Jared Rasic, Katey Trnka, Skylor Young, Tara Lemezis, Dr. Jane Guyn
SYNDICATED CONTENT
Rob Brezsney, Brendan Emmett Quigley, Jen Sorensen, Pearl Stark, Tom Tomorrow, Matt Wuerker
PRODUCTION MANAGER / ART DIRECTOR
Jennifer Galler - production@bendsource.com
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Adrian Galler - design@bendsource.com
SALES DIRECTOR
Ashley Sarvis
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES
Ban Tat, Chad Barnes advertise@bendsource.com
DISTRIBUTION MANAGER
Sean Switzer
CONTROLLER
Angela Switzer - angela@bendsource.com
PUBLISHER
Aaron Switzer - aaron@bendsource.com
WILD CARD
Paul Butler
NATIONAL ADVERTISING
Alternative Weekly Network 916-551-1770
Become a subscriber to the Source
today. For only $175 per year, receive every issue delivered to your doorstep.
Subscribe today: info@bendsource.com
EDITOR’S NOTE:
What’s germinating and sprouting in Central Oregon’s homegrown music scene? Each 4/20 for the past three years, the HomeGrown Music Festival has shone its spotlight on some of our region’s most talented local players. This year is no different in that regard but includes the added benefit of featuring some bands from throughout the Pacific Northwest. Find out what you have to look forward to in this week’s feature on the fest — which hits Bend stages from April 17 to 20 — plus read a few vignettes of budding locals we’re excited to catch at this year’s showcase.
In local news, our reporter Julianna LaFollette spent last Saturday with Rep. Janelle Bynum and has updates from her time in Sisters, Redmond and Bend. Our new investigative reporter Peter Madsen files a report on Thornburgh Resort’s latest water access denial, and calendar editor Savannah Mendoza has foodie updates on a soul food cart and new owners at The Pantry. In Outside, Mt. Bachelor is officially off the market and staying put with its current owner, POWDR Corp., while ONDA contributor Tara Lemezis shares tips on how to photograph high desert wildlife in Natural World. Read on for more events, news and happenings in our community.
LIGHTMETER:
PRESENTED BY HARVEST MOON WOODWORKS
@SourceWeekly IG
More than an estimated 1,000 people showed up in downtown Bend for the national “Hands Off!” protest, opposing the Trump administration’s actions, on April 5. Photo by the Source Weekly.
Don’t forget to share your photos with us and tag @sourceweekly for a chance to be featured as our Instagram photo of the week.
CUSTOM. CABINE TS
HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY? Send your thoughts to editor@bendsource.com. Letters must be received by noon Friday for inclusion in the following week’s paper. Please limit letters to 250 words. Submission does not guarantee publication. Opinions printed here do not constitute an editorial endorsement of said opinions. Letter of the week receives $5 to Palate!
GUEST OPINION: A PATH FORWARD
My origin family has been Democrat since my grandmother worked with the FDR administration as one of the country’s first cohorts of social workers. We’re educated, progressive and global. I should be freaking out like the rest of the people in my choir. Trump’s integrity, temperament and many of his policies are a problem. But I’m equally concerned and sometimes disgusted by how misguided and hypocritical “Left” has become — with particular dysfunction reserved for health care, child/elder care, housing/homelessness, education, immigration, the environment and identify politics.
MAGA or not, we are all affected daily by something broken in our system. Among rich countries, we have the lowest health outcomes, worst education outcomes, almost nonexistent child care, lonely old people, the most expensive housing and thousands of sick people roaming our streets. We have millions of permanently disenfranchised cheap labor migrants that we all benefit from. We consume empty rhetorical calories on how appalled we are that a tiny minority of us have to navigate a confused landscape of identity issues; an Orwellian gumbo of words that make no sense. That’s not how Ghandi, MLK or Mandela did it. They advocated for universal human rights.
I’ve reserved my final comments for the Left’s most hypocritical obsession, the environment. Wake up. It doesn’t matter how you flush your toilet. It doesn’t matter if you compost or convince our kids that they are inheriting a dying planet. If you ski, golf, drive a car, get on an airplane, have a fancy water bottle, own more clothes than you need, live in a house that is bigger than you need, buy something new when you could buy something used, you are the same part of the problem. Part of why Trump is president is how tired the MAGA community is of our hypocrisy. Can you blame them? It took the Right 50-plus years to pull this off. It might
take that long to change it. We better get started.
The solution in my view? The Left needs to get angry and effective; not self-righteous. We need to focus on our failed health care, education, housing and child/eldercare systems. We need to forget about carving out special language for subgroups and instead focus on universal human rights. It doesn’t matter what the bumper sticker on your Subaru says. The environment doesn’t get better until we collectively decide to consume differently. Changing consumption requires renegotiating capitalism. I don’t see my “progressive” friends willing to sacrifice a meaningful thing in that negotiation. Instead, we need to focus on aligning environmentalism to our sacred American religion, capitalism. Don’t let Bend fool you. It’s a bubble. And that’s why many of you moved here.
Thomas Jefferson said, “The government you elect is the government you deserve.” Sorry friends. We deserve this.
—Will Warne
WELL-INTENTIONED HOARDING
The recent dog-hoarding case out of Klamath County, Oregon, has many in Central Oregon shaking their heads. How does this happen? Why aren’t there laws against hoarding animals? In many cases, these sad stories are attributed to the best of intentions. Cases like this can result from animals being moved around, in search of homes. An overcrowded shelter in another state has a need for more space for more unwanted animals. A 10-acre property in Central Oregon seems like a great option versus a kennel in an over-crowded shelter, so animals are moved. But if a rescue’s ambitions and resources aren’t equal, conditions can deteriorate. And the animals suffer.
In Oregon, rescues are licensed but not regulated. We’re fortunate to have many excellent rescues in Deschutes County, but how many others lack
resources and proper oversight? Good intentions create significant challenges. States enact no puppy mill laws, and laws prohibiting the destruction of animals to make space at shelters. Animals reproduce and people relinquish their unwanted pets to shelters, believing it’s the right thing to do. Shelters get overwhelmed with animals, and struggle to find adopters. Rescues — run by people with the best intentions — accept unwanted animals and seek support and funds to manage these animals. Nobody wants to say no. Maybe that’s what happened in Klamath County. The owner didn’t say no and simply got overwhelmed. Let’s hope the community supports their efforts, and the animals can find forever homes quickly.
—Sean P. Cadden
IN SUPPORT OF OUR LIBRARIES
Happy National Library Week/Month to all of the libraries everywhere. I have been a fan for a long time. As a child, I received library books from the bookmobile that came directly to my home. After the new library was built, I went every week with my mom and siblings. It was so exciting getting new books.
As an adult, I took my daughter to library children’s reading programs in Portland and Sisters. She became an avid reader for life. We both take her children to library programs for kids and we all participate in the summer reading programs. Reading over the summer
prevents the reading slide when children are not in school.
What a gift to have a place you can gain knowledge, take an adventure, get your book club selection and find community. In a small town, we are known by name and are greeted like a friend when we come in. Please speak out in support of libraries everywhere, especially as discussions begin of libraries losing financial support.
—Joyce Burk Brown
Letter of the Week:
Joyce, Central Oregon has some incredible libraries and I agree that we must seek to safeguard them!
—Chris Young
Bill Eliminating Wildfire Hazard Map Moves Forward
The Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Wildfire voted unanimously on April 8 to eliminate the state wildfire hazard map, introduced in SB 762. The policy also repeals the property maintenance rules that applied to high-hazard areas on the map, according to a press release.
“Today is a milestone in our wildfire journey. As a whole, SB 762 programs have great support across the state, but the hazard map, which flunked the basic common-sense test for so many property owners, had Oregonians angry and divided,” said Committee Chair Jeff Golden (D-Ashland). “Repealing the map clears the way to good collaborative programs on the ground. Now the challenge is to fund them at the levels we need.”
The policy, Senate Bill 83, will move to the Senate floor for a vote by the whole chamber.
Pilot Butte Road Opens April 14
The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department announced the road to summit Bend’s Pilot Butte will open to vehicle traffic starting at 10am on April 14. The road will be open from 10am to 9pm daily for the 2025 season.
“We kindly remind visitors that the summit road is a shared space enjoyed by multiple users including cyclists, walkers and runners. Please reduce your speed and exercise caution while driving. Remain alert, be mindful of others and approach with patience and courtesy to ensure everyone’s safety,” Park Manager Brian Vaughan wrote in a press release.
—Julianna LaFollette
Bynum Comes to Deschutes
Central Oregon House rep travels around Deschutes County to address constituent concerns, underline her effort to protest
By Julianna LaFollette
On Saturday, Oregon Rep. Janelle Bynum (D-OR5) dashed from the stage of her spirited town hall in Sisters to continue her jampacked day across Deschutes County. During the event, people rose to their feet in applause, responding to Bynum’s vows to fight for the district.
She hopped in the car and immediately reflected on the high-energy crowd during her first town hall in Deschutes County since becoming a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for Oregon’s 5th Congressional District.
In November, Bynum beat out Republican Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer, flipping the seat and becoming the first Black member of Congress to represent Oregon. Chavez-DeRemer now serves in the president’s cabinet as U.S. Secretary of Labor.
Bynum spent her day in Deschutes County hearing from constituents. From Redmond to Sisters, then to Bend, Bynum talked with local organizations and officials and the people she represents.
One of Bynum’s favorite things about being a politician, she said, is hearing what people are concerned about, and using their remarks as fuel to protest for important causes in Washington, D.C.
“The power of the people is stronger than the people in power,” Bynum said.
A “Fired-Up” Town Hall
37 YEARS
—From Go Here: “Run Into Spring: The Salmon Run Returns for its 37th Year”
“When you involve touring bands from out of town, that encourages collaboration with local bands. It helps the Bend musical network grow.”
—Scottie McClelland, from the Feature story, “Bend’s HomeGrown Music Festival: No
Longer Just for Locals”
The Saturday town hall was filled with loud and passionate residents in her district, which includes areas like Sisters and Bend and extends into Clackamas County. Bynum walked into the town hall with an intensity, chanting, “Give ’em hell, Deschutes!”
Bynum showcased a tactic she uses often to fight back against the administration, called the one-minute protest: a moment on the House floor that allows representatives one minute to talk about whatever they want. While some use the minute for birthday announcements or shoutouts, she said, Bynum uses it as a form of protest.
“You learn how to use language that captures people’s attention. I always start mine out with ‘Mr. Speaker, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Speaker.’ I’m pleading with our leadership to change something on behalf of the people,” she told the Source Weekly. “I think right now in our district, it’s so urgent for us to be talking about wildfires, to be talking about food insecurity, to be challenging our leadership and for me to be disruptive.”
Many of the constituent questions, and Bynum’s responses, focused on how representatives and residents can fight back against federal cuts to funds, services and causes that locals find important.
One attendee asked what people can do to effect change, to which Bynum called for a continued effort to work together as a community.
“The court of public opinion is the most important thing. We have to work together. The rally that was held today is shifting the hearts and minds of people who even voted for President Trump and his administration,” she said.
Right before her appearance at the town hall, Bynum walked through a demonstration taking place in downtown Sisters — the national “Hands Off!” protest in opposition to the Trump administration’s dismantling of federal agencies and programs, among other issues.
Bynum walked along the sidewalks, filled with an estimated 500 demonstrators, asking people what brought them there.
“It was just really great to have her come out and join us at the rally and then the town hall. She was fired up, and those were things that we were pleased to see. We felt the atmosphere in the room during the town hall,” said Mary Chaffin, an organizer with Indivisible Sisters, a local group championing democracy.
According to Chaffin, Bynum showed up and made it clear she was committed to employing every tool to fight back during these unprecedented times.
“The general sense is that it was very empowering to be together and to have someone articulate our concerns,” Chaffin added.
A Noticeable Change in Representation
Visiting Deschutes County was an important venture for Bynum, she said. As she drove through Sisters, pointing out the quirks of the downtown streets, Bynum said she’s regularly studying the district map to learn more about the population she serves.
As a newly elected representative, she emphasized the importance of hearing from and showing up for those in her district.
“I’ve been intentional about making sure this area has representation,” said Bynum. “Trying to represent people, I have to show up for them in a genuine way, knowing that I might not come back,” she said.
Bynum said she can feel that difference — people having representation that will show up for them.
“When I said I represent everybody, there were some people that were really happy that I said that. Maybe they were not Democrats, but I
Julianna LaFollette
got the feeling that when my predecessor had the seat, they didn’t feel like they had representation, or very serious representation,” Bynum said.
She pointed out that her priority is always to serve the people, something that could be seen as a deviation from Chavez-DeRemer, who was previously called out by local groups for demonstrating “a lack of willingness to meet with CD-5 constituents in a public forum,” according to Roger Sabbadini of The Vocal Seniority, another local activist group.
Bynum’s seat in Congressional District 5 is considered a swing district, which in 2022 was decided by just two percentage points. While Bynum presumes her success has come from her ability to serve everyone, despite party affiliation, she noted the pros and cons that come with being a more “moderate” politician.
