Good morning, Bend.

Bend’s Volcanic Theatre Pub is staying open as owner John Davis rebrands it as Volcanic Theatre with new local partners to boost live shows & community events.

Upcoming acts include Particle Kid on Feb. 6 and Jeffrey Lewis on Feb. 24 at the venue.

Texas folk-rockers Briscoe will perform at Volcanic Theatre Pub in Bend on Tuesday, Jan.

20 (doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m. with tickets at $26.77) as part of their 2026 tour.

Central Oregon Community College faculty and classified staff from two unions are demanding living wages after 10 months of stalled pay talks; classified workers will enter a 14-day mediation period in February while faculty begin a 145-day salary negotiation process.

The City of Bend launched a contest for sixth through twelfth graders to honor 100 years of water services.

Students will have until 5 p.m. May 1 to submit a 30-second video for a $1,000 grand prize and professional production with Central Oregon Daily.

Oregonians can file their 2025 tax returns electronically starting Jan.

26 at the Oregon Department of Revenue to get refunds faster, with state refunds beginning Feb. 15. Eligible taxpayers may receive a kicker credit—9.863% of their 2024 tax liability—part of a $1.4 billion surplus, so filing electronically is encouraged.

Bend’s Tim Knopp, former state legislator and local business leader, will serve as Oregon’s new Chief Prosperity Officer starting next week.

Governor Tina Kotek appointed him on Tuesday to boost the state’s economy and support local businesses.

Therapy providers in Bend are warning that a 30% cut in Medicaid reimbursement by PacificSource is forcing tough decisions.

Bend-based Central Oregon Speech and Language will end its PacificSource contract (covering one-third of its caseload) because the new rates do not cover care costs.

Bend restaurants now feature dedicated gluten-free options in breakfast and brunch menus.

The list includes Blissful Spoon (with dedicated gluten-free ovens), Sintra, Haven Bagel and others operating with set hours for patrons with dietary needs.

The University of Oregon club hockey team will play the University of Alabama on Friday and Saturday at The Pavilion during the fifth annual Bend Classic.

Tickets are sold out, and the outdoor rink (drawing strong local support) promises an exciting contest.

Maxwell Friedman Group Concert

7 p.m. — McMenamins Old St. Francis School — $19.25 — Enjoy an evening of live music in a vibrant local venue.

CORK Mom Squad Running Group

9-10 a.m. — Miller's Landing Park — Free entry — A welcoming running group for moms of all running levels to connect and share experiences while staying active.

Comedy Night with Anthony Poponi

8-9 p.m. — Bangers & Brews Westside Bend Oregon — Ticket price not listed — Enjoy a night filled with sharp wit and quick crowd work from comedian Anthony Poponi.

Sierra Nevada Red Fox Discovery Night

7-8:30 p.m. — Tower Theatre — Free entry — Discover the elusive Sierra Nevada red fox with expert insights and captivating field stories.

Archery Summit Wine Dinner

5-9 p.m. — Tetherow Resort — Cost varies — Experience a multi-course dinner paired with exceptional wines amid the winter charm of Bend.

Western Sky Choir Concert

3-7 p.m. — Open Space Event Studios — Refunds up to 7 days before event — Enjoy a vibrant concert featuring hits from Beyoncé, Ariana Grande, and Olivia Rodrigo.

Darkness to Light Stewards of Children Training

5:30-8 p.m. — Deschutes Children's Foundation - Rosie Bareis Community Campus — Free entry — Learn vital skills for preventing child sexual abuse in your community.

Life During Wartime - Talking Heads Tribute

8 PM — Volcanic Theatre Pub — Cost not specified — Dance to the eclectic sounds of LDW playing Talking Heads music and original funk.

Resilience Workshop for Young Entrepreneurs

3:00 – 4:30 p.m. — Discovery West — $15 — Engage in movement, breathwork, and journaling to build confidence and resilience.

Live Music with Brandon Campbell Trio

7-9 p.m. — Currents at the Riverhouse — Check venue for entry fee — Experience the genre-bending sounds of the Brandon Campbell Trio with a mix of gypsy swing and rockabilly.