JB Eckl, musician, songwriter and producer for bands like Santana and 1970s funk band WAR, will be performing a house concert at the home of Michael and Jana Hannigan in Hood River on Saturday, May 10, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Eckl’s music spans many genres and styles, from pop to world music to blues, and he will be sharing his songs, stories and the inspiration behind them. There is limited seating, please call 387-2523 for reserve seats and directions. There is a $10-$15 suggested donation and refreshments will be provided.

It’s a busy upcoming week at the River City Saloon. On Thursday, May 8, catch the rock and roll show from The West, featuring Chris “The Rock” Troiano. Also on the bill is The Legend of Dutch Savage, who have just released a CD “All Will Be Good When I'm Gone.” On Friday, May 9, Alaskan roots rock band the Whipsaws kick off another lower 48 tour in support of their new album “60 Watt Avenue.” Check out www.myspace.com/thewhipsaws. Finally, on Saturday, May 10, The Badfish Band returns. Hailing from Corvallis, this band has “united for the sole purpose of spreading a love of funk, reggae, ska, and rock.” River City Saloon is at 205 Cascade Ave., in Hood River. Call 387-BLUES for more information.

The Mid Columbia Folklore Society hosts a house concert at 401 Montello, Hood River, on Friday, May 9, starting at 7 p.m. “High-octane bluegrass, darnit!” That’s the favorite descriptor of Chickweed, the all-gal band from Portland. They’ve been drawing rave reviews around the Northwest. Call Paul Blackburn for more information at 387-4011.

There will be a country dance on Saturday, May 10, at the Rockford Grange from 7-10 p.m. The dance caller will be Caroline Oakley from Portland and the band will be the Mill Creek String Band. Dance lessons will begin promptly at 7 p.m. All ages welcome and no partner is required. The dance is family-friendly and all dances are walked through the first time. Enjoy an evening of country squares, contras, circle dances and a few waltzes. $5 for members, $6 for non-members, $1 for youth 16 and under. Please bring snack treats for break time. Call Keith Harding at 352-7550 for further info. Rockford Grange, 4250 Barrett Drive, Hood River.

The Hood River Saturday Market will kick off its 18th season this Saturday, May 3. Come see what this season has with new artisans, crafters and farmers offering food, music, garden starts, and handmade local items. This week it’s live music from the Brothers Dunne. Open from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. rain or shine. Hood River Saturday Market, Fifth and Columbia streets, Hood River.

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.