SwingShift gears up for Irrigon show

IRRIGON — Bring your dancing shoes, as SwingShift sets the beat during Music in the Parks on Monday, July 22, 7 p.m. at Irrigon Marina Park, 430 NE Eighth St.

This seasoned group of musicians has been performing since 1983. They are touted as one of Eastern Washington’s favorite dance bands. Bring a picnic and a lawn chair and enjoy the free music.

Morrow County’s summer concert series alternates each Monday between Irrigon and Boardman marina parks. For the full schedule, search www.facebook.com/boardman-irrigon.

Take a stroll downtown for the wine walk

BAKER CITY — Baker City Downtown’s monthly wine walk is Thursday, July 18 from 5-7 p.m. It begins at Hatch, 2019 Main St., and a $12 donation gets a BCD logo wine glass and map of participating businesses.

In addition, D’Club L’Eveque will play live at Royal Artisan, 1912 Main St.

Tamkaliks Celebration is July 19-21

WALLOWA — The Nez Perce Wallowa Homeland’s 32nd annual Tamkaliks Celebration and Friendship Potluck is July 19-21.

In 1989, Taz Conner, a descendant of Old Chief Joseph, worked with local volunteers to establish this celebration, fostering friendship and healing between the Nez Perce people and the Wallowa County community. It is a reunion for descendants of the original inhabitants of waláwa (the Wallowa country) and a way for Wallowa residents to welcome Indigenous people of this valley back to their ancestral home.

The weekend begins July 19 with roll call and social dancing at 7 p.m.

Saturday starts at 9 a.m. with a horse procession. Grand entry, contest and social dancing happen at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Sunday’s includes Walasit Services at the Wallowa Longhouse at 9 a.m., the Friendship Potluck (featuring salmon, bison and elk) at 12:30 p.m. at the dance arbor, and 2 p.m. brings grand entry, social dancing and the contest dance finale.

Each dance session begins with a procession led by flag bearers, featuring traditional songs and prayers. In the dance contests, dancers showcase their skills and traditional regalia, and are judged on footwork, rhythm, agility and personal style.

This year’s event will be hosted by Fred Hill and Thomas Morningowl.

Music, food at Old West in Union

UNION — The Union branch of Old West Federal Credit Union, 539 S. Main St., will have an annual community and member appreciation barbecue on Friday, July 19, 3-5 p.m. The event features music by The BlueMountaineers, giveaway prizes and food — hamburgers, hot dogs, chips, watermelon, beverages and ice cream.

Also, a shred truck will be on-site and the community is invited to bring documents to shred for free.

Darci Carlson tours her ‘outlaw’ country sound

EASTERN OREGON — Country artist Darci Carlson is coming to a town near you, so be sure to catch this musician who was named Outlaw Female of the Year in 2017.

She describes “outlaw country” as “a little edgier than traditional honky tonk. With my Seattle background, I have that rock ‘n’ roll edge.”

She’ll play at Baker City’s Churchill School, 3451 Broadway St., on July 21. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance at churchillbaker.com, or $20 at the door. Food and drinks will be available to purchase.

After that, Carlson will play at Hermiston’s Midway Bar & Grill, 1750 N. First St., on July 31 at 7 p.m. Then she heads back to Baker City for a show at AJ’s Corner Brick, 1840 Main St., on Aug. 1 at 7 p.m.

Funk duo performs at Maxwell Market

HERMISTON — Tiphony Dames and Robin Barrett, who perform with the Coyote Kings, are returning as the featured performers during the Maxwell Market. The duo performs blues, funk, rock and more.

The farmers market is Thursday, July 18, 4-7 p.m. at the Maxwell Siding Event Center & Pavilion, 145 N. First Place. The market offers locally grown produce, arts and crafts vendors, beer and food.

For more information, search www.maxwelleventcenter.com or www.facebook.com/theMaxHermiston. For questions, contact 541-561-1047 or maxwelleventcenter@gmail.com.

Wednesdays in the Park welcomes power-pop group

PENDLETON — Casey Neill & The Norway Rats will perform Wednesday, July 24, 6-8 p.m. at Roy Raley Park, 1205 SW Court Ave.

In addition, special guests Kathryn Claire and Margot Merah will take the stage with the Portland-based power-pop group. Frontman Casey Neill said his musical influences include “folk, punk, art-rock, atmospheric soundscapes, guitar freak-outs and string arrangements.”

As part of Wednesdays in the Park, there will be local food vendors and a beer/wine garden onsite. Admission is free.

The concert series continues weekly through Aug. 21. For more information, search Facebook via bit.ly/4c3ha8X.

Hermiston Kids Triathlon accepts registrations

HERMISTON — A non-competitive swimming, bicycling and running event offers children a chance to dive in and pedal their way to fun.

