (those are the best kind of gadgets) to make himself into a one-man band. He does everything from straight-ahead rock to beat boxing aRead More...
April 08, 2010
6:23
Last Band Standing Application Deadline Approaching!
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: Last Band standing [edit]

There have been local talent shows and artist showcases in Bend before, but nothing like Last Band Standing, sponsored by Clear 101.7. This contest is a local band’s dream come true because the prizes are simply ridicules, in an extremely good way.

First prize is valued at $30k and includes a 15-passenger Dodge Band Van, with custom paint job, a fulled-equipped brand-spanking-new sound system, record contact with Topsecret Records, a Gibson guitar, andRead More...
5:23
Last Band Standing Application Deadline Approaching!
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: Last Band standing [edit]

There have been local talent shows and artist showcases in Bend before, but nothing like Last Band Standing, sponsored by Clear 101.7. This contest is a local band’s dream come true because the prizes are simply ridicules, in an extremely good way.

First prize is valued at $30k and includes a 15-passenger Dodge Band Van, with custom paint job, a fulled-equipped brand-spanking-new sound system, record contact with Topsecret Records, a Gibson guitar, andRead More...
April 07, 2010
10:37
After 111 Days, Avatar Finally Leaves Our Screens
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

No matter which way you boil it down, 111 days is a long time.

But that's precisely how long Avatar was in theaters here in Bend. You can still see it at the Regal Old Mill 16 today and tomorrow, but come Friday, James Cameron's big, blue human-hating, alien-loving, billions-of-dollar-raking, eye-ball-dazzling behemoth of a film will diRead More...
9:37
After 111 Days, Avatar Finally Leaves Our Screens
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

No matter which way you boil it down, 111 days is a long time.

But that's precisely how long Avatar was in theaters here in Bend. You can still see it at the Regal Old Mill 16 today and tomorrow, but come Friday, James Cameron's big, blue human-hating, alien-loving, billions-of-dollar-raking, eye-ball-dazzling behemoth of a film will diRead More...
6:31
Hear Larry and His Flask Live on 92.7 FM Today
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: Larry and His Flask [edit]

This week, I have a feature in the paper about Larry and His Flask, the punk-gone-acoustic sextet that's been out touring the country in support of Celtic rockers Dropkick Murphys, but now have returned home.

Now, they're home and settling in to the 92.7 FM studio this afternoon at 1pm to perform live as well as chat with the Kris, the station's award-winning DJ.

You might also get to hear the new recordings the band has up its sleeve, which they talk about in this week's featurRead More...
5:31
Hear Larry and His Flask Live on 92.7 FM Today
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: Larry and His Flask [edit]

This week, I have a feature in the paper about Larry and His Flask, the punk-gone-acoustic sextet that's been out touring the country in support of Celtic rockers Dropkick Murphys, but now have returned home.

Now, they're home and settling in to the 92.7 FM studio this afternoon at 1pm to perform live as well as chat with the Kris, the station's award-winning DJ.

You might also get to hear the new recordings the band has up its sleeve, which they talk about in this week's featurRead More...
April 06, 2010
8:19
Jesus vs. The Easter Bunny: On Bikes!
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

And you thought that was a misleading headline, didn't you? But here is proof that on Easter Sunday at Silver Moon Brewing Co., Jesus and the Easter Bunny took the battle for rights to the holiday to the bicycles. (Photo by Brian Bulemore with Abacus Photography)

Actually, this wasn't the real Easter BuRead More...
7:19
Jesus vs. The Easter Bunny: On Bikes!
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

And you thought that was a misleading headline, didn't you? But here is proof that on Easter Sunday at Silver Moon Brewing Co., Jesus and the Easter Bunny took the battle for rights to the holiday to the bicycles. (Photo by Brian Bulemore with Abacus Photography)

Actually, this wasn't the real Easter BuRead More...
April 05, 2010
9:55
Cheering For Duke Tonight? Here are some other athletes you may also be interested in rooting for
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

Tonight, Duke University, a basketball powerhouse since the early 1960s is playing for its fourth national championship against the lowly, slightly dorky-looking and dorky-acting men of Butler University. You may very well be one of the millions of people who inexplicably cheer for Duke each season, and if so, this is for you.

Did you know that Duke isn’t the only steamrolling, uncompromising, leaving-a-trail-of-blood-in-its-wake powerhouse that you can cheer on? Here are a few oRead More...
8:55
Cheering For Duke Tonight? Here are some other athletes you may also be interested in rooting for
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

Tonight, Duke University, a basketball powerhouse since the early 1960s is playing for its fourth national championship against the lowly, slightly dorky-looking and dorky-acting men of Butler University. You may very well be one of the millions of people who inexplicably cheer for Duke each season, and if so, this is for you.

Did you know that Duke isn’t the only steamrolling, uncompromising, leaving-a-trail-of-blood-in-its-wake powerhouse that you can cheer on? Here are a few oRead More...
April 01, 2010
9:09
Old Stone Music Series: Tony Furtado, Chic Gamine, Peppino D'Agostino
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

The Source is kicking off a run of concerts with its sister company, Lay It Out Events, and it's called the Old Stone Music Series, because, well it's going down at the Old Stone Church.

