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ENTERTAINMENT Saturday, June 4, 2016 East Oregonian Page 3C MILTON-FREEWATER Five towns, one name By TAMMY MALGESINI East Oregonian Contributed photo The story behind “MILTON,” a play about ive towns and the constellation they create, will be presented June 16-19 in Milton-Freewater. A handful of towns with the same names are featured in a project called “MILTON,” which also includes Milton-Freewater. “It’s quite a far-reaching idea,” said Jean Ann Mitchell, organizer of Arts Portal Gallery in Milton-Freewater. “Another real beneit is their concen- tration on community-building and supporting art in the community.” Known for their large-scale proj- ects, PearlDamour, an award-winning interdisciplinary theater company, was looking to do a smaller production. The idea for “MILTON” sprouted during the last election cycle when the internet exploded with accusations of people being “un-American.” Katie Pearl and Lisa D’Amour sought to deine what it means to “be an American.” In April 2013, PearlDamour sent an email to Jan Sample of the Milton-Free- water Garden Club, asking if they could meet. A month later, a tableful of women greeted Pearl and D’Amour at Kelly’s Bar & Grill in Milton-Freewater. Typical of small-town friendliness, the women presented their visitors with corsages and bought lunch. The hospitality continued with Sample offering accommodations on her property. “For over a year, they would come to town and they would stay at my place,” Sample said. “And, now we’re going to have the whole crew of them.” The May 2013 visit was the irst of many trips to Milton-Freewater for the two women. Pearl, who lives in New York, and D’Amour in New Orleans, traveled across the country, not only to Milton-Freewater but to four other towns named Milton — in Louisiana, Massachusetts, North Carolina and Wisconsin — as part of the project. To Pearl and D’Amour, the ive Miltons stretch over the United States, forming an earth-bound constellation. The duo, known for their perfor- mances mixing theater and installation, set out to discover the “story” of each town. The culmination of the “MILTON” project is a play presented in each of the locations. Recognizing Milton-Freewater’s diverse population, the local performances, which are June 16-19, will be bilingual. Performers of different ages and races will speak and sing. In addition, the production features video of the day and night skies of Milton-Freewater, shot by Jim Findlay, an award-winning designer and visual artist. Also contributing to the project with original music is Brendan Connelly, an award-winning composer and sound designer. “Often it feels like being in a plane- tarium. Sometimes it’s like being at the opera. It can even feel like being at a family birthday barbecue, under a big sky,” Pearl said. After taking root, “MILTON” ended up being PearlDamour’s biggest project to date. Structuring the concept around communities of the same name — chosen from a random Google search of common city names — Pearl and D’Amour then sought to ind communi- ties that were as different as possible. The towns range in population from 27,000 in Milton, Massachusetts, to North Carolina’s Milton with only 164 people. The racial diversity of Milton-Freewater with whites and Latinos, and the Massachusetts and North Carolina towns with whites and blacks, are a stark contrast from the predominately white populations in the Louisiana and Wisconsin communities, which both exceed 95 percent. Mitchell and Sample said having the performance presented with English and Spanish is important. Recognizing and embracing the area’s cultural diversity helps in bridging the community together. Over the years, both women have seen more acceptance of cultural diversity. “We’re more accepting. I think it’s going to be a celebration of our cultures and our small town,” Mitchell said. Area residents are invited to attend a community barbecue in celebration of “MILTON” Saturday, June 18 at 5 p.m. at McLoughlin High School. To ensure there’s enough food, RSVP by calling 541-938-5536. “MILTON: A Bilangual Play About 4 Towns Named Milton and 1 Named Milton-Freewater” NIGHTLY: June 16-19; 7 p.m.; MATINÉE: June 18-19; 2 p.m.; WHERE: McLoughlin High School, 120 Main St., Milton-Freewater; COST: Free for residents; suggested donation of $5-15 for others; RSVP: 888-854-5698 WHAT TO DO BRIEFLY New exhibit features Jenny Hegdal Festivals MILTON-FREEWATER — The work of Central Middle School teacher Jenny Hegdal is featured in the upcoming exhibit at Arts Portal Gallery. “Real People” opens with an