time of artificial clarity. As we approach a post truth society dominated by artificial headlines and imagery, we as a collective will have to decide what holds importance.
“The Search” is about the questions we carry and the illusions we collect in our search for meaning. Ryan, an acrylic painter, has his work displayed in galleries across the country. Prints of “The Search”and all available work, can be found at ryanharrisart.com and his instagram @ryanharrisart
Call for Artists: If you're interested in being a SW featured artist, email: production@bendsource.com.
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EDITOR’S NOTE:
We take a look at the battle over liability as one of only two insurance companies covering Oregon ski resorts pulls out of the state saying it’s too expensive to stay. Peter Madsen reports on a bill that would reduce liability requirements for recreation areas. In other news, an annual horse show canceled citing a lack of entries, plus an interesting letter to the editor this week about a Senate bill that could threaten dozens of mountain bike trails in Deschutes County.
Also, a reminder that our Ballot Issue is coming next week on July 3. It’s an opportunity for you to choose the best businesses, services and people in Central Oregon.
—Nic Moye, Managing Editor
info@bendsource.com
Christine Bell, Dallas Finn Calvert, Brittany Jade Wilson, Sarah Isak-Goode, Nic Tarter
OPINION
Tourism Could Play a Role in State Economic Recovery — But the Agency Overseeing It Needs More Accountability
Aseries of articles produced by the Oregon Journalism Project and published on the Source website this past month have highlighted an ongoing concern regarding the state’s tourism promotion agency, Travel Oregon. According to OJP reporting, Travel Oregon’s executive director — who’s formally retiring this week — has earned a salary that far outstrips the salaries of department leaders in state government who manage far bigger teams, with far bigger budgets and far more important tasks. But unlike the scrutiny faced by department heads at the Oregon Health Authority or the Oregon Department of Transportation, for example, Travel Oregon doesn’t have to put its budget — or the salary of its executive — under the microscope of lawmakers. What’s more, according to the reporting, that lack of oversight may have led to the misuse or under-investment of monies dedicated to supporting tourism businesses in the state. In addition, Travel Oregon is not required to seek competitive bids when it goes out for things like advertising contracts, as they would in a more formal state agency, leading to a potential ballooning of costs.
This all concerning on a number of levels.
As OJP’s James Neff put it: “In a state with abysmal educational outcomes, the nation’s second-highest rate of unsheltered homelessness, and mental health services that consistently languish at the bottom of national rankings, there are far larger problems than a dysfunctional tourism agency. But the governor and the Legislature’s benign neglect of Travel Oregon is, to some critics, evidence of the lack of accountability elsewhere in state government.”
Travel Oregon’s executive reports to a Legislature-appointed board, which has continually voted to raise the salary of its ED, beyond industry norms, and far beyond the percentages afforded to managers in other state agencies. A 2020 audit by the Oregon Secretary of State found the same — that Travel Oregon’s ED and his staff were lavishly paid.
With a search forthcoming for a new executive director, now’s the time for a reset. That could come in the way of a recalibrated salary for the new leader. Ensuring fairness among government and quasi-government
leadership salaries is one way to right this ship. But there’s another reason for a reset.
Last month, Oregon lawmakers found they will have about $500 million less to spend for the 2025-2027 budget cycle than they thought just a few months prior. Looming cuts to Medicaid from the federal level could be another big hit for Oregon, where the Oregon Health Plan is covered by Medicaid.
Tourism and outdoor recreation helped transform Oregon’s economy from an extractive, timber-based economy to one where our state’s natural beauty is celebrated and admired. Locally, tourism plays a big role in Central Oregon’s economy – perhaps to the point where some locals don’t want the area advertised any longer. But there’s no denying the economic boon tourism has been to our region.
State lawmakers must have seen the potential when they created the Travel Oregon agency 20 years ago and decided to fund it through a portion of hotel taxes. According to the OJP reporting, tourism generates about $14 billion for the state annually and creates about 120,000 jobs.
While this year’s legislative session is nearly over, next session, the Legislature should consider bringing new oversight to the agency, and more fiscal guardrails, not least in part because tourism has a place in any economic recovery. If the state is in trouble financially, shouldn’t we get the most bang for our buck in how we advertise our state to visitors?
With so many jobs and so much money riding on tourism, it’s more than appropriate to require that the stewards of a $45 million Travel Oregon budget should have the oversight necessary to ensure they’re not just participating — but perhaps even leading — the charge in any economic recovery efforts Oregon will need to mount in the coming years.
O Letters
THORNBURGH RESORT DEVELOPMENT
This week, the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners is deliberating again on the proposed Thornburgh resort development. We want our children and grandchildren to be able to call Central Oregon home, and the Thornburgh resort puts that vision in peril.
We are concerned that indigenous science and the treaty rights of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs have been blatantly disregarded by the Commission. The ancestors of the CTWS called this place home long before we and our ancestors did, and their understanding of how to care for water, fish and wildlife is essential. Thornburgh violates the Treaty of 1855. People across the country are watching to see whether Deschutes County honors this treaty.
It is especially important that people of faith and fierce love with lineage in Christian tradition pay attention in this moment. One of the legacies of Christianity is its championing of the seizure of indigenous lands. There is repair to do.
We cannot, in good conscience, promise a future to our children and grandchildren here in Central Oregon if we allow a new resort to pump up to six million gallons of water a day to serve the wealthiest. Thornburgh cannot clearly show how they might avoid harm and diminishment to water, fish and wildlife, and we will all suffer those consequences.
There is only one way forward that enables us to continue to call Central Oregon home: YES to water; YES to affordable housing; YES to treaty rights; and NO to Thornburgh.
— Rev. Erika Spaet + Alissa Tower
MORE THAN 60 DESCHUTES COUNTY MTB TRAILS OCCUPY FEDERAL LAND THAT COULD BE SOLD
A Senate reconciliation bill would require the sale of up to 3.3 million acres of public land. Between 2.2 and 3.3 million acres of public land must be sold under the current version of a Senate reconciliation bill that could go to a vote before Independence Day.
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Those sales could occur anywhere on 258 million acres of eligible U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management land across 11 Western states, according to a map compiled by The Wilderness Society. In Deschutes County, 61 mountain bike trails are on the chopping block.
“It’s hard to believe this could happen in America,” said Central Oregon Trail Alliance Executive Director Emmy Andrews. “Trails that are key to our economy and our sense of community and quality of life, this would put all of those trails at risk of losing access and having those lands transformed into something else.”
Public land sales would begin within 30 days of the bill’s passage, with the Interior Secretary Doug Burgum soliciting nominations of tracts of BLM and USFS land from interested parties. Proponents of the Senate reconciliation bill such as the provision’s sponsor, Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT), characterized it as necessary for increasing the inventory and affordability of housing. However, the bill’s language only requires tracts of housing to be “residential,” not affordable, and does not require them to be near existing developed areas or infrastructure.
Critics of the proposal have noted that much of the eligible land is too remote or fire-prone to be suitable for housing developments that would be affordable to middle class Americans. While state and local governments can nominate public lands they want to purchase, Andrews noted that states and counties do not have the funds to acquire or manage public lands. “They’ll become privatized, they’ll become houses and giant ranches for rich people,” she said. “There is very little money in outdoor recreation, but outdoor recreation has a huge impact on the economy and people’s mental and physical health.”
The proposal within the Senate tax and spending bill follows a similar proposal in the House version of the bill, which provided for sale of 500,000 acres of public land. That proposal was
removed from the House budget reconciliation bill after public outcry prompted Congressman Ryan Zinke (R-MT) to pressure House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) to remove the required sale.
Both Oregon senators have already voiced their opposition to the proposal.
In Deschutes County, support for the House version of the bill was split: U.S. Rep. Janelle Bynum (D-OR) voted against the House reconciliation bill while Rep. Cliff Bentz (R-OR) voted in favor of it.
If passed in the Senate, the reconciliation bill would return to the House for final approval. The office of Rep. Bentz did not immediately respond to a question on whether Bentz would vote in favor of the bill if the public land sale proposal passes the Senate.
These are the 61 Deschutes County mountain bike trails on land that could be sold:
• Phil’s Trail Complex: C.O.D., EXT, Grand Slam, Helipad, Phil’s Trail, Ticket to Ride (North), Voodoo Child
• Maston: Fat Rabbit Loop, Headgate, Lost Dream, Oregon Sunshine, Talon
• East of Bend: Horse Butte, Arnold Ice Cave, Swamp Wells, Coyote Loop
• South of Bend: Peter Skene Ogden
• SW of Bend: Waldo Lake, Moore Trail
• Oregon Badlands Wilderness: Crazyhorse, Crooked Arm, Dry River Canyon, Escape from Moscow, Has No Horse, Holy Loop, Parkway, Sand Canyon
— Dan Roe
Letter of the Week:
Dan, as letter of the week, you can pick up a gift card to Palate coffee at our office on NW Bond Street & Georgia Avenue.
— Nic Moye, Managing Editor
Pilot Butte Access Limited for Fireworks Show
The road up Pilot Butte State Park will close to all vehicle traffic starting at 10pm July 1. It will remain closed until the afternoon of July 5. The closure is to allow preparation and cleanup of the July 4 fireworks display. Walkers and bicyclists can access the road and trails through July 3. Pilot Butte will be closed to everyone on July 4 through the afternoon of July 5. The main parking area at the base of Pilot Butte will be open during the fireworks show. Pets are not permitted.
—Nic Moye
Gov.
Kotek in
Bend to Discuss Proposed Federal Cuts
Gov. Tina Kotek attended a roundtable in Bend at Mosaic Community Health on June 18 to speak with 11 hospital workers, caregivers and people receiving benefits to discuss how proposed federal cuts to Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program could impact the lives of those needing care in the region and in rural eastern Oregon.
According to Kotek, one in three Oregonians rely on Medicaid and SNAP. The proposed cuts, she said, could halt health insurance coverage for over 200,000 residents.
According to Megan Haase, CEO of Mosaic Community Health, a local health center, more than half of its 34,000 patients rely on Medicaid coverage.
When it comes to SNAP, Kotek said the proposed budget cuts would put more of the administrative and food benefit costs on the state.
“Right now, we're looking at changes being proposed of adding another $850 million back onto the backs of Oregonians every two years to pay for those SNAP changes,” she told the Source. “We don't have the money here to do that.”
Other proposed actions include new work requirements and imposing 80-hour per month work requirements on able-bodied Medicaid recipients.
—Julianna LaFollette
ONE
—The
“We understand that our establishment may not appeal to everyone who’s not open to change…”
—The owner of La Catrina Chingona, in Little Bites
Residents Weigh in on Public Lands Sale Proposal
Locals are fighting back against an amendment to the "big, beautiful bill" that would allow the private sale of public lands in Western states
By Julianna LaFollette
Bend locals gathered at Drake Park June 21 to march in protest against the proposed sale of millions of acres public lands in several Western states, including Oregon. The proposal was introduced in early June as an amendment to a Republican budget bill called colloquially the “big beautiful bill.”
According to reporting from The New York Times, the proposal would require the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service to identify and sell between 2.2 million and 3.3 million acres of public lands across 11 Western states.
Eligible states for this proposal would include Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.
Utah Sen. Mike Lee, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee chairman, said on social media that the move will help promote more housing development by “unlocking underutilized lands.”
On social media platform X, Lee said the bill “does not authorize the sale of national parks, monuments or wilderness.” Instead, he said, it “identifies unused, garden-variety federal parcels for potential disposal.” The goal, he says on social media, is to help American families afford a home.
Participants of the “Not for Sale,” protest aimed to demonstrate to elected officials that they are not in support of this bill.
Amelia DuBose, a member of the Deschutes Youth Climate Coalition was in attendance to help promote policy change.
“I really care about public lands, and I really don't like the big, beautiful bill, and so this addition to it is very dangerous,” DuBose told the Source. “I think this is a really good show of community support for public lands. I also am excited to see where things like this go, because protesting is great, but I'm really excited to see how we can make policy change and other change to protect what we already have.”
Another resident, Gwen Baker Yuill, pointed to the importance of public lands, particularly for those in Central Oregon.
“Public lands are so much a part of the fabric of our lives and the lives of the community, and the idea that they could be auctioned off to the highest bidder… the fact that they're being stolen and potentially put up for sale is unacceptable,” she told the Source on Saturday. “Silence is approval. It seems very natural that our community will come out.”
Local elected officials, including Oregon’s U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley, have also spoken about the draft legislation, condemning the proposal.
“Our public lands — which contribute to the spirit and economies of communities throughout Oregon and the country — belong to all of us. Republicans’ attempt to sell off our public lands, kick millions off of their health insurance, and make it harder for families to put food on the table — all to fund tax giveaways for billionaires — is a betrayal to families and communities across this country,” Merkley wrote in a June 16 statement.
“As I told Secretary Burgum last month: our public lands are not for sale. As Ranking Member of the Senate Budget Committee and Interior Appropriations Subcommittee, I will fight like hell against any Republican attempts to rip away public lands from public use.”
One attendee on Saturday came to Central Oregon from Nampa, Idaho, for the upcoming Gambler 500 event in Madras – a rally-like meetup focused on off-roading and environmental stewardship, where participants enjoy an off-roading adventure while participating in trail cleanup. He heard about the protest from the group and decided to attend.
“[The bill] is a dangerous precedent. I've always told people that ‘you can't sell public land because it doesn't belong to the government, it belongs to the people.’ It affects all of us,” he said.
“There's people here that are on different sides on different issues, but we all believe public land belongs to all of us, so we all need to work together and it's very important people understand how dangerous this is and to get out and make their voices heard.”
number of insurance carriers left to service Oregon ski resorts, from “Oregon Ski Resort Operations Hang in the Balance.”
Photos by Julianna LaFollette
Delays on Reed Market/Bond Roundabout Spark Safety and Traffic Concerns
A long-planned upgrade to a traffic-clogged intersection is gaining renewed calls to move the project up
By Julianna LaFollette
In recent years, the City of Bend has pushed back a road project which aims to expand the roundabout at Reed Market Road and Bond Street, causing frustration for residents who say the busy intersection cannot handle the current flow of traffic.
At a June 18 meeting, Bend City Councilor Mike Riley requested that the Council return to the discussion this summer, calling the roundabout a “bottleneck” for drivers, with long waits in all directions and standstill traffic near the Old Mill District at certain times of the day.
While the City initially had plans to address the roundabout sooner, starting the design in 2024, the project was pushed back, with current plans to start the design in the summer or fall of 2028.
“We need to make them work as effectively and efficiently as possible and as soon as possible. I think the current timeline is too long,” Riley said at the meeting.
The roundabout, which serves as a major east-west route, has become overburdened in recent years. Drivers notice severe traffic backups in all directions throughout the day.
According to resident Todd Torczon, who lives near the intersection, the roundabout causes frustration for drivers and concerns about evacuation routes if a fire were to occur.
“Basically, it can't handle the current traffic on a normal day. There's no way it can handle a wildfire evacuation,” he told the Source. “Just on basic common sense, we need a roundabout that has two lanes in order to handle the traffic flow.”
Cars stuck in traffic have also begun cutting through nearby neighborhoods, Torczon said, often speeding to get to their destination.
According to Ryan Oster, City of Bend engineering director, construction on the roundabout was identified in the City’s 2020 Transportation System Plan, to address concerns that the intersection was reaching what the City called its “capacity.”
“During the busy hours of the day, or what we call ‘peak hours,’ there's long delays, so there's a long backup of cars coming from one or more directions into the intersection. So, it's just not functioning as efficiently as it is
intended to,” Oster told the Source.
The City initiated a study of the intersection in 2020 to help alleviate traffic backup, testing ideas such as a “signalized roundabout,” which would turn on a signal system during peak hours to help the flow of traffic – a lower-cost solution. The public, however, offered feedback that prompted the City to plan for a bigger, more expensive solution down the road.
Residents and officials are now asking the City to evaluate if it needs to do that project sooner.
Torczon, who is part of the Southern Crossing Neighborhood Association, has advocated for a timelier reconstruction of the roundabout.
“At this point, we're looking for a substantial improvement over the late five-year approach. I understand that the City has constraints, and so we're not trying to be ridiculous on this, but we are trying to say, ‘this should be really high on your priority list,’” said Torczon.
According to Oster, certain projects and funding opportunities have held the project back in recent years.
“This project, it has slipped a few years. With other priorities in the system, things got reallocated to be deemed, at that time, more important than fixing this intersection,” he told the Source.
Another big piece of this, he said, was potential funding from the Oregon Department of Transportation for the Reed Market corridor, which involves a series of improvement projects that ODOT and the City of Bend identified in a 2023 safety study.
“It's becoming more and more clear that we probably can't just wait for there to be money from ODOT at the Reed market interchange,” Oster said.
—Read more of this story on bendsource.com.
Deschutes County Sheriff Resigns, Effective July 31
Following
accusations of dishonesty, Sheriff Kent van der Kamp decided June 23 to resign from his position
By Julianna LaFollette
Deschutes County Sheriff Kent van der Kamp resigned from his position on Monday morning, following months of scrutiny for accusations of dishonesty.
Around 8:20am on June 23, van der Kamp sent an email to Deschutes County, stating his resignation from the Office of Sheriff, effective July 31. According to an email from Deschutes County Clerk Steve Dennsion, the resignation will be binding as of June 26 at 5pm.
“It has been an honor to serve the people of Deschutes County. I look forward to working with the county and office to make a smooth transition,” van der Kamp wrote in his email to the County.
In April, van der Kamp announced that Deschutes County District Attorney Steve Gunnells placed him on the Brady List – a list of allegedly dishonest police officers banned from giving future testimony in Deschutes County Circuit Court cases. In van der Kamp’s case, that came after he allegedly gave false testimony in more than one criminal case before becoming sheriff.
Previous reporting from the Source found that if the DPSST board adopts the committee’s recommendation to permanently revoke van der Kamp’s certification, the sheriff would have the option to contest the decision before a judge. Stripping a police certification would mean that van der Kamp would not be able to perform the duties of a police officer in Oregon, DPSST Communications Coordinator Sam Tenney told the Source in May.
Before van der Kamp resigned, a volunteer committee announced its effort to recall van der Kamp in a press release, sent out at 8am. Van der Kamp sent his resignation email at about 8:20am. According to the group, van der Kamp has “ignored calls to resign immediately from the Deschutes County Sheriffs Employee Association, elected leaders, former campaign supporters and community members.”
