New Monsoon is coming to the River City Saloon on Friday, April 25. Since its inception in 2001, the band has steadily grown its fan base with an active touring schedule highlighted by appearances at key festivals including Bonnaroo, Austin City Limits, Jamcruise, Summerfest and High Sierra. On Saturday, April 26, it’s Portland’s Poncho Luxurio, “funky, jazzy, and snazzy jams, bringing to mind masters like The Meters, Galactic, Grey Boy All-stars, and Garaj Mahal.” River City Saloon is at 205 Cascade Ave., in Hood River. Call 387-BLUES for more information.

Blues guitarist Jimmy Thackery and his band The Drivers return to Hood River on Friday, May 9. This time the venue is The Pines Tasting Room, 2nd and State Street. Music is from 8-11 p.m. and tickets ar $20 in advance, available at The Pines and Waucoma Bookstore. This is a non-smoking show, 21 and over only. Blues Online calls Thackery “the elite of blues-rock guitarists playing today.” The Pines Tasting Room, 202 State St., Hood River.

High school jazz bands from the area will gather for the 8th annual Mid-Columbia Jazz Night on Monday, April 28, 7 p.m. at the Civic Auditorium ballroom in The Dalles. Participating in this years event are jazz ensembles from The Dalles Wahtonka, Trout Lake, Goldendale, Hood River Valley and Cascade Locks high schools. Come out and listen to local area talent. Admission is $5, $10 for families. All proceeds benefit The Dalles Civic Auditorium.

Music returns to the Trillium Cafe in April with the Ed Swick Trio on Friday, April 25. On Saturday, April 26, it’s surf and more from The Ultronz. Music starts at 8 p.m. and there is no cover charge. Trillium Cafe, 207 Oak St., Hood River, 386-1996.

The Pines Tasting Room in Hood River hosts local music every Thursday with Kerry Williams performing on mandolin and guitar. 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 April 25, starting at 6 p.m., visit three locations for live music, with no cover charge: Gorge Wine Merchants, 218 W. Steuben has Richard Tillinghast (21 & older). Solstice Wood Fire Cafe, 415 W. Steuben has Chic Preston & Friend (all ages). The Viento Burger & Steak Bar, 216 W. Steuben has Joanie’s Jazz Trio (all ages).

On Thursday April 24, newly formed Wy’East Vineyards will be at White Buffalo Wines with wine tastings from 5-7 p.m. Come learn all the details of this new local winery. Tasting is $5 or free with purchase. White Buffalo Wines, 4040 Westcliff Dr., Hood River; 386-5534.

Richard Tillinghast plays a mix of folk, Americana and more at Solstice Cafe on Saturday, April 26, from 8-11 p.m. There is no cover charge and the kitchen will be open. Solstice Wood Fire Cafe, 415 W. Steuben, Bingen, Wash.; (509) 493-4006.

Singer-songwriter Stephen Ashbrook will be playing at CEBU Lounge on Thursday, April 24. Music is from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Ashbrook returns to the CEBU Lounge on Tuesday, May 13. 21 and over, no cover charge, and a bar menu is available. Best Western Hood River Inn, 1108 E. Marina Way, 386-2200.

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. This event is filled with music for all ages, with some of the nation's best contest fiddlers as well as fresh new talent from acoustic musicians.

A Friday night concert will feature Fiddlegrass, Tim Connell and Mike Burdette, The Voetberg Family and Buck Smith with Bob & Barney Connolly. Tickets are $15 in advance, available at the Oak Street Hotel, Waucoma Bookstore, Dickey Farms in Bingen, and Columbia River Music in The Dalles.

On Saturday the contest schedule begins at 9 a.m. Tickets are $10 adult, $5 youth. An entertainment showcase begins at 8 p.m. On Sunday, the contest begins at 9 a.m., and trophy awards will be presented at noon. Tickets are $5. Visit www.columbiagorgefiddle contest.com for more details.

Tickets go on sale Saturday, April 26, at Ticketmaster outlets for Maryhill Winery’s 2008 summer concert series, held at the amphitheater in Goldendale, Wash. General admission, reserve and rail and box seating is available. For details visit www.maryhillwinery.com.

June 7, 7 p.m. Gates open 5:30 p.m. Winery & Tasting Room Closed until 5:30 p.m. Rail seating $150, reserved seating $79.50, general admission $49.50.

July 5, 8 p.m. Gates Open 6:30 p.m. Winery & Tasting Room Closed 4-6:30 p.m. Rail seating $140, reserved seating $65, general admission $35.

August 30, 8 p.m. Gates Open 6:30 p.m. Winery & Tasting Room Closed 4-6:30 p.m. Rail seating $130, reserved seating $59.50, general admission $39.50.

All tickets will be subject to a service charge.