artist’s reception Saturday, June 11 from 2-4 p.m. at 508 N. Main St., Milton-Freewater. There is no admission charge. The event includes a theater group from PearlDamour, who are presenting the “MILTON” project June 16-19 at McLoughlin High School. Also, refreshments will be served. Managed by the Milton-Freewater Downtown Alliance, regular gallery hours are Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. For more information, contact artsportalgallery@ msn.com, 541-938-3727 or visit www.facebook. com/artsportalgallery. Old Iron Show Western history comes alive with two-day festival WALLA WALLA — A family festival that celebrates the Walla Walla Valley’s regional heritage features historic re-enactors, live demonstrations, music, dancing and children’s pioneer games. Fort Walla Walla Days is Saturday, June 11 and Sunday, June 12 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 755 Myra Road in Walla Walla. Vendor trucks will be available to purchase a variety of food and beverages. Encampments on the museum’s sprawling campus will include the Lewis and Clark Expedition, fur traders, Civil War soldiers and regional American Indians. Each tent will feature artifacts, trade goods or displays from the time period represented by the re-enactor. Museum admission, which includes participation in Fort Walla Walla Days, is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors and students, $3 for ages 6-12 and free for children 5 and under. For more information, contact 509-525-7703, info@fwwm.org or visit www.fwwm.org. Exhibit highlights circuit chautauquas DAYTON, Washington — An exhibit exploring the history of circuit chautauquas — traveling shows and assemblies popular in the late 19th and early 20th century — will open this month at the Dayton Historic Depot. Teddy Roosevelt called chautauquas “the most American thing in America.” An extremely popular form of entertainment, they featured musicians, comedians, actors, politicians and scholars. Circuit Chautauquas: Educating Dayton and America opens Tuesday, June 14 at 6 p.m. in the museum’s ticket ofice at 222 E. Commercial St., Dayton, Washington. The exhibit highlights the history of circuit chautauquas and focuses on those traveling through Dayton from 1915-29. In addition, Paul Magid of the New Old Time Chautauqua will give an opening presentation. The exhibit serves as a prelude to the New Old Time Chautauqua that will be in Dayton July 18-19. The museum is open Wednesday through Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is by donation. For more information, contact 509-382-2026, info@daytonhistoricdepot.org or visit www. daytonhistoricdepot.org. Winery announces August concerts PATERSON — Tickets are now on sale for The Buckinghams and Crystal Gayle at Columbia Crest Winery. The Buckinghams, known for such songs as ”Kind of a Drag,” “Mercy, Mercy, Mercy” and “Don’t you Care,” will perform Friday, Aug. 19. Tickets are $45. Crystal Gayle, younger sister to Loretta Lynn, is best known for her 1977 hit “Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue.” She will take the stage Saturday, Aug 20. Tickets cost $50. Both shows are at 7 p.m. at the winery, located at 178810 Highway 221, Paterson, Washington. People are invited to bring a picnic meal or purchase cuisine from local food trucks on-site. People may bring their own non-alcoholic beverages. Wine can be purchased at the venue. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com. For more information, visit www.columbiacrest. com. •Friday, June 3, Saturday, June 4; 8 a.m.-dusk •Sunday, June 5; 8 a.m.-1 p.m. •Roy Raley Park, 1205 S.W. Court Ave., Pendleton www.heritagestationmuseum. org Free. Display features vintage farm equipment, antique cars and other old iron machinery. Pioneer Days •Friday, June 3, Saturday, June 4 •Weston Memorial Hall, Elliott Park Free admission (charge for some events). Event kicks off Fri- day honoring JoAnn Fox, Valerie Smith and Bob Smith. Saturday activities include a ireman’s break- fast, parade, vendor booths, Pi- oneer Picnic, barbecue cook-off, kids’ games, stage entertainment, alumni dinner and street dance with Tylor and The Train Robbers. Fort Walla Walla Days •Saturday, June 11, Sunday, June 12; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. •Fort Walla Walla museum, 755 Myra Road, Walla Walla www.fwwm.org $8/adults, $7/seniors $& stu- dents, $3/ages 6-12, free/5-and- younger. Two-day family festival celebrates history of the region with re-enactments, demonstrations, music, dancing and children’s games. •Monday-Fridays; noon-4 p.m. •Nightingale Gallery, Loso Hall •Eastern