This Week in Gorge Entertainment
Eli Howard and the Greater Good
By Jim Drake
From The Dalles Art Center:
Eli Howard and the Greater Good will play a free outside concert at The Dalles Art Center this Friday, May 27, with festivities starting at 5 p.m. and music at 6 p.m. They are taking over the block - streets closed on Fourth outside TDAC - for the second time in two months.
It is all part of the Fourth on Fourth events put together by TDAC Director Scott Stephenson and the deeply connected Rian Beech. And Fourth on Fourth? That’s short for Fourth Friday on Fourth Street.
Eli Howard has been a fixture in the Oregon country music scene for the better part of 10 years, spending time in the band the Brass Tacks as well as lending his skills on stage and in the studio with numerous other artists including the Lowdown Drifters and Jesse Dayne and the Sagebrush Drifters. His incendiary country fried southern rock sound has not only created a dedicated fan base in the Pacific Northwest and beyond but allowed him to share the stage with artists including the Steel Woods, Whiskey Myers, Shane Smith and the Saints and William Clark Green. Spring 2021 sees Eli and the Greater Good finishing up recording their debut album with producer TimLightyear (Shane Smith and the Saints) with a summer release planned and nationwide tour to follow.
Ignoring ‘The Walking Dead’ for only 12 Years
One of the downsides of not being in the “TV-streaming” loop is the potential for excruciating long gaps between when a series starts and when I start to get around to watching it.
I mean I kind of kept up with “Breaking Bad” but it took a few years until I finally tracked down the last two seasons. And there was close to a year before I saw the end of Downton Abbey, and even longer when I finally got around to seeing the motion picture (Spoiler alert - I thought the movie easily could have just been a regular episode.)
So, what prompted me to start watching “Walking Dead”? It’s a good question, considering the first TV episode aired in 2010. Two things “recently” happened: Literally finding Volumes I and II of “The Walking Dead” comic books in a Trash Can, and finding “The Complete Eighth Season” on DVD for $1 at a sale last year.
Yes, I still managed another Year Gap in starting the process of watching it - my copy of Season 8 was actually missing “Disc 2.” So, not only could I not start watching Season 8 because I hadn’t seen Seasons 1-7, but I couldn’t watch Season 8 until I found a guy on Ebay who was parting out his collection of Season 8. Evidence indicates he had some kind of Video Store Rental copy.
The comic books impressed me because of how the story had actual character development and it was interesting that the story focuses on an ever-so-small part of the world-wide-zombie apocalypse. Frankly, after watching Season 1, I was on the fence about continuing - I mean how much different was this story really going to be after what is now up to 11 seasons? The answer is “very different.” For example, at no time was I expecting to learn of “King Ezekiel” and his stunningly beautiful Tiger companion. The so-far survival of characters like Carol and Daryl is fascinating. And watching young Carl practically skip over his childhood is humbling.
The sudden and mostly heartbreaking character changes from season to season has finally brought me up to the point of being able to watch Disc 2 of Season 8. So, a shout-out to that Ebay seller, and a big thanks to the Local Libraries for tracking down the rest of the DVDs. You see, when you physically have to go find all these discs, you get more exercise between seasons than you think. It’s a lot healthier than Streaming.
Comics Workshop May 29
Hey, didn’t I just get done talking about a Graphic Novel? Learn how to draw your own comic, mini-comic, graphic novel or manga on Sunday, May 29, from 2-3 p.m. with a “Couve Comics Virtual Workshop.” Connect with other like-minded people and get a chance to talk about what you are reading and what you are interested in drawing. And who knows, maybe your comic will turn into a Binge-Watchable Franchise.
Sign up at https://fvrl.librarymarket.com/events/upcoming
Live music at Working Hands Beer
Working Hands Beer in Hood River presents live music, trivia nights and more.
Friday, May 27, Sunny Pache, TBA
Saturday, May 28, Victor Johnson, 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, May 29, Open Mic, 6 p.m.
Live Music at Zim’s
Zim’s Brau Haus in The Dalles presents live local music.
Friday, May 27, Reddy Black Trio (Al Hare, Kenny Olsen and Jeff Minnick), 7-9 p.m.
Saturday, May 28, Midnight & Moonshine returns, 7- 9 p.m.
Super Secret Band, more at River City
On Friday, May 27, it’s the Super Secret Band and Special Guest Jay Si Proof coming to Hood River’s River City Saloon. It’s a Free Show that starts at 9 p.m. 21+ only.
White Salmon Spring Festival June 4
Celebrate Spring on Saturday, June 4 at White Salmon’s Rheingarten Park, an all-day festival with a Kid’s Play Zone, Pancake Breakfast, Parade (11 a.m.), Ritchie the Reptile Man, Beer Garden and more. Live music includes the Big River Blues Band (1:30-4 p.m.); Bootleg Barney and the Strays (5-6:30 p.m.) and The Rock Doctors (7:30-11 p.m.)
‘Pursuit of Chrissy’ latest blog entry for Night Farmer drummer
Night Farmers drummer Susan McCourt has jumped into the blog realm with her “Suzi Rambles On” series. What’s it like to meet an admired Rock Star? Her recent entry chronicles early school days into college life with the theme of musical influences: both bands and the media outlets that promoted them. It’s a Part 1 that revolves around discovering the music of The Pretenders, and it’s a good read especially for those who grew up in the retro late 70s into the hair-tastic 80s.
Karaoke at Route 30
Friday, May 27, from 7-10 p.m. is a chance to show off your Karaoke Skills at Route 30 Bottles and Brew in The Dalles.