The series begins on April 23 with a show from Tony Furtado, an Oregon-based multi-instrumentalist who has played some memorable shows here in town. Remember when he almost ripped the bricks from the walls of the buildings (no, not literally) on Minnesota Avenue with his funk-meets-Americana sound? TheRead More...
March 31, 2010
10:41
Mother Hips Show in Bend Canceled
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

I got word late yesterday that the Mother Hips show slated for April 15 at Mountain's Edge has been canceled. The roots rock band's publicist said there's a chance the band could come to town at some point, but there's no confirmed plans as of now.

Also, we learned late last night that the Slackers show scheduled for Mountain's Edge last night was canceled at the last minute. Sorry to anyone who headed out there looking for that show and wound up disappointed. I'm also disappointed. ThRead More...
March 30, 2010
7:35
Number One Reason to Have Kids: So you can make them recreate "Scarface"
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

No, I'm not serious. Well, not that serious. But this video of what appears to be an elementary school class recreating the climactic scene of Scarface, is quite possibly the funniest damn thing in the world.

Yes, we're supposed to be offended by this -- it's got kids shooting other kids and saying words like "motherfudger," and "cocaine" for crying out loud. But just try to watch this from start to finish and not at least giggle.

Whether or not this was actually filmed at a schRead More...
March 29, 2010
10:59
Video of Norman and The Dimes From Saturday Night's Portland Indie Invasion
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

On Saturday night in the newly refurbished Old Stone Church, some of the most honestly awesome rock music I've heard in Bend in quite some time was being played. Sure, this was the Portland Indie Invasion, which our paper sponsored, but that's not weighing into my opinion.

I rolled in just in time to see Norman take the stage. And while the quintet might prove awkward at times when it comes to stage banter, they speak clearly with their rocking abilities. This folk-influenced but preciRead More...
March 26, 2010
7:53
Pinback Returning to Bend July 8
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

Things just keep looking better and better for the summer music scene here in Bend -- and doubly so now that it's been announced that progressive popsters Pinback are playing the Domino Room on July 8.

The band played a sold-out show at the Domino in February of 2007, but haven't been back since. For whatever reason, the band -- comprised of the dynamic team of Rob Crow and Armistead Burwell Smith IV -- is incredibly popular here in Bend, and you'll hear their records spinning in RanchRead More...
March 25, 2010
7:34
Win Tickets to the Portland Indie Invasion with The Dimes, Norman and Tortune
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

In a move to bring more indie rock to town, The Source and Lay it Out Events have put together the Portland Indie Invasion at the Old Stone Church, a show on Saturday night featuring three quality acts from PDX, including The Dimes, Norman and Tortune. If you haven’t seen it yet, here’s our feature on The Dimes from this week’s issue.

Anyway, you should go to this show and while tickets are only $7, you can win them for free, thus saving you seven bucks. All you have Read More...
March 24, 2010
10:07
Strings Abound: The Portland Cello Project plays tonight for free
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

Forget everything you know about cellos. Did you do that yet? Even Yo-Yo Ma? How about your time in the elementary school orchestra? Memory wiped clean? Good, because you need to realize that a group out of Portland has decided to make the cello -- actually a whole s-load of cellos -- cool.

The Portland Cello Project is a crew of cellists (accompanied by percussion and other instrumentation) that have long been touring the country, playing not just classical tunes by way of their cumbeRead More...
March 23, 2010
6:21
Supersuckers, Steve Earle Coming to Bend
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

...and in that order, too.

The Supersuckers, a hard-nosed rockabilly crew from Seattle who've made a few stops in town over the years, have been booked by Random Presents at the Domino Room on Friday, April 9. Fronted by the boisterous Eddie Spaghetti, the Supersuckers were born out of the early ‘90s Seattle scene and have toured with big acts like Pearl Jam over the years. Many Bendites will remember when the band played Bend WinterFest (when it was still downtown) and nearly roRead More...
March 19, 2010
12:07
Big Music Videos in Bend: Jah Sun goes futuristic with Far From Earth Films
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

Bend doesn’t seem like the place where a high-end music video would be under construction, but that’s essentially what was going on a couple weeks ago at Rage Films’ studio.

It was there that Tim Cash from Far From Earth Films was directing the music video for reggae/dance hall star Jah Sun, the pride of Humboldt County. In the past year, Jah Sun has gained notoriety throughout Europe as well as in the Caribbean, where his videos appear on Hype TV, the MTV equivalent Read More...
March 18, 2010
10:55
The NCAA Tournament: Probably the greatest thing ever
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

Plunk.

That’s the sound of your NCAA basketball tournament bracket – which you spent half of your Monday painstakingly completing – hitting the bottom of your trashcan. You didn’t expect Notre Dame to fall to Old Dominion and you listened to all those ESPN screaming heads and put Richmond in the Sweet Sixteen. And you don’t even want to think about how you wouldn’t take the advice of your coworker, who said Murray State would defeat Vanderbilt.
March 17, 2010
7:26
Happy St. Patrick's Day: The revival of the Harp Hall Social Club
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

Almost everyone in our offices remembered it was St. Patrick's Day today and most of us wore green. Others wore red or blue, but that's OK...if you hate having a good time.

Damn near every bar in town has some sort of happening tonight whether that's Blowin' Smoke at the Summit or DJ Bryne 1 at Velvet and everything in between. Then, of course, there's the big extravaganza at McMenamins and the sold-out Brandi Carlile show at the Tower.
March 16, 2010
5:31
Maceo Parker vs Trombone Shorty: What to do tonight?
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

As I wrote about in last week's print edition, tonight is one of the funkiest in recent memory.

