MCCCA Presents "Dancing with the Gorge Stars" Jan. 13th
Meet the stars of this years MCCCA fundraiser
by Mid-Columbia Community Concert Association
Mid-Columbia Community Concert Association (MCCCA), is proud to bring back by popular demand, the ninth Annual Dancing With The Gorge Stars competition on January 13th, 2023 at 7 p.m. in the The Dalles High School auditorium.
Six local Gorge Stars will compete for your votes at this mid-winter fundraiser for MCCCA.
Like the reality TV dance show, our contestants learn a dance routine prior to show time. But in this show, the competitors are our friends and neighbors from the gorge area. Paired with a professional dancer from the Utah Ballroom Dance Co., they get one week to learn and perfect their routines before performing on stage before a live audience. Video highlights of the rehearsals are shown during the event to showcase how far each contestant has come in just one week.
This year’s contestants include Carmen Myers, Adolfo Mollinedo, David Wring, Tara Pray, Hilda Nelson, and Mike Nagle. To read our interviews with each of the contestants click here.
An entertaining judging-panel of three locals score each couple after their individual performance. During intermission the audience cast their votes which are combined with the judges scores and tallied to determine who wins the beautiful mirror ball trophy.
The second half of the show is a spectacular performance of the Utah Ballroom Dance Co. with a professional showcase featuring a variety of highly choreographed and technical dancing.
This annual fundraiser has become a popular community event, selling out every year. Tickets are only $25 if you purchase them in advance. Tickets are available from any contestant, at Klindt’s Booksellers, Lines of Designs, online at www.mccca.info. Tickets will also be available at the door for $30.
This year’s contestants include Carmen Myers, Adolfo Mollinedo, David Wring, Tara Pray, Hilda Nelson, and Mike Nagle.
Meet the Contestants
Photo Credit MCCCA
Carmen Myers, Branch Manager, Columbia Bank
Tell us about you & your family.
I was born and raised here in The Dalles. I'm the oldest of three. My husband, Chad and I live in Dallesport, WA, with our two dogs Rizzo & Zorro. Both of our families live here in the Gorge, and we enjoy spending time with family and watching our nieces and nephews play sports.
What do you do for a living?
I am the branch manager at the downtown Columbia Bank branch and have been in the banking industry for the last 17 years.
What are your hobbies and/or recreational activities?
Well, I am a big fan of running! I run every day. Back in 2018, I decided I was going to see how many days in a row I could run at 5K (3.1 miles). Four years later, I am still running at least a 5K every day. This is in addition to marathon training; I recently got the chance to run the Chicago Marathon in October. It was amazing. I also like to go hiking. It is necessary when you live in such a beautiful area.
What is your interest in dancing?
To be honest, none. I tried Zumba many years ago and learned I have zero coordination when it comes to dancing. However, I am excited for this opportunity to step outside my comfort zone and see what I can do!
How have you displayed your talents on stage before this show?
Oddly enough, by dancing, sort of. Before the bank was Columbia Bank, we were Columbia River Bank, and every year we would participate in the Cherry Festival’s Lip Sync Contest. It was always such a fun event to do.
What is your personal secret to happiness?
There is no secret. Having a personal relationship with God, I have no reason to be unhappy. Just knowing that I am created with a purpose and a plan is reason enough to always have a smile on. God is good all the time, even in the hard times.
How were you chosen to be a contestant for DWTGS?
I was asked by Patti Blagg if I would be a dancer.
What prompted you to accept?
Patti can be very convincing.
What expectations do you bring to this event?
I hope that I can help raise some money for a good cause and make some people laugh in the process.
How do you rate your opportunity to entertain the audience? Rate 1-10 (10 being highest) and explain why.
I would say four. I can be funny or witty, but I am not one who likes to be at the center of attention and usually people describe me as quiet and shy.
What is your overall goal in entering this competition?
To step outside of my comfort zone and do something that I know little about. No one likes to fail at something, but it is hard to fail if you never try…so why not?
What are your feelings about bringing this type of entertainment to our community?
I think it’s great! We need to do it more often! It would be great to see all the winners of past events do a dance-off or something.
What might be one thing that most people do not know about you?