The group plans to formally file for the recall of van der Kamp on July 7 with the Deschutes County Clerk, and plans to gather signatures leading up to that date, with a goal of collecting 20,000 signatures in less than 90 days.
In May, the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training Board staff found that van der Kamp falsified documents about being terminated from a California police department in the 1990s, and misrepresented his higher education under oath while testifying in Deschutes County, according to reporting from OPB.
Following the news of his resignation, van der Kamp told the Source that his duties as sheriff continue through his last official day, which is July 31.
“I remain committed to the office and will be working closely with my command team to ensure a smooth and responsible transition. At this time, I’m focused on completing several key projects and supporting our team as we move through this transition phase,” he wrote in a message to the Source.
Van der Kamp says he will not be releasing any details about his retirement plans as of today.
In May, a state police policy committee voted unanimously to recommend a lifetime revocation of van der Kamp’s certifications to the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training board – the state’s law enforcement regulatory entity. The board was set to review and vote on whether to take the committee’s recommendation on July 27.
“We are community members who believe voters should have an opportunity to recall Kent van der Kamp as Sheriff on the grounds of dishonesty, abuse of authority, and misconduct,” the group wrote in the Monday morning press release.
“Until Kent van der Kamp is officially out of the office of Deschutes County Sheriff, on his own accord or official process, the recall effort will move forward. Voters elected Kent van der Kamp, voters can remove him from the office of Sheriff through a recall election.”
According to County Clerk Steve Dennsion, if everything remains unchanged, van der Kamp could still be subject to any recalls.
After van der Kamp’s July 31 resignation date, it would be up to the Board of County Commissioners to appoint a replacement for the duration of this part of his term, Dennison told the Source on Monday.
The sheriff position would then be placed on the next election cycle’s ballot. In this case, it would be on the May 2026 ballot initially and the sheriff would be elected in November 2026. The county commission could appoint anybody with the right qualifications, Dennison added, given they meet certain age and residency requirements.
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Fair Play: Behind the Scenes at Deschutes County's Biggest Attraction
Deschutes County Fair Director Geoff Hinds talks tourism, expansion, events
By Julianna LaFollette
he Source sat down with Deschutes County Fair and Expo Director Geoff Hinds to talk about what makes the fairgrounds special, the facility’s impact on tourism throughout the region and its expansion plans moving forward.
the Source: What makes Deschutes County Fairgrounds different from other places?
Geoff Hinds: It's one of the largest County fairs in in the country – one of the five largest. We have 340 acres currently of space. [It] was designed to accommodate events of all sizes and types. It has the ability to do that really well because of its size, being so large, and just the design features that were put in. So, 340 acres of space gives us the flexibility to do events of almost any kind.
We've done up to 11 simultaneous events on any single day across the campus. And then, of course, the Fair and Fairwell festival are our two largest events by population or attendance size, where we're getting close to 50,000 people on the property at any time.
there would be future needs for the community.
That's kind of the exploratory process we're going through, is to find out what the community is looking for… We're designing what it's going to need in 5, 10, 15, 20, 50 and 100 years down the line.
tS: I’ve heard, with the expansion, the grounds will be the second-largest in the country.
tS: What type of events does the fairgrounds offer?
GH: We try to make it as diverse as possible so that we're attracting the widest possible-crowd. We're not just one thing. We don't do just horse shows, we don't do just music festivals. If you look at what we do, it's really diverse. We have just a little bit of everything; it kind of runs the gamut.
tS: Tell me about the proposed expansion of the fairgrounds?
GH: The expansion, the acquisition of that property, has been going on for a long time. [We] recognize that at some point, the community is going to continue to grow, and that even as big as they built the original property,
GH: The Los Angeles County Fair is, as we know it, is the largest… so with the expansion, the acquisition of some additional 140 acres, we’ll be afforded 60 acres of either owned or leased space, which would be six shy of what LA County is. It’s a huge property, already, and then it just gets bigger.
tS: How does the fairgrounds play into tourism for the region?
GH: Our number says that we generate about $100 million-plus in economic impact to the region annually. Fairwell Festival did their own study, and they came back with a number that said $120 million for their three-day festival alone. So, one of us is off – I'd like to believe we are. As far as visitation, the numbers we pull show that this is the number one developed tourist destination in all of Central Oregon. It actually gets slightly more than [Mt.] Bachelor and it gets more than Hayden [Homes Amphitheater].
We'll get close to a million visitors on the property on an annual basis. The majority of those do come through in the summer, because that tends to be when our larger events are. Approximately 50% of those are people coming from out of the region, they're coming from more than 50 miles… So that creates economic impact.
Read more of this interview on bendsource.com.
MITCHELL TENPENNY
SUMMER MUSIC AT GENERAL DUFFY’S Country hitmaker Mitchell Tenpenny takes the stage with songs from his new album “The 3rd,” blending heartfelt storytelling, rock-influenced energy and chart-topping favorites. Expect an authentic, high-impact show from one of Nashville’s boldest voices. Fri., June 27, 4-10pm at General Duffy’s Waterhole. 404 SW Forest Ave., Redmond. $55.
WINEMAKER POP-UP
Geoff Hinds
Oregon Hang in the Balance Ski Resort Operations
By Peter Madsen
Oregon ski mountains, recreational companies and nonprofits, are on the verge of an operational crisis involving the difficulty of getting, and retaining, affordable liability insurance — or any at all.
As of May 29, ski resorts including Mt. Hood Meadows, Timberline and Willamette Pass became uninsured, or stand to become so by sometime this summer unless they can find another insurer. They were previously covered by Safehold Special Risk, one of only two insurance companies in the country that offer coverage to ski areas. Not finding replacement coverage puts these ski areas’ 2025-2026 operations in jeopardy.
But a new bill, fresh out of an Oregon Senate committee, landed on the Senate president’s desk on June 18. If signed, SB 1196 will be scheduled to go back and forth between the senate and house floors as lawmakers mull over whether to make it law.
A similar bill introduced in March, HB 3140, died in a House work committee. Authors of the SB 1196 have carried over much of the same language, but they specified that signing a parental liability waiver would not negate a plaintiff’s claim of negligence in a lawsuit, for example.
And time is ticking in Salem — state lawmakers’ session ends June 29. A special day session for Bill 1196 could happen, but it would be exceptional. The bill may not get floor time until February. Or, like HB 3140, it may languish in committee.
SB 1196 is the product of Protect Oregon Recreation — a wide coalition of Oregon ski resort owners and non-ski-related outdoor recreation businesses, nonprofits and event organizers. Central Oregon supporters of the bill included the Bend Chamber of Commerce, Oregon Adaptive Sports, Ladies All Ride and the Oregon Bicycle Racing Association, which puts on dozens of bike races in Central Oregon and throughout the state.
And SB 1196 has legs — 33 lawmakers have signed bipartisan support. Bill opponents include trial lawyers associated with the Oregon Trial Lawyers Association, and Rep. Jason Kropf, (D-54). Kropf set up a work group with trial lawyer Joe Piucci to find a way to make the bill address insurance affordability and availability. Piucci told the Source that SB 1196, as presently written, is too interested in placating insurance company interests at the expense of Oregonians’ rights when it comes to liability.
“This bill would extinguish the legal rights of Oregonians in all sorts of circumstances,” Piucci said. “It’s basically taking away people’s rights so insurance companies might decide to change their opinion of Oregon and come back into the marketplace. But there’s no guarantee that that will happen.”
Kropf issued a statement shortly before press time that echoes Piucci’s view: “We have seen challenges and rising costs in multiple areas involving accessing adequate insurance, including fire insurance,” Kropf wrote in an email.
“I am committed to working with other legislators and stakeholders on this issue and broader concerns involving accessing adequate insurance.”
Skiing past the brink?
The current liability insurance situation, which many call a crisis, was set into motion on May 29. That’s when Safehold Special Risk, one of two insurance carriers servicing Oregon ski resorts, informed Mt. Hood Meadows management in a letter that the insurance provider was withdrawing itself from the Oregon marketplace. William Curtis, Safehold’s resort and recreation program manager, explained his company’s decision to withdraw from all Oregon clients. Curtis wrote that their decision to leave Oregon owes to the 2014 precedent the Oregon Supreme Court set in the case Bagley v. Mt. Bachelor.
In 2006, Myles Bagley, a snowboarder, suffered a serious injury after he hit a neglected jump in the Mt. Bachelor terrain park, rendering him paraplegic. Initially, a trial court threw out the lawsuit because Bagley had signed the resort’s mandatory liability waiver. Or, more specifically, Bagley’s father had signed the parental liability waiver for his son, who was 17 at the signing at 18 on the date of the injury. Bagley’s attorneys appealed the decision on the grounds that the dynamic between a corporation and a customer is imbalanced; the resort guest has no choice but to sign the liability waiver to use the ski resort’s facilities. Bagley and Mt. Bachelor settled out of court for an undisclosed sum.
According to a legal summary of the Bagley v. Mt. Bachelor case by Willamette University Law School, “a liability release is unconscionable and unenforceable if both its procedural and substantive elements are so against
public policy that they protect negligent premises management and allocate all negligent damages upon a paying customer with no bargaining power.”
What that means in plain language is that the Oregon Supreme Court said that signing a waiver doesn’t protect resort owners, for example, from negligence, such as a faulty ski chair cable that might snap or a jump that is poorly maintained.
This 2014 ruling grants recreationists far greater protections and legal recourse when they suffer a catastrophic injury on the policyholder’s facilities. Oregon is presently the only western state that does not enforce liability waivers — a fact that SafeHold cited for its retreat from Oregon.
The effects of the ruling have been consequential. Plaintiffs in civil suits have much more power in
from defendant parties.
$10.5 million in a civil suit against Mt. Hood Skibowl, when a poorly maintained mountain bike trail resulted in a spinal injury.
Rising premiums mean higher operating costs — and ski passes
The insurance crunch in Oregon tracks with a general hike across the country. Homeowner insurance premiums, for example, climbed 24% in the past three years — twice the rate of inflation, according to a recent report published by the Consumer Federation of America.
Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort General Manager and President John Merriman told the Source in an email that the company, owned by Powdr Corporation, cobbles insurance coverage from a variety of carriers, while smaller resorts face a significantly more difficult time securing insurance coverage. While MountainGuard covers liability on the ski
“This bill would extinguish the legal rights of Oregonians in all sorts of circumstances. It’s basically taking away people’s rights, so insurance companies might decide to change their opinion of Oregon and come back into the marketplace. But there’s no guarantee that that will happen.”
— Joe Piucci, Oregon trial lawyer
slopes and lifts, other carriers protect Mt. Bachelor in other aspects.
“We fear a few significant claims could result in a broader withdrawal of insurance carriers from outdoor recreation in Oregon,” said Merriman, adding that Mt. Bachelor supports SB 1196.
“They would have a significant detrimental impact on the businesses and communities that benefit and rely on outdoor recreation in Oregon and on the health of Oregonians. We hope to bring Oregon in line with every other Western state.”
any opportunity for a judge to dismiss the case prior to trial,” Hendrickson said. “That increases defense costs and settlements, and thus losses, and it has also increase the number of cases filed in Oregon.”
Jordan Elliott, the president of the Pacific Northwest Ski Areas Association and a key founder of Protect Oregon Recreation, is onboard with liability waiver re-enforcement. He said the widespread reliance of waivers is obvious by a cursory glance at the Oregon Secretary of State’s business registry.
“If you search for any business with the word ‘tour’ in its name, or ‘guide’ you will pull up thousands of entries,” Elliott told the Source; he’s right. “That goes for ‘fitness’ and ‘gym’ facilities. How many of those are important? How many rock climbing walls? How many mountain bike operations? These are all businesses that rely on waivers.”
That’s exactly the legal change that Safehold would require to reenter the state — protections like those that were in place from 1979 until the 2014 Bagley case.
Tim Hendrikson, a senior vice president and program manager at MoutainGuard, also testified in support of both bills. Hendrikson told the Source via email that his company, which has offered coverage to ski resorts since 1962, plans to continue to support its ski industry clients in Oregon. That said, Hendrikson said that doesn’t mean the company can fill the void left by Safehold. Each new client is considered on a case-bycase basis.
“We do believe the ski area operators in Oregon are managed and operated to the current industry standards and do an exceptional job of operating with many inherent risks,” he said.
Hendrickson said insurance premiums in Oregon have risen because the state hasn’t enforced liability waivers since 2014. Without that protection for recreational operators, Hendrickson said losses will increase. That drives insurance companies to raise premiums — or withdraw from the state. “We’ve been able to continue to insure in Oregon with caution and at higher insurance rates.
“One contributor [to rising premiums] is that, without the ability to enforce voluntary liability waivers, every case either must go through an expensive trial or be settled without
Every time a cyclist enters a race put on by the Oregon Bicycle Racing Association, they’ve signed a liability waiver. OBRA, a nonprofit which offers pooled low-cost liability insurance to race promoters, isn’t immediately affected by Safehold’s retreat from Oregon’s outdoor recreation industry. Executive Director Chuck Kenlan said his organization’s premiums have remained fairly stable over the last decade, although OBRA has lost insurance twice in the past four years. Each year’s premium cost is based on the unique individual participants from the previous year, along with OBRA’s claim history, of which it counts three in 35 years. Kenlan renews OBRA’s insurance policy for the upcoming year each November — a particularly stressful time until he’s granted the next season’s coverage.
“It’s like, ‘OK. Now we can have bike races for another year,’” he said.
If OBRA wasn’t able to offer pooled liability insurance, as it does for 200 bike races throughout Oregon and other states through its sister organization North American Bicycle Racing Assocation, Kenlan estimates that about half of races would fall off the race calendar.
“It’d just be too difficult for race promoters to find insurance on their own,” Kenlan said.
Tim Hendrickson, at MoutainGuard, says if a bill like SB 1196 isn’t passed, leveling the liability playing field, his company is very concerned about Oregon’s recreation future.
"A provider of recreation should have the ability to inform a guest of the risk of the recreation and have protections against those risks with the use of a waiver,” he said.
—This story is powered by the Lay It Out Foundation, the nonprofit with a mission of promoting deep reporting and investigative journalism in Central Oregon. Learn more and be part of this important work by visiting layitoutfoundation.org. If you're interested in syndicating Lay It Out Foundation content or purchasing an article for use, you can do so through the website.
The loss of insurance coverage could result in more empty chairlifts at Oregon ski resorts.
Chuck Kenlan, the executive director of the Oregon Bicycle Racing Association, announces rules before a recent bicycle race.
Julianna LaFollette
Oregon Bicycle Racing Association
SOURCE PICKS
THE ROUNDABOUTS IMPROV
LOCAL HUMOR
Head to Bend Cider Co. in Tumalo for a night of laughs on the patio, brought to you by The Roundabouts Improv Theater Company—Bend’s own short-form improv troupe. Shows are driven by audience participation, making you an essential part of our totally unscripted comedic journey. Enjoy cider and small bites while you watch. Thu., June 26, 7pm at Bend Cider Co. 64649 Wharton Ave., Tumalo. $15.
SALSA NIGHT
OUTDOOR DANCE PARTY
With a free lesson to start the night, seasoned pros and beginners alike will are welcome to join this night of dancing and community. Music by DJ Solo and food and beverages onsite! Fri., June 27, 6-8:30pm at River’s Place. 787 NE Purcell Blvd., Bend. Free.
BIG PONDEROO KICKOFF
CELEBRATORY ART AND MUSIC IN SISTERS
Before the paid festival begins, join for a free, musical community celebration which coincides with Fourth Friday Art Walk. Head to Sisters to find delicious food and drink, music by Yarn, The Wilder Flower and Kata Dosa, along with interactive art activities. Bring the whole family! Fri., June 27, 4:30-8pm at Village Green Park. 335 S Elm St., Sisters. Free.
CHI-TOWN FAMILY FESTIVAL
CELEBRATE SUMMER IN CHILOQUIN!
This family friendly festival offers something for everyone— celebrate summer with the Chilquin community! Expect live music, a farmers market, delicious food vendors, a bike rodeo, silent auction and mobile escape room! Fri., June 27, 2-6pm and Sat., June 28, 10am-6pm at the Chiloquin Rodeo & Events Park. 720 Chiloquin Blvd, Chiloquin. Free. SATURDAY 6/28
SUNRIVER SATURDAY MARKET
LOCAL GOODS IN SUNRIVER
In its third year, the Sunriver Saturday Market features more than 40 vendors selling handcrafted items made or grown in Central Oregon, ranging from clothing and jewelry to food and pet items. Last Saturday of the month through Sept. 27, 9am-1pm at SHARC. 57250 Overlook Rd., Sunriver. Free.
DESCHUTES RIVER CLEANUP
WITH UPPER DESCHUTES WATERSHED COUNCIL
At six different locations, volunteers will pull non-native weeds, pick up trash and remove debris. Paddlers will help scuba divers clean up the river channel in Sunriver and in the Old Mill District. Sat., June 28, 9am-1pm at Farewell Bend Park. 1000 SW Reed Market Rd., Bend. Free.
SUNDAY 6/29
PINK MARTINI
FEATURING CHINA FORBES
Celebrating its 30th anniversary, Pink Martini brings a wildly eclectic, multilingual sound to Hayden Homes Amphitheater for an afternoon that swings from sultry samba to vintage Hollywood glam. Equal parts elegant and unpredictable, this genre-defying ensemble turns every show into a stylish celebration. Sun., June 29, 2pm at Hayden Homes Amphitheater. 344 SW Shevlin Hixon Dr., Bend. $40-$100.
SUNDAY 6/29
TEA DANCE
DANCE AWAY YOUR SUNDAY SCARIES!
Wear your best, brightest and flashiest for this monthly summer series! 2SLGBTQIA+ dance party with tunes by DJ Mana, glitter station, hair tinsel and $4 Too Turnt Tonys. Sun., June 29, 4-7pm at The Podski. 536 NW Arizona Ave., Bend. Free.
MONDAY 6/30
BUILDING WITH NATURAL MATERIALS
COMMUNITY BUILDING PROJECT AT PINE MEADOW RANCH
Over three sessions, participants will work together to create a sculptural windbreak on PMRCAA property. Participants will gain knowledge and experience using natural and reclaimed materials in an architectural application. Mon., June 30, Tue., July 1 and Mon., July 7, 3-6pm at Pine Meadow Ranch Center for Arts & Agriculture. 68467 Three Creek Rd., Sisters. Free.
