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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!

One Garbanzo, One Bourbon & One Beer: Bargeway Bumpin' Saturday; Giggin' Guide gorgewide

One Garbanzo, One Bourbon & One Beer: Bargeway Bumpin' Saturday; Giggin' Guide gorgewide

Bargeway Pub & Catering’s Entertainment Weekly

By Jim Drake at gorgeentertainment@gmail.com

Happy New Year and welcome to the start of another exciting year of Bargeway’s Gorge Entertainment! We know you’re here every week to keep up to date with the Gorge’s most comprehensive guide to arts and entertainment, putting you in the front row for great shows and performances. So, please check out Columbia Community Connection’s extensive Local Calendar and award-winning daily news coverage.

Want to get your event onboard? Send the details to Entertainment Guru Jim Drake at gorgeentertainment@gmail.com and make it a Great Show! ‘Cause they can’t go if they don’t know.

Alonso Garbanso takes the stage at the Bargeway Pub in The Dalles on Saturday, Jan. 6 at 6 p.m.

Garbanzo smoother than hummus on that six-string - see him Saturday, Jan. 6 at 6 p.m. at the Bargeway in TD as Musitizen Kane and the Gang at The Dalles Premier music venue sends 2024 on another harmonic ride, coupled with some slick c’tales and steller platters.

Rich and Blonde will lay down some pretty money lics on Friday, Jan. 5 at 6 p.m.

And don’t forget that NFL Ticket to ride.

Bargeway Sundays are a full-on tackle of great food and brews as the season hits its final regular week of games before playoffs.

The Baltimore Ravens and San Francisco 49ers have locked up the No. 1 seeds in the AFC and NFC respectively. In the AFC, the Chiefs are locked into the No. 3 seed, and the Browns are locked into the No. 5 seed. But there’s still lots to play as wildcards are up for grabs and spoilers abound.

The Seahawks are running on eggshells.

They must defeat the Arizona Cardinals and then hope the Green Bay Packers either lose or tie against the Chicago Bears on Sunday to get in. Hail Mary!

Music News you Can Use

January seems to be starting off with a couple of mentions of STARS. We already know about the upcoming Dancing with the Stars event in The Dalles, but a surprise announcement from the Hood River Community Education Fund talks about an upcoming benefit concert in April featuring Global SuperStar Singer Dionne Warwick. Tickets for the Hood River Middle School concert go on sale Jan. 5.

For many years, Hood Crest Winery in Hood River has been hosting Monday night tunes from local swing/jazz band Hapa Hillbillies. But music fans will have to wait until Feb. 9, to see what a new music schedule might be. The winery recently announced a month-long closure and a promise for “exciting new changes.”

Reports of a new CD from mainstay blues artist Norman “Northwest Boogie Cat” Sylvester has Gorge connections: the tiny town of Mosier. Recorded at Mosier’s Burnt Barn Studio, “Live at the Burnt Barn Studio,” features 12 new songs and was sponsored by Main Street Mosier.

It’s a bit late for talking about music for the recent Christmas Holiday, but it’s worth noting The Dalles’ own Victor Johnson took on a major Christmas Guitar Challenge in 2023 by producing 47 Christmas Guitar instructional videos on Youtube. If you start the learning process now, you’d only have to learn 3.9 xmas songs per month to be able to play the catalog for xmas 2024. Good luck, and Happy Strumming!

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTxy5jZmwHzeC4aM6MiZMM6SfSL23hJYN

Team Trivia Night at The Ruins

The Ruins in Hood River announces a new Team Trivia night and the next session is on Wednesday, Jan. 10, 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:

Jan. 10, Jan. 17, Jan. 24, Jan. 31, Feb. 14

Gorge Speakeasy at Ruins

Gorge Speakeasy is The Premier Storytelling Event in the Gorge. An evening of storytelling returns on Wednesday, Jan. 3, from 6-9 p.m. at The Ruins in Hood River. Learn more, sign up for email updates or volunteer to share a story at: itsangiemarie.com/gorgespeakeasy

About the Event

Community members take the stage to share stories centered around a theme of the month. You can sign up to share a story, or just sit back and listen. Admission is by donation of any size; proceeds are donated to a local nonprofit each month to keep our community strong through the joy of sharing stories.

