Actor? Musician? What? - Billy Bob Thornton at Granada in TD on Sunday
This Week in Gorge Entertainment
By Jim Drake
Movie Stars and Rock Bands
Once again it’s already Midnight, and I really should be trying to sleep right now, but I fell down a rabbit hole trying to wrap my head around Billy Bob Thornton’s band, The Boxmasters. If you’ve been following along, you know he’ll be at The Granada in The Dalles on Sunday, May 8.
From the Video Evidence I’ve seen, Thornton has surrounded himself with a band that provides a very polished pop-rock Vibe, with nods to the 60s, Surf and Country ballad material. Known for his eccentricity on and off the stage, Thornton has a distinctive stage presence, but his voice distinctively delivers the same tones and timbre throughout the set. And that’s fine for what it is, but sometimes I’m just wishing for a bit more of an emotional delivery - like some of the characters he’s played in the movies. Can you guess which one I recently re-watched?
For me, there’s always been a bit of a mystery when actors become band members, and the question always becomes - is it better when a movie star tries to become a singer, or is it better for a singer to try and become a movie star? The role of singing and acting becomes blurred, and sometimes it’s hard to determine the level of authenticity. But more importantly, does your opinion of the person change after you’ve seen your favorite actor or musician try to conquer the other format? Sometimes the only way to find out is to see for yourself.
About the Artist
THE BOXMASTERS have entertained audiences across America with their distinctive blend of poignant lyrics and a Southern Americans’ take on the British Invasion. Founded in Bellflower, California in 2007, the band features Academy Award-winning actor Billy Bob Thornton on drums and vocals, with J.D. Andrew on rhythm guitar, and Teddy Andreadis on the organ /piano. The group has released six albums.
Influenced by the sounds of The Beatles, The Byrds, Big Star as well as Pink Floyd and John Prine, the group has established a cult following while opening for the likes of ZZ Top, Willie Nelson and the Steve Miller Band. THE BOXMASTERS’ music is “at turns dark and funny, with world-class hooks” – a uniquely harmonious sound that’s rich in rhythm and story.”
The Boxmasters featuring Billy Bob Thornton play the Granada Theater in The Dalles on Sunday, May 8. Opening set from Surf Rock Trio “The Deadlies.” Tickets at https://www.granadatheatrethedalles.com/5-8-boxmasters-with-bbt.html
Musical ‘Rent’ opens May 6
The CGOA ensemble Stages presents the award-winning musical “Rent” at the Bingen Theatre on May 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 and 21 at 7 p.m.; and May 8 and 15 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20/$15 CGOA members. Tickets available at Gorgeorchestra.org
Groundbreaking Musical RENT Comes to the Bingen Theater (information provided by CGOA)
Everyone has heard of Hamilton, Lin Manuel Miranda’s popular rap
musical. It changed musical theatre forever. But Hamilton was not the first
musical to use the language of pop, rock or rap. Miranda has said, “There would be no Hamilton without Rent.”
Now, for the first time ever, local audiences can see what all the fuss is about, courtesy of CGOA Stages. Rent is coming to the Bingen Theater. The Pulitzer-prize winning musical opens May 6 for an eight-show run.
Rent is very loosely based on Puccini’s opera La Boheme, but don’t let the word opera scare you. There are no sopranos screaming in Italian in Rent. Puccini’s opera was about a group of young artists trying to eke out a living, pay their rent and manage their love lives. Rent places the artists in 1990s New York, where they struggle to make a living, pay their rent, and manage their love lives.
Where Puccini used the sound of classical music, Rent uses rock. It’s authentic, too. It sounds like the kind of music you’d hear on the radio.
Rent is joyous and filled with hope, but it isn’t afraid to tackle the important issues of the day, like economic inequality and homelessness. Maybe the heaviest theme is the HIV/Aids epidemic that was upending the gay community.
Musical director Dan Kenealy said that while the show is about a specific group of people, the theme is more universal. “The message of Rent is fairly all-encompassing of what it means to be human, which is a mixture of tragedies and triumphs.”
Since its first, long-running premiere on Broadway, Rent has received dozens of revivals, two movie versions and countless productions around the world. Singers continue to record the show’s most famous song, “Seasons of Love.”
This past year, Miranda directed a movie version of “Tick, Tick, Boom,” Rent composer Jonathan Larson’s autobiographical musical. Larson tragically died the night before Rent opened on Broadway, adding a real-life note of poignancy to the musical.
The show is being directed by Joe Garoutte. You might remember him as the smarmy lawyer Billy Flynn in CGOA’s sold-out production of Chicago. Now in the role of director, Garoutte said, “Audience members will be so moved at many points in the show and will truly experience that love is love. The whole cast has pulled together to create something that will send everyone home buzzing with hope and great conversation.”
