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About East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current | View Entire Issue (Feb. 11, 2017)
ENTERTAINMENT Saturday, February 11, 2017 BRIEFLY Feves gallery features Idaho artist PENDLETON — The paintings of a Pocatello, Idaho, artist are featured in the upcoming exhibit at Betty Feves Memorial Gallery. Influenced by landscapes, winters, ice and resilience, Laura Ahola-Young’s artwork is centered on land, science and inquiry. In addition, she is currently developing work that incorporates scientific research, the Pacific Northwest and personal narrative. The show will hang Thursday, Feb. 16 through Thursday, March 16 in the Pioneer Hall gallery at 2411 N.W. Carden Ave., Pendleton. Betty Feves Memorial Gallery is open Monday through Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and by appointment by calling 541-278-5952. There is no admission charge. A professor of art at Idaho State University, Ahola-Young will attend a closing reception Thursday, March 16 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. in the gallery. The event is free and open to the public. The gallery was created in the memory of Betty Feves, an internationally known ceramic artist from Pendleton. It was dedicated in 1990 as a nonprofit exhibit space to connect emerging and established artists and their work with students, staff and the general public in Eastern Oregon. For more information about the gallery, visit www.bluecc. edu/community/feves-art- gallery. For more information about Ahola-Young, visit www. lauraaholayoung.com. Music community honors Randy Travis in song NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A near fatal stroke couldn’t take away the signature baritone of country star Randy Travis, and dozens of his friends, from Garth Brooks to Kenny Rogers, used their voices and his songs to honor the legend. Travis watched from Randy Travis the side of the stage Wednesday in Nashville, Tennessee, as country stars from multiple eras sang his classics, from “Forever and Ever, Amen” to “Three Wooden Crosses.” Performers included Wynonna, Alabama, Chris Young, Travis Tritt and Jeff Foxworthy. By the end, he had joined in the celebration by singing “Amazing Grace” and leading others in singing “Will the Circle Be Unbroken.” Travis, whose multiplatinum debut album “Storms of Life” in 1986 made him a star, suffered a stroke in 2013 that initially took away his ability to speak or read. But he’s been steadily recovering his voice through rehabilitation, said his wife Mary Travis. “We sing a lot in the car,” said Mary Travis, backstage beside her husband. “We sing a lot at home. Music is his soul. Music is just what he is made of.” She said that it’s clear that her husband still remembers how to sing and play the guitar, but the stroke caused a condition called aphasia that makes it difficult for him to communicate. “He knows all the words and he can chord every single song with his left hand,” Mary Travis said. East Oregonian Page 3C Elvis is in the casino Justin Shandor to kickoff Wildhorse anniversary celebration By TAMMY MALGESINI East Oregonian A nationally recognized Elvis tribute artist will help shake things up as Wildhorse Resort & Casino celebrates its 22nd anniversary. Elvis will be in the house when Justin Shandor brings his impersonation of The King to life for two performances. The shows are Thursday, March 9 and Friday, March 10 at 7:30 p.m. in the Rivers Event Center at Wildhorse, which is located off Interstate 84 at Exit 216, Mission. A no-host bar will be available. Tickets are now on sale for the 21-and-older shows at www.wild- horseresort.com or at the Wildhorse Gift Shop. All seats are assigned, including platinum seats in the first two rows, for $39.99. Platinum ticket holders also receive a gift and an entry to win an exclusive prize. Premium tickets to the Ultimate Elvis show are $29.99 or $24.99 with Club Wild membership. General seating tickets are 24.99 or $19.99 for Club Wild members. To receive the Club Wild discount, enter your member number under “promo code.” Professionally impersonating The King since he was 16 years old, Shandor has spent more than a decade practicing and perfecting his Elvis persona. Presented by Elvis Presley Enterprises, the fourth annual Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist competition at the Orpheum in Memphis resulted in Shandor