This Week in Gorge Entertainment Aug. 31
Jennifer Batten
By Jim Drake
Jennifer Batten got the crowd going at Jackson Park in Hood River last Thursday, Aug. 26 for the last Families in the Park show of the season. It was so fun to take photos of her and the Full Steam Band. I took a lot of photos. How many, you ask? It was something like “692.” The audience was treated to 80s rock covers from Journey, Toto, Van Halen, Billy Squier, Motley Crew, Yes, and more, including a few from the catalog of “The Gloved One,” Micheal Jackson. There was a nod to the 60s and 70s with Low Rider and a version of You Really Got Me. I believe they covered Adele’s Rolling in the Deep. The stage at Jackson Park has a different dynamic now that it’s covered. The new custom wood roof is impressive, but if the right lighting isn’t installed for nighttime shows, it’s hard to see the performers, especially if you’re sitting in the back. Out of all my photos, only a handful managed to capture the drummer who was buried in the backstage darkness.
So How Was The Show?
Batten leads a competent band, no doubt, and her playing and technical ability captures every note and phrase from these iconic rock songs. But, at times, the notes are so perfect that it becomes a bit like listening to the radio. The lead singer put his interpretation into the lyrics, which helped make a unique statement. The only time Batten stepped out of the boundaries of playing was to the opening song, where she had a minute or two of “jamming,” which to me, sounds more like a live show. She should do that more and give these songs some new life with her “guitar personality.” The band’s “SteamPunk” image was fun.
I took the time to choose my best 50 photos of the show, available to look at here:
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10219354319720980&set=pcb.10219354378122440
Also of note: This was the first concert that I attended where you could get a free vaccination - as the health department had a tent set up in the back for administering COVID vaccines.
And speaking of Vaccines
As of Friday, Aug. 27, Oregon requires adults to wear masks at outdoor gatherings due to the COVID Delta variant. This will include outdoor music shows and events, and local venues are announcing requirements for admission to shows.
For example, The Ruins in Hood River announced that the venue will additionally require proof of COVID vaccination and a photo ID for all attendees of public concerts. They go on to say that “the final dose of vaccine must have been received at least 14 days prior to the event. We will not be accepting negative COVID tests in lieu of vaccination proof.”
Promotional material for some events (I saw a poster for an upcoming fundraising event) are reminding attendees that masks must be worn, as to comply with the new governor’s mandate.
An effort by Oregon and Washington music performers in the form of a petition to require proof of COVID vaccination for entering all venues, indoor and outdoor can be found here:
Organizers say this is needed to protect the health of performers and provide a safe working environment for all associated workers and audience members, and will allow the music industry to continue.
One local singer-songwriter here in the Gorge reported that her gig in eastern Oregon had been cancelled due to “a huge increase in COVID cases.”
Nationally, COVID continues its impact on the music industry. Recent reports include a Pennsylvania KISS concert cancellation due to band member Paul Stanley testing positive. A statement from the band said “everyone on the entire tour has been vaccinated and the tour has a COVID safety protocol officer on staff.”
There were also reports of Neil Young cancelling his appearance at Farm Aid this year due to Delta variant concerns, and of his displeasure at major concert promoters for not taking enough safety concerns to protect musicians and audience members.
A Sad Note from the Library :(
The Hood River Library reports that a planned Sept. 4 Butterfly Party is cancelled, due to the arrival of a “batch of rather sick butterflies that haven’t gotten any better.” Organizers say anyone can stop in to see the “few remaining ones left” until the original party date.The butterflies are usually released in a ceremony where people can honor loved ones.
Gigs Here and There
Jess Clemmons, Bargeway Pub, Wednesday, Sept. 1, 6:30-9 p.m.
Megan Alder Music at Thunder Island Brewing in Cascade Locks on Sept. 1 at 6:30 p.m.
Megan Alder Music, Thunder Island Brewing, Wednesday, Sept. 1, 6-30 p.m.