“I might not please the left enough… and I might not please the right enough,” Bynum told the Source Weekly. “I think it took me a minute to lean into the power that I had, because it’s actually a pretty powerful position, if you’re authentic about it.”
The Art of Protest and Action
In addition to her desire for protest, Bynum discussed a housing package she’s working on in the House, along with a bill that ensures funding for all students, especially students with special needs, to get access to a free and appropriate public education.
This week, she joined a group of lawmakers to ask for funds to give students with special needs the time, attention and services they require through the IDEA Full Funding Act. The bipartisan bill, Bynum pointed out, is one example of how being more moderate can be beneficial.
“This is one of those things where if you’re mired down in partisan politics, you might miss that,” Bynum said. “This is about our children.... If we can get that bill passed, and I think we can, that would be huge for the state.”
During her day in Deschutes County, Bynum also visited local nonprofits, including the Deschutes River Conservancy and NeighborImpact, an organization offering food assistance and emergency housing to people in need. Both organizations were the beneficiaries of letters and bills Bynum is supporting, calling for continued funding.
Visiting these nonprofits and hearing their stories, she said, is important in her efforts to continue advocating for their support.
“It’s like, ‘I could show you better than I can tell you.’ So, being there on site at the river, being there on site at the food bank, was really helpful for me to see. I can tell that story with much richer language.”
Throughout her Saturday in Deschutes County, Bynum’s main message to residents at the town hall, the protest and at her final event in Bend, Brews with Bynum, was for people to continue calling her office and sharing their grievances, offering more fuel for her protests.
Thornburgh Resort Once Again Denied Access to Deschutes River Basin
A circuit court ruled in favor of the Oregon Water Resources Department’s previous denial
By Peter Madsen
The developers of a disputed resort were handed the latest in a series of setbacks in their attempt to tap the Deschutes River Basin. On March 31, the Deschutes County Circuit Court dismissed Thornburgh Resort’s attempt to overturn an earlier denial of a previous limited water use license application.
The proposed 2,000-acre Thornburgh Resort lies in the Cline Buttes area, about 20 miles north of Bend. If completed according to plans, it would include 950 single-family homes, private lakes, a luxury hotel and two golf courses.
In its latest decision, the court upheld the Oregon Water Resources Department’s ruling that the Deschutes River Basin, drier than it has been in the past three decades, is too low to accommodate the requested siphoning. Variations in precipitation and corresponding snowpack, along with the over-tapping of aquifers, have already had a pronounced regional effect on the basin, according to a press release by WaterWatch of Oregon, a conservation nonprofit involved with the case.
Thornburgh’s developers — Kameron DeLashmutt, Pinnacle Utilities and Central Land & Cattle Co. — have been trying to finance and permit the development since the early 2000s. The property was originally the rangeland of DeLashmutt’s grandparents, OPB reported in November 2024.
“The department is completely wrong,” DeLashmutt said in a phone interview. He disagrees with aquifer assessments. “The judge completely overlooked the evidence.”
Thornburgh has water rights and approved transfers that provide water for its Phase A development plans, DeLashmutt wrote in a subsequent email.
In 2023, the Oregon Water Resources Department denied the developers’ request to build wells. Local residents, including horse ranchers and others who depend on private wells for their water needs, had already dealt with shortages for years, the Source Weekly reported in July 2022. Drilling deeper wells requires permitting and surplus cash that many residents don’t have. According to a 2017 study from the U.S. Geological Survey, groundwater in the central part of the Upper Deschutes Basin — from Sisters to Powell Butte — dipped as much as 14 feet between 1997 and 2008.
Leaders of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs had also voiced their concerns about how Thornburgh would affect their treaty rights, OPB reported in July 2023.
State regulators granted Thornburgh developers a limited water use license in 2013, but they didn’t build wells before the permit expired, according to OPB.
In court, WaterWatch of Oregon and other stakeholders organized opposition to the resort developers’ requested water draw. Lawyers Mike
Sargetakis from Crag Law Center and Karl G. Anuta represented the stakeholders. The court ruled that the Oregon Water Resources Department was “rational, fair and principled” in its denial.
WaterWatch Executive Director Neil Brandt wrote in a press release: "This decision... is great news for the many fish and wildlife that depend on groundwater inputs in the Deschutes Basin to survive. Building a large, water-hungry resort with two golf courses in the high desert in an area with already declining groundwater levels is simply not sustainable.”
Central Oregon LandWatch, a local conservation nonprofit that wasn’t directly involved with the court case, said it also applauded the decision, owing to significant declines in the basin’s groundwater levels, staff attorney Carol Macbeth wrote in an email.
“The judge agreed with [the department’s] decision that the new use would not be within the capacity of the resource and could injure existing rights,” she said.
Thornburgh can appeal the decision, although its reasoning is so tightly worded it’s not clear whether a new appeal would garner a different outcome.
The developers currently have three permits to appropriate groundwater; eight separate requests are currently winding their way through the permitting process.
Yet, Thornburgh development marches on. An 18-hole golf course has been cleared and shaped while drainage lines are being installed, DeLashmutt wrote in an email. Property tours will begin in late spring or early summer, and wouldbe buyers can choose between seven cabin models and five home designs – or they can design their own. The second golf course is routed but no construction is scheduled, DeLashmutt said.
“It is not likely to start for several years,” he said.
—This story is powered by the Lay It Out Foundation, the nonprofit with a mission of promoting deep reporting and investigative journalism in Central Oregon. Learn more and be part of this important work by visiting layitoutfoundation.org.
Julianna LaFollette
Courtesy Thornburg Resort
Rep. Janelle Bynum, left, visits with constituents in Sisters on April 5.
Funding Freeze Hits Local Food Banks
Redmond food assistance program, NeighborImpact, sees decrease in food resources due to federal cuts
By Julianna LaFollette
Local food assistance organization, NeighborImpact, is sounding the alarms about a federal funding freeze that’s affecting its ability to provide food to Central Oregonians. The payment freeze, issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is aimed at a set of food assistance programs that redistribute food commodities to food banks, leading to a significant decrease in food aid.
According to Scott Cooper, NeighborImpact’s executive director, the nonprofit notified its food partners last week that it’ll be getting 17% less food moving forward. In recent months, the nonprofit fed about 83,000 people in the region. With cuts to incoming products, Cooper said it will result in thousands of people not being fed, or not getting enough food.
The funding freeze is also impacting the type of food that’s given to food banks. These products include dairy, meat, eggs and produce — some of the most expensive grocery items right now, according to Cooper.
In early March, NeighborImpact went to Washington, D.C., to shed light on this issue and request support. On April 5, Congresswoman Janelle Bynum visited the nonprofit to assist in its efforts, and in the letter called for the Department of Agriculture to reverse its funding freeze.
“This misguided freeze is actively impacting the ability of Oregon food banks to place food orders and worsening food insecurity in our communities,” read the letter. “We urge you to reverse this funding freeze immediately to ensure that Oregon families — and families across the country — do not face disruption to essential food distribution services.”
Cooper said the situation could easily be reversed by the USDA. He hopes that the letter will encourage change.
“I am delighted that [Bynum] came to put a spotlight on what is going to be a really impactful situation
for a lot of Central Oregonians,” Cooper told the Source Weekly.
The funding freeze will affect food banks across the state and the U.S., cutting back a significant portion of the food they receive, according to Cooper.
“We’re lucky in Central Oregon. We get a little more of our food through the donations mechanism of the grocery stores. So, for us it’s about 17% of our total food supply. For the Oregon Food Bank, it’s around 30%,” he said.
With a lot of uncertainty ahead, and fears around additional spending cuts that could slash food assistance benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, by 30%, the nonprofit has also gone to local legislators to ask for state support in the form of funding.
“We asked for funding of $2 million a year for the biennium, which would be enough to help us continue to purchase food at a wholesale level to offset these losses, as well as sustain all the operations for an ever-increasing number of people,” Cooper said. “And, by the way, all this is before the effects of a potential recession setting in.”
DOWNTOWN REDMOND LADIES’ NIGHT
SNACKS, DRINKS AND DISCOUNTS
Bring your bestie or meet new friends at the second annual spring ladies’ night in downtown Redmond. Shop and sip your way through downtown with snacks, drinks and discounts. Fri., April 11, 5-8pm in Downtown Redmond. Sixth Street, Redmond. Free.
SOURDOUGH STARTER CLASS
LEARN THE ART OF SOURDOUGH BREAD MAKING
Learn the art of sourdough at Arome as Corissa demonstrates how to make a two-loaf batch of artisan sourdough bread. Corissa will walk you through the history of sourdough, what sourdough starter is and how to create your own starter from scratch. Sat., April 13, 2-4pm at Arome. 432 SW Sixth St., Redmond. Free.
Julianna LaFollette
AVAILABLE AT
Music as a Memento
Chiggi Momo’s Bella Cooper discusses her latest release, the EP “Souvenir,” and the different meanings it’s taken on as time passes
By Katey Trnka
When significant moments in life happen, we rarely have the luxury of recalling them exactly as they were. We might be able to remember sights, smells or sounds, but it’s always a little fuzzy around the edges. But the nature of recording music, capturing time and sound on tape, adds a bit of clarity to those unknowns. This has certainly been the case for Chiggi Momo’s Bella Cooper, who it’s clear takes her time to do things with intention.
Her first EP, “Oval Teen,” was (appropriately) composed of songs she wrote as a teen — some of them almost a decade old. And her latest release, “Souvenir,” which just dropped on March 21, was actually recorded in 2023. “I’m so ready to put out some of these songs that have lived in my head for so, so long,” she says.
“Souvenir” marks her first fully collaborative release, requiring coordination with several contributors. She tapped her longtime friend, drummer Aidan Walsh, along with Elisha Zepeda and Lilian Hanson (both on bass and guitar) to help record, which was done at Todd Rosenberg’s VCA Lab after a successful crowdfunding campaign.
“I just think it makes it so much better than anything I could make entirely on my own, because I had so much help from really talented, genius musicians and friends. I think you can feel the friendship. They love me [and put] so much of their love into these songs that I entrusted them with.…
It’s a massive milestone in what I have out on the internet for people to listen to.”
It’s worth noting that the friendship and collaboration goes both ways: Chiggi Momo is Cooper’s own project, but she’s also known as an accomplished, versatile bassist in several projects around town, including Mari & The Dream and Palo Sopraño.
On “Souvenir,” Cooper was especially excited to work with Walsh, who was in their high school jazz band when they first met, and whose experience she wanted to put to good use. “I love how jazz musicians make pop music,” she explains. “A jazz background really uplifts and create[s] more dimension [in my songs].”
Indeed, compared to the sparse yet plucky instrumentation on “Oval Teen,” “Souvenir” is more driving, with Walsh making use of the whole drum kit to punctuate harmonies in the bass and guitar. Cooper’s full, throaty voice comes through atop it all, delivering a surprise start in “Flew Too Close,” wistfulness in “Ponderosa Pine” and raw emotion and catharsis
in “Capture the Feeling,” a song that shares its title with the original name of the EP. “It felt fitting [originally], but that song specifically is not a very happy song,” Cooper says.
Rather than referring to the process of making a moment a tangible item, the song is about a “complicated, decade-long intense friendship that… was just full of misunderstanding and jealousy and power struggles and bad faith assumption.” Cooper’s hurt and sadness ring through, but not without some resolution in the repeated lines: “If I’m never going to capture the feeling and you’re asking me to control how you hear it / But I’m never able to explain my meaning / You’re gonna have to trust me, gonna have to believe it.”
The door on this friendship seems to have closed, but the song “Capture the Feeling” remains, an artifact to celebrate Cooper’s resolve. This, along with a trip to Australia where she was searching for gifts to bring back for family, inspired the name “Souvenir.”
Since 2023, Cooper’s collaborators on “Souvenir” have moved away, and the title has come to take on a different meaning for Cooper: “We got to record it when we were all together in the way that we were. Because now, that’s a formation of my band that no longer really exists.… It was a really sweet, special kind of magical group and moment for me and [I feel] so lucky we got the chance to record the EP together, but now it feels like it’s a souvenir of that time.”
Chiggi Momo’s current lineup includes Logan Anderson (drums), Kenny Jones (keys), Evan Forsythe (lead guitar and bass) and Haley Taylor (backing vocals). You can catch them at Bend’s HomeGrown Music Festival, which the band has performed at since the event’s founding in 2023. Since then, the festival has evolved, seemingly in tandem with Chiggi Momo. “It’s nice to see how much bigger it’s gotten,” Cooper says, “and also how much my project has shifted.”
Here’s to the future expressions of both, and whatever mementos they may offer us.
Catch Chiggi Momo on the HDMC Stage at Silver Moon on Friday, April 18 from 8 to 9pm
Paisley Lee
Paisley Lee
Matthew VanderHoff
Local Cowpunkers Jackrat Explore Greener (Indie Rock) Pastures
In recording its debut album, Jackrat is decidedly less bluegrassy
By Peter Madsen
Folks who attended last year’s HomeGrown will remember then-nascent cowpunk band Jackrat. The local trio, who trade in bluegrass-heavy indie rock landscapes, had just released its self-titled debut EP. The crowd was sparse — but enthusiastic.