I can juggle.
Anything else you would like to share with your fan base?
Thank you for thinking I have a fan base.
Photo Credit MCCCA
Adolfo Mollinedo, Owner & Winemaker, Tierra de Lobos Winery
Tell us about you & your family.
I am a handsome 42 year old that loves to put on a show. I love to entertain and put a smile on people’s faces. I love life and everything that comes with being alive.
What do you do for a living?
I’m the owner and winemaker at Tierra de Lobos Winery.
What are your hobbies and/or recreational activities?
Dancing, yoga, hiking, skiing, traveling.
What is your interest in dancing?
Dancing is medicine to the body and soul. As a song in Spanish goes, “Baila y no llores, por que cantando se alegran cielito lindo los corazones.” (Dance and don’t cry, because our hearts get happy when we dance.)
How have you displayed your talents on stage before this show?
I’ve performed in front of an audience a couple of times before while I was taking flamenco classes over 10 years ago in Portland.
What is your personal secret to happiness?
To stay positive regardless of the circumstances and to not care about the opinion of others.
How were you chosen to be a contestant for DWTGS?
Stu convinced me through a casual conversation at the tasting room.
What prompted you to accept?
One of my current life goals is to get back into professional dancing. I have a couple of classes that I’ll be taking in Portland through the winter and a trip or two outside the U.S. to refine my dance skills. Dancing is a form of art and something that brings a lot of joy, and I’d love to share more of that with the world soon.
What expectations do you bring to this event?
To have fun and share one of my passions with the people of The Dalles.
How do you rate your opportunity to entertain the audience? Rate 1-10 (10 being highest) and explain why.
10 – I’m an entertainer at heart and love making people smile.
What is your overall goal in entering this competition?
To have fun and be a positive asset for the organization.
What are your feelings about bringing this type of entertainment to our community?
I love it. So far everyone I talk to loves the idea and is looking forward to the day.
What might be one thing that most people do not know about you?
When I’m not entertaining or serving others, I’m an introvert. I truly enjoy spending time by myself and traveling the world alone.
Photo Credit MCCCA
David Wring
P.E. Teacher, St. Mary's Academy
Tell us about you & your family.
I am 22 years old and have lived in The Dalles since 2009 when my family moved here from Salinas, California. I ran cross country from fifth grade all the way up until my sophomore year in college. I have two younger siblings, and my parents own Smoke Wring BBQ in town.
What do you do for a living?
I am a P.E. teacher at St. Mary’s Academy. I am headed back to school next year to finish my bachelor's degree and obtain my Masters in Elementary Education.
What are your hobbies and/or recreational activities?
I enjoy snowboarding, skateboarding, and any kind of organized or unorganized sport.
What is your interest in dancing?
I don’t really have an interest in dancing.
How have you displayed your talents on stage before this show?
I was in a few plays as a kid. One time I painted my face blue to be the Genie in Aladdin.
What is your personal secret to happiness?
My secret to happiness is success and learning from my mistakes.
How were you chosen to be a contestant for DWTGS?
I was "volun-told" by some of the parentals in my life.
What prompted you to accept?
I accepted because I wasn’t sure what would happen if I didn’t.
What expectations do you bring to this event?
I expect to win. No exceptions.
How do you rate your opportunity to entertain the audience? Rate 1-10 (10 being highest) and explain why.
10 out of 10. I’m the best, plain and simple.
What is your overall goal in entering this competition?
Just to have fun and obviously to win.
What are your feelings about bringing this type of entertainment to our community?
I believe that this kind of event and events like it bring the community together in ways that other events cannot. If we can bring the community together for this event, who knows what else we can bring it together for.
What might be one thing that most people do not know about you?
Most people might not know that I ate guinea pig in Guatemala and LIKED it.
Anything else you would like to share with your fan base?
Nope, all good.
Photo Credit MCCCA
Tara Pray, Administrator, Oregon Veterans Home
Tell us about you & your family.
I am a single mom of 4 kids: Nora (9), Jace (7), Avery (4), and Sadie (2).
What do you do for a living?
Administrator of the Oregon Veterans Home.
What are your hobbies and/or recreational activities?
