Local albums, open mic, masked ball and last call for alcohol

Staying Safe for a While Longer
Online activities and random notes from the Gorge music scene

 By Jim Drake

Lesley Saunders

 Do you miss the “Open Mic” scene?

Mosier’s Lesley Saunders hosts Lesley’s All Love Open Mic on Facebook, as a way for local musicians to connect and upload videos of their performances. Started in April and now 114 members strong, the weekly uploads “are a way to minimize the feeling of isolation during these trying times,” according to Saunders, who led a popular all-women’s open mic at Hood River’s White Buffalo Wine Bar. The page features posts and musings from Saunders’ travels to famous music recording sites - namely The Plant Recording Studio - where Fleetwood Mac recorded “Rumors.” Click here for more.

Mark Daly’s new album, Wayfinder

 More new local Music: There’s a new album by Hood River singer-songwriter Mark Daly, who you may know from bands like Small Footprints and folk-rockers Tilly Jam.

His latest album “Wayfinder,” features ten original songs and has been released on Spotify, along with his 2019 album “Inside the Echos.” As of press time, there’s no indication that Mark is of any relation to the Irish rock-singer of the exact same name, who was highlighted in a recent journalistic Google search. Learn more by clicking here.

The Hapa Hilbillies

 When Lyle singer/guitarist Megan Alder isn’t busy singing at Bargeway Pub, she’s lending her voice to the Hapa Hillbillies’ Virtual Jam in the form of an All-star string band renditions of Jazz Standards. “Feeling so happy to be singing "All of Me" with The Hapa Hillbillies for their weekly song release,” Alder said. In Pre-Pandemic Days, the Hillbillies frequented The Moth Lounge in Hood River on Monday nights.

In the “Did You Know?” Department: For the last 11 years, the Menucha Retreat and Conference Center in Corbett has hosted the River of the West Mandolin Camp in June, now tentatively scheduled for 2021. The week-long gathering is spearheaded by Brian Oberlin - who led the Oregon Mandolin Orchestra - before moving to Michigan last year. Instructors are brought in from all over the world and students are immersed in all-things Mandolin: ranging from jazz, classical, and bluegrass. I can attest to that immersion, as I remember 2015 like it was yesterday. In fact, I remember 2015 better than I remember yesterday or the day before that.

Granada Theatre downtown The Dalles

A Masked Ball?

Granada Theater announces New Year’s Eve plans: A “Socially Distant” New Year’s Eve is on tap at The Dalles’ Granada Theater, with a promise of “entertainment, live music, food, and Social Distancing.” Oh, and “be prepared for anything.”

Visit: www.GranadaTheatreTheDalles.com for more details regarding this event and Granada Covid-19 policies.

Simply captivating.

Hope in the After Virus.

Freebridge Brewing bottled up some optimism this week with the following Facebook post: “Here’s to looking forward to Gorge Blues & Brews in 2021”

Maybe if everything can go right, prick in my arm included, the Gorge’s premier Blues Fest will rise like a Gibson in a solo this June in Stevenson! Cheers to that and pour me another of The Dirty Juicy! - Tom Peterson

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