March entertainment coming in like a lion; Get out there and roar!
This Week in Gorge Entertainment
By Jim Drake
Empire Trio at Civic Auditorium
Empire Trio at TD Civic March 7.
The Mid-Columbia Community Concert Association presents The Empire Trio, “an exhilarating and uniquely talented classical crossover ensemble that has been taking concert halls by storm all over the world.” The trio brings its ‘Hooray for Hollywood’ set to the stage, with beloved renditions of movie soundtrack hits from the Golden Age to modern classics.
The Empire Trio will be at The Dalles Civic Auditorium on Tuesday, March 7, starting at 7 p.m. Tickets available at:
https://www.midcolumbiacommunityconcerts.org/events/empire-trio
Live Music at Zim’s
Zim’s Brau Haus in The Dalles presents live local music.
Friday, March 3, Rich & Blonde, 7 p.m.
Saturday, March 4, Got Your Six Veteran Band, 7 p.m.
Saturday, March 11, Rezound (Classic Rock), 7 p.m.
Author Garvin at TDAC
Eileen Garvin
The Dalles Art Center presents author Eileen Garvin on Thursday, March 16, at 7 p.m., to discuss her best-selling debut novel “The Music of Bees.” The Oregonian says “Garvin's characters ring true, as does her depiction of the Hood River Valley, which gives this novel a unique sense of place. The Music of Bees is just the book to sink into when you need inspiration and restoration.”
Lunafest at HRVHS March 8-9
Lunafest - Films about Women by Women - screens at Hood River Valley High School on Wednesday, March 8 (7 p.m.) and Thursday, March 9 (9 p.m.). The festival features seven films with “diverse stories that can spark conversation, connection, and change.”
Films include: Reclaim Your Water: Natasha Smith by Faith E. Briggs; Miss Chelove: From Java To The Streets Of D.C. by Sara T. Gama; Pete by Bret Parker & Pete Barma; This Is Beth by Jen Randall; More Than I Want To Remember by Amy Bench; Syed Family Xmas Eve Game Night by Fawzia Mirza & Kausar Mohammed; Swimming Through by Samantha Sanders.
Sam Baker in concert
Sam Baker
Singer-songwriter Sam Baker makes his return visit to the Gorge, on Friday, March 17 (7 p.m.) and Sunday, March 19, (2 p.m.) at the Hood River Middle School, performing a program of new songs with the Columbia Gorge Sinfonietta as well as selections from the "Go In Peace Symphony.” The concert is called “Chasing Light” and features a new suite of spoken word stories with music written by conductor Mark Steighner, interwoven with songs and spoken word sections by Sam Baker.
Tickets at www.Gorgeorchestra.org
About the concert
CGOA presents Sam Baker and the Gorge Sinfonietta “Chasing Light.”
Sometimes, tragedy and loss can be transmuted into art. That’s certainly true of the songs of Sam Baker. Baker has spent a career writing lyrical and intimate songs about his own challenges. But he also writes touching, surprising lyrics about everyday people, their joys and moments of suffering. Just like in 2020, when Sam Baker joined the Gorge Sinfonietta for a program of original songs, he’s partnering with the orchestra
again to present a new concert, called “Chasing Light.”
In 1986, Sam was the victim of a terrorist bombing on a passenger train in Machu Picchu. Others in his train compartment were killed, but Sam survived with catastrophic injuries, including brain damage, a cut artery, and blown-in eardrums. Over 17 reconstructive surgeries and years of rehabilitation later, Sam still suffers from tinnitus and had to relearn language and to play guitar left-handed.
The terrorist attack and its emotional and physical aftermath have found their way into Sam Baker’s songs. Haunted imagery of passengers dying and survivor guilt infuse many lyrics. More often than not, though, Baker’s songs express wonder, gratitude, love and hope. While there has been some darkness and pain in Sam Baker’s life, his songs also contain wit and humor.
Since 2004, he has released 6 albums. Baker's 2013 album, Say Grace, was listed by Rolling Stone as one of the top 10 country music albums of 2013. Baker has been featured on NPR’s Fresh Air with Terry Gross. While Baker’s songs have always contained narrative elements, he’s been experimenting with spoken word pieces with musical accompaniment. He’s even in the process of writing a play.
In 2020, Sinfonietta conductor Mark Steighner partnered with Sam Baker and wrote nearly two dozen orchestra arrangements for Sam’s songs. The program was called the “Go in Peace Symphony” after the title of the concluding song. For the upcoming March concerts, Steighner and Sam Baker will be reprising some favorites from the earlier concert, but the highlight will be a 20 minute suite of spoken word stories and songs. The new concert is called “Chasing Light.” The program also features a live performance of Baker’s “The Tattooed Woman,” which the Sinfonietta recorded during the pandemic as an online-only video.
