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Good morning, Bend! Some big changes are coming for downtown Bend’s dining scene!

In today’s Bend Buzz:

Let’s get to it.

— Derek Carlson & Emily Elaro

Meet Libby, the library reading (and listening) app! This free app gives you access to tens of thousands of free eBooks and digital audiobooks, as well as popular magazines—all you need is a library card. Download Libby from your app store, then search for “Deschutes Public Library” and enter your library card number to begin exploring the collection. You can borrow titles and place holds instantly. With Libby, you can read an eBook from anywhere, or listen to an audiobook on the go.  

Download Libby to start borrowing today. Need a library card? Visit dpl.pub/getacard to apply online, or visit your nearest library location.

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The Olympics aren’t the only big stage where a Bend local will be showing off their stuff this week. Tonight’s airing of American Idol will feature the first appearance (of hopefully many) by local musician Bella Emry. Bella has performed at Amaterra before taking off to compete on the show and worked at Yoli (just in case she looked familiar, but you couldn’t remember from where). You can watch the episode on ABC at 8 PM tonight! You can also follow Bella on Instagram here.

🍖 The Hudson opens in the old 900 Wall space: One of downtown Bend’s most iconic spaces has a new tenant as The Hudson is set to officially open their reservations to the public tomorrow. If you had signed up for their email list, you may have snagged one of their soft opening spots over the last few weeks. We were lucky enough to try it, and the food was really dang good! They have a chophouse-inspired menu, so expect a variety of proteins to go along with oysters, appetizers, and salads (and one of the best french onion soups I’ve ever had).

🥘 The Jackalope Grill changes hands (and names): If you have a favorite dish at Jackalope Grill, then you’d better stop by before the end of the month, as the restaurant will be closing after service on February 28th. The space had been on the market for a while and was recently purchased by Josh and Kate Podwils (Josh is currently the restaurant’s executive chef). After a refresh, the space will be reopening as Rosemary & Fox, which will offer up a new fine dining experience to Bend.

🏨 Who wants to buy a hotel: Anyone have a spare $14m lying around? If so, you can be the proud new owner of the Shilo Inn. With a pool, riverfront property, and an on-site Indian restaurant that we feel is very underrated, this is a steal (note that this is not financial advice - it may not actually be a steal).

📸 @bentonmcleod |📍Mt Bachelor
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Hey Bend. Meet Amanda, owner of Glossed Whitening Bar 👋

We met last year to talk ads and somehow ended up deep in a conversation about fishing in Alaska and ridiculous Lord of the Rings reels. Probably not what you’d expect from someone who runs a teeth whitening business.

But that’s exactly why she has such a loyal following. Amanda is genuinely fun to be around, which makes the time fly while you’re rocking that ridiculous teeth-whitening mouthpiece. More importantly, she’s a registered dental hygienist, so you’re getting professional-grade whitening from someone who truly knows what she’s doing.

So ditch the annoying strips and book a visit at her chic, lemon-fresh studio. A brighter smile looks good on you.

Click here to book now and enjoy a $30 discount off her signature service - The Baddie.

🎱 Bingo with Bren: Bingo night, but make it fun and philanthropic. Join the games, win prizes, and support Fur Love Haven while you’re at it. Low stakes, high laughs, and good beer flowing. 6 PM Bevel Craft Brewing

🎶 Musicians Open Showcase: Local talent takes the stage for an open showcase night at The Commonwealth. Expect everything from acoustic sets to surprise collaborations — come support Bend’s music scene. 5 PM The Commonwealth Pub

🧵 Sew Club: A laid-back, creative hang for anyone who loves to stitch, mend, or start something new. Bring your project, swap ideas, and settle in for a cozy crafting session. 5:30 PM Freak’n Art

📚 RAB Middles Book Club: A book club just for middle-grade readers, hosted by Roundabout Books. Thoughtful discussion, big imagination energy, and a space for young readers to connect. 6 PM Roundabout Books

🕯 Group Sacred Energy Healing: A transformative 2-hour journey combining Breathwork, Reiki, Kundalini Activation, and Sound Healing to release stress & stored emotions, regulate your nervous system, and reconnect with your inner wisdom. 6 PM Heartgrounds

