What you thinkin? Time to find a show in the Gorge, right?
This Week in Gorge Entertainment
By Jim Drake
Last Chance for ‘Ripcord’
The 2023 live theater season for Big Britches Productions kicked off with “Ripcord.” Critics say David Lindsay-Abaire’s “Ripcord” is “an entertaining story of two elderly women thrown together by a comic cosmic force, possessed of a wicked sense of humor.” Directed by Joe Garoutte. Performances at The Bingen Theater, Bingen, Wash. Performances continue Feb. 10 and 11. Tickets and Season Passes on sale at:
Live Music at Bargeway Pub
Bargeway Pub in The Dalles hosts live music from local and regional bands.
Wednesday, Feb. 8, NBC&R Band (Folk-rock), 6-9 p.m.
NBC&R Band
CGOA presents Young Voices, featuring music by a New Generation of Composers
The Gorge Sinfonietta presents a thrilling concert of music by the "under thirty" generation of composers. Includes the world premiere of "Vanitas" for speaker and orchestra by Cody Matthew Johnson, selections from Austin Wintory's "Traveler Symphony," and the winners of Columbia Gorge Orchestra Association’s Young Composer competition supporting high school age composers from around Oregon. Wy'east Middle School Performing Arts Center, 3000 Wyeast Rd., Hood River (Odell); Friday, February 17 at 7 p.m.; Sunday, February 19 at 2 p.m.
About the Program
John Mackey
The Gorge Sinfonietta is known for diverse and exciting programs, from
collaborations with outstanding artists to innovative new music. The orchestra’s fondness for pushing boundaries will be on full display as it presents a program of premieres by an outstanding group of young composers on February 17 and 19.
The program includes John Mackey’s “Under the Rug,” a joyous, tongue-in-cheek concert opener that describes a 1950s housewife under siege by an army of dust bunnies. Mackey takes the familiar sound of early television theme songs to unexpected places. Besides being an orchestral showcase, “Under the Rug” is buoyant and catchy. As the composer says, “You can dance to it!”
Austin Wintory
Los Angeles based composer Austin Wintory has received a large number of awards and accolades for his exciting music for movies and videogames. He was the first game composer to be nominated for a Grammy. That nomination was for his score to the 2012 game “Journey.” Wintory has turned his game score into an extended concert piece called “Traveler: A Journey Symphony.” Traveler was recorded last year by the London Symphony Orchestra. It features a concerto-like solo that was written for studio musician superstar Tina Guo. The Sinfonietta’s Principal Cello Michelle Edwards will play the solo in the local performance. The
Sinfonietta’s performance of “Traveler” will be the US premiere performance.
Mark Steighner
While certainly not a “young composer,” conductor Mark Steighner was commissioned before the pandemic to write a memorial piece in honor of Sinfonietta violist Erica Roulier’s father-in-law. “Turn, and Start for Home” will receive its premiere performance in the February concerts, featuring Principal Violist Jim Garrett.
Cody Johnson
“Vanitas” is the name for a genre of painting that was developed centuries ago. Vanitas paintings often include symbols of time passing and reminders of life’s brevity. Composer Cody Matthew Johnson and poet Andrew Smithers created their “Vanitas” for speaker and orchestra as a meditation on current events in America. Somewhere between poetry and rap, the text of “Vanitas” explores the social and political discourse and conflicts of recent years in a thoughtful and challenging way. Its language is direct, moving and mesmerizing. Conductor Mark Steighner worked with Cody Johnson for several months to arrange the music for orchestra, and the Gorge Sinfonietta will present its world premiere. The composer and writer will be in attendance. It’s a great opportunity for local audiences to meet one of the rising star composers in media.
The Young Voices concerts will be Friday, February 17 at 7 PM and Sunday, February 19 at 2 PM at the Wy’east Middle School Performing Arts Center, 3000 Wy’east Rd in Odell.
Tickets are $25 adults ($15 for CGOA Members), $5 youth ages 10-17, and free for kids under 10. Tickets are available at gorgeorchestra.org. A limited number of $5 tickets are available for patrons with Oregon Trail/SNAP cards. For information about all CGOA events, visit gorgeorchestra.org, or check out gorgeorchestra on Facebook and Instagram.
‘Elemental’ film screens at Bingen Theater
Filmmaker Trip Jennings will be on hand for a special showing of “Elemental,” at the Bingen Theater on Thursday, Feb. 16, at 6:30 p.m. “This award-winning film has time-lapse and wildlife footage shot in the Columbia River Gorge and Mt Hood, and over one-third of the footage is from the Pacific Northwest. Reimagine wildfire through the eyes of top scientists and indigenous fire managers who are leading the way toward living with this essential element.” Special guests from Underwood Conservation District, Washington Dept. of Natural Resources, and Mount Adams Resource Stewards will be available for a Q&A discussion after the film.
Tickets at: https://www.bigbritches.org/elemental-movie-tickets
Music, women’s open mics at White Buffalo
Coming up at the White Buffalo Wine Bar in Hood River:
Thursday, Feb. 9, Heart & Hammer (Acoustic Folk), 6 p.m.