“Trent from Palo Sopraño came up. He was stoked,” says drummer Eric Niziol.
In the time since, Niziol, Kevin Scoggins (bassist/vocals) and Reid Bower (guitarist/ vocals) gigged around town, drumming up recognition for their blend of cowpunk, a subgenre that mixes bluegrass with thrash metal. It’s a motley coupling that got its start in the ’70s. Iconic and diverse bands such as X, The Cramps and The Gun Club are cited as pioneering cowpunk outfits — depending on who you ask.
In time for this year’s HomeGrown Fest, the guys in Jackrat will perform some of the 17 new tracks they’ve been ironing out for their first full-length album, which they hope to release in May or June.
Scoggins sums up the band’s evolving vibe as a departure from their cowpunk
roots. Niziol agrees.
“I like the idea of having a category [like cowpunk], but I don’t like the idea of being constricted to a particular sound,” says Niziol, who also plays with Billy and the Box Kid. “I like the freedom of being able to create whatever the fuck we want to.”
Jackrat describes the new sound as “high desert emo” — think bluegrass infused with emotional hardcore, a subgenre that flourished in the late ’90s and early aughts with bands like Taking Back Sunday and A Day to Remember.
“Kevin came up with ‘high desert emo,’ which I really like,” Niziol says.
In more tactile terms, Jackrat is keeping its ruminative lyricism while overlaying it across increasingly mathy indie rock sensibilities that hard-pivot between time signatures. As far as the upcoming LP’s title, the crew is toying with “Whatever it is You’re Running From,” but that might just serve as an artistic guidepost, they say.
“Or maybe that should just be a song title?” Bower wonders aloud.
Larkspur Stand was born on a front porch in the east Bend neighborhood known as Larkspur, the band’s namesake. What started as a few friends casually jamming out together eventually grew as more neighbors joined and merged talents to create the band’s current crew.
The five-person band includes instruments like guitar, banjo, drums, an upright bass and spoons, creating a sound that the group refers to as “cosmic country.”
The sound, which encompasses country blues, folk and bluegrass, comes from a mix of the unique perspectives and musical influences each member brings to the group. According to vocalist and guitarist Jake Soto, the sound is consistently growing and evolving.
“I tell people, it’s a sound that’s been marinating very slowly,” Soto says. “We’ve started getting a little more experimental in some adjacent genres.”
While Jackrat set its debut EP to wax at The Firing Room Studio in Sunriver, the group’s present digs are more threadbare — and hay-strewn. In fact, it’s a literal barn, somewhere between Bend and Redmond, that the trio has reappropriated as both a practice space and self-recording studio.
“We rent out the old dusty office, where we come here to make noise and be loud,” Niziol says.
Jackrat hopes to release the full-length album this summer, playing shows in Portland, Seattle and maybe California. So far, audiences, even traditional bluegrassy ones, have dug the new sound.
“We’ll get booked with folk acts and then we come out and do our thing, which can get pretty weird,” Bower says. “People like the direction we’re going in and we like the direction we’re going in. We’re excited.”
Catch Jackrat on the Humm Stage at Silver Moon on Saturday, April 19 from 6 to 7pm
From Porch to Stage Bend's Larkspur Stand
By Julianna LaFollette
talks about finding its groove
Soto calls the group’s music an amalgamation of backgrounds, taking influence from John Prine, the Grateful Dead and Old & In the Way.
“It’s a collaborative improvisation. All of our influences just sort of organically mix,” says Matt McConnell, upright bass player.
The band typically plays a mix of originals and covers at its live shows.
“We’re not afraid to take a cover song and kind of rewrite it, but still keep it familiar for people,” Soto tells the Source Weekly. “There’s a lot of artistic freedom that I love about this group.”
With five people in the band, and the occasional guest musician joining at gigs, the group sees its size as more of a benefit than a hindrance.
“From a percussion standpoint, more people is more fun,” says Patrick Bedard, the drummer. “When you start adding people…
it allows for more creative freedom.”
As the group continues to practice and play more shows, the growth is apparent. McConnell says the sound and performances get better every time.
“We’ve got those infectious grooves. It seems like it evolves with every show,” he says.
The group is set to play at the upcoming HomeGrown Music Festival, among a variety of local bands.
“I like it for all the different genres of music. There’s so much to choose from with this list and stuff,” says Bob Morris, the spoons and cajon player.
Larkspur Stand’s set is on Sunday, April 20, from 2 to 3pm at Silver Moon Brewing. Having played the festival before, the group appreciates the local vibe.
“I think it’s a good showcase of the local talent. It’s truly a homegrown festival,” says Garrett Miller, banjo player and vocalist.
Catch Larkspur Stand on the Oregrown Stage at Silver Moon on Sunday, April 20 from 2 to 3pm
Courtesy Jackrat
Courtesy Larkspur Stand
Cptn Over Brings HighEnergy Garage Rock
The Bend-based band kicks off the four-day HomeGrown Fest with psych rock flair and full-throttle fun
By Savannah Mendoza
With a garage rock-flavored style, tight rhythms and alt rock flair, Cptn Over is the kind of band that thrives on energy and good vibes all around. The Bendbased rock band blends psychedelic tones with raw garage rock grit, creating an electrifying sound that’s loud, loose and undeniably fun. The group is made up of Brian Roudnev (guitar), Jason Roudnev (drums), Tom McCall (guitar) and Tyler Otis (bass).
Cptn Over’s roots stretch back to childhood when brothers Brian and Jason dreamed of starting a rock band together and wrote songs based on the parody film “Airplane!” — a movie that would later inspire the band’s name and nostalgic identity. That dream came to life in 2020 when Tom and Tyler joined the mix. The four musicians instantly clicked and officially formed the band Cptn Over in 2021.
Now, the band is set to open the four-day HomeGrown Music Festival, a celebration of Bend’s vibrant local music scene, kicking off the festivities on Thursday, April 17 at the Volcanic Theatre Pub with Amargoso.
“We’ve wanted to be a part of HomeGrown for the past few years, but our schedules just never lined up,” the band shares. “We’re psyched to be involved finally! We have a lot of friends in bands throughout town, and we’re also really looking forward to catching some music from those we’re not as familiar with. Bend has such a cool music scene that continues to grow every year, so it should be a weekend full of really cool music!”
In 2023, the band released its debut album, “Rad,” followed by this year’s, “Oh No It’s the Cops!” — a collection featuring fuzzed-out guitar riggs, heavy rhythms and bursts of psych rock energy.
The band’s songwriting process is collaborative and often starts with loose jam sessions in Jason’s garage before shaping the ideas into fully formed tracks.
“For ‘Oh No It’s the Cops!’ we found ourselves sitting on a bunch of relatively heavy songs that fit together nicely,” the band explains. “We got into a groove and rolled with it.”
Musically, the band says they strive to find a happy middle ground between Johann Sebastian Bach and Black Sabbath — pulling from a wide spectrum of influences.
“We like making a variety of sounds. Hopefully we’re able to connect with people who have a variety of musical tastes. We want people to leave a show having heard at least one song they enjoyed.”
For those who have never seen a Cptn Over live show, the band puts it this way: “Remember the scene in ‘The Lion King’ where all of those water buffalo get bottlenecked into that canyon and then Mufasa dies? It’s kind of like that, I guess.”
Beyond the laughs and the loud amps, Cptn Over is focused on having fun, connecting with listeners and continuing to grow.
“I think we’re all entertained watching each other play, so when we get on stage, it’s pretty easy to let loose and just have a fun time playing for our friends,” the band says. “We’ve got a couple of shows coming up this summer, so keep an eye out. As a band, we really want to focus on writing and recording more new music. We’re just really grateful that anyone wants to listen to us at all.”
Catch Cptn Over kicking off the HomeGrown Music Festival at the Volcanic Theatre Pub on Thursday, April 17 with Amargoso — doors 7pm, show 8pm, all ages, $15
Courtesy @tommypicclzz IG
Courtesy @jpm.media IG
Courtesy @jpm.media IG
CALENDAR
9 Wednesday
The Capitol The Capitol Karaoke Music Weekly Karaoke at its finest! Central Oregon’s Premiere karaoke experience has just moved locations! Now at the Capitol! Come get immersed with a stage and sound system and plenty of space! Drink specials! Air guitars! Come see for yourself! It’s a habit! 8pm-1am. Free.
The Cellar Wednesday Jam Sessions Drink some fine cask or imported beers and try some amazing British pies while listening to local musicians jam out. 6:30-8:30pm. Free.
Crosscut Warming Hut No 5 Trance Folk Trio Relax with a pint and enjoy great local music from Trance Folk Trio. 6-8pm. Free.
Deschutes Brewery & Public House
Head Games Trivia Night Eat. Drink. Think. Win! Head Games multi-media trivia is at Deschutes Bend Public House every Wednesday. Win prizes. Teams up to six. 6:30-8:30pm. Free.
Elixir Winery and Tasting Room
Wine Trivia Wednesday Put your wine knowledge to the test—or just come for the fun! Our brand-new Wine-Trivia Wednesday event will be filled with engaging, approachable wine questions, great company, and of course, plenty of wine! Come as an individual, couple or 4-person team. No fee to participate. 6-8pm. Free.
Hanai Center Sufi Circle: A Soulful Evening of Music & Connection Join us for an immersive night of live Sufi music, devotional singing, and deep reflection. Experience the power of sacred sound, meditation, and community in a heart-centered gathering. All are welcome! 6-8pm. $30.
M&J Tavern Open Mic Night Downtown living room welcomes musicians to bring their acoustic set or turn it up to eleven with the whole band. Bring your own instruments. Goes to last call or last musician, whichever comes first. 21+. 6:30pm. Free.
Market of Choice Bend Scrabble Club at Market of Choice We meet upstairs. We use the 7th edition of the Scabble Players Dictionary. New Scrabble players are welcome. If you have a Scrabble set, please bring it as a backup. 6-8:30pm. Free.
LIVE MUSIC & NIGHTLIFE
Northside Bar & Grill Mellow Wednesday Acoustic Open Mic and Jam hosted by Derek Michael Marc Sign-up sheet is available at 6:30pm. 7-9pm. Free.
Pinky G’s Pizzeria MUSIC BINGO Join music Bingo (think Bingo and Name that Tune). Great food, cold drinks and good times. Free to play and prizes for each round winner. 6-8pm. Free.
Ponch’s Place Bingo Wednesdays at Ponch’s Place Enjoy Bingo at Ponch’s Place on Wednesday from 5:30pm -7pm. 5:30-7pm. Free.
Prost! - Bend Trivia Prost! UKB Trivia is now at Prost! Genuine UKB Trivia is no average trivia night! Meet up with friends, win gift card prizes for top teams! Enjoy Prost’s authentic beer and food menu. Trivia is free to play, with no buy-ins! 7-9pm. Free.
Silver Moon Brewing Django Jazz Night with Haute Melange Haute Melange brings Gypsy Jazz to Deschutes County in the tradition of Django Reinhardt, with elegant, high-class blends of traditional and modern swing as the band’s name represents: 6pm. $10.
The Bite Megan Alder at The Bite Hailing from the Columbia River Gorge, Megan Alder is a vocal powerhouse performing upbeat swing and Americana music. She delivers her original songs with raw grit and soul. Influenced by artists like Billie Holiday and Bonnie Raitt, Alder performs with live loops and kazoo flare. 6-8pm. Free.
10 Thursday
Austin Mercantile Live Music Every Thursday Join at Austin Mercantile for live music every Thursday. Offering a light happy hour menu — daily flatbread, chili, charcuterie, soft pretzels and more! 4:30-6:30pm. Free.
The Belfry SFF Presents The Pairs This sweet trio of classically trained vocalists return to Sisters for a show at The Belfry on Thurs, April 10 with their three-part harmonies and honest storytelling for a show you won’t want to miss! General admission, all ages show. Food and beverages available for purchase. 7-9pm. $25/ adults and $15/youth.
Ticket and promote your events with BendTicket! >
Trivia Thursday at Trivia Thursdays at 6:30pm at Bridge 99 Brewery with Useless Knowledge Bowl. It’s no ordinary trivia night, Team up to win house gift cards! Great brews, cocktails, and more. In-house menu and food truck options available! It’s free to play. Indoor and outdoor seating available. 63063 Layton Ave, Bend. 6:308:30pm. Free.
Bunk+Brew Karaoke Thursdays Sing your heart out at Bunk + Brew’s Karaoke Night! Whether you’re a pro or just love the spotlight, all voices are welcome. Food carts available all evening! Located in the Historic Lucas House Living Room for winter. 7-10pm. Free.
The Commonwealth Pub “Early Bird” Dance Party Inspired by the “Early Birds Club," and remembering perhaps bygone nights clubbing with girlfriends, we are throwing our first dance party with a focus on ladies who have shit to do in the morning. Dance, sweat, laugh, and then sleep. Hosted by DJ Baby T. 6-10pm. Free.
