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EDITOR’S NOTE:
We’re now less than three weeks away from the May 19 primary election. Voters have lots of choices in local and state races with a ballot packed full of candidates. The Source offers its endorsements in local races and we are excited to see so many strong candidates. What’s most important is that voters educate themselves and turn in their ballots on time. Ballots go out April 29. Drop boxes open in Deschutes County on May 1.
Also in this issue, an update on a new child psychiatric center being built in Redmond and the latest on whether it’s feasible to build a large event venue in Bend. Plus, a look at the Homegrown music festival. Local breweries win big at the World Beer Cup. A new event called the “Hot Mess Fest” is a women-only evening of laughter and education on the “taboo” subject of aging. And a look at the history of the garden outside the Commons Cafe. —Managing Editor Nic Moye
LIGHTMETER:
PRESENTED BY HARVEST MOON WOODWORKS We X
We X, a voter outreach group focusing on Latino and Indigenous voters, was at an April 24 Earth Day event hosted at the Environmental Center with community outreach workers and indigenous volunteers. We want to share your photo! Email calendar@bendsource.com or tag @sourceweekly on Instagram for a chance to be featured.
CUSTOM. CABINE TS
OPINION
Empty Managed Camp = Debacle
A lack of qualified service providers means that Redmond and Deschutes County’s plans for more homeless services are delayed, again.
If there’s a case to be made for expanding the capacity of the Deschutes County Board of County Commissioners, look no further than the situation currently unfolding at the managed camp recently built by the County and the City of Redmond near the fairgrounds.
After some waffling, the City and the County finally agreed to build a managed camp to help people transition from public lands into eventual permanent housing, using about $700,000 in public funds.
But nonprofits currently serving the unhoused in our area have been banging a similar drum all along: there weren’t enough service providers doing the work in Central Oregon, and the ones that do are at capacity. The camp, they said, would need a collection of service providers, rather than just one — and it was going to cost more than the County, in charge of camp construction, had projected.
And yet, this month, it came as a shock to some that the managed camp, now completed, did not have a service provider to run it. Now, an expensive piece of land meant to be a lifeline for those living in the junipers is sitting empty and unused. What a debacle.
According to recent reporting in the Source, the County now plans to issue another round of Requests for Proposals for the camp. The County will either split up the duties as was suggested previously by local service providers, or take on some of the duties from within the County itself. Either would be better than the situation as it stands now.
At the start of June, the City of Redmond will begin removing people from public lands north of the city, and without the managed camp open, it leaves fewer safe, sanitary places for those people to go. If a private, nonprofit service provider is not willing to handle portions of camp management, the County needs to step up.
We see several benefits to this structure. For one, as we’ve seen when trying to get information about other aspects of the housing continuum in Central Oregon, private service providers operate in a slippery middle where they’re not necessarily subject to public records requests like local government. When public funds are being used to pay for projects, the public should be able to access information about how the money is spent and how the camp is being run. Further, managing the camp from within could lead to cost savings or efficiencies, even while it would require hiring or reallocating existing staff. It’s not unprecedented for local governments to take on these duties directly. Other counties operate shelters and facilities.
Of course, adding yet another layer of responsibility for the homelessness crisis in our area is going to require leadership that’s ready to take on the scrutiny that this will introduce. Given the dire situation, and the potential safety, sanitary and humanitarian issues at hand, we’d hope we wouldn’t have to wait for a new crop of county commissioners to see that happen. But we will not hold our breath.
EXCITED TO VOTE FOR NEW COMMISSIONERS
I don’t know about you, but it has been a long time since I was able to vote enthusiastically for a political candidate. This time is different. I have the chance to cast my vote for Morgan Schmidt and Jamie Collins, two people who have devoted their careers to public service in many different forms. Now they both want to serve the people of Deschutes County as commissioners. I could not be more pleased.
We will be missing a real opportunity if we don’t put them in office in the May election.
Please join in returning selfless public service to the Courthouse.
—Greg Byrne
VOTE FOR A GOOD LIFE HERE IN DESCHUTES COUNTY
I am writing to express my strong support for Amy Sabbadini for the Deschutes County Commission.
On paper, it is easy to recognize Amy’s qualifications for the job — an educator, a land use planner and a working mother who understands the challenges of raising a family in today’s world. She has used her extensive knowledge about how government operates as senior regional program manager of the Civics Learning Project. She is running to bring the perspective of working people to the county commission, and she knows the importance of fair pay and decent working conditions.
But what people who know her will tell you — and what isn’t usually listed on a campaign website — is the quality of her character. She makes decisions with intelligence, integrity, and heart. She listens actively and will strive to bring people together. She will work tirelessly to ensure that everyone has a decent opportunity for a good life here in Deschutes County.
Our times call for quality leaders. Amy Sabbadini is one of the best, and she has my vote. I hope she will have yours.
—Gayle Stamler
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IT’S
TIME TO FLIP THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Your vote matters in the May 19 election for County Commissioners. Deschutes County Commissioners are Nonpartisan and any candidate that receives more than 50% of the votes in May wins the election. If no voter receives more than 50% of the votes, the candidates with the 1st and 2nd most votes will face off in the November election.
It is time to flip the commission and vote for:
Jamie Collins (Position 1) is a climate scientist, U.S. Coast Guard veteran, including serving as a senior military diplomat. His experience will help the county concentrate on building affordable homes instead of luxury resorts, protect our water and better prepare us for wildfires.
Amy Sabbadini (Position 3) has 25 years of public service jobs including County Land Use Planner, Social Studies Teacher and Sr. Mgr. of the Civics Learning Project. Amy is a great listener and will make sensible planning decisions to ensure Deschutes County supports affordable, safe and healthy communities.
Rick Russell (Position 4) has spent 20 years getting things done. As commissioner he will continue to fight for working families on affordable housing, fire-resilient communities and giving everyone a fair shot at stability.
Morgan Schmidt (Position 5) has spent her career serving others, from her time as a pastor and currently as Executive Director of the Red Cross Cascade Region. If you spend time with Morgan, you will realize that she is the real deal and she is ready to address affordability, health care and our land and water.
—Joe Craig
EARTH DAY - CONTACT YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS
As Earth Day approaches, it is vital that Central Oregonians move beyond individual recycling habits and address the systemic energy challenges facing our region. While Oregon is a leader in clean energy—with nearly 60,000 residents working in the sector—the Oregon
Department of Energy’s latest tracking suggests we may miss our 2035 greenhouse gas reduction benchmarks by two years. In a region defined by its outdoor economy, we cannot afford this delay.
Our local leaders are currently weighing decisions that will define our energy landscape for decades. In Bend, officials are navigating the transition to 100% renewable electricity, while the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners is evaluating solar siting rules for facilities that could help meet state mandates. These are the front lines of the climate fight.
The cost of inaction is staggering. According to a 2024 report by the Forum on Oregon Climate Economics (FORCE)—a group of economists from the University of Oregon and Reed College—climate change is projected to cost the average Oregonian roughly $12,000 in annual personal income. These losses stem from decreased labor productivity, higher food costs, and health expenses related to wildfire smoke and extreme heat.
Clean energy is the solution. Implementing the state’s latest Energy Strategy could support 16,000 new jobs by 2035. This Earth Day, please contact our elected officials. Demand they support sensible clean energy siting and grid investments to protect our wallets and our wilderness.
—Laura Swartz
NEW CENTRAL LIBRARY LOCATION ON THE OUTSKIRTS OF BEND
I was a frequent user of the downtown library, as this location was a reasonable distance from my home on Bend’s northside. In addition, I could combine a library trip with running errands downtown or at the Old Mill. I am dreading driving to the new Central Library for the next year to return or pick-up library materials. My thinking now, is it worth driving 20 miles RT for one purpose only to visit the library. I am very disappointed that the library administration did not implement a return or pick-up area for library materials in a downtown location. A year will be a long time to be inconvenienced. Furthermore, I predict more materials being overdue and a reduction in circulation numbers. It is time to think about patron needs when closing the downtown library for a year without providing a reasonable alternative.
—Marybeth Hamilton
Letter of the Week:
The downtown library closure will be tough for many people. Marybeth, as letter of the week, you can swing by the Source office at NW Georgia and Bond, whenever it’s convenient, for a gift card to Palate coffee.
—Managing Editor Nic Moye
All of Central Oregon Now Under Drought Emergency
Gov. Tina Kotek declared a drought emergency in six counties, including Crook and Jefferson counties. As of April 7, 89% of Crook County is in a moderate to severe drought. In Jefferson County, 94% is in a severe drought. This is the governor’s second drought declaration in 2026. Deschutes County was included in the first one. Nine of Oregon’s 36 counties are now under drought emergency status. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says Oregon’s 2025-26 winter tied with 1934 as the warmest on record.
Warm Springs Art Included in Time Capsule
The Oregon Commission for America 250 has submitted a pin handcrafted by a Warm Springs artist to be included in a national time capsule which will be stored for another 250 years and opened in the year 2276. Lillian Pitt, who was born on the Warm Springs Reservation in 1944, is known for mixed media art focusing on Native American history and traditions from the Columbia River region. Her pin, called “She Who Watches,” depicts a famous petroglyph pictograph, visible from her ancestral village, representing a wise and powerful chief who was transformed to stone but continues keeping vigil over her people and the Columbia River. Each state is submitting a small item for the capsule which will be buried within Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia.
Deschutes County Commissioners Approve Third-Party Arbitration for William Bailey
But the process will stretch through the May primary — and potentially — the November general election
By Peter Madsen
Former Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Capt. William Bailey will receive a neutral re-evaluation of his March 2 termination, the Board of County Commissioners voted April 22.
While Commissioners Phil Chang, Tony DeBone and Patti Adair had the option to postpone the decision to a later date, they unanimously voted yes to Bailey’s request for a do-over that will decide whether he’s reinstated as a Captain, with back pay, along with other considerations.
Go to bendsource.com to read the entire appeal packet. That process won’t happen immediately, however, pointed out County attorney David Doyle, who presented the matter to the board, along with the staff recommendation that the BOCC direct the matter to advisory arbitration before a future board hearing.
Several dozen members of the public, along with Bailey supporters, sat in attendance. Bailey, along with attorney Erik Gunderson, stood in the back. Also standing alongside was Larry Muddtoe Baker, the La Pine radio DJ who’d invited Bailey onto his June 20, 2025, program to speak about the news reports swirling around then-Sheriff Kent van der Kamp regarding lying and retaliation. (Bailey had lost to van der Kamp in the 2024 race for sheriff.) Bailey’s statements ultimately led to his termination.
Before the arbitration process begins, both the County and Bailey will have to agree on the independent investigator. Then, they’ll have to align their calendars for proceedings, which may take several more weeks to figure out.
That arbitration process will likely be private, yet the process may be made public if both Bailey and the third-party arbitrator agree to make it so, which would be rare, Doyle said.
After the hearing, which lasted a little more than 30 minutes, Gunderson, Bailey’s employment attorney, held a brief press conference in the service building’s lobby.
“I wish we had been able to speak to the Commissioners today,” Gunderson said. “They decided to do what they did. As a practical matter, we don’t have much choice but to go along. I remain unclear of what process brought us to this point. I remain unclear of the legal rationale that brought this matter before the County, instead of in front of the sheriff.
—The population decline of greater sagegrouse due to habitat loss.
“Our biggest goal is to bring women together and help normalize conversations around topics that are often considered taboo.”
—Courtney Stevens, organizer of Hot Mess Fest
All told, Doyle explained that may take three to six months.
Sunriver resident Renee Shadley, a longtime friend and supporter of Bailey’s, called out from her seat: “So will this be decided before the election? After everything you guys put Bill through, we want to make sure we vote the right people in there. Why wait?”
Some in the crowd murmured accordingly.
The Oregon 2026 Primary Election will happen on May 19; the General Election, on Nov. 3. Two of the BOCC members, DeBone and Adair, are running for office. DeBone, to keep Position #1 and Adair in the Republican primary for Oregon’s 5th Congressional District.
“We take fair, due process very seriously,” Chang said from the dais.
Doyle confirmed that the BOCC will act as a quasi-judicial body that will decide whether to adopt findings of the independent investigation. That means while they’re not wearing black robes, the BOCC members will need to sequester themselves from public input. Chang acknowledged receiving numerous emails in support of Bailey, sent by the public, but said he and the commissioners will not consider them in their decision-making process; the facts and policies that will guide their reasoning will be relegated to this new report.
“If the Commissioners had taken some time to hear from us today, I would have told them to remember that everything that Bill Bailey said [in his complaint] is of profound public interest. The fact that I am talking to so many people of the media right now is evidence of that. I would have reminded them that everything Bill Bailey said is true. Where’s the lie in anything that Bill Bailey said? . . . This man, who served for 24 years of dedicated public service, deserves to be reinstated.”
Additionally, Gunderson said the BOCC has “dramatically underestimated the scope of Bailey’s free speech rights” in speaking openly about DCSO information that had already been published by numerous local news outlets leading up to that June 20 radio appearance.
Three days after Bailey’s comments, Van der Kamp announced his July 31 resignation, the Source reported. The state police certification agency confirmed that in September 2025, van der Kamp dropped an appeal of the lifetime revocation of his police certifications, barring him from serving as a police officer in Oregon — for life.
Deschutes County Commissioners Tony DeBone, Phil Chang and Patti Adair voted April 22 to send William Bailey’s appeal of his termination to third-party arbitration.
Photos by Peter Madsen
Former Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Capt. William Bailey, shortly after the Deschutes County Commissioner hearing regarding his termination appeal on April 22.
Bend is Ripe for a New Indoor Venue. It’s Unclear How it Will Look.
For the first time, the push to build a new venue has public backing
By Clayton Franke
A game-winning slapshot sends a sold-out crowd into a frenzy. A dramatic performance captures an audience at the theater. A band’s rocking encore leaves fans wanting more.
Building new indoor venues to facilitate these types of events has been on the minds of visionaries in Bend for years, especially as the City’s growth has exploded. Now, a new effort exploring a multi-use indoor venue has public backing from the City and its tourism agency, Visit Bend. Key details like where it would go, how much it would cost and which types of events it could host are still unclear. Last week, the Bend City Council gave the nod to start pursuing those questions after hearing the results of a new feasibility study that concluded “positive conditions” for a new indoor venue in Bend.
But some in the industry say the study isn’t thinking big enough. Meanwhile, separate efforts to build a dedicated performing arts center and an indoor ice sports facility say they’re moving ahead with site selection and land acquisition.
Widespread interest in new indoor venue spaces was part of what prompted Visit Bend to commission a feasibility study for a “public assembly event venue” in Bend earlier this year, said CEO Jeff Knapp.
“There’s strong enough reason to explore the question,” Knapp told the Source in an interview. “It would be remiss for us not to ask that question at this time and place.”
Visit Bend is the organization tasked with promoting tourism for the City. It’s funded through lodging tax, which visitors pay on hotel and short term rental stays in Bend. About two-thirds of lodging tax revenue goes back to City coffers, and the rest goes to Visit Bend for marketing and other local projects.
Visit Bend spent $60,000 on the initial feasibility study, which analyzed the market for a venue and produced rough concepts along with financial projections.
Versatility is key
According to the study, the Bend area is one of the only markets of its size in the country without either a dedicated performing arts center, convention center, multipurpose arena or 1,000 to 3,000-person capacity club or concert hall.
The study estimates that building all four of those venues would cost about $500 million.
“We don’t have any of those four venues,” John Kaatz, principal with CSL International, a consulting firm
“These kinds of venues should be money makers, not losers, they should be privately operated, and they should be anchored by a sports team.”
—Marshall Glickman
hired by Visit Bend to complete the study, told the City Council April 22. “We also know that we can’t build all four — completely unaffordable. We have to be multipurpose.”
