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The Oregon Arts Commission calculates that people attending art and cultural events in Central Oregon spent more than $19 million, based on the most recent study done between May 2022 and June 2023. That included money spent on food, shopping, lodging, child care and other event-related costs. The local arts scene is abundant and vibrant with events like the Bend Film Festival, Bend Design, First Friday art walks, author events, music and theater. This issue highlights some of the best our community has to offer in fall arts and style. —Managing Editor, Nic Moye

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VOLUME 29 ISSUE 39 / SEPTEMBER 25, 2025 / THE SOURCE WEEKLY

On the Cover: Transport yourself to the cobblestoned streets of Dublin in "Once: The Musical" – a transcendent theatrical experience that will sweep you off your feet. As the sun sets on a charmingly gritty Irish cityscape, the ethereal music of Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova weaves a tapestry of love and longing, daring you to believe in the unexpected. From Oct. 17 through Nov. 15, join us for a chronicle of chance encounters and soulful connections, as an Irish musician and a Czech immigrant find more than just harmony in music. Based on the motion picture written and directed by John Carney.

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his week, the Bend City Council approved a vendor for its new red light camera system, giving authorities another way to enforce speeding violations and other infractions in the city. With Bend growing and pedestrian deaths continuing to climb in the United States, it seems like a helpful tool for law enforcement — but that doesn’t mean there are not areas of concern. Among them are questions about costs, erroneous ticketing and of course, the rise in the surveillance state. The new vendor, American Traffic Solutions — rebranded as Verra Mobility in 2018 — will install three camera systems at heavily trafficked areas around Bend, including NE 27th and Neff, Reed Market and Third Street and SE Powers and Highway 97. Following more traffic studies, a total of 10 cameras are planned. The cost of operating the system with 10 cameras is expected to be $780,000 per year — costs that the City of Bend estimates will be completely covered by the tickets issued through the program. In other cities, the exact cost of the tickets issued have varied based on the severity of the infraction, but if we use some simple math to say that a ticket is an average of $100, that’s a need to issue at least 7,800 tickets — and actually see those tickets paid — in order to pay for the cost of the system. In a city of just over 100,000 people (plus tourists,) that’s a lot of tickets. And, as the City’s Issue Summary points out, that income doesn’t yet factor in the additional costs that will come up within the municipal court system. City officials assume right now that they’ll need at least one more fulltime person at the court, as well as more judge and bailiff time to account for those thousands of more tickets the system requires in order to pay for itself. Those are just estimates, and the City assumes it will be able to cover those costs with “revenue generation.” We’ll see.

And then there’s the concern around the tickets themselves. In most parts of our legal system, a person is innocent until proven guilty. With red light systems, that is flipped on its head. It’s up to the person to whom the car is registered — which may or may not be the actual driver — to prove that they did not do what they are accused of doing. When doing so involves missing work or school to show up to court, some drivers just lay down and pay the fee. It’s too much work to fight it. In the case of fleet vehicles or shared cars, it’s a whole other headache. Perhaps the biggest concern is the surveillance. We are told these cameras will be used to catch speeders and those running red lights — but pardon us if we insert just a small measure of skepticism about how they may be used in other capacities. We are assured by some in state government and local law enforcement that, for example, our sanctuary laws bar local law enforcement from cooperating in immigration activities. But we also live in a time when certain actors in government, even at the highest level, seem to have no respect for the rule of law. In the same vein as our concern about Bend Police’s invitation to connect local security cameras to a police database, we are concerned about misuse of the system for enforcement of other kinds. What’s more, this is yet another path for handing our personal information off to a private company — and we think it would be naïve to assume that can’t also be abused. With the costs of the new camera program and the rise in costs at the court, will all of this result in making our streets safer? Bend’s police chief thinks so. But it’s going to be up to the City Council that ordered this new program be put in place — and the locals who will have to live under its regime — to ensure accountability.

HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY? Send your thoughts to editor@bendsource.com.

Letters

ARE WE WILLING TO CHANGE?

Being part of a diverse group of people with a variety of different life experiences naturally creates tolerance for people different than yourself. Social media does not naturally develop the social skills or empathy needed to be a valued part of a healthy community. Isolation has spilled out of online platforms and into everyday life. Advertisers use sex to sell, dating and relationships have turned into online marketplaces with apps that allow you to pick people like a product. Meaningful connections with others is now a marketing catch phrase, not a realistic outcome. Our entertainment is filled with examples of violence and cruelty being used as dramatic devices to rapidly solve problems before the commercial break. We have turned people into products, products into commodities, commodities into caricatures, and caricatures into people who are very much alone. In our pockets we have a device that allows access to all of the human knowledge available and to connect to almost any other person, and yet we are all more isolated and alone. We created this and we allowed it to flourish in the name of profit and progress. The wealthy have absolutely profited but have we progressed? Without community, those who are suffering are increasingly isolated and alone. There is a pattern of disaffected men who are increasingly susceptible to isolation, sometimes leading to violence. Those we do not speak of are us. We are the monsters keeping the isolated

and suffering in the village. We are the only ones who can change it. Are we willing? —Jason J. Herring

CELEBRATING NATIONAL PUBLIC LANDS DAY

America’s 640 million acres of federal public lands are a world-class wonder that belong to us all. Across the country, awe-inspiring landscapes ensure clean air and water, provide habitat for unique wildlife and vegetation, and offer endless adventure opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Here in Bend, easy access to thousands of acres of public lands is part of our lifestyle and this community’s culture and allure. Earlier this year, we faced the unimaginable reality that vast swaths of our federal public lands could be sold off. While the public outcry may have staved off the sale of millions of acres of federal lands for the time being, we can no longer take it for granted that our public lands will always remain, well, public. Today our national parks, forests, wildlife refuges, monuments and more remain at risk. We must continue this fight until we have a promise that America’s public lands will never again face the potential for broad-scale sale, transfer or privatization. REI Co-op has long advocated for a life outdoors for all people based on

broadly held values, not partisanship or politics. We believe a shared love of the outdoors brings people together. In honor of National Public Lands Day on Saturday, Sept. 27, 10am-4pm, REI Co-op in Bend will host a special event in the store to celebrate everything our public lands have to offer. Hear directly from the government agencies and nonprofits that are on the front lines of managing and protecting these spaces. Learn more about responsible recreation, stewardship and supporting the native flora and fauna in this magnificent place we call home. We are pleased to welcome: Discover Your Forest, Oregon Natural Desert Association (ONDA), Central Oregon Land Watch, Think Wild, Upper Deschutes Watershed Council and REI’s Cooperative Action Network. In addition, there will be a kids’ activity center and a raffle with prizes. REI, through its Cooperative Action Network, continues to engage in critical land protection campaigns and advocacy to ensure our public parks and lands stay in public hands. We look forward to seeing you on Sept. 27! Learn more about REI’s No Sell-Off initiative. Or visit: REI.com/no-selloff. —Dave Manchester, REI Store Manager

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In the 2004 movie, “The Village,” the monsters outside of the village are referred to as “those we do not speak of.” The monsters are in fact people in costumes with intent to keep people, based on fear, motivated to never leave the village. In the wake of the assassination of right-wing commenter and provocateur Charlie Kirk, I am reminded again that there are things and people which “we do not speak of” for some of the same reasons. We have an epidemic in this country of men who engage in political violence. Most recently, Charlie Kirk was assassinated by a man who appears to be a follower of a right-wing movement. In June of 2025, Minnesota state representatives and their families were murder and/or injured by a man, on the same night. Also in 2025, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shaprio’s home was set on fire; the culprit was a man. In 2024, then Presidential Candidate Donald Trump was shot by a man. There are plenty of other examples. In less than 20 years, the rapid adoption of smart phones and social media has allowed social media companies to group, collate and distribute specific content to users. At the same time, we have become increasingly distant and lack meaningful interaction with each other. Science tells us that the best way to radicalize a person is to isolate and indoctrinate. Social media and online platforms have made it far easier to do just that.

Letters must be received by noon Friday for inclusion in the following week’s paper. Please limit letters to 250 words. Submission does not guarantee publication. Opinions printed here do not constitute an editorial endorsement of said opinions. Letter of the week receives $5 to Palate!

NEWS Four Red Light Cameras Being Installed

WWW.BENDSOURCE.COM / SEPTEMBER 25, 2025 / BEND’S INDEPENDENT VOICE

Bend city councilors approved a three-year contract to install four cameras at three intersections in Bend. The cameras are meant to prevent drivers from speeding through intersections. One camera will monitor westbound traffic on SE Reed Market Road at Third Street and northbound traffic on Highway 97 at SE Powers Road. Two cameras will be installed at NE 27th Street and Neff Road to monitor south and westbound traffic. Warning tickets will be mailed to speeders captured on the cameras in January. Citations will begin next spring.

Harvest for Hope Food Drive The Bethlehem Inn is kicking off a two-month food drive through Nov. 30. It’s an annual event focused on collecting breakfast and lunch items to meet the needs of residents, especially during colder months. Some of the items wanted include coffee, cereal, oatmeal, lunch meat, sliced cheese, fruit cups, instant soup cups and protein bars. There are several drop off locations including the Bethlehem in Bend and Redmond, the Bend Yoga Center and the Source office. You can also make financial donations. The Bethlehem Inn is a high barrier shelter serving about 100,000 meals a year. —Nic Moye

116 —The number of films in this year’s Bend Film Festival.

“I feel seen and heard, just like my students.” —Mona Mensing, the Redmond High School English teacher named regional Teacher of the Year.

Bipartisan Unity Takes Center Stage at City Club of Central Oregon

Lawmakers from both parties collaborate on wildfire prevention, mental health funding amid looming budget crisis By Sarah Isak-Goode

n a display of bipartisan unity, lawmakers from Central Oregon gathered in Bend on Sept. 18 for a City Caucus meeting hosted by the City Club of Central Oregon. The event brought together Sen. Anthony Broadman, Sen. Mike McLane, Rep. Emerson Levy and Rep. Jason Kropf to review the outcomes of the 2025 legislative session and look ahead to the challenges facing the region in 2026. The Source’s Founder and Publisher Aaron Switzer moderated the event, guiding the discussion around the region’s most pressing challenges: wildfire resilience, youth mental health, and looming budget shortfalls. Legislators engaged in an open dialogue with each other and the public, offering both warnings and solutions for the road ahead. Budget crisis looms large One issue unified all voices on the panel: the mounting fiscal crisis caused by federal cuts and unsustainable spending. “We’re the fifth-highest nation in per capita state spending,” said Mike McLane. “Whether we like it or not, we are going to hit a budget crisis. This is not just financial — it’s moral. We are mortgaging our kids’ futures.” Broadman agreed, calling the budget shortfall the “biggest challenge next year,” but added that he sees the turbulence as “an opportunity to give Oregonians a voice in shaping the state’s core priorities.” Levy, a self-described fiscal moderate, was more blunt. “The choices the federal government is making on economic policy are killing us. Tariffs don’t work, and what works even less is creating uncertainty in the economy,” she said. “We’re short $800 million now, and $2 billion within a year.” Kropf emphasized the practical consequences of this budget crisis: “We won’t be able to backfill all the essential services we rely on federal funding for — health care, food stamps, wildfire suppression. Those cuts are coming.” A historic win for wildfire prevention Despite the grim economic outlook, legislators highlighted key bipartisan wins from the last session. Chief among them was SB 3940, a landmark bill establishing sustainable funding for wildfire prevention. Broadman called this “an existential issue for Central Oregon.” “Having lived through the Flat Fire, we know these disasters are not abstract,” Broadman said. “We passed the first-ever sustainable funding model for wildfire prevention in our state’s history. It’s bipartisan, it includes a new tax on nicotine, and it draws from the Rainy Day Fund. This will save lives and property.” Broadman argued that proactive investment in tools like fuel reduction and landscape resilience could save the state millions in future suppression costs. “When it comes to public safety, we can’t afford to be reactive anymore.” Protecting youth and mental health resources Levy, whose legislative focus has centered on children’s safety, discussed a major win for Deschutes County: securing funding for a new 15-bed youth mental health facility in Redmond. Working alongside Broadman, Levy helped ensure that young people in crisis will have dedicated mental health beds available in their community. “This was a basic, urgent need,” she said. “Before this, there were no mental health beds for kids in the region. Families had to drive across the Cascades hoping for space, and sometimes were forced to transport their children themselves — while in crisis. That’s unacceptable.” With this new facility, youth will be able to access care closer to home. Levy also mentioned upcoming legislation to protect children’s digital data, part of a multi-state effort launching in 2027.

Sarah Isak-Goode

Lawmakers gathered with a bipartisan approach to discuss issues facing Central Oregon.

Judicial reforms: free speech and public safety McLane and Kropf, both involved in legislative judiciary work, highlighted critical reforms related to civil commitment, free speech and defamation protections. “We’ve made it harder to sue survivors of sexual assault for defamation,” said McLane, describing a new law that protects survivor statements made in good faith. “We’ve raised the legal standard to match what’s used in cases involving public officials — unless there’s proven malice, you can’t sue.” McLane also addressed the increasing threats against public officials, calling it a “sobering national trend” that required legislative action. Laws now define clearer thresholds for when threats cross into criminal behavior. Kropf spoke on reforms to Oregon’s civil commitment law, which allows the state to intervene when someone is in a mental health crisis. “This was over a decade in the making,” he said. “We’ve made it easier for intervention to happen when someone is truly a danger to themselves or others, but we’ve done it in a way that protects civil liberties. And we’re backing that with $65 million in new behavioral health infrastructure statewide.” Mosaic Medical and community collaboration A local success story shared by all was the $4 million secured for Mosaic Community Health’s new campus in Bend. Legislators explained how the process starts with community input and ends with bipartisan coordination in Salem. “Mosaic had tried for years to get funding,” said Levy. “The difference this time was the strength of the Central Oregon caucus. We presented a united front.” Kropf added that this kind of regional partnership is what makes the Central Oregon delegation effective. “We’re not just bringing money back. We’re solving problems.” The Central Oregon caucus: A new model for cooperation The Central Oregon Caucus brings together Republicans and Democrats from both legislative chambers to advocate for Crook, Deschutes and Jefferson counties. The bipartisan group is co-chaired by Broadman and Rep. Vikki Breese-Iverson. “We formalized it over beers at Monkless [Brewing],” McLane said. “But it was born out of necessity — we knew budget fights were coming, and we needed to be united.” According to Broadman, now chair of the caucus, the group receives support from local chambers, regional business alliances and constituents. “This region deserves a voice, and we’re committed to making sure it’s heard,” Broadman said. “We genuinely like each other,” Levy explained. “We disagree, sure, but we all show up to serve. That’s what matters.”

NEWS

From 1925 to Today: Bend Education Center Celebrates Milestone Century The evolution from pioneering high school to modern educational headquarters

century ago, downtown Bend celebrated as the city’s new high school — a grand earth-toned brick building nestled among towering ponderosa pines — welcomed its first students. Today, that same structure — now the Bend-La Pine Education Center — sits in the heart of downtown Bend as the district’s administrative hub and a living monument to the city’s educational legacy. To mark 100 years of service, Bend-La Pine Schools will host a public open house on Saturday, Sept. 27, from 11 am to 4 pm. at 520 N.W. Wall Street. The event will include tours, music, food and displays highlighting a building that has grown alongside the city itself, from a booming lumber town of 5,400 residents in 1920 to a regional hub of more than 100,000 today. Born from Bend’s boom The original Bend Union High School opened on Sept. 7, 1925, after voters narrowly approved a $209,000 bond the previous year, passing by just 16 votes. Hugh A. Thompson designed the school and E.P. Brosterhous constructed it, the same builder behind the original St. Charles Medical Center, Kenwood School and other Bend landmarks, according to historical documents. The building showcased the sophisticated American and English Renaissance styles popular during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The building had an impressive E-shaped layout along a long central hallway. Rounded archways, tall columns and decorative trim decorated the outside. The improvements kept coming after the school opened, and by July 1926, they’d added a 10-foot fountain, sprinkler systems for the lawns, tennis courts and a playground, really showing how much the school meant to the community. Educating through the eras By 1930, education had become Bend’s second-largest industry, following lumber. That same year, the

Deschutes Public Library

Bend has experienced remarkable growth over the past century, expanding to 16 times its former size.

high school adopted its now-iconic mascot: the Lava Bear. The name’s origin is still debated: Some say it was inspired by small bears found in local lava caves; others believe it began as a prank involving animal skins and TNT. The school remained central to student life in Bend for decades. An excerpt from the 1930 senior class yearbook captures the era’s tone: “Dorothy Loomis leaves her stylish ways to anyone who can afford the upkeep. Cora Ellen Baker leaves her raven curls…” The building continued to serve high school students until Sept. 10, 1956, when the high school moved to its current Sixth Street location. Cascade Junior High took over the Wall Street facility in 1957. Betty Renk, who attended Cascade Junior High from 1959 to 1962, recalled fond memories of her time there. “My favorite classes were science and home economics, taught by Mrs. Bucknum, who had very proper High Tea for her ninth grade girls in her home,” Renk shared in a reflection for the district. “It was amazing—we all dressed up, and it was so fun. Also, who can

forget the Friday lunchtime dances? There are so many more memories of those wonderful years.” The building even played a role in higher education. In 1949, Central Oregon Community College held its first classes there, cementing its status as a cornerstone of education in the region. Saturday’s centennial celebration will be both a historical retrospective and a community gathering. Visitors can explore displays of memorabilia, take guided tours of the building and enjoy performances and food that honor the school’s enduring legacy. Historic preservation and continued use In 1979, the facility was converted into the Bend-La Pine Schools Administration Building. Despite changes in its function, the structure has retained much of its architectural grandeur. In 1993, it was officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Today, the building continues to serve the community in a new role, housing the district’s administrative offices and preserving the educational spirit that has defined it for a century. Community celebration “The Bend-La Pine Education Center isn’t just a building—it’s the story of Bend itself,” said district officials in a statement. “It has evolved along with our city, and it continues to be a place where education, community and history meet.” As the city moves forward, the Bend-La Pine Education Center stands as a reminder of how far it has come—and a symbol of how education continues to shape its future. Centennial Anniversary Open House Sat., Sept. 27, 11am-4pm Bend-La Pine Education Center 520 NW Wall St., Bend Free

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Redmond School District ona Mensing, an English teachcoached Poetry Out Loud competier at Redmond High School, tors to state-level success, founded was named one of Oregon’s the S.A.F.E. club to promote inclu16 regional Teachers of the Year for sion, and led students in delivering 2025-26 during a surprise all-school diversity training to staff and adminassembly Sept. 16. istrators. Her classroom serves as a “I feel seen and heard, just like hub where students gather before my students, and it’s truly amazing,” school, during lunch and after hours Mensing said after receiving the honfor additional support. or. “This is a shout-out to all English “She combines academic rigor with teachers, and I feel privileged to be heartfelt emotional support, helping among them.” every student find their voice and feel The Oregon Department of Eduvalued,” Cline said in a recent press cation and the Oregon Lottery announced Mensing’s release. “Her unwavering commitment to nurturing, selection as part of the state’s annual recognition pro- empowering, and engaging students makes her an inspigram honoring outstanding pre-K through 12th grade ration to us all.” public school educators. She now advances to compete for the statewide Teacher of the Year title, which will be Selection process announced in October. The Teacher of the Year selection process involves Regional winners receive $1,000, while the state nominations from students, colleagues, principals, winner receives $10,000 and their school receives friends or family members. All 19 of Oregon’s Educa$5,000, courtesy of the Oregon Lottery partnership. tion Service Districts oversee local selection, where nominees share their stories and receive letters of supStudent impact beyond the classroom port. Local panels evaluate candidates on leadership, Ideal nominees build strong partnerships with staff, teaching skills, commitment to equity, community students and families while fostering environments connections, understanding of education challenges, where respect and achievement flourish. They also vision and professional growth dedication. bridge classroom learning with community connecThe Oregon Lottery has supported public schools tions and demonstrate innovative leadership reflecting since 1995 and has partnered with ODE since 2016. a commitment to continuous growth. Last year, Redmond School District received more than The Teacher of the Year program seeks educators $4.1 million in lottery funding, while Deschutes County who demonstrate subject-area expertise while ensur- schools received over $14.5 million. ing all students succeed regardless of their circum“We are thrilled to recognize this year’s Regional stances or learning needs. Mensing was nominated by Teachers of the Year — outstanding educators whose a student who praised her ability to push students, “to tireless dedication, creativity, and compassion enrich work their absolute best and helps them achieve their the lives of students and communities across Oretrue potential.” The nominating student added that gon,” said Oregon Department of Education Director Mensing “makes me feel seen and heard as both a stu- Dr. Charlene Williams. “These extraordinary teachers dent and a person.” remind us that great education transforms lives and “Mona Mensing represents the very best of what strengthens communities.” teaching can and should be: a profession driven by pasIn a recent press release, Oregon Lottery Director sion, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to stu- Mike Wells said the lottery is “proud to celebrate the dent success,” said Principal Audrey Haugan. “She is meaningful impact these educators have on our stunot just teaching English; she is inspiring young minds, dents and communities.” fostering critical thinking, and helping shape the next The remaining regional winners were to be generation of thoughtful, young adults.” announced on Sept. 19, with the complete list availSuperintendent Charan Cline noted Mensing’s able on the Oregon Teacher of the Year website. The impact extends beyond traditional classroom instruc- national Teacher of the Year program is coordinated by tion. Over six years at Redmond High School, she has the Council of Chief State School Officers.

