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About East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 30, 2017)
ENTERTAINMENT Saturday, December 30, 2017 East Oregonian Page 5C Labor of meticulous love ready for release Pendleton-based band Misty Mouth puts out album years in making A s the snow and ice start to sock us in for the remainder of the season, it’s time to start turning our attention towards indoor activities; reading, watching movies, and listening to records (after all the skiing and sledding of course). I can’t think of a better album to listen to while daydreaming and watching snowflakes lazily drift past the window than Misty Mouth’s J.D. self-titled album. Kindle The Pendleton Comment rock band’s debut features a stark and crisp sound that compliments the winter quite nicely. Misty Mouth recalls the dynamics of Seattle emo pioneers Sunny Day Real Estate and the soaring, high pitched vocals of their singer Jeremy Enigk, features a drippy guitar style prevalent in contemporary indie rock bands like Real Estate, and boasts melodies that hearken back to the FM-radio friendly alternative pop-rock of the 1990s. Misty Mouth is the latest musical manifestation of Rian Beach, a lifelong on-again, off-again Pendleton resident. Throughout his nearly two decades of musical performance, Rian has fronted and founded a series of bands: Marathon Monkey, Regards for Chalk, Henry Duster, and Hoptow, to name a few. (Full disclosure: I was a member of a few of these past projects.) Beach has a tendency to resurrect songs written for prior bands for whatever his current project may be, so there is a line of continuity running through his work — each band feels like a spiritual successor to the previous. That said, even though some of Photo by E.J. Harris The band Misty Mouth performs a show at the Great Pacific Wine & Coffee Co. in September, 2017, in Pendleton. the songs may be old gems, they are given new life by the collective arrangements forged by the band of the moment. The genesis of Misty Mouth lay in the casual jam sessions that Beach and drummer Greg Schulberg started a little over three years ago. The two met years prior over their mutual love of long distance running. The jam sessions between the two included a revolving door of supporting musicians who couldn’t commit to a long-term musical project. They eventually settled on two fellow Pendleton musicians who were significantly younger; bassist and vocalist Adam Lange and guitarist Addison Schulberg (cousin of Greg). Addison had spent his teenage years attending underground house concerts produced by Beach. Meanwhile, Lange had a career performing in the backing band for contemporary Christian recording artist Holly Starr where he played guitar and keyboards. In addition to providing atmospheric lead guitar lines, Addison brought a working knowledge of audio recording and engineering to Misty Mouth. When the band had amassed enough songs worthy of compiling into a full length record, they looked to Addison. The band opted to record WHAT TO DO BRIEFLY Budwig strums solo album at GP Festivals PENDLETON — With a single spotlight, Bart Budwig will share tunes from his latest solo project, “Sabai.” The solo show is Wednesday, Jan. 17 at 7 p.m. at Great Pacific Wine & Coffee Co., 403 S. Main St., Pendleton. There is no cover charge for the all-ages show. The album’s namesake is a cabin overlooking the Minam River in the Eagle Cap Wilderness. The album, which officially releases Feb. 1, features fan favorites, some brand new tunes and the forgotten but recently re-discovered song “Every Word.” Budwig is the resident sound engineer at Enterprise’s OK Theatre. For more information contact Budwig at bartbudwig@gmail.com. •Jan. 17-20 •Joseph, Enterprise, Fergi Ski Area Free, except banquet ($20/ adults, $8/ages 5-12) People can watch races, which in- cludes the Iditarod & Yukon Quest qualifiers; meet-and- greet with mushers at vet checks; Race Central and Kids’ Corner. ‘Molly’s Game’ makes for an enjoyable tumble Aaron Sorkin has a knack for timing, and not just in the obvious way. The Oscar-winning writer of “The Social Network,” “Moneyball” and other fast-talking, crackling scripts