friday 23
One Nation Under Dog
Documentary—The Bend Spay and Spay & Neuter Project is presenting an HBO documentary that delves into what happens after a dog attack, how people in rural areas deal with unwanted animals and what happens at overcrowded shelters. It won't be the most comfortable film to watch, but illuminating. Bluegrass band Blue Light Special is set to perform after the film. 7 pm. Volcanic Theatre Pub. 70 SW Century Dr. Free.
friday 23
The National
OUTDOOR MUSIC—Brooding with dark, velvety vocals and laconic drumbeats, The National is a surprising favorite of President Barack Obama. Producing perhaps the most danceable, yet melancholic and wisely penned lyrics, The National is an oddly sunshiny band, wonderful for rum-sipping summer afternoons. A great kickoff to the summer outdoor concert series. 6 pm. Les Schwab Amphitheater, 344 SW Shevlin-Hixon Dr. $39.
saturday 24
Naïve Melodies
COVERS—Fear of Music? Put it aside and let this cover band show you how weird rock 'n' roll can be, as the Aracta, Calif., trio rolls through favorites by David Byrne and the Talking Heads. Sport coats with shoulder pads are not a requirement for entry. 8 pm. Dojo. 852 NW Brooks St. $3.
sunday 25
Beers, Bands and BBQ
CELEBRATE—As a part of the celebratory Central Oregon Beer Week, Crow's Feet Commons hosts a cookout worthy of its Memorial Day weekend timing. Featuring music from Sweet Bonnie Gale, chow from Big Troy's BBQ and all the Central Oregon beer one can reasonably consume. Noon. Crow's Feet Commons, 875 NW Brooks St. Free.
monday 26
Memorial Day
MEMORIAL DAY—Yes, it is the official beginning to summer, marked with wafting smells of briquettes and brats, but take a moment to remember the reason we have the day off: to remember soldiers and fighters who died in America's past and ongoing wars. This event ends with a speech from World War II Veteran Robert McHaney. 1 pm. Deschutes Memorial Gardens, 63875 N. Hwy. 97. Free, because others paid the price.
tuesday 27
Tech N9ne and Freddie Gibbs
HIP-HOP—Yes, Tech N9ne has one of the tightest stage shows and fastest rhymes on the touring rap circuit, but this time around, the hip-hop mainstay will be joined by the prolific Gary, Ind., rapper Freddie Gibbs. Between Gibbs and the Jackson Family, has anything musically bad ever come out of that place? 8 pm. Midtown Ballroom, 51 NW Greenwood Ave. $29.
tuesday 27
Night Light Show
GOOFY FUN—A multimedia mix of film shorts, live interviews, music and just plain goofy fun, local personality and yoga teacher (because who better to host a talk show than your yoga instructor?) Shanan Kelley fills Tin Pan with business owners, artists, comedians and musicians including comedian Chelsea Woodmansee, MUSE Conference organizer Amanda Stuermer and Fearless Baking Company's Elise Kukulka. 6:30 & 8:30 pm. Tin Pan Theater, 869 NW Tin Pan Alley. $10.
tuesday 27
Central Oregon Railroad History
HISTORY—It wasn't a long period of time, roughly the 1890s through the 1920s, but there were years when railroads chugged through Oregon, and left their indelible mark by sketching out where the population settled (like Bend) and its economic growth (like a logging boom). A lecture from a local railroad expert provides fascinating insight into how Central Oregon was settled. 7 pm. McMenamins, 700 NW Bond. Free.
tuesday 27
Harley Bourbon
COWPUNK—Taking the dustiest parts of country music and attaching a punky approach to songcraft, Bend's Harley Bourbon sing the songs of downtrodden wastrels and hardluck loonies. 9 pm. M&J Tavern. 102 NW Greenwood Ave. Free.
wednesday 28
Oregon's Last Comedian Standing Finalist Showcase
YUCKS—Oregon's known for its natural beauty and beer. But it's full of some pretty funny people, too. Four contestants who vied for top honors this year, as well as 2013's champ, Dan Paul, come to town for the Last Comedian Standing Finalist Showcase. We presume they'll have at least one plastic chicken and a whoppee cushion. 9 pm. Volcanic Theatre Pub. 70 SW Century Dr. $10.