Join a Brown Bag lunch at the Josephy Center

JOSEPH — The next Brown Bag gathering is happening Tuesday, March 21 at noon at the Josephy Center for Arts and Culture, 403 N. Main St. The guest will be Auburn Isaak, curator of the center’s most recent women’s exhibit.

Isaak lives in La Grande. Her current work, she said, “is pulled from the fluidity of the nature she surrounds herself with, and she is constantly striving to push the boundaries and dimensions of fluid acrylics and mixed media.”

She grew up in Joseph, and graduated from Eastern Oregon University in 2012 with a bachelor of science degree in art. She currently works in the Dean’s Office for Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences.

Join the First Draft session March 16

PENDLETON — Author Helen Heavirland is the featured guest for the First Draft Writers’ Series on Thursday, March 16, 7 p.m. at Pendleton Center for the Arts, 214 N. Main St. (or join via Zoom; get the link at pendletonarts.org).

Heavirland has published more than 200 stories, poems, devotions and articles in over 50 magazines and anthologies — both Christian and secular. Her sixth book, an anthology titled “Christmas Treasures,” is scheduled to be released in summer 2023.

Oregon Poet Laureate to speak at ACE

LA GRANDE — Anis Mojgani, Oregon Poet Laureate, will present a poetry reading on Friday, March 17, at 7 p.m. at Art Center East, 1006 Penn Ave. Mojgani is a spoken word poet, visual artist, and musician whose performance coincides with ACE’s seventh annual fiber arts and jewelry exhibit.

The reading and exhibit are free and open to the public.

The Poet Laureate program is a collaborative project of the state’s five statewide cultural partners, Oregon Arts Commission, Oregon Heritage Commission, Oregon Historical Society, Oregon Humanities, and the State Historic Preservation Office.

The program is funded by the Oregon Cultural Trust and managed by Oregon Humanities. More information and program history can be found at oregonpoetlaureate.org.

Celebrate a ‘Wee Bit o’ Ireland’ March 17-19

HEPPNER — The Wee Bit o’ Ireland celebration is happening March 17-19.

The two-day St. Paddy’s vendor market is Friday, March 17, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, March 18, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It’s being held in two locations — Heppner City Hall and the Morrow County Fairgrounds.

Favorite events return on Saturday, March 18 — the O’Ducky Race (ducks sold from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.), Welly Toss (10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.), Leprechaun Race (11 a.m.), Bed Race (11:15 a.m.), the O’Planky Team Relay (11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.) and The Great Green Parade (1 p.m.).

Also, the Cruz-In Car Show (8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.) revs up for its 21st year.

New this year is Lil’ Leprechaun Shenanigans with inflatable fun, crafts and activities on March 18, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Sunday O’Brunch, (12-3 p.m.) and Road Bowling (1 p.m.) wraps up the festival on Sunday, March 19.

To view a full schedule of events, visit bit.ly/41zVR9T.

EOU’s 45th Parallel presents ‘Cuban Rhythms’

LA GRANDE — Eastern Oregon University’s 45th Parallel, along with Luke McKern, will present its annual winter concert on Friday, March 17 with the theme “Cuban Rhythms.”

The concert starts at 7:30 p.m. in EOU’s McKenzie Theater, One University Blvd. Admission is free, but donations toward the music foundation scholarships are welcome.

Hermiston senior center hosts bazaar

HERMISTON — For an opportunity to support both local artisans and the Harkenrider Senior Activity Center, be sure to head to the Hermiston Senior Center’s Arts & Crafts Spring Bazaar.

The event is Saturday, March 18, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the center, 255 NE Second St. For more information, call 541-567-3582 or visit bit.ly/3JLUYob.

Calling artists to enter open show

BAKER CITY — Crossroads Carnegie Art Center’s open theme show is in April, and artists are invited to submit works in the theme of “60 Years at Crossroads” (use the numbers 6 and 0 — 60 objects, 60 as a graphic design element, etc.).

All work must be submitted by Tuesday, April 4, 4 p.m. The opening reception is Friday, April 7.

Artists can submit up to three works. The entry fee is $15 for members, $20 nonmembers.

For more information, contact Alyson Spiering at 541-523-5369 or alyson@crossroads-arts.org.

