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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!

TD Art Center To Rock The Block this Friday at 5 p.m. No Cover; Just fun

TD Art Center To Rock The Block this Friday at 5 p.m. No Cover; Just fun

This Week in Gorge Entertainment

By Jim Drake

The Dalles Art Center will be closing Fourth Street this Friday, April 29, as Jenny Don’t and The Spurs will be playing an outdoor show to kick off the weekend.

Friday at 5?

Time to come alive.

Or get started early. Food and drinks are on at 4:30 p.m. and the music starts at 5:15 p.m.

Jenny Don’t and The Spurs will be rockin’ the block on Fourth Street near The Dalles Art Center. Rian Beach and Scott Stephenson have put their heads together to bring this free show to locals this Friday, April 29.

It is all part of Art Center’s Scott Stephensons plan to bring free music to Fourth Street on the Fourth Friday of the month. Efforts are in the works to provide food and beverages. Here’s a little message from Scott to all the sponsors of the show including Jackalope Jamboree, Wines on 2nd, Freebridge Brewing, Overland Law, Smoke Wring BBQ and CCCNews.

Hey ya’ll!

Thank you for getting behind this project financially and promotionally!!!

Rian Beach and I are stoked to be getting this concert series rolling. If you haven’t met Rian, he has been in The Dalles for many years working for the Oregon State and County Court systems. He comes to us from Pendleton, Oregon where he was raised and built up his chops as a musician and producer. Most recently, Rian has been producing Jackalope Jamboree, a Pendleton multi-day music festival in June, https://www.jackalopejamboree.com/ I’m very grateful to have Rian in our community and working hard to bring great music to The Dalles!

Click to enlarge

Not Kidding about Unexpected Genres

Aerosmith’s Toys in the Attic. Classic 8-track.

One of the fun things about researching an entertainment column like this one is discovering something unexpected, especially if it’s musical and somehow relates to your childhood. In a modern world of CDs, streaming services and 4K resolution movies, it’s heartening to still be able to revisit the older formats, like this 8-track tape, just to prove that back in the day we carried these strange plastic cases around and plugged them into portable players. So, why did I choose a copy of Aerosmith’s “Toys in the Attic?” Well, I was reminded of this album because it turns out that the classical crossover group Vivace, coming into town on May 16, just released a new record, described as featuring “unexpected songs.” They weren’t kidding. Their album “Diamonds” contains a version of Aerosmith’s “Dream On,” as well as songs by Tears for Fears, Rihanna and U2. Although my first ever 8-track didn’t contain the hit Dream On song, that’s OK. It’s the Unexpected Genre that really counts here. But, do you think I would complain if Vivace decided to cover the already classical-tinged track “You See Me Crying?” from Toys in the Attic? 

That would be pure unexpected joy!

Riverside Folk Band at Griffin House

The Griffin House in Hood River kicks off the 2022 concert season  with The Riverside band, a “melodic and harmony-driven string band” featuring Jacob and Lorien Jenson. The show happens on Wednesday, May 4. Local singer/songwriter Jess Clemmons opens the show. Tickets, including VIP options and more information is available at this link.

Chervona at Ruins May 3

The Ruins in Hood River presents Chervona on Tuesday, May 3, starting at 6 p.m. Since 2006, Chervona has been playing “multi-ethnic, Russian and Eastern European-inspired music” and delivering “energetic live shows.” Opening act features Chris Couch (from World’s Finest band). Music starts at 6 p.m., and all Tuesday concerts all ages, $3 until 7 p.m., and $8 and 21+ after. 

‘Hank Topless’ at River City

The River City Saloon in Hood River welcomes Hank Topless and the Bad Assets to the stage on Friday, April 29, at 8:30 p.m. Expect outlaw country rock and punk and songs from the I-84 album and more. Listen at:

https://myspace.com/thebadassetspdx/music/songs

Teen Film Festival scheduled for June 4

Teen filmmakers have until April 30 to submit original five-minute films to the Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries Teen Council for the upcoming Teen Five Minute Film Festival Premier on Saturday, June 4. Up to 12 entries will be chosen. Read the guidelines for filmmakers and fill out the submission form at fvrl.org/teen-film. Register for the premiere at  https://bit.ly/373pZCW.