That's because funk and jazz legend Maceo Parker is playing the Tower Theatre and up-and-coming horn player Trombone Shorty is out at the Sisters Folk Festival Winter Concert Series with his funky band, Orleans Avenue. Tickets are still available for both shows, so your options are still wide open.

Maceo Parker kicks off at 7pm tonight, as does Trombone Shorty. Whatever you do, get ouRead More...
March 12, 2010
7:56
Poor Man's Whiskey Return to the Domino Room Saturday Night
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

After selling out the Domino Room in October for a show that featured the Bay Area band's front-to-back Americana recreation of Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon, Poor Man’s Whiskey is returning to Bend on Saturday (3/13) for another show at the same venue.

This time around, PMW is playing a show featuring its own bluegrass-meets-classic-arena-rock (yes, this is possible) numbers and will almost certainly draw a sizable crowd of their hardcore Bend fans. This is a good chaRead More...
March 11, 2010
12:01
Music Documentary, "Playing For Change" Tonight at the Domino Room
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

One of our Picks of the Week in the last print edition was sending you in the direction of the Domino Room tonight where Bend's community radio station, KPOV (106.7FM), is screening the documentary Playing For Change.

The film is an uplifting look into the global unifying powers of music and follows a crew that travels the world recording music with players from different cultures by way of a traveling recording studio. The result are numbers that include musicians from various contineRead More...
6:57
Local Middle School Student Takes 3rd Place in CSPAN Video Contest
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

In January, Source staffer Anne Pick wrote a feature story about the CSPAN StudentCam contest, which put cameras in the hands of local students and asked them to put together a video that dealt with pressing national issues.

Several area students submitted videos and now the winners have been announced. One of the third place winners in the middle school category was Aleczander Reese, an eighth grader at High Desert Middle School. His short film, "What You See and What You Don't:Read More...
March 10, 2010
8:51
Bend For Haiti Concert Announces Lineup
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

It's been in the works for more than a month now, but the lineup has been finalized for the Bend For Haiti concert to take place at the Tower Theatre on March 19. The show is the culminating effort led by Reed Thomas Lawrence, the local pop rocker who will come out of relative live show dormancy to perform at the gig.

The rest of the lineup includes the poppy Oregon funk and reggae act Rootdown as well as Eugene's David Jacobs-Strain, the blues guitarist and songwriter who has a solid Read More...
March 08, 2010
12:44
Latest LSA Announcement: Willie Nelson Coming to Bend
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: les schwab Amphitheater [edit]

Here it is, the next installment of Guess Who's Coming to the Les Schwab Amphitheater?

And in this edition, we're announcing a familiar name to the LSA stage, Mr. Willie Nelson. The Red Headed Stranger last played the LSA in 2007 and is touring this summer in support of his upcoming album, Country Music. This year's show is slated for Friday, September 17.

This is the second country artist to make the LSA schedule thus far, joining legend Merle Haggard, who will play on June 20Read More...
March 05, 2010
16:04
The Mother Hips Coming to Bend
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

UPDATE (3/31) This show has been canceled. Yes, that's a bummer.

I’ve been hearing quite a bit about a band called the Mother Hips lately and how their roots rock attack is blowing up on the West Coast right now. Well, wouldn’t you know it if an e-mail came across my electronic desk this morning announcing that the Mother Hips would be playing in Bend.

The show is slated for April 15 for Mountain’s Edge Bar (what isn’t going on there lately?) and is part Read More...
7:15
KOHD Stops Its Local Newscasts
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: KOHD [edit]

And then there was one...

One remaining local newscast remains in Central Oregon as of today, that being the folks over at KTVZ now that KOHD, the local ABC affiliate, has announced today that it will no longer produce a news program.

In a statement this morning on the KOHD website, KOHD General Manager Jerry Upham announced that tonight’s 11 p.m. broadcast will be the last for the station, which took to the air in September of 2007. Upham cited the station’s low Nielson ratinRead More...
March 04, 2010
7:53
Video: Eric Tollefson and the World's Greatest Lovers
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

Eric Tollefson and the World's Greatest Lovers played the free Wednesday night show last night at McMenamins here in Bend, serving up a feast of blues rock jems before heading down to Hollywood for a show at the Whiskey A Go Go on Saturday.

I've got some video here, but sadly it is not of the show's defining moment, which was when a youngish man in the crowd challenged Feverishly Dancing Bespectacled Woman (if you've been to a McMenamins show, you know who she is) to a dance off. It waRead More...
March 03, 2010
9:23
Eric Tollefson and The World's Greatest Lovers Tonight for Free
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

Yes, that is the real name that local blues rocking singer songwriter Eric Tollefson has chosen for his band. I profiled the red head in this week's issue of the Source in advance of the band's triumphant journey to Hollywood to play the Whiskey A Go Go.

But before they head out of town, Tollefson and his band, which includes Pat Pearsall, Lindsey Elias and Keith O'Dell from Empty Space Orchestra and Tim Schroeder, formerly of the Bond Brothers on lead guitar, will play a free show toRead More...
March 01, 2010
11:07
She & Him to Open for Band of Horses in Bend
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: les schwab Amphitheater [edit]

On Friday I wrote about the fact that Band of Horses are coming to the Les Schwab Amphitheater on May 30, prompting at least one reader to complain about that band's lack of guitar solos. I also stated that info on an opening act would be coming soon.

Well, soon is now, because it's been confirmed that She & Him, the power duo of actress/vocalist/pianist Zooey Deschanel and producer/songwriter extraordinaire M. Ward will open the show.

