This Week in Gorge Entertainment by Jim Drake - March 7
By Jim Drake
Album of the Week
The Retail Giant Amazon says this Ukrainian Bandura in Concert CD is currently unavailable, but that didn’t stop me from picking up a copy during my weekly Gorge shopping expedition. Looking at the cover I can tell you that I’m thankful I don’t have to change that many strings on one instrument - I counted 65! There seem to be 15 “single” strings at the top, and 25 pairs on the bottom. So, what does the Ukrainian Bandura Sound Like? My ears say it sounds like a cross between a Harp and a Hammer Dulcimer, with some Piano thrown in. Of course the instrument is strummed/plucked, I would guess like an Autoharp, and the Liner Notes say that these instruments have “switches to change tonalities.” The music is beautiful but dizzyingly complex, and it must take years of practice to be able to perform on it. I also learned this instrument has been evolving since the 6th Century, and the 1991 Ukraine independence movement saw a revival of sorts for playing this instrument. From what I gathered, the musician Ola Herasymenko-Oliynyk relocated to California decades before the 2022 war, but she grew up in the city of Lviv, spending many years performing in Ukraine and Europe. She plays instruments hand-built by her father. As you’ve probably noticed from the cover, this is Volume 2. If anyone has or finds a copy of Volume 1, I’d love to hear from you!
Al Hare Upcoming Gigs
Catch Gorge Guitar Player Al Hare at a Venue Near You:
Monday, March 7, Last Stop Saloon, 7 p.m.
Tuesday, March 8, Tuesday Night Tunes at Zim’s, 7 p.m.
Thursday, March 10, Bargeway Pub, 6 p.m.
Friday, March 11, Last Stop Saloon, 7 p.m.
Saturday, March 12, Zim’s, with Richard Morrow, 7 p.m.
Sunday, March 13, Bargeway Pub, with Reddy Black Trio, 6 p.m.
Sunday, March 14, Last Stop Saloon, 7 p.m.
Live music at Working Hands Beer
Working Hands Beer in Hood River presents live music, trivia nights and more.
Saturday, March 12, Gary Pryor, 7:30-9:30 p.m.
Open Mic: Sundays 6-8 p.m.
Saturday, March 19, St. Patrick’s Celebration 3 p.m. start, Cary Novotny & Johnny Connolly, 7:30-9:30 p.m.
Mayer releases ‘Eclectic Mojo’ CD
A new CD by Tim Mayer has been uploaded to Soundcloud and other streaming platforms. “Eclectic Mojo,” is piano-based jazz and blues with special guests like Portland bassist Dave Captein and friend Mike Grodner on drums. You may recognize Mayer’s name from events like the Groove Project Christmas and jazz gigs in years past with vocalist Char Mayer (no relation). If you like music from artists like Dave Brubeck and Vince Guaraldi, you’ll want to add this to your playlist. Listen here: https://timmayerpiano.com/
Scholarship for Musical Arts fundraiser scheduled
Tim Snyder, owner of the Underground Music Station in Hood River reports that a fundraising effort is underway for the creation of a Scholarship For Musical Arts, with a goal of “providing music lessons and instrument access to children that come from poor families or situations that normally would hold them back from receiving such powerful life changing experiences.” The event should be held in August, and if you or your business are interested in donating to the cause, contact Tim here:
More Additional Rich Wilkins Blues News
Richard Wilkins’ new CD “Life’s for Living” is climbing the charts, in Omaha, of all places! The album made #24 on KIOS 91.5 FM top Blues Charts, along with fellow musicians John Mayall and Tinsley Ellis. The chart was submitted to Living Blues Magazine for March, 2022.
Zumba class benefits Y.E.S. House
Studiofit in The Dalles is raising money for the Youth Empowerment Shelter program with proceeds from the Wednesday night Zumba classes in March. Details at www.stufiofittd.com
CGOA Big Band Jazz Series at HR Elks March 13
The Jazz Collective Big Band swings at the Hood River Elks on Sunday, March 13, from 7-8 p.m. No ticket is required for this listening or dancing experience, but donations are encouraged. Covid restrictions apply: proof. See www.gorgeorchestra.org for more information.
NW Cherry Fest returns April 22-24
The Dalles Chamber of Commerce says this year’s theme for the 2022 NW Cherry Festival is “I Spy The Dalles,” highlighting all of the hidden gems and treasures here in The Dalles. Expect a parade, tons of local music, a Cherry Idol Singing Competition, a classic car show, the crowning of Cherry Festival Royalty and more. The family-friendly event happens April 22-24 downtown The Dalles.
Granada announces 2022 lineup
The Granada Theater in The Dalles is bringing Country, 80s pop, Heavy Rock and more to Little Music City in 2022.
April 9: Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives
May 8: The return of Billy Bob Thornton and the Boxmasters
June 11: 80s Pop Phenoms Modern English
Aug. 13: Heavy Rock Legends Outdoor Concert with Warrant and Winger
Tickets and details at https://www.granadatheatrethedalles.com/
Granada Theater Friday and Saturday March 12-13 Vintage Movie
That Darn Cat, Comedy, 1965. Doors open 5:30 p.m., show at 6 p.m.
Wine & Book Club meets March 16
The Wine & Book Club meets on Wednesday, March 16, at Stonehedge Gardens in Hood River. The meeting will include a discussion of “Educated” by Tara Westover and “The Glass Castle,” by Jeannette Walls. Details at:
‘Got Your Six’ at Eagles March 16
It’s classic rock and more from the newly reformed all-veteran Got Your Six band at The Eagles Lodge in The Dalles on Saturday, March 12, starting at 7 p.m.
