Entertainment Update
 

Music comes to the Ratskellar in Government Camp in February. On Saturday, Feb. 2, it’s Portland jam band Sockeye Sawtooth with a Ground Hog Day celebration. On Saturday, Feb. 9, it’s country from Coyote Creek. On Friday, Feb. 15, it’s local rock favorites Red Rubberband. On Saturday, Feb. 16, it’s a D.J. dance party with William Hawkins. On Friday, Feb. 22, enjoy the progressive sounds from the Eugene-based band “Drebin.” Finally, on Friday, Feb. 29, its “just a big Rat Party” with music, giveaways and drink specials. The Ratskeller, 88335 E. Government Camp Loop Road, Government Camp, (503) 272-3635.

The pop/punk/rock band Speedqueen Underground is playing at the Double Mountain Brewery on Saturday, Feb. 9, starting at 8 p.m. “Come join forces to help rid the world of low energy musical entertainment.” Double Mountain Brewery, 8 Fourth St., Hood River; 387-0042.

On Saturday, Feb. 2, Kolvane (formerly the Rose City Kings) play the Eagles Lodge in The Dalles for a “Beads & Blues Mardi Gras Celebration.” Music starts at 8:30 p.m. and there is a $15 cover charge. Find out more about this band at www.Kolvane.com. Eagles Lodge, 2006 W 7th St., The Dalles; (541) 296-3172.

Enjoy an evening of wine tasting, appetizers, and live and silent auctions at the 3rd annual Gorge Grape Escape. It all starts at 7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 8, at the Columbia Gorge Hotel. Tickets are $45 each, with proceeds benefitting the White Salmon Valley Education Foundation. Tickets are available at Waucoma Bookstore, Collage of the Gorge or on-line at www.the-gorge-grape-escape.com. A special pre-event dinner is also available. Columbia Gorge Hotel, 4000 Westcliff Dr., Hood River, 386-5566.

On Friday, Feb. 1, it’s a double bill at the River City Saloon with Hillstomp and Sasparilla. Portland’s Hillstomp “creates a raucous hill country blues stomp with fiery youth and vigor.” Sasparilla is a six piece band that describes their sound as “Americana, blues, rag-blues from the 20s and 30s, country blues, barrelhouse blues, jug band and trance blues.” On Saturday, Feb. 2, Alaskan roots rock band the Whipsaws kick off their lower 48 tour in support of their new album “60 Watt Avenue.” River City Saloon is at 205 Cascade Ave., in Hood River. Call 387-BLUES for more information.

In celebration of the renovation of the Mt. Hood Town Hall an open house party will take place on Sunday, Feb. 3, from 2-4 p.m. There will be art activities for the kids, music by Ben Bonham, raffle prizes and more. Mt. Hood Town Hall, 6575 Highway 35, Mt. Hood.

Music returns to the Trillium Cafe in February. On Friday, Feb. 1, it’s blues and more from the Ben Bonham Trio. On Saturday, Feb. 2, it’s country and honky tonk from the Wasco Brothers. Music starts at 8 p.m. and there is no cover charge. Trillium Cafe, 207 Oak St., Hood River, 386-1996.

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. 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.