Diverse talent is featured during International Guitar Night XXIV on Jan. 31, 2024, at the Power House Theatre, Walla Walla.

Get your groove on for local veterans’ group

UMATILLA — Brass Fire Band will ignite a fundraising event to benefit the Pacific Northwest Veterans’ Alliance.

Grooving for a Cause is Saturday, Jan. 20 in the banquet room at Quality Inn, 705 Willamette Ave. A social hour with drinks catered by Midway Bar & Grill starts at 5 p.m. In addition, there will be a loaded potato bar. The music cranks up at 6 p.m.

Tickets are $25 per person. They are available by calling 541-701-8006 or via bit.ly/3vndE8K.

A Hermiston-based nonprofit organization, PNVA is dedicated to providing support to local veterans and their families. For more information, visit www.pnwveteransalliance.org or search Facebook via bit.ly/3QkQvuy.

Monthly dance at the Union County Senior Center

LA GRANDE — The BlueMountaineers monthly dance is happening Saturday, Jan. 20, 6-9 p.m. at the Union County Senior Center, 1504 N. Albany St.

Admission is $5, or free for ages 12 and younger. The evening features a finger food potluck.

Submissions sought for fiber arts and jewelry show

LA GRANDE — The deadline is approaching to submit work for Art Center East’s eighth annual Fiber Arts and Jewelry Exhibition.

Submissions are due Jan. 27. The show opens Feb. 2 and runs through March 29.

The 2024 exhibit theme is “Fiber in Focus: Exploring National Geographic.” Artists are encouraged to use images from “National Geographic” magazines, of their choosing, as an inspiration to create new jewelry or fiber artworks. The “National Geographic” images and finished pieces will be displayed side-by-side so that viewers can compare the two.

Artists may submit up to five fiber or jewelry pieces. ACE has decades of “National Geographic” magazines that artists can browse — images can be advertisements or photo spreads.

According to ACE, “artists are challenged to interpret their colors, textures, content, and styles through the lens of their chosen medium. The end result may differ widely from the original images.”

For information, search artcentereast.org, visit the art center, 1006 Penn Ave., or contact Gallery Director Jenn Durr at jenn@artcentereast.org.

The Clements Brothers play Churchill School Jan. 21

The Clements Brothers — identical twins George and Charles — are based in New England and this weekend they will arrive in Baker City to play a show at Churchill School, 3451 Broadway St. They’ll be joined by drummer Pele Greenberg.

The concert is Sunday, Jan. 21. The doors open at 6 p.m., and Desirae Bronson opens the show at 6:30 p.m.

Tickets are $20 in advance at churchillbaker.com or $28 at the door. Admission is free for age 15 and younger with a paid adult.

Free class focuses on digital cameras

HERMISTON — A class presented by Hermiston Parks & Recreation will assist shutterbugs of all skill levels with taking better photos.

Discovering Digital Camera Settings is Thursday, Jan. 18, 6-8 p.m. at the Harkenrider Senior Activity Center, 255 NE Second St. Participants need to bring their camera. The session focuses on digital cameras and not smartphones.

Although the class is free, space is limited. It’s open to ages 16 and older. To register, visit bit.ly/hermistonrecreation. For questions, call 541-667-5018.

Volunteers sought for Oregon Trail Center

BAKER CITY — Crossroads Carnegie Art Center, the friends organization for the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center, is inviting individuals and groups to learn more about volunteer opportunities at NHOTIC, which reopens May 24, 2024, after a multi-year closure.

Crossroads will have a volunteer open house on Thursday, Jan. 18, from 3:30-5:30 p.m. in the art center’s downstairs studio, 2020 Auburn Ave. Crossroads and BLM staff will be available to answer questions, and light refreshments will be provided.

Education foundation serves student support

HERMISTON — Get ready to Follow Your Art during the annual winter fundraiser of the Hermiston Education Foundation.

Enjoy a surf and turf dinner of salmon and beef on Feb. 3, 5 p.m. at the Eastern Oregon Trade and Event Center, 1705 E. Airport Road. The event also features live/silent auctions, including the creative works of Hermiston students and community members, as well as gift baskets, tickets to area events and donations from local businesses.

Tickets are $50 each and are available at the Hermiston School District office, 305 SW 11th St. For questions, call 541-667-6010.

Native fibers workshop is Jan. 20 in Cove

COVE — A native fibers workshop is set for Saturday, Jan. 20, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Coe-Kerr Building, 1104 Church St. Participants will learn to process and make cordage/string from native perennial fiber plants such as showy milkweed and dogbane hemp. The cost is on a sliding scale from $50 to $100 (pay what you can). Contact Bobby Fossek at lovinthisland@gmail.com to register.

All proceeds from the event will support the continuation of the program in the year ahead.

Screening of ‘Regenerating Life’ set for Feb. 8

LA GRANDE — The Union County Master Gardeners will host a screening of the documentary “Regenerating Life” (Hummingbird Films, 2023) on Thursday, Feb. 8, 6-8:30 pm. at the OSU Extension Building conference room, 10507 N. McAlister Road.

View a trailer at hummingbirdfilms.com/regeneratinglife.

For the evening, pizza will be provided or attendees can bring a sack dinner. Those planning to attend are asked to RSVP by calling 541-963-1010 or email sarah.west@oregonstate.edu.

This screening is sponsored by the Union County Master Gardeners and soilcarboncoalition.org.

Peter Donovan will lead a participatory discussion between 45-minute film segments. He is the founder of the Soil Carbon Coalition, a student of water and carbon cycling, and familiar with the film’s origins and background.

Escape Rooms offer group fun at EOTEC

HERMISTON — Hermiston Parks & Recreation invites residents to unlock an adventure with three Escape Rooms of different skill levels. The activity, recommended for ages 10 and up, is available on Feb. 9 at the Eastern Oregon Trade and Event Center, 1705 E. Airport Road, Hermiston.

Groups can register — a minimum of two people; recommended eight — for a one-hour experience for $50 via bit.ly/hermistonrecreation. Time slots include 1 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 4 p.m., 5:30 p.m. or 7 p.m. For more information, search Facebook via bit.ly/3TK4nle or call 541-667-5018.

Fun nights out planned for families

JOHN DAY — Calling all families! The John Day Canyon City Parks and Recreation District is planning two events in February, and tickets are on sale now. Register online by Feb. 5 at jdccparksandrec.org.

A father and daughter dance with the theme of “Boots and Belles” is happening Friday, Feb. 9, at the Grant County Fairgrounds from 6-9 p.m. The evening includes dancing, games, activities, refreshments, concessions and a 5×7 photo. Tickets are $50 per couple plus $10 per additional daughter.

Family Fun Night is set for Feb. 10, 6-9 p.m., at the Grant County Fairgrounds. This evening, for grades K-6, is themed “Jungle Adventure.” Pizza and refreshments will be served, and the event features dancing, laser tag and more. A 5×7 photo keepsake is included in the cost. Tickets are $50 per couple, plus $10 per additional child.

Hermiston graduate leads symphony program

WALLA WALLA — Kelly Kuo, a 1990 Hermiston High School graduate, is featured during a program presented by the Walla Walla Symphony.

Kuo, a music director and conductor candidate, will lead Symphony Series: Breaking Expectations on Tuesday, Jan. 23, 7-9 p.m. in Cordiner Hall, 46 S. Park St. The program includes Quinn Mason’s “Toast of the Town Overture,” Dmitri Shostakovich’s “Symphony No. 9 in E-flat Major, Op. 70” and Antonin Dvořák’s “Cello Concerto in B Minor, Op. 104, B. 19” — featuring cellist Nathan Chan. Tickets are $19-$35 for adults, $10-$18/college students and $10/youths.

Also, a free meet and greet with Kuo is Saturday, Jan. 20, 6-7 p.m. at Foundry Vineyard, 1111 Abadie St. Wine will be available for purchase.

