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Columbia Community Connection was established in 2020 as a local, honest and digital news source providing meaningful stories and articles. CCC News’ primary goal is to inform and elevate all the residents and businesses of the Mid-Columbia Region. A rising tide lifts all boats, hop in!

Minnick flowing tonight for Waterfront Wednesday at Bargeway Pub; Your giggin' gorge wide guide

Minnick flowing tonight for Waterfront Wednesday at Bargeway Pub; Your giggin' gorge wide guide

Bargeway Pub & Catering’s Entertainment Weekly

By Jim Drake at gorgeentertainment@gmail.com

Jeff Minnick pulls out his guitar for Waterfront Wednesday at the Bargeway Pub tonight, Dec. 13. The veteran player who lives for the pocket will lay down the lyrics tonight at The Dalles’ premier venue. Minnick is one of several local talents that will be filling the stage this week.

Jeff Minnick was ten when he first picked up drumsticks in 1967. Jamming in The Dalles to songs like “House of the Rising Sun,” with his friends in the garage was just the start. Music took Jeff on a journey that included a 20-year stint of being on the road with nationally known bluesmen and obscure guitarists who are revered ghosts of blues history. 

I interviewed Minnick about his guitar play back in the depths of the pandemic in 2020.

Jeff Minnick plays the Bargeway tonight, Dec. 13 at The Dalles’ premier venue.

JIm Drake: You were recently spotted playing guitar and drums - at the same time. Is this something that is helping you through the live music constraints due to COVID-19 restrictions?

 Jeff Minnick: Yes, I had my “one-man-plus-one” where I play guitar with my hands and play drums with my feet. It’s kind of a freak show, but I’m still having fun!

Minnick is headlining at the Bargeway’s Waterfront Wednesday tonight, Dec. 13 at 6 p.m. The pub also offers an excellent opportunity to add a pint and Baja Burger to keep your motor running.

Minnick is kicking off a great week of music as the pub continues its epic streak of offering live music five days a week.

Wednesday, Dec. 13 - Jeff Minnick, 6 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 14 - Jeff Carrell, 6 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 15 - Tyson Huckins, 6 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 16 - To be decided

Sunday, Dec. 17 - Al Hare, 6 p.m.

The Bargeway also offers the NFL Ticket on Sunday Mornings and Monday Night Football.

Join us for Painting and mischief at Bargeway Pub!

Friday, Dec. 15 at Bargeway Pub in The Dalles, 6:30 p.m.

Book your tickets now for a beautiful blend of art, music, and fun! It's more than an event; it's an experience!

Join us at Bargeway and get ready to unleash your creativity with a splash of color and a dash of laughter at CREATE! with Manion Studios. Sip on your favorite drink and dive into an art adventure that's not just fun, but also a tad Grinchy! Let's paint the town (and our canvases) with joy and vibrant artistry!

Artist and Muralist Denae Manion has completed over 800 paint and sip events and has won awards for her entertaining hosting abilities. Enjoy a wonderfully fun evening while creating a beautiful piece you'll be proud to call your own.

All supplies included. Take home canvas size 16x20 inches.

Tickets HERE: https://create.manionstudios.com/.../grinch-at-the...

Learn more about Denae Manion: ManionStudios.com

Funky Cranium at Double Mountain

Funky Cranium is a band founded by women that have bonded together because they all have experienced and survived a traumatic head injury. Musically, expect the sound to be “rip rap rhymes meets pop meets disco funk.” Funky Cranium is comin' to rock your jingle bells on Friday, Dec. 22, at Double Mountain Brewery in Hood River, 7:30-9:30 p.m.

Bonneville Power Trio at Volcanic Bottle Shop

Join the Bonneville Power Trio at Volcanic Bottle Shop in Hood River on Friday, Dec. 15, 7 p.m. Expect “punk rock Christmas tunes” and more.

Pigs On The Wing NYE Party at The Ruins

Pink Floyd cover band Pigs On The Wing presents a New Year’s Eve Party, Sunday, Dec. 31, at The Ruins in Hood River.

Tickets at: https://www.tickettomato.com/event/8343

About the Show

Join Pigs on the Wing as they return to The Ruins on Sunday, Dec. 31, for a very special VIP New Years Eve celebration to ring in the new year! Performing the “ANIMALS’ album in its entirety plus a full second set of mixed Floyd classics! Opening up the evening will be Portlands’ own Louder Oceans. This event is STANDING ROOM ONLY with a limited amount of tickets available, so secure your spot for this exclusive NYE party with the PIGS!

From its garage-rock roots in 2006 as a one-off show, to full album productions and performing for thousands of fans each year, Portland Oregon based Pigs on the Wing have built a loyal following dedicated to the band’s high energy take on Pink Floyd’s music. All members of Pigs on the Wing are seasoned veterans of the Pacific NW rock scene and are unapologetic in bringing their wide-ranging musical influences to the table. Setting the band aside from other tribute rock acts, Pigs on the Wing balance a decidedly un-tribute-like attitude towards the music with precision to detail and a deep understanding of the importance of Pink Floyd's music in many fans' lives.

A Winter Evening With Victor Johnson

Bring your friends and family to The Dalles Public Library for holiday music with Victor Johnson on Thursday, Dec. 14, 6-7:30 p.m. Enjoy the sounds of the season at this free event, complete with Yuletide refreshments.

Holiday Quilts on display

Join the Friends of the White Salmon Library for a Holiday Quilt Show, on display in the Gallery through the month of December.

Elk’s Kids Christmas Party

Come celebrate the Holidays at the Elks Kid’s Christmas Party on Sunday, Dec. 17, 1-4 p.m. at the Hood River Elks Lodge. Santa Clause will definitely be making an appearance! This event is open to the entire community and all are welcome. There will be carnival activities, games, prizes, raffles and Fun for all.

Live Music at Trout Lake Hall

Trout Lake Hall in Trout Lake, Washington is bringing live music back to the Historic building’s stage.

Thursday, Dec. 14, Big Screen Night Double Header: "A Charlie Brown Christmas" and "How the Grinch Stole Christmas," Classic animated holiday films, FREE, 6 p.m. Doors / 6:30 p.m. Show

Friday, Dec. 15, Glitterfox / Jeremy James Meyer, Retro. Fresh. Indie Folk, $15 Advance // $15 Day Of Show, 6 p.m. Doors / 7 p.m. Show, All Ages

Glitterfox

Change and perspective expand quickly in tight quarters—and no one knows that as well as married couple Solange Igoa and Andrea Walker. It’s true of each of their time as queer kids in need of an escape from conservative towns; of their years living together in a van, traveling the country to play music and busk; of settling down in a studio apartment just prior to the pandemic. And now, partnered with a rhythm section and produced by Chris Funk of the Decemberists, they’re harnessing the lessons from this closeness and cracking them wide open into a whole new world with their band Glitterfox.

Saturday, Dec. 16, Skillethead / Honey Don't, Folk. Old-Time Bluegrass, $10 Advance // $12 Day Of Show, 6 p.m. Doors / 7 p.m. Show, All Ages

Skillethead

Setting roots in the high and dry Central Oregon desert, Skillethead calls forth the best of bluegrass old and new. They ground themselves firmly in the bluegrass traditions of driving fiddle tunes, layered harmonies, and single mics, all the while weaving in inspiration and originality gleaned from genres far and wide.

Sunday, Dec. 17, Photos with Santa hosted by JDRE Team, Christmas Magic. Festive Treat, FREE, 3-5 p.m., All Ages

Join us for a cozy experience sipping hot cocoa and capturing memorable moments with the jolly ol' Saint Nick. LeRisa from Nadalake Photography will be capturing the smiles. We can't wait to see you!

Sunday, Dec. 17, Contra Dance with Rich Goss and the Beard and Banjo Revue, Celebrating 1 year of our Bluegrass Picking Circle, FREE, 5 p.m. - 7 p.m., All Ages

To celebrate 1 year of having Bluegrass Picking circles with Tony Fuentes we are having a Contra Dance with Rich Goss and the Beard and Banjo Revue!

 Join the Beard and Banjo Revue for an evening of contra dancing at Trout Lake Hall. You don't need to have any experience with contra dancing, square dancing, or any Americana folk dancing to join in the fun! Rich Goss will be guiding you with clear, concise teaching. Rich has called dances from coast to coast. His good-natured, easy-going style makes contra dancing enjoyable and accessible for all.

 Friday, Dec. 22, The Muddy Souls, Jamgrass, FREE, 6 p.m. Doors / 7 p.m. Show, All Ages

The Muddy Souls

The Muddy Souls are a leading progressive/jamgrass band based in Eugene, OR featuring original songs, virtuosic improvisation, tight vocal harmonies, and a high-octane groove that always has the dance floor bouncing. Formed in 2018, the band has four albums of completely original music, and has played more than 150 shows across the Pacific Northwest, Northern California, and the Northeast including festival sets at Freshgrass, Bridge City Bluegrass, Oregon Country Fair, and Wintergrass. A gem of the Northwest music scene the Muddy Souls are sure to get your feet dancing and your face grinning.

Saturday, Dec. 23, Low Bar Chorale, Sing your favorite holiday songs with a live band, $12 Advance // $15 Day Of Show, 6 p.m. Doors / 7 p.m. Show, All Ages

Low Bar Chorale

Join Low Bar Chorale for a wild night of singing, stories, special guests, and the occasional music trivia nerdout. Ben Landsverk and our live band supergroup will lead you through traditional carols and holiday-adjacent alt/indie rock and pop music in glorious 3-part harmony. We'll teach you all the parts!

Saturday, Dec. 30, Open Mic All-Stars! Hosted by Lincoln Crockett, Celebrating a year of monthly open mics at the Hall, FREE, 6 p.m. Doors / 7 p.m., All Ages

 Join us in celebrating a year of monthly open mics at the Hall with a special night for some of our regulars and favorites! There's no signup sheet this evening so reach out to Lincoln directly during December if you want to be a part of it! lincoln@lincolncrockett.com

Sunday, Dec. 31, Twistin' The Year Away with Mitch & The Melody Makers, Dance Contests, 50's, 60's Rock and Roll Band, Dance Party! $15 Advance // $15 Day Of Show, 7:30 p.m. Doors / 8 p.m. Festivities Begin, All Ages

Trout Lake Hall will kick off the night with fun dance contests for all ages! Show off your limbo skills and your fast moves in musical chairs! Then we’ll welcome the best cover band to the stage and twist the year away!

Mitch and the Melody Makers are a 50’s and 60’s rock and roll cover band from Portland, Oregon! The Melody Makers have been bringing the Rock & Soul Dance Party to events all across the northwest with a mixture of classic favorites and deep cuts that’ll be sure to wear out your dancin’ shoes. Come celebrate 2024 and dance the night away!

More information and tickets at: https://www.troutlakehall.com/

Team Trivia Night at The Ruins

The Ruins in Hood River announces a new Team Trivia night and the next session is on Wednesday, Dec. 6, at 6:30 p.m. Teams up to six people can play and solo players are encouraged to attend and join up. Hosted by Julie Hatfield, Team Trivia Night will feature high quality audio and video projection systems. There will be cash prizes for the best teams, and prizes for the worst answer. $5 cover charge.

Upcoming Team Trivia Night sessions:

Dec. 20

Dec. 27

Rockford Grange Winter Solstice Country Dance and Soup Kitchen

Caroline Oakley and her Family Band

The Solstice Country Dance returns on Thursday, Dec. 21, from 5-9:30 p.m. at the Rockford Grange in Hood River. Enjoy a Country Dance (Contra, Squares and Circle Dances) with Caller Caroline Oakley and her Family Band. Soup Kitchen opens at 5 p.m., Winter Solstice Ceremony at 6 p.m. Beginner dance instructions 6:15 p.m., Dance 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., Bonfire 8 p.m. Admission: Adults $10/Children Free

Quattlebaum Quartet at The Ruins

The Ruins in Hood River presents the Quattlebaum Quartet w/ Tom Letson & The Letdown on Friday, Dec. 15. “Quattlebaum, Southern Gent, and Banjo Slinger brings more to the table than just music. With his infectious smile and weird antics, he brings people together; encouraging camaraderie and building community. The singer-songwriter, currently based in Portland, tours the country picking and strumming indie-folk songs that are spacious and emotive, and have an implicit groove.”

Advance tickets at: https://www.tickettomato.com/event/8366

Hapa Hillbillies Annual Christmas Concert

The Ruins in Hood River presents the Hapa Hillbillies Annual “#@%$ Christmas Concert” on Saturday, Dec. 16. “Once again, back by unpopular demand, The Hapa Hillbillies unleash their disturbing, disgusting, immature, and irreverent take on the holiday season. Not for the easily offended. May contain foul and explicit language. May contain nuts.”

Tickets at: https://www.tickettomato.com/event/8340

Live Music at Everybody’s Brewing

Everybody’s Brewing in White Salmon brings local and regional music to the stage.

Monday, Dec. 11, Savannah Clancy (Soul-full folk singer-songwriter), 6-8 p.m.

Reb Connor

Monday, Dec. 18, Reb Connor (Jazz soloist/Reb & the Good News), 6-8 p.m.

Evenings of Carols, Prayer & Community

Gather with your community for an evening of Christmas Carol Sing Alongs, Hope, Prayer, Cookies and Cocoa at the Granada Theater in The Dalles, Sundays, Dec. 10, 17, 24 (Special Candlelight Service), 31, from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Live Music at Double Mountain

Double Mountain Brewery in Hood River brings local and regional music to the stage.

Story & Tune

Thursday, Dec. 14, Story & Tune (Singer-songwriter Duo), 6:30 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 15, Eel Sallad (Rock), 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 16, Yellow Birds (Female Americana Trio), 7 p.m.

Live Music at Zim’s

Zim’s Brau Haus in The Dalles presents live local music.

The New Prohibitions

Friday, Dec. 15, Willy & Nelson Band, 7-9:30 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 16, Jay Bean, 7-9:30 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 22, The New Prohibitions, 7-9:30 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 23, Rich & Blonde, 7-9:30 p.m.

Foosball Tourney at Thunder Island

Thunder Island Brewing in Cascade Locks presents River Room Foosball Tourneys.

Wednesday, Dec. 20, 6 p.m.

Family Movie Matinee at Hood River Library

The Hood River Library will be showing the movie The Muppet Christmas Carol on Saturday, Dec. 16, at 2 p.m.. This will be an all ages screening. Snacks and drinks will be provided.

Holiday Parties at Libraries

Join the fun at the library's holiday party for a jolly good time filled with festive crafts, exciting games, yummy treats, and maybe a visit from Santa Claus himself!

Cascade Locks Library Wednesday Dec. 20, 11 a.m. -.1 p.m.

Parkdale Library Wednesday Dec. 20, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Hood River Library Kids Library Thursday Dec. 21, 2-4 p.m.

Give the Gift of Giving at The Dalles Eagles

The Dalles Eagles is asking for donations for the annual Gift of Giving program for families and kids in need. Gifts for Kids - Let’s Give These Kids a Merry Christmas. Cash Donations Welcome

The Hood River Show at HR Elks

The Hood River Show Returns Friday, Dec. 15, 8:30 p.m. at the Hood River Elks Lodge. The Show will feature comedians Simon Gibson, Adam Miller and Neeraj Srinivasan. Headliner Simon Gibson started comedy in Portland and now is based in LA. He tours all over the country performing in clubs and festivals.

Live Music at Last Stop Saloon

The Last Stop Saloon in The Dalles brings local and regional live music to the stage.

James Andrews

Friday, Dec. 15, Mary Ryan, 7 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 16, James Andrews, 7 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 22, Joel Treville, 7 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 23, Jay Bean, 7 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 29, Al Hare, 7 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 30, Music with Kerry Williams, 7 p.m.

Live Music at Solera Brewery

Solera Brewery in Parkdale brings local and regional music to the stage.

The Night Farmers

Saturday, Dec. 9, Hucklenut (Cello, guitars, melodic originals), 6 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 21, The Night Farmers (Americana), 6 p.m.

Music at Mid Columbia Senior Center

Mid Columbia Senior Center in The Dalles brings live music and special shows to the center.

Monday, Dec. 11, Troubadettes & Troubadour, 11 a.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 12, Hope Academy Band, 11 a.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 13, George Foryan, 11 a.m.

Anna Viemiester

Thursday, Dec. 14, Anna Viemiester, 11 a.m.

Friday, Dec. 15, Pop Rocks - Special Show 7 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 18, Troubadettes & Troubadour, 11 a.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 19, Ted Horowitz, 11 a.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 20, Jim Gordon, 11 a.m.

Thursday, Dec. 21, George Foryan, 11 a.m.

Friday, Dec. 22, Karaoke (Christmas), 11 a.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 26, Jim Gordon, 11 a.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 27, (No Music)

Thursday, Dec. 28, George Foryan, 11 a.m.

Friday, Dec. 29, (No Music, Happy New Year)

Cascade Locks Giving Tree program at Gorges Beer

It’s a Hometown Christmas celebration on Saturday, Dec. 9, 4-9 p.m. at Gorge’s Beer in Cascade Locks. The Cascade Locks Giving Tree has moved into Gorges Beer for the holiday season. Become a Local Secret Santa and join the fun in caroling, lighting the Christmas Tree and more. Details at: https://www.facebook.com/reel/878121646957597

Dancing with the Gorge Stars 2024

Dancing with the Gorge Stars returns Friday, Jan. 12, at 7 p.m., at The Dalles High School. Six local Gorge "stars" will compete for your votes at this mid-winter fundraiser for Mid Columbia Community Concert Association.

About The Event

Mid-Columbia Community Concert Association is proud to bring back, by popular demand, the 10th annual Dancing With The Gorge Stars competition. 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 have 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.

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.

Tickets at:

https://www.midcolumbiacommunityconcerts.org/events/dancing-with-the-gorge-stars-2024

Live music at Dufur Valley Tavern

Dufur Valley Tavern presents live music and more.

Saturday, Dec. 16, Tom Letson, 7-9 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 23, Bob Connolly, 7-9 p.m.

Jacob Marley's Christmas Carol at Bingen Theater

Big Britches Productions presents a playful and tongue-in-cheek twist on Charles Dickens' classic tale with Jacob Marley's Christmas Carol, at the Bingen Theater. Shows are Dec. 1, 2, 8, 9, 15 and 16 (7:30 p.m.) and Dec. 3 and 10 (2 p.m.)

Tickets available at: https://www.bigbritches.org/jacob-marleys-christmas-carol-tickets

About the play

Jacob Marley is dead, as we all know. What we don't know is that in his death, he has 24 hours to do the impossible: redeem Ebenezer Scrooge, the one man alive who is worse than he. Otherwise, Jacob Marley will be condemned to eternal torment, wearing the very real chains in death that he metaphorically forged in life. Guided by a mischievous imp called a Bogle, Jacob Marley sets out to redeem his former partner... and may just find redemption himself. Written by Tom Mula, Directed by Joe Garoutte.

Jacob Marley's Christmas Carol is family-friendly - audience age is recommended at 7 and up. There are moments of intensity that may be unsettling to sensitive and/or smaller children. Run Time Approx. 1 hr 45 min.

