Naomi & the Courteous Rudeboys is a funk and reggae band from Santa Cruz, Calif., coming to the River City Saloon for the very first time in their bio-diesel bus on Thursday, March 27. “Their brand new LP, Beautiful Beings, is a triumphant amalgam of funk and soul, driven by a tight-knit instrumental ensemble replete with sexy bass lines and full-bodied percussion.” River City Saloon is at 205 Cascade Ave., in Hood River. Call 387-BLUES for more information.

The Pines Tasting Room hosts local music on Thursdays with guitar and mandolin from Kerry Williams. Music is from 5-7 p.m. and there is no cover charge. The Pines Tasting Room, 202 State St., Hood River.

Enjoy a fun filled evening with live music and more in downtown Bingen on the last Friday of the month. On March 28, starting at 6 p.m., visit three locations for live music, with no cover charge. Gorge Wine Merchants hosts ‘Louisiana’ Bob & Lorri ‘Darlin’ Connolly (21 & older) at 218 W. Steuben. Solstice Wood Fire Café hosts Ben Bonham (all ages welcome) at 415 W. Steuben. Viento Burger & Steak Bar hosts Clambake Jazz Combo (all ages welcome) at 216 W. Steuben.

Music returns to the Trillium Cafe in March. Local band the Wasco Brothers play Friday, March 28. On Saturday, March 29, it’s blues from Tess Barr. Music starts at 8 p.m. and there is no cover charge. Trillium Cafe, 207 Oak St., Hood River, 386-1996.

Auditions for the CAST summer production of three original one act musicals will be held Monday, March 31, and Tuesday, April 1, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the music room of the Hood River Valley High School. A large number of singing and non-singing roles are available for ages 8 through adult. The three musicals, “My Butterfly,” and “Zen Boyfriend” and “Junk” are varied in mood, subject matter and style, from absurdist farce through serious contemporary relationship drama. Cast needed: 9 males (ages 20-60); 1 male (balladeer) to sing and play guitar; 3 female leads (age 20-50); 4-6 children (ages 8-11); 3 female backup singers.

The Columbia Center for the Arts continues with the Free Foreign Film Series by presenting “All About My Mother,” on Wednesday, March 26, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Manuela, a single mother, loses her son in a tragic accident. Shattered, she flees to Barcelona to discover both her lost past and a newfound bond with a group of remarkable women including a high-strung stage star, a brassy transsexual and a saintly, pregnant nun. This Spanish film is directed by Pedro Almodovar and originally released in 1999. Columbia Center for the Arts, 215 Cascade Avenue, Hood River; 387-8877.

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 and divisions. Visit www.columbiagorgefiddlecontest.com for more details.