It’s More Powerful Astronaut at the River City Saloon on Friday, May 2. Check out this local band as they rock with a myriad of instruments. River City Saloon is at 205 Cascade Ave., in Hood River. Call 387-BLUES for more information.

Join Wy’East Vineyards for a “Locals Appreciation Weekend” May 2-4, to honor all residents of Hood River, Wasco, Skamania or Klickitat counties. There will be live music by East Wind Jazz on Saturday, May 3, from 3-5 p.m. outside on the patio. Wy’East Vineyards, 3189 Highway 35; 386-1277; www.wyeastvineyards.com.

The Norman K. Vance Art Gallery will host a new three-man show running through May. The show will feature Martin Schoen’s exotic wood wall hangings, Jess Caudill’s expressions in glass and Bill Oyen’s paintings in the styles of indigenous peoples from around the world. The public is invited to an opening celebration, with wine, coffee and snacks, on First Friday, May 2, from 5 to 7 p.m. The gallery is located in the mall at 202 Cascade Ave. For more information call 354-1222.

Music returns to the Trillium Cafe in May with Ben’s Jazz Kit on Friday, May 2. Check out this Seattle band with a mix of funk, fusion and hip hop at www.myspace.com/ bensjazzkit. On Saturday, May 3, it’s Portland-based rock ‘n roll band Boondogel. Music starts at 8 p.m. and there is no cover charge. Trillium Cafe, 207 Oak St., Hood River, 386-1996.

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 in Hood River. 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.

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.