The band debuted with Volume One in 200Read More...
February 26, 2010
12:35
Band of Horses at Les Schwab Amphitheater! In Bend! May 30!
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: Sasquatch [edit]

Yeah, I had to read that headline a couple times myself before believing it myself, but yes, indeed, Band of Horses, the massive-sounding rock band now located in South Carolina, are coming to Bend on May 30.

The announcement came by way of a Twitter post from the Old Mill District yesterday. Isn't it fun receiving excitement in 140-character bursts?

This, for the most part, erases the allegedly snot-nosed attitude pervasive in my last posting about the respectable, but you knRead More...
February 25, 2010
10:50
For the Audio Geeks: Silver Moon Brewing Gets New Soundsystem
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

Given that it's become one of Bend's most visited live music venues, it's fitting that the Silver Moon now has upped it's in-house sound system.

I'm hardly an audio guru, and for the most part don't complain about a venue's sound during a show -- unless it's unavoidable -- but from what the venue had to say in a press release yesterRead More...
February 24, 2010
6:43
Seriously, Matthew Fox? You had to do that in Bend?
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: Matthew Fox [edit]

In case you're not the sort of person who hounds the In Touch website, you may not have heard about part-time Central Oregon resident Matthew Fox allegedly having a two-time affair with one of the professional, err, dancers at Stars Cabaret here in Bend.

The In Touch story tells about how Fox (who is married) met the danRead More...
February 22, 2010
14:05
Steve Miller Band is Coming to Bend...and hopefully some other acts
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

It’s almost spring here in the glorious highlands of Central Oregon, which means that if you’re a lover of live music, it’s time to start praying for some big news to come out of the folks at the Les Schwab Amphitheater.

We already knew that Merle Haggard would be diverting his tour away from the steady string of casinos it’s scheduled for to arrive on the LSA stage come June 20, but now it’s been confirmed that another classic name is on the summer concerRead More...
February 21, 2010
19:04
Video of Eric Tollefson Live at Silver Moon on Saturday Night
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: Local music [edit]

If you were in Bend on Saturday night there were plenty of options for entertainment. Roller derby, people beating the crap out of each other, ska music, rock music; you name it, it was going on in town on Saturday.

We made it down to Silver Moon to catch the soulful (and dreamy) Eric Tollefson debut his new band The World's Greatest Lovers. The show was great and Eric announced they'd be playing a free, all ages show at McMenamins on March 3 at 7pm. If you missed this show at the MoonRead More...
February 19, 2010
7:32
A Conversation With The Men Behind the Beard and Moustache Championships Coming to Bend
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: Beards [edit]

In the event that you’re habitually are slow on the uptake when it comes to facial-hair-related news, the Beard Team USA National Beard and Moustache Championships are taking place in Bend this year.

In advance of the Championships, which are slated for June 5 at the Les Schwab Amphitheater during the Balloons over Bend festival, the founder (and “self-appointed captain”) of Beard Team USA, Phil Olsen and two-time defending Natural Full Beard World Champion Jack PassiRead More...
February 18, 2010
12:28
Our Mini-Documentary of the Bend WinterFest Weekend
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: Winterfest [edit]

The Source Weekly's calendar editor/video magician Anne Pick took all the largely cattywompus video I shot during the three days of Bend WinterFest last weekend and quilted it into a nice little documentary.

Take a look and relive the joy that was WinterFest. By the way, we just got word from the WinterFest organizers who estimated that some 32,000 people visited the festival during the three days.

[video [www.youtube.com] 4Read More...
7:44
Hippie Jams, Michael Cera and Problem Stick: What happened last night
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

I arrived at McMenamins Old St. Francis School last night and quickly discovered that there were a couple hundred other people who also thought it clever to take in a free show from Blue Turtle Seduction.

The bubbly Lake Tahoe jam band had the place packed (even more jammed than the typical free Wednesday show) and bobbing along to their bright, sunshine-filled songs and improvisations. People were dancing wholeheartedly, sweating the place up and giving me a slight case of claustrophoRead More...
February 17, 2010
9:04
Blue Turtle Seduction: Back in Bend once again tonight
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

Blue Turtle Seduction won’t leave Bend alone. By our count, tonight’s free show at McMenamins Old St. Francis School is the Lake Tahoe jam band’s 11th (at least) concert in Bend since 2006, when they played at the now-defunct Grove.

The poppy, world-music band was a staple of both years at the 4 Peaks Music Festival and played a pair of shows at the Annex in between. Recently, they’ve moved across the street for gigs at the Silver Moon Brewing Co., but now Blue Read More...
February 16, 2010
7:18
Sasquatch Lineup Announced: My Morning Jacket, Pavement, Massive Attack, Ween and more
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

Summer festival season is still a ways off, but it feels much closer now that the Sasquatch! Music Festival has unveiled its downright impressive lineup.

Taking place over Memorial Day Weekend (May 29 through 31) up at the Gorge Amphitheater, the festival boasts arguably the strongest lineup of its eight-year history with headliners like My Morning Jacket, Pavement, Vampire Weekend, MGMT and plenty others, like The Hold Steady, for one.

Once again, the lineup is intentionally elRead More...
February 15, 2010
10:57
Video From the WinterFest Music Stage
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

If you were one of the several thousand folks who descended on the Old Mill District for last weekend's Bend WinterFest, you probably saw some of action below.