taking the top prize. In addition to $20,000, Shandor received an endorsement from Graceland and the title of the “The World’s Ultimate Elvis.” His career has been “All Shook Up” ever since. Shandor’s voice so closely resembles that of Elvis, that he has won many awards including the prestigious “Heart of the King Award” in Las Vegas. Get ready as Shandor rocks the house with such hits as “Don’t Be Cruel,” “Jailhouse Rock,” “It’s Now or Never,” “Return to Sender” and “Hound Dog.” In addition, Shandor has such a striking resemblance to Elvis, that even Graceland has confused his images for those of The King, said Tiah DeGrofft of Wildhorse community relations. Officials from Graceland, DeGrofft said, contacted a casino where Shandor Contributed photo Justin Shandor, a top Elvis tribute artist, will shake things up during the 22nd anniversary celebration March 9-10 at Wildhorse Resort & Casino. Tickets are now on sale for the 21-and-older shows. was performing and told them they couldn’t use photos of Elvis to advertise their event. However, the picture in question was actually of Shandor. The Wildhorse anniversary celebration will continue through the weekend of March 10. A free fireworks show will light up the sky above the casino Saturday, March 11 at 8 p.m. The anniversary fanfare spreads on the gaming floor as well, as the resort will host a $122,000 CashBash Giveaway. People can win $200 in cash every 30 minutes and $2,000 at midnight. Visitors can begin earning entries Tuesday, Feb 14 — with drawings being held every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 5-11:59 p.m. For more information about the Wildhorse anniversary celebration, visit www.wildhorseresort.com or stop by the Club Wild kiosk. ——— Contact Community Editor Tammy Malgesini at tmalgesini@ eastoregonian.com or 541-564- 4539 WHAT TO DO Festivals horse Resort & Casino, off I-84 Exit 216, Mission Sixth St., Umatilla The Big Read Finale Sum People •Fridays, 8 p.m. •The Pheasant, 149 E. Main St., Hermiston •Friday, Feb. 24; 6-8 p.m. No cover •Nookie’s/Hermiston Brew- ing Co., 125 N. First St., Herm- iston •Saturday, Feb. 11; 7 p.m. •Joseph United Methodist Church www.fishtrap.org $10/adults, $5/students, free/ages 12-and-under Fea- tures a ‘60s party with fashion show, dancing costume contest, door prizes, potluck dinner, fin- ger foods and beverages. Live music by Matt Harshman Band. •Friday, Feb. 24; Saturday, Feb. 25; 8 p.m. No cover •Wildhorse Sports Bar, Wild- horse Resort & Casino, off I-84 Exit 216, Mission Spirit of the West Cowboy Gathering Justin Shandor-Elvis trib- ute artist •Feb. 17-19 •Ellensburg, Washington, various venues $90/weekend pass, $35- $55/individual days, free/down- town venues & open mics. A whole host of cowboy fun — po- ets, Dutch oven cooking, ven- dors, fiddle contests, demon- strations and free kids’ activities. Musicians include Barbara Nel- son of Pendleton, 2012 Acade- my of Western Artists’ Will Rog- ers Cowboy Award winner, and main stage performers Waddie Mitchell, Juni Fisher, Horse Cra- zy Cowgirl Band and the Cow- boy Celtic Band. Rock n’ Roll Cowboys Contributed photo by Carol Rosegg The RENT 20th Anniversary Tour is Feb. 27 at the Toyota Center in Kennewick. RENT anniversary tour comes to Tri-Cities •March 3-4 •Intersection Main/Dupont streets, Echo $45/adults, $20/youths. In its ninth year, riders start and finish in downtown Echo. Includes all ages and skill levels with awards and a raffle after the race. KENNEWICK — In 1996, an original rock musical by a little-known composer opened on Broadway — changing the landscape of American theater. Two decades later, Jonathan Larson’s “RENT” continues to speak loudly and defiantly to audiences across generations and across the globe. The RENT 20th Anniversary Tour is presenting two shows Monday, Feb. 27 at 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. at the Toyota Center, 7016 Grandridge Blvd., Kennewick. Tickets are $37-$82. The Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning show follows an unforgettable year in the lives of seven artists struggling to follow their dreams without selling out. With its inspiring message of joy and hope in the face of fear, the timeless celebration of friendship and creativity reminds people to measure their lives with the only thing that truly matters — love. For tickets, visit www.ticketmaster.com or call 509-737-3722. Art, Museums & Authors ing reception