9/28 SUNDAY

9/28 Pangaea Guild Hall

Redmond High School’s Mona Mensing named Oregon regional Teacher of the Year

REDMOND PICKS

GREEK FEST & TRIVIA AT PANGAEA GUILD HALL

Themed cocktails, ice-cold ouzo shots and a special Greek food menu await this weekend at Pangaea Guild Hall’s Greek Fest. Food and drink available starting at noon, with Greek mythology-themed trivia beginning at 6pm. Togas and other relevant costumes encouraged! Sun., Sept. 28, Noon-10pm at Pangaea Guild Hall. 652 SW Sixth St., Redmond. Free.

SUNDAY

9/28

ALMOST, MAINE PRESENTED BY ELLIPSE THEATRE COMMUNITY

A play by John Cariani, directed by Debbie Levin. One cold, clear, winter night, as the northern lights hover in the star-filled sky above, the residents of Almost, Maine, find themselves falling in and out of love in unexpected and hilarious ways. Knees are bruised. Hearts are broken. But the bruises heal, and the hearts mend—almost—in this delightful midwinter night’s dream.Sun., Sept. 28, 2pm & 7pm at High Desert Music Hall. 818 SW Forest Ave., Redmond. $20.

VOLUME 29 ISSUE 39 / SEPTEMBER 25, 2025 / THE SOURCE WEEKLY

REDMOND NEWS M

Teacher Surprised at Assembly with Top Honor

Ellipse Theatre Community

The Bend Film Festival WWW.BENDSOURCE.COM / SEPTEMBER 25, 2025 / BEND’S INDEPENDENT VOICE

Showing more than 100 heartfelt, independent films with the opportunity to meet the moviemakers By Nic Moye

he Bend Film Festival is celebrating its 22nd year the second week of October. Over a five-day period, viewers can watch 116 films. The average runtime per short film is 15 minutes with several grouped together for a 90-minute block. Feature films are between 80-130 minutes. The movies are spread out among various theaters including three screens at Regal Old Mill, Tin Pan Theater, Open Space Event studio, Tower Theatre, Volcanic Theatre Pub, Madras Performing Arts Center and Madras Cinema 5. The event attracts filmmakers from around the country. “We’re excited to launch a new North American competition this year, spotlighting innovative filmmakers from across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico,” BendFilm Executive Director Giancarlo Gatto told the Source. About 15 of the films have ties to filmmakers from the region or were shot regionally. Among the feature titles showing this year is “Griffin in Summer,” about a 14-year-old boy whose life is impacted by a 25-year-old handyman. The movie won three awards at the Tribeca Festival. The festival’s opening film, “She Dances,” starring Ethan Hawke and Steve Zahn, is about a father-daughter working to repair their relationship against the backdrop of a Young Miss dance competition. “Anxiety Club” is a documentary seen through the eyes of a group of stand-up comedians. “Predators” is an exploration of the show “To Catch a Predator” and the world it helped create. Stone Mountain is a documentary about homeowners in a small southern town living with the largest Confederate monument looming over their homes. Other film categories include environmental documentaries and indigenous features. BendFilm’s Indie filmmaker of the year is Dee Rees. Her first feature film, “Pariah,” will be shown this year in Bend as well as her 2017 film, “Mudbound.” “At BendFilm, a lot of the competition films we screen are first features of the filmmakers, so it’s great when we can bring someone out who’s farther ahead in their career and show their first feature and have them speak to that,” says Selin Sevinc, director of programming for BendFilm who’s responsible for the films selected. Rees will be participating in Q&A panels. Film festivals offer more than just a chance to watch a variety of independent

movies with heartfelt themes. Sevinc says a record number of filmmakers are attending the festival this year with about 60% of the films represented by a director or cast member. That number jumps to nearly 80% when you only look at the shorts and competition fea-

parties and panels and explore all that Last year, more than 10,000 tickBend has to offer — from local restau- ets were sold. Gatto says according to a rants to outdoor adventures,” Gatto study done in 2023 by Americans for the explains. “This expanded schedule kicks Arts, BendFilm is estimated to contriboff with a “Shorts Open” showcase at ute over $1.3 million to the local econRegal on Wednesday night. In addition, omy. The festival has been dubbed one we’re celebrating the second year of our of MovieMaker’s 50 Festivals Worth the Basecamp Filmmaker Retreat, Entry Fee and Top 25 Coolest Film FesKasper Tuxen MUBI which brings emerging film- tivals in the World. Gatto says, “We feel makers together with world- this highlights the value we provide to class mentors. For the first emerging filmmakers — not just as a time, both mentors and fellows showcase for their work, but as a supwill come to Bend for the Base- portive community invested in their camp Pitch Competition, where careers.” the winning project will receive Sometimes indie films become big a $5,000 grant to support their breakouts. This year’s Best Picture Oscar work. The Pitch Competition winner, “Anora,” which won five Oscars will also be open to the public total, was featured at last year’s Bend as a ticketed event.” Film Festival. Sevinc says it was quite Film festivals are an oppor- challenging to bring that film to Bend. tunity for budding filmmak- “When a film is so big and about to be ers to launch careers and meet released and it’s a great Oscar contendmentors, collaborators, find er, distributors are pretty precious about support and gain direct access where it will screen and to how many to viewers. Audiences have a people. They’re very protective about chance to be entertained, often it,” Sevinc says. “It took me months of with creative, thought-provok- pestering and coming back and comtures. Industry panels will offer Q&A on ing storylines. “In an era when so much ing up with different angles to get the a number of topics including how to get of what we watch is driven by algorithms film into the festival… And this year our financing for new projects, how to mar- or big-studio marketing, festivals cham- closing night film is similarly a fantastic ket films, a documentary panel, a first pion unique voices and perspectives that film.” That will be “Sentimental Value” features panel and advice from special might otherwise be overlooked,” Gatto by Joachim Trier which is about two sisguests, jurors and filmmakers. says. “I’d want people to know that the ters reuniting with their estranged father, The short films showcase movies Bend Film Festival is for everyone. You a movie director. They navigate their from 16 countries. It’ll be the relationship around an Amerifirst time that 22 of them have can movie star featured in their Art De Ballet been shown in the pacific father’s latest film. northwest. Another 27 shorts Tickets and passes are on sale are making Oregon debuts. now with a price range from $17 “Independent film is actuto $325 for all access. The festival ally a pretty tricky thing to is going cashless this year, which define,” Gatto says. “We includes concession stands. often get asked, ‘What real“There is something in the ly makes something indepenfestival for everyone,” Sevinc dent?’ Originally, the term says. “So if people are on the referred mostly to where the fence about coming because money came from — films they’ve been in previous years made outside the big Hollyand they saw something that wood studio system. Over they didn’t like, I think it’s defitime, it also came to be shortnitely worth diving into the feshand for smaller budgets. But tival guide and seeing what they today, “indie” has grown into might be drawn to because I more of a cultural idea, a set can’t imagine anyone feeling like of values and perspectives. there’s nothing in here. It’s such It’s less about the size of the an eclectic group of films.” checkbook and more about the creative don’t have to be a film expert or even freedom, unique voices, and person- someone who goes to the movies all al stories on screen. What we celebrate the time to enjoy it.” He says BendFilm at BendFilm are those distinct points of works to keep the festival approachable Bend Film Festival view — films that feel authentic, daring, and non-pretentious. He believes it’s the Wed.-Sun., Oct. 8-12 Bend: Tower Theatre, Tin Pan, Regal Cinemas, and made by artists who aren’t afraid to spirit of inclusivity and community that Volcanic Theatre Pub, Open Space push beyond the mainstream.” sets it apart from other film festivals. In bendfilm.org/festival/ There are also some changes to this his opinion, the best part is the conver$17-$325 year’s festival. “In response to audience sations around the films, whether it’s feedback, we’re also adding an extra hearing from filmmakers or talking with day to the festival so film lovers have other audience members who were also more time to catch screenings, attend moved by a subject.

Greenhouse Cabaret

Twenty-dollar art show returns to the High Desert Museum By Nic Moye Todd Cary

October & November theater roundup

here’s a bounty of local plays, musicals and ballets to ease you into the holiday spirit.

The Greenhouse Cabaret

The Greenhouse Cabaret is producing the musical, “Once” It’s a love story set against a gritty Irish backdrop. The production won an Oscar for Best Original Song in 2008, a Tony Award for Best Musical in 2o012, a Grammy for Best Musical Theater Album in 2013 and an Olivier Award for Best New Musical in 2014. The storyline involves an Irish musician and a Czech immigrant who are drawn to one another through a shared love of music. Over the course of a week, a collaboration evolves into a complicated love story, underscored by emotionally charged music. Each actor is also part of the musical “pit” playing multiple instruments. The Greenhouse Cabaret is a small, intimate theater with fewer than 100 seats so the audience can appreciate the words and music and not be overpowered by a showy set. It’s connected to the plant store, Somewhere That’s Green. Owner John Kish was recently voted Best Influencer for The Best of Central Oregon 2025 as Fertile Liza. “Once” is one of several performances on stages in October and November. Here’s a roundup to help you plan your calendar. Once

Fri., Oct. 17-Sat,, Nov. 15, 7:30pm The Greenhouse Cabaret 1017 NE 2nd St., Bend thegreenhousecabaret.com/ $19+

Tower Theatre Four performances tee up the holiday season with “Swan Lake,” two versions of “Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet” and “Christmas with C.S. Lewis.” “Swan Lake” is based on an ancient German legend about the beautiful princess Odette, transformed into a swan after a curse

from a sorcerer. The first Nutcracker production is part of a North American tour by Talmi Entertainment while the second one is put on by Valerie Holger’s Academie de Ballet Classique. The C.S. Lewis story is about his journey from Atheism to Christianity. The play centers around a Christmas Eve at his home in England where he hosts a group of Americans. Swan Lake Ballet

By Nic Moye Ellipse Theatre Community

“Almost, Maine” is so far north, it’s practically Canada and barely a town. During northern lights, strange things overcome the folks who call this place home. People fall in and out of love in unexpected ways. Hearts are broken then mended in what’s described as a delightful midwinter night’s dream. Almost, Maine

Sat., Oct. 4, 2 & 7pm Tower Theatre 835 NW Wall St., Bend towertheatre.org/events/month $52+

Thu., Sept. 25-Sat., Oct. 18, 2pm & 7pm Ellipse Theatre Community etcbend.org/season $20+

Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet

BEAT Children’s Theatre

Tue., Nov. 18, 7pm $47+

Christmas with C.S. Lewis Sun. Nov. 23, 2pm $73+

Nutcracker: A Child’s Tale

Sat. Nov. 29, 1:30 & 6pm, Sun. Nov. 30, Noon & 3:30pm $33+

Cascades Theatrical Company Founded in 1978, the oldest community theatre in Central Oregon is putting on “The Haunting of Hill House.” It’ll take you into the eerie, possibly haunted, hallways of a mansion. Based on Shirley Jackson’s novel, a group of investigators enter the home with whispering walls, strange creaking and ghostly images, but the haunting also manifests itself in past regrets, unresolved grief and powerful memories. The Haunting of Hill House

Fri., Oct. 17-Sun., Nov. 2, 2pm & 7:30pm Cascades Theatrical Company 148 NW Greenwood Ave., Bend cascadestheatrical.org/ $42+

The children’s theatre is putting on “Beetlejuice,” a show about death, when a teenager moves into a haunted house and meets the resident ghosts. It’s filled with heart and humor. Teenager Lydia Deetz meets a ghostly couple who once lived there as well as the mischievous demon Beetlejuice. Beetlejuice

Thu., Oct. 30-Sat., Nov. 8 BEAT Children’s Theatre 1080 SE 9th St. Ste. 120, Bend beatchildrenstheatre.org/ $15+

Open Space Event Studio Thoroughly Modern Productions is putting on a fully student-run show of William Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night,” a romantic comedy involving mistaken identities. The plot involves a love triangle with Orsino enlisting the help of a friend, who’s a woman disguised like a man, to woo Oliva by reading love letters. Instead Olivia falls in love with the friend in disguise. Twelfth Night

Thu., Oct. 16, 7pm Open Space Event Studios 220 NE Lafayette Ave., Bend openspace.studio/

he annual $20 Art Show returns to the High Desert Museum the weekend of Oct. 17. Billed as Bend’s biggest little art show, more than 8,000 miniature, original artwork created by more than 350 artists will be up for sale. The artwork will be on display for two weeks prior starting Oct. 4. Each work of art is a maximum of 36-square inches and represents creations in watercolor, oil, acrylic and other styles. Artists range in age from eight to 80. The art is available to purchase Oct. 17-19. Each day, at least 1,000 new works will be put on display to replace what’s been sold. Artists will also be creating artwork on site. Tickets, which cost $5, are required to participate. Those go on sale starting Sept. 24. The $20 Art Show began in 2013 at the Bright Place Gallery to support local artists while also making original art affordable to the public. It was created by Stuart Breidenstein and Abby Dubief. The gallery closed in 2019, but the $20 Art Show was revived in 2021 at the High Desert Museum. $20 Art Show

Fri. Oct. 17, 5:30-8:30pm, Sat.-Sun. Oct. 18-19, 9am-Noon High Desert Museum 59800 S Hwy 97, Bend highdesertmuseum.org/20-art-showinfo/ $5 Admission

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Biggest Little Art Show

Storytelling Spotlight

Designing A Better Future for All Bend Design celebrates its 10th anniversary

WWW.BENDSOURCE.COM / SEPTEMBER 25, 2025 / BEND’S INDEPENDENT VOICE

By Sophie Elliott Bend Design Conference Scalehouse

58 Year Retrospective Participants join in a panel discussion during a previous Bend Design Conference.

“

hat can design do in the next five years to increase outcomes for everyone?” This is the question Marley Weedman Lorish, Bend Design’s organizer and executive director of Scalehouse Collaborative for The Arts, poses to the remarkable creatives speaking at this year’s conference. It's the 10th anniversary of Bend Design, put on by Scalehouse Gallery, and to celebrate, Weedman Lorish is pushing creatives to think of design not as something materialistic, but as a tool for change. Martha Murray and Renee Mitchell, the co-founders of the Bend Design Conference, started it in 2015 after being inspired by Portland Design Week. They wanted to bring a design conference to Bend to support the already thriving creative community and create opportunities closer to home. Murray says, “The conference grew very quickly over the first five years, and when the pandemic hit we had to pivot to moving things online.” She feels that since the pandemic, the conference hasn’t been the same. Murray is grateful for how the community has supported the conference throughout the years, and since she and Mitchell were the conference organizers for the last nine years, they are excited to see what new energy Weedman Lorish will bring. Weedman Lorish loves the term “design” because it is so broad and intersectional. “Design isn’t just for artists and creatives, but for mental health advocates, entrepreneurs, and anyone who wants to think creatively.” She says she is most excited about, “The culmination of so many different perspectives and how everyone is coming together for this broad term with a very specific perspective or niche.” She is also excited to see “What lights other people up.” This year Bend Design will be at the Oregon State University-Cascades Campus. Weedman Lorish says, “By celebrating on the OSU-Cascades campus, we are hoping to bring a more

educational spirit to Bend Design, making it more accessible and inclusive across age demographics, including students. We hope that the conference will introduce students to the world of professional design and allow them to make professional connections.” It also aligns with the values of Bend Design, which include sustainability, innovation, creativity, health and wellness. There are a lot of talented creatives to look forward to at this year’s conference, including Lisa Congdon, a Portland artist. She says she’s best known for, “her colorful, graphic style,” and “focus on themes of joy, liberation, and inclusion.” When asked what people can expect from her talk, Congdon told the Source it will focus on, “the future of design that centers our humanity and intersects with mental health, social justice and inclusion.” Another talented designer is Charlie Sprinkman (he/they), founder of Everywhere is Queer which is “a global directory and free app that connects people to more than 20,000 queer-owned businesses around the world.” The idea for Everywhere is Queer originated from Sprinkman's "experiences traveling and constantly searching for safe, affirming spaces, but finding that information was scattered or hard to access.” Everywhere Is Queer is not just about building an app, it’s about designing systems that make people feel seen, included, and empowered.” Bend Design will host its first ever public reception at the Scalehouse Gallery during First Friday. It will include prints from Studio 6000, a printmaking company based in Sisters, exhibits and info about various workshops. Bend Design 2025

