Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 5, 2015)
ENTERTAINMENT Saturday, December 5, 2015 BRIEFLY Fishtrap offers PRQWKO\¿UHVLGH ENTERPRISE — A trio of Wallowa County writers are featured in the upcoming Fishtrap Fireside. They are: Lynne Curry, a professional cook and writer who moved to Joseph from Seattle, has been published as a food journalist; James Nash, a 2004 Enterprise High School graduate, who received a bachelor’s degree in literature and writing before serving in the Marine Corps. He now helps manage 6 Ranch in Wallow County; and =anni SchaufÀer, who is the recipient of an Oregon Literary Arts fellowship. Her poems have been featured in several publications and she is sending her ¿rst book to publishers while working on a second manuscript. The event also includes an open mic time for audience members to share their stories. The Fishtrap Fireside is a monthly event. For more information, contact Mike Midlo at mike#¿shtrap.org, 541-426-3623 or visit www.¿shtrap.org. Balch Bounty features feast DUFUR — A farm to table feast is planned during the Balch Bounty: Super Saturday Supper Series for December. Chef Jason Barwikowski (formerly of Vintage Grill at Hood River Hotel and The Woodsman in Portland) is serving bitter greens with roasted wild mushrooms and winter vegetables and pancetta-sherry dressing, whole roasted loins of Oregon albacore and Corona beans with spicy tomato broth, and grilled bread. Be sure to save room for the apple panna cotta dessert. The event is Saturday, Dec. 12 at 6 p.m. at the Historic Balch Hotel, 40 S. Heimrich St., Dufur. The cost is $45 per person, plus gratuity. People are encouraged to come early and hear the Dufur Boys play bluegrass music at 3:30 p.m. in the lobby, followed by the Lighted Tractor Parade at 4:30 p.m. and the Innkeeper’s Reception at 5:15 p.m., featuring complimentary hor d’oeuvres. Local wine, beer and specialty drinks are available for purchase. To make a dinner reservation (rooms are also available), call 541-467-2277. For more information, visit www. balchhotel.com. Movie highlights the Great War MISSION — What’s been called one of the most accurate interpretations of World War I, “WW I: America and the Great War” will be shown during Pepsi Primetime@the Museum. Produced by PBS, the ¿lm describes the events, causes, trench warfare and the ¿nal drive by the American and allied forces that ended it all on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918. The free event is Saturday, Dec. 12 at 1 p.m. at Tamástslikt Cultural Institute, located near Wildhorse Resort & Casino, off Highway 331, Mission. This collection of archival footage from sources around the world highlights the battles, the American military leaders, and the remarkable story of the “Red Baron,” the most feared German pilot who is credited with 80 Allied kills. Complimentary refreshments will be served. For more information, call 541-429-7700 or visit www.tamastslikt.org. East Oregonian Page 3C Now that’s what I call ‘Entertainment’ T he public loves an uplifting showbiz success movie: Kid with talent from a small town has a dream of making it big. Kid moves to the city to ¿nd his way. After overcoming a few roadblocks through sheer tenacity, Kid ¿nally catches that big break. Occasionally introducing conÀict is totally eschewed in simply presenting a meteoric rise to stardom a la Mariah Carey’s “Glitter.” It’s an American myth that Horatio Alger would give two thumbs up. J.D. In reality those Kindle success stories only Comment make up a small portion of those attempting to “make it.” In order for there to be a few winners there must be a lot of losers. Enter director Rick Alverson’s latest ¿lm, “Entertainment,” a road movie that follows comedian Neil Hamburger, played by Gregg Turkington. Hamburger performs one dead-end gig after another for unappreciative crowds on a tour across the Mojave Desert. In between shows he meets random denizens of southeastern California, ranging from his successful but painfully mediocre rancher cousin to dope ¿ends loitering around truck stops. When he ¿nally is offered the solitude of a hotel room, Hamburger is seen leaving phone messages for an estranged daughter who never returns his calls. Both on stage and off, Hamburger is a failure and nothing he does, no matter how well