Friday night featured a headlining set from Bend favorites, The Gourds, making for a packed stage as the skiers jammed the rail behind the crowd. The Austin alt-country powerhouse proved raucous as ever, despite the fiercely blowing cold winds that whipped up against the stage.

[video [wwRead] More...
February 12, 2010
12:44
WinterFest Music Video Preview: The Gourds, Hell's Belles
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

It looks like that nasty little wet burst of stormy weather has passed and things are looking food for tonight's kick off of WinterFest.

While many out there are heading down to the Old Mill District to watch the always insanely popular Rail Jam, others (maybe you) will be there to take in some first-class music.

Tonight there's an appearance by The Gourds, the Austin, Texas alternative country act with a nice and hefty following in Bend. But that show also features sets from loRead More...
February 11, 2010
11:20
Video of Greg Mortenson, Author of "Three Cups of Tea," Speaking in Bend
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

I just got back from Summit High School where Greg Mortenson, the author of Three Cups of Tea: One Man's Mission to Promote Peace...One School at a Time, was speaking to a sizable congregation of elementary school-aged kids.

At the event, the organizers also announced the total sum raised during the Pennies for Peace fundraiser in town, which came to $52,729.04.

I also had a chance to sit down with Mortenson, who has dedicated his life to help build schools in Pakistan in the hoRead More...
7:45
Spring Music Preview - Pato Banton, Andre Nickatina, Brandi Carlile and More
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

Although we're only in mid February and we haven't even enjoyed the musical fruits of WinterFest yet, it's time to look to spring and see what's in store on the local live music front.

There's been a few announcements for March and April in the past two weeks, including word of return appearances from reggae legend Pato Banton at the Domino Room on March 12 and yet another gangsta rap throw down from Andre Nickatina set for April 17, also at the Domino.
February 10, 2010
10:41
Slightly Stoopid Tonight at the Midtown in Bend
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

After a few months of build up, tonight's (Wednesday) Slightly Stoopid show has finally arrived and it seems there's plenty of buzz about it.

This is the band's third appearance in town in the last two years -- a testament to the fan base they've secured in these parts. And it makes sense, seeing as how the outdoor sports community has embraced the San Diego-based punk rock, reggae, roots and sometimes acoustic act.

If you're heading to this show, show up on time because, as I mRead More...
February 09, 2010
13:05
A Brief Look at the WinterFest Rail Jam Construction
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: Winterfest [edit]

With Bend WinterFest only three short days away, things are already starting to look like festival time down in the Old Mill where the crew is hard at work erecting the massive apparatus for the Rail Jam competition.

Take a look at this brief video and see where they're at. Somehow, this thing looks even bigger than last year. Crazy. **Thanks to Source intern Tony Levison for shooting the video.

[video [www.youtube.com] Read More...
7:03
Check Out the New Track from The Thermals - "Canada"
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

One of Portland's most solid rock bands, The Thermals, have released a new, timely titled single called "Canada." 'Cause, ya know, the Olympics and all.

The band's next album, Personal Life, is nearing completion and expected top hit the streets in September of this year. While that's still a ways off, there's some excitement in knowing that Death Cab For Cutie's Chris Walla is producing the disc. But hey, in the meantime you should relish in the band's incredible 2009 release Now We CRead More...
February 08, 2010
8:34
Innovation Theatre Works Opens Performance Facility in Bend
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

With the fate of 2nd Street Theater still up in the air (although there's rumors of a potential buyer for the location) there's some good news to be had in the local theater world today with the announcement just minutes ago that Innovation Theatre Works will be opening a theater facility.

Most know Innovation for their productions of Driving Miss Daisy and the Frank Sinatra tribute My Way, both of which were performed at the Tower Theatre.

Located on the south end of town near Read More...
February 06, 2010
13:32
Cash'd Out Walked the Line at the Domino Room Last Night and Here's Some Video
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: Live music [edit]

My friends and I had been pretty pumped since finding out Cash'd Out, a Johnny Cash tribute band, was coming to Bend and finally last night we got to enjoy the Man in Black's tunes, live. Cash'd Out has been called the next best thing to Cash himself, and I imagine that's pretty on par, being too young to have ever seen him live myself.

Douglas Benson and his crew played all of Cash's hits, a few lesser known songs, and went on for a solid two hours. Benson alternated between Pabst BluRead More...
9:25
Alaskan Bluegrass Act Bearfoot in Sisters
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

The Sisters Folk Festival Winter Concert Series kicks off tonight with a show from Anchorage bluegrass/Americana quintet, Bearfoot.

The band, which fuses traditional roots music influences with modern country flavors, is quickly on the rise over the past couple years. Part of this is due to the fact that the band won the Telluride Bluegrass Festival band competition -- one of the highest honors a burgeoning acoustic act can receive.

The show kicks off at 7pm tonight (Saturday 2/Read More...
February 05, 2010
6:23
Hear Johnny Cash Tonight in Bend With Cash'd Out
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

Devotees to the late, great Man in Black can shimmy to the sounds of the legendary country singer tonight at the Domino Room tonight when Cash'd Out, a San Diego-based Johnny Cash tribute act hits the stage.

While I'm always weary of tribute bands, this one does, in fact, do justice the Cash's music. The band is so dead on in its recreations of mostly early Cash songs that they were asked to play the opening of the Johnny Cash exhibit at the Fender Museum.

