Time for the Family
Hood River's Families in the Park concert series concludes this Thursday night with a flashback to the 1970s.
The Satin Love Orchestra performs live, beginning at 7 p.m. on the Jackson Park stage. The concert is free-of-charge.
SLO is a 10-piece disco/funk group that produces as much adrenaline as any party animal can stand. The group does for the '70s what Johnny Limbo and the Lugnuts do for the '50s.
The evening starts at 6 p.m. with the American Legion Auxiliary fundraising barbecue. Many food vendors will also be in the park.
The Desert Harem Dancers will entertain the crowd from 6:15-6:45 p.m.
The Lady Sings the Blues
Eighty-six-year-old Alberta Adams and her band of bluesmen visit the Northshore Bar and Grill on the main drag in Bingen this Thursday night. Show time is 9 p.m.
Friday, the Northshore throws its "Martini Party" with special musical guest Django's Cadillac (swing and jazz) pumping up the jam.
Punky hard rock comes to the Northshore on Sunday as Switch Hitter drops in to take a few swings.
Raising the Bar's Roof
Local favorites The Connolly Brothers, Barney and Bob, take the stage at downtown White Salmon's Elkhorn Bar twice this Labor Day weekend, with performances scheduled for Friday and Saturday nights.
Show time is 9 both nights, and there's no cover charge to get in.
The Connolly Brothers' music is accessible to all listeners and their performances are as easy to slip into as a pair of well-worn loafers.
Barney and Bob are equally comfortable performing side by side, the way a tired, aching back and an old leather recliner go together.
Next weekend, Sept. 5-6, Gorge rock band Phoenix rises to lead the Elkhorn's HuckFest weekend celebration. Music starts at 9 each night.
Every Wednesday, from 8-11 p.m., is Open Mic Night at the Elkhorn with emcee Tracy Yeager.
Heaven Help Them
T.O.M. FEST returns to Stevenson for five days of alternative Christian music and worship at the Skamania County fairgrounds.
The festival began Wednesday and runs through Sunday. Hundreds of bands are expected to perform. For ticket information, call (503) 254-6458.
LOL (Laugh Out Loud)
The Best Western Hood River Inn's Columbia Room is the setting for Saturday night's first annual "Last Comic Standing" contest.
Hosted by standup comic Jonpaul, the 18-and-over only event begins at 8 p.m. Tickets are $8.50 in advance (at the Inn) or $10 at the door.
For those interested in performing, call (509) 493-4653.
Free's a very good price
Weather permitting, the Brian Thompson Band will perform a free concert on Saturday, from 7:30-9:30 p.m., at Jackson Park in Hood River.
After a few years off, Thompson is again writing music that makes you want to have fun and drive your car way too fast. From soulful ballads to heavy southern rock, this is a fun group to see live if you get the chance.
The group's line up starts with Thompson on bass and lead vocals. Sandy Peterson plays the keyboard, B-3, guitar, bass, mandolin, and vocals. On the drums, you'll find James White. Then there is Justin Merrit on guitar.
The Brian Thompson Band is currently rehearsing for an album and setting up dates to play in the Mid-Columbia area.
Singer/Songwriter Extravaganza
This Labor Day weekend, the Maryhill Winery Amphitheatre hosts its Singer/Songwriter Contest from noon to 7 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday.
Tickets for the show are available online at www.ticketmaster.com or via charge-by-phone at (503) 224-4400. Cost of tickets is $10 per show or $15 for both days.
On Aug. 30, up to 40 contestants will perform two original songs each before a judging panel of music industry professionals.
From that original 40, an overall contest winner, three runners-up and six finalists will be selected to perform on Aug. 31.
Future shows are slated for Sept. 13 (Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder; opening act is local C&W favorite Les Richardson); Sept. 20 (Lou Rawls and Nancy Wilson; Rob Neuberger) and Oct. 4 (Emmylou Harris; Sam Hill; Spigot Acoustic).
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