For more information or to purchase tickets for Breaking Expectations, visit www.wwsymphony.org. For questions, contact 509-529-8020 or info@wwsymphony.org.

Power House stRums into Guitar Night XXIV

WALLA WALLA — A celebration of the world’s most innovative and diverse guitar talents is featured during the North American Tour of International Guitar Night XXIV.

Founder Brian Gore has curated a lineup featuring three IGN favorites and an exciting newcomer. The show is Jan. 31, 7 p.m. at Power House Theatre, 111 N. Sixth Ave.

Performers include Luca Stricagnoli (Italy), an acoustic rock interpreter who is returning for a fourth time; Thu Le (Vietnam), whose nylon string artistry stretches from classical to contemporary; and Marco Pereira (Brazil), a master composer and performer who toured with IGN in its early days. Also, IGN first-timer Minnie Marks (Australia), an irrepressible blues slide guitarist and singer, is making her North American debut.

Tickets are $40 for adults and $20 for students. For tickets or more information, visit www.phtww.org or call 509-529-6500.

Kindle kicks in with concert fundraiser

ATHENA — James Dean Kindle and His Country Combo — pedal steel guitarist Roger Conley, acoustic bassist Aaron Engum and percussionist Tim Mustoe — will perform Sunday, Jan. 21, 3:30 p.m. at the Gem Theatre, 239 E. Main St.

Admission is $10 per person at the door. The concert serves as a fundraiser with proceeds going toward stage equipment at the theater. Light refreshments will be provided.

A Pendleton-born and bred singer-songwriter, Kindle’s eclectic approach to music performance and composition blurs the boundaries between country, folk, jazz, Latin and experimental music. Performing as both a solo artist and with his backing rock band The Eastern Oregon Playboys and as a member of the Baker City noise-collective Swäwm Pass, he has released several full-length albums and singles.

Originally constructed in 1901, the theater renovation project began in 2003 when the building was donated to the city of Athena. In June 2006, the city deeded the property to the Athena’s Gem, Inc. For more information, visit www.gemtheatre.org or search www.facebook.com/athenasgem.

Dinner planned to help fund scholarships

ENTERPRISE — The Wallowa County Stockgrowers and Wallowa County Ag Resource Foundation is planning a scholarship dinner and auction on Thursday, Jan. 25, 5 p.m. at Cloverleaf Hall.

Tickets can be purchased at the door for $30 adults, $15 ages 6-12 and free for 5 and younger. This dinner is open to the public and includes a prime rib dinner catered by Apple Flat Catering, a 50/50 game and a dessert auction.

Over the past three years, the foundation has awarded 12 scholarships for a total of $41,000. For information, or to make a donation, call Pete Schreder at 541-219-0549 or John Williams at 541-263-0485.

22nd halibut feed is March 16

NORTH POWDER — The 22nd annual Alaskan halibut fundraiser is happening March 16 at Powder Valley’s gymnasium. This event supports the girls volleyball and basketball programs.

There are four sessions: 1-2 p.m., 2-4 p.m., 4-6 p.m. and 6-7:30 p.m. Tickets are $30 per plate and can be purchased from an athlete or by contacting Desi McGinn at 541-898-2244 ext. 8821 or desi.mcginn@npowdersd.org.

The halibut meal includes fish, baked potato, coleslaw, French bread, dessert and a drink. Hot dog tickets are available for $5.

Kick up your heels during old-time dance

MILTON-FREEWATER — Contras, squares and other dances are featured during an event hosted by the Walla Walla Friends of Acoustic Music.

The Wednesday Night Band will set the tone on Saturday, Jan. 20, 7 p.m. at the Timberrib, 84847 Winesap Road. No experience is necessary, as local callers will provide instruction.

Admission is $5 or $3 for WWFAM members. Participants are invited to bring finger foods to share. To help preserve the dance floor, don’t wear boots or spiked heels.

For more information about WWFAM events, visit bit.ly/3CG0CEf. For questions, email htostby@gmail.com, call 541-938-7403.