The study distills a rough concept for a multi-use venue that could host concerts, comedy, performing arts, banquets, conventions and more. The study suggests a venue with up to 30,000 feet of flat floor space, 10,000 feet of ballroom space, 7,500-square-foot meeting space and portable tiered seating with up to a 2,000-person capacity. The floor space could hold an estimated 1,500 people, while the ballroom could hold 650 people. That size of venue would have about one-third more sellable square footage than the next largest convention space in Bend, the Riverhouse Lodge — which declined to comment for this story — but about half as much space as the Deschutes County Fair and Expo Center in Redmond. At 40,000 square feet, the First Interstate Bank Center there is the largest continuous event space in Central Oregon, large enough to host rodeos and concerts.
Kaatz told the City Council a new hotel would likely need to be built so visitors could stay nearby.
The study predicts a new multi-use venue would boost lodging tax revenue by about $324,000 annually for the City and Visit Bend starting in the fourth year after it’s built. It could add 30,000 visitor days per year and nearly $20 million in direct and indirect spending.
Katy Brooks, the City of Bend’s economic development officer, said a multi-purpose arena would not only generate more spending and lodging tax but help businesses recruit and retain employees.
“This is a real economic opportunity,”
said Katy Brooks, the City of Bend’s economic development officer, in an interview with the Source. “We’ve never really considered something like this before. This is a big deal. It’s really exciting. But it needs to be thoughtful, and it needs to be of Bend.”
Money maker or money loser?
As Brooks, Knapp and Kaatz presented to the City Council, Marshall Glickman was watching online.
Glickman is a former president of the Portland Trail Blazers (his father brought the team to Portland more than 50 years ago), was a special advisor for Europe’s top basketball league and runs a sports consulting business that helps with venue development. He also lives part-time in Bend.
He has eyed building a multi-use venue in Bend before, but backed away from the idea during the 2008 economic crash. He said he still sees great potential for an arena that could bring minor league sports, especially hockey, to Bend.
To that end, a venue would need to be able to host at least twice as many seats than what’s contemplated by the study, Glickman said.
Bringing in professional sports would also make the venue more financially viable. According to the study, it’s projected to operate at an annual loss of $400,000 once stabilized in year four.
“These kinds of venues should be money makers, not losers,” Glickman told the Source in an interview. “They should be privately operated, and they should be anchored by a sports team.”
In an email, Knapp said the loss could theoretically be offset by lodging tax,
venue sponsorships, or possible partnerships with the private sector. The study is still in the exploratory phase, so nothing is off the table, Visit Bend says.
Other projects
Meanwhile, two separate groups — one focused on an ice sports facility and another on a performing arts center — are hoping to fundraise millions of dollars to carry their visions across the finish line. Both said their projects will fill a different role than the one contemplated by Visit Bend’s study.
The Central Oregon Center for the Arts, a nonprofit, has been working for nearly 10 years to build a venue specifically designed for music, theater and dance in the region. The group completed a feasibility study in 2022, and expects to complete a new study in the coming months that narrows down potential sites.
The nonprofit will need to raise funds north of $100 million to build the center, according to previous estimates.
At the same time, a nonprofit board of realtors and business owners — all youth hockey advocates — are getting ready to launch a fundraising campaign for a $35-$40 million indoor ice facility geared toward youth programs and recreation. They’ve drafted renderings for “The Forge” — a 70,000-square-foot building with two sheets of ice, a host of other event and meeting spaces and room for 1,000 spectators.
Tyler Brower, a former professional hockey player and strategist for the effort, told the Source the Forge group is working on finalizing a deal for a seven-acre property to build the ice facility, but declined to say where.
Downtown Bend
City of Bend
REDMOND NEWS
Central Oregon’s First Youth Residential Mental Health Crisis Facility Moves Ahead
Health officials say the key service has long been missing, leaving youth in crisis with little options
By Clayton Franke
After clearing a major funding milestone last year,
Central Oregon’s first residential treatment facility for youth in acute mental health crisis is moving ahead with a new anticipated opening date of summer 2027.
Local health providers and advocates say the 15-bed child psychiatric facility planned for Redmond will be a lifeline for Central Oregon youth with acute mental health issues. That’s because they’ll no longer have to wait days or weeks in an emergency room for space in an overnight facility — or travel across the mountains to get there.
Construction is expected to begin in July and last approximately one year.
“We are moving ahead, we have a date for completion,” Deschutes County Health Services Director Holly Harris told the Deschutes County Commission at an April 20 meeting. “At this point we just have to work through the details, which is no small thing.”
“This is an all-hands-on-deck effort,” Harris added. “It has been since the day we started talking about the project.”
Landing a child psychiatric facility east of the Cascades has long been a priority for a coalition of local health providers, agencies and Central Oregon lawmakers. Funding totaling about $8 million came together last year when the Oregon legislature allocated $3.1 million and Congress earmarked $1.3 million for the project. The Oregon Health Authority matched the legislature’s $3 million contribution. The Central Oregon Health Council chipped in $750,000 and Pacific Source gave $75,000.
Central Oregon already has long-term residential facilities that treat youth for substance abuse and mental health disorders, Harris said, but this facility will be different because it’s licensed to serve people
with a high level of acuity — someone struggling with a significant mental health condition who could be a danger to themselves or others.
“These are the kids that, up until this point, have been stuck in our emergency department waiting on a bed to open up in the metro area that they could get that level of care at,” Harris told the Source.
Part of the hope is to curb above-average youth suicide rates. From 2000 to 2020, more than half of 58% of all Deschutes County deaths among 10 to 17-yearolds were suicides, compared to 29% in the State of Oregon and 19% in the United States.
It may also ease another troubling trend for emergency departments: the increasing number of youth in recent years who stayed in the emergency room for more than 24 hours.
“This facility will not only expand the number of child psychiatric beds available in the state, but it will also mean that children who need that level of support can stay in Central Oregon and not have to travel hours away from home,” said Alandra Johnson, spokesperson with the St. Charles Health System, a collaborator on the project.
The new treatment center will be built near the St. Charles hospital and the Deschutes County Behavioral Health buildings in Redmond, on the same property as a 16-bed adult facility that broke ground in September. The owner is Jackson’s House, a company with residential treatment centers throughout Southern California and Oregon. Headwaters Behavioral Health, an Idaho-based mental health provider with a clinic in Redmond, will run the treatment programs.
Harris said Deschutes County won’t own or operate the facility but still has a “pretty high level of responsibility” to ensure it meets the requirements of the funding.
– 5/5
CENTRAL OREGON’S MOST IMPORTANT CROP FOR OVER 50 YEARS
INFLUENTIAL SPUDS
Attendees will learn about when potato was king with the Redmond Historical Society. The Greater Redmond Historical Society discusses the history of the Potato Show and what the Hoedecker family meant to potato farming in Central Oregon. Learn about how Central Oregon almost became the potato capital of the United States. 6-7pm at Redmond Library. 827 SW Deschutes Ave, Redmond. Free.
“CORNHOLE FOR COMMUNITY” WITH HEART OF OREGON CORPS SIDE QUEST FUN AT HOME AND GARDEN SHOW
Heading to COBA's Home & Garden Show? Take a break from home improvement plans to play a round of cornhole at the Heart of Oregon tent and enter the Wonder Raffle in support of the new youth workforce development campus.10am-Noon at Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center. 3800 SW Airport Wy, Redmond. Free.
TUESDAY 5/5
TRIVIA (&TACO) TUESDAYS
TACOS AND TRIVIA ON CINCO DE MAYO Quiz fans of Redmond: bring the crew this week for UKB live trivia & more! Delicious menu favorites, brews, cocktails, plus Taco Tuesday menu! Players will compete for gift card prizes or play just for fun. Bring good vibes and a pen. 6:30pm at Elements Public House. 1857 NW 6th St., Redmond. Free.
A 15-bed acute child psychiatric facility, slated to finish construction in summer 2027, will feature common areas and courtyard spaces.
Deschutes County
It’s a rare act in these times, but your friendly local newspaper is still endorsing candidates in local elections. Here’s a recap of the endorsements we’ve made in the run-up to the May primary.
The Commission is getting bigger and the County exploding in size. And because of those changes, we agree with challenger Jamie Collins when he says what’s needed is a more strategic, thoughtful approach to the challenges ahead. We think Collins, a U.S. Coast Guard veteran, disaster responder and climate scientist, could be in a better position to do that.
During our interview with Collins for this endorsement, he talked about wanting to see the county commission better articulate the values of Deschutes County. We agree with his assessment that largely, the commission has been reacting to problems rather than leading on them. Case in point: The county commission dragged its feet for a long time about collaboration with the City of Bend on the issue of homeless camping on rural lands. These are not just humanitarian problems; they’re also real threats to everyone’s safety when it comes to fires, and more. The County, as the larger, more overarching government of the two, should be leading the charge in addressing this issue, and we have to lay at least some of that concern at the feet of Tony Debone. Collins’ ability as a strategic thinker was also on display when talking about land use. (When we’re talking about land use, we’re talking about the instances in which lands previously zoned as rural farmland or forest lands were re-zoned for more housing or denser development.) According to Collins’ own analysis, 90% of the land-use decisions that have come to the Commission during DeBone’s tenure have been in the wildland-urban interface. That can increase risk and raise insurance rates for everyone else. Collins, who said he’s in favor of denser, more compact cities, used that as one example of how he’d apply a more systematic approach.
With his experience in disaster response and his obvious investment in doing the homework of understanding the biggest needs in the County – including providing access to clean water and air, a living wage for residents and the ability for residents to continue to access wildfire insurance, we think it’s a safe bet to say that the challenger can outdo the incumbent here.
Rick Russell, a former pastor and now the head of the nonprofit, Mountain View Community Development, has proven over the last several years that he has the ability to lead. He saw the issue of homelessness in Central Oregon as not one that should be pushed to the margins, but one that could be addressed with meaningful solutions. Thanks to his work, we’ve seen more people in our community move off the streets and into transitional housing. At the end of this year, the permanent supportive housing project he’s worked on will begin to break ground. This type of can-do spirit is what we need on the Deschutes County Board of County Commissioners, where up to now, we’ve seen too much hesitation and waiting for someone else to lead. When Russell says he wants to see the commission be more proactive and less reactive, we believe him. We’d like to see how he can port his experience in the nonprofit space into a seat on the newly expanded commission.
Opponent Chet Wamboldt was in support of the district mapping proposal that splits Deschutes County voters into five separate voting blocs. Russell pointed out that “parochialism” like that can actually slow down the construction of affordable housing, when commissioners move to protect “their” turf from potentially contentious projects, like low-income housing developments or supportive housing. We like that type of systems thinking from Russell. With the county commission covering everything from public health to law enforcement to the landfill and land use, we think that’s a valuable skill.
With the new, five-person makeup of the County Commission, we believe Russell will emerge as among the strongest of the five. Vote Rick Russell for Deschutes County Board of County Commissioners, Pos. 4.
Amanda Page, an enrolled tribal member, is a flight paramedic who’s running after several years of serving on the Redmond School Board – certainly a place for people with varying opinions to learn to find common ground. And boy, does this county commission need some skills in finding that.
Each candidate we spoke to seemed to understand the biggest issues the County is facing: affordability and providing basic human services. Among these candidates, voters will find lots to admire about either Amy Sabbadini, Lauren Connally or Page. But in speaking with each of them, we found Page to be the most prepared, with some of the most well-articulated ideas of how she would lead in the new iteration of the Board of County Commissioners. We found her the most decisive of the candidates on some of the issues, including how to find some measure of accountability for a sheriff’s office that’s long gone off the rails. Considering that some of the lingering issues the County is tackling seem to stem from a measure of wishy-washiness (currently, when and how to run a managed camp among them) we think that decisiveness is needed. For this May primary, our support in this race goes to Page.
We would have liked to see more concrete ideas about county-specific issues from Jennifer Letz, given her background. As the leader who helped usher in new home-hardening codes around wildfire in Sisters, we know she’s capable of more.
These were both examples of creative thinking that could help the County work through some of its current issues.
Included in this race are local business owner Rob Imhoff, sisters Mayor Letz and Morgan Schmidt, who’s spent the last 20 years as a pastor, activist and nonprofit executive director.
Both Schmidt and Imhoff have attended the Deschutes County College, which allows residents to learn more about their counties. That education was on full display during our interview. We liked Imhoff’s ideas to bring more dollars into the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center by building a sports complex that could sell sponsorships to pay for itself. (That idea, we soon discovered, is also being touted by other candidates in this vast field of county commissioner candidates.) From Schmidt, we liked her idea to create an in-house ombudsman’s office to handle internal investigations — like the ones that happened often during the tenures of recent sheriffs.
Schmidt differentiated herself on the topic of homelessness, and how to handle it at the county level. Imhoff is advocating for a six-mile “UGB buffer” around Central Oregon cities, where homeless camping would be banned. That sounds good as it pertains to concerns around wildfire – except that it would be difficult to enforce in practice, and, as Schmidt pointed out, would only push people farther into the forests, or back into the cities, where County officials wouldn’t have to deal with them at all. Schmidt has a more realistic view of the issue: safe camping and safe parking programs are not what anyone wants, but people need safe places to be, to avoid the nightmares of illegal dumping, unsanitary conditions and the threat of fires for the entire community. The County is in a position to lead on helping those experiencing homelessness, and the housing affordability crisis, to boot. We are overdue for leadership that is ready to address the issue, not push it further out of view. Our endorsement in this May primary goes to Schmidt.
Deschutes County Commission, Pos. 1
Deschutes County Commission, Pos. 3
Deschutes County Commission, Pos. 4
Deschutes County Commission, Pos. 5
Oregon House District 54
Democratic Primary
In this race between Democratic incumbent Jason Kropf and a newcomer, Andrew Caruana, we support Kropf and the work he’s done for the region. One of the high bars we set for elected officials is their ability to bring dollars back to our region. A leadership role in the House Democratic Caucus matters in this respect. Kropf has his fingerprints on both Mosaic Medical Community Health’s $4 million boost in funding and Oregon State University-Cascades’ triumph of $42 million in the last session. His work in early childhood literacy is exactly the type of support our education system needs.
The mess of Measure 110 and drug policy fell to Kropf and a Senate colleague to find a meaningful path forward. It is not flashy work. It requires someone who can work with the various stakeholders of both political persuasions – many of whom do not agree.
Kropf’s work as chair of the House Judiciary committee is nuanced and requires time and effort. Perhaps no issue reflects that more than the recent resolution of the recreational immunity bill surrounding liability waivers. Striking a balance between insurance companies, trial lawyers, recreational and event companies and individual rights groups is no small task. Yet most agree that the compromise bill struck a balance. The bill in the previous session did not do that and it took political courage on Kropf’s part to continue to work toward the best solution.
During Kropf’s time in the legislature he has not shied away from difficult issues and has the temperament to work well across the aisle to represent a broad cross section of Central Oregon and the state.
Our interviews are on video!
See the candidates talk about their ideas in our endorsement interview videos, found on each candidate’s endorsement on our elections page: bendsource.com/ category/opinion/elections/ (We regret that a video is not available for Deschutes County Commission, Pos. 3)
ELECTIONS IN 2026
From local to national elections, it’s a weird world out there. Here are some things we’ve learned locally this season.
The next version of the Deschutes County Board of County Commissioners is going to be a step up.
Two things are at work here: One is quality. During our endorsement interview process, we continued to be impressed by the caliber of candidates who have stepped up to run. We may not agree with all of their positions, but this crop of candidates came well-prepared. Second: the Board is expanding from three to five. That alone is going to increase the amount of expertise and attention present at the board level.
Deschutes County could use a glow-up.
From the yearslong disasters at the sheriff's office, to the deferred maintenance and funding issues at the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center, to the managed camp the County built but now can’t staff, we have some big issues to tackle here in Deschutes County. We look forward to seeing what the new, bigger Commission can do.