has been celebrated for his mile-a-minute wordplay. But he’s also been criticized for not exactly featuring complex, strong female characters in the male-centric worlds of his stories. In “Molly’s Game,” his first film with a female protagonist and his directorial debut, Sorkin turns that around, presenting one of the more interesting female characters this season. There’s obviously no better time for this change in focus. And he could have chosen no better partner in crime — white-collar crime, that is — than Jessica Chastain, one of the most intelligent and watchable actresses in movies today. — Associated Press “Molly’s Game,” is rated R. 140 minutes. Two and a half stars out of four. themselves because as Addison puts it, “we knew because of our respective busy schedules — and in many cases opposite schedules — that we wouldn’t be able to take enough time off to record in a studio in Portland. We all had pretty good faith that my recordings skills were adequate. We originally thought it would be a three month endeavor.” Those three months ballooned into a 15 month recording process. The band collectively assembled a private recording studio, Zimm Sound, which was always in the process of being modified or upgraded. Ever the advocate for the pursuit of perfect sound, Addison meticulously tracked each instrument individually, ensuring that not a single note was out of tempo. Though painstaking, this approach allowed Misty Mouth maximum flexibility for the mixing process. Although the album will receive a traditional release in CD format, Greg Schulberg, a math and computer science instructor at Blue Mountain Community College, put his software development background to good use by designing the band’s website to feature a free streaming player of the album. A 3D dodecahedron on the front page (geometric shapes are a recurring motif with Misty Mouth) can be manipulated by a user. When one of the twelve sides is selected, the player will stream a corresponding track from the album. Now that Misty Mouth is on the cusp of releasing their debut recording they find themselves in a somewhat compromising scenario — being separately spread out across a 200 mile stretch of I-84. Earlier this year Beach relocated to the Columbia Gorge to pursue a job opportunity with the Wasco County Circuit Court. In the fall, Lange enrolled in classes at Eastern Oregon University with the goal of obtaining his bachelor’s degree in music with an emphasis on jazz saxophone and guitar performance. Both Addison and Greg Schulberg remain in Pendleton. In spite of the long distance separation, the band still finds time to convene in Pendleton for semi-regular rehearsals and performances. Upon the album’s release the band is looking forward to performing shows from Portland to Boise. Misty Mouth has penciled in the second weekend of February for a pair of shows commemorating the album’s release. The snow and ice will hopefully not have subsided by then, in order for all to fully appreciate their wintry sounds. Misty Mouth’s debut album is freely available for streaming at MistyMouth.com. ■ James Dean Kindle is the East Oregonian’s entertainment columnist, the executive director of the Oregon East Symphony and a Pendleton musician. Contact him at jamesdeankindle@gmail.com. Eagle Cap Extreme Sled Dog Race Melonville Comedy Festival •Saturday, Jan. 27; 8 p.m. •Hermiston Conference Center, 415 S. Highway 395 $35. 21-and-older show features co-headliners Ker- met Apio and Derek Richards. Opening the show is Cory Mi- chaelis. Tickets available at the conference center. Food avail- able for purchase. New Year’s Eve Dirty Voltage •9 p.m. to 1 a.m. •The Pheasant, 149 E. Main St., Hermiston $20. Features AC/DC trib- ute band and special guests Boomstick. Also, includes champagne and party favors. (541-567-3022) New Year’s Party •5 p.m. to close •Midway Tavern, 1750 N. First St., Hermiston No cover. Features drink specials, a Fireball promo- tion with swag, DJ music and champagne toast. A Winter Wonderland in Paris! •9 p.m. to 2 a.m. •Sub Zero Restaurant & Lounge, 100 W. Highway 730, Irrigon No cover. Food/drink spe- cials, Lucky Coyotes dancing, live DJ, raffles, prizes, includ- ing a flat