@theroundaboutsimprov IG
Pink Martini
Pine Meadow Ranch
Big Ponderoo FB
Upper Deschutes Watershed Council
Saturday Market
S SOUND Pink Martini's 30th Anniversary Tour A musical cocktail of melody and charm
By Sarah Isak-Goode
Imagine this: It's 1943, and somewhere in Nazi-occupied Europe, a group of young people huddles around a crackling radio, desperately tuning through static to catch the forbidden sounds of swing. The penalty for being caught? Imprisonment, or worse. But the music—oh, the music—was worth the risk.
While many musical genres found their audiences in the 1940s, swing and jazz reigned supreme as America's musical ambassadors. But these weren't just catchy tunes for Saturday night dancing. In the darkest chapter of modern history, these styles became a symbol of the unbreakable human spirit.
Fast-forward to today, and that same uplifting energy lives on through artists like Portland-based Pink Martini. Known for blending a range of musical styles into one captivating experience, the band continues to win over audiences worldwide. With an ensemble of 12 musical artists, Pink Martini presents performances in 25 different languages across concert venues and alongside orchestral groups on multiple continents, including Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Northern Africa, Australia, New Zealand, South America, and North America.
This year, Pink Martini is celebrating its 30th anniversary with North American tour dates and a brandnew EP, "Bella Ciao," featuring singles "Pourquoi Tu Vis" and the EP’s title track. The group will make a stop in Bend on June 29 at Hayden Homes Amphitheater.
Founded by Thomas Lauderdale in 1994, Pink Martini started out playing political fundraisers for causes such as civil rights and the environment. They quickly rose to fame with their French song Sympathique, released in 1997. Pink Martini’s unique blend of classical, swing, and cabaret is what Lauderdale has referred to as “Lawrence Welk on acid.” Upbeat songs such as “Tempo Perdido,” “Mas Que Nada” and “Zundoko” will make you wish you had taken more dance lessons, while songs like “Souvenir” and “Tea for Two” will have you envisioning yourself living in a black-and-white movie. While playing in Bend, the luminous China Forbes will be adding to the magic of Pink Martini. Pink Martini's renowned vocalist, solo vocalist and Ella Fitzgerald Prize winner, Forbes, seduces audiences with her rich contralto tones and impeccable articulation. Her artistry extends beyond vocal excellence as she transforms into a living extension of each song, with every gesture and fluid arm movement becoming instrumental elements that dance in harmony with the music. This captivating synthesis of voice, movement and style perfectly embodies the essence of Pink Martini’s philosophy: to find common ground through music. Pink Martini serves as a bridge between the golden
age of swing and modern audiences hungry for music with soul and substance. "I just think that the past is so well-built—better written, smarter—and there's a lot to learn from it," he explained in a recent interview with Classical Radio anthology. "I have a great amount of respect for that."
This isn't mere nostalgia talking. Lauderdale hails from Harvard, holding a degree in history and literature. During a recent break from Pink Martini's busy
pianist. We (husband Hunter Noack and I) live downtown in an 1878 building. I collect vintage magazines, including old issues of Life and Playboy.
tS: I love that! Old magazines are full of treasures.
TL: I love the ads.
tS: Do you have a favorite historical period?
TL: If I were to go back and redo my thesis, I would study 1964 as a pivotal year in this country. It was the end of beauty and optimism. A Hunt’s Ketchup ad was the impetus for (Pink Martini’s second album) Hang On Little Tomato. It was published in 1964, and it’s beautiful yet sinister. Pre-1964 was a terrible time, but there was collective optimism. After 1964, we also began to lose the melody.
touring schedule, Lauderdale expounded upon his love of music and history. Lauderdale- like Pink Martinicasts aside all stereotypes with his disarming charm, quick wit, and singular style.
the Source: Pink Martini began in Portland?
Thomas Lauderdale: Yeah, when I first lived here, it was cheap. Now everything is so expensive. When things are expensive, there’s no room for an underground.
tS: Bringing the underground to general awarenessthat’s part of what a historian does.
TL: (Nodding) I studied history at Harvard.
tS: You have a deep love of music and history. How do these connect in your life?
TL: I consider myself just as much a historian as a
tS: Pink Martini never has that problem! Your newest EP, Bella Ciao, is a testament to that. The title song is based on an Italian folksong, which gained popularity as an anti-fascist anthem in the 1940s. Is there a reason it was chosen?
TL: It’s pretty sneaky! (Laughing) We started playing it last year. The Democrats need a better soundtrack. Politics and entertainment are the same in America. The Democrats put on a party in Portland, and all they served was cheese. Just little cubes of cheese, not even crackers! The Democrats need to throw a better party.
tS: Pink Martini has a fan base that crosses political lines. How do you describe it?
TL: (Smiling) Pink Martini is a bridge builder. We have fans from all over. We have a lot of Trump fans. But when everyone is dancing, we become a unifier.
Lauderdale’s insights reveal a deep understanding of what makes Pink Martini’s music so powerful in the first place: like the swing and jazz of the 1940s, the band's charismatic performances serve as a celebration of the human spirit. As Pink Martini takes the stage in Bend this June, they carry forward the same defiant joy that once crackled through hidden radios in wartime Europe. For 30 years, Pink Martini has proven that the best response to darkness isn't silence—it's turning up the volume on everything that makes us gloriously, defiantly human.
Pink Martini Sun., June 29, 2pm Hayden Homes Amphitheater 344 SW Shevlin Hixon Dr., Bend bendconcerts.com/events/event/pink-martini-2018 $58-$158
Chris Hornbecker
S SOUND A Joyful Evening with Lake Street Dive
It could be the best show you see this summer
By Nic Tarter
Lake Street Dive plays the type of music that makes you want to dance, sing, clap, and cry, all because it sounds so damned good. I spoke with keyboardist and vocalist Akie Bermiss about the band’s intention to create joy even when it feels like the world is falling apart. We also talk about Star Trek. the Source: Things are crazy right now. Can you explain the “joyful rebellion” concept of Lake Street Dive?
Akie Bermiss: We came up with this before things went totally crazy. It’s important to speak truth to power; it’s important to rebel against tyranny. But it’s also important to cultivate a joyful disposition while that’s happening; to observe making room for happiness, friends, and family. We were trying to make a record where we acknowledge that things are difficult, that there’s a lot of division, but perhaps there’s a way to create a space where joy is being spread and maybe that will help heal the wounds of the present moment. We were also thinking that feelings of anger and animosity burn really hot, but they burn very brief, whereas joy is something that stays with you for years. The half-life of being enraged is shorter than the half-life of happiness. If you’ve ever encountered true joy, it comes back to you. We try to use the immediate fire of being upset to create something that can last.
tS: How long do you think the joy from a Lake Street Dive shows lingers, and any advice on keeping that feeling alive forever?
AB: I have two answers to that. One is emotional. If you have a great time, if you’re with good people, if you meet nice people at the show, I think you can come back to that well over and over again. I do feel compelled as a working musician to say it lasts a significant
amount of time, but it doesn’t hurt to go back and get a booster.
tS: Are there past examples of bands doing what Lake Street Dive is doing: holding up a light in a world full of darkness? Are any of them inspirations to the band?
AB: There are a ton of bands we were influenced by: the Staples Singers, the Beatles, Aretha Franklin. A lot of these bands were living in tumultuous times when you look at the backdrop of when they were making their most famous work, and they were putting out songs that deal with that, but also songs that last as joyful beacons.
tS: You joined Lake Street Dive in 2017 after playing with them at Rockwood Music Hall in New York City. Can you talk about how you were introduced to the band?
AB: It was kind of a blind thing. The people who were booking were very thoughtful of putting together cool nights. Lake Street Dive was booked, and [the booking team] was looking for an opener. I was somebody who was playing at the club regularly and they thought it would be a cool pairing. I didn’t really know [Lake Street Dive] at all when we did the first show and we kind of just hit
it off. That was in like 2014 or 2015.
tS: You played one night and then years later they asked you to join the band?
AB: We did two or three shows that weekend. After that I would go to their shows, and if they were in town, I would see them at my shows. Sometimes I would play with touring bands that were opening for them, so we would see each other out on the road. I think when they were looking for a keyboard to add to the texture of the band, they were like, what about that guy we keep running into who plays keyboards?
tS: [Lead singer] Rachel Price said, “Akie’s addition to the band was something that helped us create a lot more space in the music, which was something we were looking for.” What did she mean by that?
AB: I’ll answer that from my perspective: They were a four-piece band, and sometimes the trumpet player was also playing guitar. He would play a few notes and hold it and then play a chord. Now people are freed up to do other things. In terms of writing, it’s like if you’re a painter and you have another color or another paintbrush you can use. Just having that in the arsenal, it allows
you to consider things. For singing, I can jump on harmonies.
tS: How did the first shows go with you in the band?
AB: It felt like a trial by fire because I was jumping into this band that didn’t have a keyboard before. I approached it by playing what I had figured out for each tune, and if I tried something new, I would look around at everybody in the band to see if they were smiling. When you play something hip, the other band members look at you and they smile and nod and you’re like, “Ok, cool.”
tS: Why did the band decide to base itself in Brooklyn?
AB: New York has a vibe, especially if you’re an artist. It’s a good place to meet other artists, see what other people are doing, creating, and collaborating. It feeds a lot of your inspiration, your artistic soul, to be in a place like that.
tS: You went to Bard College and call yourself a music nerd. The entire band also considers themselves music nerds, but you did a weekly podcast about Star Trek. Have you become less “Star Trek nerd” and just “music nerd” now that you play with such a cool band, or are you still the same “Star Trek Akie?”
AB: (Laughs) I’m still the same “Star Trek Akie.” I’ve got "Star Trek" stuff hidden all over the stage. I do feel like Lake Street Dive has made me seem cooler to other people, but I’m still very much a nerd.
Lake Street Dive Wed., July 2, 7pm Hayden Homes Amphitheater 344 SW Shevlin Hixon Dr, Bend bendconcerts.com/events/event/lake-streetdive $63.70
Lake Street Dive @ BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! Festival
Steven Pisano
CALENDAR
25 Wednesday
The Ale Apothecary Tasting Room
Album Release Festival Check out Mari & Bella from 5-6pm, Vanderwalls, 6:30-7:30pm and ZORB, 8-9pm. Walk around to see other music at venues around. 5-9pm. Free.
The Astro Lounge Karaoke Get here early to put your name on the list! Drink specials every night. 9pm-2am. Free.
Bevel Craft Brewing The Backline Band
The Backline Band is a high-energy group from Central Oregon, known for its dynamic performances that blend sing-along throwbacks with dance-worthy anthems. 6-8pm. Free.
The Capitol The Capitol Karaoke Music Weekly Karaoke at its finest! Central Oregon’s premiere karaoke experience has just moved locations! Now at the Capitol! Drink specials! Air guitars! Come see for yourself. 8pm-1am. Free.
The Cellar Live Music with Danger Gently Head down to The Cellar every Wednesday to enjoy live music from Danger Gently, a talented rotating cast of characters playing old-timey jams! 6-8pm. Free.
Century Center High Desert Calling Vol. 2
Compilation Album Release Party Celebrate the High Desert Calling Vol. Two album release with 17 local artists, vendors and community fun across four iconic Bend venues: Ale Apothecary, GoodLife Brewing, Commonwealth Pub, and Play Society. Music by Eric Leadbetter, Zorb, Oregon Fryer, and many more! Noon-10:30pm. Free.
Crosscut Warming Hut No 5 Bill Powers Relax with a pint and enjoy great local music! 6-8pm. Free.
Deschutes Brewery & Public House
Head Games Trivia Night Eat. Drink. Think. Win! Head Games multi-media trivia is at Deschutes Bend Public House every Wednesday. Win prizes. Teams up to six. 6:30-8:30pm. Free.
M&J Tavern Open Mic Night Downtown living room welcomes musicians to bring their acoustic set or turn it up to 11 with the whole band. Bring your own instruments. 6:30pm. Free.
Market of Choice Bend Scrabble Club at Market of Choice We meet upstairs. We use the 7th edition of the Scabble Players Dictionary. New Scrabble players are welcome. If you have a Scrabble set, please bring it as a backup. 6-8:30pm. Free.
Midtown Yacht Club Sink or Swim Trivia & Van Henion Brewing Tap Takeover Bring your friends and join for a locally run trivia show! Van Henion will supply prizes for first and second place teams and will have 6 beers on tap! 6-8pm. Free.
Northside Bar & Grill Mellow Wednesday Acoustic Open Mic and Jam hosted by Derek Michael Marc Sign-up sheet is available at 6:30pm. 7-9pm. Free.
Pinky G’s Pizzeria MUSIC BINGO Join music Bingo (think Bingo and Name that Tune). Great food, cold drinks and good times. Free to play and prizes for each round winner. 6-8pm. Free.
Ponch’s Place Bingo Wednesdays at Ponch’s Place Enjoy Bingo at Ponch’s Place on Wednesdays. 5:30-7pm. Free.
Prost! - Bend Trivia Prost! UKB Trivia is now at Prost! Genuine UKB Trivia is no average trivia night! Meet up with friends, win gift card prizes for top teams! Enjoy Prost’s authentic beer and food menu. Trivia is free to play, with no buy-ins! 7-9pm. Free.
LIVE MUSIC & NIGHTLIFE
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Silver Moon Brewing Kota Dosa, Grace Pettis & Zach Willdee A creative collective with roots in New York, New Orleans and Oregon. Known for its eclectic sound that seamlessly blends blues, funk, psychedelic rock and jazz, the band has established a vibrant presence in the local New York and New Orleans music scenes. 7pm. $15.
26 Thursday
The Astro Lounge Karaoke Get here early to put your name on the list! Drink specials every night. 9pm-2am. Free.
Austin Mercantile Live Music Every Thursday Join at Austin Mercantile for live music every Thursday. Offering a light happy hour menu — daily flatbread, chili, charcuterie, soft pretzels and more! 4:30-6:30pm. Free.
Bar Rio Live Music at Bar Rio Grab your favorite bites and sips and relax into the music— ranging from jazz and blues to pop and flamenco. 6-8pm. Free.
Bend Cider Co. The Roundabouts Comedy Improv Come on out to Tumalo for a very special evening of comedy in the beautiful backyard garden with The Roundabouts comedy improve troupe! Enjoy delicious ciders, beer, wine, & n/a beverages while sharing some good laughter with your friends. 7-9pm. $15.
The Bend Wine Bar & Winery Tasting Room Trivia Night Tease your brain and win cool prizes. Happy Hour menu will be offered during game time. Grab your friends and enjoy an evening of fabulous wines, snacks and fun! Every last Thursday of the month. Arrive early, game starts at 6pm. Last Thursday of every month, 6-8pm. Free.
Blacksmith Public House Karaoke with DJ Chris Join us on our indoor stage for Karaoke night! Every Thursday from 6:30-8pm. We have plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, great drink options, and lots of food trucks! Family and dog friendly. 6:30-8pm. Free.
Bridge 99 Brewery Trivia Thursday at Bridge 99 Brewery Trivia Thursdays at 6:30pm at Bridge 99 Brewery with Useless Knowledge Bowl. It’s no ordinary trivia night, Team up to win house gift cards! Great brews, cocktails, and more. In-house menu and food truck options available! It’s free to play. Indoor and outdoor seating available. 63063 Layton Ave, Bend. 6:308:30pm. Free.
Bunk+Brew Karaoke Thursdays Sing your heart out at Bunk + Brew’s Karaoke Night! Whether you’re a pro or just love the spotlight, all voices are welcome. Food carts available all evening! 7-10pm. Free.
The Cellar Live Irish Trad Music with The Ballybogs! Join us for a night of live music featuring Bend’s Irish Trad band, The Ballybogs! Every Thursday at The Cellar. Seats fill up, so get there early if you can! 6-8pm. Free.
The Commonwealth Pub McKenna Maggie McKenna has performed with Quarterflash, Party Dolls and Passion, and was the music director for J.C. Parrish from the Platters. She can do it all. 7:30-9:30pm. Free.
Crave Bend COMEDY OPEN MIC NIGHT Comedy Open Mic Night on the SW side of Bend! Adults only encouraged. Intimate, smaller venue, healthier food and beverages, and an interactive night of comedy every Thursday! Hosted By Hopper. 7-9pm. Free.
The Dez Lounge Eric Leadbetter Enjoy an intimate evening wth Eric Leadbetter at The Dez! Enjoy a full NA cocktail menu, kava, NA beers and wine, charcuterie and desserts at Bend’s only zero proof lounge! 6-8pm. Free.
Dogwood At The Pine Shed Let’s Have a Kiki A weekly 2SLGBTQIA+ night hosted by Cliché, with a new featured resident DJ each month. Kicking off the series in May with DJ Lunallday. Let’s have a kiki! 7-10pm. Free.
Elements Public House Trivia Night at Elements Public House with QuizHead Games Come be all you can be with Trivia Night every Thursday from 6-8pm! Featuring QuizHead. games. Located at the north end of Redmond. Full bar and great food! 6-8pm. Free.
Faith, Hope & Charity Vineyards Live at the Vineyard: Kota Dosa Blending blues, funk, and jazz, Kota Dosa brings a gritty, soulful sound shaped by their roots in New York, New Orleans, and Oregon. Fronted by brothers Jesse Jake and Cody Luke, the band delivers powerful vocals, fiery guitar work, and a horn section that brings the heat with original songs. 5-8pm. $22.
Hosmer Bar Live Music Bits N Skits presents live music at Hosmer Bar! Sip on unique, hand-crafted cocktails and mocktails, or grab a bite to eat while listening to live music from these talented local musicians! 7-8:30pm.
The Lot Draven Schmidt (Solo Sax) Always a crowd favorite, come by to experience the solo saxophone creating lush ballads, and smooth R&B style. 6-8pm. Free.
McKenzie General Store & Obsidian Grill Brothers Reed at McKenzie General Store McKenzie General Store loves being able to provide free family friendly live music to our community of locals, adventures and travelers alike! With our outdoor beirgarden, restaurant and general store we’re sure to have all you need for an unforgettable evening! 6-9pm. Free.
Mountain Burger Fluffalove Thursday night live! 6-8pm.
