Juniper Grass Music Festival
wednesday 30
It's already been two years since the president signed the Wilderness Bill that created the Oregon Badlands and now it's time to celebrate that victory with a night of rootsy music. Appearing at this show, which benefits the Friends of Oregon Badlands Wilderness, are the bluegrass tag team of Moon Mountain Ramblers and Blackstrap, as well as Mark and Linda Quon. Jam out for a good cause, y'all! $10. 8pm. Old Stone Church, 157 NW Franklin Ave.
First Friday Art Walk
friday 1
Yeah, it's April Fool's Day on Friday, but we're not joking around when we say that there is some incredible art to be seen around town for the monthly art walk. And as a bonus, it's supposed to be relatively warm for this month's celebration of visual arts! Downtown Bend and Old Mill District, beginning at 5pm.
COSA 13th Annual Song
of the Year Show
friday 1
Those of you who get out and see local live music know that we've got more than a few songsmiths among us in this community and you can get a great sampling of their talents by attending this concert and awards ceremony for the Central Oregon Songwriters Association. Vote for your favorite song from the evening's performances and stick around for the silent auction $5. 6pm-9pm. Boondock's Bar and Grill, 70 NW Newport Ave.
The Nature of Words Art Hop
friday 1
While you're bouncing around downtown for the art walk, take some time to stop in at The Nature of Words, where our city's literary organization celebrates Poetry Month with a collection of readings from local poets, word word-art displays and a community poetry project. The Nature of Words, 224 NW Oregon Ave.
Jahdan Blakkamoore,
Jah Sun, The Redemption
Band, MC Mystic
friday 1
With spring allegedly here, why don't you let yourself relax with a night of bright, sunny, happy reggae music. Headlining the night is Jahdan Blakkamoore, a Brooklyn-based reggae dancehall and hip-hop master. He's joined by one of Bend's favorite reggae stars, Jah Sun, as well as The Redemption Band and our very own MC Mystic. $10/adv, $14/door. 8pm. Domino Room, 51 NW Greenwood Ave.
An Evening of Jokers and Fools
friday 1
Guess who's appearing at this comedy show at the 2nd Street Theater? Jerry Seinfeld, Dave Coulier (of Full House fame) and one of those guys from the redneck comedy tour! Just kidding... Friday is April Fool's Day, remember? But this show, presented by the 2nd Street and Bend Improv Group should still be plenty funny and is the only event on this week's Picks page that comes with a "may contain adult content" disclaimer. $8. 8pm. 2nd Street Theater, 220 NE Lafayette Ave.
Jay Tablet Album Release/BBQ
friday 1
We've got a wildly positive review of Jay Tablet's new record in the Sound section this week, which should be further reason for you to check out the local hip-hopper's CD release show, which also features Rory Oneders, Caitlin Cardier, Brad Jones & Friends, and DJs Harlo and Defekt around 9pm. But show up at 7pm for some tasty barbecue. Free. 7pm-3am. Madhappy Lounge, 850 NW Brooks St.
Budo Fights
saturday 2
This event is not on April Fool's Day, so we're totally not joking about the punchy, kicky, body slammy action to be found at the latest installment of the mixed martial arts matches known as the Budo Fights. Enjoy a whole night of fights and other brutality on Saturday night down at the Midtown, where some local and regional athletes will enter the ring to battle it out in a series of amateur championship bouts. 7pm. Midtown Ballroom, 51 NW Greenwood Ave. Tickets range from $20 to $50 and are available at budofights.com.
The Quick
and Easy Boys
saturday 2
Oregon's funkiest indie trio returns to Bend once again for what's sure to be another crazy show. Ever seen a dude do that play-the-guitar-on-top-of-his-head-thing? Well, you probably will at this show. $7. 9pm. Silver Moon Brewing Co., 24 NW Greenwood Ave.
Ice Cube
wednesday 6
Yes, this show is for real. The rap legend is coming to town. Check out the Sound page to learn about all his many, many accomplishments. $27.50/adv, $30/door. All ages. 8:30pm. Midtown Ballroom, 51 NW Greenwood Ave.
The Baseball Project,
The Minus 5, Steve Wynn
thursday 7
If you like rock and roll and haven't heard the Baseball Project, you're kind of embarrassing yourself because this all-star band is comprised of R.E.M.'s Peter Buck, The Dream Syndicate's Steve Wynn, Scott McCaughey of The Minus 5 (who open the show) and Linda Pitmon of the Miracle 3. Also, as their name implies, they sing a lot about baseball, which sounds weird, but the songs are incredible and you can hear those on the band's new record, Vol. 2. $12/adv at bendticket.com. $15/door. 9pm. Silver Moon Brewing Co., 24 NW Greenwood Ave.