Thursday, Feb. 16, Women’s Open Mic with Lesley Saunders, 6 p.m.
Live Music at The Pines
The Pines Tasting Room in Hood River hosts live music on Fridays, from 6-9 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 3, Brigid’s Crossing
Friday, Feb. 10, Chasing Ebenezer
Friday, Feb. 17, Chic Preston
Friday, Feb. 24, FreeHugger
Builders & The Butchers at Ruins
On the heels of a new album release, Portland’s folk-rock outfit Builders & The Butchers return to The Ruins in Hood River on Thursday, Feb. 16. Critics say “Builders and the Butchers make records the way the bards used to pass on stories. They’re poetic and captivating, and do to songwriting what Clint Eastwood does to movies.” The new album “Sparks,” is due in 2023. Kelli Schaefer opens the show. Tickets at:
Live Music Mondays at Everybody’s Brewing
Live Music Mondays at Everybody’s Brewing in White Salmon showcases the best in local and regional bands. Music is on Mondays, 6-8 p.m.
Feb. 13, Richard & Tova Tillinghast (Folk/Americana)
Feb. 20, TBA
Feb. 27, Tres Pollos (Three members of Chicken Sh!t Gamblers)
Music, Trivia Night at Double Mountain
Greenneck Daredevils
Double Mountain Brewery in Hood River welcomes local and regional acts to the stage:
Wednesday, Feb. 8, Humpday Trivia with hosts Nikki and Whitney (aka Whikki). Sign-ups start at 6 p.m., and trivia begins at 6:30 p.m. No cover charge.
Friday, Feb. 17, Greenneck Daredevils (Gorge jam-grass), 8 p.m.
Empire Trio at Civic Auditorium
The Empire Trio
The Mid-Columbia Community Concert Association presents The Empire Trio, “an exhilarating and uniquely talented classical crossover ensemble that has been taking concert halls by storm all over the world.” The trio brings its ‘Hooray for Hollywood’ set to the stage, with beloved renditions of movie soundtrack hits from the Golden Age to modern classics.
The Empire Trio will be at The Dalles Civic Auditorium on Tuesday, March 7, starting at 7 p.m. Tickets available at:
https://www.midcolumbiacommunityconcerts.org/events/empire-trio
Tony Furtado Trio at TD Arts Center Gallery
Tony Furtado
The Dalles Art Center presents Live at The Carnegie, featuring the Tony Furtado Trio, on Saturday, Feb. 18.
“Tony Furtado is an acclaimed folk and roots musician who has recorded 20 albums under his own name as well as played with the likes of Alison Krauss, Jerry Douglas, Tim O’Brien, and Kelly Joe Phelps. He has recently revived his skills as a sculpture artist, too.”
Tickets available at:
https://www.thedallesartcenter.org/events/live-at-the-carnegie-tony-furtado-trio
Bruce Parker Writer’s Talk at TDAC
Bruce Parker
The Dalles Art Center presents a Writer’s Talk with Bruce Parker on Thursday, Feb. 16, at 7 p.m. He’ll be discussing his “Ramadan in Summer,” publication (officially known as a ‘Chapbook’) and upcoming poems published in Cirque and Triggerfish Critical Review.
Live Music at Zim’s
Zim’s Brau Haus in The Dalles presents live local music.
Friday, Feb. 10, Riff Rats, 7 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 11, Rezound, 7 p.m.
Lana Harper Author Talk at TD Library
Lana Harper
Meet up at The Dalles Library for an online session with NYT bestselling author Lana Harper on Thursday, Feb. 9, starting at 4 p.m. She’ll be discussing “Back in a Spell,” the “enchanting third installment of her immensely popular The Witches of Thistle Grove series.”
Black History Month, more at HR Library
Celebrate Black History Month at the Hood River County Library with a documentary celebrating the life of John Lewis, and the Spike Lee film looking at the life of Malcolm X. Wednesday, Feb. 15, at 5:30 p.m.
Enjoy Family Movie Matinees at the library on Saturday, Feb. 11 and Feb. 25, at 2 p.m. It’s a secret as to what movies are going to be shown, so escape the chilly weather and join the fun.
Teddy Bear Sleepover at White Salmon Library
Get ready for the Teddy Bear Sleepover starting on Thursday, March 2, at the White Salmon Library. Drop off your teddy bear, stuffed animal, doll or other toy at the library on anytime between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Come back on Friday, March 3, at 6:15 p.m. in your pajamas to pick up your furry friend. Then, enjoy stories, crafts, juice and cookies, and watch a slideshow of all the fun your bear had overnight at the library.
Live music at Working Hands
Working Hands Fermentation in Hood River presents live music, trivia nights and more.
Wednesday, Feb. 8, Music Bingo, 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 11, Chasing Ebenezer (World Folk-Rock), 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, Feb. 12, Open Mic hosted by Tim Decker, 6 p.m.
Rae Gordon at 64oz Taphouse
Rae Gordon Band
“The multi-award-winning Rae Gordon Band serves up a potent stew of gritty blues and heartfelt soul,” to 64oz Taphouse in Hood River on Wednesday, Feb. 15, starting at 7 p.m. $5 cover.