Crave Bend COMEDY OPEN MIC NIGHT
Comedy Open Mic Night on the SW side of Bend! Adults only encouraged. Intimate, smaller venue, healthier food and beverages, and an interactive night of comedy every Thursday! Hosted By Hopper. 7-9pm. Free.
The Dez Lounge Open Mic w/ Joyful Lane Join Joyful Lane as he hosts open mic night @The Dez Lounge! Enjoy NA cocktails, charcuterie and desserts while listening to local talent! 6-9pm. Free.
Elements Public House Trivia Night at Elements Public House with QuizHead Games Come be all you can be with Trivia Night every Thursday from 6-8pm! Featuring QuizHead. games. Located at the north end of Redmond. Full bar and great food! 6-8pm. Free.
The Lot Doc Ryan Doc Ryan’s music comes from the soul of Western America. With shades of blues, country and Americana his music comes from the depths of an American landscape. 6-8pm. Free.
Ponch’s Place Trivia Thursdays at Ponch’s Place Trivia Thursdays at Ponch’s Place with QuizHead Games from 6pm -8pm. 6-8pm. Free.
River’s Place Quon Trio Songwriters Linda and Mark Quon accompanied by John Allen. Guitars, harmonium, bass, and vocal harmonies, their songs tell stories and speak of reflection, love, loss. 6-8pm. Free.
Silver Moon Brewing Trivia on the Moon Come down to Silver Moon Brewing for a night of trivia! Teams are welcome to show up in groups up to 8 people. Silver Moon also offers seating reservations for $20 donations that all go to F*Cancer! If you would like to reserve a table please contact the Trivia on the Moon Facebook page. 7pm. Free.
Webfoot Garage at Silver Moon Brewing SILENT DISCO SILENT DISCO - Featuring DUs Groundscore Shalyssa 8:30pm. $5.
11 Friday
The Commonwealth Pub The Rumpeppers (Record Release Party) The Rumpeppers is a dynamic rock band hailing from Central Oregon, known for its high-energy performances and engaging presence in the local music scene. The band comprises members Zeus Guelfex, Paul Streichan, Scott Kanavel, and Logan Anderson, who together create a distinctive sound that resonates with audiences. 8pm. Free.
The Commonwealth Pub SHINE at The Commonwealth Pub SHINE is an acoustic trio from Bend. With three vocalists, two guitars and bass, Shine covers classics from the ‘70s, ‘80s, ‘90s and beyond. 8pm. Free.
Craft Kitchen and Brewery Comedy at Craft with Korey David Korey David is a stand-up comedian and actor based in Denver, CO. This psychedelic loving ex-Mormon works out his angst on stage from growing up as the black sheep in an ultraconservative household. He has performed at High Plains Comedy Festival, Alaska b4udie Fest and yheVail Comedy Festival. 8-9:30pm. $15 online/$20 at the door.
Faith, Hope and Charity Vineyards and Events Live at the Vineyard: Station Camp Join us for an unforgettable evening with Justin Lavik and Station Camp—Central Oregon’s newest favorite party band! Get ready to groove to the best dance hits from legendary artists like Prince, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Whitney Houston, Garth Brooks, AC/DC, Johnny Cash, ZZ Top, Black Crowes, Don Henley, The Beatles. 5-8pm. $25.
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.
Silver Moon Brewing Funk Around & Find Out and Paeonia Funk Around and Find Out deliver some of your favorite tunes all funked up. 7pm. $10/$15.
Sisters Depot Tony Lompa Tony Lompa will be playing for a couple hours during the evening. Come on up and enjoy some great cocktails, mocktails, beer wine and a pretty awesome view of downtown Sisters. Frankie’s is located on the 2nd floor of Sisters Depot, around back next to the outdoor bar. 7-9pm. Free.
The Horseshoe Tavern Chasin’ Bandits featuring Christie Strode Chasin’ Bandits returns to entertain you, playing your favorite country & rock tunes, featuring Christie Strode on vocals. The horseshoe has a full bar and bar menu, pool and lottery games. 7-10pm. Free.
Webfoot Garage at Silver Moon Brewing SORCIA, Mother Root, Elk Witch & Spina Live heavy music! 7am. $13.
Wildwood Bar & Grill Blackstrap Bluegrass “Blackstrap is an acoustic band from Bend, playing grassy music faster than we should. Originals and covers rooted in twang and space.” Blackstrap Bluegrass is an acoustic quartet that has called central Oregon home for nearly 25 years. 7-10pm. Free.
12
Saturday
Austin Mercantile Saturday Afternoon Live Music Austin Mercantile is now adding live music on Saturdays! Serving wine, beer, lite happy hour menu, gifts and home decor. Hope to see you soon! 4:30-6:30pm. Free.
Bunk+Brew Apres-Ski Saturdays End your ski day in style at Bunk + Brew! From 7-10pm, enjoy music, sauna passes, brews and après-ski vibes. Discounts for Mt. Bachelor pass holders and employees. Food carts open all night! 7-10pm. Free.
The Commonwealth Pub Eric Leadbetter Band Leadbetter Band was born in 2017, featuring Eric’s original songs. Their music vibe is vast and diverse. From a vintage rock sound with heavy/light jam sections, to a unique contemporary eclectic melting pot of songwriting styles. 8pm. Free.
Glitterfox, the rising four-piece band from Portland, blends Americana, grunge and dance music together with raw storytelling and infectious energy. Local singer/songwriter Mari & The Dream opens. Sat., April 12, 7pm at Volcanic Theatre Pub.
Courtesy Glitterfox FB
Craft Kitchen & Brewery Comedy Night at Craft Kitchen & Brewery Join Bits N Skits Productions for a night of comedy at Craft Kitchen & Brewery. Come eat, drink, and be made merry while laughing along with Bend’s most talented comedians. · 21+ only recommended due to explicit content · $15 online/$20 at the door Craft Kitchen & Brewery: 62988 Layton Second Saturday of every month, 8-9:30pm. $15 online/$20 at the door.
Faith, Hope and Charity Vineyards and Events Live at the Vineyard. - Karissa & The Loose Screws Get ready for a high-energy country-rock night with Karissa and the Loose Screws—featuring members of one of Central Oregon’s BEST country bands! Meet Karissa, Mark & Ron—the powerhouse musicians from Countryfied who have been the heartbeat of Central Oregon’s music scene for years! 5-8pm. $25.
Ponch’s Place Ponch’s Place 1 Year Anniversary Celebrate Ponch’s Place 1-year anniversary with us. Between 9am - 7pm, you can enjoy coffee and food truck specials, kids crafts, live music from Use’ta Do, a Street Dog Hero adoption tent, plus beer specials throughout the day! 9am-7pm. Free.
River’s Place Saturday Jazz Sessions Cy Defect plays fusion funk jazz at River’s Place. 6-8pm. Free.
Silver Moon Brewing Mr. Vale’s Math Class You may or may not learn anything with Mr. Vale’s Math Class but you’re guaranteed to have a good time. This six-piece funk band has horns that knock down the door and percussion-laden grooves that are the perfect accompaniment to any dance party. 7pm. $10/$15.
Silver Moon Brewing Young Shanty, Mista Chief & Savelle Tha Native - Ancient Roots Tour Legendary Billboard charting Reggae artist, Young Shanty, will perform along with award-winning Indigenous artists, Mista Chief and Savelle The Native. 7pm. $10/$15.
Wildwood Bar & Grill Aladinsane David Bowie ALL NIGHT LONG! 7-10pm. Free.
Volcanic Theater Pub GLITTERFOX The Portland-based band Glitterfox has released five singles in just six months under their new record label Kill Rock Stars, with two more arriving this spring. The band’s been growing steadily since “Drive” came out in August 2023, with its indie rock recipe that deftly balances! 7pm. $20 presale.
13 Sunday
The Commons Cafe & Taproom Trivia Night Sunday Funday Trivia with Sean. Gather your team, or roll solo and find a spot early in the cafe, knowledge tests begin at 6pm. Prizes for 1st and 2nd place. 6-8pm. Free.
The Commonwealth Pub Head Games Trivia Night Eat. Drink. Think. Win! Live multi-media trivia every Sunday @ 6pm. The Commonwealth Pub - Bend Free to play. Win prizes. Teams up to 6. 6-8pm. Free. River’s Place Trivia! Free to play and prizes to win! UKB Trivia hosts this fun meeting of the minds. Check out our mimosa menu! Noon2pm. Free.
Silver Moon Brewing Open Mic at the Moon Get a taste of the big time! Sign-up is at 4pm! Come check out the biggest and baddest open mic night in Bend! 5-8pm. Free.
Unity Spiritual Community of Central Oregon Unity Event Aaron English Concert We are thrilled to welcome back Nashville-based singer/songwriter/pianist Aaron English to our Unity stage! Aaron has played concert tours on five continents. More info contact Clare Kubota at Clare@UnityCentralOregon.org 541-280-5040 12:30-2pm. $22.
14 Monday
Bridge 99 Brewery Trivia Mondays at Bridge 99 Trivia Mondays at 6:30pm at Bridge 99 Brewery with Useless Knowledge Bowl. It’s no ordinary trivia night, Team up to win house gift cards! Great brews, cocktails, and more. Inhouse menu and food truck options available! It’s free to play. Indoor and outdoor seating available. 63063 Layton Ave, Bend. 6:30-8:30pm. Free.
Bunk+Brew Open Mic Mondays Show off your talent at Bunk + Brew! Open mic runs from 6-10pm, with sign-ups starting at 5:30. Stick around for open jam from 9-10pm. Enjoy food carts in our backyard while supporting local performers. Located in the Historic Lucas House Living Room for winter. 6-10pm. Free.
The Commonwealth Pub Monday Acoustic Open Mic Night Monday Acoustic Open Mic Night at The Commonwealth Pub Whether you’re performing original songs or acoustic covers, the stage is yours Monday nights at The Commonwealth Pub! With full sound and lights provided, just bring your instrument and get ready to shine! Sign-ups 5pm and music 6-10pm. Free.
Crux Fermentation Project Trivia Night @ Crux Trivia Night at Crux! First place team wins a $25 gift card! 6-8pm. Free.
Elixir Winery and Tasting Room Locals Music Night and Open Mic Bend’s friendliest open-mic! All genres welcome. Oregon and international wine, beer and tapas menu available all evening. 6-9pm. Free.
Immersion Brewing Open Mic at Immersion Brewing - Bend Comedy - Open Mic at 7pmSign up at 6:30pm - All performance types are welcome! - All ages are welcome to attend and perform! - All acts are eligible to audition to perform in a future Bend Comedy show! - 5 minutes spoken or 2 songs of stage time! 7-9pm. Free.
JC’s Bar & Grill Free Pool + all day Happy Hour! Free pool Mondays! All-day Happy Hour, free pool with any purchase, and unbeatable deals on drinks and bites! Enjoy delicious eats, ice-cold brews, and game day vibes with football on and the sound up. Don’t miss out- Mondays just got way better! 2pm-Midnight. Free.
On Tap Locals’ Day Plus Live Music Cheaper drinks all day and live music at night, get down to On Tap. 11am-9pm. Free.
Silver Moon Brewing Beertown Comedy Open Mic Voted #1 Open Mic and Locals Night, Beertown Comedy’s Open Mic happens every Monday at Silver Moon Brewing. Free to watch and perform! Sign-ups at 6:30pm, show at 7pm. With 20 spots available, bring your best jokes and get noticed for paid gigs. Laughter guaranteed! 6:30-9pm. Free.
15 Tuesday
Bunk+Brew Trivia Tuesdays Test your knowledge every Tuesday from 7-9pm at Bunk + Brew! New exciting themes every week. Bring your friends for a night of fun and prizes. Food carts will be open, so grab a bite or brew while you play. Located in the Historic Lucas House Dining Room. 7-9pm. Free.
The Capitol The Capitol Karaoke Music Weekly Karaoke at its finest! Central Oregon’s Premiere karaoke experience has just moved locations! Now at the Capitol! Come get immersed with a stage and sound system Plenty of space! Drink specials! Air Guitars! Come see for yourself! It’s a habit! 8pm-1am. Free.
The Cellar Open Mic Open mic at The Cellar hosted by Mari! 6-8pm and all are welcome! 6-8pm. Free.
The Commonwealth Pub Karaoke Get ready for a night of music, singing, and nonstop fun at The Commonwealth Pub! DJ Chris is bringing the energy with top 40 hits and all your favorite karaoke tracks. Grab your friends, warm up those vocal cords, and join us for an unforgettable evening. Sign-ups 6pm Karaoke 7pm!. Free.
Crosscut Warming Hut No 5 Head Games Trivia Night Live multi-media trivia every other Tuesday at Crosscut Warming Hut No. 5, Bend. Free to play, win prizes, teams up to 6. Please arrive early for best seats. Every other Tuesday, 6-8pm. Free.
The Lot TRIVIA TUESDAY @ The Lot Join your trivia loving peeps on the heated benches for a fun Tuesday evening out! Six categories with six questions each. Eat. Drink. Think. Prizes from food carts and local breweries. Every Tuesday from November to end of April. 6-8pm. Free.