Live music at Grateful Vineyard

Live music continues at Hood River’s Grateful Vineyard. Music is from 4-6 p.m.

Sunday, May 1: Stephanie Sweet (Singer Songwriter)

Sunday, May 8: Alonzo Garbanzo (6- and 12-string guitars  - and a 500 song repertoire)

Sunday, May 15: The Honey Jays (Fireside female duo)

Sunday, May 22: Ben Bonham Trio (Blues & Swing)

Live Music at Double Mountain

Double Mountain Brewery in Hood River presents local and regional live music.

Saturday, May 7, Kate Dinsmore (pictured) (Jazz, Rock, Americana) 7 p.m.

Thursday May 12, Greenneck Daredevils Release party for Gypsy Road album, 7 p.m.

Saturday, May 14, Matt Coughlin, 7 p.m.

Seussical Jr. - The Musical at Civic in The Dalles debuts May 13

Support the local Civic Kids as they present Seussical Jr. as they take you through a staged musical of the well known characters created by Dr. Seuss. Shows at The Dalles Civic Auditorium on May 13, 14, 20, and 22, starting at 7 p.m. 

Tickets at: https://thedallescivic.com/calendar-of-events

Live Music at Zim’s

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

Saturday, April 30, The Rock Doctors, 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.

Saturday, May 7, Richard Morrow and Kenny Olsen, 7-9 p.m.

‘Magic’ at The Dalles Library

Fans of Magic the Gathering get together Thursday, April 28, starting at 3:30 p.m. at The Dalles Library. Sponsored by the Magic the Gathering/ D&D Club. On Saturday, April 30, make a necklace and more with Crafts in the Stacks. Fun starts at 3 p.m.

 Live music at Working Hands Beer

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

Friday, April 29, Freehugger (Folk-rock trio), 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, April 30, Chasing Ebeneezer (Irish Folk Rock), 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, May 1, Open Mic, 6-8 p.m.

Wednesday, May 4, Music Bingo, 6:30-8 p.m.

Live Music at The Pines

Live music returns Fridays, from 6-9 p.m. at The Pines Tasting Room in Hood River.

April 29 Heart & Hammer

*Special Show Wednesday, May 4, Performing Arts Initiative Benefit Party, tickets https://givebutter.com/Y4fe0j

May 6 Grateful Growlers

Spring Lineup announced at Bargeway Pub

Bargeway Pub in The Dalles announces a music lineup with local and regional acts with rock, blues and country.

Wednesday, April 27, Chris Baron (Folk-rock)

Wednesday, May 18, Alex Dunn

Vivace at The Civic May 16

On Monday, May 16, The Dalles Civic Auditorium welcomes “Canada’s biggest classical pop group” Vivace. Critics say Vivace has “a rich and diverse repertoire ranging from pop, arias, to their own original material, these award-winning performers create a fresh new take on the classical and modern music of today.” Their new album is “Diamonds” and it contains “unexpected songs that bridges classical and pop rock genres.*” Tickets at:

https://midcolumbiacommunityconcerts.org/purchase-tickets/

*They’re not kidding! Get ready for some U2 and Aerosmith!

Spaghetti Dinner benefit at TD Eagles/Elks

A Spaghetti Dinner benefiting the Kidney Fund happens Friday, April 29, at The Dalles Eagles/Elks lodge. 5-7 p.m., tickets $12.

Cider Fest returns April 30

The Hood River Hard-Pressed Cider Fest is coming to the Hood River County Fairgrounds on April 30,  featuring 20 cideries, more than 40 different ciders, local music and kids activities. The Entertainment Lineup includes:

11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. Quattlebaum (pictured) (Southern Gent Banjo Slinger)

1:15 – 2:15 p.m. Five Letter Word feat. Megan Alder (Female Folk Americana Trio)

3 – 4:30 p.m. Lost Ox (Jam Rock)

5 – 6:30 p.m. The Night Farmers (Country/Americana)

Granada announces 2022 lineup

The Granada Theater in The Dalles is bringing Country, 80s pop, Heavy Rock and more to Little Music City in 2022. 

