This Week in Entertainment by Jim Drake - Aug. 4, 2021
By Jim Drake
Plein Air Exhibit at Maryhill Museum Aug 1-28
An art show that captures outdoor light, expansive mountain landscapes and the magic of our area’s waterways on canvas is now on display at Maryhill Museum throughout the month of August. The 2021 Plein Air event features perspectives from nearly 40 artists - who spent four days outside painting in The Gorge - all vying for “Best Of” awards in this judged competition. Who knows? Your local farm, ranch or favorite spot on the river might be included in the view.
Lost Lake Star Party
Last week’s column mentioned a star-gazing party in Trout Lake, which may have been hampered by smoke and overcast conditions (at least that’s the way it seemed closer to town). But future dates may be looking up (pun intended) for travelers to Hood River’s Lost Lake, where telescope expert Joe Cruz sets up his equipment near the north-end boat dock for a “weekly interactive stargazing event.” Fridays at 9:30 p.m. NASA says it’s a good time for Saturn to be in view nowadays. Bring your star charts and flashlight for the walk home.
Antonyms at Ruins Aug. 5
If you care to do so, you could calculate the number of days it’s been since the Antonyms performed, as their last gig was purported to be April 19, 2019. It must have been a memorable date. Join Doug Stepina, Tim Decker, Dustin Nilsen and Rod Steward for the triumphant return of these local indie-rockers. Expect an opening set from Ted Stepina, whom I’m guessing is a family relation. The Ruins, 6 p.m.
Gorge Musicians on YouTube
Sometimes it’s nice to take a break from watching the 2.3 Billion Cat Videos on YouTube and show some support for local musicians right here in The Gorge. A few weeks ago I mentioned an upload from John Donovan’s band - and this week I came across two more - and the music couldn’t be more diverse. Aaron Keim is a luthier and owner of Beansprout musical instruments - think ukuleles and banjos. His latest upload is a uke rendition of “Banjo Schottische,” a mid-1900s tune from composer Ernest Kaai. Keim performs locally as one of the Junebug Boys, specializing in folk and swing music. Next up on the Playlist is something from Hood River’s Sydney Stevens, who released her fifth CD, “Waltz of Life,” last year. Here she performs “Harvest Moon,” a song she wrote in the early 80s.
(links below)
Is it Pear Picking Time Already?
The Pickin Pear Band (Pictured) is back on tour and they make a stop at Hood River’s River City Saloon on Tuesday, Aug. 3. The music starts at 9 p.m. Will they stick around for Harvest? Coming up later this month: Seattle’s Sons of Guns and locals Bonneville Power Trio on Friday, Aug. 20.
Burgin Blues Show Aug. 6 in Bingen
Sheesh, I need to get over to Bingen and find out what’s going on, because this listing contains ONE thing I’ve Heard Of. We’ve got a show from infamous retired radio host promoter SQURL (I’ve heard of him), bringing Blues guitarist Johnny Burgin (never heard of him) to the “Parking Lot Behind Murphy’s Family Watering Hole,” (again, a venue I’ve never heard of). Touted as Rockin-Chicago style Blues and highly endorsed by Blues legend Elvin Bishop, I’m betting Burgin will be bringing the dance blues party to Bingen reminiscent of the dozens of SQURL events over the last 30 years. Friday, Aug. 6, 6-9 p.m. W. Humbolt Street, Bingen. That’s in Washington (I’ve heard of that).
Comedy Night at Route 30
The Laughs continue (in this column and beyond) as Route 30 in The Dalles brings a night of Improv Stand-up Comedy to the stage on Saturday, Aug. 14, at 7 p.m. Jay Flewelling (Portland’s Curious Comedy Theater) and six other comedians promise to bring the laughs that will start “our much-needed healing” process that we all need. Note: Limited Reserved Seating only.
Movie Night at Granada
Where can you go for vintage 1970s horror-comedy movies? Well, besides perusing my collection VHS and DVDs, you’ll need to head to the Granada Theater for two showings of “The Abominable Dr. Phibes,” starring Vincent Price this week Aug. 6 and 7. Rated PG-13. Doors open 5:30 p.m. [BTW - The closest I get to this genre is a copy of “The Terror” featuring a really young Jack Nickleson and some Hammer-directed Dracula movies starring pre-Star Wars Peter Cushing.]
Nice to Know
The Hood River Valley Adult Center was happy to announce that they have reopened for serving lunches on Monday, Aug. 2, and opening day included live music from local seniors. What song was on the setlist? “When You’re Smiling,” a 1929 hit with Louis Armstrong. The center is home to Meals on Wheels, one of the major players in assisting the community.
John Chao publishes “50 Year Vision Quest”
Mosier resident and former National Geographic photographer John Chao recently had his book, “50 Year Vision Quest,” published. Chao chose 500 images from his extensive personal collection representing his work as a photojournalist from 1970 to today. He dedicates a chapter to the Water Protectors at Standing Rock, and his kickstarter campaign raised the funds to donate 1000 books to the children of the Water Protectors.