M&J Tavern Karaoke Find your vibe to sing your heart out in the downtown living room. 8pm-Midnight. Free.
Mountain Burger Trivia Tuesday at Mountain Burger Come to Trivia Tuesday at Mountain Burger! Fun and prizes await! 7:30-9pm. Free.
Northside Bar & Grill Karaoke with DJ Chris Ossig Karaoke with DJ Chris. 7-9pm. Free. Pinky G’s Pizzeria TRIVIA NIGHT Test your knowledge in a casual/laid-back atmosphere. Pizza, beer and trivia. Free to play and prizes for 1st and 2nd place. 6-8pm. Free.
River’s Place Bingo! Have fun, win $$ and support a local nonprofit organization. Cards $1-$5. 6-8pm. Free.
Volcanic Theatre Pub Sam Grisman Project Sam Grisman grew up surrounded by the timeless acoustic music of his father, David Grisman, and Jerry Garcia. Inspired by their camaraderie and deep musicianship, he formed the Sam Grisman Project to honor their legacy. 7pm. $27 Presale.
MUSIC
Kolby Knickerbocker The emotional vulnerability in Knickerbocker’s music has landed him hundreds of TV & film placements across the globe as well as several awards. April 9, 7:30pm. The Commonwealth Pub, 30 SW Century Dr., Bend. Contact: 541-668-6200. thecommonwealthpubevents@gmail.com. Free.
DANCE
Adult Jazz Dance Community Class
Join nonprofit Bend Dance Project for intermediate level adult jazz drop-in dance classes, Fridays 12:15 - 1:45pm. Styles include Broadway, street, lyrical with teachers rotating monthly. Friendly supportive atmosphere. Get your dance on! Fridays, 12:15-1:45pm. Acadamie De Ballet Classique, 1900 NE 3rd St #104, Bend. Contact: 408-857-6773. jcliff@gmail.com. $10 donation. Bend Community Contra Dance Last bend Contra Dance of the Winter Season! (Contra is similar to square dancing) Caller: Ric Goldman Live Band: Moondogs -Rich Goss on guitar and Laurie Prime on fiddle. Wear comfortable clothes, soft-soled, non-marking shoes Beginner-friendly: Quick lesson before the dance. Grange hall rules: Alcohol, drug, and smoke-free venue. April 12, 6:45-9:30pm. Pine Forest Grange Hall, 63214 Boyd Acres Rd., Bend. Contact: 541306-9563. bendcontra@gmail.com. $10.
FILM EVENTS
Alflred Hitchcock Film Series 2 Explore 5 Alfred Hitchcock films: THE LADY VANISHES, SHADOW OF A DOUBT, SPELLBOUND, VERTIGO and NORTH BY NORTHWEST. Short lecture, viewing, class discussion. On cocc.edu, click “Community Education,” “Browse and Register,” “Search by Instructor”: Greg Lyons; or call 541-383-7270. Mondays, 4-6:30pm. Through April 14. COCC Hitchcock Auditorium, 2600 NW College Way, Bend. Contact: 541-383-7270. ceinfo@cocc.edu. $59.
Catch Magazine’s Best of Both Worlds Tour Catch Magazine’s Best of Both Worlds Tour brings fly fishing films, photography, and storytelling to the Tower Theatre in support of the Deschutes River Conservancy. Featuring films by Todd Moen, photography by Brian O’Keefe, and an introduction from Kate Fitzpatrick, the event highlights the connection between conservation and outdoor recreation. April 10, 7-9pm. Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St., Bend. Contact: 541317-0700. ben@deschutesriver.org. $18.
ARTS + CRAFTS
“I Remember” - A Creative Writing & Book Making Playshop We are excited to welcome local artist and creativity coach Krayna Castelbaum for an energizing “playshop” that combines creative writing with bookmaking. Inspired by “I Remember, Joe Brainard’s literary cult classic, participants will time travel and use this simple yet muscular prompt to generate their own fresh, vivid sentences. April 12, 10am-1pm. Pine Meadow Ranch Center for Arts & Agriculture, 68467 Three Creek Rd., Sisters. Contact: 541-9040700. inquiries@roundhousefoundation.org. $35.
Brand Your Future: A Vision Board Workshop for Women-led Businesses A handson vision board workshop for women business owners to help them manifest a bright future for their new or growing business. Led by Bend artist and business coach Christine Elder. Future workshops will be held in Sisters, Redmond, and Sunriver. April 11, 3-5pm. Downtown Bend Public Library - Brooks Room, 601 NW Wall St., Bend. Contact: 831-2276996. christinaleighelder@gmail.com. $13-$35.
Chicken Farming for Self-Reliant Families Thinking of raising chickens? This workshop covers breeds, coops, and health care tailored to Central Oregon’s climate. Learn best practices for feeding, egg production, and predator protection. Plus, try our AI farm planner to design the ideal setup for your space, budget, and goals! April 14, 5:30-8:30pm. Redmond. Contact: 650-224-6750. info@schoolofranch.org. $40.
More than three decades in, the long-running Old 97’s bring rock ‘n’ roll and power pop to the stage in Bend on Wed., April 9, 8pm at The Domino Room.
Courtesy Old 97's FB
Floral Wreath Workshop Learn how to make your very own dried flower wreath! Led by Leah Thompson of Stumpmunk Farms, a specialty cut flower farm in Sisters. In this hands-on class you’ll learn about the flowers that go into your design and leave with a beautiful wreath for your home. April 10, 5:30-7:30pm. FREAK’N ART, 1265 NW Wall st., Bend. Contact: 541-508-7438. hellofreaknart@gmail.com. $90.
I Remember: Creative Writing & Bookmaking Playshop This creative writing and bookmaking Playshop is inspired by Joe Brainard’s experimental memoir, “I Remember.” We’ll time travel using this simple yet muscular prompt to generate fresh, vivid sentences, and also craft handmade books to house our writing while exploring collage and mark-making. April 12, 10am-1pm. Pine Meadow Ranch Center for Arts & Agriculture, 68467 Three Creek Rd., Sisters. Contact: 541-904-0700. inquiries@roundhousefoundation.org. $35.
Intro to Stained Glass - Honeycomb Suncatchers You’ll start with precut glass pieces shaped like honeycombs, allowing you to design a unique configuration that’s all your own. From applying copper foil to soldering the glass pieces together, you’ll learn the essential steps to create a stunning, multicolored suncatcher that looks amazing in any window. No experience required! April 15, 6-8pm. DIY Cave, 444 SE Ninth St. Suite 150, Bend. Contact: 541-388-2283. classes@diycave.com. $119.
Intro to Welding - Women Only Our Women’s only Intro to Welding class introduces students to welding, a widely used and versatile process that is perfect for beginners wanting to start on their own metal fabrication projects. By the end of the class, students will have a solid understanding of the basics of MIG welding. April 13, 6-8pm. DIY Cave, 444 SE Ninth St. Suite 150, Bend. Contact: 541-388-2283. classes@diycave.com. $139.
Living Spring Centerpiece Workshop at Schilling’s Garden Market This spring-inspired centerpiece workshop blends vibrant pansies, violas, fragrant herbs like rosemary and thyme, soft grasses, and delicate dried flowers. It evokes renewal and growth, perfect for Easter. The colorful blooms, refreshing scents, and gentle textures create a timeless, nature-filled addition to any gathering or seasonal decor. Register today! April 13, 11am-Noon. Schilling’s Garden Market, 64640 Old Bend-Redmond HWY, Bend. Contact: 541-323-0160. info@ schillingsgardenmarket.com. $70.
Natural Dyeing Workshop with Vive Textiles Explore the world of natural dyeing in this beginner-friendly workshop where you’ll craft a beautiful botanical silk scarf using flowers, plants, and other natural materials to create stunning one-of-a-kind colors + patterns. Sun, April 13, 3-4pm. The Grove, 921 NW Mt. Washington Dr., Bend. Contact: grovebendevents@ gmail.com. $75.
Power Saws for Fearless Women
Learn the basics of six power saws with a focus on safety, technique, and practical use. This fun, beginner-friendly workshop builds skills and confidence, helping you tackle DIY projects with ease. Get ready to make sawdust and bring your ideas to life! April 15, 5:30-8:30pm. City of Redmond. Contact: 650-224-6750. info@schoolofranch.org. $125.
Second Saturday at the Gallery Enjoy free food and libations at the Artists Gallery Sunriver Village the 2nd Saturday of each month. Work of 30 local artists is on display and here’s your chance to meet some of those artists. Second Saturday of every month, 4-6pm. The Village at Sunriver, 57100 Beaver Dr., Sunriver. Contact: 541-593-8704. Free.
Skyliners Spring Art Sale Local artists semi-annual sale; products include pottery, wall art, jewelry, woodworking, coffee, clothing and more! Set on beautiful Tumalo Creek, this sale is one to come check out! Every other day, 10am-5pm. Creekside Studio, 16250 Skyliners Rd, Bend. Free. Spring Paint Night! Let’s celebrate, get creative and learn to paint! Sip, snack and enjoy as you are led through this painting step-by-step from start to finish! You get to walk away with a work of art you’ve created yourself! Awesome right?! April 15, 5:30-7:30pm. Silver Moon Brewing, 24 NW Greenwood Ave., Bend. Contact: 541728-4253. hello@brightlifecreative.com. $49.
PRESENTATIONS + EXHIBITS
Breakthroughs in MS Join the National MS Society for an inspiring discussion about MS research breakthroughs from Oregon Health Sciences University researchers and trailblazing leaders. April 10. The Haven CoWorking, 1001 Southwest Disk Drive, Bend. Free.
Central Oregon Wildlife Neighbors Join the Deschutes Land Trust for an all ages talk by Alysia Wolf about the wild animals that live right outside your front door. From soaring hawks to waddling porcupines, come learn about your Central Oregon wildlife neighbors. April 12, 10-11:15am. Downtown Bend Public Library, 601 NW Wall St., Bend. Contact: 541-330-0017. event@deschuteslandtrust.org. Free. Women in Medicine: Post-Civil War America Throughout 19th century America, the roles and possibilities for women changed. Learn about the era’s gender notions, class divisions, and the expanding role of women in the emerging field of formalized medical training in post-Civil War America with OSU-Cascades instructor, Janet Rankin. April 9, 3-4pm. Redmond Public Library, 827 SW Deschutes Ave., Redmond. Contact: 541312-1029. laurelh@deschuteslibrary.org. Free.
THEATER
Maragas Winery Theater - High Desert Horror Much more than just a theatrical event... it’s an immersive experience. Based on real events, we enact the story of Ray Van Buren Jackson and his 8 victims whose lives he brought to an untimely and tragic end. Great wine, tasty nosh, a fab acting, and hip surroundings. April 11, 6:30-9pm. Maragas Winery, 15523 SW Hwy 97, Culver. Contact: 541546-5464. info@maragaswinery.com. $35. The Mousetrap by Agatha Christie Cascades Theatrical Company presents The Mousetrap. The Mousetrap is Agatha Christie’s most successful play and the longest-running play in history. Directed by Richard Choate and running Thu, April 10, 7:30pm, Fri, April 11, 7:30pm, Sat, April 12, 7:30pm and Sun, April 13, 2pm. Cascade Theatrical Company, 148 NW Greenwood, Bend. Contact: 541389-0803. Adults $36 Students/Seniors $32.
Next To Normal: Musical Pulitzer winner and 3 time Tony winner, Next To Normal, the rock musical will tear at your heart strings as it hits the gritty and prestigious Greenhouse stage this spring. Next to Normal is an intimate exploration of family and illness, loss and grief. Thu, April 10, 7:30-10pm, Fri, April 11, 7:30-10pm, Sat, April 12, 7:30-10pm, Sun, April 13, 7:30-10pm, Thu, April 17, 7:30-10pm, Fri, April 18, 7:3010pm, Sat, April 19, 7:30-10pm, Sun, April 20, 7:30-10pm, Thu, April 24, 7:30-10pm, Fri, April 25, 7:30-10pm, Sat, April 26, 7:30-10pm, Sun, April 27, 7:30-10pm, Thu, May 1, 7:30-10pm, Fri, May 2, 7:30-10pm and Sat, May 3, 7:30-10pm. The Greenhouse Cabaret, 1017 NE 2nd St., Bend. Contact: 541-699-2840. info@thegreenhousecabaret.com. $20-$75.
WORDS
Heather Fox & Jonathan Stutzman: Book Talk & Signing Meet the author and illustrator of Tiny T. Rex, Don’t Feed the Coos, and Llama Destroys the World at Roundabout Books! They will talk about writing and illustrating books, answer your questions, and sign books! This is a free event. April 10, 6:30-7:30pm. Roundabout Books, 900 NW Mount Washington Dr., #110, Bend. Contact: 541-306-6564. julie@ roundaboutbookshop.com. Free.