‘Woman Who Was a Red Deer’ event March 19
A one-act staged play-reading of “The Woman Who Was a Red Deer Dressed for the Deer Dance” by Diane Glancy (Cherokee), along with a traditional story — only told during the Winter months — by Marta Lu Clifford (Chinook/Cree/Grand Ronde), and an original contemporary story by Lori Tapahonso ((Diné/Acoma Pueblo) will be presented on Saturday, March 19, 7:30 p.m. at the Columbia Center for the Arts in Hood River. The free show is presented in conjunction with the “Contemporary Native Voices: Prints from Crow’s Shadow Institute of the Arts” exhibit, and will be followed by a discussion about “Native theater, representation, and the role of storytelling in regional indigenous cultures.” Suitable for age 10 and up.
Reserve your free ticket online at:
https://www.columbiaarts.org/events/red-deer-in-the-theatre/.
Rajneeshees featured in Sense of Place lecture March 9
“Rajneeshees in Oregon” with Les Zaitz is the next Sense of Place Lecture topic on Wednesday, March 9, at the Columbia Center for the Arts in Hood River. Doors open at 6 p.m; lecture 7-9 p.m. Tickets and information on live streaming the event at: https://www.columbiaarts.org/cca-eventscalendar/cca-calendar/
Outer Orbit at The Ruins March 12
Composed of members from six different bands - plus special guests - Outer Orbit is a Northwest favorite for “original burning soul and funk.” The band brings the influences of Sly Stone, The Meters and more to The Ruins in Hood River on Saturday, March 12, starting at 6 p.m. Ticketed show and Proof of Vax required.
https://www.tickettomato.com/event/7342
Live Music Mondays return to Everybody’s Brewing
Live Music Mondays at Everybody’s Brewing in White Salmon showcases the best in local and regional bands. Music is 6-8 p.m.
March 7: Scot and Rebecca (Acoustic Rock)
March 14: Wayo Hogan (Seattle Acoustic Singer-Songwriter)
March 21: Cici Artemisia (Eclectic Acoustic) https://www.ciciart.com/about
Live music at Grateful Vineyard
Live music continues at Hood River’s Grateful Vineyard.
Sunday, March 13, Megan Alder (Wine Club music 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.)
Wednesday, March 16, St. Patty's Day Celebration with The Riff Rats (trio)
Traditional Irish music
Garrett Brennan at Double Mountain
Music is returning to Hood River’s Double Mountain Brewery!
Saturday, March 12, Band of Comerados, jamgrass, 8-10 p.m.
Sunday, March 13, Matt Coughlin, Americana and Folk, 5-6:30 p.m.
and Garrett Brennan and Great Salt Licks (pictured), 7-9 p.m.
‘MADD’ Tour at River City March 11
Da "Are You MADD Yet" Tour lands at The River City Saloon in Hood River on Friday, March 11, for a free show. Sponsored by Da MaddHousze label this tour features Alessandra Rose, Judah Sun, DEZZ aka Da MaddHatter and special guest Deceased Carnation (Can’t Make This Up). DJ Chips will be on the decks (Would that be 8-Track or Reel to Reel?). Show starts at 8 p.m., 21+ only.
‘Take 3’ performs at Civic March 7
Win Free Tickets to this Event (Age 18+ only)
1. Like MCCCA's Facebook page
2. Like the original Free Ticket Post on MCCCA's page
Expect “charismatic pop and classical interpretations” from the acclaimed Take 3 Trio, coming to The Dalles Civic Auditorium on Monday, March 7. Tickets are available at Klindt's Booksellers and Stationers, Lines of Designs-Clothing, and online at www.mccca.info.
Spring Wreath Kits at The Dalles Library
Spring is springing so why not show your enthusiasm? The Dalles Library will give you everything you need to make a beautiful Spring Wreath. Sign-ups begin March 1 , the kits will be available after March 11. These kits are for ages 19 and up. Sign up:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeEZVt4nTsrE61rxompFstwiVsFA7RftEzCz4sY8wi2ZxE32A/viewform
Trivia, Karaoke at Route 30
Stay tuned for live music, trivia nights and more on a weekly basis at Route 30 in The Dalles.
Tuesdays: House Band Practice, 6 p.m.
Wednesdays: Trivia Night, 6:30 p.m.
Thursdays: House Band Practice, 6 p.m.
Fridays: Karaoke Night, 7 p.m.
Live Music at The Pines
Live music returns Fridays, from 6-9 p.m. at The Pines Tasting Room in Hood River.
March 11: Kit Garoutte (Acoustic fingerstyle)
March 18: Brigid’s Crossing (Irish Folk)
March 25: Chihuahua Desert (South of the Border Western)
April 1: Chasing Ebenezer (Folk Rock)
Tray Dahl Jugtime Band show March 29
Mid Columbia Community Concert Association presents Tray Dahl and Jugtime Ragband Tuesday, March 29, at The Dalles Civic Auditorium. Expect “an energetic combination of all the popular styles of the 1920s and 1930s, immersed in an early 20th century New Orleans sound. They will have your feet stomping in a roaring twenties kind of way.” For more information and tickets visit www.mccca.org
Rishell Graves featured on ‘Create to Heal’ podcast
Gorge musician Rishell Graves was featured on the “Create to Heal” Podcast in an interview that describes her journey as a cancer survivor, and how her art, poetry and music guided her through the healing process. Graves has experience playing in rock and roll bands and now plays solo keyboard shows at venues around the Gorge.
Listen here:
