On Thursday, April 17, 2nd Wind and Slingshot Kites are sponsoring a kite video night at the River City Saloon, with prizes and swag to be given away. On Friday, April 18, Joel Fadness performs. This is Joel's second time at the River City, with his one man show of funktronica, drum and bass using a hybrid acoustic and electronic drumset, laptop and didjeridoo. Visit www.joelfadness.com. On Saturday, April 19, Rediviva magazine presents Little Beruit, an Indie rock outfit from Portland that is garnering critical acclaim. For more information, go to www.myspace.com/ littlebeirut. Anthony Smith's Trunk Fulla Funk, featuring Anthony Smith, Aaron Bleiweiss, Matt Schumacher, Jake Najor, Igmar Thomas, and Walt Williams have a new CD, “Life As We Know It.” They are performing at the River City on Sunday, April 20. River City Saloon is at 205 Cascade Ave., in Hood River. Call 387-BLUES for more information.

It’s country Blues at Solstice Cafe on Saturday, April 19, with the Gallus Brothers from 8-10 p.m. There is no cover charge and the kitchen will be open. For more information on this band, check out www.myspace.com/gallusbros. Solstice Wood Fire Cafe, 415 W. Steuben, Bingen, Wash.; (509) 493-4006.

Wineries of western Klickitat County will be hosting “Wine Card Wild” on April 19 and 20. This event is similar to a poker run where participants travel to any of the 10 different wineries and draw a playing card. Prizes will be awarded to the top poker hands assembled. Five cards are necessary to put together a hand and participants can visit all ten wineries to increase their odds of putting together the best hand possible. Prizes include winery and restaurant gift certificates and overnight accommodations at local B&Bs and motels. Participating wineries include Wind River Cellars, North Shore Cellars, Waving Tree, Klickitat Canyon, Cor Cellars, Maryhill Winery, Marshal’s Winery, Syncline Cellars and Cascade Cliffs Vineyard and Winery. For more information call Kris at Wind River Cellars (509) 493-2324 or the Mt. Adams Chamber of Commerce at (509) 493-3630.

It’s Blossom Weekend and music from local bands will fill the air. On Thursday, April 17, check out western swing and more from Bob Connolly and Buck Smith at the Husum Hills Golf Course (Hwy 141, White Salmon, Wash.), starting at 7:30 p.m. Also on Thursday, it’s acoustic music with Kerry Williams at The Pines, downtown Hood River. Music is from 5-7 p.m.

On Friday, April 18, it’s Bob Connolly and band at the Trillium Cafe in Hood River, and on April 19, it’s the Tess Barr Blues Band. Music starts at 8 p.m. and there is no cover charge.

On Saturday, April 19, the CEBU Lounge at the Best Western in Hood River has John Bunzow, Chic Preston and Tim Ortlieb. Music starts at 9 and goes until midnight. The Inn of the White Salmon has music and wine tastings on Saturday, April 19 with Rishell Graves and Jimmy Lagroone Music is from 5-7 p.m.

On Sunday, April 20, it’s Bob Connolly at Double Mountain Brewery in Hood River. Music is from 7-9 p.m.

The Dances of Universal Peace meets on Friday, April 18, at the White Salmon Grange from 7:30 - 9 p.m. There is a suggested donation of $5 per family. The dance brings together simple movements and songs with reverence, celebration and interconnection. Each dance is accompanied with voice, drum and guitar. White Salmon Grange, Estes and Main St., White Salmon, Wash.

Phelps Creek will be having a special tasting of an aromatic varietal Gewurztraminer paired with Hood River pears and artisan cheeses on Saturday and Sunday, April 19-20, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event will also feature Viento Wines, the label of our winemaker Rich Cushman. Phelps Creek Tasting Room, 1850 Country Club Road, Hood River, 386-2607; www.phelpscreekvineyards.com.

On Wednesday, April 16, Columbia Center for the Arts continues with the Free Foreign Film Series by presenting “The Story of the Weeping Camel,” beginning at 7:30 p.m. During springtime in the Gobi Desert, a family of nomadic shepherds assists the births of their camel herd. Despite their efforts, a camel rejects a newborn, refusing it her milk and her motherly love. The nomads send two young boys on a journey in search of a musician who is their only hope for saving the colt’s life. Will the violinist's ritual do the trick? All are welcome, including kids. A suggested donation of $5 per person will be accepted.

The Columbia Center for the Arts and Columbia Gorge Dance Academy presents “The Art of Movement,” on Friday and Saturday, April 18-19. The event starts at 7 p.m. at the Columbia Center for the Arts. “The Art of Movement” is a collective of local dance groups that represent different genres in movement. Enjoy performances of hip hop, break, Brazilian, lyrical, Polynesian, belly dance, ballet, modern, jazz, and Mexican folk dance. Ticket prices are $10 and $8 for seniors and students. Tickets are available at the Columbia Center for the Arts, 215 Cascade Ave., Hood River. For more information go to www.columbiaarts.org.

Pheasant Valley Winery celebrates its 4th anniversary on Saturday, April 19. To celebrate, local favorite Bob Connolly will be performing upbeat dance tunes. Sample our new releases including Estate Organic Pinot Noir, Estate Organic Pinot Gris and River City Pink. An assortment of hors d'oeuvres will also be provided. Doors open at 11 a.m. with music beginning at 2 p.m. Cost is $10, or $5 before 12:30 p.m. Free admission for Wine Club members. Pheasant Valley Winery, 3890 Acree Dr., Hood River. Open Daily 11-6; 387-3040

On Wednesday, April 16, the Columbia Gorge Earth Center presents the film “The Power of Community: How Cuba Survived Peak Oil,” at the Solstice Cafe in Bingen, Wash. The film starts at 6:30 p.m. and there is a $5 admission charge. Cuba, an isolated island nation, rebuilt its quality of life following the collapse of cheap oil, supplied by the former Soviet Union. This film shows how communities pulled together, created solutions, and ultimately thrived in spite of their decreased dependence on imported energy.