Oregon Spirit Distillers New band debut at Oregon Spirit Distillery! Debut show of a new yet-to-be-named four-piece band lead by Erin Cole-Baker’s lush vocals and reverby electric guitar, Tyson Vandenbrouke (Heavy Light) and Dan Paggi (AM Clouds, Samaras) switching on electric guitars, harmonies, synth and bass & Bruce Cole-Baker (GOLDEN LOW) on drums making an indie-dreamo sound to sway to. Free.
Pangaea Guild Hall Intro to D&D Workshop Calling all adventurers! Have you wanted to play Dungeons and Dragons but have no idea where to start? Pangaea Guild Hall presents an “Intro to D&D” workshop series hosted by yours truly, Guildmaster Chris! Learn to build and play your own D&D character. Call or email to reserve your spot! 6-9pm. $10.
Ponch’s Place Trivia Thursdays at Ponch’s Place Trivia Thursdays at Ponch’s Place with QuizHead Games. 6-8pm. Free.
River’s Place Cover Story Cover Story is a country rock band based in Bend. We play songs you forgot you love. 6-8pm. Free.
Silver Moon Brewing Rob Leines “I’m burning down the interstate,” Rob Leines sings halfway through “Headcase,” an album that finds the road warrior occupying the intersection of blue-collar rock and outlaw country. 7pm. $15$18.
Silver Moon Brewing Trivia on the Moon Come down to Silver Moon Brewing for a night of trivia! Teams are welcome to show up in groups up to 8 people. Silver Moon also offers seating reservations for $20 donations that all go to F*Cancer! If you would like to reserve a table please contact the Trivia on the Moon Facebook page. 7pm. Free.
Velvet Open Mic Monthly Open Mic at Velvet! Hosted by Mari every 4th Thu., of every month! Sign-up starts at 6pm, and music goes until 9pm. All are welcome! Fourth Thursday of every month, 7-9pm. Free.
27 Friday
Big E’s Sports Bar and Grill Karaoke Night Come out and share in our celebration with a Fine Note Karaoke. Come early, sing more! From 8-9pm, performers can sing two songs in a row. 8-11pm. Free.
Bunk+Brew Live Music: Monkey Mode Get wild this Friday with Monkey Mode live at Bunk + Brew! From 8–10 PM, this genre-bending band brings the jams that’ll move your soul and shake your bones. Cold beer, hot food, and even hotter grooves await. Free show—don’t miss it! 8pm.
Cheba Hut Comedy & Open Mic Bring your friends and let’s have some laughs together! 7:45-9pm. Free.
Catch Bend’s country/rock-slinging Cover Story Sat., June 28, 6pm at The Bite in Tumalo.
Cover Story FB
CALENDAR
The Commonwealth Pub JuJu Eyeball Come sing and dance to Central Oregon’s premier Beatles cover band. Party on, Jojo! 8-10pm. Free.
The Commonwealth Pub Commonwealth DJ Dance Party with TRUNORTH Join TRUNORTH as he makes his way down from the 49th parallel, spinning the latest and greatest, raising the bar on this year’s playoff season. Join him Friday and Saturday nights at The Commonwealth Pub and cheer on the beats from soul, to funk, to today’s hits. 9pm-Midnight. Free.
Craft Kitchen and Brewery Bend Secret Show Presents: Ben Roy Loud, fast, unfiltered comedy. No filler, just fire. Tickets won’t last. Come laugh ‘til your face breaks. 7-10pm. $20.
Deschutes Brewery & Public House
Deschutes 37th Anniversary Bash! Join for the anniversary weekend celebration with $5 beers and live music from “Funk Around and Find Out” Friday night 5-10pm back alley at the Pub and “Broken Top Bluegrass Duo” Saturday 4-6:30pm at the Beer Garden. 5-10pm.
Faith, Hope & Charity Vineyards Live at the Vineyard. - Karissa & The Loose Screws Get ready for a high-energy country-rock night with Karissa and the Loose Screws—featuring members of one of Central Oregon’s BEST country bands! Meet Karissa, Mark & Ron—the powerhouse musicians from Countryfied who have been the heartbeat of Central Oregon’s music scene for years! 6-9pm. $25.
General Duffy’s Waterhole Mitchell Tenpenny See the amazing Mitchell Tenpenny live at General Duffy’s Waterhole! 4-10pm. $55.
Hardtails Bar & Grill Stage 28 Karaoke Come out for a night of Stage 28 Karaoke with your host Miss Min! What’s your go-to karaoke tune? Come to Hardtails for a fun Friday night and sing your heart out! 8pm-Midnight. Free. Ponch’s Place Bill Powers Enjoy Friday night music! 6-8pm. Free.
Rally Recreation Let Your Pride Glow - Game Night LET YOUR PRIDE GLOW! Black lights, 90’s dance music, combined with fun and glowing table games (ping pong, pool, foosball, shuffleboard, air hockey, pop-a-shot basketball). Come celebrate the final weekend of Pride Month with us at Rally’s! Recommended for age 12+ but all ages welcome. 7-10pm. $15.
River’s Place Salsa Dancing Come join us for a sizzling night of salsa dancing! Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, our outdoor patio provides the perfect setting for a night of dancing, mingling and enjoying great company. Free lesson at the beginning. Music by DJ Solo. 6-8:30pm. Free.
Silver Moon Brewing Eugenia Riot - Jagged Little Pill 30th Anniversary Celebration Lilting, longing, idiosyncratic, and infectious – Eugenia Riot (the nom de plume of Portland-based songwriter Leigh Jones) explores the messy tides of the human condition with a self-examining pen and an enrapturing voice. An internationally touring musician with a background in theater, Eugenia Riot released her debut album 7-7:30pm. $13/$15.
Silver Moon Brewing Tylor Jones Beertown Comedy presents Tylor Jones. With razor-sharp punchlines and rapid fire delivery, he’s shared stages with Brian Posehn and will headline Silver Moon Brewing. 8-10pm. $15.
Village Green Park Big Ponderoo Kickoff Join us for a free community celebration to kick off the festival! Bring the whole family and get ready for a great evening complete with a musical 4th Friday Art Walk a free concert featuring Yarn, The Wilder Flower and Kota Dosa, interactive art activities and delicious food & drinks! 4:30-8pm. Free.
Volcanic Theatre Pub Outdoor Courtyard The Polish Ambassador At first breath, The Polish Ambassador was an experiment, David Sugalski’s sound-art passion project that came to life. 5pm. $35-$45.
Wildwood Bar & Grill Jobe Woosley & Co.
Jobe Woosley & Co. is an Oregon-based folkrock band known for heartfelt songwriting, rich harmonies and a sound that blends indie-folk soul with classic rock warmth. 7-10pm. Free.
28 Saturday
Austin Mercantile Saturday Afternoon Live Music Austin Mercantile is now adding live music on Saturdays! Serving wine, beer, lite happy hour menu, gifts and home decor. Hope to see you soon! 4:30-6:30pm. Free.
Austin Mercantile Paul Eddy Hits through the decades, plus originals from his new album, “Oregonian.” 4:30-6:30pm. Free.
The Belfry Kota Dosa After Party Jam Kota Dosa is a creative collective with roots in New York, New Orleans and Oregon. Known for its eclectic sound that seamlessly blends blues, funk, psychedelic rock and jazz, the band has established a vibrant presence in the local New York and New Orleans music scenes. 11pm-1am.
Bend Cider Co. Honey Don’t Come on out to Bend Cider in Tumalo and listen to the delightful bluegrass/folk sounds of Bend’s own Honey Don’t! 6-8pm. Free.
The Commonwealth Pub JuJu Eyeball “Bend’s Beatle Band” since 2015, Juju Eyeball’s energetic shows and top-notch musicianship hit the sweet spot with the audience from the first downbeat. Now a four-piece featuring Dan Larsson on bass/vocals, Kye Kennedy and Terence Neal on guitar/vocals. 8pm. Free.
The Commonwealth Pub The Rumpeppers The Rumpeppers are a dynamic rock band hailing from Central Oregon, known for its high-energy performances and engaging presence in the local music scene.Its live shows are celebrated for the electrifying atmosphere, earning the band recognition as one of Bend’s favorite party bands. It’s party time! 8-10pm. Free.
The Commonwealth Pub Commonwealth DJ Dance Party with TRUNORTH Join TRUNORTH as he makes his way down from the 49th parallel, spinning the latest and greatest, raising the bar on this year’s playoff season. Join him Friday and Saturday nights at The Commonwealth Pub and cheer on the beats from soul, to funk, to today’s hits. 9pm-Midnight. Free.
Craft Kitchen and Brewery Comedy at Craft Kitchen Bits N Skits presents comedy at Craft Kitchen and Brewery! Come relax and laugh with us after a long work week with some comedy! 8-9:30pm.
Crave Bend Shameless: Comedy Storytelling Competition Final Round hosted by Hopper This is it. The finale. After three weeks of jaw-dropping stories and crowd-fueled chaos, the Shameless Championship Round is here — and the stakes have never been higher. One comic walks away crowned champion! 8-10pm. $20.
Deschutes Brewery & Public House
Deschutes 37th Anniversary Bash! Join for the anniversary weekend celebration with $5 beers and live music from “Funk Around and Find Out” Friday night 5-10pm back alley at the Pub and “Broken Top Bluegrass Duo” Saturday 4-6:30pm at the Beer Garden.
Faith, Hope & Charity Vineyards Live at the Vineyard: Emily Stanton featuring High Street “Wait til you hear this girl’s voice.” This seems to be the common mantra heard after seeing this show and club owners agree. Emily is now filling a niche in the Boise music scene, which has had a long-standing gap in the soul/r&b genres. 6-9pm. $20.
Hayden Homes Amphitheater Barenaked Ladies: Last Summer On Earth Tour 2025 Over the course of 35 years, the beloved Barenaked Ladies quartet has sold more than 15 million records worldwide and built up an arsenal of hits such as “If I Had $1,000,000,” “One Week,” “Pinch Me,” and “The Big Bang Theory Theme.” 6pm. $49.50-$99.50.
McKenzie General Store & Obsidian Grill Cheatgrass at McKenzie General Store McKenzie General Store loves being able to provide free family friendly live music to our community of locals, adventures and travelers alike! With our outdoor beirgarden, restaurant and general store, we’re sure to have all you need for an unforgettable evening! 6-9pm. Free.
Pangaea Guild Hall Cosplay Saturday: Fantasy Break out the brigandine and clad yourself in your favorite cloak, because the Pangaea Guild Hall is going positively medieval! Join us for Cosplay Saturday dressed in your favorite fantasy attire and receive 50% off your first drink! 9am-11pm.
Portello Wine and Spirits Live Music: Elise Franklin Quartet The Elise Franklin Quartet, a group of highly experienced musicians playing jazz standards and Latin, is led by Elise Franklin on vocals and Jack Krouscup on piano. Join us for a night of great music, food and drink, and amazing vibes! 7-9pm. Free.
Sons of Beer Chasin’ Bandits feat. Christie Strode Chasin’ Bandits play favorite country & rock tunes featuring the powerful vocals of Christie Strode. 7-10pm. Free.
The Bite Cover Story Cover Story is a country rock band based in Bend. We play songs you forgot you love. @coverstory_bend 6-8pm. Free.
Tower Theatre Zoso - The Ultimate Led Zeppelin Experience 7:30pm. $25-$40.
Village Green Park Big Ponderoo Music Festival Kick off the summer at the 3rd annual Big Ponderoo -- an unforgettable, intimate festival experience where small-town charm meets world-class live music from bluegrass, alt-county, and Americana artists on June 28 & 29. Weekend Passes on sale now! Single-day tickets available this spring. Camping available. Noon-11:30pm. $195/adults and $90/youth.
Volcanic Theatre Pub One Way Out: Celebrating The Allman Brothers One Way Out is an eight-piece tribute to the Allman Brothers Band, delivering authentic, high-energy performances packed with legendary southern rock musicianship. 8pm. $15.
Wildwood Bar & Grill Linda Quon & Hello
Trouble Linda Quon & Hello Trouble is a 6-piece vintage roots band playing original songs. 7-10pm. Free.
29 Sunday
Bar Rio Live Music at Bar Rio Grab your favorite bites and sips and relax into the music— ranging from jazz and blues to pop and flamenco. 6-8pm. Free.
The Commons Cafe & Taproom Trivia Night Sunday Funday Trivia with Sean. Gather your team, or roll solo and find a spot early in the cafe, knowledge tests begin at 6pm. Prizes for 1st and 2nd place. 6-8pm. Free.
The Commonwealth Pub Richard Taelour - Sundays on the patio Richard is an amazing artist and musician; hang out, listen to music, look at art he makes. 3-6pm. Free.
The Commonwealth Pub Head Games Trivia Night Eat. Drink. Think. Win! Live multi-media trivia every Sunday @ 6pm. The Commonwealth Pub - Bend Free to play. Win prizes. Teams up to 6. 6-8pm. Free.
El Sancho Taco Shop - Eastside El Sancho Eastside Grand Reopening Party Celebrate the reopening of El Sancho Eastside with live music, a taco eating contest, prize giveaways— including free tacos for a year—and more. Live music by local bands include Mama’s Boy, The Rumpeppers & Jackrat. Join us from 4–9 pm for food, fun, and fiesta! Free.
Hayden Homes Amphitheater Pink Martini Find your twirling shoes, this summer Pink Martini heads to Bend on its 30th Anniversary Tour extravaganza featuring China Forbes! 2pm. $39.50-$99.50.
The Podski Tea Dance Wear your best, brightest and flashiest for this monthly summer series! 2SLGBTQIA+ dance party with tunes by DJ Mana, glitter station, hair tinsel and $4 Too Turnt Tonys. 4-7pm. Free.
River’s Place The Brainy Brunch Trivia! Useless Knowledge Bowl Trivia presents “The Brainy Brunch!” Bring your crew of friends or family and a pen/pencil! Play for fun and gift cards, play for free! Experienced, independent, locally owned and operated! Noon. Free.
River’s Place Tony Smiley This musical savant loops his way through a unique genre of music that you won’t find anywhere else, all with a witty, engaging and energetic stage presence. Layering all live recordings of every instrument on stage, ranging from rock, hip-hop, ‘80s and even a dash of beat-boxing. 5-7pm. Free.
SHARC Blackstrap Bluegrass Blackstrap Bluegrass, a talented bluegrass band from Bend, will perform at Turf Tunes. The band has been delivering catchy originals, timeless bluegrass standards and creative covers since 2004. Doors open at 5pm ith Dump City Dumplings food cart on site! 6-8pm. Free.
Silver Moon Brewing Open Mic at the Moon Get a taste of the big time! Sign-up is at 4pm! Come check out the biggest and baddest open mic night in Bend! 5-8pm. Free.
Village Green Park Big Ponderoo Music Festival Kick off the summer at the 3rd annual Big Ponderoo -- an unforgettable, intimate festival experience where small-town charm meets world-class live music from bluegrass, alt-county, and Americana artists on June 28 & 29. Weekend Passes on sale now! Single-day tickets available this spring. Camping available. Noon-8pm. $195/adults and $90/youth.
With sharp brotherly banter, haunting harmonies and a folk sound shaped by everything from bluegrass to punk, The Brothers Reed serve up a show that's as moving as it is wildly entertaining. Thu., June 26, 6pm at McKenzie General Store.
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MARCH F OU R T H
with Special Guest LEADBETTER BAND
MarchFourth is a kaleidoscope of musical and visual energy that inspires unabashed dancing and an atmosphere of celebration Costumed as a psychedelic punk rock marching band circus troupe, M4’s show features electric bass, guitar, a 4-piece percussion corps, a 7-part horn section, dancers, acrobatics, stilt-walkers, a live visual artist, and a diverse musical repertoire Far from a "marching band" in any traditional sense, they have been known to swagger through town playing a few tunes before taking the stage
Precious Byrd is one of the most sought after bands in the Pacific Northwest Voted #1 Party Band in Oregon multiple years running, they have played for brands like Nike, Deschutes Brewer y, Pendleton Whiskey, and more! Their fresh renditions of modern and classic hits, along with a number of high-energy originals are sure to fill the dance floor and get people on their feet! 2 4 7 AUG 1 7 JUL 3 1
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Let’s get this party started!
Central Oregon’s largest physician-led primary and multispecialty group is proud to sponsor Munch & Music for its 33rd year. Join Summit Health for six summer nights packed with FREE live music, tasty food and drinks, and community.
45+ specialties & services | Top 2% in the nation for patient experiences
Bend Eastside 1501 NE Medical Center Dr
Bend Old Mill District 815 SW Bond St
Bend Rose Building Clinic 1247 NE Medical Center Dr
Bend Urology 2090 NE Wyatt Ct, Suite 101
Mt. Bachelor Urgent Care 13000 SW Century Dr
Redmond North 333 NW Larch Ave
Redmond Specialty 1001 NW Canal Blvd, Suite A
LAST YEARS AD
Redmond Urology 1245 NW 4th St, Suite 102
Sisters Clinic 231 East Cascade Ave
Sunriver Clinic 57067 SW Beaver Dr
Photo: Jill Rosell
The greatest duo since Munch teamed up with Music
The harmony between our member-focused health plan and Summit’s patient-focused medical group is a beautiful thing. It gives people in Central Oregon a local team they can count on to do what’s right— not just what’s required.
PacificSource is over-the-moon excited to be joining Summit Health this summer as title sponsors for Munch & Music.
We hope you and your family enjoy this glorious Bend tradition each and every Thursday. Please & thank you.
CALENDAR EVENTS
30 Monday
Bend Cider Co. Irish Trad Session Enjoy this spirited Celtic music in our lovely backyard garden, while sipping on delicious ciders, beer, wine and n/a beverages. Light tapas menu available, outside food welcome. Kid & dog-friendly. 6-8pm. Free.
Bevel Craft Brewing Music Trivia Join us for Music Trivia at Bevel! Test your knowledge on iconic artists, albums, and hits from all genres and decades. Free to play, teams up to six, and themed attire encouraged. Win Bevel gift cards! Trivia runs 6-8pm, with questions by the one and only Bevel Beard. Rock on! 6-8pm. Free.
Bridge 99 Brewery Trivia Mondays at Bridge 99 Trivia Mondays at 6:30pm at Bridge 99 Brewery with Useless Knowledge Bowl. It’s no ordinary trivia night, Team up to win house gift cards! Great brews, cocktails, and more. Inhouse menu and food truck options available! It’s free to play. Indoor and outdoor seating available. 63063 Layton Ave, Bend. 6:30-8:30pm. Free.