intentioned, goes right. Neil Hamburger is a real-life, decades old alter ego created by Turkington, much like Andy Kaufman’s turn as Tony Clifton, but Photos courtesy of Magnolia Pictures Gregg Turkington in “Entertainment,” a Magnolia Pictures release. Hamburger’s stand-up performances are a more foul-mouthed, alcoholic and acerbic version than what Kaufman ever dared to present. (A sample joke: “What is the difference between Courtney Love and the American Àag" It would be wrong to urinate on the American Àag.”) Hamburger borders on performance art, a parody of the hackneyed Vegas comic in a tuxedo, and has found a regular place opening up for rock bands rather than touring the traditional comedy circuit. Perhaps that is why he is a more natural ¿t for an art ¿lm like “Entertainment” than, say, someone like Dane Cook. However, the presentation of Neil Hamburger in “Entertainment” is an interpretation of that character where his abrasive performances are balanced with moments of breaking his stage persona to reveal a broken man. Like his previous ¿lm, “The Comedy,” a drama revolving around deplorable behavior of self-absorbed New York City hipsters that turns out to be anything but a comedy, “Entertainment’s” title is just as ironic. Work within the entertainment industry is what drives the plot, but “Entertainment” isn’t concerned with the end product of that labor that the audience sees. The chief drawback of “Entertainment” is its pacing. In a previous life, Alverson fronted the slow-core band Spokane who, as their genre descriptor would imply, explored the possibilities performing songs with glacial tempos. That same sensibility is present in “Entertainment” and although he composes images that turns even the most desolate of settings in places of serene beauty, it’s hard not to turn your attention elsewhere, especially if you are watching “Entertainment” on VOD in the comfort of your own home. As much as we love success stories, the failure stories deserve just as much attention, if only to provide a cautionary tale. “Entertainment,” as discomforting as it can be to watch, delivers on that front and provides visceral images that will linger on for days after viewing. The most affecting scene in the ¿lm, and perhaps the most emblematic of Hamburger’s failures, is when he attempts to be heroic by assisting a woman going into labor in rest stop bathroom. Tragically, this episode doesn’t serve as his redemption. Mariah Carey’s “Glitter” this ain’t. “Entertainment” is currently in limited theatrical release and available on video-on-demand. Ŷ James Dean Kindle is the executive director of the Oregon East Symphony and a Pendleton musician. Contact him at jamesdeankindle@gmail.com. WHAT TO DO Festivals Journey to Bethlehem Dec. 4-6; 5-8:30 p.m. Seventh-day Adventist Church 855 W. Highland Ave., Herm- iston Free. Guided tours through an outdoor village, which fea- tures what it may have been like in Biblical times during the birth of Jesus. Refreshments served afterwards. Holiday Festival Thursday-Saturday nights Every 30 minutes from 5-9 p.m. Second & East Main streets, Hermiston Free. Also, live entertainment each Thursday at 6 p.m. Art & Museums Fishtrap Fireside Friday, Dec. 11; 7 p.m. 400 E. Grant St., Enterprise ZZZ¿VKWUDSRUJ Free. Lynne Curry, James 1ash and =anni SchaufÀer are featured writers. An open mic fol- lows for audience to share their stories. Art of the Gift Tuesday-Fridays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturdays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Pendleton Center for the Arts, 214 N. Main St. ZZZSHQGOHWRQDUWVRUJ Free. Unique items created by the best craftspeople form the re- gion and beyond. Includes func- tional and wearable items, just in time for Christmas shopping. Runs through Dec. 31. Drawn Together Monday-Fridays; noon-4 p.m. Nightingale Gallery, Loso Hall Eastern Oregon University, La Grande ZZZHRXHGXDUWQLJKWLQ- JDOHJDOOHU\ Free. Drawn Together: Con- temporary Drawing in the Paci¿c Northwest features 13 Paci¿c Northwest artists. Runs through Dec. 9. Betty Feves 25th Anniver- sary Exhibit Monday through Thursdays; 11 a.m.