Jackson County Kills at River City
The River City Saloon in Hood River presents the return of Jackson County Kills on Friday, Feb. 10, at 9 p.m. This honky-tonk, rock and country band promises “electric sets filled with lightning guitar twang, propulsive rhythm and sweet harmony singing.” No Cover. 21+ only.
Valentine Dinner and Dance at TD Eagles/Elks
A Valentine Dinner and Dance at The Dalles Eagles is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 11. Dinner is 5-7 p.m. and dancing music provided by veteran band Got Your Six. Members and Guests only. All proceeds benefit the Heart Fund.
Sunshine Mill Drive-In Movies
Sunshine Mill in The Dalles presents Drive-in movies on the Big Outdoor Screen. Movies start at 9 p.m. and tickets per carload are available here:
https://www.sunshinemill.com/drive-up-movies
Tuesday, Feb. 14, Valentine’s Drive In Movie “The Notebook,” 6 p.m.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sunshine-mill-dinner-and-a-movie-the-notebook-tickets-536147530697
Adam Pasi Comedy Night at Bingen Theater
Adam Pasi
Portland Funnyman Adam Pasi and friends bring Comedy Night to the Bingen Theater on Friday, Feb. 17. Pasi will be sharing the bill with Sam Whiteley and Delaney Malone. Pasi “is among the most recognized names in Northwestern comedy and a regular performer and host at Helium Comedy Club, has appeared on Portlandia and at the Bridgetown Comedy Festival.”
Tickets available for 7 and 9 p.m. performances at:
Live Music at Last Stop Saloon
Last Stop Saloon in The Dalles features live music with local favorites and NW regional bands.
Monday, Feb. 6, Al Hare, 7 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 10, Richard Tillinhast, 7 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 11, Ben Blakely, 7 p.m.
Monday, Feb. 13, Al Hare, 7 p.m.
Live Music at Trout Lake Hall
The Waysiders
Trout Lake Hall in Trout Lake, Washington is bringing live music back to the Historic building’s stage.
Saturday, Feb. 11, The Waysiders (Country, Honky Tonk, Swing), 7 p.m. (Free show). “The Waysiders feature the tradition-steeped songwriting of Gabrielle Macrae and sister Joanna, achieving harmonies that can only be found in siblings - and all backed by a hot band of heavy hitters. Classic country, honky tonk and swing, from mournful to kicking - The Waysiders have been filling dance floors nationwide."
More information at: https://www.troutlakehall.com/
Galentine’s Night at Gorges Beer
Ladies, mark your calendars - join Gorges Beer in Cascade Locks for a night of fun and friendship on Galentine's Day, Saturday, Feb. 11, 4-8 p.m. with music from 5-7 p.m.
‘Year of the Comet’ at Granada
The Granada Theater in The Dalles presents a screening of “Year of the Comet,” on Friday, Feb. 10. It’s a 1992 Rom-Com adventure centering around a rare bottle of wine made during the Great Comet of 1811.
Tickets at: https://granadatheatrethedalles.com/
Jazz Collective at HR Elks
The Columbia Gorge Orchestra Association presents the Jazz Collective for a swing dance at the Hood River Elks on Friday, Feb. 10, starting at 8 p.m. Visit gorgeorchestra.org for details.
‘Living Snow’ Sense of Place lecture at CCA
“Living Snow: Mysterious Pink Snow and the Future of Our Alpine Ecosystems,” is the next Sense of Place lecture at the Columbia Center for the Arts in Hood River, on Wednesday, Feb. 8, at 7 p.m., with speaker Robin Kodner. Sponsored by Mt. Adams Institute.
Author Talks hosted by The Dalles Library
Virtual Author Talks is a series of author interviews hosted by The Dalles Library and the Library Speakers Consortium. Sign up to join in these informative online seminars with Notable and Best Selling authors.
Thursday, Feb. 9, at 4 p.m., with Lana Harper, author of “Back in a Spell.”
Line Dancing at NK Studio
Beginner Line Dancing at NK Studios in Bingen, Wash. is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 11, from 4-5 p.m. All ages welcome. Sign up in advance at:
Baritone Uke Day 2023
Local and regional ukulele players will host online workshops, concerts and jam sessions on Baritone Uke Day, Saturday, Feb. 11, from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Expect beginner workshops, old-time fingerpicking lessons and more with Grace van’t Hof, Aaron Keim (pictured), Marcy Marxer and Ginger Johnson. Participants will have access to all course materials. Register at:
Crawdaddies featured at Valentines dance
It’s Valentine Date Night at the Granada Theater on Saturday, Feb. 11, with live music and dancing from the Crawdaddies. It’s an evening of lover’s comedy video, hors d’oeuvres and more. Tickets at:
https://granadatheatrethedalles.com/events-and-buy-tickets/valentine-hors-doeuvres-dancing-video/
Jazz at Hood River Hotel
The Hood River Hotel in Hood River presents Jazz in the Lobby from local and regional players on Saturday nights, 7:30 - 10 p.m.
