This Week in Gorge Entertainment by Jim Drake - Oct. 13
By Jim Drake
Big Band Collective is on YouTube
More music from The Gorge has landed on YouTube recently, this time in the form of Columbia Gorge Orchestra Association’s Jazz Collective Big Band, conducted by Mark Steighner.
The eight-piece ensemble went all the way back to 1958 for a somewhat rare tune called “Muttnik,” penned by famous producer Quincy Jones, and covered by Count Basie on an album called “Basie One More Time.” Further research says that “Muttnik” was a play on words for the stray Soviet dog that was launched into space in 1957 during the Sputnik satellite era. Sadly, the dog died in the process. Was this Quincy Jones paying tribute to this obscure space pioneer? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VlyKlbqAtjc
Threshold Singers meet Thursdays
An a capella singing group known as the Columbia Gorge Threshold Singers is planning to hold a choir practice on Thursdays from 6:45 to 8 p.m. in White Salmon. This group is dedicated to “singing uplifting songs that can support people through life’s transitions,” and believes in the healing energy of music. Threshold Choir is a national organization (www.thresholdchoir.org) and The Gorge has had a chapter since 2019. For more information contact kalama@embarqmail.com.
Hood River Harvest Fest Oct 15-16-17
Wow, the Hood River Harvest Fest has become quite the logistical entity for obtaining Information. The annual celebration has always featured live music, and all local sources say that “live music will occur” this year and I have to say: It was always a fairly easy process to find out what bands would be playing. But things are different this year! I called the Hood River Visitors office and they did not have the band information. What they could tell me: True West Presents was apparently handling those Details. True West, if you don’t know, books a few venues you may be familiar with: The Aladdin Theater, Revolution Hall, and the Oregon Zoo. Well, after multiple emails and some struggle, I located the mystery line up.
Here’s the Music Schedule - it looks like a few local folks are in the mix!
Eugenia Riot
Friday 10/15
1:15-2:15: JoAnna Lee (Acoustic R&B Soul singer)
2:30-3:30: Shane Brown (Folk Rock)
4:30-5:30: Megan Alder (Jazz and Swing Guitar)
Saturday 10/16
12:00-1:00: Eugenia Riot (Original Lyrical Folk)
Jonah Sissoyev
1:30-2:30: Jonah Sissoyev (Ambient Folk)
3:00-5:00: The Night Farmers (Americana and Country)
Sunday 10/17
10:30-11:30: Shane Brown (Folk Rock)
12:00-2:00: Brigid’s Crossing (Irish Folk)
3:00-4:00: Wil Kinky (Blues, Rock and Soul guitarist)
Wil Kinky
Halloween Karaoke at Stevenson Eagles
It’s a Halloween Karaoke Party at the Stevenson Eagles Lodge (Eagles Aerie 1744) on Saturday, Oct. 30. Organizers say, “Come sing a song that was inspired by your costume, or wear the costume that was inspired by a song.” Members and guests only.
‘Rent’ Auditions at Bingen Theater
Does anyone else remember what famous animated series parodied this Broadway show? Multiple audition dates are set for a production of “Rent” at the Bingen Theater: Saturday, Oct. 23, noon-2 p.m. (music), 3-4 p.m. (acting); Monday, Oct. 25, 6-7 p.m. (music), 7-8 p.m. (acting). For details on requirements, contact joe@garoutte.me Masks and proof of vaccination required for participation. Performances in May 2022.
Halloween Talent Show at Route 30
Route 30 Bottles and Brew in The Dalles announces a brand new event for Halloween, geared for first time performers with unique talents. Call the venue at 541-993-3155 to sign up for the Halloween Talent Show on Saturday, Oct. 30. The fun starts at 7 p.m., and there will be trophies and prizes for the People’s Choice Award.
Reindeer spotted in Goldendale
A new family fun adventure has opened on the scene in the form of Goldendale Reindeer - an exciting farm and pumpkin patch featuring close-up views of the magical four-legged creatures. Open Saturdays and Sundays in October, 1-3 p.m. More information at goldendalereindeer.com
Legato Gusto at River City
Legato Gusto
“Hypnotic, feel-good rhythms, heavy-hitting soloists,” Legato Gusto is getting ready to take fans on a musical journey Friday, Oct. 15, starting at 9 p.m. (no cover charge) at Hood River’s River City. The five-piece NW band promises “atmospheric textures, vocal harmonies and contemplative lyrics.” On Saturday, Oct. 30, River City presents Hell-oween Costume Contest with Vitamin D. 21+ over only, cover charge, show limited to 100 persons.
Sinfonietta returns Nov. 5, 7
The Columbia Gorge Sinfonietta gets back into the habit of providing classical orchestral music on Friday, Nov. 5, at the Discovery Center in The Dalles, starting at 7 p.m. On Sunday, Nov. 7, the Sinfonietta plays the River of Life Church in Hood River, starting at 2 p.m. The organization promises a link to tickets soon at: https://www.gorgeorchestra.org/
Gigs Here and There
Mark Daly reports that he’ll be playing a solo gig at Hood Crest Winery in Hood River on Sunday, Oct. 24 from 3:30-5:30. Expect songs off his new album “Simply Soup.”
The band Nightlife returns to The Dalles Eagles on Saturday, Oct. 16, at 7:30 p.m. Expect classic rock covers and more.