Oregon University, La Grande w w w. e o u . e d u / a r t / n i g h t i n - gale-gallery Free. Features artwork of EOU students from all disciplines. Runs through June 9. “Real People” •Saturday, June 11; 2-4 p.m. •Arts Portal Gallery, 508 N. Main St., Milton-Freewater Free. Artist’s reception with Central Middle School Art teacher Jenny Hegdal. Includes refresh- ments and entertainment. Regular gallery hours Saturday and Sun- days from noon to 5 p.m. “Circuit Chautauquas: Educating Dayton and America” •Tuesday, June 14; 6 p.m. •Dayton Historic Depot, 222 E. Commercial St., Dayton, WA www.daytonhistoricdepot.org Admission by donation. Open- ing reception for an exhibit ex- ploring the history of circuit chau- tauquas — traveling shows and assemblies popular in the late-19th and early-20th century. “Temperance Creek: A Memoir” •Thursday, June 16; 7 p.m. •Josephy Center for Arts and Culture, 403 N. Main St., Joseph. Free. Book release event for wallowa County author Pamela Royes. Includes food, refreshments and a multi-media presentation. Art & Museums Music Nika Blasser Music on the Lawn-Yosi Mesbah •Tuesday-Fridays; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. •Saturdays; noon-5 p.m. •Pendleton Center for the Arts, 214 N. Main St. www.pendletonarts.org Free. Opening reception featur- ing Blasser’s recent works that pro- vide an environment of relection. Runs through July 2. “Central Dreams” •Saturdays/Sundays; noon-5 p.m. •Arts Portal Gallery, 508 N. Main St., Milton-Freewater www.facebook.com/artsportal- gallery Free. Exhibit features Central Middle School student-created art- work communicating their hopes and dreams for themselves, their families and community. Also in- cludes adult artists. “Book Sort” •Monday-Thursdays; 10 a.m-8 p.m., •Friday-Saturdays; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. •Pendleton Public Library, 502 S.W. Dorion Ave. www.pendletonlibrary.weebly. com Free. Exhibit featuring more than two dozen documentary pho- tographs by Teresa Rae. Runs through June 30. An artist’s recep- tion to be scheduled. All-Campus Juried Student Exhibition •Saturday, June 4, 6 p.m. All ages No cover •Hamley Steakhouse lawn, 8 S.E. Court Ave., Pendleton Decade X •Saturday, June 4; 8 p.m. No cover •Wildhorse Sports Bar, Wild- horse Resort & Casino, off I-84 Exit 216, Mission. Brass Fire •Saturday, June 4; 7-10 p.m. No cover •Red Lion, 304 S.E. Nye Ave., Pendleton Troublemaker •Saturday, June 4; 9 p.m. No cover •The Pheasant, 149 E. Main St., Hermiston. Sisters in Song •Sunday, June 5; 4 p.m. •Pendleton Center for the Arts, 214 N. Main St. $10. Pendleton womens’ choir presents spring concert of lullabies, love songs and other traditional pieces and mountain ballads. Jilt •Friday, June 10; Saturday, June 11; 8 p.m. No cover •Wildhorse Sports Bar, Wild- horse Resort & Casino, off I-84 Exit 216, Mission. “Young at Heart” •Saturday, June 11; 6 p.m. •Wildhorse Resort & Casino, off I-84 Exit 216, Mission. www.oregoneastsymphony.org $25/general, $45/premium, $75/concert, dinner and auction ticket. Beneit event for Oregon East Symphony (tickets available at www.wildhorseresort.com). Fea- tures Rossini’s “Barber of Seville Overture,” Beethoven’s Sympho- ny No. 5, Strauss’ “Blue Danube,” Brahms’ “Hungarian Dance No. 5,” Anderson’s “Chicken Reel” and “The Looney Tunes Theme.” Bram Brata •Sunday, June 12; 5-7 p.m. •Heppner City Park, 444 N. Main St. Free. The popular steel drum band form the Tri-Cities will kick off Heppner’s monthly Music in the Park series. Food will be available for purchase. Dallin Puzey •Monday, June 13; 7 p.m. •Boardman Marina Park Free. Hermiston musician kicks off the Music in the Parks series, which alternates weekly between Boardman and Irrigon marina parks. Food available for purchase. Big Bad Beat •Friday, June 17; Saturday, June 18; 8 p.m. No cover •Wildhorse Sports Bar, Wild- horse Resort & Casino, off I-84 Exit 216, Mission. 98% Angels •Monday, June 20; 7 p.m. •Irrigon Marina Park Free. Music in the Parks series alternates weekly between Board- man and Irrigon marina parks. Food available for purchase. Night life DJ music •Saturdays, 8 p.m. •The Pheasant, 149 E. Main St., Hermiston Whiskey Wednesday Game Night •Wednesdays; 3-7 p.m. •The Pheasant, 149 E. Main St., Hermiston No cover. Drink specials, Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii, PlayStation 3 and Nintendo 64. Thursday Night Comedy •Thursdays, 8 p.m. No cover. •Wildhorse Sports Bar, Wild- horse Resort & Casino, off I-84 Exit 216, Mission. June 9: Vince Royale Digital Karaoke •Thursdays and Fridays, 8 p.m. •The Pheasant, 149 E. Main St., Hermiston 