Allman Brothers Tribute at Granada Theater

The Granada Theater in The Dalles presents an Allman Brothers Tribute band with “One Way Out,” on Saturday, Jan. 27, at 7 p.m. The band plans to film the concert as part of a rock video project, so the venue encourages the audience to Dress the Part. Tickets available at:

https://checkout.square.site/buy/ABGTEJRE33AKSWZXCFXZEPAA

About the Band

“One Way Out is a Portland-based 8-member band, committed solely to paying musical tribute to the Allman Brothers Band, including the solo and session efforts of Duane, Gregg, and Dickie. One Way Out stays true to the great studio and live performances of the Allman Brothers, capturing that high level of interplay and spirited improvisation that made them famous and arguably the greatest live band of their time.

NOTE: One Way Out is shooting a Rock Video - come be a part of a real music video shoot! Dress like a million bucks to make sure you are featured in the video!

Live Music at Double Mountain

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

Wednesdays starting Jan. 10, Humpday Trivia with Whikki, sign-up 5:30 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 4, Ben Johnson , 6:30 p.m.

Dune Laila

Friday, Jan. 5, Dune Laila, 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 11, Dumpster Joe & The Boys, 6:30 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 12, The Night Farmers, 7:30 p.m.

Countryside Ride

Saturday, Jan. 20, Countryside Ride, 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 25, Lisa James & Rain Ezra, 6:30 p.m.

TD Art Center Events

The Revive/Recirculate Art Show Sale takes place Jan. 24-28.

The Dalles Art Center is cleaning out the cellar, and collectors and thrifty shoppers will appreciate this unique art sale.

The Garden Show art submission process is happening now for the upcoming Garden Show at The Dalles Art Center.

For details:

https://www.thedallesartcenter.org/events/the-garden-show-artist-submission

Live Music at Zim’s

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

Friday, Jan. 5, 007 Trio, 7-9:30 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 6, Reddy Black Trio, 7-9:30 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 12, Peppa Jam, 7-9:30 p.m.

Andrew Matthews Band

Saturday, Jan. 13, Andrew Matthews Band, 7-9:30 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 19, Got Your Six - Veteran Band, 7-9:30 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 26, The New Prohibitions, 7-9:30 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 27, Rezound, 7-9:30 p.m.

Clubs meet at TD Library

Bookclubs and more meet at The Dalles Library:

Thursday, Jan. 4, Whodunnit Mystery Book Club, 6 p.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 10, Adventure Readers Book Club, 3 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 23, The Happiness Book Club, 6 p.m.

Hood River Library events

The Hood River County Library presents bookclubs, movie nights, and more.

Saturday, Jan. 6, Family Arcade Night, 4-6 p.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 10, Hood River Library Book Club, 12:30 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 20, Family Movie Matinee, 2 p.m.

Adult Chess League starts

Working Hands Fermentation in Hood River is hosting an Adult Chess League starting Friday, Jan. 12, at 6:30 p.m. League play continues to Feb. 9. Sign up through Hood River Valley Parks and Recreation:

https://www.facebook.com/hoodriverparksandrec

Chamber Music at HR Valley Christian Church

Columbia Gorge Orchestra Association presents an Afternoon of Chamber Music on Sunday, Jan. 21, at 2 p.m. at Hood River Valley Christian Church in Hood River. The event promises “an afternoon of intimate Chamber Music performed by CGOA musicians and special guests.” Admission is by donation at the door.

​Auditions for Bat Boy announced

Auditions for the CGOA Stages production of BAT BOY THE MUSICAL will be Saturday, Jan. 27 and Monday, Jan. 29 at the Columbia Center for the Arts in Hood River. Full details at:

https://www.gorgeorchestra.org/bat-boy-auditions

Info packet/audition sides:

https://www.gorgeorchestra.org/_files/ugd/8cab44_4bcef50bc89a4fa2975462e75e37ae4a.pdf

Open Mic Jam at 64oz Taphouse

64oz Taphouse in Hood River an Open Mic Jam on Wednesday, Jan. 3, at 7 p.m. “Backing band will be provided if you want one or you can play solo, all you need to do is plug in. All levels of musicians are welcome!”