March 16 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Gallery also open by appointment by calling 541-278-5952. Runs through March 16. First Draft Writers’ Series Biennial Faculty Exhibition OSAA 2A Basketball Tourney •March 2-4 •Pendleton Convention Cen- ter, 1601 Westgate $50/adult pass, $25/student pass; individual sessions are $7-8/adults, $4-$5/students. Tickets available online through Feb. 27. Also sold at the door. Echo Red 2 Red XC •Thursday, Feb. 16; 7 p.m. •Pendleton Center for the Arts, 214 N. Main St. Free. Featured writer will share followed by short open mic time for audience members. Photography Club Exhibit •Monday-Thursdays; 11 a.m-7 p.m., •Friday-Saturdays; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. •Hermiston Public Library, 235 E. Gladys Ave. Free. Best photos from past year by club members on dis- play. Laura Ahola-Young exhibit •Monday-Thursdays, 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. •Betty Feves Memorial Gal- lery, BMCC, 2411 N.W. Carden Ave., Pendleton. Free. Opens Thursday, Feb. 16. Features paintings by Idaho State University art professor. Ahola-Young will attend a clos- •Monday-Fridays; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. •Nightingale Gallery, Loso Hall •Eastern Oregon University, La Grande Free. Gain an in-depth look at the recent studio practices of exhibiting professors Jaime Gustavson, Nathan Prouty, Mi- chael Sell, Jessie Street and Kerri Rosenstein. Runs through Feb. 10. “The Path of Totality” •Monday, April 3; 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m., art accepted •Friday, April 7; 5:30-8 p.m., opening reception •Crossroads Carnegie Art Center, 2020 Auburn St., Baker City $15/members, $20/ non-members. Up to three piec- es accepted by amateur and professional artists depicting the theme inspired by the upcoming Aug. 21 total solar eclipse. Show and sale runs April 7-29. Music •Thursday, March 9, Friday, March 10; 7:30 p.m. •Rivers Event Center, Wild- horse Resort & Casino, off I-84 Exit 216, Mission $39.99/platinum, $29.99/ premium, $24.99/general. Features top Elvis imperson- ator during the 22nd anniver- sary celebration at the casino. 21-and-older •Saturday, Feb. 11; 8 p.m. No cover •Wildhorse Sports Bar, Wild- horse Resort & Casino, off I-84 Exit 216, Mission Inland Northwest Chorale •Saturday, Feb. 11; 4 p.m. •Enterprise Christian Church, 85035 Joseph High- way, Enterprise •Sunday, Feb. 12; 4 p.m. •Columbia High School, 787 Maple St., Burbank, Wash. Free, donations accepted. Features “Western Suite,” “Fu- neral March of a Marionette” and more. Chamber Music Festival •Saturday, Feb. 11; 6:30 p.m. •Vert Clubroom, 345 S.W. Fourth St., Pendleton $20/adults, $15/students, seniors, $45/family. Live Music Thursday •Thursdays 7-9 p.m. No cov- er •40 Taps, 337 S.W. Emigrant Ave., Pendleton Rock Bot •Friday, Feb. 17; Saturday, Feb. 18; 8 p.m. No cover •Wildhorse Sports Bar, Wild- Cimmi’s Late Night Mar- tini Lounge •Fridays; 9 p.m.-midnight •Virgil’s at Cimmiyotti’s, 137 S. Main St., Pendleton No cover. Features martinis, mixology and music. Theater, stage & film Valentine’s Comedy Din- ner Show Night life •Saturday, Feb. 11; 6 p.m. •Sub Zero Restaurant & Lounge, 100 W. Highway 730, Irrigon $10. Alex Elkin from 6-8 p.m., Lucky Coyotes dancing starts at 9 p.m. Flat screen TV giveaway, raffles and coupon for meal discount. Call 541-922- 4374. DJ music “The Producers” •Saturdays, 8 p.m. •The Pheasant, 149 E. Main St., Hermiston Karaoke w/DJ David •Saturdays; 8 p.m. •Riverside Sports Bar, 1501 Sixth St., Umatilla Mardi Gras Party •Saturday, Feb. 18; 9 p.m. •The Pheasant, 149 E. Main St., Hermiston No cover. Beads, masks and dancing to DJ Dang. Drink spe- cial sand prize for best costume. Whiskey Wednesday Game Night •Wednesdays; 3-7 p.m. •The Pheasant, 149 E. Main St., Hermiston No cover. Xbox 360, Ninten- do Wii, PlayStation 3 and Nin- tendo 64. Digital Karaoke Chad Bushnell DJ and dancing •Thursdays and Fridays, 8 p.m. •The Pheasant, 149 E. Main St., Hermiston LOL Comedy Jam •Thursdays; 8 p.m. •Wildhorse Sports Bar, Wild- horse Resort & Casino, off I-84 Exit 216, Mission. No cover. Feb. 16: Amanda Arnold, Adam Kessler; Feb. 23: Gary Jones, Huck Flyn Mac’s Trivia Night •First Thursday of month, 8 p.m. No cover •Mac’s Bar & Grill, 1400 S.W. Dorion Ave., Pendleton 21 and older. East. Drink. Think. Teams of 2-8 compete in trivia contest with other teams. 