VOLUNTEER
Basic Mediation Training Mediation supports peaceful conflict resolution and builds bridges across differences. Participants of our BMT learn how to create a safe and respectful space, actively listen, identify underlying needs, and empower others to arrive at their own agreements. Our Basic Mediation Training (BMT) course meets all standards required for Oregon-based community. Fri, April 11, 8am-5pm, Sat, April 12, 8am-5pm and Sun, April 13, 8am5pm. Community Solutions of Central Oregon, 1010 NW 14th st, Bend. Contact: 541-383-0187. training@solutionsco.org. $600.
Building a BeaverHOOD Overview, Orientation, and Field Training Join us for this thematic overview and hands-on workshop where the Beaver Works Oregon team will introduce the “BeaverHOODs” concept and educate on the purpose and execution of our beaver habitat restoration efforts in Central and Eastern Oregon. RSVP to reserve your spot! April 13, 1-3pm. The Environmental Center, 16 NW Kansas Ave., Bend. Free.
Mentor a Child with an Incarcerated Parent- Spring Mentor Training This 3½hour class covers program policies, Q&A from a current volunteer, how to establish a mentor relationship, the impact incarceration has on families, communication skills, and the stages of a mentoring relationship. There is no cost to attend, but advanced registration is required. Light snacks and refreshments provided. April 12, 9am-12:30pm. Deschutes County Services Center, 1300 NW Wall St., Bend. Contact: 541388-6651. copy@deschutes.org. Free.
GROUPS + MEETUPS
Dog adoption event Herding Dog Rescue of Central Oregon has several dogs looking for new homes you should come and meet! If you are ready to give a loving home, please adopt. Always looking for foster homes too. April 12, 11am-2pm. Pet Supplies Plus, 2620 NE Hwy 20 Suite 200, Bend. Contact: 458-292-8362. Herdingdogrescue@gmail.com. Free.
Food Waste Prevention and Composting Workshop This free workshop by the Rethink Waste Project during Food Waste Prevention Week will dig into why food waste matters, how to prevent food waste in the first place, strategies for composting, and a chance to answer community questions. April 9, 5:30-7pm. The Environmental Center, 16 NW Kansas Ave., Bend. Contact: kavi@envirocenter.org. Free.
Country music singer/songwriter Brad Paisley hits Bend on his Truck Still Works world tour with special guests Walker Hayes and Mae Estes. Thu., May 29, 6:30pm at Hayden Homes Amphitheater.
Courtesy Brad Paisley FB
CALENDAR EVENTS
Comedian, writer, producer and actor Trevor Noah is known for being the host of the Emmy Award-winning “The Daily Show.” Noah heads to Bend this summer for a stand-up comedy show. Sat., July 12, 7:30pm at Hayden Homes Amphitheater.
Nerd Night Presents: Super Science Trivia! Nerd Night presents: Science Trivia! Join us in the “Hop Mahal” at Worthy Brewing. Test your science knowledge, win prizes and have fun. April 15, 7-9pm. Worthy Brewing - Main Pub and Brewery, 495 NE Bellevue Dr., Bend. Contact: jake@skeptoid.com. Free.
P.E.O. Spring Fair Come to the P.E.O. Spring Fair to learn about scholarships available for women. Hear scholarship recipients talk about their success and enjoy light refreshments. Fundraising items will be available for sale with all proceeds going to P.E.O. scholarships. April 12, 10am-Noon. First Presbyterian Church, 230 NE 9th., Bend. Contact: 443-852-2489. janemacm1@gmail.com. Free.
VRCCO Anniversary Celebration + Adoption Event Come join us for the VRCCO Anniversary Celebration + Adoption Event on April 12! Come celebrate with us and meet your new furry best friend. We’ll have adoptable dogs on-site just waiting for their forever families! Enjoy delicious food trucks, refreshing drinks, an espresso bar, games, local vendors, April 12, 3-8pm. Veterinary Referral Center of Central Oregon, Emergency & Speciality, 62889 NE Oxford Ct, Bend. Contact: 503-329-7612. becky@ streetdoghero.org. Free.
FUNDRAISING
Confidence Documentary Screening
Confidence is a 28-min human-interest film ft. Central Oregonians. Through honest storytelling and vulnerable interviews, it invites viewers to reflect on their own self-worth, authenticity. Enjoy a great film, Jamaican catering, a haiku booth and community. April 10, 6-8pm. OSU-Cascades, 1500 sw Chandler dr, bend. Contact: bola@ bolafilms.com. Free.
Dream Trip Raffle Assistance League of Bend®️Dream Trip Raffle is coming to a close! Help clothe a child and support Operation School Bell ®️The last day to purchase tickets is April 15. Choose from 4 fabulous trips valued between $4,595 & $4,700. Only 1,000 tickets available. Visit Assistanceleaguebend.org for more information. Contact: 541-389-2075. info@ assistanceleaguebend.org. $30.
We Are Home Film Festival
Join Thrive Central Oregon at the Tower Theater for the We Are Home Film Festival! This one-ofa-kind event showcases films that reflect the value of home, belonging and community while raising funds to directly support Central Oregonians in securing housing. April 12, 6-9:30pm. Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St., Bend. $25.
EVENTS + MARKETS
Central Oregon Cards & Collectibles Show Prepare for a day packed with excitement and nostalgia. Whether you’re a fan of trading cards, collectibles, or just looking for a fun day with the family, the Central Oregon Cards & Collectibles Show is the place to be! April 12, 9am4pm. Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center, 3800 SW Airport Way, Redmond, Redmond. Contact: 530-356-1296. adrian@centraloregoncardshow. com. $10.
Launch Party We are having a party to celebrate the official launch of Anjou Aesthetics! First 25 attendees receive a free swag bag and chance to win a $500 raffle. Learn about the new Mermaid Facelift, Skin Boosters, Peels, SkinPen microneedling and Medi-grade skincare. Online Specials April 10, 2-5pm. Anjou Spa, 1835 NW Pence Lane #120, Bend. Contact: 541-241-8454. AskEsto@anjouspa.com. Free.
Yard sale/Spring cleaning at the Old Ironworks Arts District Come join us at the Old Ironworks Arts District for a spring cleaning garage sale. Four different businesses will have sales including vintage clothing, home decor, art, handmade items, pottery, fixtures, furniture and more. Participating businesses include Gathered Wares, The Workhouse, Mudlake Studios and Furnish Hope. Cash preferred. April 11, 10am-3pm. Gathered Wares, 50 SE Scott St. Unit 2, Bend. Contact: lauren@gatheredwares. com. Free.
FAMILY + KIDS
Fencing Learn the Olympic sport of fencing! High Desert Fencing Club offers instruction in Foil and Epee for 9-year-olds through adults. We offer a one-time free trial lesson on Tuesdays with a reservation. Fencing gear provided. Please email us at HDFencing@gmail.com to arrange a date for your free trial lesson. Mondays-Thursdays, 5:30-7:30pm. High Desert Fencing Club, 61445 S. Hwy 97 Suite D, Bend. Contact: 541419-7087. hdfencing@gmail.com. Free.
Free Kayak Roll Session for Kids 12-18 Free whitewater kayak roll session for Central Oregon kids and teens. April 12, 5-8pm. Cascade Swim Center, 465 SW Rimrock Dr., Redmond. Contact: lalilly170@gmail.com. Free.
Science Circus Extravaganza with Rhys Thomas Science and circus arts for the whole family with renowned juggler Rhys Thomas! Suggested for children ages 6 and up, and all children must be accompanied by a caregiver. April 15, 6-7pm. Downtown Bend Public Library - Brooks Room, 601 NW Wall St., Bend. Contact: 541-3121062. Elsah@deschuteslibrary.org. Free.
SDH Monthly On-site Adoption Event
Join us for our monthly adoption event, which will be held at our facility in Bend! This is a perfect opportunity to meet our adoptable SDH pups. April 11, 6-9pm. Street Dog Hero, 910 SE Wilson Ave. Suite A-1, Bend. Contact: 503-3297612. becky@streetdoghero.org. Free.
Snake Run Rally @ Hoodoo Ski Area Snake Run Rally is a grassroots banked slalom snowboard event. This hand dug course offers an opportunity for snowboards to have fun racing and ripping with some of the best northwest riders around. For registration details go to https://www.thesnakerunrally. com. Fri, April 11, 9am-4pm, Sat, April 12, 9am-4pm and Sun, April 13, 9am-4pm. Hoodoo Ski Area, 27400 Big Lake Road, Sisters. Contact: 541-815-0574. eventsbreakingfree@gmail.com. Free.
FOOD + DRINK
Redmond Cookbook Club Join local home chefs for a potluck cooked from a different cookbook each month. Meet great people, enjoy delicious wine, and share fabulous food! Choose your recipe at our monthly happy hour on the 2nd Tuesdays, then bring your dish to the dinner party every 3rd Tuesday. Bon apetit! Third Tuesday of every month, 6-8pm. Arome, 432 SW 6th St., Redmond. Contact: 503-409-7944. kelsey.seymour@jillscookbookclub.com. $15.
Sourdough Starter Class Come join Corissa at Arome as she demonstrates how to make a two-loaf batch of Artisan Sourdough Bread. Corissa will walk you through the history of Sourdough, What a starter is? How to create your own starter from scratch, and demonstrate how to make two artisan sourdough loaves. Sun, April 13, 2-4pm and Sun, May 4, 2-4pm. Arome, 432 SW 6th St., Redmond. Contact: 541-5274727. aromeredmond@gmail.com. $30.
BEER + DRINK
Downtown Redmond Ladies’ Night
Bring your bestie or meet new friends at our second annual spring ladies’ night in downtown Redmond! Shop and sip your way through downtown Redmond with snacks, drinks and discounts just for the ladies. April 11, 5-8pm. Downtown Redmond, Sixth Street, Redmond. Contact: shannon@ enjoydowntownredmond.com. Free.
Unlikely Wine Pairings Join us for a new experience that will challenge your assumptions about food and wine pairing. Enjoy 4 out of the box small bites pairings including two cheeses, a salad and local chocolate. April 9, 5:30-7pm. Willamette Valley Vineyards, 916 NW Wall St., Bend. Contact: 503-339-3967. ashley.stilwell@wvv.com. $40.
HEALTH + WELLNESS
Spring Body Love Cleanse: Circadian Rhythms and Your Optimal Weight
Refresh and realign with the Spring Body Love Cleanse! Learn how to support your body’s natural rhythms for optimal health and balance. This guided cleanse helps reset digestion, energy, and well-being in harmony with the season. April 13, 11:30am-1pm. The Peoples Apothecary, 1841 NE Division Street, Bend. Contact: 541-7282368. classes@thepeoplesapothecary.net. $126. Yoga for Hips 60 minutes dedicated to the hip joints! We will explore flexibility in all the natural ranges of motion in the hip joint, and work on exercises to build a strong foundation in the supporting muscles of the hip. Tissue release, flexibility and strength. Come prepared to move. All levels. April 13, 2-3pm. Bend Yoga Center, 1230 NE 3rd Street, Suite A230, Bend. Contact: yoga@bendhotyoga.com. $22.
courtesy Trevor Noah FB
CHOW C
The Adventures of Bend Breakfast Burrito
The Hiltons have made it their business to bring burritos to front doors
and business meetings across Bend
By Skylor Young
In the words of author Jasmine Guillory: “Wouldn’t it be great if you could order a breakfast burrito and it just showed up at your door every morning?”
This question inspired Bend Breakfast Burrito owners Valerie and Trent Hilton to launch a breakfast burrito delivery service in 2021, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Four years later, Bend Breakfast Burrito has five locations: a permanent Midtown storefront cart and kitchen off NE Division Street and another at Boss Rambler Coffee, plus three seasonal, summer-only carts at The Commons Cafe, the downtown Bend Farmers Market and NorthWest Crossing Saturday Farmers Market. You can also find its burritos at a work meeting if your boss knows that meetings catered with breakfast burritos are far more successful than those without. And, of course, you can still find them at your doorstep anytime you have them delivered.
Trent and Valerie met in 2009, both working at a restaurant in Southern California. As Valerie puts it, “We learned everything we know about running restaurants from that experience — how to financially and operationally run a restaurant but more so, how to work hard and have fun while doing it. And along the way, we fell in love and started a family.”
Come 2019, it was time for a change for the Hiltons, so they packed up their lives and took to traveling the world with their children. What better way to stay fueled for such an epic adventure than to start each day with breakfast burritos? This is when Trent mastered the art of the on-the-go burrito, the foundation of their business today. This says so much about what makes them particularly unique: These burritos are built to fuel and energize, so you won’t find a bunch of heavy grease dripping from the bottom of your tortilla.
skiers, hikers and bikers. Personally, I found it when I was six-months pregnant, at the NorthWest Crossing Saturday Farmers Market. I ordered the original breakfast burrito and it quickly became one of my only cravings for the remainder of my pregnancy.
is not an easy find! The red and tomatillo salsas are delicious, but the avocado crema is the star of their sauces. It mimics the flavors of guacamole but it’s very light, a great way to brighten up your burrito of choice.