Housing and homelessness — don’t let the broken record make you apathetic.
During our endorsement interviews, we took the issues of housing and homelessness seriously and were listening keenly to how candidates answered questions about how they’d address them. Without places for people to live across the economic spectrum, all of Central Oregon is going to suffer. The candidates we selected are those who we felt would be most effective on the housing front. We know people get tired of politicians beating the drum about housing, but’s it's Maslow’s Hierarchy, people. Food, shelter and housing are key. If candidates are simply mentioning “housing” and then not offering any perspectives on increasing middle-income housing stock or ensuring affordable housing stays affordable, they’re having the wrong conversation.
More
choice in races is a good thing.
While non-affiliated voters are the most prominent voting bloc in Deschutes County, the party with the highest number of registered members is the Democrats. In Bend, their margins are even higher. As it pertains to candidates, it means that in more races, Democrats are running against Democrats and forcing the local party to make tougher choices and endorse one of their own over another. In a place as blue as Bend, we think we see the emergence of multiple candidates as a good thing: more options for voters, and more opportunities to talk about the issues that matter.
Politics
don’t have to be batshit crazy.
Yes, it’s true that on the national stage, politics are out of control now, with lies and scandals the norm. Dirty campaigning has leaked into our local scene on occasion, but for the most part, local politics remain a place where people are still keeping it cordial and focused on the issues at hand.
May 1 – Ballot drop boxes open in Deschutes County. May 19 – Election Day – Drop boxes open til 8pm. MAILED BALLOTS MUST BE POSTMARKED BY ELECTION DAY.
April 29 – Ballots mailed to voters.
SOURCE PICKS
THURSDAY
DESCHUTES COUNTY COMMISSION CANDIDATE FORUM WITH PARTNERS FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING ELECTIONS EVENT
This event is keeping the housing crisis front and center in Central Oregon this election cycle! This is a high-visibility opportunity for candidates to articulate policy positions and ideas for addressing Oregon’s top challenges: low housing production and high housing costs. 5-7pm at Open Space Event Studios. 220 NE Lafayette Ave, Bend. Free.
THE CRITICAL BLUES BAND
THEY’VE GOT THE BLUES
This live performance is a tribute to the giants of blues - past and present - by delivering the power and passion of America's greatest contribution to the world of music. 6-8pm at River’s Place. 787 NE Purcell Blvd, Bend. Free.
THURSDAY
AARON FOSTER STAND-UP COMEDY
LAUGH NOW CRY LATER
Comedian Aaron Foster comes to Bend to perform what he calls "Mostly Jokes" - it's award-winning dark comedy about mental health, mid-life regrets and career catastrophe so, obviously, it's hilarious. 7:30-9pm at The Barrel Room at UPP. 550 SW Industrial Way ste #196, Bend $20.
LOW TIDE RITUAL & NIGHT CHANNELS
EMO CORE LIVE MUSIC
Balancing emo dynamics and math rock precision, Low Tide Ritual delivers tense, tightly wound arrangements threaded with viscerally haunting lyrics. Their songs mourn the unraveling of the living earth and the eroding justice for people that inhabit it – each one a seance for a sinking world. 7-10pm at Silver Moon Brewing. 24 NW Greenwood Ave, Bend. $12.24.
GATHERING, FOSPHENE, BLUT AUF DEM EIZ & ACIDIC DECAY
HOT BLACK METAL LIVE
Gathering is a four-piece black metal band from Central Oregon. Their sound can be described as technical, melodic, heavy and at times atmospheric. Their music is the embodiment of the environment which surrounds and inspires them. 6:30-10pm at Silver Moon Brewing. 24 NW Greenwood Ave, Bend. $12.24. SATURDAY
GHOST FETISH
GOTH POP BAND
Ghost Fetish is a Seattle-based trio that harnesses the electric charge of synths and raw passion, crafting sonic tapestries that blend the glistening frequencies of new wave, the pulsing rhythm of synth-pop, and the entrancing depths of old-school goth. 10:30pm-Midnight at Commonwealth Pub. 30 SW Century Dr #100, Bend. Free.
MAY THE 4TH BE WITH YOU
STAR WARS CINCO DE MAYO FUSION
This May third rings in Star Wars Day — an unofficial holiday for fans. This Star Wars themed burlesque event features talents from the Strut Cabaret Burlesque Troupe who are based out of Bend! 7pm at Silver Moon Brewing. 24 NW Greenwood Ave, Bend. $20.
BINGO WITH BREN SUPPORTING STREET DOG HERO
LOCAL SUPPORT FOR PUPS IN NEED
Bingo with Bren is supporting Street Dog Hero! Half of proceeds go to cash prizes, while the other half helps rescue and care for street dogs around the world and find them loving homes. $2 Per Card or 6 Cards for $10! This is a family-friendly event. At Bevel Craft Brewing. 911 SE Armour Rd Suite B, Bend. $2.
TUESDAY 05/05
CINCO DE MAYO PARTY WITH THE RUMPEPPERS
FOOD, FUN AND SPANISH MUSIC
This is a Cinco de Mayo party with live music by The Rumpeppers, who will focus on songs in Spanish. There will be food and drink specials, dancing and more! 5-11pm at Commonwealth Pub. 30 SW Century Dr #100, Bend. Free.
SILENT THEORY, OUTLIER AND DISCREPANCIES
BROTHERS BAND IN BEND
Silent Theory is made up of brothers Mitch, Scott, and George Swanger, as well as Robert James and Dakota Jerns. To date, the band has amassed over 160 million YouTube video views and over 97 million audio streams. 8pm-Midnight at the Domino Room. 51 NW Greenwood Ave, Bend. $25.
Silent Theory
Valarie Doss
Low Tide Ritual
Ghost Fetish
Agnieszka Stankiewicz
S SOUND HomeGrown Music Festival Keeps on Growing
By Peter Madsen
The HomeGrown Music Fes-
tival — Bend’s show case of local and, increasingly, regional bands, just keeps on growing.
Forty bands — 24 of which are local — will play across five stages at its new host venue, Century Center on Bend’s west side. The Volcanic Theatre Pub, GoodLife Brewing Company and The Commonwealth Pub will open their stages, allowing for a walkable, enclosed festival vibe that will preclude the Frogger experience of rushing across NW Greenwood Avenue between HomeGrown stages during previous iterations in downtown Bend.
put on — folkies Quattlebaum, bluegrass players Skillethead and chanteuse-led melody rockers Chiggi Momo. McClelland is particularly keen to highlight mamasboy, a high-energy local dance funk group heading HomeGrown’s kickoff party at VTP on May 7.
Hosted by the Spencer Marlyn Band and presented by Volcanic Theatre Pub, HomeGrown is hosting a hot wing-eating contest at Fire on the Mountain on May 2. The winners in a race to put down nine hot wings will win festival tickets. Along with a raffle, Call Down Thunder (Bend’s celebrated Grateful Dead tribute band) will bolster the fun with a trio performance.
Reached by phone, festival organizer and local percussionist Scottie McClelland says he’s stoked about HomeGrown’s maturation since its 2023 debut.
“I’m very excited about the new location,” he said. “I think it’ll be better localized and more accessible than when it was downtown.”
Co-producing the HomeGrown VTP events is festival partner 1988 Entertainment.
While HomeGrown began with a near-exclusive emphasis on the local scene, McClelland has been widening the festival’s reach, bit by bit each year, to regional talent. This year, greater Pacific Northwest acts are swooping in from various national tours to respectively headline HomeGrown’s three nightly bills. These high rollers are Seattle funksters Polyrythmics, dreamy Glitterfox and the brass-heavy jammers MarchFourth — the latter two of which are from Portland.
“This year is a regional showcase, which is how I’ve been trying to build this event,” McClelland says.
While McClelland plays percussion in two local acts — Billy and the Box Kid and Spencer Marlyn Band — both performing on HomeGrown stages, he’s quick to tell the Source about all the other local bands he’s proud to
Reached by phone, mamasboy frontman Hudson “Huddy” Mickel spoke about the R&B, hiphop, funk and rock that rubbed off on his group’s ‘90s-tinged songs. Mickel’s group likes to intersperse party-rocking dance grooves with ballads and acoustic numbers and even heavy-ass songs, such as “Man?,” which sounds straight out of System of a Down’s catalog.
“I just thought we should just have a whole different genre with one of our songs,” Mickel said. “I love so many different styles of music that I want our shows to be dynamic — a wide range of what you can experience. I’m gonna play like 20 genres — everyone is going to like at least one part of the show.”
Folks who attended HomeGrown last year may have caught the nowseven-piece at the Silver Moon Brewing backyard stage. What they might not have noticed was that mamasboy was recording its debut album live. The band had taken up sound engineer Jonathan Tyson on his offer to record (and later master) mamasboy’s eponymous debut, “Live from HomeGrown.” Despite the stage’s proximity to the Bend Parkway, the album’s sound quality is superb.
Oh — about the band name?
“Oh, I’m a momma’s boy,” Mickel said with a chuckle. “My mom knows how to be judge-free and love people better than most. So ‘mamasboy’ is very true to the name.”
HomeGrown Hot Wing-Eating Contest
May 2, 5pm registration; 6-7pm contest Fire on the Mountain 637 NE 3rd St., Bend $15 to enter (winners receive festival entries)
HomeGrown Music Festival
May 7-9
Century Center
70 SW Century Dr. www.homegrownfest.com
Tickets: 05/07, $20; 05/08, $40; 05/09: $50
SpencerMarlynBand
CALENDAR
29 Wednesday
The Astro Lounge Karaoke with Christina Karaoke with Christina. Karafun catalog gives one thousands of songs to sing to. Great sound system and brand new wireless mics. Drink specials during the event. 9pm-1am. Free.
The Capitol Karaoke Drink specials! Air guitars! People should definitely check this out for themselves. 8pm-1am. Free.
The Commonwealth Pub Mark Winters Texas-based rock singer-songwriter Mark Winters is a poet, musician, entrepreneur, optimist, family man, and rocket scientist. Inspired by love and community, he creates “rock with a positive vibe,” blending rock, blues, and pop influences like John Mayer. 7:30am-9:30pm. Free.
Craft Kitchen and Brewery Comedy Open Mic Night Open mic comedy on Bend’s NE side. Come down, eat some BBQ, drink some drinks, and be prepared to laugh. 7:30-9pm. Free.
Deschutes Brewery & Public House
Deschutes Brewery Trivia Night Head Games Hosts Trivia every Wednesday night in our upstairs Taproom. Free to Play! Win Prizes! 6:309pm. Free.
Hosmer Bar Trivia Night Brainy banter and cold drinks! Whether one is a seasoned quiz champ or just in it for the laughs, gather the crew and test everyone’s knowledge! 7-9pm. Free.
Silver Moon Brewing Cydeways w/ The Irie, Native Leaves Cydeways is an Alternative band out of Santa Barbara, CA. Fronted by Dustin Parks, Cydeways also features Casey Kernohan, Kevin Harvey, Trevor Buckingham (producer/engineer) Dana Shoults (co-producer). The group initially formed in Boston, MA. before Parks moved the project out west to California. 7-10pm. $17.59.
30 Thursday
The Commonwealth Pub Mari and The Dream Mari & The Dream is a local bluesy/ dreamy alternative rock band consisting of Mari on rhythm guitar/lead vocals, Bella Cooper on bass/backup vocals, Kenny Jones on keys, and Tyler Spraag on drums. 7:30-9:15pm. Free.
LIVE MUSIC & NIGHTLIFE
Bunk+Brew Karaoke Thursdays All voices are welcome. Food carts available all evening! Located in the Historic Lucas House Living Room for winter. 7-10pm. Free.
The Cellar Live Irish Trad Music with The Ballybogs! Live music featuring Bend’s Irish Trad band, The Ballybogs! Every Thursday at The Cellar. Seats fill up, so get there early! 6-8pm. Free.
Faith, Hope & Charity Vineyards Live at the Vineyard: Grits n’ Gravy Grits n’ Gravy, formerly known as the Dry Canyon Trio is a smaller version of the full band, Dry Canyon Stampede. A folksy take on traditional country music featuring Lilli Worona, Mike Biggers & Kurt Silva! Lilli Worona is a well-known fiddle player and singer/ songwriter in Central Oregon. 5-8pm. $20.
Hosmer Bar Bingo Night Your week just found its highlight—bingo! Drinks, good company and a little friendly competition. 7-9pm. Free.
The Lot Son of Wolf - Maxx Lopez Son of Wolf is Maxx Lopez’s solo acoustic project. Blending many of his fantasy themed songs with his obsession with bluegrass, Grateful Dead, and many other styles. 6-8pm. Free.
Mountain Burger Thursday Night Live at Mountain Burger! Lickety Split at Mountain Burger for Thursday Night Live! Great music, food & company! 6-8pm. Free.
Ponch’s Place Trivia Thursdays With QuizHead Games. 6-8pm. Free.
River’s Place The Critical Blues Band This live performance is a tribute to the giants of blues - past and present - by delivering the power and passion of America’s greatest contribution to the world of music. 6-8pm. Free.
Silver Moon Brewing BlaggardsStout Irish Rock They play what they call Stout Irish Rock, traditional Irish music mixed with rock n’ roll, informed by everything from Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley to Thin Lizzy and Black Sabbath. Most frequently compared to bands like Flogging Molly, Dropkick Murphys, and the Pogues. 7-10pm. $12.24
The Barrel Room at UPP Aaron Foster “Mostly Jokes” Stand Up Comedy Comedian Aaron Foster comes to Bend to perform what he calls “Mostly Jokes” - it’s award winning dark comedy about mental health, mid-life regrets and career catastrophe so, obviously, it’s hilarious. 7:30-9pm. $20.
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The Suttle Lodge & Boathouse Suttle Lodge’s Fireside Concert Series: Alicia Most Thursdays they have fireside live music. RSVP required for overnight lodging guests to claim complimentary seats. Book a stay then email info@thesuttlelodge.com for tickets no less than 72 hours prior to show. Doors at 5:30. Show starts at 6pm. Food & Drink available from restaurant during show. 6-8pm. $12.24
The Winery at Manzanita- Bend Vino & Vibes Enjoy an evening of wine and Local community grooves every Thursday. Local singers and song writers welcome. 5-7pm. Free.
1 Friday
Bend Cider Co. Matt Gwinup Solo guitarist Matt Gwinup will be be performing classical, modern finger-style, folk, rock, blues, & jazz. Enjoy amazing ciders, beer, wine, & N/A beverages. Kid & dog-friendly. 6-8pm. Free.
The Commons Cafe & Taproom First Friday Block Party! They crank up the tunes every first Friday to celebrate Art Walk throughout downtown. Food, Drink, and Community abound on these nights. VanHenion Brewing helps this event support the Latino Community Association. 5:30-8:30pm. Free.
The Commonwealth Pub Bigfoot County Bigfoot County is a blues-rock and country band from Bend, Oregon, known for their soulful takes on classic tunes. Mixing the grit of the Allman Brothers with the swagger of Waylon Jennings, they bring high-energy covers and good-time vibes to every stage. 8-10pm. Free.
Desert Inn Sports Bar & Grill Chasin’ Bandits The Band plays a variety of memorable country and rock favorites. Talented musicians keep the crowd entertained and engaged. Come out and dance the night away or just enjoy the music. The DI in Metolius is a friendly local establishment with great food and drinks, Friday night is prime rib night! First Friday of every month, 7-10pm. Free.
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.
M&J Tavern The Raucous Doom Jazz jam band with funky psychedelic vibes from Bend, Oregon. 9pm-Midnight. Free.
Pangaea Guild Hall Speakeasy Nights
Pangea Guild Hall is holding a secret speakeasy with an evening of live entertainment and classic cocktails. Something new to discover every week! 6-9pm. Pay what you can.