Speaking of conversations, there will be cast talk backs on Friday, May 13 and Sunday, May 15. It’s a great way for audiences to connect with the actors and talk about the musical they’ve seen. Those actors make up a cast of both familiar faces and many new ones, making their debut in a Stages production. Kenealy said, “This is a wonderful cast who has worked incredibly hard to tell the story of RENT. They have developed deep connections to the music.”
The diverse cast includes principal players Reuben Betts, William Thayer-Daugherty, Amalia Vasquez, Seth Kelly, Ashly Will, Ayanna Hamilton, Chal Oates and Ryan Maxwell. The ensemble includes Emily
Vawter, David Dye, Marcos Galvez, Cynthia Yoshida, Lesley Saunders, Kelly Mahon, Abby Rankin, Norah Baker, Carol Thayer, Noah Harkin, Jerry Vasquez and Ann Marie Wagar.
In addition to Garoutte and Kenealy, the production crew includes Ann Egan (Choreography), Jodi Wright (Costumes) and Rachel Hamilton (Stage Manager). The music is at the heart of a rock opera like Rent and is powered by a top-notch band that includes Corin Parker, Larry Wyatt, Kurt Schneider and Kandi Pritchard.
The show is rated PG-13 for language, drug use and sexual content. Parents are encouraged to research the show before bringing children to the production. Audiences are required to show proof of full vaccination or recent negative test. Masks are not required but are optional.
Gorge Blues and Brews lineup announced
Stevenson’s own Gorge Blues and Brews festival happens on June 24-25, featuring top regional and local blues acts. This year’s festival will feature Too Slim & The Taildraggers, Coyote Kings w/ Tiphony Dames, Johnny Wheels & The Swamp Donkeys, Stacy Jones Band, Michele D'Amore & The Love Dealers, Seth Myzel Band, Stevie and the Blue Flames, Robin Gibson Band, Mark Hurwitz & Gin Creek, and the Big River Blues Band.
For tickets and more information visit www.gorgeblues.com/music
Discovery Center celebrates 25th Anniversary
Get ready for a Salmon Bake and more for the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center’s 25th Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, May 21. The current exhibit is Bounty of the Gorge: Gorge Art Quilts From Beyond the Block of the Columbia River Gorge Quilter’s Guild.
Virtual Tea Party at History Museum May 14
Dust off your fine china and polish the silver! The History Museum of Hood River County presents the annual Tea Party coming up Saturday, May 14, at 4 p.m. This virtual meeting will revel in “exquisite savories and sweets and sip quality tea from the comfort of your own home.” Local author Eileen Garvin, will talk about her new book, “The Music of Bees.” Proceeds support the museum’s mission to celebrate and preserve the unique history of Hood River County and the mid-Columbia River region.
For more information and tickets: https://www.hoodriverhistorymuseum.org/tea-party
Maupin Daze Celebrates May 21
Celebrate 100 Years of Maupin on Saturday, May 21, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., with Maupin Daze, a festival featuring a Huge Craft Market, Parade, Two Live Bands, Native American Dancers, a Car Show, Kids Games and more. Send Parade reservations to Keyofsea78@gmail.com
Spring Lineup announced at Bargeway Pub
Alex Dunn
Bargeway Pub in The Dalles announces a music lineup with local and regional acts with rock, blues and country.
Wednesday, May 18, Alex Dunn (pictured) (Singer Songwriter)
Saturday, May 21, Rock Doctors
Wednesday, May 25, eM’nCee (Country, Pop and Rock Duo)
Friday, May 27, Eric Leadbetter
Saturday, May 28, Sweetie 2.0
Blues Show with Johnny Burgin May 27
It’s Rockin Chicago Blues with guitarist Johnny Burgin and Seattle Blues Harp player Joel Astley on Friday, May 27, 7-10 p.m. at The Pines Tasting Room in Hood River. Burgin is steeped in Chicago Blues and has played with legendary artists Pinetop Perkins and Paul DeLay and has worked on award-winning blues tribute recordings. This is a ticketed event, with limited seating. Tickets are available at The Pines Tasting Room in Hood River.
Karaoke at Red Carpet
Reports are coming in that the Red Carpet Inn in Hood River hosts Red Carpet Karaoke every Tuesday, starting at 8:30 p.m. Don’t worry if you get there late, the venue promises to keep the tunes rolling late into the night.
River City Saloon feature The West Goats
Local band The West Goats are playing at the River City Saloon in Hood River every Thursday in May: May 12, 19, and 26. Music starts at 7 p.m. and from the looks of things admission is free. And let's give a shout out to the Poster Designer, too, with the TV Guide Throwback Vibe. Nicely Done!
