Theater performances, jazz series, live music performances and more highlight Bend’s winter months

The performing arts are alive and well in Central Oregon. From Jazz at the Oxford and the Cascades Theatrical Company’s 41st year of productions to Va Piano’s Winter Concert Series, there’s live entertainment available to indulge in almost every evening in Bend.

Cascades Theatrical Company

148 NW Greenwood Avenue, Bend
www.cascadestheatrical.org

For the past 41 years, Cascades Theatrical Company has nurtured local talent while at the same time offering some of the best live theatre in all of Central Oregon. Bend’s longest-running theater group tackles all genres, from classic plays and musicals to new and cutting-edge pieces that push conventional boundaries.

Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley
November 29 – December 15
Thursdays – Saturdays, 7:30 p.m.
Sundays, 2 p.m.

A sequel to Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice set two years after the novel ends, MISS BENNET continues the story, only this time with bookish middle-sister Mary as its unlikely heroine. Mary is growing tired of her role as dutiful middle sister in the face of her siblings’ romantic escapades. When the family gathers for Christmas at Pemberley, an unexpected guest sparks Mary’s hopes for independence, an intellectual match, and possibly even love.

Jazz at the Oxford

10 NW Minnesota Avenue, Bend
www.oxfordhotelbend.com/jazz-at-the-oxford.htm

Celebrating 10 years of bringing world-class music to Bend, Jazz at the Oxford welcomes a stellar lineup of artists for its 2019-20 concert series. Every musician plays three shows at downtown Bend’s Oxford Hotel; a Friday set at 7 p.m. and Saturday concerts at 5 and 8 p.m.

Brubeck Brothers Quartet
November 15-16

The Brubeck Brothers Quartet is an exciting jazz group featuring two members of one of America’s most accomplished musical families. This dynamic quartet is comprised of Dan Brubeck on drums, Chris Brubeck on bass and trombone, Mike DeMicco on guitar and Chuck Lamb on piano. Although the quartet’s style is rooted in “straight-ahead” jazz, their concerts reveal an inherent ability to explore and play odd time signatures while naturally integrating the influences of funk, blues and world music.

Tower Theatre

835 NW Wall Street, Bend
www.towertheatre.org

The historic Tower Theatre in downtown Bend plays host to a variety of performing arts and cultural events. With four or five shows a week, we’ve selected a handful of events we can’t wait to catch.

Jesse Cook
November 19

“I want to take people to places they haven’t been.”

Jesse Cook, Juno-winning master guitarist, known for his intoxicating fusion of world music, has traveled the globe looking for sounds that resonate with him. “I like finding common ground for different music traditions, a space where music from around the world can come together,” Cook explains. “A place where modern sounds can mix with ancient timbres.”

He was born in Paris, to Canadian parents. After moving back to Canada, Cook started guitar lessons. “My teacher played flamenco. Then, when I’d visit my dad in France, he was living next door to Nicolas Reyes, the singer of the Gypsy Kings. I saw gypsy kids on the corner playing that way too.” It was as if the world conspired to get me interested in this style and I was hooked.”

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
November 29

Holiday laughs. Seasonal sentiments. Costume contests. Adult beverages.

This collaboration with the Bend Radio Group benefits the Ronald McDonald House of Bend.

It’s Christmas time and the Griswolds are preparing for a family seasonal celebration, but things never run smoothly for Clark, his wife Ellen and their two kids. Clark’s continual bad luck is worsened by his obnoxious family guests, but he manages to keep going knowing that his Christmas bonus is due soon.

Va Piano Vineyards Winter Concert Series

425 SW Powerhouse Dr, Suite 301, Bend
www.oldmilldistrict.com/dining/va-piano-vineyards-winery

One of our favorite up-and-coming concert series, Va Piano hosts local artist in its Old Mill District tasting room every Thursday, November through March. There’s no cover and music runs from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

November 7 – Mark Quon- DRIFT

November 14 – Terence Neal

November 21 – Alicia Viani