Entertainment Update
 

Open auditions for Encore Performing Arts’ “It’s All About Love” will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 16, at 6 p.m. at the Old Stone Church, 410 E. 10th St. in The Dalles. Performers need to prepare a love song from a broadway musical — it can be serious, silly, or slightly sarcastic. Vocalists need to be high school-aged and older, and auditions can be a cappella or with a CD. Performances are planned for Feb. 14-16. Visit www.encoreperformingarts.us for more information.

There’s an open music jam on Fridays at 10 Speed Coffee in Hood River. Music starts at 6 p.m. and goes until closing. For more information call 386-3165. 10 Speed Coffee, 13th and Belmont, Hood River.

The Lyle Hotel is pleased to announce the 2008 Winemaker Dinner Series will begin with McCormick Family Vineyard’s first release “Memaloose Wines” on Saturday, Jan. 19, at 6 p.m. Space is limited and reservations are recommended. New releases made from Columbia Gorge area grapes such as York’s Reward, Mistral Ranch and Corps Red will be featured. The dinner series will continue with dates in March, April and May. Call 365-5953 for more information. Lyle Hotel, 100 Seventh St., Lyle, Wash.

There will be a country dance on Saturday, Jan. 12, at the Rockford Grange from 7-10 p.m. The dance caller will be Maggie Brunjes from Portland and the band will be the Mill Creek String Band. Dance lessons will begin promptly at 7 p.m. All ages welcome and no partner is required. The dance is family-friendly and all dances are walked through the first time. Enjoy an evening of country squares, contras, circle dances and a few waltzes. $5 for members, $6 for non-members, $1 for youth 16 and under. Please bring snack treats for break time. Call Keith Harding at 352-7550 for further information. Rockford Grange, 4250 Barrett Drive, Hood River.

The Mid Columbia Folklore Society hosts a house concert at 401 Montello, Hood River, on Saturday, Jan. 12, starting at 7 p.m. The concert will feature local singers and songwriters Matt Mesa and Scott Sparks. Call Paul Blackburn for more information at 387-4011.

Full Sail’s new winter Brewmaster Dinner menu will be available every Thursday beginning Jan. 10, from 4-8 p.m., at Full Sail’s Tasting Room and Pub. The four-course menu features savory and sweet seasonal fare paired with four of the brewery's award-winning brews. The cost of the dinner including beer is $25 per person. No reservations are needed. Full Sail Tasting Room and Pub, 506 Columbia St., Hood River, 386-2247.

On Friday, Jan. 11, Five Strings Short returns to the River City with their bluegrass show. On Saturday, Jan. 12, the Mother Hips return for their semi-annual pilgrimage back to River City. Find out more about this band at www.motherhips.com. River City Saloon is at 205 Cascade Ave., in Hood River. Call 387-BLUES for more information.

The Sugardaddies, featuring Mark Womble, will bring their music to the Trillium Cafe on Friday, Jan. 11. Music starts at 8 p.m. and there is no cover. Future shows include: Jan. 25, mile marker 6; Jan. 26, the Sugardaddies return. Trillium Cafe, 207 Oak St., Hood River, 386-1996.