Tár and The Banshees of Inisherin, two of the year’s best films, examine the power and cost of art to sublime ends, admittedly through very different lenses. And both films will undoubtedly be strong contenders for the upcoming awards season.

Nothing like a slight breeze and 35 degrees Fahrenheit to make the hands numb, the nose cold and the toes frozen. So, The Dalles, what do you do to get warmed up on a cold day? We asked, and we got some cool answers. Take that Mr. Freeze.

Mid-Columbia Community Concert Association presents The Four C Notes on Wednesday, Nov. 9 at The Dalles Civic Auditorium in The Dalles. Doors open at 6 p.m., show begins at 7 p.m. Lectures, art, music, comedy and entertainment are in good supply during the next few weeks. Check it all out here.

Attention writers in the Columbia River Gorge! As you probably already know, November is National Novel Writing Month! But did you know that you can pick up a NaNoWriMo take and make kit full of writer's goodies at The Dalles Wasco County Library? (While supplies last.) Or that there is a writing contest for 12-19 year olds happening at the White Salmon Library? Well now you do! Keep reading to check out what’s going on for aspiring and accomplished writers in the Gorge this month!

Music, comedy, film, aerial artists, auditions - it’s all here. Check out what’s happening in arts and entertainment in The Gorge.

Put your hand in the Candy bowl, but don’t get a sucker- find some real entertainment in this week’s entertainment guide for the Gorge. We got venues covered up and down the Mid-Columbia - Music, Entertainment, Art, parades, comedians and some jumpers.

So you’re basically a family of weird artists? I ask about 20 minutes into our conversation, and the pleasing look that alights on their faces means they know it’s a compliment. To be clear: my understanding of weirdness is a deeply affectionate and creative one; this might be one of the coolest and most artistic families I’ve encountered in a long time.

Spooky stories, haunted humor, Hallo-wine, pumpkin parade - The Gorge has gone all out Jekyll and Hyde this season. Check out what’s happening here in Gorge Entertainment.

Jarabe, which translates to “concoction,” highlights the eclectic mix of genres Jarebe Mexicano perform ranging from Mexican Folk, Rock & Roll, and Norteño/Tex-Mex to Latin Rock, Trío Romántico, and popular Cumbia. They hit the stage on Thursday, Oct. 6 at The Dalles Civic. They’re not just musicians but educators and ambassadors of culture and a ton of fun.

All things must come to an end. And such is the state of the journey for TD’s Emily Peterson who will hit Canada shortly. Fires ended her hiking journey on Monday as the last 30 miles of the trail remained closed. But she was not to be deterred. She and hiker friend Sandals rented a canoe and are paddling the last 22 miles via Ross Lake.

It proves a film does not need to do away with jaw-dropping action sequences and classic movie structures to make a film that is not only extremely entertaining but emotional and thought-provoking. The epic film centers on an all-female group of warriors, the Agojie, in 19th century Africa, as they defend their homeland from rival kingdoms funded by slave traders.

Dear Kathryn, My husband plays video games all the time. When is enough enough?

The free Covid-19 vaccine clinic in front of La Michoacana in The Dalles on Kelly Avenue was hopping with happy patients seeking the new Omicron inclusive booster today, Sept. 30. The vibe at the clinic was very fun and upbeat compared to a typical hospital setting. “That was the most fun shot I’ve had in a while,” said Phil Brady, Wasco County Commissioner who got boosted at the clinic this afternoon.

The Marsh Band at The Dalles Civic Auditorium tonight, Sept. 22, kicks off a week of great music at local venues around the Gorge. Check out what’s happenin’ here in arts, entertainment, and untypically good times.

Dear Kathryn, How do I explain smoking weed to my kids (ages 10 and 14) without turning my vices into advertisements for how great it is!?

Columnist Jim Drake discovers some super free powers through our local libraries. He also takes a deep dive into local entertainment at venues around the Gorge. Come on and take the ride - Drake is punching your card for free.

Emily Peterson, aka Zombie, is down to a few hundred miles on the Pacific Crest Trail. But fire is threatening to block the TDHS grad just 30 miles short of the northern terminus. Only time will tell if she makes it or not. The last push of 267 miles from Snoqualmie, Washington to the Canadian border is on.

It’s not a leap to say we’re going through a time of big change. There’s an unraveling, as we collectively and personally try to put ourselves back together after over 2 years of an international pandemic with economic, social and political upheaval unlike anything we’ve ever experienced before. And it doesn’t seem to be getting better.