Silver Moon Brewing Low
Tide Ritual & Night Channels Balancing emo dynamics and math rock precision, low tide ritual delivers tense, tightly wound arrangements threaded with viscerally haunting lyrics. Their songs mourn the unraveling of the living earth and the eroding justice for people that inhabit it – each one a seance for a sinking world. 7-10pm.
$12.24
Silver Moon Brewing So Much House: Fluffy Stuff & Luxo SoMuchHouse: Bend debut DJ set by Fluffy Stuff with support by Luxo. B2B set by Its Fine & MStarkDJ. Dance, community, house music. Join for this special night! First Friday of every month, 8pm-2am. $15.
Volcanic Theatre Pub El Ten Eleven Genre - post-rock, indietronica, and math rock 7pm.
$26.77
2 Saturday
The Astro Lounge Live local sounds with assorted DJs. Live local sounds from different artists every Friday and Saturday. 10pm-2am. Weekend cover charge.
Blacksmith Public House Syco Billy String Band Syco Billy’s String Band is five musicians, one sound, and the real deal. Rooted in Americana, folk, and newgrass with a touch of French flair. 6:30-9:30pm. Free.
The Commonwealth Pub The Substitutes As Central Oregon’s self-appointed “Rock And Roll Border Patrol,” The Substitutes have been defending their (and everyone’s) right to rock since 1996. For over two decades they have dedicated themselves to honoring the tradition and integrity of what it means to be a rock band. 8-10pm. Free. The Commonwealth Pub Ghost Fetish Ghost Fetish is a Seattle based trio that harnesses the electric charge of synths and raw passion, crafting sonic tapestries that blend the glistening frequencies of new wave, the pulsing rhythm of synth-pop, and the entrancing depths of old-school goth. Their newest single “Someone” will be available everywhere February 19th, 10:30pm-Midnight. Free.
Dogwood At The Pine Shed House of Sutiki presents: NALA House of Sutiki and Dogwood present DJ NALA. Straight off of her massive performance at Coachella, HOS welcomes NALA to Bend for the very first time! Local support by See.Alice & Sofie. 8pm-Midnight. $20 presale/$30 door.
The Domino Room GOLDEN: A K-Pop Kids Party Prepare yourselves for a family-friendly dance party featuring remixes inspired by familiar soundtracks, K-Pop songs, remixes, and iconic pop anthems from the movies. Costumes, dancing, and shining bright are encouraged! Brought to you by @thekawaiirave and VNK Entertainment. Kids under two years old are free. 11am-1pm. $24.28.
Midtown Ballroom The Emo Night Tour This is a celebration of all-things Emo at the Midtown Ballroom for people 18 years old and up. 8pm. $23.62.
Ponch’s Place VRCCO Block Party Presented by Higher Ground Moving Ponch’s Place hosts the VRCCO Block Party presented by Higher Ground Moving, benefiting PetsForward. Enjoy Lone Pine Coffee, Bend Pet Express’s Dog Zone, live music and ice cream from Import Performance Auto Repair, adoptable dogs from Street Dog Hero, plus support from The Circuit Gym and Mountain Air Trampoline Park. 11am-2pm. Free. River’s Place Saturday Jazz Sessions Elise Franklin Quartet ~ Jazz, R&B, Vocals 6-8pm. Free. Silver Moon Brewing Gathering, Fosphene, Blut Auf Dem Eiz & Acidic Decay Gathering is a four-piece black metal band from Central Oregon. Their sound can be described as technical, melodic, heavy and at times atmospheric. Their music is the embodiment of the environment which surrounds and inspires them. 6:30-10pm. $12.24
Silver Moon Brewing Drifting Roots, The Rusty Frets & Soulja Rising Drifting Roots is an original reggae-rock band based out of Central Florida. Drifting Roots have had the pleasure to share the stage with artists such as Collie Buddz, Steel Pulse, Julian Marley, The Movement, Mike Love, The Expendables, and Authority Zero. Drifting Roots is currently working on their third full length studio album!7-10pm. $17.59
Cydeways, The Irie and Native Leaves will play at Silver Moon Brewing on Wed., April 29.
CALENDAR
Unity Community of Central Oregon
Into the Breeches A short preview: set in 1942, the Oberon Play House’s director and leading men are off at war. Determined to press on, the director’s wife sets out to produce an all-female version of Shakespeare’s Henry V. 7-9pm. $22.94
Velvet Lounge One Mad Man Music One Mad Man: loops together multiple instruments to create moody, driven backdrops accompanied by smooth vocals. First Saturday of every month, 9pm-Midnight. Free.
Warm Springs Community Center
Rezfest 2026 Rezfest will feature Chronic Illness, Damage Overdose, Warden, Within The Pyre, Dead Nexus, Sho Rilla & Eagle Thunder. All ages, no drugs or alcohol, there will be concessions and a skateboard raffle! 5-11:30pm. $15.
3 Sunday
The Commonwealth Pub Trifecta - Celtic Music Trifecta is a band that specializes in traditional Celtic music from Ireland and other parts of the world. Trifecta is comprised of fiddles, guitar, and other stringed instruments. Trifecta will transport one to simpler times in the rural Celtic countryside through music. 4-6pm. Free.
Dogwood At The Pine Shed Okay Karaoke Sing your favorite songs with friends, enjoy professional sound and lighting, and let the spotlight shine on you. Hosted by the dynamic Tammy Larsen, it’s the perfect night out for music lovers and party people alike. Noon-11pm. Free.
Initiative Brewing - The Hub Trivia Sunday with UKB Trivia at Initiative Brewing/ The Hub in Redmond Not too early, not too late! Team up to win prizes, or for the fun of it. No fee to play! This is no ordinary trivia quiz, it’s Useless Knowledge Bowl! Enjoy fantastic food and brews. Bring good vibes and a pen if possible. 4-6pm. Free.
River’s Place Evan Mullins SOULO Keyboardist and vocalist, Evan Mullins’ solo sets are dynamic and versatile 5-7pm. Free.
Silver Moon Brewing May The 4th
Be With You This May third rings in Star Wars Day — an unofficial holiday for fans. This Star Wars themed burlesque event features talents from the Strut Cabaret Burlesque Troupe who are based out of Bend! 7pm. $20.
Volcanic Theatre Pub Whitey Morgan and the 78s Live country music event! 7pm. $32.43.
4 Monday
Bevel Craft Brewing Bingo with Bren Supporting Street Dog Hero Bingo with Bren is supporting Street Dog Hero! Half of proceeds go to cash prizes, while the other half helps rescue and care for street dogs around the world and find them loving homes. $2 Per Card of 6 Cards for $10! This is a family-friendly event. $2.
The Commonwealth Pub Musician Open Mic Showcase hosted by The Session Calling all musicians! Monday nights are nights for a special opportunity to showcase talent, connect with other artists, and perform in a welcoming and collaborative, music-loving atmosphere. Backline provided, just bring instruments and chords! 5-9pm. Free.
M&J Tavern Vinyl Night Monday Night just got better!!! 9pm to Midnight. SupaFly will be your Dj. Bring your own vinyl and sign up to add it to the Playlist or pick from hers. 9pm-12am. 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.
5 Tuesday
The Cellar Open Mic Open Mic is hosted by Mari of the band, Mari & The Dream! This is an intimate night of sharing music in a welcoming environment and supportive community. 6-8pm. Free.
The Commonwealth Pub Cinco de Mayo Party with The Rumpeppers This is a Cinco de Mayo party with live music by The Rumpeppers, who will focus on songs in Spanish. There will be food and drink specials, dancing and more! 5-11pm. Free.
Elements Public House Trivia (&Taco) Tuesdays Quiz fans of Redmond: bring the crew this week for UKB live trivia & more! Delicious menu favorites, brews, cocktails, plus Taco Tuesday menu! Players will compete for gift card prizes or play just for fun. Bring good vibes and a pen. 6:30pm. Free.
Initiative Brewing - The Hub Bingo at Initiative in Redmond! Randy is hosting Central Oregon’s “semi-pro” bingo legend, for a fun night with real cash prizes. Great food, cold drinks, and a good time—all while supporting the Redmond Senior Center! 5:30-7:30pm. Free.
River’s Place Cinco de Mayo! This is a community favorite party of the year! Live music by Estrellas, Musica de Tierra Caliente — Margaritas & Passion Fruit Mezcalitas — Fresh Tamales — Elotes — and the best Mexican food in Bend from Sopa! 6-8pm. Free.
Silver Moon Brewing Matthew Marcus McDaniel Matthew Marcus brings a one man band style show with suitcase drums, guitar (both acoustic & electric), harmonica, subversive lyrics and the truth in his voice. Matthew invites people to come be a witness to nothing less than an awakening. 6:30-9pm. $12.24
The Glow Pad Bend Ecstatic Dance A weekly free-form dance and movement space with live Dj’s and setlist curators who craft music journeys which inspire embodied explorations. Open to everyone 12+. Non-alcoholic. Not a class, no steps to learn, conversation-free and shoe-free dance floor. 7:30-9:30pm. $20.
6 Wednesday
The Capitol Karaoke Drink specials! Air guitars! People should definitely check this out for themselves. 8pm-1am. Free.
The Commonwealth Pub Jackpine Jukebox Jackpine Jukebox is a Bend, Oregon-based americana band playing original songs and carefully chosen covers at the intersection of rockabilly, cowpunk, folk, and the occasional sea shanty. The band draws from a tradition of well-worn, honest side of American roots music. 7:30-9:30pm. Free.
The Coyote Free Line Dance Lessons Free beginner-friendly line dance lessons with instructor Alex Reininger. Learn two fun dances in one hour—no experience needed! 7-8pm. Free.
Craft Kitchen and Brewery Comedy Open Mic Night Open mic comedy on Bend’s NE side. Come down, eat some BBQ, drink some drinks, and be prepared to laugh. 7:30-9pm. Free.
The Domino Room Silent Theory, Outlier, & Discrepancies Silent Theory is made up of brothers Mitch, Scott, and George Swanger, as well as Robert James and Dakota Jerns. To date, the band has amassed over 160 million YouTube video views and over 97 million audio streams. 8pm-Midnight. $25.
JC’s Bar & Grill Wing-SKEY Wednesday + Trivia Enjoy $0.75 wings, cheap whiskey and drink deals. Trivia with the infamous “physical” challenge (think musical chairs, limbo, paper airplanes, etc.) kicks off at 7pm. 7pm. Free.
Northside Bar & Grill Mellow Wednesday Open Mic Night Come down for our Open Mic Night hosted by Derek Michael Marc!!! Sign up at 530pm to get a spot to play! 5:30-8pm. Free.
Portello Lounge Music Bingo Music Bingo is hosted by the always entertaining Rachel Fishman, who keeps the crowd singing and laughing all night! It’s the perfect bonus to a night out enjoying great food, drinks and good company at Portello! 6:30-8:30pm. Free.
Prost! - Bend Wednesday Trivia Fun at Prost! Bend 7pm UKB Trivia in Bend is an ongoing event on Wednesdays. Useless Knowledge Bowl is a live trivia & more, no AI here. People can team up with friends for some casual fun, there’s no fee to play, Authentic food favorites, biers and more. Feed the brain and the belly! 7-9pm. Free.
Silver Moon Brewing Tyler Langham Tyler Langham is a singer-songwriter whose music explores the interwoven themes of family, death, and love through a lens shaped by a life between extremes from a rugged Alaskan childhood to the creative chaos of Portland’s music scene.7-10pm. $12.24
DANCE
Adult Ballet Class Come learn or rediscover the art of ballet on Tuesday nights! Adult Ballet is an open-level class for adult learners and dancers. Tuesdays, 12:30-1:30 and 6:45-7:45pm. Acadamie De Ballet Classique, 1900 NE 3rd St #104, Bend. Contact: 541-382-4055. dance@ abcbend.com. Price varies.
Evolutionary Dance Show Evolutionary is a Modern dance performance, showcasing works from multiple choreographers. Exploring ideas about humanities timeline on earth. May 3, 2-3 and 5-6pm. Iconic Dance, 211 NE Revere Ave, Bend. Contact: 208-340-9112. furthermvmtcollective@gmail.com. $20.
FILM EVENTS
Climbing Film Tour 2025/26 Climbing Film Tour is back for its 6th season with an awesome selection of short films celebrating the global climbing community. It is a unique platform for climbers and filmmakers around the world to share their stories with the community. May 6, 6:45-8:45pm. Sisters Movie House, 720 Desperado Court, Sisters. Contact: 541-5498833. inquiries@sistersmoviehouse.com. $17.
Power to the People: John & Yoko Ono Live In NYC John & Yoko/Plastic Ono Band with Elephant’s Memory and Special Guests performed these now-legendary sold-out One To One concerts to a combined audience of 40,000 people, raising over $1.5M, equivalent to $11.5M in 2026, for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. April 29, 6:45-8pm. Sisters Movie House, 720 Desperado Court, Sisters. Contact: 541-549-8833. inquiries@sistersmoviehouse.com. $17.
Tyler Langham will perform live at Silver Moon Brewing on Wed., May 6.
Silver Moon Brewing
Sprout Film Festival Sprout Film Festival is on a mission to inspire audiences, promote inclusive filmmaking for social change. This unique event focuses exclusively on films that celebrate the diverse lives and creativity of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. May 6, 7pm. Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St., Bend. Contact: 541-317-0700. info@towertheatre.org. $6 (plus $2 Historic Preservation fee).
ARTS + CRAFTS
All Levels Wheel Throwing This 5-session course will cover beginner and intermediate wheel throwing techniques. Each class is catered to the student’s needs. The basic pottery process will be covered. Sundays, 10am-1pm. Through May 17. Camp Clay Bend, 147 NE Olney Ave, Bend. Contact: 808-269-9992. kara@campclay. studio. $350.
Art Play Toddlers and preschoolers dive into process-based art through sensory stations, open-ended exploration, and hands-on creative play. Ages 2-5 Thursdays-Saturdays, 10-11am. Two Suns Art Studio + MakerSpace, 70 SW Century Drive, Bend. Contact: 541-892-6471. taylor@ twosunsartstudio.com. $25.
ArtHouse LTA sets First Friday in motion with ‘Almost Alive’ on May 1st ArtHouse LTA presents Almost Alive, a First Friday exhibition by Gabriel LTA exploring the illusion of movement within stillness. Featuring over fifty paintings and several brand new large scale works, this exhibit transforms the gallery into a floor-to-ceiling field of color, texture, and energy. May 1, 5-9pm. artHouse LTA, 113 NW Minnesota Ave, Bend. Contact: 541-337-9985. arthouse.yrstruly@gmail.com. Free.
Artist Talk- Jennifer Rabin This is an artist talk with Jennifer Rabin, a mixed-media sculptor working with discarded materials found in junkyards, railways, and remote landscapes. Her work reflects on repair, disability, and fractured systems, transforming debris into shelters through needle-felting and fibers. May 2, 11am12:30pm. Scalehouse Collaborative for the Arts, 550 NW Franklin Ave, Bend. Contact: 541-6402186. info@scalehouse.org. $15.
PRESENTATIONS + EXHIBITS
250 in the West: Citizenship Susan Kamei, author of When Can We Go Back to America? will be hosting this event. It explores the constitutional, historical, and political ramifications for citizenship and what it means to be an American today. Includes reception with no-host bar and light appetizers. April 30, 6-8pm. High Desert Museum, 59800 S. Highway 97, Bend. Contact: 541-382-4754. info@highdesertmuseum.org. $12.
Central Oregon’s Most Important Crop for Over 50 Years Attendees will learn about when potato was king with the Redmond Historical Society. The Greater Redmond Historical Society discusses the history of the Potato Show and what the Hoedecker family meant to potato farming in Central Oregon. Learn about how Central Oregon almost became the potato capital of the United States. April 30, 6-7pm. Redmond Library, 827 Southwest Deschutes Avenue, Redmond. Contact: 541- 312-1032. lizg@ deschuteslibrary.org. Free.