Nov. 7 & 8 OSU-Cascades 1500 SW Chandler Ave., Bend Scalehouse.org/benddesign $35-$215

Art on the Rise

Bend’s thriving art gallery scene brings beauty and culture to the community By Kim Cooper Findling Photos by Kim Cooper Findling

ander around Bend on a sunny fall afternoon and it’s clear that the Central Oregon art scene is thriving. Nearly a dozen art galleries do business in Central Oregon, with lively art events popping up on the calendar on constant rotation. Plenty of other shops sell art by local artists or those from far away and festivals bring even more art to town on a regular basis. According to Jim Peterson, owner of two downtown Bend art galleries, the flourishing art scene in Central Oregon isn’t something Bend residents should take for granted. The growth in galleries over the past few decades, Peterson said, stems from the fact that Bend possesses the magic combination necessary to support an art economy. “What successful art galleries take is a supportive local community and a strong tourism base,” he said. “In Bend, we have a wonderful community and wonderful tourism economy.” Jim and his wife Nathalie Peterson moved to Bend from Scottsdale, Arizona, in 2007, with hopes of a change of scenery, the opportunity to raise their kids in a nice town and perhaps the chance to start a business of their own. Jim had cut his teeth in art galleries, following his mother into the art world at the age of 20 and working his way up from handling small tasks around the shop to possessing a broad understanding of the art business. Shortly after the Petersons arrived, serendipity intervened and instead of the chance to build something from the ground up, they found an established, successful art gallery for sale. Mockingbird Gallery had opened on Wall Street in Bend’s downtown in 1990 — by 2007, the owner was ready to retire. It was as if it were meant to be and soon, the Petersons were the gallery owners. While the economic slump of 2008 — just a year after they took ownership — created a challenge, by 2010, Peterson said, business was “full steam ahead.” He recalled, “We haven’t looked back since.” In the past two decades, the population of Bend has increased alongside visitation from out-of-towners, not to mention second-home owners — all conditions that support art and artists. Travelers in search of souvenir art to take home bring business, as do those purchasing or building second-homes. “We are fortunate to get involved in many of those projects.” Eight years ago, the Petersons took another leap

VOLUME 29 ISSUE 39 / SEPTEMBER 25, 2025 / THE SOURCE WEEKLY

MOCKINGBIRD

PETERSON CONTEMPORARY ART

and opened a second gallery — Peterson Contemporary Art on NW Franklin Avenue. While Mockingbird effuses a Southwest and Western flair, Peterson Contemporary Art showcases modern art, as well as transitional art —”art positioned somewhere between classic and contemporary,” explained Peterson. “People find things they love at both spaces. The galleries feel different, but there is a synergy between them.” Each space hosts more than 40 artists, with rotating shows and fresh work on display monthly. Many of the artists are local or regional, but just as many come from very far away. “The goal is to give people access to high level talent,” said Peterson. The September show at Mockingbird is titled “Rural Paths” and displays the work of three Utah-based artists — Steven Lee Adams, Joseph Alleman and Eric G. Thompson. The collection of paintings, primarily created in oil, egg tempura and acrylic, depict rural landscapes, old barns and farmhouses, and austere skies in a striking study of the American West. Personal collectors, interior designers, casual browsers and the artists themselves attend Mockingbird’s show openings, often held during Bend’s First Friday Art Walks — when downtown businesses stay open late and welcome wanderers in. Over at Peterson Contemporary Art, the October show launched at First Friday is called “Creative Fields,” a three-person exhibit featuring Rebecca Haines, Sandra Pratt and Tyler Swain. “First Friday attendance has been off the charts,” said Peterson. “It’s the same energy as the high points, pre-COVID.” As further evidence of Bend’s place on the national art map, next September, Mockingbird Gallery will host an annual show of the American Impressionists Society. “We’re bringing a national juried exhibition to Bend next year,” said Peterson. “The show will consist of 140 artists and will attract people who have never been to Bend.” Catch an art walk, wander into one of Central Oregon’s many galleries or attend a festival this fall and appreciate the beauty that exists in Bend. “We’re fortunate to be doing what we do in Bend, Oregon,” concluded Peterson. “If you compare the art scene here to those in significant art communities like Santa Fe or Jackson Hole, Bend is really special. I wouldn’t trade what we have in Bend for any other place.”

ADDITIONAL GALLERIES Lubbesmeyer Art Studio/Gallery

Lori and Lisa Lubbesmeyer are identical twins who work collaboratively on art on display at their shop in Bend’s Old Mill District. The artists work in fiber art, acrylics, and ceramic tile. 450 SW Powerhouse Dr., Ste. 423, Bend

Red Chair Gallery

Located in Bend’s Old Town Historic District on the corner of Oregon Avenue and Bond Street in the O’Kane Building, Red Chair Gallery offers the finest in art and contemporary craft. 103 NW Oregon Ave., Bend

Tumalo Art Co.

This fine art gallery is located in the Old Mill District next to the Deschutes River. Owned and operated by artists, Tumalo Art Gallery brings Northwest art to patrons. The October exhibit, titled “Gather,” is a group exhibit featuring all Tumalo Art Co. artists. It opens Oct. 3 from 3-7 p.m. during the Old Mill District First Friday Gallery Walk. 450 Powerhouse Dr., Suite 407, Bend

The Workhouse

The Workhouse is a platform for local artists and operates as a place of exchange between artists and their community, providing a retail marketplace, on-site studios, events and educational programming for Bend and Central Oregon. 50 SE Scott St #6, Bend

Fall Art Shows in Central Oregon • • • •

Bend First Friday, Downtown 5-8pm Bend First Friday, Old Mill District 3-6pm Sisters Fourth Friday Artwalk, Downtown, 10am-7pm Bend Fall Festival, Downtown Oct. 3-5

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The Show Must Go On… Somewhere Else

Local arts groups scramble for performance space as Bend’s cultural scene outgrows its venues By Sarah Isak-Goode

Bend Park and Recreation

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Local dancers and other artists seek more space in which to trip the light fantastic.

espite Central Oregon’s expanding cultural landscape, local artists and arts organizations report being constrained by Bend’s shortage of dedicated performance and rehearsal venues. Taylor Dusick, marketing and communications manager for the Central Oregon Center for the Arts says, “There simply isn’t a large, full-time, multi-use hall that can serve as a year-round home for the arts in Central Oregon.” As theaters, dance groups and musicians compete for limited space in community centers and school auditoriums, a growing chorus of arts leaders is calling for a solution.

Limited options, high demand Currently, the most accessible venues include community spaces operated by Bend Park and Recreation District and Bend-La Pine Schools. According to Katy Aceto, rental and event supervisor for BPRD, there are three main locations available: Aspen Hall in Shevlin Park, Hollinshead Barn and Larkspur Community Center rooms. Meanwhile, Bend-La Pine Schools allows community use of its auditoriums and other facilities during non-school hours, but the process is tightly regulated. Requests must often be submitted months in advance. “There are a few reasons why an event might be denied: a conflict with a school event, a conflict with an outside group that has already been approved to use the venue or availability of District staffing,” says Scott Maben, director of communications for BLPS. For arts groups seeking space for large audiences, extended rehearsal times or regular use, the options often fall short.

Building a home for the arts In response to this growing need, COCA has formed a nonprofit and taken major steps toward making a dedicated arts center a reality. The

organization has hired Netzel Grigsby Associates, a fundraising consultancy, to guide the planning and development of a capital campaign. John C. Jepson, a Bend-based executive with the firm, will serve as lead development counsel. The organization has completed a comprehensive funding feasibility study. While architectural designs have not yet been finalized, the vision for COCA includes a concert hall and theater, rehearsal spaces and support facilities designed for flexibility and accessibility. COCA aims to serve not only local artists but also regional and national performers, ranging from symphonies and ballet companies to solo acts and speakers. “Our vision is clear,” Dusick says. “COCA will create a lasting home for the arts in Central Oregon .”

Private efforts also underway Other local leaders are taking their own initiatives. Peter Franc, a principal dancer and former artistic director at Oregon Ballet Theatre, is developing Ballet Bend, a new dance company. The company aims to bring nationally and internationally renowned dancers to perform in Central Oregon. “Our first shows featuring international companies are scheduled for next fall at the Tower Theatre,” says Franc. Franc’s effort has two goals: to elevate the level of professional dance available locally and to provide a performance platform that doesn’t currently exist in Bend.

Arts advocates call for coordination For now, local arts leaders emphasize that the region’s creative growth is outpacing its infrastructure. “There are passionate, talented people across theater, dance, music and interdisciplinary arts here in Bend,” says Dusick. “But without adequate space, those talents remain underutilized.

Fall Music Roundup

From big names to the lesser known, there's music for all ears Jazz at the Oxford: Marc Broussard

Recognized worldwide as living legends of gospel music, the Blind Boys of Alabama are celebrated for their soul-stirring harmonies and remarkable blend of traditional and contemporary sounds. With a career spanning over seven decades, they’ve won multiple Grammy Awards, been inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and collaborated with artists across genres, including Eric Clapton, Prince and Tom Waits. The Blind Boys will be accompanied by renowned organ player Cory Henry.

Grammy Award-winning Marc Broussard showcases an incomparable brand of soul: an infectious mix of rock, blues, R&B and funk, coupled with powerful vocals. Broussard has garnered worldwide praise from critics and fans alike, collaborating with the likes of Joe Bonamassa and Eric Krasno to create rich and sonically-diverse recordings. This is the opening performance of the Oxford’s acclaimed concert series, which runs through March.

Blind Boys of Alabama

Fri., Oct. 10, 6pm & Sat., Oct. 11, 5pm & 8pm The Oxford Hotel 10 NW Minnesota Ave., Bend bendticket.com $75

Wed., Oct. 22, 7:30pm Tower Theatre 835 NW Wall St., Bend towertheatre.org $49-$69

Linda Wang

Marc Broussard

Jeffrey Foucault + Sam Weber Thu., Oct. 23, 7pm The Belfry 302 E Main Ave., Sisters bendticket.com $25

Linda Wang

Violinist Linda Wang joins the Central Oregon Symphony for Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto in D Major. A former child prodigy, she debuted with Zubin Mehta and the New York Philharmonic at age nine and has since performed with over 75 orchestras worldwide. Known for her warm tone and expressive artistry, she performs on a 1767 Guadagnini violin. This fall concert series kicks off Maestro Michael Gesme’s final year conducting the Central Oregon Symphony. Central Oregon Symphony with Linda Wang

Sat., Oct. 25, 2pm & 7:30pm & Sun., Oct. 26, 2pm Mountain View High School 2755 NE 27th St., Bend cosymphony.com Members-only tickets; price varies

Gutsy and nuanced as a vocalist, Judith Hill is an accomplished songwriter, arranger and multi-instrumentalist. She is one of the few musicians who can cite Elton John, Spike Lee, Prince and Michael Jackson among those who have sought out her talent. One of the highest-profile background singers of her generation, she got her start in the early 2000s, and in the next decade established a solo career built upon a discography of increasingly refined and creative albums. Los Angeles-based Hill puts on an enchanting and groove-filled show. Judith Hill

Fri., Nov. 14, 7:30pm Tower Theatre 835 NW Wall St., Bend towertheatre.org $19-$39

Jeffrey Foucault Drawing from folk, blues and Americana traditions, Jeffrey Foucault crafts songs that resonate with both grit and grace. He brings a rich sound to his poetic lyricism, making for a soulful and intimate evening of music. Joining Foucault will be Sam Weber, a Canadian singer/songwriter, guitarist producer and music engineer.

Central Oregon Symphony with Violinist Linda Wang

Judith Hill

John Craigie with The Coffis Brothers Known for creating an intimate atmosphere at live performances by infusing humor, wit and storytelling, John Craigie has carved out a beloved place in the folk world. He has played with the likes of Mason Jennings and Jack Johnson, and taken the stage at Newport Folk Festival, Pickathon and Sisters Folk Festival. Catch him and his guitar at the Tower this fall, joined by California-born, rock ‘n’ roll-playing siblings The Coffis Brothers. John Craigie

Fri., Nov. 21, 8pm Tower Theatre 835 NW Wall St., Bend towertheatre.org $47-$59

Music in Public Places: Cascade Chamber Players Presented by the Central Oregon Symphony, Music in Public Places is a series of free, public concerts throughout the region. The Cascade Chamber Players is a local string quartet with decades of experience. This vibrant ensemble has been performing across Central Oregon since 1977, offering music for weddings, library concerts and community events. Cascade Chamber Players Sat., Nov. 15, 2-3pm La Pine Public Library 16425 1st St., La Pine cosymphony.com Free

Shaped by Chopin: JimIsaac Chua in Concert Critics have described internationally-acclaimed pianist Jim-Isaac Chua as “prodigiously talented—with technique to burn,” calling his concerts “a feast for the ears.” Presented by Sisters Habitat for Humanity, Chua will perform a special community concert, bringing with him a powerful presence and worldclass artistry. Jim-Isaac Chua

Fri., Oct. 24, 7pm Sisters High School Auditorium 1700 McKinney Butte Rd., Sisters benticket.com $20

Tessa Lark Sunriver Music Festival Presents: Violin Recital with Tessa Lark

Tessa Lark is celebrated for her remarkable range, technical brilliance and musical grace. With roots in Kentucky, Lark bridges traditional classical and bluegrass styles, captivating audiences with her dynamic recitals. Tessa Lark Violin Recital

Sun., Nov. 2, 3pm Sunriver Christian Fellowship 18139 Cottonwood Rd., Sunriver Sunrivermusic.org $50

Suttle Lodge’s Fireside Concert Series Most Thursdays between November and May, Suttle Lodge hosts a fireside concert. If you’re looking for an excuse to have a cozy evening while indulging in great tunes, delicious food and libations from the Skip Bar, this is an excellent choice. Kicking off the series is Reb and the Good News out of Portland. Fireside Concert Series

Thursdays, Nov.–May, 6pm The Suttle Lodge & Boathouse 13300 Hwy. 20, Sisters bendticket.com $10

Worlds of Song Worlds of Song unites three exceptional solo artists who are redefining musical boundaries. The performance features brief solo sets from each musician, alongside duets and trios, offering a truly unique, "one-time-only" experience. The inaugural Worlds of Song event showcases the dazzling artistry of Brazil's Badi Assad, the alternative folk stylings of guitar poet Brian Gore, and the blues and American roots sounds of Hubby Jenkins of the Carolina Chocolate Drops. Worlds of Song

Fri., Oct. 3, 7:30pm Tower Theatre 835 NW Wall St., Bend towertheatre.org $39-$59

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Blind Boys of Alabama with Cory Henry

Sunriver Music Festival

WWW.BENDSOURCE.COM / SEPTEMBER 25, 2025 / BEND’S INDEPENDENT VOICE

Make your space colorful, cozy and cohesive

Bright colors are on trend, as are performance fabrics and surfaces that are as beautiful as they are durable By Dallas Finn Calvert

Color. Coziness. Cohesion. Photos by Dallas Finn Calvert

A leather chair from American Leather, available at furnish., can change the feel of a room.

Jed and Noelle Teuber of furnish. on a velvet couch from their showroom, with a nubby pillow adding texture.

Porcelain tables, like this one from Calligaris, are functional, durable and stylish.

f you’re pondering an update to your living space and wondering how to incorporate current trends, those are the key elements to embrace, say local design experts. “I think the biggest trend right now is people are bringing a lot of color into their space and prints are coming back in, too, especially for things like a sofa,” said Hayley Bagwell, owner of Cedar + Sage Design, which the Source readers named 2025 Best of Central Oregon in Interior Design. “It’s definitely still mountain modern, but the really exciting thing for me is that color is coming into homes in Bend.” Bagwell said color drenching is a newer trend and involves selecting a shade and then “drenching” an entire space with it. “The walls, ceiling, trim are all the same color,” explained Bagwell, who is based in Denver now but comes to Bend monthly to work with clients. While color drenching might sound overwhelming, Bagwell said with the right color, it can be exciting and inviting. However, it’s not to be confused with the accent walls that were all the rage several years ago, in which one wall of a room is painted a different color from the rest of the room. That’s “on the outs,” Bagwell said, although using wallpaper or wood paneling for a onewall accent is still on trend. Another way to refresh a space, such as a kitchen backsplash? New tilework. “This is not your standard subway tile,” she said, explaining that there’s a wealth of choices in richly colored and patterned tiles that are popping up across social media. One brand Bagwell really likes is Ann Sacks, which features vibrant colors and designs. Bagwell said you could consider changing out a kitchen backsplash to use a more visually striking tile, particularly given that a kitchen standard in many Central Oregon homes isn’t popular anymore. “White and grey kitchens are trending out,” Bagwell said. Instead, she said, consider incorporating eye-catching tilework and changing the color or tone of kitchen cabinetry. She’s seeing an increase in the use of colors such as oxblood, burgundies and deep greens for cabinetry and wood tones. “I think it’s a nod to older styles, which I really enjoy. It brings about a more comfortable, cozier space,” Bagwell said. Creating a cozy, inviting space is key, says Jed Teuber, owner of furnish. in the Mill Quarter. He and his wife, Noelle, have run the modern-design business for 23 years and were runner- up in the 2025 Best of Central Oregon Home Décor category according to the Source readers. “What we’ve been noticing and we’re a modern furniture store so that can have its own trends, but what we’re seeing is a lot of love for greens and dark golds and a richness in tone,” Jed said. “There’s a trend toward coziness that continues. It’s always there for Bend. Cozy modern.” When considering a new piece of furniture, Jed said that bright colors aren’t necessarily “getting a ton of traction” but that golds, deep yellows, deep greens,

and even bold greens are, particularly when paired with rich woods and nubby-textured accents. Noelle agrees. “We’re seeing a lot of cognacs and camel. They’re colors but also kind of neutral. When I’m talking to people, I say it’s bringing the outside colors inside and that’s something that seems to resonate with people,” she said. “Texture is really key,” she explained when talking about how to make a space cozy and stylish. “You might see leather or a smoother fabric on a bigger piece and then a nubby texture added with pillows.” Furniture styles that aren’t on trend, at least locally, are white lacquers and veneer. For larger pieces, such as dining tables, poured porcelain or ceramic are not only beautiful choices, Jed said, but smart, too. “They look like natural stone, but you don’t have to worry about staining or scratching,” Jed said, pointing to Calligaris as a producer of “crazy durable” and “amazing” extendable tables that incorporate poured porcelain and feature a pull-out swivel extension at the table’s end. The surfaces resemble swirled stone and are as artistic as they are durable. Not sure where to start with a space refresh? There are a few (relatively) easy and (mostly) inexpensive steps you can take. Bagwell said that changing out cabinet hardware “for a fresh look” can be expensive, depending on what you select, but that you can find less expensive options that are appealing. “Get something a little more interesting to make your space stand out,” she said. “I think gold is still on trend now so some brass or gold tones, or something black, with a different look rather than straightacross pulls.” You can also add splashes of color and texture with accessories such as rugs, throw pillows, and striking artwork, she said, and update window treatments. “You’re still always going to be fine with a well-made linen curtain, but you have to add texture,” Bagwell said, alluding to lush textiles and prints, and “not just standard white curtains. Things are a little more amplified.” Jed Teuber said another way to refresh is with a single piece of furniture, such as a sofa, that then highlights other items you already have. “Our (pieces) can be like the little black dress,” he said. “You get one piece and then you can build from there, rather than doing a whole room.” Perhaps the easiest and most tried and true way to change your space’s style is with wall and trim colors. “I think the easiest thing to do is paint,” Bagwell said. “It’s something you can always change out, and it’s not as costly as doing a whole kitchen remodel.” Ultimately, depending on what your time, lifestyle and budget allows, it’s key to ensure you’re creating a space with a harmonious look and feel. “The really important thing to do is make sure that colors are a cohesive palette. Make sure everything works together,” Bagwell said. “People get overwhelmed, but as long as everything is cohesive and works well together, it will feel like it flows.”