🎭 Mardi Gras for a Mission: Come celebrate Mardi Gras at On Tap! Live music by the Positive Side Jazz Band, food specials, and festivities. All for a good cause. Proceeds will be donated to St. Charles Cancer Center's Integrative Therapies. 5 PM On Tap

👟 Science Pub: The Science Behind Choosing the Right Running Shoe: Dive into the biomechanics and research behind finding your perfect running shoe. Practical, nerdy, and very on-brand for a town that loves to run. 5:30 PM OSU Cascades (Edward J. Ray Hall)

🎷 Mardi Gras: River’s Place brings the beads, music, and celebratory energy for a classic Mardi Gras-style evening. Expect festive flair and a dance-worthy crowd. 6 PM River’s Place

📖 Folded-Paper Book: Turn paper books into sculptural art in this relaxing, hands-on workshop. A creative afternoon project that’s equal parts mindful and satisfying. 3:30 PM Rosie Bareis Community Campus

💖 Girlie Pop Galentine’s: A gathering centered on friendship, empowerment, and feminine energy — think connection, conversation, and feel-good vibes all around. 5:30 PM The Haven

🧧 Chinese New Year: Incense Making, I Ching & Guided Meditation: Honor the Lunar New Year with incense crafting, I Ching exploration, and guided meditation. A reflective, grounding way to welcome a new cycle. 6 PM Continuum

🔧 Bike Preventative Maintenance Class: Tired of having to bring your bike in to the shop every time it develops a new squeak or rattle? Join Chariot Bike for a bike preventative maintenance class that will give you the tools to complete these routine tasks at home. 5:30 PM Chariot Bike

🪅 Fat Tuesday Party: Celebrate the arrival of Fat Tuesday with a party at Silver Moon. Musicians Pete Kartsounes and Jarrod Donatelli will be providing the soundtrack for the evening. 6 PM Silver Moon Brewing

🎤 Sing Your Face Off: Shy or bold, talented or terrible. No experience is necessary at this public rock choir event, where the goal is to get out and sing for the heck of it. 6 PM UPP Liquids

🥋 Intro to Capoeira: Experience the excitement, rhythm, and culture of Brazil with this intro to Capoeira class at High Desert Martial Arts. 7 PM High Desert Martial Arts

🧠 Trivia Tuesday: Calling all brainiacs. Put those trivia skills to the test at Mountain Burger, and you might just go home with some prizes. 7:30 PM Mountain Burger

Bluegrass Collective | Silver Moon | 7 PM

Catfish Stu & The Hushpuppies | River’s Place | 6 PM 
Michelle Van Handel | The Commonwealth Pub | 7 PM

A slightly different look to this week’s weekend preview. Let us know what you think!

Friday:

🎉 Prohibition Party at the High Desert Museum
💘 Dirty Minds Trivia at Craft Kitchen
🍺 Brewery Bingo at Ponch’s Place
❄ Winter Beer Fest at Suttle Lodge (all weekend)
🎭 Spring Awakening, Shrek the Musical Jr., & Boeing, Boeing (all weekend)

Saturday:

🥕 All Things Seeds and Growing Vegetables in Central Oregon at Westside Church
👩‍🎨 Exhibition Opening: Prophets at High Desert Museum
🍻 Zwickelmania at breweries across Bend
📚 Local Author Showcase at Roundabout Books
🎉 5th Anniversary Party at Stoller Wine Bar
🌲 Saturdays at Skyiner at Skyliner Lodge

Sunday:

🎿 Nordic Gear Demo Day at Mt. Bachelor
🎉 Not’cho Grandma’s Bingo at Silver Moon
🛶 Ladies’ Intro to Whitewater Kayaking at Bend Kayak School
🧠 Double Trouble Trivia at Commonwealth Pub

Live Music:

🪕 Bigfoot Country at Silver Moon
🎸 Mr. Vale’s Math Class at Silver Moon
🎵 Moontricks at Midtown Ballroom
🎹 Maxwell Friendman Group at Commonwealth Pub

Stay warm, and thank you again for reading!

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