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 www.facebook.com/groups/ pendletonopenmic Karaoke •Fridays 8 p.m. (9 p.m. if game on) •Riverside Sports Bar, 1501 Sixth St., Umatilla DJ and dancing •Fridays, 8 p.m. •The Pheasant, 149 E. Main St., Hermiston Open Mic Night •Friday, June 17; 8 p.m. •Riverside Sports Bar, 1501 Sixth St., Umatilla www.riversidesportsbarand- lounge.com No cover. Hosted by Mondo Ray. Food and drink specials. Theater & ilm “The Angry Birds Movie” •June 4-5 & June 7; 7:30 p.m. •June 4-5; 3 p.m. •The Liberty Theater, 344 E. Main St., Dayton, Wash. www.libertytheater.org $8/adults, $7/students and seniors, $6/12 and under; $1 dis- count for matinées. When an is- land populated by happy, lightless birds is visited by mysterious green piggies, it’s up to Red, Chuck and Bomb to igure out what the pigs want. The historic 1910 theater is operated by the Touchet Valley Arts Council. “The Little Mermaid” •Monday, June 6, Tuesday, June 7; 6 p.m. •Ione Community School, 445 Spring St. Free. The Ione Choir will pres- ent the familiar Broadway musical. “MILTON” •June 16-19; 7 p.m. •June 18-19; 2 p.m. •McLoughlin High School, 120 Main St., Milton-Freewater www.skyovermilton.com/town/ milton-freewater-or Free/Milton-Freewater resi- dents, $5-$15 suggested dona- tion from others. The story behind “MILTON,” a play about ive towns named Milton (and Milton-Free- water) and the constellation they create. Local presentation is pre- sented bi-lingual in English and Spanish. Child care provided during the Sunday matinée. Hot tickets •Vanilla Ice and Morris Day & The Time. July 30 at Wildhorse Resort & Casino. Tickets ($29-$59) available via www.wildhorse.com •KISS. July 10, Toyota Center, Kennewick. Tickets ($39.50-$125) via www.ticketmaster.com •Umatilla County Fair Main Stage entertainment: A Thou- sand Horses (Aug. 9), The Bella- my Brothers (Aug. 10), Brothers Osborne (Aug. 11) Baile (Aug. 12), Creedence Clearwater Revisited (Aug. 13). Festival seating free with fair admission; reserved seats are $12. (541-567-6121). •Hunter Hayes. Aug. 26, Ben- ton-Franklin Fair, Pasco. Also Salt N Pepa (Aug. 23). Tickets ($15) available via Kennewick Ranch & Home or www.bentonfranklinfair. com ——— Want to get your event listed in our calendar? Send information to tmalgesini@eastoregonian.com, or c/o Tammy Malgesini, 333 E. Main Street, Hermiston, OR, 97838. MOVIE REVIEW ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ sequel is a cartoon on steroids By LINDSEY BAHR AP Film Writer “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows” is a Saturday morning cartoon on Michael Bay steroids. For the under 12 set, that’s ine. For the rest of us? It’s something to actively avoid. Not that a live-action “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” sequel owes anything at all to an adult audience, but in an age where comic books of every stripe are tailored to be must-sees for ages 8 to 80, it’s a little disarming to ind one hopeful franchise that is really and truly for kids. They’re the one audience who will just let the nonsense wash over them. This “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” sequel, produced again by Michael Bay and directed by Dave Green (“Earth to Echo”), is so inane that they essentially have to resurrect the main conlict from the irstmovie , when the four pizza-crazed reptiles took down Shredder, New York City’s resident bully. “Out of the Shadows” kicks off with Shredder (played this time by Brian Tee instead of Tohoru Masamune) breaking out of a police convoy, and effectively escaping the Turtles’ nunchuck-wielding, manhole cover-launching garbage truck/war machine. The objectives of the bad guys are a little grander this time. Shredder teams up with the mad scientist Baxter Stockman (Tyler Perry, chewing the scenery somewhat gloriously) to try to open up a portal to another dimension so that Krang — a truly grotesque disembodied alien brain — can take over Earth. You need look no further than the luttery vocal stylings of Brad Garrett’s Krang to really know that this is just a more expensive, high-deinition version of the thing you used to watch in your pajamas while eating a bowl of cereal. If that sounds like a good thing, “Out of the Shadows” might be for you. But for most of us, the joys that the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles were able to provide had a deinite expira- tion date, and no amount of CGI-spectacle or professional athlete or supermodel cameos are going to change that. The “Turtles” are and always have been for the kids. They can have it. ★☆☆☆ PG-13, 112 minutes