TOP SHOPS

Embrace Small Businesses this Fall! Explore a wide array of products, enjoy personalized service and discover a distinctive sense of style. By choosing to support local businesses, you contribute to the vitality of our community. Whether you're seeking high-end fashion, exquisite jewelry or unique home decor, you'll find it all right here. Dive into the profiles below to get acquainted with some of Central Oregon's most cherished establishments. From meticulously crafted to thoughtfully selected, you might just stumble upon your next beloved boutique in Top Shops.

John Paul Designs 1006 NW Bond St Bend, OR 97703 (541) 318-5645 Johnpauldesigns.com

Every John Paul Designs piece is a marriage of rugged rawness and refined artistry. Hand forged in downtown Bend with heirloom quality craftsmanship for nearly thirty years. John Paul’s Designs balance texture with clean lines and organic forms, rustic strength and subtle elegance. Whether a wide textured cuff, a custom engagement ring or talisman necklace, each piece carries character that is built to withstand your adventurous life. JPD specializes in revisioning old jewelry into new creations that have a timeless appeal, oftentimes reusing your precious metals and gemstones. Visit our downtown atelier on the corner of Bond and Oregon. Monday-Saturday: 10-6

Happy Shopping!

Cosa Cura

Somewhere That’s Green

2735 NW Crossing Drive #101, Bend, OR 97702 541-312-2279

1017 NE 2nd St., Bend 541-330-4086 somewheregreen.com @somewhere_thats_green

19570 Amber Meadow Drive #170, Bend, OR 97702 5417976702 cosacura.com

Founded in 2006, our highend clothing consignment boutique offers a carefully curated selection of designer fashion, timeless classics, and unique statement pieces. With a commitment to sustainability and style, we provide a refined shopping experience where luxury meets conscious living. Beyond fashion, we proudly support local artists by showcasing their work in our space, creating a vibrant blend of art and design. Deeply rooted in the community, we host events, collaborate with makers, and give back through partnerships that uplift and inspire. Cosa Cura is more than a shop—it’s a destination where style, creativity, and community thrive together.

Come celebrate the holidays with us at Somewhere That’s Green, your premiere indoor plant shoppe! We are filled to the brim with magical indoor plants, pottery, jewelry, gifts, gift cards, ornaments, clothing, toys and more for your holiday shopping needs. Also, starting in November and running through the holiday season, Somewhere That’s Green will be hosting local makers and vendors at our fifth annual “Magical Markets of Merriment”! Get a fresh baked cookie from ‘Sandra’ Claus, grab a butterbeer, and check out the 23 rotating makers every weekend. Please join us at the Magical Market of Merriment, 10am-5pm: Nov 29/30 Dec 6/7 Dec 13/14 Dec 20/21

ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT

Visit our website at somewheregreen.com or at our instagram @somewhere_thats_green for more information for each individual market. Come get cozy and warm up at Somewhere That’s Green plant shop!

VOLUME 29 ISSUE 39 / SEPTEMBER 25, 2025 / THE SOURCE WEEKLY

TOP SHOPS

John Paul Designs

WWW.BENDSOURCE.COM / SEPTEMBER 25, 2025 / BEND’S INDEPENDENT VOICE

EXPERIENCE MATTERS Central Oregon’s Original All Inclusive Retirement Community • All monthly living expenses and utilities included • Weekly housekeeping and linen services • Scheduled transportation • Studios, Cottages, 1 & 2 Bedroom Available

541-312-9690

2920 NE Conners Ave. Bend, OR Call Today to Schedule a Tour & Lunch!

SOURCE PICKS THURSDAY

9/25

FRIDAY-SUNDAY

9/25 – 9/29

9/26-9/28

THROWN TOGETHER A HANDMADE DINNER PARTY

9/27

WESTERN MUSIC & COWBOY POETRY CONCERT LIVE IN PRINEVILLE!

Award-winning performers and members of the International Western Music Association from Oregon, Montana and California will take the stage in Prineville this weekend to share music and stories. There will also be a youth cowboy poetry portion along with an open mic following the main performances. Sat., Sept. 27, 3-7pm at A.R. Bowman Museum. 246 N. Main St., Prineville. Free.

9/25 Katie Pruitt FB

SUNDAY

9/28

28TH ANNUAL SISTERS FOLK FESTIVAL “WHERE ALL THE TOWN’S A STAGE!”

The Sisters Folk Festival is an intimate, multi-genre festival that puts over 30 artists on seven stages throughout downtown Sisters. This year’s lineup features Loudon Wainwright III, Katie Pruitt, Martyn Joseph and likely your new favorite band you haven’t heard of yet! Fri., Sept. 26, 5pm-Midnight, Sat., Sept. 27, Noon-Midnight and Sun., Sept. 28, 11am-4pm in downtown Sisters. $90-$235.

SATURDAY

9/27 Campfire Hotel

Birdtalker FB

BIRDTALKER + BOY GOLDEN LIVE SHOW AT THE DOMINO ROOM

Tower Theatre

THE SUGARHILL GANG WITH DJ ELLS

Bringing tunes that perfectly fit the crispy-crunchy fall vibes settling in these days is Nashville-based quartet Birdtalker. The indie-folk group has spent years touring as a headliner, along with supporting acts like Amos Lee and Mat Kearney. Also performing is Boy Golden, the alt-country project of Winnipeg’s Liam Duncan. Thu., Sept. 25, 8:30pm at The Domino Room. 51 NW Greenwood Ave., Bend. $28.

FRIDAY-SATURDAY

SUNRIVER OKTOBERFEST WILLKOMMEN!

In 1979, The Sugarhill Gang crashed into the mainstream with the first worldwide rap hit, “Rapper’s Delight.” The song eventually sold over 8 million copies and went on to be the biggest selling rap single of all time. Referred to by many as the first-ever hip-hop group, The Sugarhill Gang is still bringing the party atmosphere to live shows — the Tower Theatre advertises that it will remove the first three rows of chairs to make space for dancing. Sun., Sept. 28, 7:30pm at the Tower Theatre. 835 NW Wall St., Bend. $44-$64.

9/26-9/27

With a mini-golf fundraiser, fun runs, various children’s activities, the Sunriver Saturday Market plus Bavarian-inspired fun, the first-ever Sunriver Oktoberfest is sure to be a festive affair. Head south for dancing, music, great food and, of course, beer. Events will take place in the Sunriver Business Park, SHARC, Village at Sunriver and Sunriver Resort. Fri., Sept. 26 9am-8pm and Sat., Sept. 27 9am-7pm in Sunriver. Prices vary, check website for details.

CAMPFIRE’S FIVE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY PARTY AND SUMMER SEND-OFF

MONDAY

Campfire Hotel is turning five and it's throwing a proper end-of-summer bash to celebrate. The property-wide party will include a poolside DJ set, custom tie-dying, a silent disco and an all-vinyl late dance party. Sat., Sept. 27, 3-10pm at Campfire Hotel. 721 NE 3rd St., Bend. $20-$35.

9/29

THE SIMPSONS TRIVIA EXCELLENT

Test your knowledge (specifically on seasons 6-10) of the beloved Matt Groening series. Teams of up to six people, costumes encouraged, prizes to be won! Mon., Sept. 29, 6-8pm at Bevel Craft Brewing. 911 SE Armour St., Bend. Free.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 29

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7

BROKEN COMPASS BLUEGRASS

WORLDS OF SONG

NOAM PIKELNY & FRIENDS

VOLUME 29 ISSUE 39 / SEPTEMBER 25, 2025 / THE SOURCE WEEKLY

Hosted by Mud Lake Studios, this will be a dreamy three-course meal served on plates and bowls made by local artists. Take home your handmade place settings, washed and dried, at the end of the night. Come support many local businesses with one event! Thu., Sept. 25, 6pm at Old Ironworks. 50 SE Scott St., Bend. $200.

THURSDAY

SATURDAY

WWW.BENDSOURCE.COM / SEPTEMBER 25, 2025 / BEND’S INDEPENDENT VOICE 20

Local Nonprofit is changing lives and bringing beauty to Central Oregon By Julie Hanney

igh Desert Chamber Music is on the cusp of its 18th season bringing professional chamber music groups to Central Oregon. Founder and Executive Director Isabelle LaForêt Senger is a virtuosic violinist in her own right and a member of the esteemed Crown City String Quartet. She had a successful career in Southern California, playing with a multitude of groups including the San Diego Symphony, San Diego Chamber Orchestra, Los Angeles Orchestra, Pacific Opera Orchestra, and the Pasadena, Long Beach and Pacific Symphonies. In addition to that, she has performed on many studio recordings by musicians that might make your jaw drop: Christina Aguilera, John McLaughlin, James Blunt, Tiffany (produced by Dr. Dre), Evanescence, and Kanye West. Movie scores she has played on include “King Kong,” “The Matrix” series, “Chronicles of Narnia,” “Ted” and “The Soloist.” In 2007 Isabelle gave up the L.A. lifestyle, moved to Bend and founded High Desert Chamber Music, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, the following year. The rest, as they say, is history. High Desert Chamber Music has brought increasingly well-known and sought-after musicians to Central Oregon year after year, and this season is going to be something quite special. From the opening concert on Oct. 12 featuring Middle Eastern solo pianist Karim Said, followed by the esteemed European string quartet Quatuor Agate on Nov. 7, Tesla Quartet (a group born at Julliard) on Feb. 14, 2026, award winning Trio Bohémo from the Czech Republic on March 29, beloved cellist and pianist duo Peter Wiley and Anna Polonsky on May 15, and then finishing up with the Tekalli Duo, dynamic siblings who play violin and piano on June 14, 2026, it’s a remarkable collection of music coming to our city. the Source: What inspired you to bring this high-level, distinguished classical music to Central Oregon? Isabelle LaForêt Senger: When I moved here, I recognized that there seemed to be an audience and a desire to have an organization with this focus. After the success of our first concert in May 2008 featuring the Crown City String Quartet, that gave me the confidence to plan our first full season. tS: How have you seen the classical music scene change in Central Oregon since you started?

High Desert Chamber Music

ILS: It is so different now. The growth [as a city] that we’ve had has been immense. In terms of classical music, specifically, I really believe that we have changed the cultural landscape of classical music appreciators. One of the things that really struck me when I moved here and I was walking the streets, trying to get support from local businesses, was that the majority of people did not even know what chamber music was. They assumed that what I was talking about had something to do with the Chamber of Commerce [laughing], so it took a lot of education on my part to get people to understand what I was trying to bring to Bend, what it was that I even did for a living, and my vision for what the organization would eventually be able to accomplish. To compare that to now, where I am honored and so touched when I hear people tell me that they have made decisions to move to Bend knowing that High Desert Chamber Music was in existence. tS: Tell us a little about the Spotlight Chamber Players program that you have for up-and-coming young classical musicians ILS: That program is near and dear to me. It, by far, takes up the most amount of my time during the season because I run the program. It starts with the auditions that happen in the fall, and goes to the weekly rehearsals that I have with the groups, the performances that I secure for the students, and, you know, I’ve had a number of students that have participated since they were as young as 9 or 10 years old, so some of them will have been in my program for seven or eight years. I see them grow not just as young musicians, but as young adults. Teaching has always been a part of my career, even down in Los Angeles I had a large studio and I haven’t done much of that here in Bend, because my whole focus has been about running the organization. So, this has been my way to continue the teaching aspect, and what better than to be able to coach chamber music? I mean, chamber music is the pinnacle for some musicians of their professional life. You know, a lot of composers wrote their greatest works for chamber music, and as a primarily orchestral performer, it’s certainly what I gravitated toward in the later years of my professional life because the difference with chamber music as opposed to playing in a larger group is you really get

French string quartet Quatuor Agate.

to have your own voice, because there is only a single person to each part. To be able to bring that out in young musicians and to give them that experience of being paired with other young players that are similar in either age or level, and to be able to create and perform with other young musicians… that’s a great gift. tS: Because I have known some of your previous young ensemble players, I want to point out that this program is totally free for the students. ILS: Yes, that was essential to me when I started this organization, that not only would educational programs be part of the organization, but that they would not cost anything for the students. tS: You have an amazing season lined up for 2025-26, so tell us what excites you about your upcoming concerts? ILS: This season our entire HDCM concert series is presenting all Central Oregon debuts. We have international performers coming, one is from Jordan, one group is from France, one group is from the Czech Republic and one of the fun things for me this year, now that we have 17 seasons behind us, is I’m able to give a lot more thought to programming. For example, we’ve never had the Ravel String Quartet perform here [in Bend], which is one of the quintessential string quartet works. And what better group to premiere this piece in Bend than a French string quartet, Quatuor Agate? Then we have Trio Bohémo, a piano trio from the Czech Republic coming in March, who will be performing a piano

Executive Director of HDCM Isabelle LaForêt Senger.

trio by Anton Rejcha, and he is a really well-known Czech composer. tS: What can you share about future plans for HDCM? ISL: I am diligently working on a celebration for our 20th season. I know it’s two years away… [laughing], but I’ve got grand plans and we are going strong and full steam ahead. High Desert Chamber Music First concert: Sunday, Oct. 12, 5pm Unitarian Universalist Fellowship 61980 Skyline Ranch Rd, Bend highdesertchambermusic.com $49 General/$10 Students

21 VOLUME 29 ISSUE 39 / SEPTEMBER 25, 2025 / THE SOURCE WEEKLY

SOUND

High Desert Chamber Music Entering 18th Season

WWW.BENDSOURCE.COM / SEPTEMBER 25, 2025 / BEND’S INDEPENDENT VOICE 22

LIVE MUSIC & NIGHTLIFE

CALENDAR

Ticket and promote your events with BendTicket! Coyote Rider FB

24 Wednesday Boneyard Pub Sax & Chill Carson Hack-

bart sets the vibe with smooth jazz and soulful grooves. Great beer, food and music—your perfect night in Bend. 5-8pm. Free.

26 Friday

Bunk+Brew Open Mic Show off your talent at Bunk + Brew’s Open Mic Night! <0x1F3A4> Signups begin at 5:30 PM, the show kicks off at 6. All acts welcome—music, comedy, poetry, and more. Grab a drink, hit the stage, or cheer them on. Free to attend. Good vibes guaranteed. 6-8pm. Free.

Cheba Hut Comedy Open Mic Bring your friends and let’s have some laughs together! 7:45-9pm. Free. The Commonwealth Pub Blowgun featuring Miriam Hacksaw Blowgun is a traditional music fusion project based in New Orleans, founded by fiddler Miriam Hacksaw and pandeirista Rye Oommen. Centered around old time fiddle tunes and samba percussion, their music recognizes the proletarian and anti-colonial origins of both styles. 8-10pm. Free.

The Capitol The Capitol Karaoke Music

Weekly Karaoke at its finest! Central Oregon’s premiere karaoke experience has just moved locations! Now at the Capitol! Drink specials! Air guitars! Come see for yourself. 8pm-1am. Free.

The Cellar Live Music with Danger Gently Head down to The Cellar every Wednesday to enjoy live music from Danger Gently, a talented rotating cast of characters playing old-timey jams! 6-8pm. Free. The Commonwealth Pub Doc Ryan’s DIRT World Revival Rocking Americana and roots music in Central Oregon and beyond! 7:30-9:30pm. Free. Craft Kitchen and Brewery Comedy Open Mic Night Open mic comedy on Bend’s NE side. Come down, eat some BBQ, drink some drinks, and be prepared to laugh. Great for first timers to experienced performers. FREE 7:30-9pm. Free. Crosscut Warming Hut No 5 Eric Leadbetter Relax with a pint and enjoy great local music. 6-8pm. Free. Deschutes Brewery & Public House

Kim Kelley and Kat Hilst are Coyote Rider; an Americana-folk duo blending guitar, cello, mandolin and rich harmonies. Catch the local pair Sun., Sept. 28, 11am at Currents at the Riverhouse.

Ponch’s Place Bingo Wednesdays at Ponch’s Place Enjoy Bingo at Ponch’s Place on Wednesdays. 5:30-7pm. Free. Prost! - Bend WTF! Wednesday Trivia Fun!

Genuine UKB Trivia is truly unique and entertaining trivia for you! Independent, locally owned and operated. Please bring something to write with and some positive vibes, too :). 7pm. Free.

25 Thursday Open Mic Monthly Open Mic at Velvet! Hosted by Mari every 4th Thu., of every month! Sign-up starts at 6pm, and music goes until 9pm. All are welcome! Fourth Thursday of every month, 7-9pm. Free.

The Astro Lounge Karaoke Get here early

to put your name on the list! Drink specials every night. 9pm-2am. Free.

Head Games Trivia Night Eat. Drink. Think. Win! Head Games multi-media trivia is at Deschutes Bend Public House every Wednesday. Win prizes. Teams up to six. 6:30-8:30pm. Free.

Austin Mercantile Live Music Every Thurs-

Hosmer Bar Trivia Night Join us midweek for brainy banter and cold drinks! Whether you’re a seasoned quiz champ or just in it for the laughs, gather your crew and test your knowledge! See you there! 7-9pm. Free.

Bar Rio Live Music at Bar Rio Grab your

M&J Tavern Open Mic Night Downtown living

room welcomes musicians to bring their acoustic set or turn it up to 11 with the whole band. Bring your own instruments. 6:30pm. Free.

Market of Choice Bend Scrabble Club at

Market of Choice We meet upstairs. We use the 7th edition of the Scabble Players Dictionary. New Scrabble players are welcome. If you have a Scrabble set, please bring it as a backup. 6-8:30pm. Free.

Northside Bar & Grill Mellow Wednesday

Acoustic Open Mic and Jam hosted by Derek Michael Marc Sign-up sheet is available at 6:30pm. 7-9pm. Free.