Doors at 8pm, show at Read More...
February 04, 2010
7:53
Video (Including a Dancing Toddler) From Last Night's Ruins of Ooah Show
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

Another Wednesday, another crowded show at McMenamin's Old St. Francis School. This week's crowd, however, separated itself from previous ones by its intense desire to dance its collective ass off as the tribal sounds of the mostly local Ruins of Ooah bounced off the walls of the Father Luke's Room.

As far as McMenamins shows, this was the most dancey I've ever seen it. There's something about Tyler Spencer's didjeridu and Justus Williams' harmonica that gets people moving. At the end Read More...
February 03, 2010
8:21
Holy Didjeridu! Ruins of Ooah Playing for Free Tonight in Bend
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

Ruins of Ooah, as those hip to the local music community know, is, well, weird. When I wrote about the band this fall, I outline how the band consists solely of drums, harmonica and the didjeridu work of Tyler Spencer. This doesn't sound like much, but the trio is able to create an enormous wall of sound with this seemingly scant instrumentation.

Spencer splits his time between Bend and Eugene when he's not on the road with the band, so this isn't fully a local act, but local enough toRead More...
February 02, 2010
7:12
String Cheese Incident Returns to Oregon This Summer
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

String Cheese Incident, the venerable jam band which during its time in the touring circuit went from a bluegrassy, roots rock band to an almost-electronic act (while maintaining some Americana elements) just announced seven shows for this summer, four of which will be in Oregon.

From July 29 - August 1, SCI will set up residency at Read More...
February 01, 2010
12:34
Chris Berry Trio featuring Steve Kimock hit the Domino Room in Bend on March 6
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: Steve Kimock [edit]

Last spring we were treated to guitarist Steve Kimock's latest project, Steve Kimock Crazy Train. It was a high energy show and now the talented ax man is back, but this time with the Chris Berry Trio, who are out on a mini-tour featuring the African based sounds of Zimbabwe. Kimock brings his guitar skills in addition to the rhythm section of the Brazilian Girls. Expect cutting edge improvisational guitar, a touch of electronica and get ready to dance.
7:32
Video from Friday's Quick & Easy Boys Show
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

There was a steady curtain of wet snow falling outside the Silver Moon Brewing Co. on Friday night, but inside things were pleasantly sweaty, with a packed house getting down to the sounds of Portland's Quick & Easy Boys.

Given the overwhelming turnout, chances are we'll see this power trio and their honky tonk collides with funk sound again. And when I say collision of funk and honky tonk, that's exactly what happened at the show. There were some country folks replete in camouflagRead More...
January 31, 2010
20:08
Colbert Won a Grammy...and That's All I Cared About
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

If you slogged your way through the Grammys Sunday evening, you saw several things, one of which was a performance in which the Black Eyed Peas revealed themselves to be robots. Or at least half robot.

The award ceremony stuck to formula, handing out awards seemingly based on record sales and radio airplay rather than artistic merit. And that's fine -- it's what to be expected.

But how about Steven Colbert, who hosted the show, by the way, winning a Best Comedy Album Grammy foRead More...
January 29, 2010
14:05
New Bend Band Capture the Flag Wants You in Their Music Video
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

Capture the Flag, the young up-and-coming pop punk band from Bend, are shooting their first music video on Saturday (Jan. 30) and want you to be part of it.

The band's guitarist, John Davis, who many know from the concerts he promotes in town, is asking any and all folks who want to be in the video to be at the Rise Up warehouRead More...
7:17
Let's Find These Scoundrelly Bar Thieves
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

We at the Blender believe in good ol' American justice -- and every other kind of justice. That's why we're asking you, the Internet reading folks in Bend, to help us find the low-life couple that distracted local filmmaker Chris Kas, then proceeded to jack his leather jacket which contained his wallet, keys and a borrowed HD video camera.

The alleged heist took place on Tuesday night at Velvet in downtown Bend and security cameras caught the suspected scoundrels in the act. See the phRead More...
January 28, 2010
8:01
Video From Last Night's Head For the Hills Show
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

As was to be expected, the Father Luke's room at McMenamins Old St. Francis School was packed last night with a couple hundred Bendites who Tetrised themselves in to see Head for the Hills, the young Fort Collins, Colo.-based acoustic band.

The first set was solid, but somewhat sedated with a few ballads tossed into the fiery picking HFTH is known to purvey. Then the crowd thickened for the second set, presumably because people were home watching the surprisingly entertaining State ofRead More...
January 27, 2010
12:09
Head for the Hills tonight at McMenamins for FREE!
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: McMenamins [edit]

Every time I hear Fort Collins, Colorado-based bluegrass band Head for the Hills, who are playing tonight for free at McMenamin's Old St. Francis School, is coming to town I kinda get creeped out. No, not because of them at all, I'm not afraid of beards and bluegrass (I actually have a thing for guys with beards as it may be.) The silly reason is because their name sounds strikingly similar to that scary movie The Hills Have Eyes. The two have nothing in common except the words "hills", I am Read More...
8:04
Poor Man’s Whiskey Returns to the Domino Room in Bend March 13
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: Poor Man's Whiskey [edit]

I just got word that Poor Man’s Whiskey, the Bay Area band that’s secured Bend as its home away from home over the past three years, is coming back to the Domino Room on March 13.