Israeli quintet to perform at Power House

WALLA WALLA — On its first U.S. tour since the pandemic lockdowns, one of Israel’s top chamber ensembles will take the stage for a pair of performances at the Power House Theatre, 111 N. Sixth Ave. Founded in 2009 by young Israeli musicians, the Tel Aviv Wind Quintet has won numerous awards.

As part of the Little Watts Family Series, the group will perform “Peter and the Wolf” on Thursday, March 23, 7 p.m. Featuring Sergei Prokofiev’s famous and beloved tale, it is arranged for a wind quintet in a new and colorful version, which combines music, theater and movement with props and costumes. Reserved seats are $12 for adults and $8 for youths 12 and under.

The group returns on Friday, March 24, 7 p.m. for a concert performance. The program includes pieces by Ravel, Bach, Calvin, Avni, Beethoven and Hindemith. Reserved seats are $30-$35 for adults and $20 for students.

Tickets for both shows can be purchased via bit.ly/3HfZPMT or by calling 509-529-6500. For more about the group, visit www.tlvwq.com.

Pendleton Eagles soar with craft bazaar

PENDLETON — The Pendleton Eagles Craft Bazaar is Saturday, March 25, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Pendleton Eagle Lodge, 428 S. Main St.

Celebrate St. Patrick’s with a pub crawl, fun run

LA GRANDE — La Grande Main Street Downtown is bringing back the pub crawl on Friday, March 17, 6-10 p.m.

The first 50 people to sign up will receive a special Shamrock cup. Everyone will get a koozie, a stamp book and a lanyard for discounts. All are included in the $15 participation fee. Register through a link on the LGMSD Facebook page, at their website www.lagrandemainstreet.org or stop by 102 Depot St.

On Saturday, the Shamrock Shuffle starts at 9 a.m. with a 10K, followed by the 5K at 9:30 a.m. Register for either race at their website, on Facebook, or at 102 Depot St. The 5K is $30 with a $3.55 fee, and the 10K is $50 with a $4.75 fee.

Tim Mustoe presents ‘The Anatomy of a Scene’

PENDLETON — Tim Mustoe will lead a presentation about “The Anatomy of a Scene” on Saturday, March 18, 2 p.m. at Pendleton Center for the Arts, 214 N. Main St.

Mustoe’s documentary focuses on his great-great-grandfather Frederic Müller, who was sent to the Mauthausen concentration camp as a political prisoner during World War II. In his presentation, he will explain what it takes to create a single scene for a documentary.

This event is free. For information, call PCA at 541-278-9201 or visit pendletonarts.org.

The Bow ushers in St. Paddy’s Day

PENDLETON — Dubbed the “world’s shortest parade,” revelers will herald in St. Patrick’s Day at 6:55 a.m. on Friday, March 17 near The Rainbow Cafe, 209 S. Main St.

A tradition decades in the making, performers with the Pendleton Jazz Club — a private fraternal music organization — will offer live entertainment throughout the day, while The Bow provides plenty of libations. People can enjoy Irish coffee at the top o’ the mornin’ as well as green beer. Also, the menu features Irish food.

Music on tap includes Irish songs by Murray Dunlap, alternative folk by Kevin Stewart, classic country by James Dean Kindle and his Country Combo, alternative country by Imperial Twang, punk rock fusion by The Identities, and rock and roll by The Retrenchments — a band featuring Blue Mountain Community College instructors. The colors of the Irish flag will be retired at 7 p.m. with another parade, followed by more musical entertainment.

For more information, contact bow1883@gmail.com or 541-276-4120.

Catch ‘The Luck of the Irish’ at Elgin Opera House

ELGIN — Opera House Shakespeare Company presents “The Luck of the Irish” at the Hale Turner Little Theater in Elgin on March 17-19. The show will feature Irish music, dance and poetry, as well as two one-act plays by Irish playwright John Millington Synge: “Riders to the Sea,” a tragedy, and “In the Shadow of the Glen,” a dark comedy.

Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Friday, 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are available at www.elginoperahouse.com.

Later this month, catch the show March 31 and April 1-2 at the Little Vert Theater in Pendleton.