Bend Breakfast Burrito also offers baked goods, but not just any baked goods — they are an invitation for you to take a walk down memory lane. Valerie is the mastermind behind these think-outside-the-box treats: “I feel like breakfast foods really reign in the childhood nostalgic foods category. Cereal while you watched morning cartoons. Pancakes for breakfast after a sleepover. We want our baked goods to be fun and comforting and remind our patrons of these sweet memories.”
Pop-Tart cookies, cinnamon toast doughnuts, cereal bars (Fruit Loops and coconut s’mores) and banana bread: These grab-and-go snacks are particularly appealing to those picking up breakfast on their way to the mountain because these treats can be tossed in their bag and eaten after a few runs or at the top of a hike.
They settled their family in Bend shortly after they returned from their travels, and in February 2021, they started “waking up early and delivering breakfast to families at home.” Just a month later, they were getting large catering orders, and by May, they had a food cart at The Commons Cafe.
Bend Breakfast Burrito’s client base covers a wide spectrum of folks, from suit-wearing office dwellers to
The ingredients are mixed together before they go in the burrito, so you get a little egg, potato and bacon in each bite, unlike most burritos with stacked ingredi ents. And those ingredients are cooked with pride: As Valerie puts it, “Our scrambled eggs take a lot of time and attention to prepare but it’s so worth it. No dry eggs in our breakfast burritos!”
The menu is not built to overwhelm with options, but it absolutely has something for everyone: the original with bacon, the chorizo for those who love spice, a vegetarian and a vegan burrito, a heat-at-home option for those who want to treat the whole family and, drumroll please: a gluten-free breakfast burrito, which
So, what’s next for Bend Breakfast Burrito? Aside from its two permanent and three seasonal locations, the catering side of the business gives it the freedom to be everywhere. The kitchen cart off Division is more than a storefront for customers to pick up burritos, it’s a large, centrally located kitchen. Since it opened in 2023, the catering side of the business has really taken off — which is great because the Hiltons love collaborating with other businesses to provide an easy and delicious way to show appreciation for their teams.
Bend Breakfast Burrito Wed.-Sun. 7:30-11:30am or sold out 1900 NE Division St., Bend 1009 NW Galveston Ave., Bend
Above, Bend Breakfast Burrito’s food cart and kitchen space off NE Division Street. At right, the original breakfast burrito with bacon, egg, potato, cheese, tomato, onion and cilantro.
Photos by Skylor Young
By Savannah Mendoza
Fresco & Fryed’s Flavorful New Chapter in Bend
The Latin soul food truck settles in at Open Space serving fresh, soulful dishes with heart
Fresco & Fryed, a food truck serving bold and soulful Latin-inspired dishes, has found a new home at Open Space Event Studios in Bend.
Founded by James Delarosa and his fiancee and business partner, Kathryn Lippert, the truck balances fresh ingredients with indulgent comfort. Inspired by his Mexican heritage, Delarosa says, “We strive to create really fresh food from our heart that we can share with people and have them taste our love.”
“I believe food is a beautiful, universal art that can connect so many people,” says Delarosa. “It’s something that I fell in love with over the years.”
Launched in 2021, Fresco & Fryed began in Prineville, later serving Otto’s Landing in Redmond and at Crater Lake Spirits before settling into its new location in March.
“We’re looking to having people come and taste the uniqueness and the hard work that we put into every dish.”
Some of the new and OG menu items include Black Ash Asada Tacos that are crafted with a black ash rub made from leftover onion and garlic skins and the Ajanta Purple Wings, both inspired by Indian cuisine.
Delarosa mentions their commitment to making everything in-house.
“We don’t have one menu item, or one condiment, bought in — from pickles to making our own ketchup and barbeque sauces, aiolis and salads, we want to ensure freshness and quality.”
Fresco & Fryed 11am-8pm, Mon.-Tue., Thu.-Sat. At Open Space Event Studios 220 NE Lafayette Ave., Bend instagram.com/frescoandfryed
A New Chapter for The Pantry
Beloved coffee and mercantile shop welcomes new owners
In November 2024, The Pantry — a cozy coffee and mercantile shop tucked along NW Newport Avenue — announced it was for sale. Known for its house-made syrups, sustainable goods and delicious pastries, the neighborhood favorite has officially found new owners. Joel Morgan and his family took over the space in mid-March.
The listing immediately struck a chord with Morgan, who recently moved to Bend and wanted to connect more deeply with the community. Now, The Pantry is a family-run effort with Morgan as the primary owner; he’s joined by his wife Robin, daughter Rylee and Rylee’s partner Caelan.
“What drew me to The Pantry is the community connection,” Morgan says. “I’m excited to help us become more well-known and create a space that’s enjoyable, relaxing and welcoming.”
Rather than reinventing The Pantry, Morgan hopes to build on what makes it special, sustaining its mission while helping it thrive.
The coffee menu will stay true to its roots — with in-house syrups,
dairy alternatives and specialty drinks — but with some thoughtful additions. The team plans to reintroduce popular items like breakfast burritos and pastries, extend hours (including Sundays and Mondays) and enhance the refillery with more locally sourced products. Online ordering and a grand reopening are also in the works.
The Pantry Wed-Sun, 9am-3pm The Pantry Bend 1124 NW Newport Ave., Bend thepantrybend.com
Courtesy @thepantrybend IG
SC SCREEN John, Yoko, Oakland, Punks and So Much More
An April indie film roundup
By Jared Rasic
There are a ton of low-budget, international and just plain off-the-radar films coming out over the next few weeks — most of which deserve at least a chance to find an audience. With advertising budgets that are unable to compete with what the larger studios are able to throw at their movies, I dove into a pile of this month’s smaller releases to make sure nothing truly exceptional falls through the cracks. The results definitely varied. Let’s take a look.
“Hell of a Summer”: I sure do love a good slasher movie, and under the right circumstances, I love a bad one even more. While the writing and directorial debut of Finn Wolfhard and Billy Bryk aren't necessarily bad (or good), the film plays it too safe with the “serial killer at a summer camp” trope. When you’re fooling around in a subgenre that includes the insanely ridiculous “Friday the 13th” and “Sleepaway Camp” franchises, then there needs to either be some classic violence or memorable schlock, but “Hell of a Summer” doesn’t bring the atmospheric scares or gore to work as a horror movie, or solid enough jokes to work as a comedy either. The film is reverent to slashers while still wholly taking the piss out of them at the same time, but none of it lands well enough to be anything more than a mildly entertaining momentary diversion.
“Misericordia”: A slow-burn character piece about desperately lonely people not looking for anything or anyone in particular, just something to make the silence of their disappointing lives less deafening. A young man returns to a rural community for the funeral of his old boss, only to discover that
he prefers it to what he left back in the city, so he clings to the boss’ widow in hopes of finally belonging somewhere.
Deliberately paced with shades of “The Talented Mr. Ripley,” the very French “Misericordia” weaponizes its arthouse bonafides with long stretches of timorous pauses, heartbreaking character work and gorgeous shots of the countryside to create a quietly understated thriller that remains in the mind long after it ends.
“Eric LaRue”: The directorial debut of the certifiably brilliant actor Michael Shannon, “Eric LaRue” follows the mother of a school shooter as she struggles to figure out how to live the rest of her life while grappling with her loveless marriage, her fraying threads of religious belief, a community that despises her and a son she can’t bring herself to visit in prison. Based on the play by Brett Neveu, the film is more interested in dissecting the fermentable nature of community and organized religion than being a treatise on the horrifying epidemic of school shootings. There are no answers here, just massive questions all posed in the haunted eyes of a never-better Judy Greer. Following in the footsteps of the astonishing “We Need to Talk About Kevin” but without Lynne Ramsay’s poetry as a filmmaker, “Eric LaRue” still manages to be a powerful, if restrained, look at the ineffectuality of organized religion when put up against unthinkable tragedy.
“One to One: John & Yoko”: A wonderful documentary focused on the 18 months John Lennon and Yoko Ono lived in NYC’s Greenwich Village leading up to their “One to One” benefit
concert for the children of the Willowbrook Institution in Staten Island. Structured like someone flipping through the channels of their TV, the documentary (co-directed by unsung master Kevin Macdonald) is packed with incredible footage of the counterculture of 1972 and how Lennon found himself as a reluctant revolutionary after the failure of Flower Power and the stillborn death of the peace movement. Finally, a documentary that gives Yoko Ono a voice and paints her in a sympathetic and powerful light, showing how she shaped Lennon into a feminist in his final years. I had never seen John or Yoko like this in any doc before, and the footage Macdonald managed to find is astonishing, giving context to history in genuinely surprising and stunning ways. Fans of Lennon and Ono will find gold here.
“Freaky Tales” passes the vibe check. A batshit crazy anthology of interconnected stories (set in 1987 Oakland!) following a goofily animated green lightning that shapes the fates of several disparate Californians. If you’re like me, then this movie has it all: punks versus Nazis, rap battles, narration by Too $hort, fake cigarette burns to give the film that old-school theatrical texture, a deep love of 1980s Oakland/Bay Area hip-hop culture, an obsession with genre movies, the Golden State Warriors, kung fu, cartoonish violence, Pedro Pascal, sword fights and so very much more. Filmmakers Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck take all the tricks they’ve learned in 20 years as writer/ directors (including their toe-dipping into studio blockbusters with 2019’s
“Captain Marvel”) and made what feels like a deeply personal and goofball love letter to their youth and the things that make them happy. It’s not perfect, but what is? At the end of the closing credits, there’s a brief moment where the statement “This movie was made in its entirety by human beings” appears. Just a group of people making a movie about Oakland in the 1980s with sword fights and rap music — humanity at its best.
“Hell of a Summer”
Dir. Finn Wolfhard & Billy Bryk
Grade: C
Now playing at Regal Old Mill
“Misericordia”
Dir. Alain Guiraudie
Grade: B+
Coming soon
“Eric LaRue”
Dir. Michael Shannon
Grade: B
Coming soon
“One to One: John & Yoko”
Dir. Kevin Macdonald
Grade: A-
Coming soon to Tin Pan Theater
“Freaky Tales”
Dir. Anna Boden & Ryan Fleck
Grade: B
Coming soon
A fun but forgettable “Hell of a Summer” just isn’t all that.
John and Yoko like you’ve never seen them before.
Courtesy of Magnolia
Courtesy of Neon
Photographing Desert Wildlife
A guide to thoughtful wildlife photography in eastern Oregon’s high desert
Story and photos by Tara Lemezis
Eastern Oregon’s high desert is a land of striking contrasts — sunbaked plateaus meet rugged rimrock, deep canyons surround rushing rivers and green meadows and marshes thrive next to miles of sagebrush. It’s a place of untamed beauty, where wildlife moves with the seasonal rhythms of the land. Capturing compelling images here requires more than just a camera; it demands patience, respect and an understanding of the environment and the creatures that call this place home.
Get to Know Your Subject and Plan Your Scene
Every species has a rhythm and pattern to its movements. Understanding behaviors is key to capturing more than just a snapshot — it’s how you tell a story. What do they eat? Where do they prefer to spend their time? Some species favor open habitats, while others cling to the rocky edges of rimrock or find shelter in grassy floodplains. Wetlands provide refuge for waterfowl, while sagebrush houses elusive species like greater sagegrouse and sage thrasher. Observing their habits — when they feed, where they sing, when they’re most active and how they interact with their surroundings — makes it more likely you’ll capture a unique and intimate moment.
Taking time to connect with the land and respect its wildlife often leads to rewarding encounters. The more you blend in, the more likely animals will continue their natural behaviors in your presence, offering you the chance to document something truly special.
Observe, Be Patient and Give Wildlife Space
Wildlife photography isn’t about chasing an image; it’s about waiting for the right moment. Move quietly, watch intently and let the scene unfold. Birds and animals will often come closer if they don’t feel threatened. The more you respect their space, the more comfortable they become in yours.
This is especially critical during breeding and nesting seasons when disturbing wildlife can have serious consequences. Ethical photography means prioritizing the well-being of the subject over the shot. A telephoto lens can help you capture incredible detail without intruding, ensuring that the moment remains as natural as possible. Generally, a 200-500mm lens is all you need.
Composition and Lighting are Everything
In a great wildlife photo, place is just as important as the subject. Including the landscape adds depth, context and emotion to your images. Stray from the “bird in a box” approach, where the subject is isolated against a blank background. Instead, let the land breathe life into your frame. Show the interplay between rock, sky and sage. Use leading lines and natural perches to create balance and interest.
Lighting can make or break a photo. The high desert has moods that shift throughout the day — soft pastels at dawn, crisp midday shadows and golden evening light that sets the land ablaze; shoot in all of them. Blue hour, just before sunrise or after sunset, and golden hour, just after sunrise and before sunset, are often a photographer’s sweet spot. Generally, midday light is considered too harsh to yield a pleasing photo, but sometimes, when the conditions are right, epic clouds in those big skies or an approaching storm can really bring the drama to your image!