Hood River Farmers Market open
Hood River Farmers Market is open every Saturday, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., starting May 7 through November 19, in the parking lot at 5th & Columbia lot in downtown Hood River. Sometimes they feature live music. Kids can even get a free $2 token for fruits and veggies (while supplies last). Find more information visit www.gorgegrown.com/hoodriver.
Modern English Out, Chamber Orchestra In
The management of the Granada Theatre in The Dalles reports that the scheduled concert by 80s pop band Modern English for June 11 has been canceled, apparently due to a disagreement over contracts. The band’s 2022 concert tour includes stops in Portland, Seattle and Vancouver, BC.
A concert featuring the Portland Chamber Orchestra with a special presentation of “Celilo Falls: We Were There,’ is scheduled for Saturday, June 11, at 2 p.m. at the Granada Theatre in The Dalles. A “multimedia history of Celilo Falls,” the show features storyteller Ed Edmo (pictured), photography from Joe Cantrell, and a musical score by Nancy Ives. Yaacov Bergman conducts. Tickets at: https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?show=135332
Megan Diana at Griffin House June 1
Summer concerts at Hood River’s Griffin House continue on Wednesday, June 1, with singer-songwriter Megan Diana.
General Admission and early entry VIP tickets available. Local band County Line opens the show. Proof of vax required.
About the Artist
“Songwriting driven by vintage keyboards, Megan Diana loves a Wurlitzer and Fender Rhodes - especially when put through an echo pedal. She layers her lush voice in choral layers - going atmospheric at times and then all at once back to the center of her chest in a whisper.
Her debut record “Women in My Head” written and dedicated to the important women in her life - allows her to bring in her French Horn in equal parts Canadian Brass and Chet Baker. Some songs lean towards Dark Americana Noir, others are clearly constructed pop.”
Tickets at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/megan-diana-the-griffin-house-612022-tickets-339206394457
Red Carpet Karaoke Fundraiser June 7
Show Off your Karaoke Skills and have fun with a Red Carpet Karaoke Fundraiser Night, coming Tuesday, June 7, with 25% of all sales donated to Underground Music’s Scholarship for the Musical Arts. This event starts at 9 p.m., and is open late until midnight
TD Art Center highlights student art
TD High School AP students Hannah Haight and Gabriela Marinas have art on display at TD Art Center in the month of May - and middle and elementary school-generated artwork can be found in numerous hosting businesses around town, too. Expect to see ceramics, drawings and computer illustrations. Be sure to visit business sponsors Westwind Gallery, the old Sears Building, Joy Reneke Photography, Susan’s Sewing and the old Tony’s Town and Country Building. The center also features a tribute in photographs of art instructor Doug Leash, who passed away earlier this year.
‘Magic’ meets May 26
On Thursday, May 26, The Dalles Library hosts a Magic the Gathering session, for all players from 4-6 p.m. in the Teen Room.
Live Music at Double Mountain
Double Mountain Brewery in Hood River presents local and regional live music.
Saturday, May 28, Wolf Jett, 7 p.m., folk blues and Americana
Mid Columbia Concert Association announces Fall lineup
The Mid Columbia Concert Association continues to bring quality shows to The Dalles with the 2022-23 season. Coming up:
Sept. 22: Marsh Family Band
Oct. 6: Jarabe Mexicano
Nov. 9: The Four C Notes (Frankie Valli Tribute)
Tickets and more information, as well as season passes, available at:
https://www.midcolumbiacommunityconcerts.org/
Jazz Collective at Jackson Park June 11
Join the Jazz Collective Big Band for a night of swing under the stars, Saturday, June 11. This free concert begins at 7 p.m. in Jackson Park, in Hood River, with special opening act The Dalles High School Jazz Ensemble.
STEM Robotics Challenge June 6
“The phrase "reach for the stars" is inspirational, but is rapidly becoming an actual goal. Using the supplies in the STEM kit, prototype something to help reach space.” Your challenge, should you choose to accept it, may just help the Stormbots Robotics Team from Skyview High School win. Pick up your kit before June 1. Kids 8-12 can register at:
https://fvrl.librarymarket.com/node/88071
‘Kirtan’ music at Yoga Samadhi May 27
Join Finn and Seth Anderson on Friday, May 27, from 6-8 p.m. for an evening of traditional Kirtan songs and Bhakti philosophy. “Experience the energy and vibrations of communal singing celebrating life and love through mantra.” Event is at Yoga Samadhi in White Salmon.
Live Music at The Pines
Live music returns Fridays, from 6-9 p.m. at The Pines Tasting Room in Hood River.
Saturday, May 28, Memorial Day Celebration with Jose Maya and Dan Boller, 3:30-6:30 p.m.
Movies back at Sunshine Mill
A new movie screen is up and Sunshine Mill in The Dalles welcomes back Drive-In Movies for the season:
Friday, May 27, Princess Bride
Saturday, May 28, Encanto
Tickets and more info at:
https://www.sunshinemill.com/drive-up-movies
‘Ecstatic Dance’ scheduled May 28
Yoga Samadhi Columbia Gorge in White Salmon presents a Raven Ecstatic Dance on Saturday, May 28, starting at 7 p.m. What is a Raven Dance? Organizers say it’s a “safe space to creatively express yourself through freeform movement to uplifting sensual music.” Free admission but donations accepted. More info at:
Spring Lineup announced at Bargeway Pub
Bargeway Pub in The Dalles announces a music lineup with local and regional acts with rock, blues and country.
Wednesday, May 25, eM’nCee (Country, Pop and Rock Duo)
Friday, May 27, Eric Leadbetter
Saturday, May 28, Sweetie 2.