Bunk+Brew Backyard Open Mic Mondays Bring the energy and hit the stage! Sing, rap, tell jokes or vibe out with the crowd. Killer eats from food carts and beer truck flowing all night. 6-10pm. Free.
The Commonwealth Pub Monday Night Musicians Showcase: Hosted by FAFO Come showcase your sound, discover fresh talent and enjoy a night of incredible live music. Hosted by Funk Around & Find Out, we’re creating a space where musicians can stretch out, jam, tighten up or spark something new. Full backline provided. 6-9pm. Free.
Crux Fermentation Project Trivia Night @ Crux Trivia Night at Crux! First place team wins a $25 gift card! 6-8pm. Free.
Elixir Winery and Tasting Room Locals Music Night and Open Mic Bend’s friendliest open-mic! All genres welcome. Oregon and international wine, beer and tapas menu available all evening. 6-9pm. Free.
Immersion Brewing Open Mic hosted by Bend Comedy All performance types are welcome! All ages are welcome to attend and perform! All acts are eligible to audition to perform in a future Bend Comedy show! 7-9pm. Free.
JC’s Bar & Grill Karaoke Karaoke kicks off at 8pm with our awesome host Van! Come early to get a prime seat. Happy hour lasts all day and our pool tables are free Mondays. 8pm. Free.
On Tap Locals’ Day Plus Live Music Cheaper drinks all day and live music at night, get down to On Tap. 11am-9pm. Free.
Silver Moon Brewing Beertown Comedy Open Mic Voted #1 Open Mic and Locals Night, Beertown Comedy’s Open Mic happens every Monday at Silver Moon Brewing. Free to watch and perform! Sign-ups at 6:30pm, show at 7pm. With 20 spots available, bring your best jokes and get noticed for paid gigs. Laughter guaranteed! 6:30-9pm. Free.
1 Tuesday
The Astro Lounge Karaoke Get here early to put your name on the list! Drink specials every night. 9pm-2am. Free.
Bunk+Brew Backyard Trivia Tuesdays! Big brains, cold beers, bragging rights! Battle it out under the stars with rotating trivia themes and epic prizes. Grab food from the food carts and drinks from the beer truck. Think you’ve got what it takes? 7-9pm. Free.
The Capitol The Capitol Karaoke Music Weekly Karaoke at its finest! Central Oregon’s premiere karaoke experience has just moved locations! Now at the Capitol! Drink specials! Air guitars! Come see for yourself. 8pm-1am. Free.
The Cellar Open Mic Open mic at The Cellar hosted by Mari! 6-8pm and all are welcome! 6-8pm. Free.
Cheba Hut Trivia Tuesdays Prizes, drink specials, good vibes! 6:30-8:30pm. Free.
The Commons Cafe & Taproom Open Mic StoryTellers open mic nights are full of music, laughs and community. Mason James is the host. Poetry, comedy and spoken word are welcome, but this is mainly a musical open mic. Performance slots are a quick 10 minutes each, so being warmed up and ready is ideal. If you wish to perform sign-ups start at 5pm in the cafe. 6pm. Free.
The Commonwealth Pub Michelle Van Handel Michelle’s alto voice and ability to improvise gives her the natural resources to tell stories not only through lyric but also through instrumental like soul & tone. 7-9pm.
Elements Public House Trivia Tuesdays at Elements Public House UKB Trivia is experienced, independent, locally owned and operated! Team up to win house gift cards! 7pm. Free.
M&J Tavern Karaoke Sing your heart out in downtown’s living room. 8pm-Midnight. Free.
Mountain Burger Trivia Tuesday at Mountain Burger Come to Trivia Tuesday at Mountain Burger! Fun and prizes await! 7:30-9pm. Free.
Northside Bar & Grill Karaoke with DJ Chris Ossig Karaoke with DJ Chris. 7-9pm. Free.
Pinky G’s Pizzeria TRIVIA NIGHT Test your knowledge in a casual/laid-back atmosphere. Pizza, beer and trivia. Free to play and prizes for 1st and 2nd place. 6-8pm. Free.
MUSIC
KPOV’s 20th Birthday Bash KPOV High Desert Community Radio is turning 20! Come celebrate two decades of community radio with live music, silent auction, cake, and a special beer label launch! The event is free and open to the public. Thursday, June 26, 6-10pm, followed by a DJ afterparty 10-midnight! June 26. Silver Moon Brewing, 24 NW Greenwood Ave., Bend. Contact: 541-322-0863. Free.
WORDS
Wildfire Days by Kelly Ramsey In the exhilarating spirit of “Wild and A Walk in the Park,” an adventure-filled memoir of one woman’s struggle to succeed as a wildland firefighter on an elite, male-dominated crew as they battle some of the fiercest wildfires in the West. June 27, 5:30-6:30pm. Roundabout Books, 900 NW Mount Washington Dr., #110, Bend. Contact: 541-3066564. julie@roundaboutbookshop.com. $5.
OUTDOOR EVENTS
Building with Natural Materials: Community Building Project Over three sessions, participants will work together to create a sculptural windbreak on PMRCAA property. Participants will gain knowledge and experience using natural and reclaimed materials in an architectural application. Mon, June 30, 3-6pm, Tue, July 1, 3-6pm and Mon, July 7, 3-6pm. Pine Meadow Ranch Center for Arts & Agriculture, 68467 Three Creek Rd., Sisters. Contact: 541904-0700. moriah@roundhousefoundation.org. Free.
Roller Derby: Lava City vs. Alter Egos Roller Derby! Lava City Roller Derby takes on the Alter Egos at the Pavilion on June 28. Doors open at 2:30, game at 3:30. Adults $15 in advance $18 at the door. Student/Seniors/Veterans $12. Children 5 & under free with paying adult. Seating is limited, please bring your own chair. June 28, 3:30-5:30pm. The Pavilion, 1001 SW Bradbury Way, Bend. lavacityinfo@gmail. com. $15 advance/$18 door.
VOLUNTEER
Deschutes River Cleanup Join UDWC to protect the Deschutes River! At six different locations, volunteers will pull non-native weeds, pick up trash and remove debris. Paddlers will help scuba divers clean up the river channel in Sunriver and in the Old Mill District. June 28, 9am-1pm. Farewell Bend Park, 1000 SW Reed Market Rd., Bend. Contact: 541-390-3665. kmiller@restorethedeschutes.org. Free.
GROUPS + MEETUPS
Heart of Oregon Corps 25th Anniversary Reunion, Jefferson County Celebrate Heart of Oregon Corps’ over 1,000 graduates from Jefferson County over the past 25 years during the first stop of our Central Oregon reuinion tour. June 25, 5-8pm. The Spot, 225 SW 5th St, Madras. Free.
FUNDRAISING
8th Annual Yard Sale Benefiting Furry Freight Join us on our mission to save at-risk shelter pets! Sale items have been donated by the community and more items are added throughout the sale! Find a great deal and help save shelter pets at the same time! Fri, June 27, Sat, June 28 and Sun, June 29, 7am-2pm. Furry Freight Shelter Transport, 241 SE Airpark Dr, Bend. Contact: info@furryfreight.org.
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Kata Dosa brings a high-octane mix of blues, funk, rock and jazz to the stage, delivering fiery guitar solos, booming brass and raw, soulful energy that echoes from New York to New Orleans to Oregon. Wed., June 25, 7pm at Silver Moon Brewing.
Kata Dosa
EVENTS + MARKETS
Chi-Town Family Festival This family-friendly festival offers something for everyone— celebrate summer with your community! Live music, farmers market, delicious food vendors, bike rodeo, silent auction and a mobile escape room! June 27, 2-6pm and June 28, 10am-6pm. Chiloquin Rodeo & Events Park, 720 Chiloquin Blvd, Chiloquin. Free.
Sunriver Saturday Market The third annual Sunriver Saturday Market features more than 40 vendors selling handcrafted items made or grown in Central Oregon, from candles to food items. Last Saturday of every month, 9am-1pm and Sat, June 28, 9am-1pm. Through Sept. 27. SHARC, 57250 Overlook Rd, Sunriver. Contact: 541-5938149. sunriversaturdaymarket@gmail.com. Free.
Bend Farmers Market The Bend Farmers Market is a true farmers market dedicated to supporting the viability of local farmers, ranchers and food producers who offer fresh local produce, protein and farm products to the people of Central Oregon. Wednesdays, 11am-3pm. Through Oct. 9. Brooks Alley, downtown Bend, Bend. Contact: bendfarmersmarket@gmail.com. Free. Farmers Market Farm-fresh produce straight from local growers! One-of-a-kind products: handmade, unique and full of character! Live music, food and beer—because Sundays should be fun! Free Community Booth supporting local nonprofits and initiatives! Sundays, 10am2pm. Through Sept. 28. Worthy Brewing - Main Pub and Brewery, 495 NE Bellevue Dr., Bend. Contact: 541-241-6310. Free.
Redmond Farmers Market Discover the heart of our community at the Redmond Farmers Market! Fun for the whole family. Here, local farmers and artisans come together to share their passion for fresh produce, handmade goods and unique crafts. Fridays, 3-7pm. Through Aug. 29. Centennial Park, Evergreen, Between 7th and 8th St., Redmond. Contact: 541-570-8946. Harvesthouseevents.rdm@gmail.com. Free.
Sisters Farmers Market Join us on Sundays June-Oct for a vibrant community gathering featuring fresh produce, local goods, live music and community activities.The market hosts a diverse range of over 45 Central Oregon vendors weekly. Sundays, 10am-2pm. Through Oct. 26. Fir Street Park, Sisters, Sisters. Contact: sistersfarmersmarket@gmail.com. Free.
Sunriver Farmers Market Discover a wide variety of fresh, farm-to-table products from dedicated local vendors. From freshly butchered meats to seasonal produce, there’s something for everyone. Thursdays, 10am-2pm. Through Aug. 28. Sunriver Resort, 17600 Center Dr., Sunriver. Free.
BEER + DRINK
$10 Coffee + Breakfast Burrito Fridays Your Fridays just got an upgrade! Introducing our breakfast burrito and coffee special with our besties, Bend Breakfast Burrito. Every Friday you can get a breakfast burrito + 16oz drip coffee (or 12oz cold brew) for just $10. Fridays, 7:30-11:30am. Boss Rambler Coffee, 1009 NW Galveston Ave., Bend. $10.
$10 Wing Wednesdays A new weekly special: $10 Wing Wednesdays at Cascade Lakes Pub on Reed Market. Choose from one of the house-made sauces like Char Sui, This IPA BBQ and Spicy Staycay Pineapple or go naked! Wednesdays, 11am-9pm. Cascade Lakes Pub on Reed Market, 21175 SE Reed Market Rd., Bend. $16 Fish Taco and House Margarita Fridays Join for 3 fish tacos and a house margarita for only $16 every Friday at Cascade Lakes Pub on Reed Market. Fridays, 11am-9pm. Cascade Lakes Pub on Reed Market, 21175 SE Reed Market Rd., Bend.
3-Way IPA Hazy Release Party w/ Sunriver Brewing & Fort George Featuring West Coast 3-Way IPA, Hazy 3-Way IPA & other Fort George & Sunriver beers! June 26, 5-7pm. Midtown Yacht Club, 1661 NE Fourth St., Bend. Contact: 458-256-5454. midtownyachtclub@gmail.com. Free.
Commonwealth Pub Happy Hour Come enjoy Happy Hour every day from open until 6pm (3pm on weekdays and 12pm on weekends). It’s 5 for 5, with $5 draft beers, $5 house wines, $5 margaritas, $5 crushes, and $5 well liquor. Play ping pong, darts, cornhole, games, and enjoy afternoon music on patio and indoors. Ongoing, Noon-6pm. The Commonwealth Pub, 30 SW Century Dr., Bend. Free.
Crosscut Warming Hut: Locals’ Day! Tuesdays are Locals’ Day. Every Tuesday enjoy $1 off regular size draft beverages. Come by the Warming Hut and hang out by the fire. See you soon, Bend! Tuesdays. Crosscut Warming Hut No 5, 566 SW Mill View Way, Bend. Cruxapalooza 2025! Join us for our 13th Annual Cruxapalooza! Beer, food, makers, live music and more! June 28, 11am-6pm. Crux Fermentation Project, 50 SW Division St., Bend. Contact: info@cruxfermentation.com. Free.
Educators & Nurses Apprecation Day
We’re raising a glass to those who give so much! Join us for Nurses & Educators Day, where we show appreciation for the heroes in scrubs and classrooms. 50% off all beers and ciders for nurses and educators. Tuesdays. Cascade Lakes Pub on Reed Market, 21175 SE Reed Market Rd., Bend. Contact: 458-836-7866. jesse@cascadelakes.com. Free.
Flannel Friday Happy Hour Come on down in your Northwest best for Happy Hour! 4-6pm every Friday. $2 off drafts, $1 off everything else. Fridays, 4-6pm. Contact: taryn@ thealeapothecary.com. Free.
Friday Happy Hour Tapas & Wine Kick off the weekend the right way! Every Friday from 4pm on, swing by for a relaxing and social evening at Elixir Wine. $10 wine specials by the glass and $2 off regular glass pours, including our own Oregon & Washington wines. Fridays, 4-7pm. Elixir Winery and Tasting Room, 11 NW Lava Rd., Bend. Contact: 541-388-5330. tastingroom@ elixirwinegroup.com. Free.
Happy Hour Every Day Make every afternoon a little brighter with a hint of British charm at The Commonwealth Pub! From 3-5pm, enjoy drink specials and a cozy pub vibe that’s perfect for winding down. $3 PBRs $5 RPMs $6 Margaritas $7 Wine Happy Hour bites from Whappos! Mondays-Sundays, 3-5pm. Through Dec. 18. The Commonwealth Pub, 30 SW Century Dr., Bend. Contact: 541-668-6200. thecommonwealthpubevents@gmail.com. Free.
Industry Appreciation Day! 20% off for all Industry friends! Wednesdays, 2-8pm. Contact: taryn@thealeapothecary.com. Free.
Ladies Night Hey ladies! Come out for $8 limoncello-spiked bubbles and $2 off all menu cocktails every Thursday. Thursdays, 2-10pm. Bar Rio, 915 NW Wall St., Bend. Free.
Locals Day! Locals Day at the Ale! $2 off drafts and $1 off wine and cider! Wednesdays, 2pm. The Ale Apothecary Tasting Room, 30 SW Century Dr., Bend. Contact: taryn@thealeapothecary.com. Free.
Locals’ Day Come on down to Bevel Craft Brewing for $4 beers and cider and $1 off wine all day. There are also food specials from the food carts located out back at The Patio! Tuesdays. Bevel Craft Brewing, 911 SE Armour St., Bend. Contact: holla@bevelbeer.com. Free.
Locals’ Night at WaypointBBC Locals’ Night at WaypointBBC! $5 draft beer, $8 house red and white wine and $8 specialty cocktail. Tuesdays, Noon-10pm. Waypoint, 921 NW Mt Washington Dr., Bend. Contact: 458-206-0826. Waypointbbc@gmail.com. Free.
Power Hour Come check out our new Power Hour deals: $3 draft Coors Light, $5 draft beer, food cart specials that will make your taste buds dance! Mondays-Thursdays-Sundays, 8-9pm. Midtown Yacht Club, 1661 NE Fourth St., Bend. Contact: 458-256-5454. midtownyachtclub@ gmail.com. Free.
Sangria Sundays Like Sundays in Spain, just add paella. Every Sunday, 2pm-close at Bar Rio in Downtown Bend. Sundays. Bar Rio, 915 NW Wall St., Bend. Free.
Suttle Lodge’s Wine on the Deck Series: Johan Vineyards Join us every Tuesday this summer for wine made in the Pacific Northwest, poured by some of our best local winemakers and paired with seasonal small plates from our Skip Kitchen.This week we are excited to host Johan Vineyards. At Johan, they believe the sense of place—the essence of their farm—is best expressed through their deep commitment to Biodynamic farming practices, native-yeast fermentation and minimal intervention in the cellar. Gratuity included in ticket price. July 1, 6-7pm. The Suttle Lodge & Boathouse, 13300 Hwy 20, Sisters. Contact: 541-323-0964. $75.
Winemaker Pop Up Pouring with Upper five Vineyards Meet Terry the owner, farmer, and visionary behind the certified Biodynamic Upper Five Vineyards from the Applegate Valley. June 28, 5-8pm. Testimony Wine Bar, 307 NW Sixth St., Redmond. Contact: www. testimonywinebar.com.
Wings + TRIVIA + Whiskey Enjoy $0.75 wings, $4.50 well whiskey, $6 seven & sevens while testing your knowledge with Trivia, hosted by our amazing Cole! Take on our infamous “physical” challenge - think paper airplanes, musical chairs, limbo etc! Come eat, drink and bring your A-game! Wednesdays, 7pm. JC’s Bar & Grill, 642 NW Franklin Ave., Bend. Contact: 541-3833000. jcsbend@gmail.com. Free.
HEALTH + WELLNESS
An Evening of Women’s Wellness with Melissa Porras Join us for an evening of Women’s Wellness with Melissa Porras, APRN, CNM-BC. Mingle with others in our community interested in learning about hormones or peri/ menopause and come with questions ready for a live Q&A session. We will offer complimentary wellness checks, discounts on future visits, and light snacks. July 1, 6:30-8:30pm. Hawthorn Healing Arts Center, 39 NW Louisiana Ave., Bend. Contact: 541-330-0334. info@hawthorncenter. com. Free.
Grammy-nominated songwriter and trailblazing bluegrass mandolinist Sierra Hull joins a star-studded Big Ponderoo lineup Sun., June 29, 4:30pm. She brings songs to the stage from her latest album, “Tip Toe High Wire.”
Sierra Hull
Not a Wine Bar Portello Wine and Spirits spreads its wings
By Jared Rasic
I’ve never been much of a wine guy, so I couldn’t really tell you what differentiates one from the other in a town like Bend where it can sometimes feel like every street corner is either a brewery, dispensary or wine bar. For this reason, I had never been to Portello (a cornerstone of Northwest Crossing for 18 years) before, so I wasn’t familiar with what they were doing. I’m glad I finally took the time to check them out because Portello is no longer simply a neighborhood wine bar. Instead, they’ve relaunched as something entirely different and exciting.