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 Karaoke w/DJ David •Fridays; 8 p.m. •Riverside Sports Bar, 1501 •Feb. 11; 7:30 p.m. •1130 Sumach St., Walla Walla $15. Hilarity ensues during the Mel Brooks comedy musical when a producer and his ac- countant aim to stage a flop to bilk backers out of their money. “Til Death Do We Part... And We Part Tonight” •Sunday, Feb. 19; 2 p.m. •Agape House, 500 Harper Road, Hermiston $15/person. Murder mystery dessert fundraiser for Agape House. Call 541-567-8774 for tickets. “Fiddler on the Roof” •March 3-4, 10-11; 7 p.m. •Hermiston High School, 600 S. First St., Hermiston. $10/adults, $6/youths & se- niors citizens. Hermiston High school drama and music stu- dents present the popular mu- sical. Hot tickets •RENT 20th Anniversary Tour. Feb. 27, Toyota Center, Kennewick. $37-$82 via www. ticketmaster.com •Justin Shandor (Elvis tribute artist). March 9-10, Wild- horse Resort & Casino. $19.99- $39.99 via www.wildhorseresort. com or the casino gift shop. •Viva Las Vegas Rockabil- ly Weekend: April 13-16, Las Vegas. Early bird four-day pass ($140) through March 15 via www.vivalasvegas.net •Northwest World Reggae Festival: (music, camping, food, vendors) July 28-30, Marcola, 20 miles northeast of Eugene. Early bird prices ($120) via www.nw- wrf.com ——— Want to get your event list- ed in our calendar? Send in- formation to community@eas- toregonian.com, or c/o Tammy Malgesini, 333 E. Main Street, Hermiston, OR, 97838. Irreverence, affection click nicely in ‘Lego Batman’ By JOCELYN NOVECK AP National Writer Turns out, Batman can take a joke. Hundreds, actually. It’s not the simplest thing to take a character as embedded in our culture as Batman and make wick- edly irreverent fun of him while simultaneously paying tribute to his storied past and keeping him likable for the next round. If a kids movie can do all that AND get in a perfectly placed clip from “Jerry Maguire” — and you know which one we’re talking about — well, then, you had us at hello, “Lego Batman Movie.” The laughs at the Dark Knight’s expense start early in director Chris McKay’s manic romp of a movie — in the first seconds, actually, with a very husky Christian Bale-like voice opining on the importance of Warner Bros. Pictures via AP This image released by Warner Bros. Pictures shows Batman, voiced by Will Arnett, in a scene from “The LEGO Batman Movie.” starting a superhero movie with a black screen. That gruff voice again belongs to Will Arnett, expanding on a supporting role in the popular 2014 “Lego Movie” (clearly this self-im- portant superhero was not pleased with a mere supporting role). Arnett’s Batman is not a happy guy, weighted down as he is by a limit- less sense of self-grandeur. Since nobody can do what he does, he has to do everything alone. And one, as the soundtrack tells us, is the loneliest number. Sure, the bat cave is amazing — but what’s a superhero to do after a long day saving Gotham? He comes home to a few trivial pieces of mail — one of them a coupon for Bed, Bath and Beyond. His only companion is his computer voice (voiced by Siri, of course!) His loyal butler, Alfred (a silken-toned Ralph Fiennes) has left some Lobster Thermidor to heat up in the microwave. Alone in his cavernous abode, he munches on his crustaceans, plays a little solo guitar, and watches one of his favorite chick flicks, er, movies — yup, “Jerry Maguire.” We all know that Jerry ends up with a family at the end, but will Batman ever have a family to, um, complete him? A photo of young Bruce Wayne and his ill-fated parents is a sad reminder of his childhood. Batman is being challenged on several fronts. First, old nemesis Joker (Zach Galifianakis, delightful), is up to his usual destruc- tive mischief. But there’s something else Joker craves, even more than flattening Gotham: recognition. He wants to be Batman’s ONLY bad guy. Thing is, Batman’s just not that into him. “I don’t do ‘ships” — meaning relationships — he says. “I like to fight around.” Even worse: “Batman and Joker are not a thing.” Joker is devastated. Then there’s Barbara Gordon (Rosario Dawson), Gotham’s new police commissioner. She’s highly qualified — heck, she graduated from “Harvard for Police” — and has sensible ideas about fighting crime. After all, she points out, Gotham is still crime-ridden. Maybe relying on a masked vigilante savior isn’t the best strategy; it’s gotta be a team effort. Batman does NOT like this idea.