New Year knockin' Gorgewide guide; Bargeway Groovin' Grateful On Eve of 2024
Bargeway Pub & Catering’s Entertainment Weekly
By Jim Drake at gorgeentertainment@gmail.com
New Year’s Eve Planner
It’s Time to Ring In the New Year at your Favorite Venue in The Gorge, wrapping up an Awesome Year of Entertainment. But don’t Get Too Hungover yet, January is just around the corner and there’s no sign of slowing down! Be Safe and See You Next Year!
BB Lake Band has been somewhat of a house band at the Bargeway Pub, perfecting their sound and now releasing their first album Debut at the pub on New Year’s Eve.
Ben Blakely
Bargeway Pub is ringing in the new year with some grateful gifts as BB Lake Band holds its album release party featuring 8 original songs.
Bargeway will also be slaying the prime rib and hooking revelers up with seafood and pasta as the pub brings in the new year with a 10 p.m. ball drop.
The spirits, think hurricane followed by champagne, and great food will provide a perfect backdrop for their long-awaited album release.
“It’s groove-driven with influences of jazz and R&B,” said the band’s Ben Blakely of Sherman County who provides vocals and electric guitar.
Time to get ribbed.
Blakely, who joins his twin brother and drummer, Hunter, on stage, hails from Sherman Senior High School in Moro.
And BB Lake Band formed in the crucible of the pandemic on April 15, 2021, as the brothers, now 33, found a pocket with Jake Keizur on bass, Gavin Simonds on Guitar and Dale Hammack on keyboards.
Ben Blakeley said one of his favorite lyrics on the new album was “I’ve been given so much / I’m going to be grateful.” That gratitude will be rolling full karma as the Bargeway Pub jams into 2024.
“It will be a memorable night,” Ben said, noting they will play the entire album entitled Debut in their first set starting at 7 p.m.
The band will play two more sets of cover tunes to keep the ball bouncing.
And don’t forget to get warmed up with great music beforehand:
Thursday, Dec. 28 - Al Hare, 6 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 29 - Dave Tallman, 6 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 30 - Walk Through Fire (Formerly The New Prohibitions), 6 p.m.
BPT plays Tabby’s New Year’s Eve
Tabby’s Hole-In One Clubhouse at the Hood River Golf Course in Hood River presents a New Year’s Eve Party with the Bonneville Power Trio, with special guest Harmonica Ace Hugh Fredrick. Free Appetizers starting at 4 p.m., Music starts at 8 p.m.
Pigs On The Wing NYE Party at The Ruins
Pink Floyd cover band Pigs On The Wing presents a New Year’s Eve Party, Sunday, Dec. 31, at The Ruins in Hood River, with special Guests Louder Oceans. Tickets at: https://www.tickettomato.com/event/8343
About the Show
Join Pigs on the Wing as they return to The Ruins on Sunday, Dec. 31, for a very special VIP New Years Eve celebration to ring in the new year! Performing the “ANIMALS’ album in its entirety plus a full second set of mixed Floyd classics! Opening up the evening will be Portlands’ own Louder Oceans. This event is STANDING ROOM ONLY with a limited amount of tickets available, so secure your spot for this exclusive NYE party with the PIGS!
From its garage-rock roots in 2006 as a one-off show, to full album productions and performing for thousands of fans each year, Portland Oregon based Pigs on the Wing have built a loyal following dedicated to the band’s high energy take on Pink Floyd’s music. All members of Pigs on the Wing are seasoned veterans of the Pacific NW rock scene and are unapologetic in bringing their wide-ranging musical influences to the table. Setting the band aside from other tribute rock acts, Pigs on the Wing balance a decidedly un-tribute-like attitude towards the music with precision to detail and a deep understanding of the importance of Pink Floyd's music in many fans' lives.
Live Music at Trout Lake Hall
Trout Lake Hall in Trout Lake, Washington is bringing live music back to the Historic building’s stage.
Sunday, Dec. 31, Twistin' The Year Away with Mitch & The Melody Makers, Dance Contests, 50's, 60's Rock and Roll Band, Dance Party! $15 Advance // $15 Day Of Show, 7:30 p.m. Doors / 8 p.m. Festivities Begin, All Ages
Trout Lake Hall will kick off the night with fun dance contests for all ages! Show off your limbo skills and your fast moves in musical chairs! Then we’ll welcome the best cover band to the stage and twist the year away!