Live Music at Trout Lake Hall

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

Your Strange Companions

Friday, Jan. 5, Your Strange Companions, Country-Rockabilly, Free Show, 6 p.m. Doors / 7 p.m. Show, All Ages

Your Strange Companions are a band from Portland, playing original music from a mythical land somewhere between Memphis and Nashville. Featuring Brud Giles, David E. Lane, and Sean Hayden Hudson.

Saturday, Jan. 6, Darling Radio, Rootsy Americana. Original songs. Adventurous harmonies. Free Show, 6 p.m. Doors / 7 p.m. Show, All Ages

Darling Radio

Darling Radio melds a strong roots, old time and Americana sound with modern chamber pop and adventurous 4-part harmonies. This Pacific Northwest 5-piece plays original music for a sound that is nostalgic, stirring and fresh.

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

‘Art History’ classes at Mid Columbia Senior Center

The Mid Columbia Senior Center in The Dalles presents “A Little History of Art,” an art class with artist Kerry Cobb. Classes begin Tuesday, Jan. 9, at 10 a.m. in the Deschutes Room and continue Tuesdays Feb. 13, Mar. 12, April 9, May 14, June 11, and July 9. To register, please call the center or sign up at the front desk. This class is based on the Charlotte Mullins book “A Little History of Art” and is available to purchase online or at local booksellers. You do not need to read the book to attend and enjoy the class.

Live Music at Phelps Creek Vineyard

Phelps Creek Vineyard in Hood River presents live jazz in the tasting room on Thursdays, 5-7 p.m., with the All Jazz Considered band.

Dionne Warwick in concert April 13

Boeing and The Hood River County Education Foundation present: Dionne Warwick on Saturday, April 13, in a fundraising concert at the Hood River Middle School. All ages show. Tickets on sale Jan. 5 at:

https://www.tickettomato.com/event/8389/boeing-and-hrcef-present-mdash-dionne-warwick-main-floor

About the artist

While Dionne was performing background with the Drifters’ in 1962, Warwick’s voice and star presence were noticed by the song’s composer, Burt Bacharach. Dionne was signed to Bacharach’s and David’s production company, which in turn was signed to Scepter Records. In November of 1962, Scepter Records released her first solo single, “Don’t Make Me Over.” It reached #21 on the top 40. Warrick’s name was misspelled on the label, and then she started using her new spelling, “Warwick”, both professionally and personally. Her next hit single was “Anyone Who Had a Heart, followed by “Walk on By” in 1964 that solidified her career.

Warwick weathered the British Invasion better than most American artists with hits of “Walk on By,” and “Do You Know the Way to San Jose.” Warwick was named the bestselling female vocalist in 1964. In 1965, she recorded “Thunderball” which became the theme song for the James Bond film Thunderball.

Dionne is one of the Kennedy Center Honorees in 2023 recognizing her decades of contributions to music and humanity. Dionne has won six Grammy Awards and been nominated a total of fifteen times. She has been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame and has been honored with the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, Songwriters Hall of Fame, Living Legend Award, just to name a few. She is one of the top five most recorded female artists of all time. She is also the aunt of legendary singer Whitney Houston.

Winter Wednesday’s at Everybody’s Brewing

Everybody’s Brewing in White Salmon presents Winter Wednesdays on the heated deck with group activities and family fun, from 5-7 p.m.

Jan. 10, Knits & Giggles: Bring your knitting/crocheting materials and best dad jokes to share.

Jan. 17, Puzzle Competition: Get ready to puzzle off! $5 buy in and winner takes all.

Jan. 24, Bingo with Dougie Fresh

Jan. 31, BYOG (Bring Your Own Game): Bring your own Catan, Chess, Monopoly or other game.

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 Working Hands

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

Dave Tallman

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

Wednesday, Jan. 3, Music Bingo: One Hit Wonders, 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 27, Tom Letson, 6:30 p.m.

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.

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.)




Skamania County Emergency Warming Shelter open January 11

Skamania County Emergency Warming Shelter open January 11

Tacos Del Rio Closes Unexpectedly

Tacos Del Rio Closes Unexpectedly

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