Nashwood Gallery First Friday Wonderful little gallery in functioning art studio on the corner of NE 2nd St. and Olney! All are welcome. First Friday of every month, 4-8pm. Nashwood Gallery, 1385 NE 2nd Street, Bend. Contact: 541788-0314. will.nashwood@gmail.com. Free.
THEATER
Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 “Bend’s Biggest Party” From Dave Malloy comes an electropop opera based on a scandalous slice of Leo Tolstoy’s War and Peace. Fresh off Broadway, The Greenhouse stages this lofty and immersive production! Drama and wonderful music with 11 actors, 8 pit members, and all the delectible storytelling. Thursdays-Sundays, 7:30-10pm. Through May 2. The Greenhouse Cabaret, 1017 NE 2nd St., Bend. Contact: 541330-4086. info@thegreenhousecabaret.com. $20-$75.
WORDS
“Word-for-Word” Writer’s Workshop Word-for-Word is a monthly writing workshop open to all skill levels and genres. First Mondays are for sipping on tea, responding to prompts and receiving feedback on work. Build a creative routine, gain fresh perspective, and meet fellow writers in a supportive, inspiring space! Payment through cash or venmo. First Monday of every month, 6-8pm. Cafe des Chutes, 50 SE Scott St., Bend. Contact: wordforwordworkshop@gmail.com. $5.
Aron Steinke This is a free event with Aron Nels Steinke, PNBA Book Award Winning author of the Mr. Wolf’s Class series and Speechless! Pre-order available for books to be signed at the event. Aron Nels Steinke is a cartoonist and former elementary school teacher who lives in Portland, Oregon. April 30, 6:30pm. Roundabout Books, 900 NW Mount Washington Dr., #110, Bend. Contact: 541-306-6564. events@roundaboutbookshop.com. Free.
Current Fiction Book Club On Wednesday the club will discuss Supersonic by Thomas Kohnstamm. May 6, 6-7pm. Roundabout Books, 900 NW Mount Washington Dr., #110, Bend. Contact: 541-306-6564. events@roundaboutbookshop.com. Free.
ETC.
“Cornhole for Community” with Heart of Oregon Corps Heading to COBA’s Home & Garden Show? Take a break from home improvement plans to play a round of cornhole at the Heart of Oregon tent and enter the Wonder Raffle in support of the new youth workforce development campus. May 2, 10am-Noon. Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center, 3800 SW Airport Way, Redmond, Redmond. Contact: development@heartoforegon.org. Free.
OUTDOOR EVENTS
Bend Adult Volleyball Bend Hoops adult open gym volleyball sessions offer players a chance to get together and enjoy some competition. To sign up, go to meetup.com and RSVP. Bring exact change. Sundays, 7-9pm and Saturdays, 7:30pm. Bend Hoops, 1307 NE 1st St, Bend. $10.
Bevel Putting Mayhem Disc Golfers!! This event has a $5 entry, with an optional $1 perfect putt pot, and $1 off beers for players. Sign-ups start at 5:30, first putts at 6pm. All skill levels welcome - meet new friends! Wednesdays, 5:308pm. Through April 29. Bevel Craft Brewing, 911 SE Armour St., Bend. Contact: 541-972-3835. holla@bevelbeer.com. $5.
Bird Walk The Deschutes Land Trust and Coleen Pidgeon host this bird walk. Search for dippers and other water birds along Whychus Creek warblers working the willows. April 29, 8:30-11:30am. Willow Springs Preserve, Camp Polk Rd at Old Military Dr, Sisters. Contact: 541330-0017. event@deschuteslandtrust.org. Free. Botany Bonanza at Chimney Rock Trail departure starts at 9:15am for this native plant field trip. The hike begins near the river and winds about 700ft up to the top of the bluffs. About 3 miles round trip. May 2, 9am-Noon. Chimney Rock Trailhead, Chimney Rock Trailhead, Crooked River Hwy, Prineville. Contact: hdceventscoordinator@gmail.com. Free.
Drops for Oldies Learn to hit drops on your mountain bike! Take a deep dive into the body position, speed and timing of drop technique. Instruction begins with rolling drops and progresses to larger drops, as appropriate for each rider. The coach then mercilessly drills the participants in safe drop technique. Thu, April 9, 5-7pm and Thu, April 30, 5-7pm. Cog Wild, 255 SW Century Dr., Bend. Contact: 541-385-7002. info@cogwild. com. $95.
Natural & Botanical Dyes Workshop
Come learn the process of dyeing with plants! The group will demo fabric prep, mordanting, dyeing, and learn/talk on so much more. All will take home a naturally dyed silk scarf, which is provided. May 2, 10am-2pm. Contact: info@ nighthawknaturalistschool.com. $80.
Pedal for the Planet 350 Deschutes is excited to introduce Pedal for the Planet, our brand-new community bike ride and fundraiser happening Saturday, May 2, 2026. Join us as we hit the trails to celebrate the outdoors, connect with neighbors, and support local climate action. May 2, 9am-Noon. Farewell Bend Park, 1000 SW Reed Market Rd., Bend. Contact: athomas@ 350deschutes.org. $25-80.
Plants + People Course Series This course will teach people how to utilize wild local “weeds”! There’s an abundance of plant life all around. This class is a dive into some common plants, their history and some ways we can utilize them respectfully for medicine, food and art. Locations for this event will vary. April 29, 5-7:30pm. Bend, RSVP for address, Bend. Contact: info@nighthawknaturalistschool.com. $250.
The Steel Stampede Vintage Motocross Races The 18th annual Steel Stampede is Oregon’s best and only vintage motocross and trials event. A 2 day action packed motorcycle event featuring historical makes and models being put to the test in trials competition and scrambles racing. May 2-3 2026 Check out our Instagram for details @thesteelstampede May 2, 10am-5pm and May 3, 10am-5pm. Deschutes County Fairgrounds and Expo Center, 3800 SE Airport Way, Redmond. Contact: info@6voltcycles.com. $20.
Women’s Walk & Talk Wednesday AdventurUs believes adventure starts with showing up—and sometimes that looks like a simple walk in the middle of the day. No pace requirements. Zero pressure. The event is open to women, including cis, trans, nonbinary, and gender-expansive folks who feel aligned with a women-centered community. First Wednesday of every month, Noon-1pm. Through Dec. 31. Outside In, 845 Northwest Wall Street, Bend. Contact: 541-600-4393. info@theadventurus. com. Free.
GROUPS + MEETUPS
After Hours Sound Bath Bend TEAL hosts an hour of immersive sound and intentional rest. Let the soothing tones of crystal singing bowls and gentle vibrations guide you into a state of calm, clarity, and reset. May 3, 5-6pm. Bend Tea and Art Lounge, 1024 NW Bond St, Suite 101, Bend. Contact: info@bendteal.com. $40.
Botany Bonanza, a native plant observing hike, will take place on Sat., May 2.
High Desert Chapter
GUNG HO
By Nic Moye
An Evening of Psychedelic Sounds
Three bands will immerse an audience in a
feel-good experience
Local band Sun Dive is kicking off summer with two bands from Los Angeles sharing the spotlight at Silver Moon. Vinyl Williams has been creating what he calls celestial pop sounds and a universe of 3D futuristic dream worlds since 2007. He’s releasing the band’s 10th full length album, “Star Harmony,” on May 15, eight days before their Bend performance.
HOTT MT, which stands for Hour Of The Time Majesty Twelve, is an experimental pop group. Duo Nick (Spooky) Logie and Ash (Ashi) Allard create what they describe as an introspective psychedelic fantasy awash in fuzz guitar, new age synth and ethereal vocals taking listeners to a beautiful place and leaving them there. The duo, which has been together since 2012, is releasing its fifth full length album, titled “Haunted House,” on May 13.
Sun Dive formed last summer and includes Erin and Bruce Cole-Baker, Tyson Vandenbroucke and Dan Paggi. Erin Cole-Baker describes their sound as dreamo indie-rock with layered guitars infused with elements of psych,
slowcore and ambient synths. They met Vinyl Williams at a Portland studio a few years ago and the idea began forming then to bring his sound out of LA to Bend. VW has previously partnered with HOTT MT and often tours with them.
Sun Dive will open the evening on Saturday, May 23, followed by HOTT MT with Vinyl Williams headlining, with a very visual performance. “Vinyl has synesthesia and uses his skills to cleverly craft virtual realities that compliment his acid-washed, angelic soundscapes,” Cole-Baker says. “The result is being taken into his harmonious world of lush psychedelic celestial pop with swirls, patterns and colors.”
At right, Vinyl Williams is an LA band releasing its 10th album. Below, HOTT MT creates a psychedelic fantasy awash in fuzz guitar. Bottom left, Sun Dive started performing together last summer.
Vinyl Williams
HOTT MT
Erin Cole-Baker
Just 10 minutes from Downtown Bend!
Are You’re Protected? The Cybersecurity Reality Check Free cybersecurity seminar for business leaders in Bend. Learn where IT support, cyber insurance, and compliance fall short, and uncover hidden risks your organization may face. April 30, 3:30-6pm. Bledsoe Family Winery, 550 SW Industrial Way, Bend. Free.
Backcountry Brew The Backcountry Brew is a monthly meetup to talk hunting, fishing, cooking, conservation, and everything else that goes with the hunting-angling-outdoors lifestyle. We’re all-around outdoorspeople happy to answer questions and share advice to help you get out and procure your own wild-caught food. First Saturday of every month. The Commons Cafe & Taproom, 875 NW Brooks St., Bend. Free. Bend Chess and Go Club Casual gathering for players of Chess and Go/Baduk/Weiqi. Informal and welcoming to players of all skill levels. We love teaching new people! Thursdays, 6-9pm. Crux Fermentation Project, 50 SW Division St., Bend. Contact: 425-354-8867. leifawiebe@ gmail.com. Free.
BUGS (Bend Ukulele Group) Weekly ukulele jam, open to all levels. Jam and sing along. Free for first timers. Play and sing along with old song favorites and experience the fun of playing this amazing little instrument. Tuesdays, 6-8pm. Pickleball Zone, 63040 NE 18th St., Bend. Contact: 206-707-6337. sherilfoster@yahoo. com. $5.00.
Deschutes County Commission
Candidate Forum with Partners for Affordable Housing This event is keeping the housing crisis front and center in Central Oregon this election cycle! This is a high-visibility opportunity for candidates to articulate policy positions and ideas for addressing Oregon’s top challenges: low housing production and high housing costs. April 30, 5-7pm. Open Space Event Studios, 220 NE Lafayette Ave, Bend. Contact: info@partnersforaffordablehousing. com. Free.
EVENTS
+ MARKETS
CityFest at First Friday: Brought to you by the City of Bend The City of Bend and Mayor Melanie Kebler host this event at CityFest at First Friday. Hear a brief State of the City address, connect with staff, explore Scalehouse Gallery and Tin Pan Theater. May 1, 5-7pm. Lift Fitness Studio, 541 NW Franklin Ave, Bend. Free. Elevation Bend Grand Unveiling + Elevation Farmers Market Launch This is the Grand Unveiling of Elevation Bend (formerly Bend Factory Stores) and the launch of Elevation Farmers Market. Enjoy live music, local vendors, food trucks and more! May 1, 3-7pm. Elevation Bend, 61334 S U.S. Highway 97, Bend. Free.
Free Cat Microchip and Wellness Clinic Microchips bring pets home, now is the time to get cats microchipped if they haven’t been already. This will be a walk-in appointment so come by the HSCO Animal Shelter before 4PM! May 1, 8:30am-4pm. Humane Society of Central Oregon, 61170 SE 27th St., Bend. Contact: vetoutreach@hsco.org. Free.
Fresh Finds Market at Juniper Preserve Celebrate spring at Juniper Preserve with fresh produce, local makers, and adoptable pups at the Fresh Finds Market—a farmers market in Central Oregon benefitting Street Dog Hero. Browse 25+ local vendors featuring seasonal produce, artisan goods, and handcrafted finds, then refuel with tasty treats and eats while the whole family. May 3, 11am-4pm. Juniper Preserve, 65600 Pronghorn Club Dr., Bend. Contact: 541-693-5388. info@juniperpreserve.com. Free.
FAMILY + KIDS
Admission Event: 6th Grade Information Session & School Day Tour
Prospective parents/guardians and students are invited to learn more about Cascades Academy’s Middle School and see the school day in action. Hear from school leaders and current students about their 6th-grade experience, explore classrooms and learning spaces on a guided campus tour. May 1, 8:30-10:30am. Cascades Academy, 19860 Tumalo Reservoir Rd., Bend. Contact: 541-382-0699. admission@cascadesacademy. org. Free.
Animal-Mask Making for Teens Time to tap into your wild side! Using an adjustable ball cap the group will build, sculpt, and bring to life your favorite animal, real or imagined with simple everyday materials. Ages 13-18. Wednesdays, 5-6:30pm. Through May 13. The Open Arts Center, 999 NE 2nd St, Bend, OR 97701, Bend. Contact: 978-771-4635. claire@theopenartscenter.org. $100.
Art Play Toddlers and preschoolers dive into process-based art through sensory stations, open-ended exploration, and hands-on creative play. With rotating themes and art stations each week, children develop independence, enhance fine motor skills and more. Thursdays-Fridays, 10-11am. Through June 12. Two Suns Art Studio + MakerSpace, 70 SW Century Drive, Bend. Contact: 541-892-6471. Briony@twosunsartstudio. com. $21.
Baby Ninja 6-Week Series Classes include exploration through soft-obstacle Ninja Warrior courses to develop coordination and balance skills. Plus yoga fun, songs, parachute play and bubbles! For ages 10 - 24 months old Mondays, 9:30-10:15am, Tuesdays, 9-9:45am and Wednesdays, 10:30-11:15am. Through May 13. Free Spirit Yoga + Ninja + Play, 320 SW Powerhouse Drive, Suite 150, Bend. Contact: 541-241-3919. info@freespiritbend.com. $134.
Balloons with Tyler at Initiative in Redmond! Things get a little weird—in the best way. A balloon artist creates full-blown masterpieces right at visitors’ tables: dragons, aliens, and things you didn’t know could exist. Technically for kids, but adults get just as into it. It’s completely free—tips encouraged once visitors see what’s possible with balloons. Wednesdays, 5:30-7:30pm. Initiative Brewing - The Hub, 424 NW Fifth St., Redmond. Contact: 541-527-4380. followtherabbit@initiativebrew.com. Free. Bend-La Pine Schools Life & Career Readiness Night BLS families are invited to peek into the future and visit with high education representatives and regional employers in the private and public sectors. April 30, 5-7pm. Caldera High School, 60925 15th Street, Bend. Contact: 541-355-1000. lcr@bend.k12.or.us. Free.
Dynos Climbing Club Dynos Climb Club is designed for youth climbers a little climbing experience who are looking for a fun and educational climbing program. Classes are all in BEA’s youth specific bouldering facility. This is for grades first through fifth. Saturdays, 10-11:30am. Through June 6. Bend Endurance Acaddmy, 222 Southeast Reed Market Road, Bend. $268.
Family Art Play This is a special, family edition of our most popular class, Art Play! An open-exploration art and sensory experience designed for ages 9 months-6 years, with older siblings and high sensory seekers always welcome. Sibling discounts available at checkout. Dress for mess! Wednesdays, 4-5pm. Through June 10. Two Suns Art Studio + MakerSpace, 70 SW Century Drive, Bend. Contact: (541) 8926471. Briony@twosunsartstudio.com. $21.
EVENTS + MARKETS
Come to the Rooftop at SCP Redmond Gather under the high desert skies to celebrate the return of rooftop season! The Rooftop features panoramic views and a seasonal menu with locally sourced ingredients that capture the essence of spring. Thursdays-Saturdays, 4-9pm. SCP Redmond Hotel, 521 Southwest 6th Street, Redmond. Prices vary.