The last time the PMW came through town was in October when the band played its “Dark Side of the Moonshine” – an Americana version of the Pink Floyd classic – and sold out the Domino Room, packing it full of lasers and stage lights, and of course a few hundred dancing BendRead More...
January 25, 2010
13:57
Grammy-Winning Hawaiian Musician John Cruz in Bend Wednesday Night
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

John Cruz, the Grammy winning guitarist and songwriter from Honolulu, is making a stop in Bend this week, playing the Silver Moon Brewing Co. on Wednesday night.

Cruz, known for his upbeat, island-inspired songs, raked in a Grammy in 2005, but was enormously popular in Hawaii and beyond long before that. This show is his first appearance in Oregon in some time and following the show, Cruz will head down to LA where he'll play a pre-Grammy show featuring other Hawaiian artists.
January 24, 2010
6:43
Why We Care (Or Don’t Care) About Conan
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

There won’t be much closure to be found tonight when Conan O’Brien tugs on the imaginary strings affixed to each of his hips for the last time on The Tonight Show. Conan will be gone, at least from NBC, and likely won’t resurface on any network for some time and there’s really nothing you or I can do about it.

And this probably pisses you off. At least a little. Or maybe it really pisses you off – if you’re one of the many youngish Americans who’ve come out in drovesRead More...
January 22, 2010
8:19
Why We So Desperately Care (or Don’t Care) About Conan
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: Conan O'Brien [edit]

There won’t be much closure to be found tonight when Conan O’Brien tugs on the imaginary strings affixed to his hips for the last time on The Tonight Show. Conan will be gone, at least from NBC, and likely won’t resurface on any network for some time.

And this probably pisses you off. At least a little. Or maybe it really pisses yRead More...
January 21, 2010
6:57
Sisters Folk Winter Concert Series: Trombone Shorty, Noah Gunderson and the Courage, Bearfoot
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

Once again, the Sisters Folk Festival has rolled out an impressive lineup for its annual Winter Concert Series. This year's slate is arguably the most diverse offering the ever-expanding festival has offered up, working elements of funk, jazz, bluegrass and, of course, folk into it's the series.

The series kicks off on Saturday, February 6 with Bearfoot, a mostly female bluegrass and Americana outfit from Anchorage.
January 20, 2010
11:52
Jukebot: Bend's New All-Star Band Debuts Tonight
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

For the past few weeks, there was a date on the McMenamins Old St. Francis School website that was equally engaging and mysterious. The name of the band was Jukebot and the date was tonight, but other than a painfully vague description reading "21st century rock and roll," that was all I knew.

But the band rolled out a press release this morning revealing themselves as a funky, hard-rocking collection of well-known local musicians best known for their appearances in other Bend-area banRead More...
January 19, 2010
13:42
The Aggrolites Added to Slightly Stoopid Show in Bend
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

As if all the whippersnapping, sideways-hat-wearin' Slightly Stoopid fans in town (of which I suppose I am one, minus the sideways hat) weren't stoked enough about the band's upcoming February 10 show at the Midtown Ballroom, there's now extra reason for stokedness. And that's the fact that LA-based reggae band The Aggrolites has been added as the show's opener.

The Aggrolites have enjoyed success on the West Coast and beyond since releasing their debut record, Dirty Reggae, back in 20Read More...
January 18, 2010
14:01
Tonight in Music: Rev. Peyton's Big Damn Band
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: Domino room [edit]

Once again, the rural Indiana country blues rockers of Rev. Peyton's Big Damn Band are stopping off at the Domino Room tonight (Monday), making that -- by my count -- the band's third appearance in just over a year.

Local acoustic hooligans Larry and His Flask open the show, which starts tonight at 9pm. Tickets are $12 at the door -- not a band bargain for a band like this, which will almost certainly, in the words of one Mr. Wooderson, "Blow your doors off."

Here's some video oRead More...
January 17, 2010
1:06
Ska City: Necktie Killer Brings The Toasters, The Slackers to Bend
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

I’ve been working on a profile of local ska-punk-funk band Necktie Killer this week and in the process, I learned that the band is in the process of helping to build their very own ska scene here in Bend by bringing in some huge names from the genre to Mountain’s Edge Bar (formerly Timber’s South): The Toasters and The Slackers.

This is all in addition to next weekend’s show featuring Florida ska punks The Supervillains. Of course, Necktie Killer is set to open Read More...
January 16, 2010
0:00
Dancing Punks: The Redwood Plan Tonight at Players
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

Tonight, Seattle's deliciously danceable Redwood Plan plays at Players Bar and Grill and in doing so, introduces our town to a style that as far I as know, has never been heard here: Dance Punk.

Here's my profile of the Redwood Plan from this week's Source. Among other things, you'll learn that the band is lead by the thunderous vocals of Lesli Wood, who is actually an attorney when she's not rocking out. Also, you might recognize the name of her previous band, Ms. Led.

The showRead More...
January 15, 2010
11:07
Arrrrr! Pirate Rock at the Silver Moon Tonight with Deadly Gallows
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: Local music [edit]

We're all aware of punk rock and surf rock and indie rock and alternative rock, but there's plenty of other rock genres out there, one of which has recently come to my attention: pirate rock. And yes, the music sounds exactly like the name suggests -- lots of angry growls and talks of planks and such.

And you can see this genre in action tonight when Deadly Gallows, a self-described pirate rock band from Reno, plays the Silver Moon. Opening the show is local acoustic hooligans Larry anRead More...
January 14, 2010
11:05
Film Tonight in Bend: "Beautiful Losers" - A Story of Street Art
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

The kind and always hip folks at PoetHouse Art are hosting a screening of the acclaimed documentary Beautiful Losers, which tells the story of the evolution of street art in the US.