Mitch and the Melody Makers are a 50’s and 60’s rock and roll cover band from Portland, Oregon! The Melody Makers have been bringing the Rock & Soul Dance Party to events all across the northwest with a mixture of classic favorites and deep cuts that’ll be sure to wear out your dancin’ shoes. Come celebrate 2024 and dance the night away!
Evenings of Carols, Prayer & Community
Gather with your community for an evening of Christmas Carol Sing Alongs, Hope, Prayer, Cookies and Cocoa at the Granada Theater in The Dalles, Sunday, Dec. 31, from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Princess and Prince Tea Party at TD Library
The Dalles Public Library presents a Princess and Prince Tea Party on Friday, Dec. 29, from 3-4 p.m. You are cordially invited to the second annual Princess and Prince Tea Party. Light refreshments provided. Costumes are highly encouraged.
80s-Themed New Year’s Eve Bash at Working Hands
Working Hands in Hood River presents an 80s-Themed New Year’s Eve Bash, Sunday, Dec. 31, starting at 7 p.m. “Groove to iconic beats, show off your best dance moves, and celebrate the New Year in true retro style! It's time to rock the night away and welcome the future with nostalgic flair. Don't miss out on the fun—grab your legwarmers, dust off those shoulder pads, and let's make this New Year's Eve a totally tubular experience! Get ready to rewind the clock and party like it's 1980!”
The Dalles Eagles NYE Party
The Dalles Eagles ring in the New Year on Sunday, Dec. 31, 8 p.m. to midnight with music and dancing from Gunshy. Open to the public.
Gorges Beer Polar Plunge
Gorges Beer in Cascade Locks hosts a New Year’s Day Polar Plunge on Monday, Jan. 1, 2024. The fun starts at 11 a.m. with a meet up, a march to the Marina and a noon Plunge, and Brunch afterwards. Free Plunge with Food Bank Donation. Tickets and more information at:
www.eventbrite.com/e/gorges-polar-bear-plunge-2024-tickets-781703445047
Hood River Fireworks Show NYE
Hood River presents a Fireworks show on Sunday, Dec. 31, 8 p.m., at Hood River Event Site, For more information please visit: https://hoodriverfireworks.com/new-years-eve/
This event is free, but 100% community funded. Please donate!
https://hoodriverfireworks.com/donate/
Hillstomp at The Ruins
The Ruins in Hood River presents Hillstomp on Friday, Dec. 29. Show starts at 6 p.m. Advance tickets at: https://www.tickettomato.com/event/8424
About the Band
Portland Oregon junkbox blues duo HILLSTOMP is infamous for digging through the dumps and forgotten backwoods of American music, recycling traditional elements into a refreshing and distinctive brand of do-it-yourself hill country blues stomp. North Mississippi trance blues, a bit of Appalachia, and a dash of punkabilly come clanging and tumbling from assorted buckets, cans and BBQ lids, all drenched in rambunctious slide guitar. Somehow it works. Despite their homemade instruments and novel approach, Hillstomp is no novelty act. Hillstomp’s memorable live performances tap into a magic that cannot be rehearsed, converting outlaws and traditionalists alike from skeptics into preachers.
Winter Wednesday’s at Everybody’s Brewing
Everybody’s Brewing in White Salmon presents Winter Wednesdays on the heated deck with group activities and family fun, from 5-7 p.m.
Dec. 27, Beer Trivia with Kyle Bray. $5 buy in and groups up to 6.
Jan. 10, Knits & Giggles: Bring your knitting/crocheting materials and best dad jokes to share.
Jan. 17, Puzzle Competition: Get ready to puzzle off! $5 buy in and winner takes all.
Jan. 24, Bingo with Dougie Fresh
Jan. 31, BYOG (Bring Your Own Game): Bring your own Catan, Chess, Monopoly or other game.
Holiday Quilts on display
Join the Friends of the White Salmon Library for a Holiday Quilt Show, on display in the Gallery through the month of December.
Team Trivia Night at The Ruins
The Ruins in Hood River announces a new Team Trivia night and the next session is on Wednesday, Dec. 6, at 6:30 p.m. Teams up to six people can play and solo players are encouraged to attend and join up. Hosted by Julie Hatfield, Team Trivia Night will feature high quality audio and video projection systems. There will be cash prizes for the best teams, and prizes for the worst answer. $5 cover charge.
Upcoming Team Trivia Night sessions:
Dec. 27
Live Music at Zim’s
Zim’s Brau Haus in The Dalles presents live local music.
