This Week in Gorge Entertainment by Jim Drake -Dec. 1
By Jim Drake
CGCC Holiday Online Auction starts Dec. 1
The Columbia Gorge Community College Foundation is launching its first-ever Holiday Online Auction Wednesday, Dec. 1, offering people an early start to holiday shopping while supporting student scholarships.
The link for bidding will go live on Dec. 1 at 7 a.m. https://www.cgccfoundation.org/events/auction/?fbclid=IwAR27W9s0CTS8k-tcUt1dN21bYXLh4dRzdn_hlD50IjOWmQhIkxwWgslPVrQ
Bingen Theater continues ‘Bring The Heat’ campaign
Since opening in earnest a few years ago The Bingen Theater has hosted plays, music events, classes and more. But, the HVAC system has failed, and now a fundraising campaign is underway in order to safely reopen the venue. Theater owners are asking for community support, as an estimated $50,000 is needed for repairs and upgrades to make the theater fully usable. Contributors to the campaign will receive perks like concert and performance tickets, or special recognition with your name on a Theater Seat. For details about the campaign visit:
‘Holly Jolly Holiday Revue’ debuts Dec. 11
Performances at Adult Center Theater (PACT) presents A Holly Jolly Holiday Revue on Saturday, Dec. 11, at 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 12 at 2 p.m. at the Hood River Valley Adult Center. The show will feature the Columbia Gorge Dance Academy, Santa and Mrs. Claus, Children’s Poetry Readings, Ugly Sweater Fashion Show, Solstice Singers, Musical Performances and more. Admission $10 adults; $25 for families.
‘Christmas on the Farm’ at Goldendale Reindeer
It's a special time at Goldendale Reindeer this year with “Christmas on the Farm,” presented on three Saturdays and Sundays in December before Christmas. Event is between 3 and 5 p.m. with a special candlelight goodnight just before 5 p.m. https://goldendalereindeer.com/believe
Tess Barr releases “Christmas Song”
When she’s not working hard at Hoodcrest Winery, local blues singer Tess Barr is working hard with The Tess Barr Blues Band, and this year she released an updated version of “Christmas Song,” just in time for the Holidays. You can give it a Thumbs Up here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5vLiZyzkR-w
Groove Project Grooves Christmas
The Columbia Center for the Arts presents The Groove Project, featuring pianist Tim Mayer (pictured) and Friends, as they get ready to put the Groove into Christmas on Friday, Dec. 17, and Saturday, Dec. 18. Expect “jazzy, groove-punctuated Christmas songs - some new, some familiar, all unique.” Organizers say “Think of it as a Musical Fruitcake.” Tickets and Covid entry information here:
Hood River Holidays - Downtown
Tree Lighting Ceremony Friday, Dec. 3, at 7 PM
Get ready for festivities & holiday fun with Hood River Holidays!
Hood River is celebrating with a window display contest, Small Business Saturday, and an exciting downtown festival with a static parade.
During the static parade, festive floats will be parked along Oak Street for viewing. So put your mittens on, and get ready to join us!
Window Display Contest Nov. 27-Dec. 23
Holiday Movie Theme – Throughout Town
Downtown Festival with a static parade Dec. 3, 5-8 p.m.
Tree Lighting Ceremony Friday, Dec. 3, 7–7:15 p.m.
Columbia Arts Center - Friday, Dec. 3, music in Lobby with Rishell Graves, 5-7 p.m.
Free Parking Downtown Dec. 13-25
Please visit our website for more information: https://visithoodriver.com/event/hood-river-holidays
Cascade Singers Christmas Concerts return
The Cascade Singers Christmas Concerts return to The Dalles for three more shows: Sunday, Dec. 4, 2 p.m. at United Church of Christ (5th/Court); Sunday, Dec. 12, 2 p.m., at St. Paul’s Episcopal (1805 Minnesota St.); and Saturday, Dec. 18, 7 p.m. at St. Peter’s Landmark (3rd/Lincoln). Musical Director Garry Estep says it’s a performance of Choral Holiday Favorites and Sing-alongs. Concerts are Free and open to the public. All donations support the venue's music programs.
The Dalles ‘Organ Crawl’ returns Dec. 5
Featuring five historic pipe organs in The Dalles, the Organ Crawl presents the fascinating history and music from these unique instruments. Covid precautions will be in place at each venue. For a preview, last spring’s Organ Crawl and commentary can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5AzV9Qzesx8.
Mt. Hood Christmas Train in Dec.
Capture the magic of Christmas on the Mt. Hood Christmas Train and enjoy scenic rides through the Hood River Valley. For schedule and ticket info:
https://www.mthoodrr.com/train-rides/the-train-to-christmas-town/
Comedy Night at HR Elks Dec. 3
Comedian Andrew Sleighter will be at the Hood River Elks on Friday, Dec. 3.
Featuring the Comedy of Andrew Sleighter (pictured), Ben Harkins, Cameron Peloso and more, The Hood River Show brings the laughs on Friday, Dec. 3, starting at 8 p.m. at the Hood River Elks Lodge. Tickets $10 at the door.
‘Christmas Through the Ages’ features Voci Choir
The Voci Community Choir returns to live performances this year with a presentation of “Christmas Through the Ages,” featuring beautiful seasonal music and audience carol sing-alongs. Friday, Dec. 10, 7 p.m. at Riverside Community Church in Hood River and Sunday, Dec. 12, at St. Peter’s Landmark in The Dalles. Tickets and audience Covid guidelines at
Classic Cars Caught on Camera
The Dalles is Once Again featured on Youtube - this time it’s nearly 15 minutes with video of the 2021 Classic Car Show during the Cruise the Gorge Weekend. Give the Oregon Outdoors Channel a Thumbs up at:
‘Untethered Soul’ Book Club meets
Reports of the “Untethered Souls” Book Club have surfaced and organizers say a meeting is imminent on Sunday, Dec. 5, 11 a.m. at Dog River Coffee in Hood River. If this book by Michael Singer has prompted you to seek out like-minded souls, join the informal meetup to discuss future club plans.
Holiday Open House at History Museum Dec. 4
The History Museum of Hood River County invites the community to its annual Holiday Open House on Saturday, Dec. 4, from 1-3 p.m. Come celebrate the season and enjoy some music with the CGOA Brass Ensemble (1:15 p.m.) and Harmony of The Gorge Chorus (2 p.m.). The current exhibit “Cheers! From Teetotalers to Tasting Rooms,” is on display.
Free admission and refreshments, donations accepted. Proof of vaccination or a negative Covid test within 48 hours prior to the event is required for all attendees.
Photos with Santa at Windermere
Join Windermere Realtors in Hood River (315 Oak St.) for Photos with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 4, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and help support the Friend Fund with your $10 suggested donation. Enjoy cookies, cocoa and a special visit from Santa.
Gigs Here and There
Saturday, Dec. 4 - Megan Alder and Five Letter Word - at The Ruins in Hood River. Ticketed Show, Covid guidelines apply.
Monday, Nov. 29 - Al Hare returns to The Last Stop Saloon in The Dalles, 7 p.m.
‘Hood River’ screens Dec. 1 at Thunder Island
A while back we mentioned that a video on a local high school soccer team called “Hood River” had been released. If you missed that initial showing, there’s an opportunity to join Thunder Island Brewing in Cascade Locks on Wednesday, Dec. 1 for a screening, with coach Jaime Riveria in attendance. This fundraising event for The Next Door programs starts at 5 p.m.
