This Week in Gorge Entertainment- Aug. 11

By Jim Drake

Gary Pryor releases ‘Where I Belong’

Echoing the soft-rock acoustic sound of the 1970s, Mosier resident Gary Pryor writes that he released an eight-song CD called “Where I Belong,” earlier this year. Songs include “We Got it Right,” which celebrates personal relationship successes, “Time Slips Away,” lamenting the passage of time and distance between family members, and the title track “Where I Belong,” philosophizes on living right here in The Gorge, something he’s done on and off for the last 20 years.

Enlisting help for the project included bringing in local talent. “I’ve got my good friend Al Hare from Brewer’s Grade playing lead on two tracks. I think my music is starting to gain some traction after being on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Music for a few months,” Pryor said.

Besides those lead parts, Pryor said he recorded all of the other tracks himself, at home, over a period of six months. It was definitely a Pandemic Project.

“Most of these songs have been written over the last few years, but some have been hanging around for 10 years or more,” Pryor said.

Music production is extremely consistent: the vocal tracks are right up front and every word is clear. Pryor is clearly a singer-songwriter, and he’s making sure the message gets across. The well-placed backing tracks and solo work indicates Pryor has a good ear for what makes a song feel catchy, easy-going and identifiable to the artist. These are radio-friendly road-trip songs that reference our main thoroughfare of I-84 as the road that can lead one happily to their homes or out into the great unknown for a next adventure.

“I’m looking forward to spending more time playing more music here,” Pryor said. 

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvA2baugTreXC_0NbhxGmpQ

Gary Pryor’s next gig is at the Stevenson’s Farmers Market on Saturday, Aug. 14, starting at 10:30 a.m. 

Free Watercolor class Aug. 12

Ah yes, Art. Reminds me of a funny thing. I can’t remember what TV show the joke was from, but I’m pretty sure the actor was Tom Hanks. He was admiring a painting with a friend - a large red circle on a white rectangular background. His friend thought it was magnificent. Hanks thought it was the Flag of Japan. Manion Studios (The Dalles) hosts a free watercolor art class for teens on Thursday, Aug. 12, from 1-3 p.m. There are two different classes to choose from, and art supplies can be picked up from various locations around the Gorge. With in-person slots or virtual attendance options, there’s no excuse for missing out. 

Link to register: https://forms.gle/7MpfrvTuY7Z4T27H7

Women’s Open Mic returns August 19

The Gorge’s equivalent of Lilith Fair. Lesley Saunders hosts an all-women’s Open Mic at White Buffalo Wines in Hood River on Thursday, Aug. 19. The network of female musicians provides a comfortable environment for beginners who need a backup band. Professional sound system provided. Music starts at 6 p.m.

Ladderball Players Wanted

One day after attending a recent family picnic at which I was introduced to the phenomena known at Ladderball, I saw that a Mr. Paul Lovelin was trying to generate interest in starting a Ladderball Club. This coincidence was so serendipitous I thought he deserved a mention here. Tossing your Bolas a mere 15 feet onto a three-tiered ladder for points is fun, and somewhat addictive. I snapped this photo of my Personal Practice Best So Far - Six Bolas In A Row. Will this game start competing with Cornhole as the default Sidewalk Hangout Pastime?

Legends in The Dalles puts hold on Concert Series

From the Granada:

Taking into consideration first & foremost the health & safety of our fans, staff & musicians, the LEGENDS IN THE DALLES EVENT on August 14th, 2021 will be rescheduled. Full refunds to all ticket purchasers have already been initiated through your method of purchase. Cash purchases will need to be refunded in person at the Granada Theatre Spotlight Cafe.

This is due to the combination of major show suspensions in the Northwest, the current Covid spike in the Northwest - specifically Wasco County, a State of Oregon mask mandate for all venues as of this Friday the 13th, and a projected temperature of 110 degrees in The Dalles this Saturday. Could there possibly be more drama!

LEGENDS IN THE DALLES September 11th event featuring ASIA is also suspended at this time. We sincerely thank you for your support and look forward to future LEGENDS IN THE DALLES with you.

PEACE to all & stay positive during these uncertain times,

Granada Theatre & Sedition Brewing Company

 Families in the Park continues Aug. 12

Jackson Park in Hood River brings family-style concerts to a brand new stage each Thursday in August for Families in the Park. Concerts run from 7-9 p.m. and food and concessions will be available from local community groups. Bring a chair or blanket and get ready to hang out on Hood River’s best kept lawn for a summer musical experience.

August 12 - Johnny Limbo and The Lugnuts. Classic Oldies from the 50s, 60s and 70s guaranteed to get the crowd dancing. The eight-piece showband has been performing in the NW since 1978. 

August 19 - Sister Mercy. Portland Rhythm and Blues. The Cascade Blues Association recently nominated Sister Mercy for Best New Band. With a power-house voice from lead singer April Brown, Sister Mercy “presents music that is a pleasure for the ears and a show that is a feast for the eyes.” 

August 26 - Jennifer Batten and Full Steam. After several World tours with pop icon Micheal Jackson, guitarist Jennifer Batten decided to call Portland home. When she’s not on stage, she is busy running her own online guitar school. When she is on stage, she’s busy playing guitar with her new band, Full Steam, giving us a taste of 80s rock covers. Stay tuned to this column for an interview with Jennifer and learn more about this well-respected guitar talent. 

Best of Gorge, The Other Lens opens 

Columbia Center for the Arts in Hood River celebrates Best of the Gorge through painting, ceramics, fractal art and more from 31 artists. The Dalles Art Center presents The Other Lens, a  photography exhibit from Ernesto Mendez, depicting the life of “a common laborer during cherry season.” Both exhibits run through Aug. 28.

Music Here and There

Local shows this week include:

Al Hare: Aug. 10 and 17 at Zim’s, 7 p.m.; Aug. 16 at Last Stop Saloon, 7 p.m.

Hillstomp: Aug. 10, The Ruins, 6 p.m.

Waterfront Wednesdays: Live Local Music, Bargeway Pub, 6:30 p.m.

County Line: Aug. 13 at Grateful Vineyard, 5:30 p.m.; Aug. 14 at Sandbar Cafe, 6 p.m.

Pacific Crest Trail Party in Cascade Locks Aug. 19

It’s a Pre-Funk Party celebrating the Pacific Crest Trail in Cascade Locks on Thursday, Aug. 19. Prepare to enjoy the free circus comedy antics of The Unicycling Unicorn and live music from vagabond rockers Lumberjack. 5-9 p.m. at Thunder Island Brewing.

Cruise the Gorge returns Aug. 13-15

The Mid-Columbia Car Club presents the 2021 Cruise the Gorge event with hundreds of antique and modern sports cars on the road for three action-packed days. 

Friday: Open Neon Cruise downtown, 7 p.m.

Saturday: Show in the Shade - Riverfront Park, 9 a.m. Awards show at 3 p.m. Eagles Car Show and Dinner-Dance 5-11 p.m.

Sunday: Dufur Classic Car Show, Community Park, 9 a.m.