Moonlight Dinner Series An unforgettable fusion of high-altitude adventure and refined Cascadian cuisine. The Moonlight Dinner Series at Pine Marten Lodge offers a rare opportunity to experience Mt. Bachelor after dark, suspended between the stars and the snow. May 1, 4-8pm. Mt. Bachelor, 13000 Century Drive, Bend. Prices vary.
BEER + DRINK
Big Brew Day by Central Oregon Homebrewers Organization (COHO)
The Central Oregon Homebrewers Organization are hosting Big Brew Day in the patio next to Title Nine. Come learn about homebrewing and sample home brewed beer, cider and mead. There will be a live demo of homebrewing. 21+ only. May 2, 10:30am-4pm. Title Nine, 812 NW Wall Street, Bend. Contact: officers@cohomebrewers. org. Free.
Spring Walk-Around Wine Tasting
Complimentary tasting event featuring 3 local distributors pouring more than 30 different wines from all over the globe. Discounts on purchases of showcased wines - time to stock up for the summer! No reservations required. May 6, 4:30-7pm. Viaggio Wine Merchant, 210 SW Century Dr., Bend. Contact: 541-299-5060. info@ viaggiowine.com. Free.
HEALTH + WELLNESS
A Mentorship in Energetic Protection and Plant Wisdom This is an event for those feeling stretched mentally, emotionally, and energetically. This gathering is designed as a mentorship-style experience with practical tools to help, strengthen energetic boundaries, regulate the nervous system and more. April 30, 6:30-8:30pm. Pine & Prism Wellness Collective, 856 NW Bond St., Suite 202, Bend. Contact: hello@sarahnoble.com. $111.
Access Bars and Body Process Gifting and Receiving Did you know your body’s first language is energy? Group trade of Access Bars and Body Processes is a great way to connect with others in the area and receive! If you have taken a Bars or Body Process class, join! What’s possible if we receive bodywork regularly? Everything! First Tuesday of every month, 5-7pm. The Blissful Heart Hidden Garden, 105 NW Greeley Ave, Bend. Contact: 541-848-7608. jenniferevemorey@gmail.com. Free.
Belly Dance Classes, all levels welcome Expand your movement language by learning a variety of Belly Dance styles + build strength, grace, confidence, & community. Classes include a great workout, yoga, professional technique, functional fitness approach for alignment, longevity, & safety in movement and body. Performance opportunities for those who desire Mondays, 5-6:15pm. Private Studio, ., Bend. Contact: https://www.templetribalfusion.com/contact/. $20.
Bend Beer Chase Up to 6 person, 57-mile relay adventure through scenic trails and backroads. Teams complete 12 legs before finishing in costumes where they began at Drake Park, celebrating with a beer festival. Along the way, brewery exchange points add local flavor, culminating in a festive finish with craft beer and team May 2, 7-Midnight. Drake Park, 777 NW Riverside Blvd., Bend. Contact: 514-350-4635. info@ cascaderelays.com. $330.
Concussion Support Group Hoping to learn more strategies and gain support on concussion/TBI recovery? Connect with others who have experienced concussion, practice strategies, and learn from other related professionals on a variety of topics related to concussion recovery. First Tuesday of every month, 4-5pm. Sagebrush Speech Therapy, 604 NW Harriman St., Bend. Contact: info@sagebrushspeech.com. Free.
Deepening, A Conscious Dance Workshop Deepening is an invitation into richer connection—within oneself, with others, and as a living, breathing community on the dance floor. May 2, Noon-4pm. Continuum, A School of Shadow Yoga, 155 SW Century Drive, Suite 112, Bend. Contact: 541-948-7015. soulinmotionbend@ gmail.com. $100.
EcoNidra: Where Yoga Nidra Meets Nature Connection EcoNidra is a restorative, meditation-like rest practice that guides people back into connection with themselves and with the earth. It is a blend of yoga nidra and forest bathing that helps people sleep better, restore profound peace and rejuvenation to the body, and cultivate a deeper level of nature connectedness. Thu, April 30, 7-8pm, Thu, May 14, 7-8pm and Thu, May 28, 7-8pm. Namaspa Yoga Studio, 1135 NW Galveston Ave., Bend. Contact: indy@ rootedpresence.com. $22.
Embodied Self-Awareness: For Connection, Power and Inner Peace This event is a transformational journey to understand one’s inner landscape, regulate the nervous system and reconnect to one’s inner guidance. When a person is centered and connected, life changes. Decisions become clearer, relationships feel more aligned, people begin to trust themselves. They start to move from reaction to making conscious choices. This is an experience of coming home to oneself. Tuesdays, 1-3 and 6-8pm. Through May 12. Unity Community of Central Oregon, 63645 Scenic Drive, Bend. Contact: 503-680-5810. bethweltonmiller@gmail. com. $80/$120 for non-members.
The Rooftop at SCP Redmond reopens for the season. Views and a delicious seasonal menu will be available on Thursdays and Saturdays from 4-9pm.
SCP Redmond
JOIN US FOR Cinco de Mayo
$5 Modelo, Corona and Pacifico’s on May 5th TALL BOY TUESDAYS ALL
CHOW C Sisters Coffee Co.
Continues Expanding
New menu items are offered at its Jackstraw
By Nic Moye
Sisters Coffee Company has opened its newest location at the Jackstraw residential complex off SW Industrial Way. The bright, cheerful spot has a variety of seating options with a wall of windows along the front, part of which can open up like a garage door in warmer months, looking out at the Box Factory.
The drink menu includes its lineup of freshly roasted coffees and espresso drinks, including a flight trio. “The new Jackstraw location will offer new breakfast and brunch items, more seating for our guests, and a diverse selection of fresh coffees from our global producers,” Chief Development Officer Jared Durham told the Source. Food items include breakfast sandwiches, burritos, breakfast plates, bagels, pastries and seasonal specials like a turkey sub sando, brioche waffle and bean mash toast.
The coffee shop opened Thursday, April 23, and is the company’s fourth location, joining the original Sisters location, another Bend spot at the Old Mill District and one in Portland’s Pearl District.
Sisters Coffee is a multi-generational business starting from humble beginnings in 1989 when Joy and Winfield Durham began roasting beans with a five-pound roaster in a small wooden cabin that was originally a feed store. Their three adult children, Jared, Justin and Jesse Durham, now run the business. With the locations expanding, Jared says the company is also seeing strong growth in its e-commerce and wholesale business.
While the coffee shop is now open, a special grand opening celebration will be held on Friday, May 22, with music and free appetizers. Every drink purchase that day will receive a free 12-ounce bag of coffee while supplies last.
Sisters Coffee Co.
Every day 6am-5pm Food served until 3pm Jackstraw
310 SW Industrial Way Suite #110 sisterscoffee.com/pages/jackstraw-cafe
location
LITTLE BITES
By Nic Moye
Bend Breweries Shine in the World Beer Cup
Eight local breweries take home top prizes
Bend Brewing Company won Gold at the World Beer Cup in the Juicy/Hazy IPA category for its “Because Science Hazy IPA.” The category had 274 entries, one of the largest in the competition which was held in Philadelphia April 22. BBC co-owner Packy Deenihan said in a news release, “The ‘Juicy or Hazy IPA’ category is one of the most competitive in the world right now, and to come out on top against such a deep field is a testament to the hard work and passion of our brewing team.”
BBC Head Brewer Sean Albrecht said, “In a field that competitive, you can’t rely on luck—it’s all about the science and the precision behind the pour.”
Other breweries also medaled. Monkless Belgian Ales won silver for “Pour Pour Pitiful Me” in the Belgian-Style Quadrupel category. UPP Liquids took home a pair of silvers for “Reduction Ratio” in the British-Style imperial stout category and “UPP Yours” in the Field beer category. Terranaut Beer won silver for “Karo Ya Maro” in the experimental beer category. Sunriver Brewing Company won silver for “Stomp” in the international pale ale category and bronze for “Cocoa Cow” in chocolate beer.
Boneyard Beer won bronze for its “Diablo Rojo” in the American-style amber/red ale category. Worthy Brewing won two bronze medals for “Famous Fanny” and “Before the Break” in the English-style pale and brown ale categories. Deschutes Brewery won bronze for “Kirkland Signature Helles Lager” in the Munich-style Helles category.
Hannah Smith
Nic Moye
NicMoye
The new Sisters Coffee location is bright and cheery with a wall of windows letting in outdoor light. The Jackstraw location is adjacent to the Box Factory.
C CULTURE
Skyliners Art Sale
Local artists. Pottery, wood, glass, jewelry, prints, fiber arts. Boutique style, just in time for Mothers Day and Graduation. Watch for signs.Skyliners Holiday Art Sale. 9am-6pm. Free.
Kids: Flower Multimedia for Mom
Perfect for 8 to 12 year olds. Kids will love this multimedia class combining painting and synthetic flowers. A Mother's Day gift to treasure forever. Bend Tea and Art Lounge. 10:4511:15am. $30.
Kids: Flower Multimedia for Mom (younger)
Perfect for 5 to 10 year olds. Kids will love this multimedia class combining painting and synthetic flowers. A Mother Day gift to treasure forever. Bend Tea and Art Lounge. 9:30-10:15am. $30.
Spring Arts and Crafts Show
An annual event in its second year at the masonic Lodge in Redmond. Two large rooms have space for 33 vendors selling their one of a kind handcrafted gift ideas just in time for Mother's Day! Redmond Masonic Lodge. Sat. 2nd and Sun. 3rd. 10am-4pm. Free.
Mother's Day Makers Market
Mother's Day Makers Market is coming! Shop a unique selection of handmade gifts - perfect for celebrating the moms in one's life. Enjoy a relaxed afternoon sipping on craft beverages and browsing local makers. Music by Carson Hackbart. Upp Liquids. 3-7pm. Free.
Petals & Texture: A Mother’s Day Floral Experience
This is an event in preparation for Mother’s Day with Tracy Curtis of Woodland and Floral in a hands on workshop exploring texture, color, and seasonal blooms. Create a unique arrangement in a decorative vase and gain skills to design confidently at home. Ages 12+. Six person minimum. Registration closes 48 hours before class. FREAK'N ART. 11am-1pm. $75.
Mother's Day Tea
Partners In Care hosts this elegant Mother’s Day Tea on Sunday. It will be an afternoon filled with teas, treats, and heartfelt celebration! Tetherow Resort. 2-4pm. $50.
Mother's Day Events Treat your Mama this Mother's Day!
Paint Your Pet - Mother's Edition
Thursday before Mother's Day participants will enjoy painting a pre-stenciled version of their pet! Pre-registration will close 3 days before the class to allow for all beautiful hand drawn fur babies to be ready! SCP Redmond Hotel. 5-7pm. $45.
Charcuterie Pottery Workshop for Mother's Day at Bledsoe Family Winery
Create a handcrafted ceramic charcuterie board in this relaxed, beginner-friendly workshop. Enjoy a glass of wine and light snacks as you create. All materials included. Bledsoe Family Winery. 11am-1:30pm. $160.
Treat Yo' Mama!
8th annual pre-Mother's Day extravaganza. Shopping with local vendors Noon5pm, Live Music by Mark Creech 2pm4pm, Free Rosé Wine Tasting 3-5pm. Bring Mom, bring the sister, bring friends! River's Place. Noon-5pm. Free.
Spring Encountering: Rebirth
Scalehouse hosts an immersive encountering in time for Mother's Day, exploring themes of Spring: hope, renewal, and rebirth. Guided, embodied practice exploring the space through the senses, in conversation with the exhibtion. Scalehouse Collaborative for the Arts. 11:30am-1pm. $30.
Mother's Day Wellness
Experience: Temple of the Mother
Honor the spirit of Mother’s Day with an evening devoted to rest, care, and quiet restoration. This nurturing experience invites one to soften into the body through guided meditation, breathwork, sound, and slow, mindful movement Juniper Preserve. 6-7:30pm. $65.
Mother's Day Jewelry Workshop
Celebrate Mom this Mother’s Day with a fun, hands-on jewelry-making class! Participants will learn the soldering skills while making 3 beautiful sterling silver rings or a heartfelt heart necklace. DIY Cave. 10am-Noon. $129.
Mother's Day Meditation: The Heart of the Mother
This heart-centered meditation honoring mother figures in our own lives. This session creates a sentimental sanctuary to celebrate the universal essence of unconditional love and nurturing. Juniper Preserve. Noon-1:30pm. $25
Mother's Day Flower Bar
Mother's day celebration is in full bloom at The Grove—sip, snip, and create your own gorgeous bouquet together at our Mother’s Day Flower Bar. Fun for all ages. No reservation required. The Grove. 10am-2pm. Prices vary.
Moms! Makers! Mimosas!
Mimosa's, Sparkling Wine, & Mocktails with Brunch @ Cafe des Chutes DJ Case BatemanAnd Pop-Ups- Tumbleweed Finds at The Workhouse and Dora's Closet at Mud Lake Studios Plus Handmade Goods from Iron Works Studio Artists. Café des Chutes. 10am-2pm. Free.
Monoprints with Mom!
Celebrate Mother’s Day with a creative bonding class using gelli plates. Learn vibrant monoprint techniques, experiment with color and texture, and take home unique keepsakes. All materials and snacks included. $100 for two, $50 per extra person. Ages 7+. FREAK'N ART. 2-4pm. $100.
Mother's Day Brunch
Mother's Day Brunch is set up to be a food and wine pairing experience. Award winning Top Chef Alex Martin and his Sous Chef, Alejandra, worked with a winemaker to create a multifaceted sensation for one's palate. Limited seating. Maragas Winery. 11:30am5pm. $30-$55.
Mother's Day Brunch at FivePine
Treat Mom to a lavish brunch featuring local provisions and complimentary mimosa. Extend the celebration by spending the night in a suite or luxury cabin for $129 + tax (Sunday, May 10th only) when you purchase brunch for two! FivePine Lodge Event Center. 10:30am-Noon. $69.
Mother’s Day Brunch at Amaterra Kitchen + Social Club
Amaterra Kitchen + Social Club hosts its first brunch service on Mother's Day! An assortment of sweet and savory goodies will be available alongside awardwinning wines and delicious seasonal brunch cocktails. Amaterra Kitchen + Social Club. 10am-4pm. Prices vary.
Mother’s Day Dinner with Chef Adrien
A very special 10-course Mother’s Day Dinner. Reservations now open for an exquisite culinary journey with Bend native Adrien Calmels who returns from stints at several Michelin-starred restaurants to celebrate hyper-seasonal, elevated dining in his hometown. Contact info@viaggiowine.com. Viaggio Wine Merchant. 5-8pm. $150.
Mothers Day Brunch at Juniper Preserve
This is a celebration of Mother’s Day at Iris Restaurant with a warm, elevated brunch that brings everyone to the table. Set within the serene beauty of Juniper Preserve, this family-style experience invites one to slow down and savor a thoughtfully curated menu, shared among loved ones. Juniper Preserve. 10am-2pm. $35-$99.
CHARCUTERIE WORKSHOP
BRUNCH AT FIVEPINE LODGE
FLOWER BAR
MAKERS AND MIMOSAS
Cindy Chan
Ecaterina Tanase
Daniel
Five Pine Lodge
C CULTURE
The World’s Best Mom
Students share what it takes to be the “Best Mom in the World” for Mother’s Day
By Phoebe Young
Each year, Mother’s Day reminds us how lucky we are for the mothers in our lives. Their support, strength, and love help us through the tough days and further brighten the best ones. But what does it take to be the World’s Best Mom? I spoke with three Lava Ridge Elementary students and their mothers to find out.