Pangaea Guild Hall Dungeons & Dragons for Beginners Take the first steps of a grand adventure! 6-9pm. $15. Pinky G’s Pizzeria MUSIC BINGO Join music Bingo (think Bingo and Name that Tune). Great food, cold drinks and good times. Free to play and prizes for each round winner. 6-8pm. Free.

day Join at Austin Mercantile for live music every Thursday. Offering a light happy hour menu — daily flatbread, chili, charcuterie, soft pretzels and more! 4:30-6:30pm. Free. favorite bites and sips and relax into the music— ranging from jazz and blues to pop and flamenco. 6-8pm. Free.

The Bend Wine Bar & Winery Tasting Room Trivia Night Tease your brain and win

cool prizes. Happy Hour menu will be offered during game time. Grab your friends and enjoy an evening of fabulous wines, snacks and fun! Every last Thursday of the month. Arrive early, game starts at 6pm. Last Thursday of every month, 6-8pm. Free.

Blacksmith Public House Karaoke with

DJ Chris Join us on our indoor stage for Karaoke night! Every Thursday from 6:30-8pm. We have plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, great drink options, and lots of food trucks! Family and dog friendly. 6:30-8pm. Free.

Bunk+Brew Karaoke Thursdays Sing your

heart out at Bunk + Brew’s Karaoke Night! Whether you’re a pro or just love the spotlight, all voices are welcome. Food carts available all evening! Located in the Historic Lucas House Living Room for winter. 7-10pm. Free.

The Cellar Live Irish Trad Music with The Ballybogs! Join us for a night of live music featuring Bend’s Irish Trad band, The Ballybogs! Every Thursday at The Cellar. Seats fill up, so get there early if you can! 6-8pm. Free. The Commonwealth Pub Fluffalove They play “music for the soul” consisting primarily of 70’s folk-rock gems. Their “Laurel Canyon” vibe includes two acoustic guitars (and sometimes a smokin’ electric guitar) and tight harmonies. 7:30-9:30pm. Free. Crave Bend COMEDY OPEN MIC NIGHT

Comedy Open Mic Night on the SW side of Bend! Adults only encouraged. Intimate, smaller venue, healthier food and beverages, and an interactive night of comedy every Thursday! Hosted By Hopper. 7-9pm. Free.

The Dez Lounge Open Mic Join Joyful Lane

at open mic night! Enjoy NA cocktails, charcuterie and dessert while listening to local talent! 6-9pm. Free.

Dogwood At The Pine Shed Let’s Have a

Kiki A weekly 2SLGBTQIA+ night hosted by Cliché, with a new featured resident DJ each month. Kicking off the series in May with DJ Lunallday. Let’s have a kiki! 7-10pm. Free.

The Domino Room Birdtalker, Boy Golden

8:30pm. $28.

Elements Public House Trivia Night at Elements Public House with QuizHead Games Come be all you can be with Trivia Night every Thursday from 6-8pm! Featuring QuizHead. games. Located at the north end of Redmond. Full bar and great food! 6-8pm. Free. Hosmer Bar Bingo Night Your week just found its highlight—bingo! Join us for drinks, good company and a little friendly competition. Pull up a chair, grab a board and let’s make some memories! 7-9pm. Free. Ponch’s Place Trivia Thursdays at Ponch’s Place Trivia Thursdays at Ponch’s Place with QuizHead Games. 6-8pm. Free. River’s Place Kurt Silva & Cynthia West These veteran performers have received high praise for their vocal stylings. From sweet harmonies on slow-moving ballads to foot stomping good-time tunes, their love of music can be heard in every performance. 6-8pm. Free.

The Commonwealth Pub Commonwealth DJ Dance Party with TRUNORTH Join TRUNORTH as he makes his way down from the 49th parallel, spinning the latest and greatest, raising the bar on this year’s playoff season. Join him Friday and Saturday nights at The Commonwealth Pub and cheer on the beats from soul, to funk, to today’s hits. 9pm-Midnight. Free. Craft Kitchen and Brewery Dirty Minds Trivia Night The questions might sound naughty, but the answers are totally innocent—if you can get your head out of the gutter long enough to figure them out. Grab your friends, make it a date night, or just come out for a night of laughs, food, and drinks. It’s fun, cheeky, and just a little mischievous—the perfect recipe for a great time! 7-9pm. Currents at the Riverhouse Robot Mushroom Experience Robot Mushroom live at Currents at the Riverhouse in Bend. With raw, emotional songs about struggle, peace, and inner beauty, this soul-driven performance blends heartfelt lyrics and powerful soundscapes. 7-9pm. Free. Desert Inn Sports Bar & Grill Chasin’ Bandits featuring Christie Strode Chasin’ Bandits are back for another night of fun, music and dancing. The band plays memorable country and rock songs and features the powerful vocals of Christie Strode. 7-10pm. Free. Hardtails Bar & Grill Stage 28 Karaoke Come out for a night of Stage 28 Karaoke with your host Miss Min! What’s your go-to karaoke tune? Come to Hardtails for a fun Friday night and sing your heart out! 8pm-Midnight. Free. Hosmer Bar Comedy & Music at Hosmer Bar Bits N Skits presents comedy and live music at Hosmer Bar! Come relax with us after a long work week with some comedy and live music! The Grove Oktoberfest at The Grove Join us for Oktoberfest at The Grove! Live music, bavarian food specials & steins of beer! Noon-7pm. McKenzie General Store & Obsidian Grill Jerry Zybach Blues at McKenzie General

Store McKenzie General Store loves being able to provide free family friendly live music to our community of locals, adventures and travelers alike! With our outdoor beirgarden, restaurant and general store we’re sure to have all you need for an unforgettable evening! 6-9pm. Free.

Submitting an event is free and easy. Add your event to our calendar at bendsource.com/submitevent

23 VOLUME 29 ISSUE 39 / SEPTEMBER 25, 2025 / THE SOURCE WEEKLY

to put your name on the list! Drink specials every night. 9pm-2am. Free.

Cascade Lakes Pub on Reed Market

Silver Moon Brewing Trivia on the Moon

Come down to Silver Moon Brewing for a night of trivia! Teams are welcome to show up in groups up to 8 people. Silver Moon also offers seating reservations for $20 donations that all go to F*Cancer! If you would like to reserve a table please contact the Trivia on the Moon Facebook page. 7pm. Free.

The Astro Lounge Karaoke Get here early

Paul Eddy Local singer/songwriter sings hits through the decades, plus originals from his new album “Oregonian” on Bandcamp. 5:30-7:30pm. Free.

→

WWW.BENDSOURCE.COM / SEPTEMBER 25, 2025 / BEND’S INDEPENDENT VOICE 24

EVENTS

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT

@willharf IG

On Tap Locals’ Day Plus Live Music Cheaper

drinks all day and live music at night, get down to On Tap. 11am-9pm. Free.

Silver Moon Brewing Beertown Comedy

30 Tuesday The Astro Lounge Karaoke Get here early

to put your name on the list! Drink specials every night. 9pm-2am. Free.

Beach Hut Deli Tip of the Tongue Trivia Come out and play Tip of the Tongue trivia for a chance to win some great prizes and show off your trivia skills! 6-8pm. Free. Connecticut singer/songwriter harf. is known for his melancholy, journal-entry-style lyrics and melodic folk tunes. Fri., Sept. 26 at Silver Moon Brewing.

Pangaea Guild Hall Maria Kart

- Gender Bent Italian Plumber Racing Tournament Join us for a Mario Kart 8 tournament, themed cocktails, Drag Queens, and more! $10 tournament entry fee for individual participants (no teams). Featuring @Mystique.Hunt and @ Toddstuleiser! Gender-bent cosplays of your favorite Nintendo characters are encouraged! 6-11pm. $10.

River’s Place Fresh Hops & Pop Up Shops

Flights will be available! Local vendors, live music, football, fire pits and all things fall. Check our website for the full line up of breweries and beer featured. Noon-5pm. Free.

River’s Place If & When This lovely folk duo

will be playing at our annual Fresh Hops & Pop Up Shops event. Enjoy shopping, live music, flights of fresh hop beers, fire pits & football. It’s the quintessential Fall event. 2-4pm. Free.

River’s Place Saturday Jazz Sessions Jazz folks; jazz standards. 6-8pm. Free. Silver Moon Brewing Lucion Hall & Guests Lucion Hall is a Portland-based alt-folk singer/ songwriter. 7pm. $13-$15.

The Round Butte Inn Chasin’ Bandits

featuring Christie Strode Chasin’ Bandits play a variety of popular rock and country songs featuring the talented vocals of Christie Strode. Come out for an entertaining night of fun music and dancing! RBI has pub menu, pool, dance floor and lottery. 8-11pm. Free.

Wildwood Bar & Grill Wildland Blues Band

Wildland Blues Band delivers swampy grooves, greasy slide tones, and the kind of raw, soulsoaked sound that gets feet stomping. Fronted by Texas-taught blues guitarist Aaron Elston, this hard-grooving quartet blends classic Mississippi and rural blues with funky modern favorites, creating a show that’s as gritty as it is danceable. 7-10pm. Free.

28 Sunday The Commons Cafe & Taproom Trivia Night Sunday Funday Trivia with Sean. Gather your team, or roll solo and find a spot early in the cafe, knowledge tests begin at 6pm. Prizes for 1st and 2nd place. 6-8pm. Free. The Commonwealth Pub Richard Taelour: Sundays on the Patio Richard is an amazing artist and musician! 3-6pm. Free. The Commonwealth Pub Head Games

Trivia Night Eat. Drink. Think. Win! Live multi-media trivia every Sunday @ 6pm. The Commonwealth Pub - Bend Free to play. Win prizes. Teams up to 6. 6-8pm. Free.

Dogwood At The Pine Shed Okay Karaoke

Sing your favorite songs with friends, enjoy professional sound and lighting, and let the spotlight shine on you. Hosted by the dynamic Tammy Larsen, it’s the perfect night out for music lovers and party people alike. Noon-11pm. Free.

The Domino Room An Evening With Garaj Mahal When you hear your first Garaj Mahal note leading into an innovative fusion of funky jazz with a tasty World Music flair, all other thoughts leave your mind as the music takes you on an unforgettable voyage. Fans return to experience the band again and again. 8-11:30pm. $25. Pangaea Guild Hall Greek Fest & Trivia Special Greek menu available from noon until it’s gone. Themed cocktails & $5 ice-cold Ouzo shots. 50% OFF your first drink if you arrive in a toga or Greek myth cosplay. Togas & Trivia Greek Mythology Trivia begins at 6pm on the patio. RSVP for trivia at pangaeaguildhall@gmail.com. 6-10pm. Free.

Bunk+Brew Backyard Trivia Tuesdays! Big brains, cold beers, bragging rights! Battle it out under the stars with rotating trivia themes and epic prizes. Grab food from the food carts and drinks from the beer truck. Think you’ve got what it takes? 7-9pm. Free. The Capitol The Capitol Karaoke Music

Weekly Karaoke at its finest! Central Oregon’s premiere karaoke experience has just moved locations! Now at the Capitol! Drink specials! Air guitars! Come see for yourself. 8pm-1am. Free.

The Cellar Open Mic Open mic at The Cellar hosted by Mari! 6-8pm and all are welcome! 6-8pm. Free. The Commons Cafe & Taproom Open Mic StoryTellers open mic nights are full of music, laughs and community. Mason James is the host. Poetry, comedy and spoken word are welcome, but this is mainly a musical open mic. Performance slots are a quick 10 minutes each, so being warmed up and ready is ideal. If you wish to perform sign-ups start at 5pm in the cafe. 6pm. Free.

River’s Place The Brainy Brunch Trivia! Use-

The Commonwealth Pub The Groove Merchants: Tuesday Night Jazz The Groove Merchants are Dillon Schneider (Guitar), Evan Brawn (Bass), and Casey Smiley (Drums) featuring special guests Mollie & Jim Tennant for an evening of jazz. 7-9pm. Free.

River’s Place Caveman Dave Americana/

Crosscut Warming Hut No 5 Head Games

less Knowledge Bowl Trivia presents “The Brainy Brunch!” Bring your crew of friends or family and a pen/pencil! Play for fun and gift cards, play for free! Experienced, independent, locally owned and operated! Noon. Free.

blues songwriter, cigar box guitar-builder and one-man-band. 6-8pm. Free.

Silver Moon Brewing Open Mic at the Moon Get a taste of the big time! Sign-up is at 4pm! Come check out the biggest and baddest open mic night in Bend! 5-8pm. Free.

29 Monday Bevel Craft Brewing The Simpsons Trivia

Join us for The Simpsons Trivia at Bevel! Test your knowledge on seasons 6-10 of the beloved animated classic. Free to play, teams up to six, and themed attire encouraged. Win Bevel gift cards! Trivia runs 6-8pm, with questions by the one and only Bevel Beard. 6-8pm. Free.

Crux Fermentation Project Trivia Night @

Trivia Night Live multi-media trivia every other Tuesday at Crosscut Warming Hut No. 5, Bend. Free to play, win prizes, teams up to 6. Please arrive early for best seats. Every other Tuesday, 6-8pm. Free.

Elements Public House Trivia (&Taco) Tuesdays Quiz fans of Redmond: bring your crew this week for UKB live trivia & more! Delicious menu favorites, brews, cocktails, plus Taco Tuesday menu! Play for gift card prizes or just for fun. Bring good vibes and a pen. 6:30pm. Free. M&J Tavern Karaoke Every Tuesday at your

downtown living room! Sign-ups start at 8pm and the singing goes until last call OR last singer, whichever comes first! 8pm-1:15am. Free.

Mountain Burger Trivia Tuesday at Mountain Burger Come to Trivia Tuesday at Mountain Burger! Fun and prizes await! 7:30-9pm. Free. Northside Bar & Grill Karaoke with DJ

Crux Trivia Night at Crux! First place team wins a $25 gift card! 6-8pm. Free.

Chris Ossig Karaoke with DJ Chris. 7-9pm. Free.

Elixir Winery and Tasting Room Locals

Pangaea Guild Hall Dungeons & Dragons

Music Night and Open Mic Bend’s friendliest open-mic! All genres welcome. Oregon and international wine, beer and tapas menu available all evening. 6-9pm. Free.

Immersion Brewing Open Mic hosted by

Bend Comedy All performance types are welcome! All ages are welcome to attend and perform! All acts are eligible to audition to perform in a future Bend Comedy show! 7-9pm. Free.

for Beginners Take the first steps of a grand adventure! 6-9pm. $15.

Pinky G’s Pizzeria TRIVIA NIGHT Test your

knowledge in a casual/laid-back atmosphere. Pizza, beer and trivia. Free to play and prizes for 1st and 2nd place. 6-8pm. Free.

River’s Place Bingo! Have fun, win prizes and support a local nonprofit organization. 6-8pm. $1-$5.

MUSIC

Broken Compass Bluegrass Broken

Compass Bluegrass is leading the way in the contemporary bluegrass revival, combining tradition with innovation in a way that appeals to both longtime fans and new listeners alike. Their live performances are characterized by tight harmonies, truly impressive solos, and an undeniable joy that permeates with every note. Sept. 29, 7:30pm. Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St., Bend. Contact: 541-317-0700. info@towertheatre.org. $19-$29.

Central Oregon Flute Ensemble: Flute Choir Chamber Concert You’re invited to

the Central Oregon Flute Ensemble’s chamber concert! We have a wonderful variety of small ensemble music in store for you, presented in the rotunda of the Barber Library on the COCC Campus. We hope you’ll join us! Sept. 26, 7-8pm. COCC Barber Library, 2600 NW College Way, Bend. Free.

Sugarhill Gang with Brian Ellsworth “DJ Ells” Sugarhill Gang is believed by many to

be the first professional Hip Hop group, because they introduced to the masses this unprecedented genre of music. “Rapper’s Delight” eventually sold over 8 million copies, and went on to be the biggest selling rap single of all time. Sept. 28, 7:30pm. Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St., Bend. Contact: 541-317-0700. info@towertheatre.org. $44 - $64.

Western Music & Cowboy Poetry Concert Join us for an unforgettable after-

noon of Western Music and Cowboy Poetry at The Bowman Museum in Prineville. Experience award-winning performers from Oregon, Montana, and California—members of the International Western Music Association—will take the stage to share the music, stories, and soul BBQ available on-site (5:30pm-6pm) Sept. 27, 3-7pm. A.R. Bowman Museum - Community Room, 246 N. Main St., Prineville. Contact: 541-447-3715. sean.briscoe@crookcountyor.gov. Free.

DANCE

Adult Ballet Class Come learn or rediscover the art of ballet on Tuesday nights! Adult Ballet is an open-level class for adult learners and dancers. Tuesdays, 12:30-1:30 and 6:45-7:45pm. Acadamie De Ballet Classique, 1900 NE 3rd St #104, Bend. Contact: 541-3824055. dance@ abcbend.com. Varies: Drop-ins $25, 4-Pack or Register receives a discount!. Lindy Hop Social Dance and Lesson

Take back your night life! Join a community eager to share their excitement for this goofy, athletic and energetic dance. Lindy Hop is the original vintage swing dance turned global dance craze. Danced to classic jazz standards Lindy Hop is connected to its roots, but always innovating. Sundays, 6-9pm. Through Oct. 12. The Space, 63830 Clausen Rd, Bend. $7-$12.

FILM EVENTS

2025 HUMP! Film Festival, Part Two

Come join the resistance by supporting fully inclusive, sex- and body-positive art that encourages conversation and asks audiences to embrace themselves, and each other, exactly as they are. Come have a great time doing it. 21+. Sept. 27, 5:30pm. Volcanic Theatre Pub, 70 SW Century Dr., Bend. $20.

BEER + DRINK

$10 Wing Wednesdays A new weekly

special: $10 Wing Wednesdays at Cascade Lakes Pub on Reed Market. Choose from one of the house-made sauces like Char Sui, This IPA BBQ and Spicy Staycay Pineapple or go naked! Wednesdays, 11am-9pm. Cascade Lakes Pub on Reed Market, 21175 SE Reed Market Rd., Bend.

$16 Fish Taco and House Margarita Fridays Join for 3 fish tacos and a house

margarita for only $16 every Friday at Cascade Lakes Pub on Reed Market. Fridays, 11am-9pm. Cascade Lakes Pub on Reed Market, 21175 SE Reed Market Rd., Bend.

25 VOLUME 29 ISSUE 39 / SEPTEMBER 25, 2025 / THE SOURCE WEEKLY

Open Mic Voted #1 Open Mic and Locals Night, Beertown Comedy’s Open Mic happens every Monday at Silver Moon Brewing. Free to watch and perform! Sign-ups at 6:30pm, show at 7pm. With 20 spots available, bring your best jokes and get noticed for paid gigs. Laughter guaranteed! 6:30-9pm. Free.

