Looking for live music? Here are some gems & jams

Editors note - CCCNews’ Music Columnist Jim Drake takes us through some of this week’s offerings in music, art and entertainment, ranging from The Marshall Tucker Band to a tribute to Les Vaughn. Go inside and outside the music every week with Drake’s weekly local update at CCCNews.com

By Jim Drake

Marshall Tucker Band headlines “Legends in The Dalles” Summer Music Festival

The elusive Country Tucker.

Whenever a classic band rolls into town, I always try to take the time and dig through my music collection and give the old records a spin. So, I looked through my albums. I looked through the CDs. Couldn’t find it. This is quite a project. More like archeology, really. I was digging through boxes, closets, shelves, and closets with moveable pallets, stacked with boxes. Finally, I gave up and dialed up the computer. Thank goodness for i-Tunes. There it was. A greatest hits collection called “Country Tucker.” Judging by the sound quality, and looking at some details on how the mp3 file was encoded, I’m now guessing it may have been a Cassette Tape. One would think after combing through four boxes of tapes, the elusive artifact would surface. But, no luck so far.

Luckily, the Marshall Tucker Band, still led by 72-year old original lead singer Doug Gray, brings their radio-friendly blend of country, rock, and jazz-flute tinged catalog to Lewis and Clark Festival Park on Saturday, July 17. If I can find that dang tape, maybe I can get it autographed.

[Link to main press release here]

Les Vaughn Tribute featured at Open Mic

Les Vaughn

Sad news in the passing of local singer, songwriter and guitarist Les Vaughn spread through the network of Gorge musicians last month. Les was bandleader of The FenderBenders for years and was a keeper of country music tradition - especially in the realm of Johnny Cash’s legacy. Over the years Les hosted open mic nights at local wineries and provided support and encouragement to anyone who wanted to perform. Last month’s open mic at Hood River’s White Buffalo Winery featured a tribute version of Folsom Prison Blues with the Willy and Nelson band along with a host of Gorge musicians. Friends of Les have been leaving remembrances on www.facebook.com/les.b.vaughn. Coming up at the venue July 15: Women’s Open Mic with Lesly Saunders. 

Spruce Baugher takes “Long Way Around” with new CD

Years ago I interviewed Spruce Baugher on the release of his 2010 album “Ruby,” a nod to his antique VW bus with 1 gazillion miles on the odometer. Now, in true gypsy style, he’s back with new music, this time featuring all of his old Iowa bandmates from another era, and has created perhaps his strongest effort yet. “The Long Way Around” celebrates traveling to the coasts of Mexico and the open roads beyond. 

Usually a Gorge summer resident, Spruce traveled back to be with family in the midwest during the pandemic and is back working gigs with music friend Raven Harmony.

“I finally got to play drums on my songs, which was really exciting,” Baugher recently said. The enthusiasm comes through in every track, the instrument levels are highly present in the mix, with clear vocal tracks. This may have something to do with the CD production details: This CD was mastered at Abbey Road Studios, in London, England. (Yes, I had to read over that twice). Ghosts of George Martin? Track down this record, and listen for yourself.   

www.Sprucebaugher.com

Exit-84 band comments on recent Heat Wave

The Dalles resident John Donovan (JD and the Fearless Few) recently sent over information about yet another new band: Exit-84. Featuring Rob Neuberger on bass, Steve McLennon on drums, Matthaus Nadler on mandolin, keys and guitar and Donovan on guitar and harmonica, the band has released a video of the original song “It’s Hot,” apparently recorded on stage at the Civic Auditorium. Not sure what the temperature was during the recording, but hopefully the weather will cooperate for a follow-up hit. The band was spotted at Freebridge earlier this month. Show your support at www.facebook.com/Exit-84-Band.

Writing Group, Happiness Group meet in August

A creative writing group, led by Patty Kaplan is scheduled to meet in early August at the Hood River Library. Participants write short stories based on idea prompts and share them with the group. For more information and details contact Patty at pattykaplan1@gmail.com.

The Gorge Happiness Group is facilitated by Lifecoach Lucy Mason and meets on Zoom on the fourth Wednesday of the month, from 6-7 p.m. (No July meeting). “Share wisdom, learn techniques, be inspired.” More information at www.lucymasonlifecoaching.com/ 

Columbia Gorge Bluegrass Festival July 22-25 in Stevenson

National and local bluegrass bands gather for the annual Columbia Gorge Bluegrass Festival coming up July 22-25 at the Skamania County Fairgrounds in Stevenson, Wash. Headliner Kathy Kallick, along with the Central Valley Boys, Runaway Train, Sunny South, Whisky Deaf, The Portland Radio Ponies, Ellie Hakanson and The Dalles based Hardshell Harmony will be onstage. Don’t miss the Golden Age of Country Dance Band. Musicians know this secret: This festival is one of the best campsite picking festivals on the west coast. Bring an instrument and join the fun. Tickets and info at http://new.columbiagorgebluegrass.net/

Gorge artists pay tribute to the river, reflect on pandemic

The Columbia Center for the Arts in Hood River presents “Mother River: The Columbia & Her Tributaries,” featuring river landscape art and photographs from 14 artists. The Dalles Art Center presents: Gorge Artists Create: Now What!?! A reflection on the pandemic experiences from 30 artists. Through July 31. https://www.columbiaarts.org/gallery/ https://www.thedallesartcenter.org/current-exhibit

Night Farmers on tour in July

Outlaw Country and Americana specialists The Night Farmers say they’ll be at Grateful Vineyard on Sunday, July 18, 5:30- 7:30 p.m.; Solera Brewery on Friday, July 23, 6-9 p.m., and at Double Mountain (outdoors in the Elk’s Lodge parking lot) Sunday, July 25, 7-9 p.m. The band features brewer Matt Coughlin. https://www.facebook.com/thenightfarmers

Horwitz continues live stream concerts

The Dalles Piano Man Ted Horwitz brings his Take Two solo shows to the stage and internet from the lounge at the Columbia Gorge Hotel on weekends. He’s also been spotted at The Dalles Farmer’s Market. Keep up with Ted at https://www.facebook.com/ted.horwitz.

The Ruins concerts are back, new website

The schedule for music at The Ruins in Hood River has expanded beyond regular Tuesday night shows for 2021, with local spotlight Thursdays, Moth Mondays, and more. Some shows require advanced tickets. Coming up July 13: Kris Deelane & The Hurt (pictured); July 15: Vitamin D; July 16: Tony Furtado (ticketed show). Most shows $5 cover after 7 p.m. Click here for The Ruins calendar of events.

Kris Deelane & The Hurt w/ Gregory Mulkern & DJ Ryan's Mom