Entertainment Update
 

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.

It’s a Valentine’s weekend celebration at Maryhill Winery Feb. 16-17, from 10-6 p.m. There will be free wine tasting of several award-winning varieties, chocolate samples and free live music from 1-5 p.m. On Saturday, it’s the Ben Macy Trio, a “tight-knit group whose focus on ensemble playing has created a very distinctive style of West Coast jazz.” On Sunday, enjoy piano from Sandee Marshall. Maryhill Winery, 9774 Hwy. 14, Goldendale, Wash. Call (877) 627-9445 for more information.

On Saturday, Feb. 16, sample six award winning red wines including Pheasant Valley’s Syrah, rated among the top 100 in this month’s Wine and Spirit Magazine. Enjoy passion fruits, a flowing dark chocolate fountain and live entertainment, all in celebration of Valentine’s. A special wine tour and barrel tasting will be scheduled at noon, 2 and 4 p.m. $10 admission fee. Pheasant Valley Winery, 3890 Acree Dr., Hood River. Open Daily 11-6; 387-3040

On Thursday, Feb. 14, celebrate Valentine’s Day with the Kate Meloy Trio (www.katemeloytrio.com). Music starts at 7 p.m. Double Mountain Brewery, 8 Fourth St., Hood River; 387-0042.

There’s lots of music at the River City Saloon this week. On Wedneday, Feb. 13, it’s a reunion show with More Powerful Astronaut. Music starts at 9 p.m. On Friday, Feb. 15, Portland’s Anthony Smith brings his Trunk Fulla Funk band to town. The former Global Funk Council frontman is promoting his new album “Life As We Know It.” On Sunday, Feb. 17, it’s a special show from EOTO, featuring Michael Travis and Jason Hann of String Cheese Incident. “Quite simply, EOTO bridges the gap between the raw energy of a live band performance and the danceable power surge of DJ club music.”

The weekend of Feb. 16-18 marks the first of many exciting events held by the wineries of the Gorge. Barrel tastings, new releases and chocolate and wine pairings are just a few of the offerings during Presidents’ Day weekend. Wineries include Cascade Cliffs, Cathedral Ridge, COR Cellars, Dry Hollow, Maryhill Winery, McCormick Family Vineyards, Pheasant Valley, Phelps Creek, The Pines 1852, Quenett, Syncline Wine Cellars, Waving Tree and more. Detailed information including hours and locations can be found at www.columbiagorgewine.com.

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.

Celebrate “A Taste of Italy” with your Valentine on Friday, Feb, 15, at Gorge Wine Merchants. Enjoy a fun-filled evening from 5-8 p.m. Featuring locally grown Italian red wine varietals, imported Italian cheeses, prosciutto ham, and antipasti. Treat your Valentine to decadent chocolates — now that’s amore! Gorge Wine Merchants, 218 W. Steuben St., Bingen, Wash.; 509-493-5333.

Speed Queen Underground will be playing a pop punk show at The Trillium Cafe on Friday, Feb. 15. “Be prepared for a high-energy night of rockin’ to your favorite originals and classic covers.” On Saturday, Feb. 16, it’s music from Mark Womble and the Sugardaddies. Music starts at 8 p.m. and there is no cover. Future shows include Feb. 22: Tess Barr Blues Band; Feb. 23: John Bunzow with Chic Preston. Trillium Cafe, 207 Oak St., Hood River, 386-1996.

Phelps Creek Tasting Room celebrates President’s Day weekend with red wine and chocolate — truffles from Wind River Chocolates and two new big red wines: Brimstone and Celilo Merlot. Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 16 and 17 from 11 to 5 p.m. Phelps Creek Tasting Room, 1850 Country Club Road, Hood River, 386-2607.

Encore Performing Arts presents its annual Broadway revue “It’s All About Love,” Feb. 14, 15 and 16. Performances begin at 7:30 p.m. at a newly remodeled venue: Riverenza Court, 401 E. 10th St., The Dalles. Local performers will be on stage singing Broadway tunes all about love. Proceeds from the performances will go to The Dalles-Wahtonka High School band to help with their fund-raising efforts. Tickets are $12. Admission includes dessert and a beverage. Tickets can be purchased at Klindt’s Booksellers or at the door the night of the show, but seating is limited.

The Columbia Gorge Hotel announces its new $2 Happy Hour menu served in the Valentino Lounge, Monday through Thursday, from 5-7 p.m. Try Salmon Halibut Kabobs, Pizzeta, Angels on Horseback and more. Columbia Gorge Hotel, 4000 Westcliff Dr., Hood River, 386-5566.