-2 p.m. By appointment, 541-278- 5952 Betty Feves Memorial Gal- lery, BMCC, 2411 N.W. Carden Ave., Pendleton. Free. Exhibit honors Betty Feves and her continuing legacy with pieces by artists who appren- ticed with her. Runs through Dec. 17. Friday, Dec. 11; Saturday, Dec. 12, 9 p.m. No cover Wildhorse Sports Bar at Wild- horse Resort & Casino, off High- way 331, Mission. World War I Posters Holiday Music Festival Monday - Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tamástslikt Cultural Institute, near Wildhorse Resort & Casino. ZZZWDPDVWVOLNWRUJ $10/adults, $9/senior citizens, $6/youths, free/5 and under or $25/family of four. Features 65 original posters from the World War I era and other artifacts from the time period. Runs through Jan. 2. Sunday, Dec. 13 ; 3:15 p.m. Vert Auditorium, 480 S.W. Dorion Ave., Pendleton ZZZRUHJRQHDVWV\PSKRQ\ RUJ $20/adults, $15/students, seniors, $45/family. The Oregon East Symphony’s holiday pro- gram includes an performances by community vocal groups, in- cluding the Pendleton Men’s Cho- rus and the Sherwood-McKay Children’s Chorus. The sympho- ny’s chorale will perform Ralph Vaughn Williams’ “Fantasia On A Christmas Carol.” Heritage Station Museum Tuesday-Saturdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 108 S.W. Frazer Ave., Pend- leton ZZZKHULWDJHVWDWLRQPXVHXP RUJ $5/adults, $2/student, $4/se- niors, $10/family. SAGE Center Monday-Saturdays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 101 Olson Road, Boardman ZZZYLVLWVDJHFRP $5/adults, $3/students, se- niors, free/under 5. An interactive visitor center highlighting sustain- able agriculture and energy. On- site store features local art, jewel- ry, food, wine and gifts. Music Oldies Night in Milton-Free- water Saturday, Dec. 5; 7 p.m. Wesley Methodist Church, 816 S. Main St., Milton-Freewa- ter. Free. BJ the DJ spins tunes of the 1985.. Phamous Phaces Saturday, Dec. 5, 9 p.m. No cover Wildhorse Sports Bar at Wild- horse Resort & Casino, off High- way 331, Mission. Christmas concerts Friday, Dec. 11; 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12; 4 p.m. Echo Community Center, 20 Bonanza St. www.LQODQGQRUWKZHVWPXVL- FLDQVFRP Free, donations accepted. Holiday cheer with the Inland Northwest Chorale. Reservations suggested; for more information, contact 541-289-4696 or inwm@ machmedia.net. Groove Thang Israel Nash w/Anthony D’Amato Monday, Dec. 14; 7 p.m. All ages. No cover. Great Paci¿c Wine & Coffee Co., 403 S. Main St., Pendleton Dallin Puzey & Tucker Tovey Wednesday, Dec. 16; 6-9 p.m. Nookies/Hermiston Brewing Co., 125 N. First St., Hermiston No cover. Decade X Friday, Dec. 18; Saturday, Dec. 19, 9 p.m. No cover Wildhorse Sports Bar at Wild- horse Resort & Casino, off High- way 331, Mission. Sunny Ledford Saturday, Dec. 19, 10 p.m. The Pheasant, 149 E. Main St., Hermiston ZZZIDFHERRNFRP7KH3- KHDVDQW&DIH/RXQJH $25. Call 541-567-3022 for reservations. Night life Ugly Sweater Christmas Party Wednesday, Dec. 16; 11 a.m.- 9 p.m. Nookies/Hermiston Brewing Co., 125 N. First St., Hermiston No cover. Wear an ugly sweater and get 10 percent off. There will be a drawing for gift baskets. White Elephant Party Friday, Dec. 18; 7-10 p.m. 40 Taps, 337 S.W. Emigrant Ave., Pendleton Z Z Z I D F H E R R N F R P HYHQWV No cover. Bring a wrapped gift valued at up to $20 for Dirty Santa gift exchange. DJ and dancing Bad Santa Costume Party Fridays, 8 p.m. The Pheasant, 149 E. Main St., Hermiston Saturday, Dec. 26; 9 p.m. The Pheasant, 149 E. Main St., Hermiston No cover. Prizes for best cos- tume, DJ music, beer pong and other games. DJ music Saturdays, 8 p.m. The Pheasant, 149 E. Main St., Hermiston Sunday Fundays Sundays; 4 p.m. Riverside Sports Bar, 1501 Sixth St., Umatilla No cover. Food/drink specials Whiskey Wednesday Game Night Wednesdays; 3-7 p.m. The Pheasant, 149 E. Main St., Hermiston No cover. Drink specials and games, including Xbox 360, Nin- tendo Wii, PlayStation 3 and Nin- tendo 64. RocKaraoke Third Wednesdays, 8 p.m. Wildhorse Sports Bar, Wild- horse Resort & Casino, off High- way 331, Mission. No cover. Live band karaoke the third Wednesday of each month through December. Thursday Night Comedy Thursdays, 8 p.m. Wildhorse Sports Bar, Wild- horse Resort & Casino, off High- way 331, Mission. Digital Karaoke Thursdays and Fridays, 8 p.m. The Pheasant, 149 E. Main St., Hermiston Mac’s Trivia Night Thursdays; 8 p.m. Mac’s Bar & Grill, 1400 S.W. Dorion Ave., Pendleton No cover. 