Entertainment Update for Aug. 14

‘Cell’ reading Aug. 25

Award-winning playwright Cassandra Medley will be on hand for the staged reading of her newly published short play, “Cell,” at Columbia Center for the Arts on Sunday, Aug. 25, at 7:30 p.m. The play, directed by Kathy Williams and Gary Young, will be followed by a discussion with the playwright.

The play illustrates survival skills of those on the edge of society’s precipice. The only jobs left in town are at a detention center for illegal immigrants waiting to be deported. Rene has taken in her sister, Cerise, and niece Gwen, who were homeless, and helps them get jobs with her at the facility. But Gwen’s soft heart puts her at odds with the detention center’s rules against fraternization, and Rene will not let Gwen threaten her job, her only link to financial security. Tickets will be $5 at the door.

Learn about glass this month

Every Saturday and Sunday during August Columbia Art Gallery is hosting live glass demonstrations from noon to 3 p.m. Sign up at the demonstration and get entered to win a Bullseye Glass Fusing Class. Aug. 17-18: Lampworking and Jewelry with Sparkling Creations. Aug. 24-25: Kilnformed Glass. Aug. 31-Sept. 1: Painted and Cast Glass. The demonstrations are sponsored by Andy Nichols, Bullseye Glass, Cardinal Glass, Marchesi Winery and Sparking Creations.

Moe Dixon at Divots Aug. 18

Singer-songwriter Moe Dixon will be at Divots on Sunday, Aug. 18 at 6 p.m. The annual sunset show features Moe and musical allies Kerry Williams and Rick Hulett. A buffet dinner is available and there’s plenty of room to dance. No cover charge, family-friendly venue. Divots Restaurant at Indian Creek Golf Course, 3605 Brookside Drive, Hood River; 541-308-0304.

Fire Weeds at CEBU Lounge

This week at CEBU Lounge:

Friday, Aug. 16: The Fire Weeds 9:30 p.m. – Wide-open range Americana. “Mixing elements of jam music with tight vocal harmonies and song-craft, dance-ability is a sure thing. Featuring Todd Tracewell (acoustic guitar/vocals), Alan Glickenhaus (guitars/fiddle/banjo/ mandolin/vocals) and Ty Downing (drums) this band has an expansive repertoire and a spirited-drive.”

Saturday, Aug. 17: Otis Heat w/Voodoo Voltage 9:30 p.m. – Alterna-funk-rock. Portland-based Otis Heat returns for its first-ever show at Cebu. Local sax and bass experimental rock duo Voodoo Voltage (Ryan McAlexander and Ian Meyer) open the show. Best Western Hood River Inn, 1108 E. Marina Way; 541-386-2200.

‘Darlings’ at Marley’s Corner Aug. 17

The Portland folk, gypsy and Americana duo Strangled Darlings will be at Marley’s Corner on the Heights in Hood River on Saturday, Aug. 17, from 6-8 p.m. There’s no cover charge for this all-ages show. Marley’s Corner, UK Pub & Drive-Thru, 1216 C Street, Hood River; 541-386-0153; www.marleyscorner.com.