The film covers graffiti art and other mediums influenced by the punk, hip-hop and anti-establishment movements found in many American cities beginning in the 1980s and continuing today. Naturally, Shephard Fairey - best known for his "Hope" portrait of President Obama - is featured in the doc, as are a coRead More...
7:21
Video From the Finn Riggins Show Last Night
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: McMenamins [edit]

Boise's Finn Riggins played McMenamins Old St. Francis School last night here in Bend to a mostly subdued and seated, yet still numerous and attentive crowd. But it was good to see the a strong indie rock play a free show to our often-deprived underage crowd, many of which were in attendance.

If you missed the show, you can keep your fingers crossed that the band will return soon, which they very well may. Or, you can check out these videos from last night.
January 13, 2010
11:04
Finn Riggins Brings its Weirdly Awesome Indie Rock to Bend Tonight
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: McMenamins [edit]

If there's one band that I've been pleased to see make return appearances in Bend over the past year, it's Finn Riggins (read our profile of the band from this summer), the sometimes goofy but always tight Boise indie rock trio.

The band is playing tonight at McMenamin's Old St. Francis School at 7pm -- and it's free! As in you don't have to pay any money. And better yet, unlike the band's other shows thus far, this one is all ages.

Finn Riggins released Vs. Wilderness, a set ofRead More...
January 12, 2010
14:34
Are You With Conan? Late Night Chaos at NBC
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: the Tonight show [edit]

As you may have heard, Conan O'Brien, the host of The Tonight Show released a somewhat funny, but mostly serious statement today announcing that he will not accept NBC's offer to move to 12:05pm to accommodate the terribly nice but less-than-hilarious Jay Leno and his self-titled show.

In the wake of the announcement it seemed every Conan fan descended on the InternRead More...
January 11, 2010
13:48
Empty Space Orchestra: On Tour
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: Empty Space Orchestra [edit]

Empty Space Orchestra is heading out on tour this week, hitting up locations that up till now had been untrodden territory for the local instrumental space rockers.

I ran into guitarist Shane Thomas last night at Parrilla Grill, where Thomas, a faithful employee of the wrap and burrito purveyor, constructed my Red Headed Stepchild (chicken, Frank's hot sauce, GorgonzRead More...
January 07, 2010
8:30
Is The Bend OLCC Saga Finally Over?
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: OLCC [edit]

It appears the long and winding road that is the Bend OLCC saga may have come to an end with the agency now naming a new regional manager. Also, embattled former regional manager, Jason Evers, will not be returning, but rather heading all the way to the Idaho border.

We've learned that Katy Boyce, who has been with the Bend OLCC since 2005 and served as interim manager since August, will officially take over the Bend region immediately. Boyce graduated from Oregon State and also holds Read More...
January 05, 2010
14:25
Wow Do We Love Beards Around Here!
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: Mustache [edit]

News came out yesterday that the 2010 Beard Team USA Nationals will be held here in Bend, Oregon and it’s more or less the only thing people have been talking to me about since.

Why?

Well, probably because beards are the most important thing to touch the human face since the death mask of Agamemnon, that’s why. And for mustaches, you ask? Well the mustache used the last few years of the past decade to transform its reputation from the calling card look for cops, Spaniards and Read More...
December 30, 2009
13:27
Bend's Live Music in 2010: It's Gonna Be OK
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

I've written spent some valuable cyber ink and real ink doing some written hand wringing about the future of live music here in Bend. For a while, things looked BTQB (Bleak To Quite Bleak), but now I have some hope.

It's not like the sort of rush we see in the summer, but there are some shows to look forward to in January.

Next week, there's something for the young and angry (at least musically angry) set with the hardcore sounds of Liferuiner, Never Heard the Shot and others atRead More...
December 28, 2009
13:30
Top 10 Books it Seemed Everyone in Bend Was Reading in 2009
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

Due to restrictions in the recent Top Ten edition of The Source, we had to hold a two lists from the print edition. Here is the first of those, two which was penned by Hayley Wright of Between the Covers Books.

1. Surf Is Where You Find It by Gerry Lopez

Written by surf legend Gerry Lopez, it is a collection of 38 stories about those who have been influential in the sport -- surfing anytime, anywhere, and in any way.

2.The Help by Kathryn Stockett

An illustrative tRead More...
December 22, 2009
8:39
My Top 5 Albums of 2009
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

With every publication this side of Highlights rolling out their Best of 2009 lists, I figured I should toss out a list of my own.

Here is my list of top albums from 2009, in top-to-bottom order, for the most part. Please comment below telling me how I missed your favorite record of the year or provide some other suggestions. Knowledge is power!

1: Monsters of Folk - Monsters of Folk

What do you get when you put Jim James, Conor Oberst, Mike Mogis and M.Ward in a rRead More...
December 18, 2009
7:42
Wildwood Ave's Phish-Covering, Big-Sounding Debut and Farewell Concert: Video
» ‎ The Blender

Tags: [edit]

Last night, Wildwood Ave. played their first show to a full Silver Moon Brewing Co., but it very well may have also been their farewell.

The band has been practicing incessantly over the course of the past year and a half, but had never played a show. Perhaps they're perfectionists, because from what they displayed last night, they were more than ready to play out. They dished out a handful of dead-on Phish covers like "AC/DC Bag," "Funky Bitch" and "Free" while also playing originals Read More...