Entertainment Update
 

Come with a date to Solstice Cafe in Bingen on Thursday, Jan. 24. “Robb & Crockett” will be playing bluegrass in the cafe from 6-8 p.m. and Bambinos will be providing daycare while you eat. On Friday, Jan. 25, it’s a solo acoustic show from Ben Bonham — music is from 6-8 p.m. Solstice Wood Fire Cafe, 415 W. Steuben, Bingen, Wash.; (509) 493-4006.

CAST presents “The Blind Princess,” a tale of music, magic and love that leads the audience on a journey into China during the late Han Dynasty, a time when powerful and land-hungry emperors ruled for 400 years. The blind princess, Mei-Lei (Devyn Holyoak), her father, good Emperor Ming (Doug Miller), and loyal chamberlain Sun-Sen (Kory Harding), are about to test the ancient system that holds them together by confronting a warring empire. The aptly named evil Emperor Scorpion (Cosmos Worth) and his confused son, Vulture (Reuben Betts) have a clever plan to take over the Ming Empire. In the end, there will be a new emperor, but who will it be?

Matinee performances will be Feb. 2, 3, 9, 10, 16 and 17 at 2 p.m. Evening performances are scheduled on Feb. 8 and 15 at 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices are $15 and $10 for seniors and students. A family ticket package is available for $35 (two parents and up to three children). Tickets are available at Columbia Center for the Arts or Collage of the Gorge at 111 E. Jewett in White Salmon. All performances will be at the Columbia Center for the Arts, 215 Cascade Ave., in Hood River.

A series of introductory Tango dance lessons are scheduled for Mondays at The Dalles Civic Auditorium, starting at 7 p.m. The lessons, taught by Neva Reid, continue through February. Partners are needed. Fees per lesson are $5 adults, $4 children.

On Saturday Jan. 26, it’s the Badfish Band at the River City Saloon, an eight-piece reggae-funk band from Corvallis. This band has been playing all over Oregon and is ready to rock the River City. The show starts at 9 p.m., and you can check them out at www.thebadfishband.com. River City Saloon is at 205 Cascade Ave., in Hood River. Call 387-BLUES for more information.

The 2008 Columbia Gorge Fiddle Contest has been scheduled for May 2-4 at the Hood River Middle School auditorium. This event will showcase local and regional contestants and prizes will be awarded for various age groups/divisions. Tickets are $16 in advance. Visit www.columbiagorgefiddlecontest.com for more details.

The Columbia Center for the Arts in Hood River continues the Free Foreign Film Series with “Run Lola Run,” on Wednesday, Jan. 23, at 7:30 p.m. “Run Lola Run” is the internationally acclaimed sensation about two star-crossed lovers who have only minutes to change the course of their lives. Time is running out for Lola (Franka Potente): She's just received a frantic phone call from her boyfriend, Manni (Moritz Bleibtreu), who has lost a small fortune belonging to his mobster boss. If Lola doesn't replace the money in 20 minutes, Manni will surely suffer severe consequences. This German film is directed by Tom Tykwer and was released in 1999. All are welcome, including kids. A suggested donation of $5 per person will be accepted.

Do you play chess? Would you like to learn? The new Columbia Gorge Chess Club is a gathering of players of all abilities. Beginners can learn how to play chess and experienced players can find others to play against. For information, contact John Metta at 387-3872 or e-mail john@jmetta.com.

On Friday, Jan. 25, local roots-rock band mile marker 6 returns to the Trillium Cafe. The band features Susan McCourt (drums), Matt Mesa (lead vocal), Jim Drake (guitar/mandolin) and Charlene Mayer (bass). Music starts at 8 p.m. and there is no cover. Trillium Cafe, 207 Oak St., Hood River, 386-1996.

Dennis Williams will show pictures from his recent trip to India at Dog River Coffee on Friday, Jan. 25. The presentation starts at 7:30 p.m. and music will be provided by Django’s Cadillac. Dog River Coffee, 411 Oak St., Hood River; 386-4502.