Explore Year-Round
Each season unveils its own uniqueness. In autumn, Steens Mountain is awash in vibrant oranges and yellows as the aspen changes color. Winter brings a snowy stillness, waterfowl and large flocks of snow geese. Late spring is always an ideal time to explore, when migratory species like western tanager and Bullock’s oriole color the scenery. And the high desert in summer holds its own magic — burrowing owls are aplenty, common nighthawks loaf on fence posts until just after golden hour before performing their nightly aerial displays, wildflowers are showy and the way the lingering summer light fires up the entire landscape makes for vivid and remarkable images.
Wildlife photography in eastern Oregon’s high desert is as much about connection as it is about skill. Respect the land, learn its rhythms and let the wild come to you. Your patience will be rewarded with photographs that tell the story of this truly extraordinary place.
Looking to share the stories you capture behind your lens? Each year, Oregon Natural Desert Association’s Wild Desert Calendar features a dozen inspiring landscape and wildlife shots showcasing the beauty of the high desert through the seasons. Consider submitting photos for a chance to see your own image in the calendar and to support Oregon high desert conservation. The submission period for the 2026 calendar is now open through Friday, June 6.
—Tara Lemezis is a wildlife photographer based in Portland. She’s been photographing birds (and mammals, wildflowers, amphibians and reptiles) and kicking up dust in Oregon’s high desert since 2013. Check out her work at instagram.com/tinyseedphotography
A Cooper’s hawk at the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge.
In spring, a rock wren sings at the top of the Warner Valley overlook on Hart Mountain.
This burrowing owl balances on sage at dusk in the Steens area of Harney Basin.
By Savannah Mendoza
Run Into Spring: The Salmon Run Returns for its 37th Year
Shake off winter and sprint into spring with a beloved Bend running tradition
Spring has officially arrived in Central Oregon — and with it, race season. One of Bend’s longest-running traditions, the 37th annual Salmon Run, kicks off the season with scenic routes, community spirit and a good cause. Whether you’re chasing a PR or simply soaking up the spring sunshine, the Salmon Run is a chance to run for fun and give back in the process.
Taking place on Saturday, April 19 at Riverbend Park, the Salmon Run features a range of races for all levels: a 5K, 10K and half marathon. This year’s event benefits The Giving Plate, a Bendbased nonprofit committed to feeding individuals and families in need. Proceeds will help support its expanding food programs across Central Oregon.
Participants can gear up for race day and pick up bibs and packets early at FootZone in downtown Bend on Friday, April 18 from 1 to 5:30pm. While you’re there, connect with fellow runners and snag some fun race swag, including a commemorative shirt.
The racecourses begin and end at Riverbend Park, weaving along the scenic Deschutes River Trail. Runners will cruise over a mix of paved paths and dirt trails surrounded by juniper and pine and river views along the way. Aid stations will be stocked with water, GU
brew and energy gels to keep runners fueled. Expect a festive atmosphere with cheering spectators and the crisp scent of pine in the air.
After crossing the finish line, participants can unwind at a post-race celebration featuring live music, free food and cold beer from Crux Fermentation Project. Local fitness and wellness vendors will also be onsite with products, services and samples to help runners recover and recharge.
Every finisher receives a custom medal and the top three male and female athletes in each distance will be awarded prizes and gift bags.
The half marathon begins at 9am, the 10K at 9:15am and the 5K at 9:30am. For the youngest runners, the Little Fry kids’ run offers a fun and energetic way to get in on the action — no big fins required.
Salmon Run
Sat., April 19, 9am Riverbend Park
799 SW Columbia St., Bend bendraces.com/salmon-run $60-$80
• Start your day with a Champagne Toast for the first 100 attendees!
• DIY Your Heart Out
• Write to Your Future Self
• Compliment Wall
• Stoller Wine Tastings
• Plant Swap
• Plant Potting Bar presented by Desert Rose Cactus Lounge
Where Creativity & Community Come Together.
May 24, 2025
Seventh Mountain Resort
Get tickets: bendwomensexpo.com
May 24, 2025
Seventh Mountain Resort
Courtesy Bend Races
This spring tradition offers miles of smiles.
ASTROLOGY
By Rob Brezsny
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Life is asking you to be a source of generosity and strength for the people and animals in your sphere. I hope you will exude maximum amounts of your natural charisma as you bestow maximum blessings. Soak up the admiration and affection you deserve, too, as you convey admiration and affection to others. Here’s a secret: The more you share your resources, help, and intelligence, the more of that good stuff will flow back your way.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Ceramicist Jun Hamada says that trying to force harmony into her art leads to sterile work. "The most beautiful pieces come from the moments I stop trying to make them beautiful," she notes. "They emerge from embracing the clay's natural tendencies, even when they seem to fight against my intentions." I recommend her approach to you in the coming weeks. Your best results may emerge as you allow supposed flaws and glitches to play an unexpected part in the process. Alliances might benefit, even deepen, through honest friction rather than imposed peace. What will happen when you loosen your attachment to enforced harmony and let life's natural tensions gyrate?
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Gemini-born Frank Lloyd Wright (1867–1959) was a prolific architect who orchestrated many daring designs. Among his most audacious experiments was a project to build a house over a waterfall in Pennsylvania. "It can't be done!" experts said. But he did it. Before he was ready to accomplish the impossible, though, he had to spend months studying the site's natural patterns. I bring this to your attention, Gemini, because I believe you are ready to consider your own equivalent of constructing a house over a waterfall. Prepare well! Do your homework!
slightly different place on the horizon. The amount of light it shows us is also constantly in flux. And yet where and how it will appear tomorrow or ten years from today is completely predictable. Its ever-changing nature follows a rhythmic pattern. I believe the same is true about our emotions and feelings, which in astrology are ruled by the moon. They are forever shifting, and yet if we survey the big picture of how they arise, we will see their overall flow has distinct patterns. Now would be a good time for you to get to know your flow better. See if you can detect recurring motifs. Try to develop more objectivity about how your precious emotions and feelings really work. If you do this correctly, you will deepen and enhance the guiding power of your precious emotions and feelings.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Research reveals that interludes of productive uncertainty may strengthen our brain’s neural pathways—even more so than if we consistently leap to immediate comprehension. The key modifier to this fortifying uncertainty is “productive.” We must be willing to dwell with poise in our puzzlement, even welcome and enjoy the fertile mystery it invokes in us. Neurobiologist Aiden Chen says, "Confusion, when properly supported, isn't an obstacle to learning but a catalyst for understanding." These ideas will be good medicine in the coming weeks, dear Scorpio.
CANCER (June 21-July 22): In the early phase of his illustrious career as a photographer, Edward Weston (1886–1958) cultivated a soft-focus, romantic style. But he ultimately converted to stark, uncompromising realism. "The camera," he said, "should be used for recording life, for rendering the very substance and quintessence of the thing itself." If there is anything about you that prefers warm, fuzzy illusions over objective, detailed truth, I suggest you switch emphasis for a while. If you like, you can return to the soft-focus approach in June. But for now, a gritty, unsentimental attitude will be essential to your well-being.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Here's my mini-manifesto about change, just in time for a phase when change is most necessary and possible for you. 1. Real change is often a slow and subtle process. There may be rare dramatic shifts, but mostly the process is gradual and incremental. 2. Instead of pushing hard for a short time, you're more likely to change things by persistently pushing with modest strength for a sustained time. 3. Rather than trying to confront and wrestle with a big problem exactly as it is, it's often more effective to break the seemingly insurmountable challenge into small, manageable pieces that can be solved one at a time through simple efforts.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Textile artist Mei Zhang wondered if the synthetic dyes she used on her fabrics were limited. Might there be a wider variety of colors she could use in her creations? She discovered that her grandmother, using ageold techniques, had produced hues that modern dyes couldn’t replicate. "The most sustainable path forward," Zhang concluded, "often involves rediscovering what we've forgotten rather than inventing something entirely new." I recommend that counsel to you, Virgo. The solution to a current challenge might come from looking back instead of pushing forward. Consider what old approaches or traditional wisdom you might call on to generate novelty. Weave together fresh applications with timeless principles.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): The moon rises about 50 minutes later every day, and always at a
Homework:
SAGITTARIUS
(Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Persian American author Haleh Liza Gafori translates the poetry of 13th-century Sufi mystic Rumi. One of their joint books is titled Gold. She writes, “Rumi’s gold is not the precious metal, but a feeling-state arrived at through the alchemical process of burning through layers of self, greed, pettiness, calculation, doctrine—all of it. The prayer of Sufism is ‘teach me to love more deeply.’ Gold is the deepest love.” That’s the gold I hope you aspire to embody in the coming weeks, Sagittarius. You are in a resplendently golden phase when you have more power than usual to create, find, and commune with Rumi’s type of gold.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): The coming weeks will be an excellent time to reframe the meaning of “emptiness” in your life. To launch your quest, I will remind you that quiet interludes and gaps in your schedule can be rejuvenating. Sitting still and doing nothing in particular may be a good way to recharge your spiritual batteries. Relieving yourself of the pressure to be endlessly active could be just what you need to open up space for fresh possibilities.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): There was a time, many years ago, when I consulted a divinatory oracle every day of my life. Sometimes it was the Tarot or the I Ching. I threw the Norse runes, did automatic writing, used a pendulum, or tried bibliomancy. Astrology was always in the mix, too, of course. Looking back on those days, I am amused at my obsession with scrying the future and uncovering subconscious currents. But employing these aids had a wonderful result: It helped me develop and fine-tune my intuition and psychic powers—which, after all, are the ultimate divination strategy. I bring this to your attention, Aquarius, because I believe you now have an enhanced power to cultivate and strengthen your intuition and psychic powers.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): The fovea is the part of the eye that enables sharp vision. Humans have just one kind of fovea, which gives them the ability to see clearly straight ahead. Eagles have both a central and peripheral fovea. The latter gives them an amazing visual acuity for things at a distance. This extra asset also attunes them to accurately detect very slow movements. I suspect you will have a metaphorical semblance of the eagle's perceptual capacity in the coming weeks, Pisces. You will be able to see things you wouldn't normally see and things that other people can't see. Take full advantage of this superpower! Find what you didn't even know you were looking for.
In Bend’s competitive market, finding the perfect home often means looking beyond the most polished listings. Sometimes, the best opportunity may be in an overlooked property that seems dated. It may be that the underrated property can help you build equity, create a truly personalized space and buy in a neighborhood that is beyond your budget. With the right vision, guidance and renovation strategy that diamond in the rough could become your dream home.
Learn to Look Beyond Surface Appearances
Instead of focusing on what’s wrong or missing from the home, approach every property with a positive outlook on what could be! That outdated kitchen with laminate countertops, dark wood cabinets and fluorescent lighting? It could be a golden opportunity in disguise. These cosmetic issues — which often send buyers running — can deliver negotiating leverage and substantial savings. Remember, things like paint colors, fixtures and flooring are relatively simple to update compared to structural issues or poor location. Your real estate agent can be an invaluable ally in this process, helping you see past the current owner’s taste to envision some strategic renovations.
Create Your Vision as You House Hunt
When walking through a property, using your “renovation vision” is crucial. As you enter each space, practice mentally erasing outdated features — strip away the dated light fixtures and worn carpeting. Envision how removing a strategic wall could transform a cramped layout into the open concept you desire.
HOME PRICE ROUNDUP
Use the property’s available photography to help as a planning canvas for your future renovations. Technology can help, with several apps and tools available to enable prospective buyers to see possibilities.
Leverage Your Agent’s Expertise
Partnering with an expert agent who has renovation experience could be your best house-hunting decision. During viewings, don’t hesitate to ask specific questions about renovation possibilities: Could this wall be removed? What would updating this kitchen cost? Have you sold other renovated homes in this neighborhood?
A knowledgeable agent can provide you with reliable contractors to assist in calculating whether the investment makes financial sense. They also have easy access to trusted inspectors and designers who can provide expert opinions before you commit. These connections can prove invaluable when requesting pre-offer contractor walkthroughs or specialized inspections.
Bring a Balanced Perspective on Risk vs. Reward
Finally, remember the real estate mantra that location truly determines long-term investment potential. Properties in established neighborhoods with good schools, convenient amenities and proximity to employment centers typically offer better return on investment than even the most beautiful home in a declining area. Your agent can provide crucial insight into which neighborhoods are poised for growth, and which features historically deliver the best return on renovation dollars in your local market.
It’s time to plan for the best summer ever!
Get the word out about your classes, camps, family events and services in the next issue of Bend Nest, and look forward to an active and fulfilling season!
On Stands: May 15
Ad Deadline: April 30
• Camping with kids
• Summer reading adventures
• Eating light - Healthy summer snacks and meals
• Balancing work and kids during the summer
• Easy at-home science experiments
• Journaling for kids AND DON’T MISS...
541.383.0800 |
Don’t miss out on this opportunity. Reserve your space today!
Get ready for the 2025 edition of our highly anticipated Restaurant Guide! We're serving up a delectable selection of Central Oregon’s finest dining experiences, alongside the prestigious Restaurant of the Year and Food Cart of the Year awards. Plus, we'll be spotlighting the hottest newcomers with our Rookie Restaurant and Rookie Food Cart of the Year recognitions. Secure your spot in this must-have guide and connect with our engaged readership today.