 May 8: The return of Billy Bob Thornton and the Boxmasters

June 11: 80s Pop Phenoms Modern English

Aug. 13: Heavy Rock Legends Outdoor Concert with Warrant and Winger

Tickets and details at https://www.granadatheatrethedalles.com/

Flor plays Hood River May 7

The Wikipedia page for LA-based indie-rock band Flor says that they started out playing music in Hood River in 2014. But long-time locals like me, with archival memory and an extensive local band CD collection, know that Flor started out as the band Sunderland, which existed as early as 2010, albeit with slightly different personnel onboard. Now featuring Zach Grace (lead vocals, guitar, keyboards), McKinley Kitts (guitar), Dylan Bauld (bass), and Kyle Hill (drums), Flor makes an extremely rare appearance at Hood River’s River City Saloon on Saturday, May 7. Moving away from the teenage-garage rock sounds of Sunderland, Flor’s music has evolved into heartfelt atmospheric pop, and Pandemic Era video shows the band performing complex original songs with confidence. For reasons unknown, the band has decided to do three shows in 24 hours for this leg of their tour and the Hood River show is the last stop of the day. Let’s hope that all travel plans, and all regular seasonal non-thundersnow weather plans work out, so the band can rest up for their homecoming show.

Tickets available at: https://www.tickettomato.com/event/7508

Watch Flor here:

https://flor.lnk.to/lmho

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KfvsZkf8Ht4

Columbia Gorge Club Swap Meet April 30

The Dalles Eagles/Elks presents a Car Club Swap Meet on Saturday, April 30, at the Lodge, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event promises food, music, a beer garden, and raffle prize opportunities. For vendor info call 541-980-5940.

May the 4th Be With You

The Dalles Library presents Star Wars Day on Wednesday, May 4, with exciting all day craft activities, Boba Tea, and a special showing of Episode IV at 5 p.m. Full schedule at: https://www.wascocountylibrary.com/the-dalles-library

‘Rent’ debuts May 6 at Bingen Theater

Learn all about the upcoming production of “Rent,” presented by Columbia Gorge Orchestra Stages in a recent Podcast, hosted by Mark Steighner. Rent is based on Jonathan Larsen’s musical and is rated "PG-13" for language, drug use, and sexual or suggestive content. Directed by Joe Garoutte, with musical direction by Dan Kenealy. Performances at the Bingen Theatre. The May 13 and May 15 performances include post-show "talkback" with cast and creative team.  Tickets available at www.gorgeorchestra.org

Performances on May 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 and 21 at 7 p.m.; and May 8 and 15 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20/$15 CGOA members. 

Podcast at:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/0pS77qFexdihKfBOBvyina?si=4sWyZ2r_QEG6ib0stTMStw&fbclid=IwAR2EFW2Lzcer-J2y6Xtjmta-E52AlFbpSDSGnHqZ0Zw94nv1Yg4xmfaRZ80&nd=1

‘Firewise’ talk May 3 at HR Library

Join Glenn Ahrens from OSU Forestry for a “one of a kind experience” with a talk about Firewise Living in the Gorge, on Tuesday, May 3, at 7 p.m. at the Hood River Library. On Wednesday, May 4, at 10 a.m. join the team for a field trip to Dry Creek to “see the real-world repercussions,” of fire damage led by trained forestry and naturalist experts.

Author Discusses Mom’s Cancer in Hood River April 30

On Saturday, April 30, graphic novelist Brian Fies will be at the Hood River Library to discuss “Mom’s Cancer.”  In the genre of Graphic Medicine, where “comics and healthcare intersect to deliver information and tell stories in new and effective ways,” Fies will talk about how his book and others like it have found new audiences, and are even taught in medical schools to help students become better doctors and nurses. Writing Workshop: 10 a.m.  Comics talk: 2 p.m.

https://hoodriverlibrary.org/events-directory/

Kris Deelane & The Hurt at The Ruins

It’s a Motown and Soul Revue with Kris Deelane & The Hurt coming to The Ruins in Hood River on Saturday, April 30. Expect a 10-piece band - full horn section and backup singers - bringing the dance hits. 6-9 p.m. Tickets available at https://www.tickettomato.com/event/7497




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