McMenamins Old St. Francis School in Bend is hosting a series of free live music shows leading up to New Year's Eve. The event features five nights of performances in Father Luke’s Room, with bands including Tony Smiley, JuJu Eyeball, Thomas T, Five Pint Mary, and Aladinsane. These shows run from about 7 to 10 p.m. each evening.
McMenamins Old St. Francis School, located at 700 NW Bond Street in Bend, is offering what it calls the “Countdown to New Year’s Eve,” a lineup of live music events spanning five nights before the holiday. Unlike other local venues that host single New Year’s Eve parties, this series provides multiple free opportunities for attendees to enjoy performances in the intimate setting of Father Luke’s Room.
The schedule includes appearances by several local acts. Tony Smiley, JuJu Eyeball, Thomas T, Five Pint Mary, and Aladinsane are set to perform across the nights, though specific dates for most are not detailed beyond the overall framework. Each show is scheduled from approximately 7 to 10 p.m. and is open to the public at no cost. For full details and updates, the venue directs visitors to mcmenamins.com.
One highlighted act is Five Pint Mary, performing on Monday, December 29. The band, formed in 2011 by Michael and Sarah Holmes, has resumed live shows following Michael’s unexpected passing in 2021. Sarah Holmes remains involved, and the group continues to deliver Celtic rock ‘n’ roll infused with a punky edge. Their setlist features Irish traditional songs, surprising covers, and originals written by Michael, preserving the band’s spirit amid change.
This countdown series underscores Bend’s vibrant live music scene as the community prepares for New Year’s celebrations. While the focus is on free access and local talent, it excludes the actual New Year’s Eve event itself.