River City Saloon Says Goodbye– For Now
The iconic venue’s final shows will take place August 30th and 31st.
Photo Credit: Cole Goodwin
By Cole Goodwin
Hood River, OR, August 27, 2023– River City Saloon will say goodbye to Hood River on Thursday August 31st. The business celebrated the end of an era on Saturday night at 9 p.m. and encouraged guests to “wear all black for this celebration of life for River City Saloon Hood River!”
River City Saloon. Contributed photo.
River City Saloon, which is currently located at 207 Cascade Ave., Hood River is closing its doors in Hood River and hopes to reopen in The Dalles by the first of the new year. River City has undergone several renditions since the 70’s and 80’s before closing in 1997 and reopening in 2001. Joe Kirkwood, who bought the business in 2013 said he hoped that everyone would join them in celebrating when The River City Saloon reopened in their new location.
River City Saloon. Contributed photo.
Kirkwood also expressed deep appreciation for the unwavering support from the staff, loyal patrons, esteemed performers, and the broader community over the past decade. He reserved special accolades for Joel Echelbarger, the in-house sound engineer who has worn multiple hats since the venue's inception.
“First and foremost I would like to share my gratitude for my staff that have put in long hours and hard work, too many to list, but I would like to acknowledge Joel Echelbarger who has been with us from start to finish as part of our bar staff and our Sound Engineer and has done some time in the kitchen as well.
Second, I would like to thank our local patrons and friends for continued support through winter storms, the pandemic and months of smoke from nearby fires. It’s been a good run of nearly 10 years of great memories and friendships.
Third, I’d like to thank all the bands and performers who have graced our stage, so many great acts and party’s. Too many to list, but here are a few. The quick and easy boys, Chicken shit Gamblers, Scott Pemberton, Sundiver, Hillstomp, Turkuaz, Bob log 111, nappy Roots, Zion I, Equipto, Devin the dude, west goats, bonneville power trio, Vitamin D, green neck daredevils. The list goes on and on,” said Kirkwood.
But before the curtains close River City Saloon will host two final shows on the 30th and 31st.
Local Jazz Fusion band the Balladiers will play at 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday August 30th.
And the rock band Top Soil will play the venues last show on Thursday August 31st, 2023 at 10 p.m.
The 31st is River City Saloons last day at 207 Cascade Ave.
As for 207 Cascade Ave? The new owners of the building are planning a renovation to turn the building into a 69 room boutique hotel, spa, restaurant, and rooftop bar.
For more information about the history of the River City Saloon building click here and here.