21 and older. Trivial Beersuit is weekly through Dec. 17. Teams of 2-8 compete in trivia contest. Live host and prizes. Wine tasting Fridays, 4-8 p.m. Sno Road Winery, 111 W. Main St., Echo. Open Mic First/third Friday each month, 8 p.m.-midnight The Packard Tavern, 118 S.E. Court Ave., Pendleton ZZZIDFHERRNFRPJURXSV SHQGOHWRQRSHQPLF Karaoke Fridays 8 p.m. (9 p.m. if game on) Riverside Sports Bar, 1501 Sixth St., Umatilla Stage & film “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” Saturday, Dec. 5; 2:15 p.m. SAGE Center, 101 Olson Road, Boardman ZZZYLVLWVDJHFRP $5/adults, $3/seniors, stu- dents. Free popcorn with admis- sion. “Christmas in the Land of Oz” Friday, Dec. 11; 7 p.m. Dec. 5-6, 12-13; 2 p.m. Masquers Theater, Soap Lake, Wash. ZZZPDVTXHUVFRP $7. The Wicked Witch of the West becomes the Grinch of this delightful holiday play when she steals Christmas from Munchkin- land. It takes all your Oz favor- ites to bring the yuletide holiday back. Pepsi Primetime@the Museum Saturday, Dec. 12; 1 p.m. Tamástslikt Cultural Institute, near Wildhorse Resort & Casino. ZZZWDPDVWVOLNWRUJ Free. Produced by PBS, “WWI: America and the Great War” describes the events, caus- es, trench warfare and the ¿nal drive by the American and allied forces that ended it all on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918. James Givan’s war posters exhibit is currently on display at the museum. Com- plimentary refreshments served. Hot tickets Flashdance the Musical. Jan. 22, Windermere Theatre, Kennewick. Tickets ($42-$67) available via ZZZWLFNHWPDVWHU FRP Black Sabbath: The End. Feb. 6, Tacoma Dome. Tickets ($35-$150) available via www. WLFNHWPDVWHUFRP Harlem Globetrotters. Feb. 21, Toyota Center, Kennewick. Tickets ($80.50-102.50) avail- able via ZZZWLFNHWPDVWHUFRP ——— :DQWWRJHW\RXUHYHQWOLVWHG LQ RXU FDOHQGDU" 6HQG LQIRUPD- WLRQ WR WPDOJHVLQL#HDVWRUHJR- QLDQFRPRUFR7DPP\0DOJHVL- QL(0DLQ6WUHHW+HUPLVWRQ 25 MOVIE REVIEW 3L[DU¶VWULSS\µ7KH*RRG'LQRVDXU¶VWXPEOHV By JAKE COYLE AP Film Writer “The Good Dinosaur” is Pixar’s most trippy and tripped-up ¿lm: a wayward tale, uncertain of its steps, about a Gumby-green young dinosaur lost in prehistoric forests that are rendered in lushly sensory detail and populated by bug-eyed animations. Any animated movie worth its salt usually has something hallucinogenic about it. More often than not, Pixar has honored that tradition, whether in the day-glow head trips of “Inside Out” or the ooo-ing aliens of “Toy Story 2” who, trapped all their lives in a vending machine, worship “The Claw.” Pixar-Disney via AP Spot, voiced by Jack Bright, left, and Arlo, voiced by Raymond Ochoa, appear in a scene from “The Good Dinosaur.” But in “The Good Dinosaur,” director Peter Sohn and Pixar have, for the ¿rst time, wandered out into the wilderness. As if exhilarated by the open air, Sohn and his animators create such dazzling imagery of Àowing water and mountainous landscapes that “The Good Dinosaur” might be most attractive to mushroom-eating hikers. The screenplay, by Meg LeFauve from a story conceived by Bob Peterson, is actually set in a parallel time. In the movie’s opening moments, the asteroid meant to spell doom for the dinosaurs whizzes past the Earth. It’s a concept that could have meant all kinds of interesting possibilities, but “The Good Dinosaur” makes surprisingly little use of most of them. Here, the dinosaurs have developed into a partly agrarian society (Arlo’s family harvests corn) and the ¿rst homo sapiens are pesky critters. As his name suggests, Spot is more like a dog than a human; he resembles a two-foot tall, tongue-wagging Zac Efron. But he is also more adept in the woods than the fearful Arlo, and the ¿lm’s most tender moments are in the wordless bonding between the pair of orphans as they navigate their way through terrain that appears modeled on the Rockies, somewhere near the geysers “The Good Dinosaur” ۻۻۻۼ PG, 92 minutes of Yellowstone. But the best part of “The Good Dinosaur” may well be the short that precedes it: “Sanjay’s Super Team,” by Sanjay Patel. In it, a boy and father sit on opposite sides of a room, each crouched in solemn devotion to boxes before them: a TV blaring a superhero cartoon for the boy, a cabinet for Hindu meditation for the father. In a few tender minutes, the short bridges two worlds more sweetly than the dinosaur-human pairing to follow.