CALENDAR

WWW.BENDSOURCE.COM / SEPTEMBER 25, 2025 / BEND’S INDEPENDENT VOICE 26

EVENTS

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT

High Desert Museum

CALENDAR

Industry Appreciation Day! 20% off for all Industry friends! Wednesdays, 2-8pm. Contact: taryn@thealeapothecary.com. Free. Locals Day! Locals Day at the Ale! $2 off drafts and $1 off wine and cider! Wednesdays, 2pm. The Ale Apothecary Tasting Room, 30 SW Century Dr., Bend. Contact: taryn@thealeapothecary.com. Free.

Locals’ Night at WaypointBBC Locals’ Night at WaypointBBC! $5 draft beer, $8 house red and white wine and $8 specialty cocktail. Tuesdays, Noon-10pm. Waypoint, 921 NW Mt Washington Dr., Bend. Contact: 458-206-0826. Waypointbbc@gmail.com. Free. Monday Night Football Come down for

Northside’s Monday night football! Food, drinks and a raffle for your chance to win a jersey! Mondays. Northside Bar & Grill, 62860 Boyd Acres Rd., Bend. Free.

“Joe Feddersen: Earth, Water, Sky” is a career retrospective of nationally renowned artist Joe Feddersen (Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation), which opens at the High Desert Museum Sat., Sept. 27. The exhibition gathers four decades of the prolific artist’s prints, glass, weaving and ceramics in the largest and most comprehensive showing of his career to date.

$4 Pints Monday Night Football Fall, football, and beer! This week we feature pFriem Brewing $4 pints and swag giveaways! 6 big screen TVs. Sound will be on for the game. For the non beer lover, we also have Avid Cider and $2 off house wine. Sept. 29, 5-8pm. River’s Place, 787 NE Purcell Blvd., Bend. Free. 1st Annual Chili Bowl We are excited to

announce our first annual Chili Bowl! Join us for a fantastic event featuring six food trucks, a competition for one trophy and plenty of delicious chili. Bring the heat! Sept. 28, 11am-3pm. On Tap, 1424 NE Cushing Dr., Bend.

Bonfire Wednesdays Fuel the night with

fire, friends and ice-cold drinks! Meet travelers, jam out to tunes and chow down from the food carts. Wednesdays, 6-9pm. Through Oct. 15. Bunk+Brew, 42 NW Hawthorne Avenue, Bend. Free.

Commonwealth Pub Happy Hour It’s 5 for 5, with $5 draft beers, $5 house wines, $5 margaritas, $5 crushes and $5 well liquor. Play ping-pong, darts, cornhole, games and enjoy afternoon music on patio and indoors. Ongoing, Noon-6pm. The Commonwealth Pub, 30 SW Century Dr., Bend. Free. Crosscut Warming Hut: Locals’ Day!

Tuesdays are Locals’ Day. Every Tuesday enjoy $1 off regular size draft beverages. Come by the Warming Hut and hang out by the fire. See you soon, Bend! Tuesdays. Crosscut Warming Hut No 5, 566 SW Mill View Way, Bend.

Educators & Nurses Apprecation Day

We’re raising a glass to those who give so much! Join us for Nurses & Educators Day, where we show appreciation for the heroes in scrubs and classrooms. 50% off all beers and ciders for nurses and educators. Tuesdays. Cascade Lakes Pub on Reed Market, 21175 SE Reed Market Rd., Bend. Contact: 458-836-7866. jesse@cascadelakes.com. Free.

Power Hour Come check out our new Power

Hour deals: $3 draft Coors Light, $5 draft beer, food cart specials that will make your taste buds dance! Mondays-Thursdays-Sundays, 8-9pm. Midtown Yacht Club, 1661 NE Fourth St., Bend. Contact: 458-256-5454. midtownyachtclub@ gmail.com. Free.

Flannel Friday Happy Hour Come on

down in your Northwest best for Happy Hour! 4-6pm every Friday. $2 off drafts, $1 off everything else. Fridays, 4-6pm. Contact: taryn@ thealeapothecary.com. Free.

Sunriver Oktoberfest Get ready for a

weekend of putt putt golf fundraiser tournament, fun runs, great food, children’s activities, music, Sunriver Saturday Market, dancing and of course, beer at the first Sunriver Oktoberfest. Events in the Sunriver Business Park, SHARC, Village at Sunriver and Sunriver Resort. Sept. 26, 9am and Sept. 27, 9am and 2pm. The Village at Sunriver, 57100 Beaver Dr., Sunriver. Contact: 541-5938149. exec@sunriverchamber.com. Price varies.

Friday Happy Hour Tapas & Wine Kick

off the weekend the right way! Every Friday from 4pm on, swing by for a relaxing and social evening at Elixir Wine. $10 wine specials by the glass and $2 off regular glass pours, including our own Oregon & Washington wines. Fridays, 4-7pm. Elixir Winery and Tasting Room, 11 NW Lava Rd., Bend. Contact: 541-388-5330. tastingroom@ elixirwinegroup.com. Free.

Taco & Margarita Tuesdays Enjoy 2/$10

Happy Hour at Mountain Burger Happy

chipotle chicken street tacos and $10 margaritas! Tuesdays, 4-9pm. Portello Wine and Spirits, 2754 NW Crossing Dr., Bend. Contact: 541-385-1777. contact@portellobend.com. Free.

Hour happens every day at Mountain Burger! Ongoing, 3-5pm. Mountain Burger, 2747 NW Crossing Dr., Bend. Contact: 5416687177. info@ mountainburgerbend.com.

Happy Hour at Viaggio Wine Merchant

Thirsty Thursday! $7 glasses of wine/bubbles, $4 Rainiers, $10 margaritas + mules, $7 Wild Roots vodka lemonades, $12 Aperol spritz. Thursdays, 4-9pm. Portello Wine and Spirits, 2754 NW Crossing Dr., Bend. Contact: 541-3851777. contact@portellobend.com. Free.

Happy Hour Every Day Make every afternoon

Wine Mondays! Every Monday night all glasses of wine are $9! This is an opportunity to try wines from our vast wine list all night long and pair with either tasty small plates or delicious dishes by creative chef Nikki Munk. Mondays, 4-9pm. Portello Wine and Spirits, 2754 NW Crossing Dr., Bend. Contact: 541-385-1777. admin@portellowinecafe.com. Free.

$7 and $8 glasses of wine, cold beer and delicious discounted snacks. Cheers! Tuesdays-Sundays, 3-5pm. Viaggio Wine Merchant, 210 SW Century Dr., Bend. Contact: 541-299-5060. info@ viaggiowine.com. Varies by Purchase. a little brighter with a hint of British charm at The Commonwealth Pub! From 3-5pm, enjoy drink specials and a cozy pub vibe that’s perfect for winding down. $3 PBRs $5 RPMs $6 Margaritas $7 Wine Happy Hour bites from Whappos! Mondays-Sundays, 3-5pm. Through Dec. 18. The Commonwealth Pub, 30 SW Century Dr., Bend. Contact: 541-668-6200. thecommonwealthpubevents@gmail.com. Free.

Incredible Summer Wine Sale Huge sale

on refreshing summer white wine and bold red wine. Selections from the Elixir import portfolio. Taste before you buy! Open Monday-Saturday 10.00am - 6:00pm Mondays-Sundays, 10am6pm. Elixir Winery and Tasting Room, 11 NW Lava Rd., Bend. Contact: 541 388 5330. tastingroom@ elixirwinegroup.com. Free.

FEATURED EVENTS

Wings + TRIVIA + Whiskey Enjoy $0.75 wings, $4.50 well whiskey, $6 seven & sevens while testing your knowledge with Trivia, hosted by our amazing Cole! Take on our infamous “physical” challenge - think paper airplanes, musical chairs, limbo etc! Come eat, drink and bring your A-game! Wednesdays, 7pm. JC’s Bar & Grill, 642 NW Franklin Ave., Bend. Contact: 541-3833000. jcsbend@gmail.com. Free.

Aikido Free Introductory Adult Class. Please

call to reserve your spot. Sat, Sept. 20, 10:1511:30am, Mon, Sept. 22, 5:30-6:45pm and Wed, Sept. 24, 5:30-6:45pm. Oregon Ki Society Bend Dojo, 20685 Carmen Loop, Suite 110, Bend. Contact: 541-350-7887. cfhc@hotmail.com. Free.

Concussion Support Group Hoping to learn more strategies for improving your memory and efficiently healing your brain after concussion? Come join our adult therapy group! Connect with others who have experienced concussion, practice strategies, and learn from other related professionals on a variety of topics related to concussion recovery. Every other Tuesday, 4-4:45pm. Through Feb. 3. Sagebrush Speech Therapy, 604 NW Harriman St., Bend. Contact: info@sagebrushspeech.com. Free. Death Café Eat tasty treats, drink tea and discuss death. Free of agenda or ideology, the aim is to increase awareness of death to help people make the most of their lives. Facilitated by end of life doula, Cheryl Adcox. Ages 16+. No late admittance: entry is closed at 6:10pm. Sept. 29, 6-7:30pm. Downtown Bend Library Brooks Room, 601 NW Wall St,, Bend. Contact: 5413121029. laurelh@deschuteslibrary.org. Free. Maintaining Mental Health As We Age – Free community talk Mental health is

just as important as physical health— especially as we age. In this presentation, we’ll explore how anxiety, depression, and mood disorders can uniquely affect older adults, along with effective approaches to prevention, treatment, and support. Sept. 30, Noon-1pm. Larkspur Community Center, 1600 SE Reed Market Rd., Bend. Contact: 541-316-0167. Free.

Men’s Connection Group Join us for an

evening of sharing, support and connection. Mondays, 6:30-8pm. Living Undone, 33 NW Louisiana Ave, Bend. Contact: 541-408-1174. teddyfowler@gmail.com. Free.

NAMI Connection Peer Support Group

NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group is a free, peer-led support group for any adult who has experienced symptoms of a mental health condition. You will gain insight from hearing the challenges and successes of others, and the groups are led by trained leaders who’ve been there. Mondays, 7-9pm. Contact: 503-230-8009. info@namicentraloregon.org. Free.

NAMI Family Support Group NAMI Family Support Group is a peer-led support group for any adult with a loved one who has experienced symptoms of a mental health condition. Gain insight from the challenges and successes of others facing similar experiences. Last Thursday of every month, 5:15-6:45pm. Contact: 541-3160167. info@namicentraloregon.org. Free.

Ticket and promote your events with BendTicket!

BADASS SOUND BATH

DIRTY MINDS TRIVIA NIGHT

CONTINUUM, A School of Shadow Yoga Bend Oregon

Craft Kitchen and Brewery

SHARC Event Space

THURSDAY SEPT 25 @ 7:00pm

FRIDAY SEPT 26 @ 7:00pm

SATURDAY SEPT 27 @ 2:00pm

OKTOBERFEST

LIVE ALMOST, STEVE MAINE MILLER BAND MUSIC & SOUND BATH High Desert High DesertMusic Hall Hall Music SUNDAY SEPT2 28 @ 7:00pm FEB @ 11am

27 VOLUME 29 ISSUE 39 / SEPTEMBER 25, 2025 / THE SOURCE WEEKLY

Locals’ Day Come on down to Bevel Craft Brewing for $4 beers and cider and $1 off wine all day. There are also food specials from the food carts located out back at The Patio! Tuesdays. Bevel Craft Brewing, 911 SE Armour St., Bend. Contact: holla@bevelbeer.com. Free.

HEALTH + WELLNESS

CHOW

What Makes a Perfect Burger Is Killer Burger among the very best? By Jared Rasic

WWW.BENDSOURCE.COM / SEPTEMBER 25, 2025 / BEND’S INDEPENDENT VOICE

he thing about burgers, killer and otherwise, is that everyone seems to want something different from them. Some people want fat, thick and juicy, some want a delicate smash patty all crispy and lean, others prioritize flavor over texture and toppings, while even others realize that the true secret of the perfect hamburger lies in the bun. If you ask 25 Central Oregonians what their favorite burger in Bend is, you might get somewhere around 20 different answers and no one is really wrong. Burgers are ubiquitous here and I’m here for it. Almost every week, a new burger spot opens in town, but it can be challenging for locals to latch onto something different. We’re stuck in our ways. Many people who are after that smashy goodness stay true to Americana or Blue Eyes. Long-time Bendites find a little piece of nostalgia at Dandy’s or Bro Jo’s. Locals still mourn the gradual decline and death of Pilot Butte Drive-In. So, with the recent opening of Killer Burger over at the new outdoor shopping area near Costco, it remains to be seen whether the Oregon-based franchise will catch on with locals and become another iconic staple of Central Oregon. The first Killer Burger opened in 2010 in Portland and now in 2025, there are around a dozen locations across the country. General Manager Logan Miller explains Killer Burger’s humble origins. “Killer Burger is a small business chain of Burger lovers,” says Miller. “We started out in the founder’s garage where he was making each and every recipe from scratch. Then we opened our first location in Portland, Oregon, back in 2010. Since then, we’ve grown tremendously, as we currently have 25 restaurants and plan on continuing our expansion to other states. Such as Washington, Idaho, Utah, and Texas.” While there are still several items I would love to try on their menu, I definitely enjoyed most of what I was able to try. Their flagship burger, the Peanut Butter Pickle Bacon burger, is pretty tasty if you have a

goofball palate like myself. The peanut butter adds a really nice texture and sweetness to the meat, while the pickles layer in a tang that has the whole thing tasting like a delicious bit of ordered chaos that will not leave anyone without a strong opinion. “Killer Burger is not just about making a burger, it’s about the experience,” says Miller. “It’s about perfect quality and service every time. No matter what time of day you come in, no matter how many people you bring with you. Each and every burger is made to perfection. With our Crispy Bacon and our Carmel crunch sear on every patty, you can’t go wrong with any of our unique individual burgers.” The other burger I tried that was even better than the Peanut Butter Pickle was the Bender, made with bacon, a spicy BBQ sauce, crispy jalapeños, grilled onions and a house sauce. I ordered the Pint-size Bender, which you can get on its own or as an $11 Killer Box Lunch with small fries and a fountain drink, which is easily their nicest price point on the menu. I would recommend that if you’re famished, get the Killer Box because the Pint-sized burger is fairly small on its own, but with fries and a soda was a solid amount of food. I haven’t yet tried the Double (which looks like a thicc boi), but I definitely found the Original burgers to be well-sized by themselves. The meat itself also has better flavor than I was expecting. These do not taste like carelessly thrown-together, franchise fast food burgers. The flavor profiles of everything I tasted were slightly more complex than I was giving them credit for and definitely got me excited to try other things on the menu like the Teemah (with Swiss fondue, blue cheese and bacon) or the Mike’s Hot Honey chicken sandwich. One thing I wasn’t really in love with were the onion rings, which are really lightly fried to a softer, crispy texture, where, in my own personal preference, I love onion rings that are fried into mega crunchy golden perfection. Lots of people prefer a lighter fry on their

Jared Rasic

onion rings than I do, so your mileage may vary. However, I was very impressed with the fat and salty goodness of the fries, which tasted fresh and homemade. These fries are some of the best I’ve had in town and would stand them against all comers. Newly opened, I wouldn’t be surprised if Killer Burger made quite a few fans in Bend. The grand opening has been amazing,” says Miller. “We didn’t end up advertising, as those who have had the pleasure to dine in with us before shared such amazing stories and memories of our restaurants. This being said, it has been very busy. We not only have friends and family coming from all over Central Oregon, but we also often see families come and dine with us before they head over to Costco, so they can save a little on shopping!” Whether you’re stopping at Killer Burger before or after shopping, or if you’re making the trip over there to try them for the heck of it, Killer Burger has a lot of interesting and delicious flavors to share. Will this end up being your favorite burger in Bend? The choice is up to you. How do you like your burger? Killer Burger

Everyday 10:30am-9:30pm 20789 NW Henry Ave Suite #180, Bend killerburger.com

CULTURE

Fall Preview of Books

A selective list of new books coming out this fall By Cassie Clemans, Owner of Roundabout Books 29 Cassie Clemans

“The God of Small Things” and “The Ministry of Utmost Happiness” that traces the author’s complex relationship with her mother. Likewise, “All the Way to the River” by Elizabeth Gilbert (9/9) is a landmark memoir that will resonate with anyone who has ever been held captive to love— or to any other passion, substance, or craving — and who yearns, at long last, for liberation. There are two celebrity memoirs this year that might make the perfect gift. “Simply More” by Cynthia Erivo (11/18) is releasing just in time for the next “Wicked” movie. Cynthia draws from her experiences running marathons to show how each challenge can help us and urges readers to lean into the wisdom of their bodies. Don’t miss “Last Rites” by Ozzy Osbourne (10/7), who once said, “If I’d done normal, sensible things, I wouldn’t be Ozzy.” For those who lean more toward biography, consider “Capturing Kahanamoku” by Michael Rossi (10/21), the fascinating untold story of one scientist’s pursuit of a legendary surfer who has been excluded from the historical narrative. In the quest to define human nature, 1920s scientists exploited eugenics in pursuit of the perfect human form. For readers who loved “Barbarian Days” and “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks.” History buffs will enjoy a plethora of titles releasing this season. “History Matters” by David McCullough (9/16) is a posthumous collection of thought-provoking essays affirming the value of history and how we can be guided by its lessons. “We the People” by Jill Lepore (9/16) is a stunning new history of the U.S. Constitution, for a troubling new era. “The Gales of November” by John U. Bacon (10/7) tells the story of the Edmund Fitzgerald’s sinking on its 50th anniversary. “1929” by Andrew Ross Sorkin (10/14), the bestselling author of “Too Big to Fail,”is a spellbinding narrative of the most infamous stock market crash in history. Love a great cookbook? “Good Things” by Samin Nosrat (9/16), the bestselling author of “Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat,” includes 125 meticulously tested, flavor-forward, soul-nourishing recipes that bring joy and a sense of communion For the career-oriented, take a look at “Having It All” by Corinne Low (9/23), who explores how women in America today are faced with unsustainable demands in every sphere. And we cannot leave out the new Brene Browne (9/23) “Strong Ground,” who introduces a whole new set of leadership skills, including the toughest one of all, the discipline, humility, and confidence to unlearn and relearn. I’ll end with what could be not just the gift book of the season, but the bestselling book of the whole year, “Always Remember” by Charlie Mackesy (10/14), the sequel to bestseller, “The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse.”