Live music at Working Hands
Working Hands Fermentation in Hood River presents live music, trivia nights and more.
Friday, March 3, Adam Zabel, 7:30 p.m. (Singer-songwriter)
Saturday, March 4, Angelic Noise, 7:30 p.m. (Acoustic Duo)
Sunday, March 5, Open Mic hosted by Tim Decker, 6 p.m.
‘Deal’ at River City
River City Saloon in Hood River presents the music of the Grateful Dead with “Deal,” the Northwest’s “most intrepid and psychedelic Grateful Dead band. True to the original spirit of fearless exploration, Deal will be skydiving without a net all night long.” Expect two sets. Saturday, March 25, 9 p.m., 21+ only.
Oscar Party, Kathryn Grimm at 64oz Taphouse
Kathryn Grimm & The Blues Tools
Kathryn Grimm & The Blues Tools takes the stage at 64oz Taphouse in Hood River on Wednesday, March 1, starting at 7 p.m. Get ready for a Red Carpet Oscar Party on Sunday, March 12, starting at 3 p.m.
Tickets and info at:
https://www.facebook.com/events/3573486779585416/?ref=newsfeed
Jeff Mininick at Mosier Company
Sources say that The Dalles Drummer Jeff Mininick has a show at Mosier Company in Mosier on Friday, March 3, from 6-8 p.m.
‘Paddle to Pacific’ event at CGDC
The Columbia Gorge Discovery Center in The Dalles hosts local author Laurie Case Wilhite on Thursday, March 2, for a book signing program and conversation featuring her new book, “Paddle to the Pacific: A Journey of Reflection on the Columbia River.” The evening includes Wilhite reflecting on her 250-mile kayaking journey down the Columbia River from the John Day Dam to Astoria. Discovery Center Raptor Coordinator Morgan Olson will also speak about the magnificent avian life along the Columbia Gorge. Dinner options available. Tickets and more information at: gorgediscovery.org/events/paddletothepacific
Women Artist Show at White Salmon Library
Join the White Salmon Library on Wednesday, March 8, at 6:30 p.m. for a presentation by Louise Palermo, Education Curator at Maryhill Museum of Art, will share her lecture “She Persisted: Women Artists Through Time,” for an opening reception for the Women Artists of the Gorge exhibit, running through March 31. Find more information at: https://fvrl.librarymarket.com/she-persisted-women...
Rodeo Queen Coronation at MCSC
2023 Wasco County Rodeo Queen Kai Leah’s Coronation
2023 Wasco County Rodeo Queen Kai Leah’s Coronation is celebrated on Sunday, March 12, from 2-4 p.m. at the Mid-Columbia Senior Center in The Dalles. Includes silent auctions and Cowboy Poetry from Duane Nelson.
If you have items to donate for the silent auction please call or text Gaylene at (541) 806-2576.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg film at Mt. View Grange
“RBG: Hero, Icon, Dissenter - A Documentary Film” will be shown on Friday, March 10, at 6:30 p.m. at Mt. View Grange in White Salmon. The 2018 film explores the “exceptional life and career of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who has developed a breathtaking legal legacy while becoming an unexpected pop culture icon.” Rated PG. Sponsored by Soroptimist International and FVRLibraries.
Everybody’s Brewing celebrates March 4
Everybody’s Brewing in White Salmon celebrates a re-branding makeover on Saturday, March 4 with new and old beer releases, swag, a photo booth and more. Expect music from The Quick & Easy Boys starting at 8:30 p.m. to cap off the night.
Secret Salsa at Crush Cider
Crush Cider in Hood River hosts the Secret Salsa Society’s weekly social dance on Wednesday, March 1, from 7-9 p.m.
Live Music at Last Stop Saloon
Last Stop Saloon in The Dalles features live music with local favorites and NW regional bands.
March Schedule:
Friday, March 3, Mike Bellamy, 7-10 p.m.
Saturday, March 4, Sienna Christie, 7-10 p.m.
Friday, March 10, Jay Bean, 7-10 p.m.
Saturday, March 11, Alonzo Garbanzo, 7-10 p.m.
Friday, March 17, Al Hare, 7-10 p.m.
Saturday, March 18, Rich & Blonde, 7-10 p.m.
Friday, March 24, Ray Lemley, 7-10 p.m.
Saturday, March 25, Ben Blakely, 7-10 p.m.
Friday, March 31, Jamie Reynolds, 7-10 p.m.
Every Monday, Al Hare, 7-9 p.m.
Every Tuesday, Jeff Carrel, 7-9 p.m.
