friday 27
Soft White Sixties
MUSIC—Hugely popular at last year's SXSW, and even labeled the "best touring band you probably missed," the Soft White Sixties aren't perhaps groundbreaking—with a certain strain of Jack White and a dose of Vampire Weekend pretty boy vocals—but there is certainly something fun and addictive. 8 pm. The Annex, 51 NW Greenwood, Bend. $10.
friday 27
All Ages Comedy Improv
LAUGHS—Triage theatrical group draws inspiration from the likes of "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" to create relatable comedy drawn from real life scenarios. In Friday's "Declassified" performance, the troupe takes secrets submitted by audience members and brings them to life on stage.7 pm. Cascades Theatre, 148 NW Greenwood Ave., Bend. $8.
friday 27 & saturday 28
Crooked River
READING—Valerie Geary's first novel provides insights to lifestyles in Central Oregon that are probably unique—that is, unless you do live in a tipi by the river. Primarily set in Terrebonne, two young sisters set out on an odd and twisted journey when, orphaned by their mother's death, move in with their oddball dad who lives in a tipi by the river. 6 pm Friday. Paulina Springs Books, 252 W Hood St., Sisters. 6 pm Saturday. 422 SW 6th St., Redmond. $5.
saturday 28
Iris Dement
OUTLAW COUNTRY—Fusing country musicality with the personal-meets-political storytelling of folk, Iris Dement sings songs rooted in her history as the youngest of 14 children born in Arkansas. Her old-time crooning has made a fan of the legendary Merle Haggard, who has said Dement's voice is the best he's ever heard. But you don't have to take his word for it. 8 pm. The Belfry, 302 E. Main St., Sistes. $30 adv., $35 door.
saturday 28
Lava Raps: Volume 1
HIP-HOP—The inaugural hip-hop showcase for Central Oregon rappers looking to gain experience on and off the stage, build a fan base, and hone their skills. The artist who lays down the best set will win studio time and the opportunity to open for rapper Rittz in May. The night will feature more than 10 rappers hungry to spit fire and show what they got. 7:30 pm. Domino Room, 51 NW Greenwood Ave., Bend. $10.
saturday 28
Solo Speak Sessions
WORDS—We all have stories. It's both a should-be obvious statement and the theme of the upcoming Solo Speak storytelling event. Featuring local visual artist and Solo Speak alum Matthew Nicolau, Deschutes National Forest Volunteer Manager and First Speak alum Sean Ferrell, storyteller Kimberley King, and Solo Speak founder Shay Knorr. 2 pm and 7:30 pm. Cascades Theatre, 148 NW Greenwood Ave., Bend. $15 adv., $18 cash at door. 18 and over.
saturday 28
Workhouse Three-Year Anniversary
PARTY—Local arts community The Workhouse celebrates its three-year anniversary during Last Saturday in the Old Ironworks Arts District with arts workshops, art from Christian Brown, music by local psychedelic folk band the Chinups, and vittles from Bonta Gelato, Dump City Dumplings and Humm Kombucha. 11 am. The Workhouse, 50 SE Scott St. #5. No cover.
tuesday 31
Watermaster: Water History of the Deschutes
DOCUMENTARY—History is written by waterways, whether it is the flowing rivers bringing commerce or the lack of water causing farmers to carve up the land. Watermaster Bob Main (seriously, what a perfect name for his job!) hosts a screening about the history of water management in the Deschutes Basin. 7 pm. McMenamains Old St. Francis, 700 NW Bond, Bend. Free.
wednesday 1
Silent Comedy
MUSIC—As if every song were drawing its life's breath from an old western town—in equal parts from the Baptist Church as well as the whiskey-soaked tavern—and with vocals that sounds more like stern chanting, and driving, mean guitars, there is nothing very funny about Silent Comedy, a four-piece rock-and-roll band from San Diego. But there certainly is something catchy. 7 pm. McMenamins Old St. Francis, 700 NW Bond, Bend. Free.
wednesday 1
Dead Winter Carpenters
BLUEGRASS—There is no fooling the effortless harmonies the Dead Winter Carpenters create. Their five-piece outfit blends alt-country and Americana into performances that are edgy yet whimsical. The band's strengths are in the use of storytelling and instrumentation to create powerful songs that capture the audience. All members of DWC lend their vocals during the show, leading to smooth happy-harmonies. 9 pm. Volcanic Theatre Pub, 70 SW Century Dr., Bend. $8 adv., $12 door. $12 door.