Live music at Working Hands

Working Hands Fermentation in Hood River presents live music, trivia nights and more.

Brigid’s Crossing

Sunday, Dec. 17, Open Mic, 6 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 23, Megan Alder, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 30, Brigid’s Crossing, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 6, Dave Tallman, 7:30 p.m.


Live Music at The Pines

The Pines Tasting Room in Hood River hosts live music featuring local and regional musicians.

Johnny Franco

Friday, Dec. 15, Johnny Franco, 6-9 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 22, Ugly Sweater Holiday Party featuring Brigid’s Crossing, 6-9 p.m.  Grab your ugliest sweater and brightest holiday spirit and head to The Pines for a festive evening of fun featuring live music by the amazing Brigid’s Crossing. There will be prizes given to the Best–er–Worst ensemble. And Happy Hour pricing offered for anyone who dresses up. 

Washington State Zine Contest underway

The Washington State Zine Contest is now open for submissions. You must be a Washington resident and entries must be postmarked by March 29, 2024. Prizes will be awarded to a winner in each age/grade group: pre 4th grade, grades 4-6, 7-9, 10-12 and adults of all ages. Follow the link to read the submission guidelines and to fill out the entry form. https://www.washingtoncenterforthebook.org/ws

Happy Hour Comedy at HR Elks

The Hood River Elks presents Happy Hour Comedy Open Mic, every Wednesday at 8 p.m. “Comedy is the best medicine! Come get your dose. Get out of your comfort zone and get on the Mic, or just support your friends and your ab muscles by laughing at our jokes.”

Hapa Hillbillies at Hood Crest Winery

Hood Crest Winery in Hood River welcomes The Hapa Hillbillies every Monday night from 5-7 p.m. Come dance the night away with blues and more.

Heritage Quilt exhibit at History Museum of Hood River County

The History Museum of Hood River County presents a Heritage Quilt exhibit opening on Wednesday, Oct. 18, from 6-9 p.m. In this final exhibition of the 2023 season, come experience the stories told by Hood River County's heritage quilts and learn about the care of antique quilts with a Hidden History lecture hosted by our Executive Director, Anna Goodwin. Admission is free with suggested donation.

About the event

No two quilts are the same. As handmade works of art, each piece is completely unique on the surface. But beyond that, the originality expands, growing to include the person who made the quilt, how they made it, why they made it, and the journey it has traveled as it passed from generation to generation. Exhibit runs through Dec. 30.

Writing Group meets at HR Library

The Hood River Writing Group meets every Wednesday at 3 pm at the Hood River Library. It’s creative writing together - join with fellow writers to work on your craft through prompts and share the results. Facilitated by Patty Kaplan.

Line Dances at Mid Columbia Senior Center

The Mid Columbia Senior Center in The Dalles offers Line Dance Classes Thursday, 1 p.m. starting Sept. 7, $2 donation

Games at Mid Columbia Senior Center

The Mid Columbia Senior Center in The Dalles offers a variety of fun game options this fall:

Mondays at 1 p.m. Hand and Foot Canasta

Mondays at 6 p.m. Poker

Tuesday at 12:30 p.m. Dominoes

Wednesdays at 12:30 p.m. Wii Bowling

Thursdays at 1 p.m. Mahjong

Fridays at 1 p.m. Mahjong

Fridays at 6 p.m. Pinochle

NEW: LINE DANCE CLASSES ADDED: THURSDAYS AT 1 P.M. STARTING SEPT. 7. $2 DONATION.

Live Music at Route 30

Route 30 Bottles and Brew in The Dalles hosts weekly live music events, trivia nights and more.

Monday Night: Musician Mondays

Tuesday Night: Band Jam for House Band Practice (7 p.m.)

Wednesday Night: Useless Knowledge Trivia Night (6:30 p.m.)

Thursday Night: Thirsty Thursday with House Band (7 p.m.)

Friday Night: Karaoke Night (7 p.m.)




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