Owned and operated by Bryan Smith and Rachel Fishman since July 2024, Portello Wine and Spirits still has an expertly curated wine selection, but are leaning much more toward being a cozy, comfortable neighborhood lounge with live music, a deep bench of cocktails and food-forward concept that opens up the space to many more exciting possibilities. The husband-andwife team of Smith and Fishman brings a genuine warmth as owners and operators, taking great care to make sure Portello feels approachable to everyone.
is nice moody lighting, comfy velvet furniture, and you can hear people laughing, talking, and enjoying each other’s company. We wanted a place where you can go and get a great cocktail that is approachable, order a glass of wine comfortably even if you don’t know much about wine – share tasty food with your friends, maybe catch some live music or even dance the night away at one of our monthly dance nights.”
What I found immediately refreshing about the food was not just the affordability, but the diversity of flavors across the multi-ethnic menu. My friends and I sampled a wide variety of their small plates and, across the board, everything was really quite delicious. The brie with apples bruschetta and mozzarella, tomato, basil and balsamic bruschetta leaned in to how fresh their ingredients were, with the brie melting in my mouth and the apples thinly sliced and crispy, perfect for the summer afternoon.
After his father passed in 2024, Smith used his inheritance to buy Portello. “When we first started looking at Portello, we just sat back as customers and observed what was working and where there was opportunity,” says Fishman. “It had been in the community for 18 years and we respected that history, but also knew that it hadn’t changed in 18 years. Everything from the menu to the décor – it had always been the same. It really needed some new life breathed into it. We would talk to people in the community and we would hear consistently how people hadn’t been in a long time because it hadn’t changed and there were so many new places in town to compete with. But we could see the potential – the bones were great!”
It’s a very comfortable space with a gorgeous concrete bar, high ceilings and tons of exposed brick, with an interior design aesthetic that feels much closer to a cozy lounge than you would normally find in NWX. “Portello has always been known as a wine bar,” says Fishman. “We knew that wasn’t true to who we are –and that is always a risk to change from what people always knew. But it needed change to keep going. We wanted to create a lounge vibe, a place where there
reduction, making me pine for another one immediately. From the insanely fresh and divine ceviche tostada to the herbed mushroom flatbread (lightly coated in a decadent truffle oil), everything we tried wasn’t just delicious, but offered a complexity of flavor that never threatened to become pretentious. Every dish we tried was approachable and packed with the freshest ingredients possible. Head chef Nikki Munk is a fla-
Next was the Thai Shrimp Cocktail over a cucumber salad with arugula, cilantro and a spicy citrus chili sauce served with crispy wanton chips. That sauce was dangerously delectable with the spice from the chili and the pounce of the citrus combining for a refreshing and full-bodied flavor. The shrimp were so fresh, tender and perfect that I had to fight my companions for the last one.
I had a similar reaction to the Moroccan Roasted Carrots served over a whipped honey feta, topped with crushed pistachios and served with a lovely crostini. I think I caught just a hint of cumin and paprika in the tender and juicy carrots, which paired perfectly with a light burst of citrus and the subtle sweetness of the honey feta. I can imagine coming in for a bowl of these and a cocktail on the regular.
Next came a Peach Champagne Burrata with prosciutto, peach champagne agrodolce, plump Marcona almonds, basil and a balsamic reduction over herbed toast that I found really complex and fantastic. The texture and sweet tartness of the agrodolce paired perfectly with the rich prosciutto and the light tang of the
vor wizard, using her many years of experience to craft dishes that don’t conform to predictability. “The menu is driven by several elements,” says Munk. “We have a type two kitchen, so that means no fryer and no grill, so I have to be creative. I love food from around the world and being able to showcase things that I used to only make at home for family and friends really makes me happy. I am absolutely blessed with the fantastic owners of Portello giving me creative freedom. When I told them my vision of a multi-ethnic cuisine menu, they were very excited and it has allowed me to not have a box to think inside.”
Just as impressive as the food menu was the plentiful and diverse selection of cocktails. From the refreshing and deliciously stiff Mule to an N/A hazy from Athletic to a marionberry lemonade with vodka, it was hard for me to stick to any one lane. “We knew we wanted to have the same amount of available wines by the glass Portello always offered,” says Fishman. “So we have worked to bring in some new wines and keep that list interesting and changing throughout the year. As far as cocktails - the big thing was bringing in both classic and approachable cocktails that would make customers feel comfortable trying something newwithout being intimidating.”
As proven by Smith and Fishman, change can be a good thing, and with the relaxing vibes, kind service and the care taken in the curation of a balanced and extensive food and drink menu, The Lounge at Portello Wine and Spirits is a most welcome reinvention.
Portello Wine and Spirits Mon.-Thu., 4-9pm, Fri. 4-10pm, Sat. 11am-10pm 2754 NW Crossing Drive, Bend portellobend.com/ 541-385-1777
Photos by Jared Rasic
Peach Champagne Burrata
Exterior Storefront
Thai Shrimp Cocktail
LITTLE BITES
By Nic Moye
Authentic Mexican Cuisine in a Historic Train Depot
La Catrina Chingona opens July 1 in Terrebonne
Anew restaurant is getting ready to open in the historic Terrebonne Depot. The menu at La Catrina Chingona will feature authentic Mexican cuisine.
“We understand that our establishment may not appeal to everyone who’s not open to change in the community or new flavors and that’s perfectly fine,” one of the owners, Danielle Nogosek, told the Source through email. “Our menu is intentionally limited due to the size of our kitchen, and we aim to offer a unique dining experience rather than traditional fare.”
The name La Catrina Chingona was chosen to celebrate strong and intelligent women around the world. Nogosek and her business partner, Kayla Jeffrey, also own Brand 44 N and The Pump House in Terrebonne. Nogosek grew up in Terrebonne and says she decided to open a third restaurant to create a unique escape. “We aim to create an experience that transports you away from Terrebonne the moment you step through our doors, feeling like you’re on a tropical vacation away from home.”
Nogosek says her team members have shared cherished family recipes from various towns across Mexico. They’ll also have a rotating seasonal menu inspired from a time she and her husband lived in Mexico while he played baseball.
“That enriching experience has sparked our enthusiasm to bring innovative ideas back to Terrebonne,” Nogosek says. “If you’re eager to explore new flavors and dishes that you haven’t experienced before, we believe you’ll truly enjoy what we have to offer.”
Nogosek and Jeffrey chose the depot location because it felt like a way to stand out. It was built in 1911 as the Oregon Trunk Passenger Depot and served as a train station for about 40 years before being abandoned in the 1950s. It was renovated into a restaurant in 2004.
La Catrina Chingona will also have a tequila bar with “unique drinks you can’t find anywhere in Central Oregon,” Nogosek said.
Their opening date has been delayed by the effort to hire enough staff. A soft opening is now scheduled for June 26 and 27 from 4-10pm with a grand opening celebration scheduled for July 1. Nogosek says that will feature live music, a talented tattoo artist and car show. Initially the hours will be 4pm until closing around 10pm, with plans to eventually extend hours to 11pm.
La Catrina Chingona
Grand Opening July 1, 4pm-10pm 400 NW Smith Rock Way, Terrebonne lacatrinachingona.com/
A Pequeno Lobster Yuzu Taco, above right, is on the menu.
Photos by La Catrina Chingona
C Your Next Beach Read… A History Book So many books expand horizons and educate along the way
By Christine Bell, Bookseller at Roundabout Books and Cafe CULTURE
As summer gets underway, you might be looking for the perfect beach read: a book that’s engrossing, entertaining and fun to read. Why not try a history book? History books are ideal for the beach or any other summer destination. Learn something new without sacrificing entertainment. In fact, David McCullough has a new book coming in September called “History Matters.” This book of essays argues that history is critical to understanding our current times.
But for long summer days, it’s important to find a book that pulls you into the story and keeps you turning pages. These history books fit the bill – some have been around for a few years and others are newly published or are coming this fall.
Books about explorers and naval adventures are always popular at the bookstore. The titles of these books are self-explanatory: “The Explorers: A New History of America in Ten Expeditions” by Amanda Bellows, “The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder” by David Grann, “Shackleton” by Ranulph Fiennes, or the New York Times bestselling “The Wide Wide Sea: Imperial Ambition, First Contact and the Fateful Final Voyage of Captain James Cook” by Hampton Sides, for grip the edge of your seat adventure. In October, “The Gales of November: The Untold Story of the Edmund Fitzgerald” by John U. Bacon will be published, offering a surprising history of how this ship and its passengers ended up at the bottom of Lake Superior.
Interested in the history of humankind: “The Dawn of Everything: A New History of Humanity” by David Graeber and David Wengrow, signals a paradigm shift in understanding our past and making space to imagine new ways of organizing society. One of the bestselling history books of all times , “Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind” by Yuval Noah Harari, delivers powerful storytelling that challenges assumptions about our narrative history and our future as a species.
Going beyond our own species, “Every Living Thing: The Great and Deadly Race to Know All Life” by Jason Roberts or “Forest Euphoria: The Abounding Queerness of Nature” by Patricia Ononiwu Kaishian, both offer new perspectives on the nature surrounding us.
Native American history has several recently published, award-winning books such as “Native Nations:
Submitted
A Millennium in North America” by Kathleen DuVal or “The Rediscovery of America: Native Peoples and the Unmaking of U.S. History” by Ned Blackhawk, which won the National Book Award.
If you’re interested in African American history, check out the new biography, “John Lewis: A Life” by David Greenberg. A couple of award winners in this genre include “Master Slave Husband Wife: An Epic Journey from Slavery to Freedom” by Ilyon Woo, winner of the Pulitzer Prize in 2024, and “All That She Carried: The Journey of Ashley’s Sack, a Black Family Keepsake” by Tiya Miles, winner of the National Book Award.
War is always a popular history topic and there are a few new books in this genre. “The Raider: The Untold Story of a Renegade Marine and the Birth of U.S. Special Forces in World War II” by Stephen R. Platt and “Sailing of the Intrepid: The Incredible Wartime Voyage of the Navy’s Iconic Aircraft Carrier” by Montel Williams. One of my favorites is “The Escape Artist: The Man Who Broke Out of Auschwitz to Warn the World” by Jonathan Freedland. “Age of Revolutions: Progress and Backlash from 1600 to the Present” by Fareed Zakaria, reminds us that today’s polarization is not new in the course of history.
If Oregon history is your bag, check out “The Oregon Trail: A New American Journey” by Rinker Buck, “Undaunted Courage: Meriwether Lewis Thomas Jefferson and the Opening of the American West” by Stephen E. Ambrose” or “Astoria: Astor and Jefferson’s Lost Pacific Empire: A Tale of Ambition and Survival on the Early American Frontier”
by Peter Stark.” For a twist on things, try “The Secret History of Bigfoot” by John O’Connor.
If instead you’re interested in current events, check out “The Shortest History of Israel and Palestine” by Michael Scott-Baumann, “The Shortest History of Migration” by Ian Goldwin or “A History of the Muslim World: From Its Origins to the Dawn of Modernity” by Michael A. Cook. “Ukraine: The Forging of a Nation” by Yaroslav Hrysak, is a pioneering new history of that country.
Women’s roles in key historic events has also become its own subgenre of history books. “The Six: The Extraordinary Story of the Grit and Daring of America’s First Women Astronauts” by Loren Grush, “Women in the Valley of the Kings” by Kathleen Sheppard, “When Women Ran Fifth Avenue: Glamour and Power at the Dawn of American Fashion” by Julie Satow, are a few books giving women their proper place in history.
What about the history of health? John Green’s “Everything is Tuberculosis” is a fascinating read about a topic I didn’t know I was interested in. Once I started reading, I couldn’t put it down.
If none of these topics spark for you, check out these prolific history book authors: Timothy Egan, Erik Larson, David McCullough, Candice Millard or Doris Kearns Goodwin. You’ll surely find a book in their oeuvres that will pique your interest.
This list just scratches the surface of history books. No matter your interests, there is more to be discovered in the genre. Local booksellers and librarians are here to help find your next engrossing beach read.
WHAT CASSIE'S READING
“The Book of Records” by Madeleine
Thien
Lina and her father arrive at an enclave called The Sea, a staging post between migrations, with only a few possessions. In this mysterious and shape-shifting place, a building made of time, pasts and futures collide. Lina befriends her neighbors: a Jewish scholar in seventeenth-century Amsterdam; a philosopher in 1930s Germany fleeing Nazi persecution; and a poet of Tang Dynasty China. This is an indelible testament to the migratory nature of humanity and our ceaseless search for a home—in the physical world, in cyberspace, in history, and in the imagination—in the wake of catastrophe.
SC Dragons, Dancing and the Depth of Love June at the Movies
By Jared Rasic
This week in theaters, we have a wide variety of new releases for just about every discerning cinema-goer. A new romantic drama, “The Materialists,” focuses on a complicated love triangle between Dakota Johnson, Chris Evans and Pedro Pascal. Then there is another live-action remake of a beloved animated film (but this time someone other than Disney is joining the bandwagon) with Dreamworks’ “How to Train Your Dragon.” Finally, there’s a new Stephen King adaptation from Mike (“Doctor Sleep”) Flanagan, “The Life of Chuck,” but instead of monsters, it’s more interested in the heartbreaking minutia of an unexamined life.
I struggled with “How to Train Your Dragon” for several reasons, but two of them stick out the most to me. First, just like most of the rest of the live-action remakes, there’s no reason for this to exist. For a majority of the running time, “How to Train Your Dragon” is a near shot-for-shot remake of the animated film which is still a damn classic. The animation is gorgeous, the pacing and direction near flawless and the voice-acting is timeless. All this new one does is remind me that the old one exists and that I would rather be watching it.
The next big issue is the casting. Yes, it’s wonderful seeing Gerard Butler inhabit the role he voiced in the cartoon and Nick Frost is perfect as Gobber, but the film is fundamentally broken with the casting of Mason Thames as Hiccup. Maybe it’s just me, but Jay Baruchel’s awkward rasp as Hiccup in the original animated trilogy is flawless and builds that character beautifully across the three films. No one else stood a chance playing him, but Thames in particular feels so contemporary as an actor and as a young man, that every time he was onscreen, the spell of the film was broken and I was no longer in a world of Vikings and dragons. He just looks like an actor waiting to check his phone.
Toothless the Dragon is still beautifully realized and there are flying sequences that are stunning to witness, but a live-action remake of an animated classic that’s only 15 years old feels just a little too cynical to me. These remakes need a reason to exist other than the studios shamelessly reaching into the cookie jar. Still, this version of “How to Train Your Dragon” is probably going to make all the money in the world, so maybe
we’re equally to blame as the Hollywood suits.
“The Materialists” is being advertised as a romantic comedy starring the always weirdly reserved Dakota Johnson, the always charming Chris Evans and the always thirst-trapping Pedro Pascal. Audiences might end up a bit disappointed, however, because, while there’s plenty of rom, there’s barely any com. This is actually the new film from Celine Song, whose previous movie, “Past Lives,” is one of the most subtly powerful looks at the road not taken ever made and “The Materialists” is another sneakily profound look at modern love and what it takes from us.
Dakota Johnson plays a wildly successful matchmaker who meets a sweet, rich “unicorn” in Pedro Pascal while still having unresolved feelings for her broke and struggling ex-boyfriend Chris Evans. That setup sounds like something that Jennifer Lopez or Kate Hudson would have starred in a decade ago, but under Song’s quietly devastating direction and achingly lonely screenplay, we have what amounts to a complete deconstruction of the romantic comedy and a bitingly pointed look at how hard it is to feel valued in a time where materialism can shape our own self-worth.
While “The Materialists” doesn’t quite have the same rich textures of emotion as “Past Lives,” I still found myself deeply introspective once the film ended and it re-contextualized how I viewed myself in a lot of ways. As someone who’s been single for quite some time, I struggle with understanding why I continually fail to find lasting love. The film realizes this about its audience and does such a lovely job at making us look at our cynical longings that it’s easy to miss the warm center that Song is trying to share: that each of us are individually valued in different ways and that the hope of someone discovering that value is what keeps us going. I’m not sure whether that’s cynical hope or brutal optimism, but “The Materialists” has more to say about humanity than I think I was ready for.
Finally, “The Life of Chuck” takes a non-linear look at a life from childhood to deathbed and how the Walt Whitman poem “Song of Myself” and its immortal line about humanity containing multitudes is more than a cliche or a platitude, but something we’re all worthy of realizing about ourselves before we die.
Cynical folk will watch “The Life of Chuck” and find it overly sentimental, while the gentle optimist might find the darkness at its center (as could only be conjured by Stephen King) a bit too much to be palatable. While ultimately existing as a statement about what it means to be alive, to love and be loved in return, I think the magic of this movie is going to hit everyone just the slightest bit differently. Whether you find it life-affirming and profound or solipsistic and obvious…that says more about who you are as a person on the day you watched it than it does about the film itself. It worked on me. I found it spellbinding and the loveliest movie about what it means to be a human being since Wim Wenders’ “Perfect Days.” Yes, there is corn and cheese and ham and all the nouns and adjectives in the world we use to describe something that wears its weeping heart on its sleeve, but there’s also truth here and it wouldn’t surprise me if “The Life of Chuck” ends up making a damn fine double feature with “It’s a Wonderful Life” a hundred years from now.
“How to Train Your Dragon”
Dir. Dean DeBlois
Grade: C-
Now Playing at Regal Old Mill, Redmond Cinema, Sisters Movie House, McMenamins Old St. Francis, Madras Cinema 5
“The Materialists”
Dir. Celine Song
Grade: B+
Now Playing at Regal Old Mill, coming soon to Tin Pan Theater, Sisters Movie House
“The Life of Chuck”
Dir. Mike Flanagan
Grade: A-
Now Playing at Regal Old Mill, coming soon to Tin Pan Theater
Pedro Pascal is a damn treasure.
The Life of Chuck just wants us all to dance to the beat of our own drum.
Courtesy of NEON
I feel like I’ve seen these dragons getting trained before.
Courtesy of Dreamworks
Courtesy of A24
SC The Horror of Franchise Filmmaking "28 Years Later" is still incomplete
By Jared Rasic
Danny Boyle is a master filmmaker who has never quite received the accolades he deserves, while also never really achieving the level of mastery he’s capable of, like Scorsese or Kubrick. While his films like 1996’s “Trainspotting” changed how drug movies were made and 2002’s “28 Days Later” redefined zombies forever, it wasn’t until 2008’s “Slumdog Millionaire” and its boatload of Oscars, BAFTA’s and Golden Globes did the world start paying attention to his unique eye for filmmaking.