WHAT CASSIE'S READING

“Katabasis” by R.F. Kuang —Dante’s Inferno meets Susanna Clarke’s Piranesi in this all-new dark academia fantasy from R. F. Kuang, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Babel and Yellowface, in which two graduate students must put aside their rivalry and journey to Hell to save their professor’s soul—perhaps at the cost of their own. Katabasis, noun, Ancient Greek: The story of a hero’s descent to the underworld

VOLUME 29 ISSUE 39 / SEPTEMBER 25, 2025 / THE SOURCE WEEKLY

s many of the most anticipated books of the year start to fill our shelves, I’d like to share a Fall Preview of all the great reading this season. With more than 800 books to talk about, I’m compelled to offer you a highly selective list. The good news is local booksellers can give more recommendations for your reading (or gift-giving) interests. Two 700-page books are making waves in the literary world this fall. “The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny” by Kiran Desai (9/23), currently on the Booker Prize longlist, is the sweeping love story of two young people navigating the many forces that shape their lives: country, class, race, history, and family. “The Wayfinder” by Adam Johnson (10/14) is one of my new favorites! It’s an epic, sweeping novel set in the Polynesian islands of the South Pacific during the height of the Tu’i Tonga Empire and explores themes of sustainability, scarcity, and indigeneity. Some of our favorite authors are back with heavy-hitters for the season. There’s a new Ken Follett! “Circle of Days,” set at Stonehenge (where Follett was allowed to film and research - a first for anyone!). This ambitious standalone follows two tribes set against each other in war, and a forbidden romance from members of each. “Heart the Lover” by Lily King (9/30), is a magnificent and intimate new novel of desire, friendship, and the lasting impact of first love. In the much-anticipated second book from National Book Award finalist Angela Flournoy, “The Wilderness” (9/16) is an era-defining novel about five Black women over the course of their 20-year friendship, as they move through the dizzying and sometimes precarious period between young adulthood and midlife. Another National Book Award Finalist, Bryan Washington’s, new book, “Palaver,” (11/4) is a life-affirming novel of family, mending, and how we learn to love. I can’t leave out the masterful John Boyne, one of my favorite authors, and his new book, “The Elements”(9/9). His new book is a complicated but engrossing drama centered around sexual abuse, and challenges the reader’s perceptions of guilt and innocence. If you are a fantasy or science fiction lover, I want to put two highly anticipated books on your radar. Both authors are from the Portland area and are receiving national attention for their new releases. “Alchemised” by SenLinYu (9/23) is the fantasy book of the season. This dark, nuanced, and over 1,000-page novel centers on a woman with missing memories who fights to survive a war-torn world of necromancy and alchemy— and the man tasked with unearthing the buried secrets of her past. “Hole in the Sky” by Daniel Wilson (10/7) is a staff favorite! I found it to be a gripping read with all the action and imagery of a motion picture! This sci-fi thriller is a Native American First Contact story that centers around the deep mysteries of the heliopause. Come meet the author at Roundabout Books on Oct. 25. If you’re a mystery lover, John Grisham is back with “The Widow” (10/21), his first ever whodunit, even more suspenseful than his courtroom dramas, as a small-time lawyer accused of murder races to find the real killer. “The Black Wolf” by Louise Penny (10/28) is the latest in everyone’s favorite Inspector Gamache series. The nonfiction category is full of highlights. There’s something for everyone! If you love a truly great memoir, get a copy of “Mother Mary Comes to Me” by Arundhati Roy (9/2). This is a raw and deeply moving memoir from the legendary author of

WWW.BENDSOURCE.COM / SEPTEMBER 25, 2025 / BEND’S INDEPENDENT VOICE 30

Long Walk' and Other Tales SCREEN 'The Stephen King at the movies By Jared Rasic 31

Lionsgate

This walk is not for pleasure.

own distant childhoods. We’re emotionally invested in their lives, not the horror between the margins. That’s where King sometimes gets misunderstood: he’s not some crown prince of evil like pear-clutching parent advisory councils would have you believe. Yeah, there are monsters, serial killers and demons galore in his stories, but there is always, always, a light in opposition to the darkness. King believes in the goodness of humanity at its core, so most of the horrible violence and horror he has invented is just in service of showing how easily defeated evil is by basic human decency. Some adaptations that forget about King’s ultimately overpowering optimism can be pretty fun, though. I have a soft spot for the 2007 film adaptation of King’s short story, “The Mist,” which follows a group of people trapped in a grocery store as a thick mist full of monsters surrounds them. No spoilers, but filmmaker Frank Darabont (also responsible for “Shawshank” and “The Green Mile”) changes the ending of the story into something almost impossibly bleak. It’s such a hardcore ending that, when I saw it in the theater, everyone sat through the entire credits in silence before they could bring themselves to leave. The worst adaptations of his work are the ones that forsake the characters or themes just to focus on one or two of King’s myriad ideas. I’m a die-hard fan of King’s magnum opus, “The Dark Tower,” so the 2017 adaptation starring Idris Elba broke my heart a little. The film truly doesn’t understand the source material, and even though the casting of Elba is perfection, the dreadful script leaves him with nothing to do but glower. Mike Flanagan, the lowercase king of uppercase King adaptations (his take on “Doctor Sleep” is the sequel to “The Shining” we all deserved), is the current rights holder for “The Dark Tower,” and I can only imagine how truly magnificent and epic his version will be. His adaptation of the lovely King story, “The Life of Chuck,” from earlier this year was sadly underseen by general audiences and didn’t really get the love it deserved. “Chuck” is another deeply humanist King

Yeah, there are monsters, serial killers and demons galore in his stories, but there is always, always, a light in opposition to the darkness. story about the universes we all carry inside of us and the profound importance of a single human life. Flanagan + King = magic. While “The Long Walk” certainly isn’t one of the best King adaptations, it’s still worth checking out for completists and for those thirsty for the next “Hunger Games” movie. Even if it won’t have the staying power of some of the great King movies, compared to the abysmal “The Stand” series from a few years back or the hilariously un-scary “Salem’s Lot” remake from last year, it might be a masterpiece. Yes, King sells millions of books, is a household name and some of his books are absolute trash (“I’m looking at you, “The Tommyknockers”), but I wonder if he still doesn’t really get the respect he deserves. He writes just as much about the difficulties of being a decent human being as anything else; it’s just the evil clowns, ancient vampires and psychotic hotels we tend to remember. What’s your favorite Stephen King adaptation? The Long Walk

Dir. Francis Lawrence Grade: C+ Now playing at Regal Old Mill, Madras Cinema 5

C+

VOLUME 29 ISSUE 39 / SEPTEMBER 25, 2025 / THE SOURCE WEEKLY

eading your first Stephen King book has always seemed like a rite of passage as one transitions from reading young adult and children’s books to novels for grown-ups. The first book aimed at adults I can ever remember cracking open was King’s 1983 “Pet Semetary,” which not only scared the sweet, innocent hell out of me as a 10-year-old, but made me a King fan for life. Yet, so many of his books seem impossible to adapt for movies and television successfully. The issue is that some of his horrific ideas are only frightening in our collective imaginations than they are onscreen. Sure, some of his monsters have been woven into some truly iconic films, but it’s his less horror-driven stories that seem to retain a lasting power. I just want another of his films to get under my skin as deeply as “The Shining” did when I was 12. Still, there have been four King adaptations this year, with a remake of “The Running Man” still to come in November, so even though the bad adaptations far outweigh the good ones, they’re going to get made regardless. King has been a cottage industry for decades and will remain one long after he passes. In celebration of the release of “The Long Walk,” King’s newest novella to receive an adaptation, let’s take a look at some of the best and worst Stephen King movies and shows to grace our big and small screens. “The Long Walk” is another one of those adaptations that almost gets there, but trips over its own feet at the finish line. The concept is one of King’s best (technically, it’s a Richard Bachman joint, but it’s all semantics). In a dystopian America, everyone is broke, hungry, and desperate. So, the government creates a contest where 50 young men, one from each state, walk across the country until only one is left standing and the winner receives riches beyond their wildest dreams. The twist is that you get three warnings if you slip below three miles an hour and then if you aren’t going quickly again, a soldier puts a bullet in your head. While “The Long Walk” is better than many of the King adaptations I’ve seen, it ultimately still doesn’t work because director Francis Lawrence instills it with the same lightweight realism as he does his “Hunger Games” films. Without a gritty immediacy to the proceedings, “The Long Walk” never sells its high concept as reality, so we’re left just watching a solid group of young actors performing King’s folksy dialogue while walking along a rural road. The film is still entertaining, but with no intensity and an ending that completely fumbles the original by rewriting character motivations on the fly, it won’t ever top the list of the truly great King adaptations. “The Shawshank Redemption” (1994) and “Stand By Me” (1986) have long been sterling examples of how you adapt a King short story while still making changes that fit a cinematic telling of the tale over a literary one. You can sometimes change his plots to make them more cinematic, but it’s capturing the soul of King’s characters and world that really makes the adaptations work. Sure, “Shawshank” is about a horrific prison and, ultimately, an escape, but what makes it eternal is Andy and Red and the hope that their friendship grew into a better life. What makes “Stand By Me” (based on the short story “The Body”) such a lasting film isn’t the darkness of the tale of four kids searching rural America for a dead body, but that it’s four relatable characters going on an adventure that reminds us of our

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OUTSIDE The Wild Styles of the

Kook Cruise

Story by Peter Madsenk, photos by Makenna Gardner

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Chris Beck and Cole Succi blend a hard-riding city vibe with a masculine refinement that is anything but performative.

aybe it’s just me, but has anyone noticed that clothing styles in Bend have gotten a little bit …hipper? And, to that end, dirtier? I moved back to Bend from Portland in April. In the years I’ve been gone, a lot’s changed — not least of which are the varieties of styles cyclists are rocking on Bend’s ample trails and gravel roads. I love what I see. Instagram memesters like @Doomscroll_forever have dubbed this look “dirt bro,” but it transcends gender. Many ladies have tackled the style and turned it into something tomboyish yet decidedly feminine. And plenty fun. In place of roadies’ Lycra Superman suits or the moisture-wicking baggies preferred by mountain bikers, this cycling tribe is opting for a more rugged, dive-bar casual look while shredding on bikes. Imagine lived-in Carhartt vests, overalls and coveralls. Black, brown and navy work shirts, sun-bleached, sometimes smeared with grease. Grimey five-panel caps. Punk band tees — sometimes cropped above the belly button — and beat-to-hell canvas Vans or thonged Tevas (yup, those ones). Tattoos are often geometric; they might depict the chemical makeup of DMT. Others are jokey — a Rainier beer can with anthropomorphic legs, for example. Haircuts are random. Asymmetrical, house party-administered bowl cuts might pair with braided rat tails. Eighties baseball coach mustaches are popular, yet not mandatory. For gals, Bettie Page bangs are both cute and practical. Outsize aviator glasses — I’m thinking Jeffrey Dahmer — round out an androgynous look. It’s equal parts bicycle messenger/ hardcore commuter mixed with whiffs of indie musician Mac DeMarco’s shrimp fisherman vibe. The Bend epicenter of this style is, arguably, the Kook Cruise, a Wednesday evening group trail ride that local riders Irish Fagan and Sebastian Ospina began in 2021. (Sadly, the leaders have paused the ride through fall and winter; it’ll pick back up in spring.) While the Kook Cruise originated as a laid-back way for friends

at both the Trail Susan Oh, who's a regular rides, favors loud, Kook runs and Kook Cruise ing on the trails. breezy part y shir ts while flex

to catch up each week while shredding trail, it’s since merged with the Trail Kooks, a twice-weekly running club with a robust social media presence, sponsors and organized events like the Butte Bash series. Fagan, 28, and Ospina, 30, both work at The Commons Café & Taproom. They’ve kept the Kook Cruise low key. Attendees favor gravel bikes, often weighed down with racks, baskets and handmade frame bags, lending a ready-for-anything vibe. (They’re also packed with beer.) Curved, vintage handlebars are more likely to receive compliments than carbon fiber wheel sets. Others prefer hard-tail or dual suspension mountain bikes. One dude, astonishingly, rides a road bike. That’s the “run whatcha brung” attitude that regular Kook rider Susan Oh says pertains to both bike setups and clothing get-ups. Some Kook riders who are newer to cycling might wear running shorts and sneakers. Others might stick with mismatched spandex and fanny packs. All are welcome. “There’s this non-self-consciousness that is hard to come by in a very social media-saturated world where you see what everyone else is doing,” Oh said. “I’m thinking of Irish’s commitment to riding in no-show socks. We’re like, ‘What are you doing, dude?’ His style evolves in this total bubble.” The Kook crew caught Oh’s attention when she moved to Bend from Philadelphia via Sonoma County in 2021. Oh, who’s now 41 and works as a nurse, said she had thought that the scrappy, urban riding culture — one she shared with Philly friends who worked as bike messengers — was something firmly in her rearview mirror. Then she met the Kooks. Fagan, Ospina and others were riding 100 miles around Compass Park — in January. Fagan wore cut-off shorts; someone rocked jeans. Oh joined them for 20 miles punctuated with beer breaks. “I love that there is this crust punk aesthetic: ripped denim, thrift-store tees, even Crocs,” Oh said. “A lot of Bend group rides are very focused on self-improvement or performance. I think that the Kook Cruise’s

From left, Sebastian Osp ina, Kiersten Rowles and Source rep orter Peter Madsen.

lack of uniform is really nice. If you go to a lot of other rides, people are dressed very similarly.” Fagan, the ride leader, wasn’t available for an interview; he’d just completed a 1,000-mile bike tour through Germany, Switzerland and France and was still bouncing around the continent. He typically steers the group, which number between 20 and 50, through semi-improvised routes that connect bike paths, organically stomped foot trails and the plethora of single-track and gravel routes that crisscross the Deschutes National Forest. Sebastian Ospina rides in the back, making sure no one who, say, gets a flat tire, is left behind. The pace, at least at the front, is sparky; frequent regroups allow party-pacers to catch up while front riders crack beers and pass them around. Kiersten Rowles, an avid cyclist who’s a regular at the Wednesday evening Kook Cruise, says, “these are my people.” A hairstylist by day, Rowles is also a daily bike commuter, riding in all weather to her stylist gig at Badlands Hair Studio. Rowles joined up with the Kook Cruise last year. “I like the Kook Cruise’s camaraderie — nerding out about bikes and well as the way we show up in our respective styles,” Rowles said. “It’s like being a kid and dressing for the playground — it reminds me very much of the Lost Boys from the [Peter Pan] movie ‘Hook.’” Rowles began cribbing from the urban riding steez she encountered during three recent years in Portland. Cut-off shorts, even jeans — without chamois padding — are de rigueur. Breezy, easily unbuttoned Hawaiian shirts are go-tos. Band tees are conversation starters. Vans sneakers and a camp cap, shoved under a helmet, finish the look. “On the Kook Cruise, we have no attachment to an outcome,” said Rowles, noting how a recent Kook ride involved a group dip in the Deschutes River. Fagan crashed into the water, still attached to his bike. Everyone cheered. “It’s looser that way. We’re just here to have fun.”

VOLUME 29 ISSUE 39 / SEPTEMBER 25, 2025 / THE SOURCE WEEKLY

A particular lived-in clothing style has been kickin’ up dust on a weekly bicycle group ride; we invited the Kooks to a post-ride photo shoot at the Source office.

THE PSYCHEDELIC FRONTIER EXPLORING INTENTIONAL PSYCHEDELIC USE IN THE MODERN WORLD By Mary Casanave Sheridan

WWW.BENDSOURCE.COM / SEPTEMBER 25, 2025 / BEND’S INDEPENDENT VOICE

What are the risks? Q: “I have been hearing a lot about psychedelic therapy lately and its benefits, and I’ve watched a couple of documentaries on the topic and everything seems so positive or at worst mildly disappointing. But from anecdotal evidence and what seems to be common knowledge, there are risks and downsides to the experience and its aftereffects, right? Can you speak more to this?” A: Thank you for your thoughtful question. While we often hear glowing testimonials about life-changing breakthroughs, it’s equally critical to ground these conversations in the full scope of what psychedelic experiences can bring. They offer profound possibilities for growth and healing, but they also carry risks and complexities we must approach with care. Here is a non-exhaustive list of risks associated with psychedelics, drawn from scientific evidence, history, and anecdotal accounts. Mental Health Vulnerabilities Psychedelics temporarily disrupt the brain’s default mode network, loosening the sense of self and habitual thought patterns. For some, that opens a path to relief and insight; for others — especially those with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder (particularly a history of mania), psychosis, or strong family history, it can precipitate paranoia, mania or disorganization. Adolescents and young adults, particularly men under 25, have additional vulnerability due to ongoing brain development and may experience lasting shifts in mood regulation or self-perception. Careful screening and honest self-assessment are essential. Psychological Risks Post-Experience Even without pre-existing conditions, journeys can surface intense material. Some people experience depersonalization or derealization (feeling disconnected from self or reality), re-traumatization when painful memories arise without resolution, or a worsening of anxiety or depression if the experience is chaotic or incomplete. These outcomes highlight the need for preparation, a trusted container and thoughtful integration so insights can be digested rather than overwhelm the nervous system. Physical Risks While classic psychedelics are generally low in physiological toxicity, they are not risk-free. Elevated heart rate and blood pressure can challenge those with cardiovascular issues, and individuals with seizure disorders may be vulnerable to overstimulation. Medication interactions matter: MAOIs, certain antidepressants, and other pharmaceuticals can alter effects or

increase risk. A medical review, ideally with a clinician familiar with these substances, helps determine whether psychedelic work is appropriate for your body at this time. Risk of Unsafe or Unethical Environments Risks include untrained or unethical facilitators who overreach, project beliefs or violate boundaries, as well as physical settings that fail to protect a participant who may be disoriented or motor-impaired. Safety grows from forming a connection and sense of trust with your practitioner, informed consent, clear agreements. Cultural or Spiritual Appropriation Psilocybin, ayahuasca, peyote and other medicines carry deep and long lineages. Modern enthusiasm sometimes divorces these substances from the communities and protocols that have stewarded them, leading to overharvesting, commodification and spiritual bypassing, chasing transcendence while sidestepping the slow work of growth and awareness. Ethical engagement asks us to learn the histories, honor ceremonial origins, support reciprocity where possible and approach these practices with humility rather than extraction. Risk of Misusing as a “Silver Bullet” Psychedelics are catalysts, not cures. Without integration, the most luminous insights can fade or fragment, leaving people chasing peak states or feeling more destabilized than before. Sustainable transformation grows from what happens after the journey, including therapy or counseling, community support, lifestyle adjustments and honest self-reflection. Risk of Legal Consequences Despite local reforms and pilot programs, most psychedelics remain illegal at the federal level. Legal risks can touch employment, licensure, finances and family matters. Approaching Psychedelics Responsibly Proper screening, preparation and integration are foundational safeguards. —Send questions to Mary@myco. vision.

THE REC ROOM Crossword

By Brendan Emmett Quigley

R G M N Difficulty Level: ●○○○ T T R IM A H R G M N T IG T R HH G G RT H H A T H A G T A A U N T U N T Fill in every row, column, and 3x3 box with each of the letters GRIM HAUNT exactly once.

