Get your Weekend Rocking - who's playing and where
This Week in Gorge Entertainment
By Jim Drake
Tray Dahl Jugtime Band show March 29
Mid Columbia Community Concert Association presents Tray Dahl and Jugtime Ragband Tuesday, March 29, at The Dalles Civic Auditorium. Doors open at 6 p.m. and show starts at 7 p.m. Expect “an energetic combination of all the popular styles of the 1920s and 1930s, immersed in an early 20th century New Orleans sound. They will have your feet stomping in a roaring twenties kind of way.” For more information and tickets visit www.mccca.org
TD CIVIC knocking back a Jug… band
Statement From the Artist:
Purists Beware! Tray Dahl & The Jugtime Ragband is not a jug band, or ragtime band. It is an energetic amalgamation of all the popular styles of the 1920's/30's – jazz, a little blues, a bit of swing, a pinch old time gospel, and even classic showtunes – all immersed in an early 20th century New Orleans sound. We get people's feet stomping in a roaring twenties kind of way. Our sound has been described by many as “speakeasy” or “prohibition era” music. Our songs match the early New Orleans jazz/blues instrumentation combo of tenor banjo and trumpet with upbeat dixieland and swing tempos underlying a heavy dose of powerful 1920's inspired vocals stylistically akin to Bessie Smith, Clara Smith, and Louis Armstrong. Our main influences include Louis Prima, Bix Beiderbecke, Louis Armstrong and the Boswell Sisters. We play songs composed by some of the best songwriters from the early and mid-twentieth century alongside our original tunes which are heavily influenced by their work. Our original songs are stories that take listeners back in time through the experiences of our main characters whose tales, so far, have taken place anywhere from the 1860's to 1930's.
Brazilian Jazz, more at Ruins
Upcoming shows at The Ruins in Hood River:
Friday, March 25: Brazilian Jazz with Natalie Cressman and Ian Faquini (ticketed show). 6-9 p.m.
Saturday, March 26: TK & The Holy Know-Nothings (ticketed show), 6-9 p.m.
In-Dispute Band needs a Singer!
This just in: Wishram-based rockers In-Dispute is looking for a classic rock singer. “Must have a good attitude, we're about having fun first!.. Great if you can play a little keyboard, but not required…” Contact them at: https://www.facebook.com/In-Dispute-613221678886279.
Live Music Mondays return to Everybody’s Brewing
Live Music Mondays at Everybody’s Brewing in White Salmon showcases the best in local and regional bands. Music is 6-8 p.m.
March 21: Cici Artemisia (Eclectic Acoustic) https://www.ciciart.com/about
March 28: Robert Meade (Folk-R&B)
Live music at Grateful Vineyard
Live music continues at Hood River’s Grateful Vineyard.
Wednesday, March 16, St. Patty's Day Celebration with The Riff Rats (trio) Traditional Irish Music (4-6 p.m.)
Sunday, March 20, Yellow Birds (Trio - Acoustic Female Harmonies)
St. Pat’s Party, more at Bargeway Pub
It’s time to get into the spirit with a St. Patrick’s Day Party at Bargeway Pub in The Dalles on Thursday, March 17, with three live bands starting at 1 p.m. On Sunday, March 20, the Reddy Black Trio returns, 7 p.m.
Yak Attack, ‘Juicy,’ more at River City Saloon
Sweet n Juicy at River City Saloon
Live music returns to the River City Saloon in Hood River with Yak Attack on Friday, March 18 and Saturday, March 19 with Sweet n Juicy (pictured). Shows start at 9 p.m. 21+ only. Don’t miss Portland’s Finest DJ Budget Money returns to Hood River’s River City Saloon on Thursday, March 17 for a St. Patrick’s Day Dance Party. 21+, 9 p.m. start.
Live Music at Zim’s
Catch Live Music at Zim’s in The Dalles:
Friday, March 18, Midnight Moonshine, 7-9 p.m.
Saturday, March 19, The Reddy Black Trio, 7-9 p.m.
Tuesday Taps and Tunes with Kenny O3 at Zim’s, 7-9 p.m.
‘Woman Who Was a Red Deer’ event March 19
A one-act staged play-reading of “The Woman Who Was a Red Deer Dressed for the Deer Dance” by Diane Glancy (Cherokee), along with a traditional story — only told during the Winter months — by Marta Lu Clifford (Chinook/Cree/Grand Ronde), and an original contemporary story by Lori Tapahonso ((Diné/Acoma Pueblo) will be presented on Saturday, March 19, 7:30 p.m. at the Columbia Center for the Arts in Hood River. The free show is presented in conjunction with the “Contemporary Native Voices: Prints from Crow’s Shadow Institute of the Arts” exhibit, and will be followed by a discussion about “Native theater, representation, and the role of storytelling in regional indigenous cultures.” Suitable for age 10 and up.
Reserve your free ticket online at: https://www.columbiaarts.org/events/red-deer-in-the-theatre/
Hood River Reads kicks off March 26
The Hood River Library’s Reads program kicks off on Saturday, March 26, with “Fire Story” by Brian Fies. This firsthand account of the October 2017 wildfires in Northern California is “an honest, unflinching depiction of his personal experiences, including losing his house and every possession except what his wife and he could fit into their car.” Hood River Reads program promotes reading for families and individuals with authors that reflect the communities’ diversity.
‘Elvis, Sinatra’ show March 26
Tickets are on sale now for a special concert featuring tributes to the biggest names in music: Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley. Roger Anderson is one of the top Elvis tribute artists working today, and Jamie Goetz is an amazing sound-alike for ol’ Blue Eyes. The concert is at The Dalles Eagles on Saturday, March 26, at 7:30 p.m. $15 tickets and additional dinner available. Call 541-296-3172 to reserve seats.
