Located in the high-desert of central Oregon, the unique town of Bend has strong roots in the folk and bluegrass music scenes. Residents of this picturesque town have enjoyed folk festivals and concerts such as the Cascade Music Festival and Sisters Folk Festival for years. Brewing its own hip-hop, rock and electronic music, Bend has become a fun place for musicians. In fact, Bend’s music scene is growing as fast as its population. With plenty of accommodating venues, and recreational activities such as snowboarding, kayaking and hiking nearby, it is no wonder. Its location 160 miles southeast of Portland and a welcoming attitude have sparked visits from notable artists such as Talib Kweli, Fiona Apple, Beck and The Flaming Lips. Local bands of notoriety include Person People (hip-hop) and Moon Mountain Ramblers (bluegrass). Bend is a necessary stop for musicians of any genre who are touring between Northern California and Portland or Seattle.
VENUES: BOOK A GIG
The Grove
1033 NW Bond St.
Bend, Or 97701
(541) 318-8578
www.thegrove411.net
This club is smoke-free, 21+ after
10 p.m. and features an eclectic, international menu with many vegetarian items. Thursday through Saturday (and occasionally Tuesday and Wednesday), the club hosts performers and DJs from a variety of genres including hip hop, jungle, rock, punk, bluegrass, and electronic. For booking, send music and information to info@thegrove411.net.
The Domino Room
Midtown Ballroom
51 NW Greenwood
Bend, Or 97701
(541) 388-1106
www.midtownconcerts.com
These popular dual venues feature hip-hop, rock, and the occasional all-ages show. To book, call Rhoda Jones at the above phone number, or email rhodarollerqueen@hotmail.com.
Black Horse Saloon
20565 Brinson Blvd.
Bend, Or
(541) 382-4270
www.blackhorsesaloon.com
The saloon prides itself on offering a comfortable space for a diverse group of friends and families. Live music, mostly rock ’n’ roll, is offered Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The saloon also boasts food and drinks, pool tables, video games and horseshoe pits. Black Horse becomes 21+ after 9 p.m. For a gig, email Mike at mike@blackhorsesaloon.com.
McMenamins Old St. Francis School
700 NW Bond St.
Bend, Or 97701
(541) 382-5174
www.mcmenamins.com
This Catholic school turned hotel has many rooms, a brewery, pub, bakery, movie theatre and a pool. They have free live music every Wednesday. Email Jan Haedinger at jhaedinger@aol.com for booking. Also, once a month, McMenamins highlights one band to tour six of their properties/hotels in Oregon. For one week, the featured band plays all the McMenamin locations as part of The Great Northwest Music Tour.
Central Oregon Community College
Pickney Center for the Arts
2600 NW College Way
Bend, Or 97701
(541) 383-7592
www.cocc.edu
Bands of all genres can play at the college and can charge to cover expenses, but cannot charge excessively for a profit unless sponsored by a student organization, ASCOCC. For scheduling and to seek sponsorship, call the Director of Student and Campus Life, Eric Braum, at the above phone number or email ebbraum@cocc.edu.
Les Schwab Ampitheatre
520 SW Powerhouse Dr. Ste. 626
Bend, Or 97702
(541) 312-8510
www.bendconcerts.com
This major all-ages venue hosts big names such as The Pixies, Ben Harper, and Bob Dylan, as well as free events and concerts of all genres. For booking, call Marnie Smith at the number above.
Vino Mercato
916 NW Wall St.
Bend, Or
(541) 385-6979
www.vinomercato.com
Live jazz Thursday through Saturday. Call or send material to Jeff Brandt at jeff@vinomercato.com or via postal mail.
BeBop Coffee House
1900 NE Division St.
Bend, Or 97701
(541) 598-3043
www.bebopcoffeehouse.com
Live jazz in an intimate setting Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. Call or send music and information to info@bebopcoffeehouse.com.
8Promote a GIG: Media
The Point 106.7, KPOV
501 NW Bond St.
Bend, Or 97701
(541) 322-0863
www.getthepointradio.org
This community radio station hosts local bands, talk shows, news, and more. For an announcement or an interview, send an email to info@kpov.org with information on the band or call Pearl at the above phone number.
The Source Weekly
704 NW Georgia Ave.
Bend, Or 97701
(541) 383-0800
www.tsweekly.com
Local weekly, covering all genres. For a review, mail as much information, photographs, and music as possible three weeks in advance to Attn: Jeff Trainor at the above mailing address. For a listing in the calendar events, send information to calendar@tsweekly.com. The deadline is noon on Friday for a listing on Wednesday to the next Thursday.
The Bend Bulletin
POB #6020
Bend, Or 97708
(541) 382-1811
www.bendbulletin.com
This local daily covers all genres. For a calendar listing, email Marlene at communitylife@bendbulletin.com. Include a short description, the title of event, cost, time, date, location, and a contact number. She will include the listing as soon as she receives it.
Gear/ Repairs
Wall Street Guitars
1291 NW Wall St.
Bend, Or 97701
(541) 617- 9080
www.wallstreetguitars.com
Emergency repairs are available on a wide variety of instruments and equipment. Open 11AM-6PM Monday through Thursday, and 11AM-5PM Friday and Saturday. (Closed Sundays.)
Randy Graves Music Repair
168 NE Greenwood Ave.
Bend, Or 97701
(541) 317-4617
Walk-in repairs for acoustic and electric guitars, strings, violins, woodwinds, and brass 1PM-5PM Monday through Friday.
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