The highlighted letters left to right top to bottom will complete the quote: The highlighted letters read left read to right and topand to bottom will complete the quote: “I was thinking butI think I think it might be difficult too difficult theclosed roads “I was thinkingof of _______on, _______on, but it might be too gettinggetting all the all roads closed and providing enough water for everyone.” and providing enough water for everyone.” - Jordan Brookes — Jordan Brookes

ACROSS 1. Tools in woodworking 6. Take out item? 11. Central Buddhist truth 14. "Can you believe it?" 15. Italian scooter 16. Repetitive condition, briefly 17. Leafy Texas meal? 19. In favor of 20. Animal that holds hands while sleeping 21. City on the North Platte River 23. Org. that reviews schedules 26. Snapback, e.g. 27. Sporty Chevy 28. Kick the ball between your opponents legs in soccer 30. Animal that's foaming at the mouth 33. Buys things 34. Signal positively towards 35. Chain letters? 36. Aphrodite's sidekick 37. No longer drinking 38-Across 38. See 37-Across 39. Gear piece 40. More sordid 41. Fatty acid, e.g. 42. "She's A Beauty" rock band 44. Reword things? 45. German bar tender? 46. Repair 47. You're basking for it 48. Red letter 50. Record Store Day purchase 52. Fifth sign of the zodiac 53. Singer Styles' red wine? 58. Hair covering in the kitchen 59. Marble in some jewelry 60. Drug test sample 61. New product announcements 62. Length in swimming 63. Anxiety medication

Difficulty Level: ●○○○

once. Fill everyH row, Gexactly R in I M A Ucolumn, N T and 3x3 box with each of the lett

Questions, comments or suggestions for our local puzzle guru? Email Pearl Stark at pearl@bendsource.com

Fill G in R every I M row, H Acolumn, U N T and 3x3 box with each of the letters exactly once.

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We’re Local!

Puzzle for the week of September 22, 2025

M H A R

Difficulty Level

VOLUME 29 ISSUE 39 / SEPTEMBER 25, 2025 / THE SOURCE WEEKLY

“Half Backs”

Pearl’s Puzzle

Puzzle for the week of September 22, 2025

DOWN 1. Oust 2. Inititials between names 3. Veronika Slowikowska's show 4. Sporty shirt brand 5. Bundles up 6. Game screen? 7. Sit on it! 8. Talk while waving?: Abbr. 9. Longest key 10. Joined in the skirmish 11. Put a roof on a train station? 12. Unit to plow 13. It smells 18. It's a guy thing 22. Lucky people might get one: Abbr. 23. Creepy-crawly 24. Scooby-Doo gulp 25. Award accomplishments for Larry, Moe, or Curly? 27. Skywalker's dad 29. Army cops: Abbr. 30. Monk's' attire 31. Iroquoian language 32. Where dirty work is done? 34. They smell 37. Beastie Boys song that begins "I can't stand it!" 38. Zebra rival 40. Musical comedian Bo 41. Luxury crossover SUV from Toyota 43. Calendar col. 44. "I want it first!" 46. Philly hockey player 48. Bone under a watch 49. Marsh twig 50. Works of Raphael 51. "___ Breckenridge" 54. Sleazebag 55. ___ gong (Chinese "singing bowl") 56. Actress Ortiz 57. Witches voodoo

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Answer for the week of September 15, 2025

ANSWER TO LAST WEEK'S PUZZLES

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“Another fall, another turned page: there was something of jubilee in that annual autumnal beginning, as if last year's mistakes had been wiped clean by summer.” — Wallace Stegner, Angle of Repose

“Another fall, another turned page: there was something of autumnal beginning, as if last year's mistakes had been wipe - Wallace Stegner, Angle of Repose © Pearl Stark www.mathpuzzlesgames.com/quodoku

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LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): The ancient Mesopotamians believed each person had a personal god called an ilu who acted as a protector, guide, and intercessor with the greater gods. You’re in a phase when your own ilu is extra active and ready to undergo an evolutionary transformation. So assume that you will be able to call on potent help, Libra. Be alert for how your instincts and intuitions are becoming more acute and specific. If you feel an odd nudge or a dream insists on being remembered, take it seriously. You're being steered toward deeper nourishment. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): In Venice, Italy, floods periodically damage books at libraries and bookstores. Trained volunteers restore them with meticulous, hands-on methods. They use absorbent paper and towels to separate and dry the pages, working page by page. I offer this vignette as a useful metaphor, Scorpio. Why? Because I suspect that a rich part of your story needs repair. It’s at risk of becoming irrelevant, even irretrievable. Your assignment is to nurse it back to full health and coherence. Give it your tender attention as you rehabilitate its meaning. Rediscover and revive its lessons and wisdom. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): In classical Indian music, a raga is not a fixed composition but a flexible framework. It's defined by a specific scale, characteristic melodic phrases, and a traditional time of day for performance. Musicians improvise and express emotion within that expansive set of constraints. Unlike Western compositions, which are written out and repeated verbatim, a raga has different notes each time it's played. I think this beautiful art form can be inspirational for you, Sagittarius. Choose the right time and tone for what you’re creating. Dedicate yourself to a high-minded intention and then play around with flair and delight. Define three non-negotiable elements and let everything else breathe. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): In medieval European monasteries, scribes left blank pages in certain texts. This was not done by accident, but to allow for future revelations. Later readers and scribes might fill these spaces with additional text, marginalia, and personal notes. Books were seen as living documents. I recommend a metaphorical version of this practice to you, Capricorn. You will thrive by keeping spaces empty and allowing for the unknown to ripen. You may sometimes feel an urge to define, control, and fortify, but acting on that impulse could interfere with the gifts that life wants to bring you. Honor what is asyet unwritten. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): In West African Vodún cosmology, the deity named Lêgba guards the crossroads. He is the mediator and gatekeeper between the human world and spirit realm. He speaks all languages and serves as the first point of contact for communication with other spirits. In the weeks ahead, Aquarius, you may find yourself in Lêgba’s domain: between past and future, fact and fantasy, solitude and communion. You may also become a channel for others, intuiting or translating what they can’t articulate. I won’t be surprised if you know things your rational mind doesn’t fully understand. I bet a long-locked door will swing open and a long-denied connection will finally coalesce. You’re not just passing through the crossroads. You are the crossroads. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): In 1977, NASA launched two Voyager spacecraft into the abyss. Both carried a message in the form of a golden record to any extraterrestrial who might find it. There were greetings in 55 languages, natural sounds like whale songs and thunderstorms, music by Chuck Berry and others, plus over 100 images and diagrams explaining how to find Earth. It was science as a love letter, realism with a dash of audacity. I invite you to craft your own version of a golden record, Pisces. Distill a message that says who you are and what you are seeking: clear

enough to be decoded by strangers, warm enough to be welcomed by friends you haven’t met. Put it where the desired audience can hear it: portfolio, outreach note, manifesto, demo. Send signals that will make the right replies inevitable.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): In Tonglen, a Tibetan Buddhist meditation, you visualize yourself breathing in the suffering, pain, or negativity of other people, then imagine breathing out relief, healing, or compassion toward them. The practice can also be done on your own behalf. The goal is to transform tension and stress into courage, vitality, and healing. I recommend this practice, Aries. Can you turn your scars into interesting tattoos? Can you find mysterious opportunities lurking in the dilemmas? Can you provide grace for others as you feed your own fire? TAURUS (April 20-May 20): In a YouTube video, I watched Korean artisans make hanji paper in the same way their predecessors have for 1,300 years. It was complicated and meditative. They peeled off the inner bark of mulberry trees, then soaked it, cooked it, and pounded it into pulp. After mixing the mash with the aibika plant, they spread it out on screens and let it dry. I learned that this gorgeous, luminous paper can endure for a thousand years. I hope you draw inspiration from this process, Taurus. Experiment with softening what has felt unyielding. Treat what’s tough or inflexible with steady, artful effort. Be imaginative and persistent as you shape raw materials into beautiful things you can use for a long time. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Legendary jazz musi-

cian Sun Ra was a Gemini who claimed to be from the planet Saturn. He aspired to live in a state of “cosmic discipline”—not just in his musical training but in his devotion to self-improvement, aesthetic exploration, and a connection to transcendent realities. He fused outrageous style with sacred order, chaos with clarity. I invite you to draw inspiration from him. Put your personal flair in service to noble ideas. Align your exuberant self-expression with your higher purpose. Show off if it helps wake people up.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): In Inuit tradition,

qarrtsiluni means “waiting in the darkness for something to burst forth.” It refers to the sacred pause before creativity erupts, before the quest begins, before the light returns. This is an apt description of your current state, Cancerian. Tend your inner stillness like a fire about to ignite. Don’t rush it. Honor the hush. The energies you store up will find their proper shape in a few weeks. Trust that the silence is not absence but incubation. Luminosity will bloom from this pregnant pause.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): You’re feeling the stir-

rings of a desire that’s at least half-wild. A surprising vision or opportunity has begun to roar softly within you. But here's key advice: Don't chase it recklessly. Practice strategic boldness. Choose where and how you shine. Your radiance is potent, but it will be most effective when offered deliberately, with conscious artistry. You're being asked to embody the kind of leadership that inspires, not dominates. Be the sun that warms but doesn’t scorch! PS: People are observing you to learn how to shine.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): If humans ever

perfect time-travel, I’m going to the Library of Alexandria in ancient Egypt. It was crammed with papyrus scrolls by authors from all over the world. It was also a gathering point for smart people who loved to compare notes across disciplines. Poets argued amiably with mathematicians. Astronomers discussed inspirations with physicians. Breakthroughs flowed feely because ideas were allowed to migrate, hybridize, and be challenged without rancor. Consider emulating that rich mélange, Virgo. Convene unlike minds, cross-pollinate, and entertain unprecedented questions. The influences you need next will arrive via unexpected connections.

Homework: You know that insult you fling at yourself? Stop flinging it! Newsletter.FreeWillAstrology.com

COLUMN

THE THIRD ACT

A COLUMN ON AGEISM AND AGEING By Ellen Waterston

Poop, Pee and Carbon Dating

Celebrating more than 50 years of the Vance Stance ® Five 1½ hour sessions in my private studio offered for $175. You choose the dates and times. You CAN change your body through posture, awareness & flexibility Get to the root of misalignment and eliminate chronic pain Learn to stand in gravity, not behind it Contact Vance Bonner, Ph.D Email: vancebonner@juno.com or call (541) 330-9070 *no texting

carrion-feeding species but which the vulture can stomach. And get this! The vulture’s method of self-defense is to vomit on their enemy, sending their most recent rancid, putrid meal sailing as far as 10 feet and burning their attacker’s skin and eyes with their gastric juices that are as acidic as battery acid. Turkey vultures also defecate and urinate on their legs and feet to cool them in hot weather or to disinfect them after standing on grody carcasses. Another featured attraction in the Refuge is the ungainly looking sandhill crane, a distant relative of the vulture. It not only looks prehistoric, it is prehistoric. Carbon-dated fossilized evidence ranks it as one of the oldest existing bird species — dating back millions of years. Millions of years? That makes the prehistoric artifacts Dr. Jenkins and his fellow archaeologists have unearthed seem brand new. The Paisley Caves produced evidence of human existence 13,000 years ago. More recently, the Connely Caves generated artifacts from 17,000 years back. How can scientists be so sure about what these discoveries describe and their chronologies? Poop, pee and carbon dating to the rescue! The coprolites (or paleofeces) fossilized in ancient pack rat midden inside the caves provides the who, what, where and why. Carbon dating establishes the when. It’s hard not to wonder what our unearthed fossilized selves will describe. A weekend spent contemplating sandhill cranes and vultures that have watched species come and go, land forms drastically change, waterways vanish; or prehistoric peoples who didn’t survive those dramatic changes; or us, doing what we’re doing in our allotted time and wondering if how we got “here” is the best way to get “there” (it’s not)… could get a person down. But it doesn’t. Nature’s moment to moment exuberance, hullabaloo and sense of humor snaps us out of our navel gazing, gets us over ourselves, reminds us to laugh at the whole, incomprehensible miracle and mess. As to carbon dating and humor, for comic relief from whatever ails you, check out Andy Huggins https://www.oldmanhuggins.com/, a septuagenarian comedian. “I joined a dating site for people my age called carbon dating. I asked a woman on the site for her number. She told me it was 140 over 95.” —Poet and author Ellen Waterston is a woman of a certain age who resides in Bend. "The Third Act" is a series of columns on ageing and ageism.

HOW OFTEN ARE YOU REALLY LISTENED TO? IT’S YOUR LIFE AND YOU CAN ASK FOR MORE. • IMPROVE YOUR PERFORMANCE • ENHANCE YOUR RELATIONSHIPS • HAVE MORE FUN

BURT GERSHATER

COUNSELOR WITH 50 YEARS EXPERIENCE FREE PHONE CONSULTATION. YOU HAVE EVERYTHING TO GAIN. CALL OR EMAIL TODAY (928)699-5253 / BURT@BURTGERSHATER.COM

37 VOLUME 29 ISSUE 39 / SEPTEMBER 25, 2025 / THE SOURCE WEEKLY

or a number of years, I’ve led an autumn nature writing workshop at different locations in the high desert. They’ve been held at ranches in Crook County, including the Rafter Q, where I used to live and ranch, and at the historic GI Ranch next door, where the springs that create the headwaters of the South Fork of the Crooked River bubble up from the desert floor. These three-day writing intensives have also been staged at PLAYA, an artist and scientist residency campus this side of Paisley and at the Malheur Field Station in Princeton, Oregon. Though originally a biological field station, since the 1980s the 320-acre station has been run by The Great Basin Society. This year, for the second time, the retreat will base out of The Lodge at Summer Lake, a rustic gem located across from the entrance to the 30 square miles of marshland that make up the Summer Lake Wildlife Refuge. These retreats are as much about nature (who we are as part of it, our moment in its time) as about writing. Though the classroom in this case is the high desert, really any savannah, rain forest, or fjord would do. The goal is to surrender to a landscape. Each year the long weekend includes two field trips. One is led by Dennis Jenkins, senior research archaeologist for Oregon’s Museum of Natural and Cultural History, who provides a Cook’s Tour of excavation sites at the Paisley Caves, once home to Pleistocene peoples living on the shore of the high desert’s inland sea. The Pied Piper of the second is Jon Nelson, curator of wildlife at the High Desert Museum, who introduces participants to the chirping, burbling, howling and sprouting miracles that call the high desert home. What bird, for example, would you say is superintelligent? It’s one of Nelson’s favorites. Nope, not the wise old owl whose eyes, it turns out, are bigger than their brains. It’s the turkey vulture. It definitely doesn’t win any beauty contests, but is on par with the smartest dogs, has super-powered vision and sense of smell and the weirdest self-defense system ever. Known as “nature’s clean-up crew,” vultures eat carrion. They can smell it from eight miles away, see it from four. They fly low so they can detect the gases produced by the early stages of decay in dead animals. They do the world a service by eating dead carcasses often infected with deadly diseases (anthrax, rabies) which would poison other

WELLNESS

WWW.BENDSOURCE.COM / SEPTEMBER 25, 2025 / BEND’S INDEPENDENT VOICE 38

TAKE ME HOME

REAL ESTATE

By Michelle Tisdel

Broker REMAX Key Properties

Kelly Johnson

Your First Home Awaits

Broker

Bend Premier Real Estate Kelly@GoBendHomes.com

A guide to home buying success

for accurate, up-to-date information. In Central Oregon, listings update every 15 minutes, showing active homes, pending sales and recent transactions. Work with your realtor to set up automated searches matching your criteria. You’ll receive daily updates on new listings and price changes that fit your needs. Smart Shopping Strategies When something catches your eye online, drive by first. Photos don’t tell the whole story — check out the neighborhood, nearby amenities and potential concerns that could affect value. If you’re still interested, schedule a showing with your realtor. Pay attention to everything: barking dogs, traffic noise, neighboring properties. Notice both the positives and potential drawbacks. Making It Official When you find “the one,” your lender will provide a pre-approval letter while your broker negotiates on your behalf. The first week after an accepted offer is busy — you’ll provide financial documents to your lender while the title company handles paperwork and research. After inspections, negotiations, and appraisals are complete, your closing date arrives. The funds are in place, the title is clear and those magical keys are finally yours! Your Victory Moment That closing day represents success for your entire team — lender, realtor, title company and most importantly, you! It’s an incredible feeling that everyone shares. Ready to start your homeownership journey? It’s time to assemble your dream team and make it happen!

HOME PRICE ROUNDUP

Licensed in the State of Oregon

Otis Craig

FIND YOUR PLACE IN BEND

www.otiscraig.com

Broker, CRS

& 541.771.4824 ) otis@otiscraig.com

MODERN CRAFTSMAN IN DISCOVERY WEST

STUNNING MOUNTAIN VIEWS

OFFERED AT $1,999,000

OFFERED AT $130,000

PEACEFUL RETREAT ON TUMALO CREEK

WESTGATE LOT WITH PLANS

OFFERED AT $1,399,000

OFFERED AT $2,650,000

<< LOW

980 SE Centennial Street, Bend 2 bed, 2 bath, 1,336 square feet; .05 acres Built in 1995 $385,000 Listed by Ann Gurley & Greg Fischer, REMAX Key Properties

Kimberly Morse Broker, SRS

Natasha Smith

Broker/Transaction Manager

Jason Boone

Principal Broker, CRIS

Skjersaa Group | Duke Warner Realty 1033 NW Newport Ave. Bend, OR 97703

541.383.1426

www.SkjersaaGroup.com

MID >>

1923 NE Upas Avenue, Redmond 3 bed, 2 bath, 1,884 square feet; 2.62 acres Built in 1979 $749,900 Listed by Selena McNeill, REMAX Key Properties

Get Noticed in our Real Estate Section << HIGH

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contact

advertise@bendsource.com 541-383-0800

39 VOLUME 29 ISSUE 39 / SEPTEMBER 25, 2025 / THE SOURCE WEEKLY

here’s nothing quite like the moment when keys to your first home are placed in your hand — it’s pure magic! While the journey of buying your first home can feel overwhelming, working with the right team makes all the difference. Build Your Dream Team First Start with a Lender Before you fall in love with any property, connect with a skilled lender who understands your needs. Don’t settle for the first option. Shop around for the best rates, fees, and programs. The key is finding someone who respects your comfort zone. You might qualify for a more expensive home, but a great lender will help you stay within a payment range that lets you sleep peacefully at night. Request good faith estimates from multiple lenders to compare terms line by line. Find Your Real Estate Champion Next, interview several real estate brokers. Ask friends who’ve recently purchased homes for recommendations. Personal referrals from people who know you beat random social media suggestions every time. Look for someone you trust completely and who can explain the current market dynamics clearly. Once you’ve chosen your broker, you’ll sign a buyer’s broker agreement, establishing an exclusive working relationship. This document has been required for over a year and creates the agency relationship that protects your interests. The Hunt Begins With your team assembled, the exciting search starts! Use credible sources like your local MLS (Multiple Listing Service)

541-610-5144

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