Every Wednesday, Tyson Huckins, 7-9 p.m.
Every Thursday, Jeff Minnick, 8-11 p.m.
Every Sunday, Ben Blakely, 7-9 p.m.
‘Double Indemnity’ at Granada
The Granada Theater in The Dalles presents the 1944 classic murder mystery “Double Indemnity,” on Saturday, March 4. Showtime 6 p.m.
The Granada Theater hosts Alex Falcone and Friends Comedy Night, Friday, March 24, 7 p.m.
The Granada Theater presents Christian Rock Band The Union of Sinners & Saints on Saturday, March 25, 7 p.m.
Tickets at: https://granadatheatrethedalles.com/
Gigs Here and There
Thursday, March 2, Willy & Nelson Trio at White Buffalo Wine Bar, Hood River, 6-8 p.m.
Friday, March 3, Greenneck Daredevils at Charlie's Mountain View in Government Camp, 7 p.m.
Maupin Daze Parade Registration Open
Vendor and Parade Registration is open for the 2023 Maupin Daze event on Saturday, May 20. Link to the Google docs:
Civic Kids Wizard of Oz
Civic Kids - Wizard of Oz at Civic Auditorium March 10, 11, 18 and 19.
I could while away the hours
Conferrin' with the flowers,
Consulting with the rain;
And my head I'd be a scratchin'
While my thoughts are busy hatchin'
If I only had a brain.
Step into the journey to the Wizard of Oz! The Dalles Civic Auditorium will have four performances for you to join in on the events of Dorothy and her friends' travels.
Civic Kids - Wizard of Oz at Civic Auditorium March 10, 11, 18 and 19.
Tickets at: https://thedallescivic.com/calendar-of-events
Community Reads, Drumming event at TD Library
The Hobbit Adventure for The Dalles Community Read events starts on Wednesday, March 1. Pick up your copy of the book now and get ready for themed events for March and April.
On Saturday, March 4, at 1 p.m. the En Taiko Drum Ensemble will be at The Dalles Library.
Gorge Speakeasy returns to Ruins
The Ruins in Hood River hosts an evening of storytelling with the Gorge Speakeasy on Wednesday, March. 1, starting at 6:30 p.m. Sign up for a storyteller spot and engage an audience with your awesome story. A professional moderator is on-hand to help you through the process. Proceeds from the evening benefit various community organizations. More information at:
Sense of Place returns
Kat Brigham, Chair of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation to speak
Sense of Place lectures return to the Columbia Center for the Arts in Hood River on Wednesday, March 8, at 7 p.m., with A Conversation with Kat Brigham, Chair of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation and Appointed Member of the First-Ever Secretary’s Tribal Advisory Committee for the U.S. Department of the Interior. “Sense of Place features presenters with a unique knowledge of the Columbia River Gorge and who consider the natural, cultural, and political history that has shaped this place. The presenters can include scientists, tribal members, authors, farmers, and many others from throughout the Pacific Northwest. The information and stories shared at these talks deepen our understanding of the Gorge and strengthen our connection to the landscape and to each other.”
Tickets at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sense-of-place-season-13-tickets-396034308277
Columbia Center for the Arts Outreach Program starts March 9
A conversation about the direction and future of the Columbia Center for the Arts in Hood River starts on Thursday, March 9, with in-person and virtual outreach sessions planned. Some sessions include kids workshops and other activities. For the full schedule visit:
https://www.columbiaarts.org/cca-eventscalendar/cca-calendar/
Community Night at Thunder Island
Thunder Island Brewing in Cascade Locks hosts Community Night for the Cascade Locks Historical Museum on Wednesday, March 1, from 5-9 p.m. It’s a fun-filled Bingo Night with proceeds benefiting the featured non-profit organization.
Hood River Reads features ‘Rough House’
Author Tina Ontiveros
The annual Hood River Reads book distribution kick-off event happens on Saturday, March 4, at 2 p.m. at the Hood River County Library. This year’s selection is “Rough House,” by Tina Ontiveros. Parkdale and Cascade Locks libraries open 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. for distribution.
About the Book
“In her gripping and courageous debut memoir Rough House, author Tina Ontiveros tells the story of her experiences as a young girl growing up in Pacific Northwest logging camps and working-class towns amidst her family’s intergenerational trauma and poverty.
The author describes her journey of love, loss, pain, acceptance, and finding herself after growing up divided between a charming, mercurial, abusive father and a mother struggling with small-town poverty. In searingly honest, straightforward prose, Rough House tells how the author tried to understand her father and family from an adult perspective. She explores universal themes of parents and children, how poverty can shape family relationships, and her journey to a different kind of adulthood. Rough House confirms our shared humanity and reminds us that sometimes pain can make us strong.”
