Entertainment Update
 

On Friday, Feb. 8, Free Peoples comes to the River City Saloon. Music starts at 9 p.m. The band has just released a new CD “Sittin On A Goldmine,” featuring diverse writing styles and “Real American Music.” Come see why this band was a recent winner of the Relix magazine jam-off contest. River City Saloon is at 205 Cascade Ave., in Hood River. Call 387-BLUES for more information.

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.

The NoteCrackers Sweet will be playing live music for a social dance at the Mid-Columbia Senior Center in The Dalles on Tuesday, Feb. 12, from 7-9 p.m. This event features danceable tunes from the 20s through the 60s — vintage music that'll bring back memories. Free admission, donations accepted. Dancers are encouraged, but listeners are just as welcome. 1112 West Ninth St., The Dalles; 541-296-4788.

There will be a country dance on Saturday, Feb. 9, at the Rockford Grange from 7-10 p.m. The dance caller will be Sue Baker 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 info. Rockford Grange, 4250 Barrett Drive, Hood River.

Music returns to the Trillium Cafe in February. On Saturday, Feb. 9, it’s the Connolly Brothers with country and more. On Friday, Feb. 15, it’s punk rock from Speed Queen Underground. On Saturday, Feb. 15, the Sugardaddies return. Music starts at 8 p.m. and there is no cover charge. Trillium Cafe, 207 Oak St., Hood River, 386-1996.

Full Sail celebrates three years of bourbon barrel-aged beers on Thursday, Feb. 7. The brewery will be pouring three beers including 2004 Imperial Porter, 2006 Black Gold Imperial Stout and this year’s edition of Top Sail Imperial Porter. This special tapping will take place at 5 p.m. Full Sail Tasting Room and Pub, 506 Columbia St., Hood River, 386-2247.

Music returns to Double Mountain Brewery on Tuesday, Feb. 5, with local bluegrass band Fiddlegrass. Music starts at 7 p.m. and there is no cover charge. The pop/punk/rock band Speedqueen Underground is playing at the Double Mountain Brewery on Saturday, Feb. 9, starting at 8 p.m. On Thursday, Feb. 14, celebrate Valentine’s Day with the Kate Meloy Trio. Music starts at 7 p.m. Double Mountain Brewery, 8 Fourth St., Hood River; 387-0042.

Portland singer-songwriter Stephen Ashbrook returns to the Cebu Lounge on Saturday, Feb. 9, starting at 9 p.m. Music continues until midnight. No cover charge and a bar menu is available. Best Western Hood River Inn, 1108 E. Marina Way, 386-2200.

Bring a date to Solstice Cafe on Thursdays and enjoy music and on-site babysitting services by Bambinos – $10 per child includes pizza, juice & activities from 5:30-8 p.m. On Feb. 14, it’s romantic classical Latin guitar with Joshua BenAvides. Solstice Wood Fire Cafe, 415 W. Steuben, Bingen, Wash.; (509) 493-4006.

Producer and director Steve Taylor announces the opening of a new theater, The Golden Garter, in Stevenson, Wash., on May 23. The theater will be a family-friendly venue that combines amazing magical illusions with the popular entertainment of 100 years ago: the melodrama. The Golden Garter will integrate comedy magic and illusions into the plot of the melodrama show. Taylor plans shows for Friday and Saturday nights throughout the summer. For information on upcoming casting auditions, schedule, and tickets visit the Web site www.goldengarter.com or call 503-880-5270.

Music comes to the Ratskellar in Government Camp in February. 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.

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.