Peppa Jam
Friday, Dec. 29, Peppa Jam, 7-9:30 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 30, Exit 84, 7-9:30 p.m.
Live Music at Last Stop Saloon
The Last Stop Saloon in The Dalles brings local and regional live music to the stage.
Friday, Dec. 29, Al Hare, 7 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 30, Music with Kerry Williams, 7 p.m.
Music at Mid Columbia Senior Center
Mid Columbia Senior Center in The Dalles brings live music and special shows to the center.
George Foryan
Tuesday, Dec. 26, Jim Gordon, 11 a.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 27, (No Music)
Thursday, Dec. 28, George Foryan, 11 a.m.
Friday, Dec. 29, (No Music, Happy New Year
It’s a Hometown Christmas celebration at Gorge’s Beer in Cascade Locks. The Cascade Locks Giving Tree has moved into Gorges Beer for the holiday season. Become a Local Secret Santa and join the fun in caroling, lighting the Christmas Tree and more. Details at: https://www.facebook.com/reel/878121646957597
Dancing with the Gorge Stars 2024
Dancing with the Gorge Stars returns Friday, Jan. 12, at 7 p.m., at The Dalles High School. Six local Gorge "stars" will compete for your votes at this mid-winter fundraiser for Mid Columbia Community Concert Association.
About The Event
Mid-Columbia Community Concert Association is proud to bring back, by popular demand, the 10th annual Dancing With The Gorge Stars competition. Six local Gorge "stars" will compete for your votes at this mid-winter fundraiser for MCCCA. Like the reality TV dance show, our contestants learn a dance routine prior to show time. But in this show, the competitors are our friends and neighbors from the Gorge area. Paired with a professional dancer from the Utah Ballroom Dance Co., they have one week to learn and perfect their routines before performing on stage before a live audience. Video highlights of the rehearsals are shown during the event to showcase how far each contestant has come in just one week.
An entertaining judging-panel of three locals score each couple after their individual performance. During intermission the audience cast their votes which are combined with the judges scores and tallied to determine who wins the beautiful mirror ball trophy. The second half of the show is a spectacular performance of the Utah Ballroom Dance Co. with a professional showcase featuring a variety of highly choreographed and technical dancing.
Tickets at:
https://www.midcolumbiacommunityconcerts.org/events/dancing-with-the-gorge-stars-2024
Live music at Working Hands
Working Hands Fermentation in Hood River presents live music, trivia nights and more.
Brigid’s Crossing
Saturday, Dec. 30, Brigid’s Crossing, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 6, Dave Tallman, 7:30 p.m.
Happy Hour Comedy at HR Elks
The Hood River Elks presents Happy Hour Comedy Open Mic, every Wednesday at 8 p.m. “Comedy is the best medicine! Come get your dose. Get out of your comfort zone and get on the Mic, or just support your friends and your ab muscles by laughing at our jokes.”
Writing Group meets at HR Library
The Hood River Writing Group meets every Wednesday at 3 pm at the Hood River Library. It’s creative writing together - join with fellow writers to work on your craft through prompts and share the results. Facilitated by Patty Kaplan.
Line Dances at Mid Columbia Senior Center
The Mid Columbia Senior Center in The Dalles offers Line Dance Classes Thursday, 1 p.m. starting Sept. 7, $2 donation
Games at Mid Columbia Senior Center
The Mid Columbia Senior Center in The Dalles offers a variety of fun game options this fall:
Mondays at 1 p.m. Hand and Foot Canasta
Mondays at 6 p.m. Poker
Tuesday at 12:30 p.m. Dominoes
Wednesdays at 12:30 p.m. Wii Bowling
Thursdays at 1 p.m. Mahjong
Fridays at 1 p.m. Mahjong
Fridays at 6 p.m. Pinochle
NEW: LINE DANCE CLASSES ADDED: THURSDAYS AT 1 P.M. STARTING SEPT. 7. $2 DONATION.
Live Music at Route 30
Route 30 Bottles and Brew in The Dalles hosts weekly live music events, trivia nights and more.
Monday Night: Musician Mondays
Tuesday Night: Band Jam for House Band Practice (7 p.m.)
Wednesday Night: Useless Knowledge Trivia Night (6:30 p.m.)
Thursday Night: Thirsty Thursday with House Band (7 p.m.)
Friday Night: Karaoke Night (7 p.m.)
