Dela Project
friday 27
The more we see this local Americana-meets-gypsy-rock duo around town, the more we're impressed by their incredible songwriting and stage presence. See them in this intimate environment if you're not heading down to the amphitheater. 7pm-11pm. Parrilla Grill, 635 NW 14th St.
Les Schwab Weekend Shows
friday 27 and sunday 29
The summer concert series kicks off at the Amphitheater on Friday night with indie rock kings Death Cab for Cutie. The band celebrates the release of their latest album, Codes and Keys, and stops in Bend on their way up to headline the Sasquatch! Festival on Saturday. Get there early to check out openers Jenny & Johnny and Bright Eyes. Jenny & Johnny brings together real life couple Jenny Lewis (of solo and Rilo Kiley fame) and Johnathan Rice in a sweet indie rock duo, which often borders on laid-back surf-rock a la "Big Wave." Bright Eyes capitalizes on stellar indie rock songwriting and will be a big hit among Death Cab fans. If you're a big fan of stunning and irresistible guitar work, get to The Decemberists show early to catch Rodgrio y Gabriela. If you're lucky enough to see The Decemberists on Sunday, you'll be treated to historically tinged folk-rock that's taken over the indie scene. 6pm for both shows. See the concert guide for more on these shows.
The Ron Steen Band
friday 27 - sunday 29
Starting MLK weekend, The Oxford Hotel has brought several immensely talented jazz musicians and their bands to the hotel over long weekends through with their Jazz at the Oxford series. Now, over Memorial Day weekend the hotel hosts Portland's Ron Steen Band. Steen, a veteran drummer and bandleader, has built a reputation as one of the top rhythm-keepers in the Northwest. Steen may best be known for his impromptu jam sessions. Friday & Saturday 8pm-10:30pm; Sunday 10am-12:30pm. The Oxford Hotel,
10 NW Minnesota Ave.
Cat's Paw
friday 27 and saturday 28
Rêver Theatre Company has something going for it that no other theater company in Central Oregon has, it's a company run solely by teen artists. The company promotes peace and social change through provocative theater. Cat's Paw is a drama about an unusual terrorist, who heads an organization responsible for a car bombing, and is obsessed with preventing the pollution and destruction of the world's water supply. Friday, May 27 at 7pm; Saturday, May 28 at 2pm and 7pm. Greenwood Playhouse, 148 NW Greenwood Ave, 148 NW Greenwood Ave.
The Dead Ringers
saturday 28
Sandwiched in between the two powerhouse shows at the Old Mill, this performance at the Tower might appeal to a crowd who would rather go for some "Steel Magnolias" than new hits by The Decemberists or Death Cab for Cutie. The Dead Ringers, one of the strongest Grateful Dead tribute acts in the country, is coming to celebrate Memorial Day weekend with you and play a collection of Dead classics for your dancing pleasure.
7:30pm. Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St.Renegade Roller Derby - Bend vs. Arizona
saturday 28
If you haven't had the great pleasure of checking out a Renegade Roller Derby bout, where have you been? This Saturday will be your last opportunity of the season to catch the hard-skating, elbow-throwing roller derby in action at the Midtown Ballroom. If you like girls who can roller skate, costumes, bruises and rock and roll, there really isn't a better option for your Saturday night and it's all ages, so bring the kids! Half-time act and after party. $10. Kids 10 and under free. 8pm. Midtown Ballroom, 51 NW Greenwood Ave.
Pond Skim Championships
sunday 29
Sunday is the last day of the ski season, meaning it's time to trade your snow pants for a swimsuit and get ready to try your hand at riding your skis or board across a massive pool of slushy water. If you make it across and/or the judges find your costume and presentation to be the best, you could win a season's pass for next year. For those of you just there to watch, you can get down to the sounds of the Staxx Brothers, who will be playing the last installment of Mt. B's ongoing concert series. 12:30pm-2:30pm. Mt. Bachelor.
We Are Remembering - Not Just a Number
monday 30
In observance of Memorial Day, volunteers continuously read the name, age and hometown of every soldier killed in Afghanistan since 2001 and every soldier killed in Iraq since 2003. The reading, which takes place for the fourth straight year, begins at 8:45am and continues until all of the names are read, which likely should be around 10pm. The readings observe the true intention of Memorial Day, which is remembering and honoring the sacrifice of those lost in war. 8:45am-10pm. Riverfront Park, SW Columbia Ave.