Because here’s the thing: Boyle never stops innovating. Shooting “28 Days Later” on a tiny DV camera allowed them to empty normally bustling areas of London for brief moments of filming so they could make the city look empty of life. There are shots of Mercury placed against the vastness of the sun in his unsung masterpiece “Sunshine” that I have replaying in my head once a week. From his partnership with writer Alex Garland to his continual work with groundbreaking cinematographer Anthony Dod Mantle, Danny Boyle’s worst movie still carries a dozen singular moments no one else would attempt.
Now, over two decades later, we have a sequel to “28 Days Later” that brings back Boyle in the director’s chair and Alex Garland as scribe (neither of whom had anything to do with 2007’s forgettable sequel “28 Weeks Later”) in the epic and intimate “28 Years Later.” Once again, Boyle takes the path of most resistance and crafts a zombie movie that feels more like a family drama at times than it does a horror movie, while also playing as a critique of Brexit, an epic road movie, a deconstruction of “Apocalypse Now” and a decidedly insane re-imagining of “A Clockwork Orange.” Do all these disparate tones fit together? I have no idea.
Twenty-eight years after the Rage Virus (basically making people zombies…but they’re not dead, just insane) was released in the United Kingdom, there’s still a blockade keeping everyone on the island from leaving, meaning the rest of the world still has cell phones, gets Amazon deliveries and is living their lives like nothing is wrong. The film picks up focused on an isolationist society living in a village on Lindisfarne, an island connected to the mainland by a small causeway that becomes impassable at high tide.
The first section of the movie follows 12-year-old Spike (a wonderful Alfie Williams) as he goes with his father,
He just wants a sandwich…or some brains. Either way.
There are huge swath of the film shot with an iPhone 15 Pro Max that creat some of the most breathlessly intense imagery I've seen in a horror film.
Jamie (Kraven himself, Aaron Taylor-Johnson), to the mainland to hunt the infected with a bow and arrow as a coming-of-age ritual.
Boyle directs this section with a coiled terror, yet also a lyrical intensity and beauty that kept me on the edge of my seat, while reveling in the stunning imagery and gorgeousness of the filmmaking. The infected aren’t dead, they’re just caught deep in the throes of a virus that makes them rage-fueled monsters. So for the last few years, the infected have been mostly starving, relegated to eating worms out of the ground.
That’s one of the first innovations Boyle makes with “28 Years Later:” the infected in this film are emaciated, screaming and mostly naked, running at you, desperate to tear flesh from bone. That’s terrifying and the scenes of the infected attacking father and son are genuinely shocking, insane and, most surprisingly, profoundly sad.
The second section of the film involves Spike and his mother, Isla (the always powerful Jodie Comer), as they go on their own journey, which I won’t spoil here and, while this section is filled with beautiful oddities unlike anything I have ever seen on film, it’s harder to decide if it works as a whole and I’m not sure if this is Boyle’s fault, Garland’s fault, or the fault of a studio system desperate to wring out every dollar of existing intellectual properties.
See, “28 Years Later” was filmed backto-back with its sequel, “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple,” and, if both make enough money, to be followed by a third, unnamed trilogy-capping film. While all three movies are written by Garland, only the first and third will be directed by Boyle, with the second being helmed by Nia DaCosta (2021’s “Candyman”).
This is a weird creative choice because, while DaCosta is an interesting and tonally consistent filmmaker, her style is so different from Boyle’s that it’s hard to see how this trilogy will fit together.
Minor Spoilers:
Don’t get me wrong, I’m very excited to see “The Bone Temple” (which releases next January), but it leaves “28 Years Later” feeling like an uncompleted film. There is a character named Jimmy, whom we hear about the entire movie, until finally meeting him at the very end in the most tonally insane scene in the film. It feels jarring and fearless in a way I would
appreciate more if it weren’t the very end of a movie with no resolution. It’s somehow very fun, yet deeply unsatisfying, while still making me extremely excited for the sequel. This kind of filmmaking that only exists to build franchises is pretty frustrating, even as I recognize I still love most of the movie we were given.
End Spoilers.
“28 Years Later” is a singular, yet disjointed work of art from a filmmaker still obsessed with innovation and the actual craft of storytelling. There are huge swaths of the film shot with an iPhone 15 Pro Max that create some of the most breathlessly intense imagery I’ve seen in a horror film. Simultaneously, there are some huge swings with the story and tone that will make absolutely no sense until the sequel is released, leaving this to feel episodic, random and incomplete. Ultimately, the film is wildly entertaining no matter what, but we need the entire trilogy before really knowing if this rough beast works as a cohesive work of art or whether it's just a poetic and bizarre mess.
“28 Years Later”
Dir. Danny Boyle Grade: B Now Playing Everywhere
Sony
Forrest Reinhart
IO OUTSIDE
f you’ve driven down the northeast section of Hamby Road in late July, you’ve probably noticed the colorful show rings and throngs of horses and riders at J Bar J Boys Ranch. This year, those grounds will be empty for only the second time in decades as the Oregon High Desert Classics horse show, slated for July 16-20 and July 23-27, has been canceled. The other cancellation in the show’s 36-year history was in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“I’m kind of disappointed about it because it’s one of the only close-tohome shows that’s A rated, and it’s really nice to be able to go home afterwards,” said Olivia Pulver, 15, a rising sophomore at Redmond Proficiency Academy who had planned to compete with Preacher, her 9-year-old Friesian-Arabian cross. She trains with Samantha von Marbod at JGW Ranch in Tumalo. “I competed there last year, and it was very fun.”
A longtime fixture on the West Coast horse show circuit, the Oregon High Desert Classics regularly attracts competitors from around the Northwest, California, and Western Canada. Citing low registration numbers with just over a month to go until the show’s first day of competitions, organizers and J Bar J officials issued a statement last week that indicated “It is with a heavy heart that we are taking a pause this year and thus cancelling both weeks of the OHDC.”
Stephanie Alvstad, CEO and president of J Bar J Youth Services, said she thinks that other shows in the Pacific Northwest drew competitors who might previously have come to Central Oregon.
“There just weren’t enough exhibitors who showed enough interest,” said Alvstad. “We decided to pause it this year, figure out what’s going on in the horse industry, and look at next year and focus on next year. It just wouldn’t have penciled out for us. We looked at a whole bundle of different options to try and reduce costs, but the exhibitor numbers just weren’t there this year.”
Local competitors and trainers say that in recent years, weather, environmental factors, and the high cost of Bend hotels and vacation rentals in July, a popular month for many events in Central Oregon, have impacted the show.
“In my opinion, one, it’s because it’s expensive, and two, it’s because week two is constantly filled with smoke. Those two weeks in July, we’ve just been hammered by smoke the last couple years,” said von Marbod, 24, who competes with her horses and trains riders. “It’s hot, we’re far away, and there are a lot more shows in California to go to.”
Cancellation of Oregon High Desert Classics Disappoints Locals
Show officials say it’s “just a pause” for a year due to low registrations
By Dallas Finn Calvert
Tara Niculescu, 42, is the owner and operator of Sage Equestrian in Bend. She was born and raised in Central Oregon and remembers competing at the OHDC original show location, Stevenson Ranch in Southwest Bend, when she was only 8 years old.
“It’s really unfortunate. Oregon does not host very many national horse shows. There are only one or two venues that currently host them in Oregon, so it lowers your options” of where to compete, said Niculescu, who is a board member at large for the Oregon Hunter Jumper Association and was part of an advisory committee last year for the OHDC.
“There are so many horse shows now, all over the West Coast, so people pick and choose based on the venue and what they provide at the horse show. With this much competition, every horse show has to step up their game a bit,” she said. “As great as the High Desert (Classics) is, and always has been, it feels like a retro show. Some people don’t see the appeal of that. They want to go to a horse show with sand footing or the newer upgraded footing, and parties” and other amenities.
The OHDC typically has several competition rings going at once, all of which have grass footing.
“With the number of horse shows that people are doing these days, people don’t want to show on grass as much. These horses are doing 20, 25, 30 weeks a
“There are so many horse shows now, all over the West Coast, so people pick and choose based on the venue and what they provide at the horse show. With this much competition, every horse show has to step up their game a bit.”
—Tara Niculescu, owner of Sage Equestrian in Bend
year, and grass is harder on their bodies,” said Niculescu, who said a primary recommendation of last year’s advisory committee was to replace the show-ring footing. However, she said show officials are “hesitant to change the footing, even though all of us professionals have been calling for it for years.”
“Changes and improvements” are slated, said Alesha Josue, community engagement coordinator for J Bar J. She said that the significant funds raised by the horse show will be missed this year and the organization is already discussing how to ensure next year’s show is held. “This year is just a pause. We’re looking forward to 2026 and making some changes and improvements.”
J Bar J provides services to Central Oregon youth, including a residential program for adjudicated boys; Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon; the Cascade Youth & Family Center, which provides shelter and services for runaway and homeless teens; Grandma’s House, which provides emergency and transitional shelter services for young mothers; and the at: project (Anti-Trafficking Project).
Josue added that because the show’s cancellation is still so fresh, J Bar J officials aren’t quite sure what those
enhancements might be or what might replace the OHDC with respect to a fundraiser this year.
“We’re in talks about what fundraising looks like going forward,” Josue said. Meanwhile, local equestrians are scrambling to find a different show if they want to fill that two-week span on their competition calendars. For von Marbod’s group of riders who were planning to compete at the OHDC, they’re now pondering how to replace it, as many of the students and their families already had time off planned from work and other activities. She said that makes it tough to find another show on those dates without having to travel a fair distance.
“We’re trying to, but the worst thing is we can’t find any shows close to High Desert’s level. The closest thing is in Central California, which is an eighthour drive. High Desert was perfect for kids to get started in showing, and it’s home for us, so a bit cheaper. We were lucky. Hopefully, this isn’t going to be a forever thing and maybe they’ll be back next year. It’s unfortunate. It was nice having a horse show in our backyard and a show the kids could go to where they felt comfortable.”
Olivia Pulver and Preacher, a 9-year-old Freisian-Arab cross, compete at the 2024 Oregon High Desert Classic.
Samantha von Marbod and Connor’s Eye-H, a 9-year-old Oldenburg mare, compete at the 2024 Oregon High Desert Classic.
Grace Pulver Photography
Grace Pulver Photography
4th of July Events
A Central Oregon Guide to plan your holiday
By Nic Moye
Bend La Pine
A popular annual tradition continues in downtown Bend with the July 4 Pet Parade. It started in 1924 with only three cancellations for World War II and the Covid-19 pandemic. Pet owners are encouraged to dress their furry friends in patriotic costumes to walk a loop starting at Harmon Park. The parade heads east on Newport Avenue, onto Wall Street, finishing at Drake Park. While dogs are the most common pet in the parade, other animals have included lizards, pigs, horses and goldfish. Rabbits, cats and aggressive animals are not allowed. No registration is required. One big change for the parade is an early start time. This year it will begin at 9:30am.
Pet Parade
Prineville
Fri., July 4, 9:30am Harmon Park 1100 NW Harmon Blvd., Bend bendparksandrec.org/activities/4th-of-july/ Free
Summer Music Festival
Fri., July 4, 5-8pm Seventh Mountain Resort 18575 SW Century Dr., Bend seventhmountain.com/ summer-concerts Free
Bend Fireworks
Fri., July 4, 10pm
Pilot Butte State Park 1310 NE Hwy 20, Bend visitcentraloregon.com/ event/4th-of-july-bend-fireworks/
The Summer Music Festival happening at 5pm every Friday evening at Seventh Mountain Resort won’t skip the holiday. The Rusty Frets reggae band will perform at the outdoor rink. The free concert wraps up at 8pm, leaving plenty of time to watch fireworks. The Friday music series continues through August 29. The fireworks in Bend will launch off the top of Pilot Butte State Park beginning at 10pm on July 4. The show is expected to last 20 minutes. The display can be seen from multiple locations throughout the city.
Sisters
The Sisters July 4 celebration is billed as a “good ol’ fashion Independence Day.” The schedule features a list of different activities for the entire family. Pre-1974 classic cars will be on display from 7:30-10:30am at Village Green Park. The morning also begins with a pancake breakfast at 7:30am put on by the Rotary Club of Sisters. A red, white and blue threemile fun run kicks off at 7:45. A “Kids on Wheels” mini-parade is at 9:30am. No registration is needed. Kids can show up with bikes, scooters, strollers and wagons. There will also be a kid zone set up with a variety of activities. Live music by Dry Canyon Stampede will fill the air from 10am to noon. Guided line dancing kicks off at 10:30am with a pie eating contest at 11am.
4th Fest Car Show Fri., July 4, 7:30-11am Village Green Park 305 S. Fir Street, Sisters sisters4thfest.com/ Pancake Breakfast $12
La Pine’s holiday kicks off with the 15th annual Woodcutter’s Chop & Eggs Breakfast. The feast begins at 7am in Frontier Heritage Park. It’s $13 for adults. Kids, seniors and veterans are $11. Frontier Days is a four-day event, ending on July 5. It’s history dates back to the early 20th Century, starting as a community gathering with a large feast.
On July 4 a parade is scheduled for 10:30am, followed by the Woodcutter’s Jamboree at 1pm. Free entertainment on the main stage begins at 1pm with line dancers, followed by live music until the fireworks display at 10pm. That’s expected to last a half hour.
In addition, the kids fishing pond will be open during the day, along with a kiddie train
Redmond
The annual Independence Day celebration in Redmond includes a patriotic parade downtown with about 80 entries. It’ll run along Sixth Street from NW Dogwood Avenue to SW Forest Avenue beginning at 10am. The flag city will be decorated with nearly 2,000 U.S. flags between 6am and 4pm. Those will line the main city streets of Fifth, Sixth, Highland, Glacier and Evergreen. A fireworks show will be held at the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center in Redmond. No parking is allowed at the fairgrounds. The public can park legally on
starting at 10am, along with a bounce house, petting zoo, mountain man demos and The “Big Sling” mountain man catapult. All of those activities are free. There will also be arts and crafts vendors as well as food carts.
The La Pine Rodeo also has a performance at 6:30pm followed by a concert and fireworks.
Frontier Days Fri., July 4, 7am-10:30pm
Frontier Heritage Park 16260 6th St., La Pine lapinefrontierdays.org/
La Pine Rodeo Fri., July 4, 6:30pm Rodeo Grounds 16262 3rd St., La Pine lapinerodeo.com/pages/ rodeo-daily-schedule $25 Adults/$20 Kids & Seniors
Prineville Parade
Central Oregon’s oldest city will celebrate the Fourth with a Splash N Dash race at 8am, which includes swimming, cycling, kayaking and running. Money raised supports the Crook County High School Track and Field team. A free pancake breakfast at City Square is from 7-10am with donations going to The Kiwanis Club of Prineville.
The parade begins at 10am. It heads down Fourth Street from Deer to Elm Streets. Afterward, the Band of Brothers will hold opening ceremonies. A festival, from 11am-3pm, includes live music with Matt Martin & the 45’s, a rock wall, dunk tank benefitting the Prineville Music Theater, local vendors, food and free kid game stations.
nearby streets or make reservations at Juniper Golf Course which will have a BBQ and beverages available. The show begins at dark which is usually around 10pm and will last 20 minutes.
4th of July Parade
Fri., July 4, 10am SW 6th Street, Redmond Free
Redmond Fireworks
Fri., July 4, Dusk
Deschutes Co. Fair & Expo Center
NO parking at event site visitredmondoregon.com/ chamber/redmond-4th-of-july-fireworks/
Sunriver
The Village at Sunriver is hosting a July 4 festival! Carnival-style games, pony rides, a rock wall and balloon creations are just some of the activities. The cost for each activity varies, but proceeds benefit local charities. Police and fire vehicles will also be on display for the public to check out. Festivities include live entertainment and food vendors. There’s a bike parade from the Sharc to the Village at 11am. A
The fireworks display at 10pm is launched from Ochoco Wayside State Park.
Pancake Breakfast Fri., July 4, 7-10am City Square 387 NE 3rd St., Prineville prinevillekiwanis.org/ Free/Donations accepted
Splash N Dash Race Fri., July 4, 8am 399 NE Garner St., Prineville splashdash.org/ $30 per race leg
Flashback Cruz Fri., July 4, Noon-4pm Ochoco Creek Park 430 NE Juniper St., Prineville flashbackcruzbend.com/
Parade & Festival Fri., July 4, Parade 10am/ Festival 11am-3pm Pioneer Park 450 NE 3rd St., Prineville ccprd.org/independence-day-celebration
Fireworks Fri., July 4, 10pm Ochoco Wayside State Park
The Flashback Cruz featuring vintage cars, retail vendors, food and a beer garden starts at noon at Ochoco Creek Park. A poker run and cruz to Bowman Dam is from 1-4pm. A car show is scheduled on July 5 from 9am-3pm.
family of four can register for $30. A single rider is $10. Money raised from the ride will benefit Three Rivers Elementary school.
4th of July Festival & Bike Parade Fri., July 4, 11am-3pm Sunriver Village 57100 Beaver Dr., Sunriver villageatsunriver.com/ events/2025-4th-of-july-festival-bike-parade/
THE PSYCHEDELIC FRONTIER EXPLORING
INTENTIONAL PSYCHEDELIC USE IN THE MODERN
WORLD
Guest Columnist Brittany Jade Wilson
Herbal Allies
This week, we are honored to feature one of Mary’s teachers, Brittany Jade Wilson, as a guest columnist. Her Eco-Sensual Trauma-Informed Herbalism and Advocacy Training has been an invaluable resource for psychedelic practitioners and a key source for Mary’s own knowledge of herbal allies and the plant kingdom.
Q: I have been taking psychedelics, mostly mushrooms and mostly solo, for the last decade. I discovered how much relief they provided for my anxiety and self-critical ruminations. I can't afford expensive retreats, so everything I know about their use and effects has come from books, documentaries, and friends. Recently, I learned about combining mushrooms with cacao, which I tried last weekend, and wow—it changed everything! It was the most comfortable, deep, and expansive experience I've ever had. Now, I'm curious about what else I can include in my “medicine bag” to support, enhance, or manage the side effects of psychedelics. Can you point me in the right direction?
A: Thank you for your question. It's exciting to know that you are exploring the many joys of interacting with synergetic blends of herbal medicines.
