Geoffrey Louis Koch | Live This Week in Central Oregon | Bend, Sisters, & Sunriver | May 2026
I’m writing this from a hot spring outside Burns, Oregon.
The High Desert. Big Sky. Just a handful of other people around. For too long it’s just been go-go-go and this trip’s been circled and pined for on the calendar. My body is adjusting to the liminal space between melted and rejuvenated. It’s been windy up here but I really like that kind of thing. Always been a fan of breeze.
Went on a walk and watched the birds. I’m a birder now. Or at least a bird appreciator. Easy to do around here. Apparently this area of Eastern Oregon is a major thoroughfare for migrating birds.
Sage flat greens, distant buttes, hay yellows, cows, horses. Desert noises.
I just took a late night dip and the stargazing was divine. Someone was burning cedar in their fire pit. Lotta satellites up there. So many stars reminds me of looking up at them on a trip to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon a couple years back. Before the fire swept through last year, sadly. This memory isn’t about the stars so much as it was delightful and inspiring to see the headlamps of people in the middle of the night hiking down the Bright Angel Trail. Navigating the switchbacks. Or there’d be some on the North Kaibab Trail headed to us — tho they had a long way to go and most of it was up up up.
After the hot springs respite but before I get back to Eugene — I’ve got THREE shows in Central Oregon this week. Can’t wait to see you all out there and have some fun.
Wednesday, May 20 — The Commonwealth Pub | Bend, OR | 7:30-9:30PM
Wednesday, May 20 | The Commonwealth Pub | Bend, OR
The Commonwealth is one of those venues with vibes. Good local bones. Has been fun building in Bend. Last time through I hit up the Blockbuster video — the last remaining Blockbuster video store on Earth. Smelling the buttered popcorn candle there sent me back to the ‘80s. OK I’ve got 2 hours of hits for you Wednesday. See you soon, Bend!
Friday, May 22 — Frankie’s | Sisters, OR | 6-8PM
Friday, May 22 | Frankie’s | Sisters, OR
Talk about a good time. If weather is great (and it should be) I’ll be on the back patio outdoor venue. Upstairs in the speakeasy if not. Sisters is a lovely town. Haven’t been to the annual rodeo or Folk Festival just yet. Friday your party in Central Oregon is Frankie’s in Sisters. Come say hey!
Saturday, May 23 — Century Commons Taps & Trucks | Sunriver, OR | 6-8PM
Saturday, May 23 | Century Commons Taps & Trucks | Sunriver, OR