Register for Red to Red bike race

ECHO — Hundreds of mountain bikers will descend on the tiny town of Echo for the Red to Red cross-country mountain bike race. The first race of the Oregon XC series, participants must register by Thursday, March 23 via www.echored2redxc.com.

In its 14th year, early packet pick-up is Friday, March 24, 2-8 p.m. at Sno Road Winery, 111 W. Main St. Late packet pickup on race day is Saturday, March 25, 7:30-10:30 a.m. Staggered race times begin at 11 a.m. near downtown Echo.

With 36 racing categories, the entry fee is $25 for juniors and $65 for adults. A half dozen of the races offer cash prize purses and the others award trophies to the top three finishers. In addition, people can order a special event riding shirt by Biciclista for $69.99. There is no spectator fee.

For more information, visit www.echored2redxc.com, call 509-374-8424, 541-571-3303 or email scottscycleandsports@gmail.com.

Money raised from the event will benefit various charities that the lodge’s Ladies Auxiliary supports. For more information, visit bit.ly/3wZpbbM or call/text Teri Prock at 541-969-3360.

Micro Chautauqua happening March 18

RICHLAND — The Chautauqua Music Festival is set for May 19-21 in Richland, but a “micro” version is happening Saturday, March 18, at the Eagle Valley Grange with music, food and a fundraising raffle and auction.

The doors open at 5 p.m. and tickets are $5 or free for ages 12 and younger. Events begin at 6 p.m. with raffles, a live performance by The Red Shoes Band from La Grande, open mic, dancing and a live auction led by Mib Dailey.

Anyone who wants to participate in the open mic session on March 18 is encouraged to sign up by calling 541-377-5545.

Tickets for the Chautauqua Music Festival are available online at www.chautauquamusicfestival.com or inquire at Sara’s Cafe.

Learn how to quilt ‘Scrap Happy Cabins’

PENDLETON — Colleen Blackwood will lead a one-day quilting class on “Scrap Happy Cabins” Saturday, March 25, from 12:30-4:30 p.m. at Pendleton Center for the Arts, 214 N. Main St.

Previous experience with quilting isn’t necessary. Students will build colorful, exciting and unique log cabins using fabric scraps. Bring a bag of leftover scraps from other projects and learn how to make blocks that will one day make a warm and wonderful quilt. Please bring a sewing machine — if you don’t have one, call ahead and the staff can help. Light snacks and beverages will be provided.

Cost is $75 members or $80 nonmembers. There is also a $15 materials fee. Register at pendletonarts.org.

Make a quick quilt at Crossroads

BAKER CITY — Create a lap quilt in a “Sweet Roll Race” workshop at Crossroads Carnegie Art Center, 2020 Auburn Ave., on Saturday, March 25, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Be sure to bring a lunch. The instructor is Tracy McKenzie of Essentially Loved Quilts.

This is for ages 15 and older, and suitable for beginners. Students need to bring a sewing machine, notions, thread and fabric.

Course cost is $48 member or $72 nonmember, plus $10 for pattern. New this spring is a new pay model where students can choose full tuition, half tuition or “pay what you can.” There will still be a $10 supply fee, regardless of the tuition choice. To register, go to crossroads-arts.org or call 541-523-5369.

Musicians sought for summer concert series

BAKER CITY — Powder River Music Revue, formerly known as Baker City Events, is seeking local and regional musicians to perform at their Sunday summer concert series as opening or headlining acts.

In addition, younger musicians are encouraged to audition as opening acts.

“One of our goals is to allow younger people the opportunity to strengthen their skills as musicians,” said Rory Noble, PRMR president. “Our Sunday concerts can give them that opportunity.”

The 2023 concert series will run every Sunday from June 11 through Aug. 27 at Geiser-Pollman Park in Baker City from approximately 4-6 p.m.

“There is a vibrant music scene here in Eastern Oregon,” said Marilyn Shollenberger, PRMR vice president. “There is a lot of musical talent and diversity here. Powder River Music Revue focuses on providing local and regional musicians a venue to share their music with the public.”

Interested musicians may contact PRMR at powderrivermusicrevue@gmail.com. Include band member names, ages, musical experience, contact information, and either a link to your music online or a digital sound file.