‘Aerial Empowerment’ show May 15
Empowered Movement Aerial is all about the world of Trapeze and “those rope swing things that always look a bit too difficult for me to try.” If you want to see how the professionals do it, make plans to hang out, literally, on Sunday, May 15, at a studio in Bingen, where you can learn more about this unique fitness sport. Details and tickets at:
Coffis Brothers at Ruins May 10
True Story: I listened to the Coffis Brothers single “Ramona” for all of 15 seconds and thought to myself, “wow, this sounds like that band The Mother Hips.” And after another 15 seconds of scouting around I learned the Coffis Brothers are friends with Tim Bluhm of the Mother Hips. Hmm, not bad for 30 seconds! The new album is “Turn My Radio Up,” which should satisfy fans of California Americana Rock Sounds. The band is at The Ruins in Hood River, Tuesday, May 10, music starts at 6 p.m. with an opening set from Karyn Ann.
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.
May 9: Richard Morrow (Country Rock from Lyle, Wash.)
May 16: Al Hare and Lindsey Walters (Country Pop)
May 23: Kit Garoutte (Solo Fingerstyle Guitar)
Live music at Grateful Vineyard
Live music continues at Hood River’s Grateful Vineyard.
Music is from 4-6 p.m.
Sunday, May 8: Alonzo Garbanzo (6- and 12-string guitars - and a 500 song repertoire)
Sunday, May 15: The Honey Jays (Fireside female duo)
Sunday, May 22: Ben Bonham Trio (Blues & Swing)
Live Music at Double Mountain
Greenneck Daredevils
Double Mountain Brewery in Hood River presents local and regional live music.
Saturday, May 7, Kate Dinsmore (Jazz, Rock, Americana) 7 p.m.
Thursday May 12, Greenneck Daredevils Release party for Gypsy Road album, 7 p.m. (pictured)
Saturday, May 14, Matt Coughlin, 7 p.m.
Seussical Jr. - The Musical at Civic in The Dalles debuts May 13
Support the local Civic Kids as they present Seussical Jr. as they take you through a staged musical of the well-known characters created by Dr. Seuss. Shows at The Dalles Civic Auditorium on May 13, 14, 20, and 22, starting at 7 p.m.
Tickets at: https://thedallescivic.com/calendar-of-events
Vivace at The Civic May 16
On Monday, May 16, The Dalles Civic Auditorium welcomes “Canada’s biggest classical pop group” Vivace. Critics say Vivace has “a rich and diverse repertoire ranging from pop, arias, to their own original material, these award-winning performers create a fresh new take on the classical and modern music of today.” Their new album is “Diamonds” and it contains “unexpected songs that bridges classical and pop rock genres.*” Tickets at:
https://midcolumbiacommunityconcerts.org/purchase-tickets/
About the Artist
Vivace is a sophisticated and thrilling combination of four exceptional pop and classical singers. Based out of North America, Vivace started merging their talents in 2010, performing at the Vancouver Winter Olympic Games. Since then, they have gone on to tour extensively throughout the United States and Canada, captivating audiences everywhere they go. Vivace’s stirring combination of male and female voices creates a sound that is exclusively their own, setting them apart in the classical-crossover pantheon. With a rich and diverse repertoire ranging from pop songs, to opera arias, to their own self-written material, Vivace undoubtedly puts a fresh spin on both classical and contemporary music.
Live Music at Zim’s
Zim’s Brau Haus in The Dalles presents live local music.
Friday, May 6, Kenny and the Jeffs, 7-9 p.m.
Saturday, May 7, Richard Morrow and Kenny Olsen, 7-9 p.m.
Live music at Working Hands Beer
Working Hands Beer in Hood River presents live music, trivia nights and more.
Sunday, May 8, Open Mic, 6-8 p.m.
Saturday, May 14, Lisa James, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, May 21, Arthur C. Lee, 7:30 p.m.
Live Music at The Pines
Live music returns Fridays, from 6-9 p.m. at The Pines Tasting Room in Hood River.
*Special Show Wednesday, May 4, Performing Arts Initiative Benefit Party, tickets https://givebutter.com/Y4fe0j
May 6, Grateful Growlers
First Friday returns to The Dalles May 6
The monthly First Friday celebration returns to Downtown The Dalles on Friday, May 6, from 5-8 p.m.
Tiny Art, more at White Salmon Library
The White Salmon Library celebrates Tiny Art in May, all month long. Stop by the library in to view the Tiny Art Show.
This May also includes a celebration of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, with a special collection of books on display, which can be found at: https://www.fvrl.org/asian-pacific-heritage.
Goldendale Library celebrates James Webb Telescope
The Goldendale Library is celebrating the launch of NASA's James Webb Space Telescope with a community art project. The James Webb Telescope is the most powerful telescope ever built. It will capture images of far-away galaxies, new stars, new planets and more. Stop by the library to pick up a hexagon and create what you think the Webb Telescope will find. Return your finished piece to the library to be put on display and placed in the Goldendale Community Time Capsule. Entries are due by May 31. Goldendale Community Library
Student Art Show
The Dalles Art Center 2022 Student Art Show opens this Saturday, May 7th from 12 - 2pm.
Middle and High Schoolers art will be exhibited at the Art Center. Elementary School students art will be showcased in businesses throughout downtown The Dalles.