The Hermiston Kids Triathlon is July 27, 9-11:30 a.m. at Hermiston Family Aquatic Center, 879 W. Elm Ave. Check-in starts at 8:30 a.m.

It’s open to kids ages 4-12, who will dive in according to age groups. Life jackets and training wheels are allowed for the younger children. Also, parents can assist, as needed.

The registration fee is $35 via bit.ly/hermistonrecreation. For questions, call Hermiston Parks & Recreation at 541-667-5018.

Explore art classes at Crossroads

BAKER CITY — Crossroads Carnegie Art Center has a few special workshops on the horizon. For details on the registration fee, and pay-what-you-can option, visit crossroads-arts.org.

Ginger Rembold will offer a tie dye class on Tuesday, July 23 from 6-7:30 p.m. She’ll have a full range of color options — bring light-colored cotton items (as close to 100% cotton as possible) and get creative. This is for ages 12 and older, although children as young as 8 can attend with a paid adult.

Train robbers on the move in Sumpter

SUMPTER — The High Country Outlaws are on the move and planning to rob the Sumpter Valley Railroad — and with advance notice, so you can join the fun.

The organization plans to run the steam engine, which requires that a fire train follow to mitigate risk of a spark.

The rides are planned for July 27 and 28 with trains leaving McEwen Depot at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Advance reservations are required — to book a ticket, visit sumptervalleyrailroad.org.

Seeing the Landscape Through Nez Perce Eyes

JOSEPH — The Josephy Center for Arts and Culture will open the exhibit “Heads and Hearts: The Landscape Through Nez Perce Eyes” on July 18 with an opening reception from 3-5 p.m.

According to a press release, “Heads and Hearts” shows “how Nimiipuu stories and art record past geologic events, some unknown to geologists, and enhance our understanding and appreciation of the Northwest’s dynamic landscape. It is a way of experiencing Eastern Oregon from a First Nation’s cultural perspective.”

This exhibit, which continues through Sept. 13, is a collaboration between Nimiipuu storytellers, artists, photographers, linguists and elders along with geologists.

Find book bargains in Baker City

BAKER CITY — Friends of the Baker County Library will hold the annual summer book sale July 19-28 at the library, 2400 Resort St.

The sale opens with hours from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. For the remainder of the sale, hours will coincide with the library: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.

The sale ends with most books priced at 25 cents on July 27 and July 28.

Experience tea with queen

LA GRANDE — Le Bebe Cakes is hosting “Tea with Queen Charlotte” as a dinner theater experience on Saturday, July 20, 6 p.m. Tickets for this adult-only event are $50 per person and reservations are requested by calling 541-9632253. Attendees are encouraged to dress up for the occasion. The tea is at 1101 Washington Ave.

Free flicks return to Butte Park

HERMISTON — The Summer Movies in the Park series returns thanks to Lamb Weston and Hermiston Parks and Recreation. In addition to watching a family-friendly movie, participants can enjoy free potato products from the fry truck.

The movie starts at 8:30 p.m. at Butte Park, 1245 NW Seventh St. Featured films are “Migration” on July 19 and “Barbie” on July 26. Be sure to bring chairs and blankets. For questions, call Hermiston Parks and Recreation at 541-667-5018.

Spend Sunday afternoon in the park

BAKER CITY — Brushfire, featuring Chris Johnson and Nancy Ames, will play for the Powder River Music Revue on Sunday, July 21.

The music goes from 4-6 p.m. at the Powder River Pavilion in Geiser-Pollman Park — get there early to grab a bench, or bring a chair or blanket.

Admission is free, although the audience can support the concert by buying raffle tickets for prizes, such as gift cards donated by local businesses. Raffle tickets are $5 each or $20 for five.

Also, season memberships are available for $35.

Hamley’s serves up outdoor music

PENDLETON — Hamley & Co. is taking advantage of the warmer summer nights with Sunset Music on the Lawn.

Enjoy outdoor dining with a special menu. Also, free live music is featured on select Friday nights from 5-8 p.m. in downtown Pendleton at the corner of Main Street and Court Avenue. Scott Wilson is confirmed for July 19 and Aug 9, and James Dean Kindle is set for Aug. 23 and 30. For more information, call 541-278-1100.

Call for artists: Wallowa Valley Arts Festival

JOSEPH — The Josephy Center for Arts and Culture is planning the 42nd Wallowa Valley Arts Festival Sept. 20-22. The deadline to submit work is by 11:30 p.m. July 31.

Each year, the festival showcases sculpture, painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, fiber arts, glass, jewelry, an En Plein Air competition and more. This year’s judge is Karen Bakke.

The entry fee is $35. For information, visit josephy.org or call the center, 541-432-0505.