Trivia with Scott Anderson, Thunder Island Brewing, Thursday, Sept. 2, 6 p.m. Reservations: shorturl.at/ryA57
Ted Horwitz, The Dalles Farmers Market, Saturday, Sept. 11 and Columbia Gorge Hotel Sept. 3-4, 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Scot Bergeron & Rebecca Stonestreet, Sandbar Cafe, Sunday, Sept. 5, 5:30-8 p.m.
County Line (acoustic duo), Tarwater Tavern (Bingen), Thursday, Sept. 2, 6:30 p.m.
Boka Marimba concert Sept. 12
Columbia Gorge Orchestra Association announces a new concert series: Music From the Global Village, featuring world music ensembles from the Gorge and beyond. Portland’s African Marimba ensemble Boka Marimba plays on Sunday, September 12, at 2 p.m., at the Hood River Valley Christian Church. No tickets required, donations accepted and encouraged. Organizers say the venue requires the audience to be masked and distanced.
Quiet Riot at Granada Oct. 16
Quiet Riot in The Dalles Oct. 16
There are 28 Former Members of the Heavy Glam Metal group known as Quiet Riot, originally formed in 1975. 28!** Luckily, the Internet keeps track of these kinds of things, and the “lineup changes” continue into the present day, right up until August of 2021 in fact, as a footnote in rock history says that the bass player “currently in the band” is Rudy Sarzo (who first joined in 1978), but the “actual touring band bass player” is Chuck Wright (who first joined in 1982). And things get more complicated for this writer, because when I heard the band was going to play hits like “Cum on Feel the Noise,” and “Bang Your Head,” I thought, “wait, wasn’t that ‘Twisted Sister’?” I’m afraid that Heavy Metal fans will have to attend this one and find out once and for all who shows up to the gig, taking place October 16 at the Granada Theater in The Dalles. Can somebody let me know?!
**Super guitarist Randy Rhoades was part of the original lineup. The band existed from 1973-75 under several other names.
Resolectrics, more at Ruins
Ruins Music Manager Ryan Huntington
Since the whole Pandemic, I had not been to the Ruins in Hood River for over a year. Today I stopped by, just to re-familiarize myself with the place, and music manager Ryan Huntington (pictured) was on-hand who gladly gave me a tour. New artwork by Nick Vic has been installed behind the main outdoor bar, and a large doorway has been cut through the wall next to the stage, creating a passageway to a fenced-in area that will eventually become a secondary bar and gathering place. The venue hopes to have this in place by next year. Huntington said it’s going to be unique because you’ll mainly be able to hear the “monitor mix” from the stage. In the meantime, regular in front of the stage listening will take place, including shows from:
Resolectricts play tonight, Aug. 31.
Resolectrics w/ Garett Brennan & Luke Price, Tuesday, Aug. 31, 6 p.m.
Ben Larsen Band
Ben Larsen Band w/ Chris Couch (from World's Finest), Tuesday, Sept. 7, 6 p.m.
Far Out West
Far Out West, Tuesday, Sept. 14, 6 p.m.
‘As You Like It’ fundraiser for Meals on Wheels
Performers of Adult Center Theater (PACT) presents Shakespeare’’s “As You Like It,” on Sept. 10, 11, 17 and 18 at Jackson Park. The event opens at 5:30, 6 p.m. show. Directed by Sullivan Mackintosh, these performances benefit the Meals on Wheels program. $20 adults, $15 seniors/students. Tickets at Waucoma Books, Klindt’s Booksellers and www.showtix4u.com.
Printmakers at 301 Gallery
Six Northwest Printmakers display work in September at 301 Gallery in Hood River. Sally Gilchrist, Stirling Gorsuch, Kelli MacConnell, Sorcha Meek, Jan Pagliarulo and Sue Sutherland are featured. The Gallery celebrates First Friday, Sept. 3 with noted Jazz guitarist Charles Crosman from 5-8 p.m.
Music continues at The Pines
The Pines Tasting Room in Hood River features music every Friday night. Coming up Sept. 3: South of the Border music from Chihuahua Desert, Sept. 10: Kerry Williams. The music is from 6-9 p.m.