Yoga, running, reading, football, baseball, softball, and wrestling teams with my kids. I am a member of the Dufur city council and the Veterans Care Centers of Oregon board.
What is your interest in dancing?
I love learning new things and also being physical, so the two pair perfectly through dance.
How have you displayed your talents on stage before this show?
Public speaking at professional events.
What is your personal secret to happiness?
Viewing obstacles as detours in the right direction.
How were you chosen to be a contestant for DWTGS?
Patti called and asked me.
What prompted you to accept?
Peer pressure from friends paired with my goal to become a more involved and supportive community member.
What expectations do you bring to this event?
To meet new people, learn a new skill, and have fun.
How do you rate your opportunity to entertain the audience? Rate 1-10 (10 being highest) and explain why.
Five, based solely on the fact that my awkwardness may provide some entertainment value.
What is your overall goal in entering this competition?
To have fun, meet people, and learn a new skill.
What are your feelings about bringing this type of entertainment to our community?
I think it’s a very creative and entertaining way to unite the community for a good cause.
What might be one thing that most people do not know about you?
My biggest strength is also my biggest weakness, which is being an overly empathetic person.
Anything else you would like to share with your fan base?
Thank you for supporting my Dancing with the Gorge Stars experience and also the Mid-Columbia Community Concert Association!
Photo Credit MCCCA
Hilda Nelson, Former Manager, The Dalles Athletic Club
Tell us about you & your family.
I am 55 years old, I have four kids (three boys and a girl), and three grandchildren (two boys and a girl). My life is very fulfilling. I love it when we can all get together, which is not often enough. I was born in Florida, and I am an Air Force brat. We settled here in The Dalles when I was four. I was raised in The Dalles. I have moved away several times, and I always find my way back to my roots. My mother lives in the same house I grew up in. It is nice to be able to help her out. She is 85 and still has the energy of a teen. My father passed away 24 years ago from cancer. Some of the worst times of my life - I miss him everyday.
I lived in Minnesota for a few years and worked at Mayo Clinic as a phlebotomist. That was definitely the highlight of my career choices.
What do you do for a living?
After eight years at the gym, and the manager for two years, I am off to pursue new ventures. Currently looking into finishing my college degree and contemplating my entrepreneurial dreams as an event planner or gym owner.
What are your hobbies and/or recreational activities?
I love to dance. I have two horses and a dog that I absolutely love. I enjoy horse camping and trail riding. The last time we went horse camping, my son took me on a crazy trail. My horse jumped over a giant log, taking me by surprise. After I got my bearings back, my son exclaimed, “But did you die?” Haha. I was too busy looking off into the wilderness to realize his horse jumped over the same log. That’s what I get for not paying attention.
Spending time with my family brings me a lot of happiness. We camp together, laugh a lot (my kids are hilarious), shoot traps, fish, hunt, go boating, and eat KFC while boating. I love to entertain, throw parties, and make deliciously fun foods. I also love to ride motorcycles in the summer, only on the back though. I haven't graduated to my own bike and probably won't. I also enjoy photography, riding quads, sledding in the winter, and trips to Vegas.
This past year I have been dabbling a bit with the piano. I have started learning Moonlight Sonata by Beethoven. I’m not very far yet but I will get there in a few decades. I have always wanted to learn piano, as I am not getting any younger these days. I think that covers it for the most part.
What is your interest in dancing?
I spent most of my childhood participating in tapping, gymnastics, ballet, and jazz, but as an adult, dancing was never really my thing. Although my mother has always been a dancer (swing dancing, etc.), I never had the urge to follow in her footsteps. I moved back to The Dalles in 2014 and started line dancing. That was the end of that - I was hooked. I gradually progressed from there. I love most types of dance, but nightclub two step is probably my favorite. Getting pushed around the dance floor has brought me a lot of joy.
How have you displayed your talents on stage before this show?
With the exception of my childhood recitals and such, I have not.
What is your personal secret to happiness?
I don't really know what my personal secret to happiness is. I just live everyday to its fullest and create my own laughter/joy - often laughing at myself. We are only on this side of the dirt for so long. Creating my own secret to happiness is an everyday venture and learning experience. And I don't let anyone ruin this for me anymore.
