Sing, dance, Swift at these interactive music events
Published 1:00 pm Wednesday, February 21, 2024
- Dave Finch will lead an open singing practice on Wednesday at Unity Sanctuary.
It appears to be a great week in Central Oregon for singers, dancers and Taylor Swift fans (as if they’ve had a bad week lately).
Visit any bar, grocery store or law office and you have a nine-in-10 chance of hearing a tune from one of the megastar’s many eras. But if you haven’t quite had your fill of Ms. Swift, Volcanic Theatre Pub is hosting a dance party in her honor. For a chance at hearing a song by another artist, Open Space Studios is putting on a lip sync battle. Unity Sanctuary will have open singing practice. And join in a non-choreographed group dance with Ecstatic Bend.
The Lip Sync Smackdown
Dress up and rock out to your favorite song for the chance become Lip Sync Champion and win a grand prize. Host Shanan Kelley and DJ Bobby Evers will backup performers and a panel of celebrity judges will be looking for best overall performance, most creative costume and audience favorite.
The event will benefit the Kaycee Anseth Legacy Foundation, which works to remove financial obstacles for Central Oregon artists. It is a community event for all ages.
7-9 p.m. Friday; $12-22 sliding scale donation; Open Space Event Studios, 220 NE Lafayette Ave., Bend; openspace.studio or 541-410-5866.
Tay Tay Dance Party
DJ Swiftie will play two hours of Taylor Swift songs accompanied by a national-touring laser light show, for all those who missed out on The Eras Tour or just want more Taylor-themed concert experiences.
7-11 p.m. Saturday; $25 online, $30 at door; Volcanic Theatre Pub, 70 SW Century Drive, Bend; volcanictheatre.com or 541-323-1881.
Bend Ecstatic Dance
This is a weekly group dance experience that has no choreographed moves and allows for freedom of movement to the sound of ever-changing music. Each week has a different music theme or genre and possible guest musician. Bend Ecstatic Dance facilitators will open up the space, encouraging attendees to openly express themselves through motion.
7:45-9:45 p.m. Tuesday; $15-$25 sliding scale, ages 12+; Boys & Girls Club of Bend, 500 NW Wall St., Bend; ecstaticbend.com or 541-617-2877.
Open Singing Practice
Unity Sanctuary Music Director Dave Finch will be holding a dedicated music practice for anyone who wants to sing with him and his band SolShine. The band includes Eric Troup on vocals and Victor Johnson on guitar and vocals, with Finch on piano and vocals. Amateurs and professionals are invited to guest perform with the group.
7-8:30 p.m. Wednesday; free; Unity Sanctuary, 63645 Scenic Drive, Bend; unitycentraloregon.org or 541-388-1569.