Tomorrow night (Friday) there debuts the first annual "Bend Bicycle Film Festival" at the Tower Theatre.

Yep, it’s a new one to me, too. Here’s the press release:

The first annual Bend Bicycle Film Festival debuts at the Tower Theatre Friday night, May 29, celebrating the wonders and joys of riding bikes. The festival, a benefit for the Central Oregon Trail Alliance (COTA) and the Bend Cycling Club, will showcase locally-made film shorts and slideshows followed by a big screen presentation of Freeride Entertainment’s New World Disorder 9: Never Enough.

"The format for the locally-made portion of the show will run the gamut of cycling genres," says Paul Lissette, festival organizer. Submissions included cross-country, road, snow, spoof, one-wheel, freeride, urban shredding, desert riding, strange attire, BMX, and Cyclocross footage.

"Several locally well-known film makers and riders will exhibit their skill and creativity at the show," says Lissette. Jonas Tarlen – popular for his humorous backcountry ski films – makes a foray into the backcountry on his mountain bike. Steve Remer of 88 Productions will keep audiences on the edge of their seat with his action-packed footage. And Pro mountain biker Kirt Voreis stars in a Radical Films short clip.

The show will be open to those of all ages. "The top half of Tower Theatre will be a no-alcohol zone to encourage youth and families to attend the event," says Lissette.

Doors will open at 6pm; the show will start at 7pm. Tickets are available for $10 at all local bike shops or online or at the Tower Theatre box office. Bike commuting to the event is encouraged; bicycle parking available outside the Tower Theatre. There will be a raffle of donated prizes by various sponsors at intermission.