Mari Powell, 11, describes her mom, Kina Powell, as funny, brave, outgoing, kind, and the best at cooking. “She inspires me by being able to try new things a lot,” Mari says. “She likes to just stick her head in and try something new.” Mari tells me her mom loves to smile and chat, “even when she’s talking to a random stranger she met on the road.” Maybe most importantly, Mari says that her mom is someone “[Mari] can talk to when [she’s] sad or feeling big emotions.”
Kina herself very modestly tells me that “those are very high compliments and [she] can only hope to live up to those.” She says, “Mari is magical…free, and creative,” and the adults in Mari’s life often say they “want to be Mari when [they] grow up.” Although Kina feels that the majority of Mari’s words are “high praise,” they agree fully on the latter statement. “I always want Mari to feel like there’s no conversation too hard to have and there’s no emotion too big that you’d ever have to sit alone with it,” Kina says. “I want her to feel validated in how she feels and we can work through the rest of it together.” I believe Kina is right about her daughter being magical, but find it likely that Kina inspires more of that magic than she gives herself credit for.
Landon Bell, 8, tells me his mom, Megan Bell, is pretty awesome, too. Megan is not only Landon’s mom, but also gave birth to two other babies as a surrogate. Landon says his mom is super smart, makes him calm when he’s sad, supports him at his baseball games, and makes him laugh. She’s the best at “wanting to cook” and makes the best cheeseburgers and hot dogs, he adds.
Besides “everything,” Landon says his mom specifically inspires him to be better at “engineering, ‘cause [he] want[s] to be an engineer!” Megan tells me this has been a lifetime dream of Landon’s that she is incredibly supportive of. “He knows we’ll always show up for him,” she says. “Whatever it is he wants to do or whoever he wants to be, there’s not really any limitation… because we want him to be authentic and true to himself.”
On top of her support, Landon loves that his mom gets “cray-cray” with him. “She does not like clutter, but she loves going CRAY-CRAY!” Landon says. “Oh, yeah, of course,” Megan adds, “[we have] dance parties, play air guitar, listen to music really loud in the car.” With Megan’s unconditional encouragement and fun-loving attitude, it’s no surprise that Landon has big dreams for his future, knowing that his mom will be there for him through it all.
Hadley Barrett, 11, has a super supportive mom as well. She says her mom, Allison, is “one of [Hadley’s] best friends, she’s a good hugger, and she’s always there when [Hadley] need[s] help.” One of Hadley’s favorite memories is a trip she recently took with her mom to a dance competition. “It was just us two, and we had a lot of fun.”
Allison tells me she loved the trip as well, saying, “The most rewarding thing as a parent is seeing your kid do what they love, and [Hadley’s] is shining on stage.” Allison says that her “world revolves around her kids,” and that her goal in life is to “foster kind humans.”
Having met one of her two wonderful daughters, I can confirm that she’s already doing a phenomenal job.
It seems there are many extraordinary qualities that go into being a great mother. But my main question for the children was simple - who is The World’s Best Mom? The answers were unanimous; “My mom!” “My mom is!” “The best mom in the world is my mom!”
Photos by Phoebe Young
Hadley and Allison Barett Kina and Mari Powell Landon and Megan Bell
SUMMER PHOTO CONTEST
THURSDAY MAY 21
THURSDAY JUNE 4
THURSDAY MAY 28
THURSDAY JUNE 18
THURSDAY JUNE 25
THURSDAY JUNE 11
SC SCREEN
Everyone who goes to the movies is after something different. Relaxation, stimulation, escapism—all are valid. That’s why it’s hard for me to reconcile exactly who “Michael,” the Michael Jackson musical biopic, is meant for and if its existence is healthy for culture and society at large.
The film ends in 1988, at the height of the “Bad” era, which seems disingenuous at best and wildly offensive at worst. Ending before Neverland Ranch, before the child sexual abuse allegations, before the tumultuous tabloid shenanigans cynically makes sense to me, I suppose, based on a conversation I heard in the lobby of the theater after the film. Two older women were discussing the film when one of them said, “Well, I was surprised the film ended when it did,” and her friend responded, “Well, I’m glad it did because most people just want to remember his genius.”
I could write ten thousand words about American culture’s moral relativism and whether “separating the art from the artist” is healthy or hypocritical, but, ultimately, my opinion doesn’t matter: if you want to go to the movies and watch the greatest MJ impersonator in HIStory dance to a jukebox musical of hits, then “Michael” is for you.
However, if you want a film that reconciles genius with a tarnished legacy, avoid “Michael” like the watered-down, sanitized hagiography it is. Judged as a movie, it’s abysmal, even as director Antoine Fuqua tries his best to instill every song, every dance move, with high kinetic energy; even though Jafar Jackson (a son of Jermaine) uncannily channeling his Uncle, what you’re still left with is a movie so creatively bankrupt that it feels less like a movie and more like a piece of propaganda designed to sell Michael Jackson records. With the Jackson estate acting as producers, that’s exactly what it is.
I don’t know what MJ did or didn’t do. I do know that the documentary, “Leaving Neverland,” offers more insight in five minutes than “Michael” does in over two hours. With Wade Robson and James Safechuck’s $400 million lawsuit heading to trial in November, perhaps Fuqua and team are waiting to see how the dust settles before a sequel covers dangerous ground.
If they believed in the story enough, “Michael” could have been a bold pushback from his estate against the allegations and the tabloid narrative of his later years. Instead, we’re left with a hollow, homogenized script by John Logan that strands the excellent Colman Domingo (doing his best to play family patriarch Joe Jackson) with soft-boiled clichés like “Everything I’ve ever done has been for this family.” The film fails the primary test a biopic must pass to justify its own existence: it must reveal the artist, even if just a little, for the audience. Jackson remains an enigma because we never understand his thought processes. Scenes with Jackson playing Twister with Bubbles the Monkey, or learning how to C Walk, feel like future highlights from a parody like “Scary Movie 6,” built for laughter, not drama.
“Michael” has already made millions and will most likely make hundreds of millions more, so my plea comes too late, but instead of seeing it this weekend, check out two recently released independent films that actually deconstruct the price of fame.
First is “The Christophers,” a deliciously dry dramedy directed by the great Steven Soderbergh, who, after this and last year’s electric “Black Bag,” is having a lovely career renaissance, making emotionally complex,
I
Tell You Once Again,
It’s Bad Michael, Michaela and McKellen — together for the first time
By Jared Rasic
dialogue-driven chamber pieces. Starring a flawless Ian McKellen as a faded painter and an otherworldly Michaela Coel as a broke art forger hired by his greedy children, it’s a lovely film with a sumptuously written script by Ed Solomon. (John Logan should pick Solomon’s brain about how to reveal the soul of an artist).
“The Christophers” is so moving and life-affirming that it had the entire audience spontaneously burst into applause during the credits. McKellen and Coel are so nuanced and effortless together that watching them discuss art is more exhilarating than watching Jafar Jackson moonwalk his way across the screen.
Or, for those who want something a little more existentially ambiguous, there’s “Mother Mary,” a new, visually stunning, hyper-specific, messy vision from filmmaker David Lowery (the singular mind behind “A Ghost Story” and “The Green Knight”). A never-better Anne Hathaway plays Mother Mary, a globally famous popstar, who, just days before a comeback performance meant to put her back on top again, rushes off to the English countryside to beg her old costume designer, Sam (Coel again, frighteningly luminous and having a legendary 2026), to make her the “perfect” dress.
Set almost entirely in Sam’s atelier as we bear witness to the two women reconciling their damaged friendship, the ghosts of their collective traumas and the sometimes inaccessible catharsis of artistic creation. It’s a complexly simple film that most will find obtuse and bizarre, but it’s mostly a darkly revelatory unpacking of female friendship. “Mother Mary” is the definition of “not-for-everyone,” but for those who want to be challenged and shown something beautiful, it’s a truly singular experience.
Both films deconstruct fame and artistry in ways that “Michael” ignores. “Michael” avoids every uncomfortable question the world has been asking for thirty years. It’s a possible “Part One” that feels like a defensive crouch disguised as a victory lap. It’s handsome, it’s loud, and it’s a total coward. People will love it.
“Michael”
Dir. Antoine Fuqua
Grade: F+
Now Playing
“The Christophers”
Dir. Steven Soderbergh Grade: B+
Now Playing
“Mother Mary”
Dir. David Lowery
Grade: B
Now Playing
Lionsgate
Artists at work in “The Christophers.”
Coel vs. Hathaway in “Mother Mary.”
Moonwalking his way through history in “Michael.”
O OUTSIDE What We Risk Losing
The McDermitt Caldera offers ecological refuge for an extraordinary range of life
By Mateo Reynaud
To witness the McDermitt Caldera is to be moved. Supported by the east-flowing McDermitt Creek, sloping hills of sagebrush cradle native wildflowers and bunchgrasses. In spring, paintbrush awakens in crimson bursts alongside winks of purple lava aster. Bitterroot emerges, first in succulent leaves, then in white flowers nestled close to the ground. In blooms of yellow, hawksbeard unfurls.
Framed by the Oregon Canyon Mountains to the north and the Trout Creek Mountains to the west, the McDermitt Caldera is located in southeastern Oregon at the Nevada-Oregon border. A diversity of species roam these public lands, representing a remarkable biodiversity, and this area is vital to their existence. The McDermitt Caldera is one of the most important expanses of intact sagebrush steppe—a widespread yet fragile ecosystem characterized by abundant sagebrush—in Oregon’s high desert, making the caldera critical habitat for sagebrush-dependent species.
Additionally, the McDermitt Caldera lies within ancestral homelands of many Indigenous people, including the Burns Paiute Tribe, Fort McDermitt Paiute and Shoshone Tribes, the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes of the Duck Valley Indian Reservation, the Shoshone and Bannock tribes, and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. Not only is the area a site of great environmental importance, but it is also necessary for Tribal livelihoods and as a cultural resource. Fort McDermitt tribal descendants and others have since come together to form People of Red Mountain, a group focused on protecting these ancestral homelands and upholding their cultural values and traditions.
Essential Habitat
One of the several species that rely on healthy sagebrush ecosystems is the greater sage-grouse. Here in the McDermitt Caldera, greater sage-grouse are known to dance. Each spring, flaunting their tail feathers, male sage-grouse gather at dawn on sagebrush clearings used as mating arenas, known as leks. In a sort of choreography, they “display” to entice visiting females. With devotion, they return each day for weeks on end while female sage-grouse watch for the one. The area surrounding and including the McDermitt Caldera supports nearly 100 known leks, confirming the importance of this vast, healthy expanse of rolling sagebrush steppe to sage-grouse mating patterns.
Like greater sage-grouse, pronghorn also have distinctive seasonal patterns that rely on large expanses of undisturbed public lands like those found in the McDermitt Caldera. The fastest mammal in North America, pronghorn, are high desert spectacle; running at speeds close to 60mph, having evolved to outrun the now-extinct American cheetah. Accustomed to traveling long distances, pronghorn migrate across the high desert annually between winter and summer ranges, sometimes roaming more than 100 miles to find available food sources. Much of their range crosses through the McDermitt Caldera, where they rely on bunchgrasses and wildflowers in the summer. Similarly, pygmy rabbit, North America’s smallest rabbit species, directly depends on sagebrush as both a food source and as shelter, preferring to dig their burrows at the base of sagebrush shrubs.
In McDermitt Creek, Lahontan cutthroat trout find cool, clean refuge. Only 10% of Lahontan cutthroat trout’s original habitat range remains today, and with not many suitable habitats remaining for this species in the semi-arid Great Basin, the McDermitt Caldera is crucial to their survival. In fact, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has said this population is necessary to ensure recovery of the species.
Other incredible species that can be found at the McDermitt Caldera include sagebrush lizard, golden eagle, and mule deer, among many others.
When further examining the fish and wildlife that call the McDermitt Caldera home, the landscape’s significance as a refugium comes into focus.
Greater sage-grouse have suffered an 80% decline range-wide since 1965 due to habitat loss. Decades of conservation efforts have been made to recover pronghorn populations, and they continue to require attention now and into
by
the future. The pygmy rabbit has recently been petitioned for protection under the federal Endangered Species Act, and Lahontan cutthroat trout are listed as a federally “threatened,” both due to habitat loss in this region.
Disturbances to the habitats that support these species could intensify the precarity of their existence.
A Threatened Landscape
Now, all of this is at risk. On Dec. 8, 2025, the federal government approved the McDermitt Exploration Project, an industrialized mining exploration plan that would permanently degrade nearly 7,200 acres of high desert public lands on the Oregon side of the caldera. The plan allows Jindalee Lithium, a transnational corporation based in Australia, to drill 168 holes, build 21.5 miles of new roads and pump 18,000 gallons of
groundwater daily, paving the way for the largest mine in Oregon.
These actions would devastate vital habitats that support imperiled species such as greater sage-grouse, pronghorn, pygmy rabbit and Lahontan cutthroat trout. Even conducting mineral exploration has a lasting impact; exploratory drilling disrupts species and removes native vegetation, especially sagebrush—which can take half a century or longer in the best conditions to recover. The mining corporation still needs to obtain permits from Oregon state agencies before any drilling can move forward, so Oregon Natural Desert Association is calling on state agencies to exercise their authority to enforce Oregon’s strict environmental resource protections. Look out for a call to action from the organization coming on April 14 and sign on to its petition pressing these agencies to prioritize the longterm ecological health of this remarkable landscape.
At the McDermitt Caldera, a breathtaking host of wildlife depends on intact habitat to survive, while a number of native communities still use these sacred lands to uphold traditional practices. It poses the question: Is this really where we would like to see exploration for industrialized mining? Are we aware of what we risk losing?
—Mateo Reynaud is an ONDA volunteer and former ONDA intern. He recently graduated from the University of Oregon with a BA in Indigenous, Race and Ethnic Studies and Creative Writing.
Industrialized mining exploration would devastate the vital habitats that support imperiled species.
The McDermitt Caldera area features hills of sagebrush, wildflowers and bunchgrasses.
Photos
John Aylward
By Nic Moye
The Hot Mess Fest Celebrates Aging Women
It’s an evening centered around an often-taboo
topic
The Hot Mess Fest is a Ladies Night like no other! It’s the brainchild of Courtney Stevens, owner of Craft Kitchen and Brewery and the restaurant’s manager, Samantha Moore, who says there aren’t many evenings focused on what women experience later in life. “Puberty gets plenty of attention,” Moore told the Source, “but perimenopause, menopause and post-menopause are a whole different story.”
The evening is for women only, ages 18 and up. The goal is to create something relaxed, educational and fun. “There’s so much about women’s health that isn’t common knowledge,” Moore says.
It’s described as a celebration of womanhood, wisdom and the wild ride of perimenopause, menopause, and beyond. Hot Mess Fest is a one-of-akind Women’s Day event created for women, by women.
“We wanted women to be able to get out of the house, meet others who may be going through similar changes and have a few hours where they don’t have to cater to anyone else,” Stevens explained. “We also wanted to create a safe, open space where personal — sometimes embarrassing — questions feel OK to ask.”
Stevens will emcee the evening sharing sometimes humorous, personal stories. Moore says those stories helped spark the idea for the event. Guest speakers include Heidi Grant-Starr of Society North, Dr. Brittany Estuesta of Aspire Physical Therapy, Dr. Jade Carboy of Alpenaura Holistic Health and Dr. Jourdan Carboy of Alpenaura Plastic Surgery. There will also be a lineup of all female comedians from Bend and Portland, including Amanda Lynn Deal, Jasmine Rogers, Courtney Stevens, Jodi
Compton, Kim Pitts, Laura B. Wright, Christine Keefer, and Elaine Johnson.
There will also be a variety of vendors including Adam & Eve of Bend, Lin Essentials Handmade Soap, Pretty Moments and Sam’s Diamond Paintings, as well as food and drinks. Bowtie Catering will provide complimentary platters with meats, cheeses, veggies, hummus. Craft will also offer a limited food menu including pulled pork sandwiches with fries or mac, dino nuggets with fries and cheese fries. A gift basket will also be raffled.