Cacao, for example, has been known to boost serotonin and oxytocin levels in your body. When your levels of serotonin and oxytocin are flowing in abundance it can be easier for your body to process the hormonal dips, canyons, or undulations throughout the psychedelic experience, and integration thereof.
Many traditional cultures of humans have practiced the art of combining members of the Plant Nations (herbal allies) along with the ingestion of certain psychedelic plants. These traditional herbal recipes and or dietas do not generally stop or begin when the prime psychedelic experience is occurring.
In fact, it has long been commonplace to ingest cacao or other complimentary members of the Plant Nations throughout the days and weeks preceding and following the psychedelic experience in order to create an easeful and successful integration period, in all regards.
The combination of cacao with psychedelic plants, specifically psychedelic mushrooms, has been practiced within the context of ceremonial and celebratory settings for countless generations among various indigenous nations within what is now known as Central America, South America, and Africa. It is due to their hard earned and kept practices that we now have access to
such ethnobotanical practices.
Intriguingly, it could be that other combinations of herbal allies such as your ancestors have long known could react even more effectively for your specific DNA. Some such options could include combining your psychedelic mushrooms with the ingestion of Lion's Mane Mushroom (NGF for neuroplasticity), rosemary (rosmarinic acid for clarifying and healing the mind/memories), motherwort (has been known to support the nervous and hormonal systems), culinary sage (sagernic acid for cognitive function), and rhodiola (serotonin support). Please remember to ingest the complementary herbal allies both before and after the ingestion of the psychedelic mushrooms, in order to open the way, as well as to integrate the experiences.
As you have wisely noted, longterm low dose ingestion of psychedelic mushrooms - particularly when ingested in combination with other plants who support hormone balancing and neuroplasticity - has been known to heal through the regeneration of our brain and body systems. It is important to note that the nations of human beings who have preserved the indigenous technologies of microdosing and other plant diet invariably practice the ingestion of psychedelic and other plants within community ceremonial or celebratory contexts.
When relating with combinations of plants, let us also remember the crucial role that engaging in healthy physical practices throughout the psychedelic experience plays in growing new healthy pathways in our brains. Microdosing mushrooms as though they’re a happy pill without putting the experiences into physical action can at times further cement unhealthy patterns or loops into our brain, rather than healing or creating new ones.
One of my favorite physically cathartic practices, which combines wonderfully with psychedelic experiences, is making and pouring a plant, or flower bath. Just the process of harvesting the plants for the bath can be so cathartic. Many people find it beneficial to sing to and/or silently meditate along with the flower bath while it’s steeping in the sun or moonlight. When we then pour the flower bath over our heads and feet, it’s a way to include vibrational qualities of a plethora of herbal allies that are complementary to the psychedelic experience in various ways.
Wackiness”
66. "___ my pleasure!"
67. Emcee's segue
68. Home office, perhaps
By Brendan Emmett Quigley
Pearl’s Puzzle
Puzzle for the week of June 23, 2025 Difficulty Level:
Puzzle for the week of June 23, 2025
Difficulty Level:
Fill in every row, column, and 3x3 box with each of the letters
Fill in every row, column, and 3x3 box with each of the letters exactly once. TINY CAVER
V E R exactly once.
DOWN
1. Doing nothing
2. "Keep going"
3. 1965 #1 hit by Fontella Bass
4. Spicy food
5. "Game, bro?"
6. Leopard's home
7. Chichén ___ (Mayan city)
8. Julie who played Catwoman
9. ___ Lilly (pharma company)
10. It can give you a wasp waist
11. Range that runs through sevent countries
12. Left in an atlas
15. "Reach for the sky!"
18. Actress Deschanel
20. Ship's pronoun
24. The "S" in "iOS"
26. Garbage collector
27. Parts of gals.
28. Polish off
29. Shining
34. African cuckoo: var.
36. Chinese tea
38. "Wow! Just wow!"
39. Game room?
40. Pop-ups, e.g.
42. Reality show about Kat Von D's High Voltage Tattoo parlor
Fill in every row, column, and 3x3 box with each of the letters T I N Y C A V E R exactly once.
The highlighted letters read left to right and top to bottom will complete the quote: “Trump’s parade was boring. It was basically a $50 million version of when a 5-year-old shows you his Hot Wheels collection.”
- Jimmy Kimmel
Answer for the week of June 16, 2025
ANSWER TO LAST WEEK'S PUZZLES
The highlighted letters read left to right and top to bottom will “Trump’s parade was boring. It was basically a $50 million shows you his Hot Wheels collection.” - Jimmy Kimmel
Answer for the week of June 16, 2025
I T E L C H N O S N O C S I E L H T
"This is the solstice, the still point of the sun, its cusp and midnight, the year's threshold and unlocking, where the past lets go of and becomes the future; the place of caught breath, the door of a vanished house left ajar."
"This is the solstice, the still point of the sun, its cusp and midnight, the year's threshold and unlocking, where the past lets go of and becomes the future; the place of caught breath, the door of a vanished house left ajar."
—Margaret Atwood
- Margaret Atwood
, the still point of the sun, its cusp and midnight, the year's threshold and unlocking, where the past lets go of place of caught breath, the door of a vanished house left ajar."
WELLNESS
ASTROLOGY
By Rob Brezsny
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Welcome to a special edition of “What's My Strongest Yearning?” I'm your host, Rob Brezsny, and I'm delighted you have decided to identify the single desire that motivates you more than any other. Yes, you have many wishes and hopes and dreams, but one is more crucial than all the rest! Right? To begin the exercise, take three deep breaths and allow every knot of tension to dissolve and exit your beautiful body. Then drop down into the primal depths of your miraculous soul and wander around until you detect the shimmering presence of the beloved reason you came here to this planet. Immerse yourself in this glory for as long as you need to. Exult in its mysterious power to give meaning to everything you do. Ask it to nurture you, console you, and inspire you.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): In certain medieval maps, unexplored territories were marked with the Latin phrase hic sunt dracones—“here be dragons.” It was a warning and a dare, a declaration that no one knew what lay beyond. In the coming weeks, Leo, you may find yourself traveling into one of those unlabeled regions. Rather than flinching or dodging, I invite you to press forward with respectful curiosity. Some of the so-called dragons will be figments. Others are protectors of treasure and might be receptive to sharing with a bright light like you. Either way, productive adventures are awaiting you in that unmapped territory. Go carefully—but go.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): In traditional Japanese carpentry, joints are made so skillfully that they need no nails, screws, or adhesives. Carpenters use intricate joinery techniques to connect pieces of wood so tightly that the structures are strong and durable. They often require a mallet for assembly and disassembly. In metaphorical terms, you are capable of that kind of craftsmanship these days, Virgo. I hope you will take advantage of this by building lasting beauty and truth that will serve you well into the future. Don’t rush the joinery. If it’s not working, don’t force it. Re-cut, re-measure, breathe deeply, and try again.
to turn right-side-up things. Relish and learn from the tilt.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): I’m sure you enjoy gazing into some mirrors more than others. It’s amazing how different you might look in your bathroom mirror and the mirror in the restroom at work. Some store windows may reflect an elegant, attractive version of you, while others distort your image. A similar principle is at work in the people with whom you associate. Some seem to accentuate your finest attributes, while others bring out less flattering aspects. I bring this to your attention, dear Capricorn, because I believe it will be extra important in the coming weeks for you to surround yourself with your favorite mirrors.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Leonardo da Vinci filled thousands of pages with sketches, notes, and experiments. He never finished many of them. He called this compilation his “codex of wonder.” It wasn’t a record of failures. It was an appreciation of his complex process and a way to honor his creative wellspring. Taking a cue from da Vinci’s love of marvelous enigmas, I invite you to be in love with the unfinished in the coming weeks. Make inquisitiveness your default position. Reconsider abandoned ideas. Be a steward of fertile fragments. Some of your best work may arise from revisiting composted dreams or incomplete sketches. Here’s your motto: Magic brews in the margins.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): In the remote Atacama Desert of Chile, certain flowers lie dormant for years, awaiting just the right conditions to burst into blossom in a sudden, riotous explosion of color and vitality. Scientists call it a superbloom. Metaphorically speaking, Pisces, you are on the verge of such a threshold. I’m sure you can already feel the inner ripening as it gathers momentum. Any day now, your full flowering will erupt—softly but dramatically. You won’t need to push. You will simply open. To prepare yourself emotionally, start rehearsing lively shouts of “HALLELUJAH! HOORAY! WHOOPEE!”
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Here's one of my unruly rules about human competence: In every professional field, from physicians to lawyers to psychics to teachers, about 15 percent of all the practitioners are downright mediocre, even deficient. Seventy-five percent are at least satisfactory and sometimes good. And 10 percent of the total are surpassingly excellent, providing an extraordinary service. With this in mind, I’m happy to say that you now have a knack for gravitating toward that exceptional 10 percent in every domain you are drawn to. I predict that your intuition will consistently guide you toward premium sources.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): The Japanese concept of shinrin-yoku means “forest bathing.” It invites people to immerse themselves in the natural world, drawing on its restorative power. In accordance with astrological portents, I urge you Scorpios to maximize your forest bathing. To amplify the enrichment further, gravitate toward other environments that nourish your soul’s need for solace and uplift. The naked fact is that you need places and influences that offer you comfort, safety, and tender inspiration. Don’t apologize for making your life a bit less heroic as you tend to your inner world with gentle reverence.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): The camera obscura was a precursor to modern cameras. It projected the outside world upside down onto interior walls. Artists loved it because it helped them see reality from new angles. I hereby proclaim that you, Sagittarius, will be like both the artist and the camera obscura lens in the coming weeks. Your perceptions may feel inverted, strange, even disorienting, but that’s a gift! So let unfamiliarity be your muse. Flip your assumptions. Sketch from shadow instead of light. Have faith that the truth isn’t vanishing or hiding; it’s simply appearing in unfamiliar guises. Don’t rush
ARIES (March 21-April 19): The Hawaiian word pō refers to a primal darkness from which all life flows. It's not a fearsome void, but a fertile mystery, rich with future possibilities and the ancestors’ hopes. In the coming weeks, I invite you to treat your inner life as pō. Be as calm and patient and watchful as an Aries can be as you monitor the inklings that rise up out of the deep shadows. Have faith that the cloudy uncertainty will ultimately evolve into clarity, revealing the precise directions you need.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): In the 17th century, the Taurus polymath Athanasius Kircher constructed a fantastical machine called the Aeolian harp. It wasn’t designed to be played by human fingers, but by the wind. It conjured music with currents invisible to the eye. I nominate this sublime contraption as your power object for the coming weeks, Taurus. The most beautiful and healing melodies may come from positioning yourself so that inspiration can blow through. How might you attune yourself to the arrival of unexpected help and gifts? Set aside any tendency you might have to try too hard. Instead, allow life to sing through you.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): The painter Vincent van Gogh wrote, “Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.” That’s good advice for you right now. Your ambitions may feel daunting if you imagine them as monumental and monolithic. But if you simply focus on what needs to be done next—the daily efforts, the incremental improvements—you will be as relaxed as you need to be to accomplish wonders. Remember that masterpieces are rarely completed in a jiffy. The cumulative power of steady work is potentially your superpower. Here’s another crucial tip: Use your imagination to have fun as you attend to the details.
Homework: What action or project could you undertake that would provide you with a rich new sense of meaning? Newsletter.FreeWillAstrology.com
THE THIRD ACT A
COLUMN ON AGEISM AND AGEING
By Ellen Waterston
Leap, Creep, Sleep
The sign said “Free Tomato Plants!” Why not, I thought. I randomly picked one. Turning to leave, a voice from alongside the house asked. “Do you know which kind you got?” She was every inch the gardener, this Madam Appleseed…wide brimmed sun hat, trowel, weeder and hand rake sticking out from her apron pockets. She’d been working in her backyard where she grows fruit trees, vegetables and flowers. Ambitious, especially by high desert standards. She said she had also successfully reintroduced a variety of native desert plants, gesturing to those that thrived in the flower bed fronting her house.
Per her question, I read the plastic label stuck in the dirt of the tomato pot I was holding. “Bella Rosa.” Did I realize how big the Bella Rosa would grow? Not exactly. Or how big a pot I’d need? Not really. I mean, sometimes a tomato is just a tomato, right? Wrong. After her ensuing discourse on all things Solanum lycopersicum, we took a moment to marvel at the hundreds of bees feasting on the blooming cat mint, showing no nectar-collecting interest in other flowers in her sidewalk flower bed. As this garden guru admired a small bud here, pinched off a dried stalk there, she told me that one blossom doesn’t fit all bugs and vice versa. Some insects prefer certain blooms, some blooms prefer certain insects. Over eons, it turns out, plants have developed defenses against insects while insects have figured ways to overcome those defenses, especially when the plant provides convenient and critical nutrients. Take butterflies. Milkweed is what monarchs need to survive their annual 3,000-mile migration. But other butterflies require different host plants which humans are also inadvertently destroying. “We must plant them, too.”
I suddenly saw her sidewalk and backyard gardens as small-scale efforts to realign the universe, as reminders that everywhere we look we are observing a carefully choreographed give and take, a vital, essential and fragile connection between everything and everyone. The actions of this one lone gardener strengthen the inherent self-regulating, reciprocal nature of nature, including you and me. This horticulturist’s practice cleans the air and nourishes the soil, benefitting insects and birds. The attention and caring she brings to her gardens, never mind giving away tomato plants, sends pheromones of generosity into the world.
It was once explained to me how our nation’s social welfare system evolved. Neighbor helping neighbor was the original model, but when neighbor hoods, communities and churches became overwhelmed by the needs of growing populations, the states and federal government put their shoul ders to the wheel. By extension, the same was true of sustaining the arts or humanities or schools or health care, legal or defense systems, the environ ment or libraries or museums or main taining peace. All this was brought to mind by the generosity of my neigh borhood gardener, by the welfare she is cultivating through her actions.
In environmental protection and conservation efforts, there are five distinctions commonly used when discussing species that directly benefit ecosystems: indicator, charismatic, umbrella, keystone and apex. In some cases, there is overlap. In others, all can apply to one. The presence or absence of indicator species provides a measure of the good or bad health of the ecosystem. The charismatic species are generally known and beloved worldwide and are often used to bring the public’s attention to broader ecological problems. By protecting the habitat of an umbrella species, numerous others that share the same ecosystem are also protected. A keystone species is the glue that holds a habitat together. The kings or queens of the jungle are the apex species. They function much like the keystone species, however, have no natural predators of their own. Does my neighborhood gardener qualify for all of these? I wager so. I headed home to find an appropriate pot for my fledgling Bella Rosa. My mind was spinning with the names of hardy natives she suggested I plant in my suburban, high desert plot — Agastache, Salvia, Buckwheat, Coreopsis, Echinacea. I committed to memory her adage, “Sleep, creep and leap,” underscoring the seasons it takes for a new planting to thrive, and the concomitant patience required of the gardener. But new plantings aside, at my seven decades and counting, I feel the need to reverse her maxim’s order to leap, creep and sleep. If I am going to go somewhere or do or stand up for something, time is of the essence. I had better leap now. I’ll be creeping soon enough and a longtime asleep.
—Poet and author Ellen Waterston is a woman of a certain age who resides in Bend. "The Third Act" is a series of columns on ageing and ageism.
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TAKE ME HOME
By James Keane Broker RE/MAX Key Properties
Why Local Agents Prefer Local Lenders
You should, too!
One of the most crucial pieces of advice I can offer you when embarking on your homebuying journey is to partner with one of our trusted local lenders. A few weeks ago, I wrote about how your lender and real estate agent work together. This article is more about why I often recommend a few local lenders to my clients. I've seen firsthand how invaluable a local lending relationship truly is, and it consistently leads to smoother, more successful transactions for my clients. It's not just a preference; it's a strategic advantage in this unique market.
First and foremost, our preferred local lenders possess an unparalleled depth of knowledge regarding the specific rules, regulations, and customs that govern real estate transactions here in Central Oregon. This isn't just about general Oregon state law, but the nuances of Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson counties. They understand the intricacies of local zoning, property tax structures, and even the common appraisal practices in our specific neighborhoods, from the high desert charm of Bend to the rural expanses around Prineville and Sisters. This localized expertise means they can anticipate potential hurdles, offer tailored advice, and navigate any unique situations that might arise, preventing costly delays or unwelcome surprises that an out-oftown lender, unfamiliar with our specific landscape, might miss. They speak the same language as our local appraisers, title companies, and other real estate professionals, fostering a seamless collaboration that benefits you directly.
Secondly, and perhaps equally critical, is the proven reliability and track record of these local lending partners. In a competitive market like Bend and the greater area, having a lender with a reputation for funding transactions
on time is paramount. Sellers and their agents often scrutinize pre-approval letters and the lender behind them. A pre-approval from a respected local lender carries significant weight, signaling to the seller that your offer is strong, and the financing is secure. We’ve all heard horror stories of deals falling through due to last-minute lending issues with larger, more impersonal institutions. Our local lenders, however, are deeply invested in their community reputation. They understand that every transaction is a reflection on their business and their ability to perform. This accountability translates into a consistent and dependable process, giving you, and the seller, immense peace of mind that we will indeed reach the closing table without a hitch.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly from my perspective as your agent, is their exceptional accessibility. The Central Oregon real estate market can move quickly, and questions often arise at the most inconvenient times. Picture this: we're drafting a sales agreement with a tight deadline, it's Saturday evening, and a critical financing question pops up. With a national bank, you're often left waiting until Monday morning, potentially losing out on your dream home. Our preferred local lenders, however, are reachable after business hours and on weekends. They understand the demands of this business and are committed to being available when you, and I, need them most. This direct line of communication is invaluable, allowing us to get immediate answers, iron out details on the fly, and ensure your offer is not only strong but also submitted promptly and accurately. This level of dedication and responsiveness truly sets them apart and is a game changer in successfully navigating the homebuying process in Central Oregon.
FRIDAY, JULY 25
SATURDAY, JULY 26
SUNDAY, JULY 27
Listed by Anthony Levison and Jamie Sinclair of RE/MAX Key
Balloon launches at sunrise at Jewell Elementary
Balloon launches at sunrise at Jewell Elementary Redmond Brewfest & Night Glow
Balloon launches at sunrise at Jewell Elementary Bend Night Glow Presented by Hixon Mortgage a Celebration at COCC Kids Rock the Races Balloon Blast presented by COPA