How were you chosen to be a contestant for DWTGS?
I was prompted by Stan Fargher. He said “Beans (which is what he calls me), you should sign up for this." I went to a performance several years back and decided I’d give it a shot. I signed up and was chosen for the following year. I was so excited when Patti called me, I couldn't stand still. I think my daughter has video of me pacing and jumping up and down. My horse decided that I didn’t need to use both of my feet that year so she decided to step on one. I had one good one left, but clearly I need them both intact to dance. I had to back out last year, so here I am. Needless to say, I have been wearing metal boots when I take care of the horses.
What prompted you to accept?
I thought it would be fun and a challenge to my social skills. A big budge from Fargher also helped.
What expectations do you bring to this event?
The only real expectation that I have is to make it through without puking. To meet some great dancers and some great people. And for us all to have fun and enjoy the moments.
How do you rate your opportunity to entertain the audience? Rate 1-10 (10 being highest) and explain why.
I would say smack dab in the middle, a five. I hope that we can all collectively throw out a great show, entertain the audience, and give them some things to remember. I am a bit of a dork, and my hope is to show a bit of that aspect to the audience. Laughter is the best medicine.
What is your overall goal in entering this competition?
I don't really have any goals, other than to have fun and harass Mike Nagle (haha). He and I have danced together a lot in past years. He is a hoot, and I am so looking forward to dancing beside him. It is all about the experience, not so much about who wins.
What are your feelings about bringing this type of entertainment to our community?
I absolutely love this event. It’s fun, funny, and very entertaining. Patty always gives quite the performance herself. I love listening to the judges banter and making jokes. I hope this continues for many years to come.
What might be one thing that most people do not know about you?
I am actually quite introverted. In some of my positions I have held, it may not seem like it. I am actually quite shy. I am definitely not the big mouth of the group as some would say - haha.
Anything else you would like to share with your fan base?
I don't think so. I’m surprised I didn't run out of pages in this document.
Photo Credit MCCCA
Mike Nagle
Owner & Barber, Uppercut Barber Shop
Tell us about you & your family.
I have a son and daughter, Derek and Nici. They have three and one children, respectively. I am 68 years old.
What do you do for a living?
I have been a barber here in The Dalles for about 13 years. I bought my shop from Harvey Prouty and renamed it Uppercut Barber Shop.
What are your hobbies and/or recreational activities?
I like to dance, alpine ski, play a clarinet, ride a bike, and watch movies.
What is your interest in dancing?
I began line dancing in the 90’s. I started partner dancing about 20 years ago and found a true passion. I have learned country two-step, night club two-step, east coast swing, latin (cha-cha, salsa, bachata), tango, waltz, and am focused on west coast swing. I am considered to beat the intermediate level in these dances.
How have you displayed your talents on stage before this show?
I have performed with the Gorge Winds Concert Band at several concerts as a clarinetist each year for the last five years. I have not danced as a performer.
What is your personal secret to happiness?
It is not a secret that dance makes me happy!
How were you chosen to be a contestant for DWTGS?
I have let Patti know in the past I was interested.
What prompted you to accept?
Finally!
What expectations do you bring to this event?
I expect to be nervous and full of stage fright!
How do you rate your opportunity to entertain the audience? Rate 1-10 (10 being highest) and explain why.
I expect to be at about a two as an entertainer (see answer of previous question).
What is your overall goal in entering this competition?
To have fun, dance with professional dancers, support MCCCA, and bring dance awareness to the community.
What are your feelings about bringing this type of entertainment to our community?
I want to support the MCCCA and am honored to participate.
What might be one thing that most people do not know about you?
I make a good chocolate brownie and chocolate fudge. My favorite movie is Captain Ron.
Anything else you would like to share with your fan base?
Thank you for supporting me, Dancing with the Gorge Stars, and get out there and dance!
About Mid-Columbia Community Concert Association
The Mid-Columbia Community Concert Association (MCCCA) is an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization which has brought outstanding, on-stage entertainment to the Mid-Columbia area since the 1930’s MCCCA is one of approximately 400 other community concert associations in the country. Our mission is to bring artists and audiences together at affordable prices.