Donations will benefit Saving Grace, which supports survivors of partner violence. The event is also collecting items from the nonprofit’s wishlist of needs.
“Outside of supporting an incredible nonprofit, our biggest goal is to bring women together and help normalize conversations around topics that are often considered taboo,” Stevens said.
Saving Grace Wishlist Items
• Potting Soil & Variety of Seeds
• Makeup/Remover
• Nail Polish/Remover
• Hairbrushes
• Skincare Products
• Hair Clips/Scrunchies
• Full Sized Shampoo/Conditioner/Lotions, etc.
• Other Bath/Body Products
• Pregnancy Tests
Hot Mess Fest Sat, May 9 4-9:30pm Craft Kitchen and Brewery 62988 Layton Ave, Bend Bendticket.com $28.29
Courtney Stevens and Samantha Moore are organizing and hosting the Hot Mess Fest.
Samantha Moore
By Nic Moye
The Summer Season Kicks Off with Big
Acts & Baseball
May launches a busy season of festivities
Concerts & comedians take the stage
The first show of the season kicks off at Hayden Homes Amphitheater on Saturday, May 16, with comedian John Mulaney and special guests Fred Armisen and Mike Birbiglia. So far, nearly 50 different headliners are scheduled into October, some of them performing multiple nights. Six of the performers are comedians, including Jim Gaffigan, Trevor Noah, Matt Rife, Weird Al Yankovic and Nikki Glaser. Other May shows include Brandi Carlile, in Bend for two nights May 20 and 21, Claypool Gold on May 22 and Yellowcard on May 23.
Time for the baseball
The first Bend Elks baseball game is against the Springfield Drifters on May 1 which is when tickets go on sale. Vince Genna Stadium recently earned a DarkSky certification with a new lighting system that will reduce glare and light pollution while improving visibility on the field. Before this upgrade, the lighting system dated back to the 1970s with nearly 15% of the light fixtures no longer working and glare from lights affecting surrounding neighborhoods. Cracked, wooden light poles also posed safety concerns.
Artisans, music and more
You know it’s officially summer if it’s already time for the Bend Summer Festi val, which has moved to new dates this year on May 29-31. Downtown Bond Street will be filled with fine art, crafts and other vendors, as well as live music, food and a kid zone. Daytime performers include Lava City Cirque, while High Desert Fire Artists light up the night with flaming hoops, poi and swords.
Brandi Carlile is the first musical act at Hayden Homes Amphitheater, kicking off a busy summer.
Wikipedia
New lighting keeps surrounding neighborhoods in the dark while providing more even lighting on the field.
Bend Elks Baseball Club
High Desert Fire Artists will perform at the Bend Summer Festival at the end of May.
EXPOSING THE QUIRKS THAT MAKE CENTRAL OREGON UNIQUE
By Josh Savage
Who is Libby? The history behind the garden outside the Commons Cafe
Strolling downtown on Brooks Street, passersby may suddenly get bombarded by a lush garden full of eye popping colors during late spring and summer. On the side of the Commons Cafe & Taproom, a tiny space is filled with many varieties of plants like Rockcress, Allum, Iris and others. The Maltese Cross in full bloom is one of my favorites. The small garden shows what is possible in a region where many of us gardeners get frustrated.
This little oasis of vegetation is known as Libby’s Garden, which leads to our local reader Rachel’s question, “Who is Libby?”
Elizabeth “Libby” McGeary was a longtime Bend resident. Born in 1923, she and her husband moved to Bend from Portland in 1957. Already a natural green thumb and avid gardener, she quickly transformed the yard of her new home into a beautiful Englishstyle garden worthy to be envied and admired. In no time, locals were asking how she grew those thriving perennials and luscious herbs.
Her plants were so prolific that Libby opened Mint Hill Nursery at her home where she started seeds under a grow light in her kitchen. Once they were ready, people from town would purchase them to add to their own gardens. Known as the “Vinegar Lady,” she also made and sold flavored bottles of her freshly grown herbs. Libby even garnered national press and earned an entry into a Time Life Complete Gardener book!
This might sound like a lot of acclaim for a local nursery owner, but those of us who garden in Central Oregon can appreciate how difficult a task this can be. The recognition was much deserved.
A Master Gardener, Libby kept copious notes of her horticultural activities, writing down weather patterns, which plant types thrived and which didn’t, composition of the soil, and other important information. Her goal was to make the plants hardy for the High Desert, unlike those we get from the box stores these days, which often aren’t native or adaptive to our climate. Most importantly, Libby recommended patience. In fact, once I started reading about her, I was determined to unearth the secrets of her success.
Like most effective gardeners, Libby focused on the soil. She added lots
of nutrients to the sandy dirt like peat moss and manure, but it appears she used lots of mushroom compost as the secret ingredient. Believe me, I’ll be digging in deeper about that one.
Deeply involved in the community, Libby was also part of Arts Central, the organization that helped rescue the Goodwille-Allen House (Bend’s oldest residence by the way). Once slated for demolition to make room for a parking lot, the bungalow-style home was preserved in 1992 thanks to this forward-thinking group.
This effort gave Libby the opportunity to design a small plot of the property as an educational garden. She contributed plants from her own collection (along with plenty of mushroom compost), and her art degree likely shaped its design and aesthetic. What we have now is far more meaningful than the parking lot that nearly took its place!
Friends and family recall her kindness and natural skills. When I spoke with Libby’s son, Duncan McGeary, local writer and longtime owner of the downtown shop, Pegasus Books, he shared some past articles and fond memories of his mother.
“She just knew what to do. But most importantly she was a mentor to a couple of generations of gardeners who carried on. Very giving and respected.”
When I asked if he picked up the green thumb gene, let’s just say I’ll keep our conversations focused on books and local history.
Libby passed away in 2002, but her garden continues to flourish. After her passing, the Hardy Plant Garden Club stepped in, with then-president Maureen Klecker pledging to carry on her vision. While the organization still exists in other cities, the Bend chapter has since dissolved. At some point, the Newcomers of Bend took over and still give it the TLC it deserves to maintain its beauty. Daniel Baumann, current owner of the Commons Cafe, says volunteers come most Wednesday mornings to tend the garden. Over the years, plants have been removed and added as well as extras like a sitting bench, a metal sculpture, and a trellis.
Libby would likely be proud to see that this small plot remains one of the most stunning gardens in town, continuing to inspire others. Her legacy lives on.
Saturday May 9th 3:00 - 6:00 PM
WELLNESS
TAKE ME HOME
By Nathan Powers Engel Volkers Bend
DIY Projects That Actually Pay Off
As we move into the heart of the spring real estate season here in Bend—with sunny days, river floats, and concerts just around the corner—many homeowners start asking the same question: What actually makes a difference when it comes to preparing a home for sale?
The good news — boosting your home’s appeal doesn’t always require a major renovation or a contractor on speed dial. Some of the most impactful updates can be done in a single weekend… with a couple of trips to Home Depot (especially if you’re like me and forget half your list the moment you walk in).
If you’re looking for simple, high-impact improvements, here are a few projects that consistently stand out to buyers and can improve both value and sellability:
Fresh Interior Paint
A clean coat of paint in neutral tones—warm whites, light grays, or soft earth tones — can instantly brighten a space and make it feel updated. It also helps buyers picture themselves in the home, which is key.
Updated Hardware & Fixtures
Swapping out dated cabinet pulls, faucets, and light fixtures is a small investment that can dramatically modernize kitchens and bathrooms. Buyers notice these details more than you might think — and soft-close cabinets and drawers might literally change your life.
Curb Appeal Refresh
First impressions matter. Simple updates like fresh mulch, trimmed landscaping, seasonal plants, or even a newly painted front door can make your home stand out before anyone walks inside — and might make your neighbors a little jealous in the process — wins all around!
Declutter & Light Staging
Less really is more. Clearing out excess furniture, cleaning up countertops, and adding a few intentional design touches can make spaces feel larger, cleaner, and more inviting. We all have that one friend with a lot going on in their house… it’s a little overwhelming, right? I’m the only one? OK, let’s move on.
Lighting Improvements
A well-lit home feels warmer and more welcoming. Replacing outdated fixtures or simply using brighter, consistent bulbs throughout can elevate the entire space. Of course, just as important as what to do is what to avoid:
Overly Personal Design Choices
Bold colors or highly customized features can limit your buyer pool and make it harder for others to connect with the home. As much as you may love that hot pink guest bedroom, not everyone will share the vision.
Partial or Incomplete Projects
Half-finished updates can raise red flags and create more questions than confidence for potential buyers. That “no one uses it anyway” half finished guest bathroom? Buyers will notice — and they will care.
In today’s Bend market, buyers are still active—but they’re also selective. Homes that feel clean, updated, and move-in ready are moving quickly, sometimes within the first weekend. Meanwhile, homes with noticeable red flags can linger, as your dream home hits the market and you watch it go pending right in front of your eyes.
The takeaway? You don’t need a massive budget to make a meaningful impact. A few thoughtful updates can go a long way in how your home is perceived—and ultimately, how it performs when it hits the market.
Good luck out there, DIYers.
ASTROLOGY
By Rob Brezsny
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): May is Free Thinking Month for you Tauruses. It’s also Free Feeling, Free Wheeling, and Free Healing Month. Wow! To observe this festive grace period, indulge in any of the following jubilant acts: 1. Declare your independence from anyone who tries to tell you how you should live your life or who you are. 2. Declare independence from your history, especially recollections that dampen your sense of possibility and old self-images that impede your yearning to explore. 3. Declare independence from groupthink and conventional wisdom. 4. Declare independence from your former conceptions of freedom so you'll be free to arrive at fresh understandings of it.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): The Navajo practice hózhó means "walking in beauty": living in balance and harmony with life. But hózhó isn't a static state you achieve once and possess forever. You must continually restore and reinvent it. I suspect you’re in a phase like that now, Gemini. Too much thinking and not enough feeling? Too much future and not enough present? I recommend you take corrective measures. Start by taking one physical action that grounds you. Have a conversation from the heart instead of the head. Spend an hour not planning the story to come, but simply loving what’s here right now. Refresh your hózhó!
CANCER (June 21-July 22): If a honeybee colony becomes too crowded, scout bees search for potential new hive sites. When they return, they perform waggle dances for their colleagues to convey specific information about different locations. Negotiations ensue. Various possibilities are offered and considered through more dancing. Eventually, the swarm collectively makes a choice and heads out to its new home. Your challenge right now, Cancerian, is to be like a scout bee who facilitates your group’s decision-making process. I invite you to carry out a reconnaissance mission and then perform your waggle dances for your people. Make your case with vigor and precision. Trust the group's emergent wisdom to make the best decision.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Poet Marie Howe wrote, "I don't think we can love anything more intensely than we love a secret." Many Scorpios feel this way. You understand that mystery is often a joy to be savored. Some truths reveal themselves only to those who summon the patient intelligence to be at peace amidst the confounding riddles. Non-Scorpios may be desperate to leave nothing hidden, but you like to learn from the teasing prickles. You know that some transformations need darkness to carry on their work. Your next assignment: Decide what truth needs more time in the deep before it’s ready to surface.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Diamond is the hardest natural substance, while graphite is soft and slippery. Yet they’re both made of pure carbon. The difference is in their structure. Let’s extrapolate from this fact as we ruminate on your life, Sagittarius. I’m 97-percent certain that you already have everything you need. Maybe you imagine you lack key resources and powers, but from what I can tell, you are well set-up. So I propose that you simply reorganize what’s available to you now. Take the “carbon” of your life and arrange it in new patterns. Your task isn’t further accumulation but reconfiguration.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): My Capricorn grandfather was a master artisan. He told me that the best furniture is built twice: first in the imagination, then with wood. Let’s apply that theme to you. I believe you have mostly finished the first step of visualizing what you want. Now you’re almost ready to launch the actual work. I’m eager to see the practical effects that will bloom from your detailed fantasies. The rest of the world is excited, too. These days, we all especially need your talent for turning beautiful dreams into vivid realities. You have extra power to inspire us to convert our idealistic notions into dynamic actions.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): I invite you to imagine a time in the past when you were almost perfectly content. Visualize that magical confluence of satisfying feelings. Where were you? Who was or wasn’t there? What could you see, hear, smell, and feel in your body? What made that moment so right? Next step: Make a vow to rebuild as many of those conditions as you realistically can over the next three weeks. Maybe you can’t recreate the exact scene, but you can approximate its essence.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Like all of us, Leo, you have persistent aches from old losses, absences, and wounds. They may seem like permanent burdens you will never be able to shake or transcend. But here’s some very good news: In the coming months, there’s a greater chance than usual that you’ll discover new approaches to healing them. The remedies won't necessarily be logical or obvious. They may involve you conducting rituals, taking symbolic actions, or ambushing the pain from unexpected angles. Be alert for interventions that may seem too simple or unexpected to work.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Your restlessness is building. How much longer will you pretend you don’t sense the pull of bright temptations and appealing sanctuaries? At what moment will you finally stop resisting your urge to slip past the usual boundaries and roam? The astrological omens hint that this pivot is close at hand. In the borderlands of your imagination, a daring journey is already taking shape. Where might it carry you?
Here’s my guess: down into the raw, unfiltered depths of the future you secretly dream about.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): In fairy tales, when heroes are rewarded for their help and kindness, their gifts are often tools of protection: a cloak that renders them invisible, a magic club that chases off foes, or enchanted shoes that enable them to outrun any threat. In other stories, the reward is meant to deepen the hero’s delight in living: a genie’s lamp, a cauldron that cooks up exquisite food, or a horn that calls forth marvelous companions from the fairy world. I mention this, Libra, because I believe rewards for your past and recent generosity are on their way. If you have any say in what form they take, I suggest you request something from this second, pleasure-giving category.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): The astrological factors now in effect are tending to generate useful and valuable cosmic jokes. I believe they may be disruptive and catalytic in helpful ways. In this spirit, I offer you the following affirmations, borrowed from internet memes: 1. “You may call me ‘melodramatic.’ I describe myself as a ‘creative problem-solver with flair and panache.’” 2. “I’m not overthinking; I’m overriding simplistic answers that hide the real truths.” 3. “You shouldn’t think of me as chaotic; the fact is that I’m generously non-linear.” 4. “I have a solid plan, but it’s always evolving to keep up with reality’s crazy insistence on ceaseless change.” 5. “Please dismantle your low expectations; I need ample room to exceed them.” 6. “I trust my instincts; they have often been wrong in interesting ways.”
ARIES (March 21-April 19): In the 19th century, Aries photographer Eadweard Muybridge (1830–1904) resolved to settle a debate about whether galloping horses ever have all four hooves off the ground. He developed a system to capture rapid sequential images, which ultimately helped lead to the invention of motion pictures. His answer to a narrow technical question opened up an entirely new art form. Moral of the story: Solving a specific problem may create unforeseen revolutions. In the coming weeks, Aries, I invite you to stay alert for how your focused efforts to address one challenge might birth even more significant breakthroughs. Don't get so fixated on your immediate goal that you miss larger innovations emerging from your work.
By Brendan Emmett Quigley
Pearl’s Puzzle
Puzzle for the week of April 27, 2026
Difficulty Level: ●●●○
Fill in every row, column, and 3x3 box with each of the letters B R U T E W A S H exactly once.
The highlighted letters read left to right and top to bottom will complete the quote: “Bitter made sunny-day y face the realities of life- and taste all the better for it.” - Judith Fertig
Answer for the week of April 20, 2026
ANSWER TO LAST WEEK'S PUZZLES
H E S T R G I K N
I T K E N H R G S
R G N S I K T H E
- Judith Fertig
G R I N K E H S T
S H T I G R N E K
N K E H S T G R I
Answer
T N R G E S K I H
K S H R T I E N G
E I G K H N S T R
“It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen.” — George Orwell, 1984
