Jim has worked for the Hood River News since 1996. In addition to working in the Composition Dept, which handles computerized page layout and ad production, Jim compiles the weekly Entertainment Update column and highlights the Gorge music scene with his popular Entertainment Blog.
Jim is a fan of bluegrass music, a dark beer lover, and an avid reader of science-fiction. He lives in Mosier.
Recent Stories
Solstice Cafe move hinges on Kickstarter campaign
Solstice Cafe, a popular restaurant that specializes in wood-fired gourmet pizzas, has outgrown its current Bingen, Wash., location and wants to relocate to the Hood River waterfront area.
Slice of local life: Larry Wyatt – a hands-on approach to music
There’s an enthusiastic tone in Larry Wyatt’s voice as he demonstrates a unique wooden instrument that sits on the floor in the front of his May Street School music classroom. “These are “Studio 49” German-engineered xylophone bass boxes. They’re set up so we can play in the key of C, which is the same for my ukuleles.” With large mallets, Larry deftly plays a bass line that could be used in any number of simple folk songs, and then plays the first few measures of “Ode to Joy.” Full, rich, bell-like tones resonate around the room.
Entertainment Update for May 1
Street party at Double Mtn.; Asian Dance recital May 5; Meet ‘100 Hikes’ author; Shoe contest, ‘Kinky Boots’ at Columbia Center for the Arts; VOCI choral concert May 12-13; FISH benefit May 4 at The Pines; Flamenco dance at Gallery 301; Adopt-A-Dog’s sale May 11
Entertainment Update for April 17
FISH benefit at White Buffalo; Jazz, Flamenco at Gallery 301; ‘Women in the Dirt’ April 24; Groove Project at Naked Winery; Scott Law at CEBU Lounge; MacMillan plays Sunshine Mill
Entertainment Update for April 13
‘Troubadour Camp’ visits Hood River April 26; The Don Stiernberg Trio at The Pines Tasting Room; HR Jazz Theater April 12; MacMillan plays Sunshine Mill; Rich Wilkins Blues Band schedule;‘Art of Movement’ April 20
Jim Drake's Entertainment Blog: All she wants to do is dance
Except for a brief introduction to East Coast Swing a few years ago, I’m pretty much in the “two left feet” category as far as dancing goes. What I’ve noticed, though, is if people congregate in a place that has music, especially live music, the one thing you can count on is folks will dance.
Entertainment Update for April 6
Music at Springhouse Cellar; Jackstraw at Mt. Hood Meadows; Country Dance April 13; Banff Film Festival returns; House concerts April 6, 12; Auditions for ‘Shrek’ April 16-18; Blues benefit April 7 at The Pines; Volunteers need for April events; Kirkpatrick reads April 7; ‘Quiet Beauty’ release party April 10
Entertainment Update for April 3
Music at Springhouse Cellars; Taarka at CEBU April 6; Lisa Ornstein plays house concert April 6; Stillman at Gallery 301