Amazing Bubble Man at Bingen Theater
Bubblin’ up entertainment.
The Amazing Bubble Man pops into the Bingen Theater on Saturday, March 11, at 2 p.m. “Louis Pearl has been thrilling audiences around the world for over 30 years with the art, magic, science and fun of bubbles. He is a favorite at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, where he has enjoyed twelve years of sell-out success. From square bubbles, bubbles inside bubbles, fog-filled bubbles, giant bubbles, bubble volcanoes, tornados and trampolines to people inside bubbles, the Amazing Bubble Man conjures shrieks of laughter and gasps of amazement from all ages.”
Tickets at:
Live Music at Trout Lake Hall
Redray Frazier plays Trout Lake Hall March 2nd.
Trout Lake Hall in Trout Lake, Washington is bringing live music back to the Historic building’s stage.
Thursday, March 2, Redray Frazier, 7 p.m.- Free Show
“From his humble beginnings singing gospel music in his father’s Baptist church choir in New Jersey, through his major label incarnations opening for the likes of Lenny Kravitz and Ben Harper to joining Talking Heads’ David Byrne’s touring band, Portland-based rock ’n’ soul troubadour, Redray Frazier has always been able to meld the influences of his record collection into his spectrum-covering brand of soul music.”
Saturday, March 4, Bingo Night, 5-8 p.m. - Free Event
Sunday, March 5, Mr. Ben - Kid’s Show for Kids and Grownups!, 3-5 p.m. Free Show
Binn Ceol St Paddy's Celebration at Solera
Solera Brewery in Parkdale brings traditional Irish music on Friday, March 17, at 5 p.m. with the Binn Ceol band. Made up of members of Barley Draught, Binn Ceol performs a variety of traditional folk songs, rebel songs, pipe tunes (Highland, Uilleann, and small-pipes), and sing-a-longs. Some are easy listening, and some are boisterous. Audience participation is encouraged.
The Jeremiahs in concert at UCC
The Jeremiahs play the UCC Church in TD on March 21.
“One of the most exciting bands to come out of Ireland,” The Jeremiahs will be at UCC Church in The Dalles on Tuesday, March 21, at 6:30 p.m.
About the Band
“The Jeremiahs is an Irish folk band that comprises four musicians who have come together with the common goal of writing, composing and performing folk songs and music. They have traveled extensively, bringing their music far and wide and are heralded as a live band not to be missed. With a wonderful mixture of newly composed songs and tunes in the folk genre and a well-selected catalog of older folk songs, they are sure to rouse all the emotions.
Hailing from County Dublin is singer Joe Gibney on vocals. On fiddle, viola and vocals is County Cork’s Niamh Varian-Barry (formerly of Solas). On flutes and whistles is the French-born Julien Bruneteau and on Guitar is Dublin-born James Ryan.”
https://www.tickettomato.com/event/7942/landmark-concerts-welcomes-the-jeremiahs-usa-tour-23
Silverhill, more at Route 30
Route 30 Bottles and Brews in The Dalles brings live music and more to the stage.
Thursday, March 9, New Prohibitions with Danny Wilson, 7 p.m.
Saturday, March 11, Silverhill, 8 p.m. (Rock, Originals, Blues)
Saturday, March 18, Southern Sons, 8 p.m. (Southern Rock)
Write The Novel workshop at TD Library
A six-week “Write the Novel” Monday night workshop with Frank Zafiro starts on Monday, March 6, at The Dalles Library, from 5:30-7 p.m.
About the Workshop
Have you wanted to write a novel, but just can't seem to get it off the ground? Or you've started, but just can't finish? Frank Zafiro's "Write The Novel" 6-week Workshop will help you get your novel across the finish line!
Join Frank on Monday, March 6, for the first of 6 sessions. The March 6 and April 10 session will be in person. The other 4 sessions will be on zoom.
Frank Zafiro has written and published over forty novels, including the River City Series and the Spocompton series. This workshop covers: capturing your ideas, the philosophy of writing, planning your novel, plot and structure, character, dialogue, setting, pacing, theme, getting past tough spots such as plot problems or writer's block, finishing your novel, and more.
Zafiro was a police officer in Spokane, Wash., and is the author of the River City crime detective series.
Teddy Bear Sleepover at White Salmon Library
Get ready for the Teddy Bear Sleepover starting on Thursday, March 2, at the White Salmon Library. Drop off your teddy bear, stuffed animal, doll or other toy at the library anytime between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Come back on Friday, March 3, at 6:15 p.m. in your pajamas to pick up your furry friend. Then, enjoy stories, crafts, juice and cookies, and watch a slideshow of all the fun your bear had overnight at the library.