Live music at Working Hands Beer
Working Hands Beer in Hood River presents live music, trivia nights and more.
Open Mic: Sundays 6-8 p.m.
Saturday, March 19, St. Patrick’s Celebration 3 p.m. start, Cary Novotny & Johnny Connolly, 7:30-9:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 2, Slapjack Casualty, 7:30-9:30 p.m.
Live Music at The Pines
Live music returns Fridays, from 6-9 p.m. at The Pines Tasting Room in Hood River.
March 18 Brigid’s Crossing (Irish)
March 25 Chihuahua Desert
April 1 Chasing Ebenezer
The Dalles Eagles Open Mic
The Dalles Eagles host an open mic and jam session - the next one is coming up Sunday, March 20, from 1-3 p.m. Members and guests welcome.
First Friday The Dalles April 1
Join Downtown The Dalles as downtown businesses are joining up with their favorite artists to “show the love of where we live,” on Friday, April 1.
https://www.facebook.com/downtownthedalles
Tom Grant, Gorge Sinfonietta concert
Tom Grant
Tickets are on sale now for the Gorge Sinfonietta’s special presentation of “Big Surprises and Unfinished Business,” featuring Schubert’s Unfinished Symphony, Haydn’s Surprise Symphony, Portland’s award-winning Jazz pianist Tom Grant (pictured), guest conductor Edie Seyl Polson, and much more. Concerts are scheduled for March 18 (7 p.m.) and March 20 (2 p.m.) in the Gorge Room at Best Western Plus in Hood River. Tickets are $20 adults ($15 for CGOA members), $5 for youth 10-17 and free for kids under 10. Tickets at gorgeorchestra.org. All audience members (including youth and children) must have proof of COVID-19 vaccination or negative test within 48 hours. Unless state regulations change, audiences will be masked.
Musical ‘Rent’ to open in May
The CGOA ensemble Stages presents the award-winning musical “Rent” at the Bingen Theatre 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. Tickets available at Gorgeorchestra.org
Gorge Blues and Brews lineup announced
Stevenson’s own Gorge Blues and Brews festival happens on June 24-25, featuring top regional and local blues acts. This year’s festival will feature Too Slim & The Taildraggers, Coyote Kings w/ Tiphony Dames, Johnny Wheels & The Swamp Donkeys, Stacy Jones Band, Michele D'Amore & The Love Dealers, Seth Myzel Band, Stevie and the Blue Flames, Robin Gibson Band, Mark Hurwitz & Gin Creek, and the Big River Blues Band.
For tickets and more information visit www.gorgeblues.com/music
March show at 301 Gallery
The 301 Gallery Members Show featuring work from Sorcha Meek, Brian Chambers, Polly Wood, and Sally Reichmuth is on display at 301 Gallery in Hood River through the month of March. The gallery is open 7 days a week from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
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.
April 9: Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives
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/
Wine & Book Club meets March 16
The Wine & Book Club meets on Wednesday, March 16, at Stonehedge Gardens in Hood River. The meeting will include a discussion of “Educated” by Tara Westover and “The Glass Castle,” by Jeannette Walls. Details at:
‘Got Your Six’ at Eagles March 16
It’s classic rock and more from the newly reformed all-veteran Got Your Six band at The Eagles Lodge in The Dalles on Saturday, March 12, starting at 7 p.m.
Trivia, Karaoke at Route 30
Stay tuned for live music, trivia nights and more on a weekly basis at Route 30 in The Dalles.
Tuesdays: House Band Practice, 6 p.m.
Wednesdays: Trivia Night, 6:30 p.m.
Thursdays: House Band Practice, 6 p.m.
Fridays: Karaoke Night, 7 p.m.
Cider Fest returns April 30
20 Cideries with more than 40 different ciders will be on tap for the Hood River Hard-Pressed Cider Fest coming to the Hood River County Fairgrounds on April 30. The event also features local music and kids’ activities.
Chernobyl and the Hunt for Red October
Days into the attack on Ukraine the media reported that Russia had successfully taken back the area known as Chernobyl. I truly scratched my head in disbelief at this news, as I suppose a mostly vacant and essentially forever-radioactively contaminated part of the world due to 1986’s worst nuclear accident on record would be an easy conquest.
The 2019 HBO miniseries “Chernobyl” was a gripping depiction of the Gorbachev-era government’s handling of the disaster, which included billions of dollars spent on (in no particular order) evacuations, clean-up attempts, incident cover-up attempts and the spying on all individuals involved in clean-up and cover-up attempts. Some say that the cost of Chernobyl led to the collapse of the Soviet Union.
But to me, the most tragic and harrowing aspects of the situation involved the cover up and downplay of the early data concerning what radiation levels were present and impacting the surrounding population. This of course resulted in the death and sickness of emergency responders and subsequent medical staff who treated people who were exposed.
The Chernobyl series did show that some nuclear plant workers were actually concerned about the situation, and did not believe their superiors who were telling them not to worry. And that particular aspect made it so interesting on my recent re-watch of the 1990 movie “The Hunt for Red October.” In nearly a complete turnaround of priorities, the movie depicted dozens of Russian soldiers frantically and desperately wanting to evacuate the submarine when their commander faked a nuclear emergency.
It’s so ironic that movies and miniseries can show us how and how not to deal with our real-life situations. Maybe if they made one on how world peace was achieved it would come true.
