The Pitchfork Revolution
thursday 23
We know some Bendites have string-fever and what better way to entertain your visiting family who's trickling into town for the holidays than with some electro-acoustic experimental Americana-grass from The Pitchfork Revolution, a band that includes Jayson Bowerman, the guitar maker we featured in last week's issue. The local band's music includes the stringed sounds of the mandolin, banjo, plus the good ol' guitar and bass. Their song "Budz and Gunz" includes this line, which could sum up why we all love Oregon: "We chose to live here in Oregon because we like the mountains and the ocean." Raise a pint glass and get down with some awesome bluegrass. $5. 9pm. Silver Moon Brewing Co., 24 NW Greenwood Ave.
Community Christmas
Eve Service
friday 24
Want to get dressed up on Christmas Eve and see all your neighbors enjoying the holiday spirit? Head to the Tower Theatre where KTVZ's Bob Shaw is hosting a night of celebration that includes special guest musician Annie Bethancourt and other musicians. Free. 4pm, 5:30pm, 7pm. Childcare available up to age five. Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St., 835 NW Wall St.
Christmas Bird Count
wednesday 29
We would be running afoul of our Natural World columnist, Jim Anderson, if we didn't let you know about the annual Christmas Bird Count that will get you out in the wilderness surveying and counting different types of birds either with a naturalist or out on your own. If you head out there, tell Jim hello. He'll be the guy with the big smile. Guided walks at 9am or 1pm. 8am-4pm. Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory, 57245 River Rd.
Sisters Library Photo Exhibit
now through monday january10
If you plan to be in Sisters over the holidays, head to the Sisters Library and check out stunning photographs from Oregon photographers Brent McGregor, Curtiss Abbott and Tom Davis, which you can see on this page. McGregor has spent time photographing the Oregon Cascades and is currently working on a project capturing images of Oregon caves. Abbott is a local photographer based out of Black Butte Ranch who captures both landscapes and people. Davis has a passion for photographing nature and natural patterns, which is fueled by his interest in the complexities and beauty of fish and watersheds. Sisters Public Library, 110 N. Cedar St, Sisters.
2nd Hand Soldiers
tuesday 28
Remember when there was so much reggae going on in this town, you could hardly escape the bouncy sounds and dready heads? Times have changed, but 2nd Hand Soldiers, a female-fronted rock and reggae act, remain on the local circuit and this Tuesday night show looks like a perfect mid-week treat for those of us who have to dive back into the grind between the two big holidays. 10pm. Madhappy Lounge, 840 NW Brooks St.
Reverend Horton Heat
and Hillstomp
wednesday 29
If you're a fan of rockabilly or just someone with a deep-down love and appreciation of excellent live music, this show should be a nice extra gift for you. Not only is the rockabilly legend Reverend Horton Heat in town, but they have Oregon junkyard indie blues outfit Hillstomp also in tow. If you don't have Hillstomp's 2010 album, Darker the Night, you need to get that - it's one of the best Northwest-generated records of the year. $20/adv at Bendticket.com, Ranch Records and Ticketswest. $25/door. All ages. 8pm. Domino Room, 51 NW Greenwood Ave.
Blackstrap
thursday 30
With New Year's Eve falling on a Friday this year, it's sure to be a jam-packed party weekend. Start the party off early with an evening of bluegrass from local pickers, Blackstrap. Blackstrap has been playing in Central Oregon since 2001, and though some of the faces in their lineup have changed, the band continues to play traditional bluegrass standards and mixes in hard-driving acoustic originals that are blended with vocal harmonies. Grab a partner and get in step with Blackstrap's Americana-fueled bluegrass. $5. 9pm. Silver Moon Brewing Co., 24 NW Greenwood Ave.
