thursday 19
Josh Garrels
MUSIC—Shows at the Sons of Norway Hall are few and far between, and Josh Garrels' praise-folk is a perfect fit for the acoustic-prone space. A wholesome churchgoing boy from South Bend, Ind., Garrels makes distinctively catchy praise music with his hazy voice and thematic writing. Loud Harp and A Boy & His Kite open the night of Christian pop. 8 pm, Sons of Norway Hall. $15 in advance, $18 at the door.
friday 20
The Dixie Swim Club
THEATER—The debut production of Cascades Theatrical Company's 35th season, Dixie Swim Club, is the story of five Southern women who get together 33 years after their college friendships began for a weekend of rekindling. The poignant, laugh-out-loud comedy has been compared to Steel Magnolias.... In that case, pack the tissues. 7:30 pm. Greenwood Playhouse, 148 NW Greenwood Ave. $19 adults, $15 seniors, $12 students.
friday 20
Three Creek's Chile Fest
EATING—The most salient question is whether to participate, gobbling up samples of chili at the Chili Cook-Off (6 pm Friday), or to spectate, taking strange pleasure in watching competitors chomp down as many heat-laden habanero wings as they can (6:30 pm Saturday). Three Creeks Brewery, 721 Desperado Ct., Sisters.
saturday 21
Upstairs Downstairs
MUSIC—Mixing reverb with indie-folk is nothing new, but San Francisco fivesome Upstairs Downstairs does it especially well, blending elements of up- and down-tempo country and listlessly sexy female vocals. Sweet Bonnie Gayle Band opens. 9 pm. Volcanic Theatre Pub, 70 SW Century Dr.
saturday 21
Cyclocross Weekend
BIKES & BEER—Boneyard Cycling and Bowen Sports Performance are hosting two days of racing to inaugurate a new cyclocross course. Saturday's Ride Hard Finish Thirsty and Sunday's Future Cross will feature steep climbs, vexing obstacles, screaming down hills and, yes, of course, beer to wash away dirt, blood and shame. Full race schedule and entry forms at boneyardcycling.com. 10 am-4:30 pm. 19449 Tumalo Reservoir Rd. Oregon Bicycle Racing members, $20 in advance, $25 race day; juniors, $10 and $15. Single-race memberships in OBRA available for $5.
sunday 22
Prince Avalanche
FILM—Paul Rudd is almost without fail hilarious, but Paul Rudd with a mustache in an independent film?...LAUGH RIOT. Rudd plays an overly confident and totally awkward highway road worker who takes a summer gig with a young apprentice (Emile Hirsch). The two exchange brutal insults and share unlikely adventures. Did we mention Paul Rudd's AWESOME mustache? 5 pm. Tin Pan Theater, 869 NW Tin Pan Alley.
tuesday 24
Bob Roberts
FILM—Tim Robbins is in his prime—as the director, screenwriter and main actor—of the spectacular 1992 political satire Bob Roberts. Turning stereotypes inside out, Robbins stars as a folksinger-turned-darling of the conservative party and candidate for Senate. This faux documentary is as sharp and relevant today as it was when it was released two decades ago. Hosted by the Deschutes Democrats. 7 pm. Volcanic Theatre Pub, 70 SW Century Dr. $10.
tuesday 24
History Lecture
PRESENTATION—At a time when blue-collar workers were fighting tooth-and-nail (and sometimes with lead pipes) for basic protections, Frank Johns was a true hero—and, in 1924 and 1928, Oregon's only-ever presidential candidate. After his first campaign stop in 1928, Johns drowned in the Deschutes River while trying to save a young boy. Lecture presented by Oregon Encyclopedia History Night. 7 pm. McMenamins, 700 NE Bond St. Free.
tuesday 24
Matt the Electrician
MUSIC—Austin, Texas, has produced some virtuoso musical acts: Spoon, Dale Watson, Explosions in the Sky and Jerry Jeff Walker, to name a few. Matt the Electrician is sure to be the next to join the ranks of praised Austin acts with his bouncy banjo-propelled pop songs. Worth a 20-minute field trip to Sisters. 7 pm. The Belfry, 302 E Main, Sisters. $10.
wednesday 25
Kris Orlowski Band
BEARDS AND FLANNEL MUSIC—On its latest five-song album, folk-pop quartet Kris Orlowski Band is backed (fronted?) by a 17-piece orchestra, creating a warm tapestry of horns and full-throated violins. It is doubtful the band will travel with this busload (and stage-full) of musicians, but sung by one or many, the band's well-crafted songs are cozy and intimate. 7 pm. McMenamins, 700 NE Bond St. Free.