screen TV. Electro Retro New Year’s Party •9 p.m. to 2 a.m. •Wildhorse Sports Bar, Wildhorse Resort & Casino, off I-84 Exit 216, Mission No cover. Features party favors, confetti cannons, 1,200 balloon drop, giveaways and swag from Effen Vodka. Elvis impersonator to shake things up East Oregonian People are invited to slip on their “Blue Suede Shoes” as Justin Shandor, Elvis impersonator extraordinaire, shakes things up at Wildhorse Resort & Casino. A Detroit native who now calls Portland home, began professionally impersonating The King when he was 16 years old. He has spent the last decade practicing and perfecting his remarkable skills. Playing the part so well — including his voice, style of dress and mannerisms — Shandor took top honors in the Fourth Annual Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist competition put on by Elvis Presley Enterprises at the Orpheum in Memphis. The special 21-and-older Wildhorse show is Friday, Feb. 16 at 8 p.m. in the casino’s Rivers Event Center, located off Interstate 84 at Exit 216, Mission. A no-host bar will be available during the show. Tickets, which are now on sale, are $39 for platinum seats, $34 for premium and $29 for general admission. Club Wild members receive $5 off. In addition, a military discount is available for those who present identifica- tion and buy tickets at the Wildhorse Gift Shop. Regular tickets also can be purchased at www.wildhorseresort.com. Since being crowned the Ultimate Elvis in 2010, Shandor’s career has been full of “Memories.” Elvis has certainly been Shandor’s “Good Luck Charm,” resulting in many awards, including the “Heart of the King Award” in Las Vegas. Shandor presents such a striking resemblance to Elvis that even personnel at Graceland have confused his promo DJ & Trivia •Saturdays; 9 p.m. •Midway Tavern, 1750 N. First St., Hermiston LOL Comedy Jam Contributed photo Justin Shandor, a top Elvis tribute art- ist, will shake things up Feb. 16 at Wild- horse Resort & Casino. Tickets are now on sale for the 21-and-older shows. Great Gifts Show “Art of Survival - Enduring the Turmoil of Tule Lake” •Monday-Saturdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., •Tamástslikt Cultural Insti- tute, near Wildhorse Resort & Casino. $10/adults, $9/senior cit- izens, $6/youths, free/5 and under or $25/family of four. Ex- hibit probes the complexity of the Japanese-American con- finement site in Newell, Califor- images for those of The King. Officials actually contacted a casino where Shandor was performing and told them they couldn’t use photos of Elvis to advertise their event. However, the picture in question was actu- ally of Shandor. Although Shandor has enjoyed the majority of his success and notoriety impersonating The King of Rock ‘N Roll, his talent doesn’t stop there. He’s also a gifted musician who is a songwriter and plays many instruments, including the guitar and piano. For more information about Shandor, visit www.justinshandor.com. Watercolor Society of Oregon Music Funk Factory •Saturday, Dec. 30, Sunday, Dec. 31; 8 p.m. No cover •Wildhorse Sports Bar, Wild- horse Resort & Casino, off I-84 Exit 216, Mission. Decade X •Thursdays; 8 p.m. •Wildhorse Sports Bar, Wildhorse Resort & Casino, off I-84 Exit 216, Mission. No cover. Jan. 4: Chase Mayers, Leif Skyving Jan. 11: Jason Ward, Ryan Wingfield Wine tasting •Fridays, 4-8 p.m. •Sno Road Winery, 111 W. Main St., Echo. Karaoke w/DJ David •Opening reception •Thursday, Jan. 11; 4:30- 6:30 p.m., opening reception •Monday-Thursdays, 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.; hangs Jan. 8 •Betty Feves Memorial Gal- lery, Blue Mountain Communi- ty College, 2411 N.W. Carden Ave., Pendleton. Free. The traveling show fea- tures 20 award-winning paint- ings from the society’s bi-annual juried exhibition by noted artist/ juror Paul Jackson. Gallery also open by appointment by calling 541-278-5952. The exhibit runs through Feb. 15. New Year’s Eve Party •4 p.m. to midnight •Hamley Steakhouse & Sa- loon, 8 S.E. Court Ave., Pend- leton No cover. Food and drink specials in the epic two-story venue. Live music at 9 p.m. with Tyler Brooks & the Hook and a midnight balloon drop. (541-278-1100). •Saturdays; 8 p.m. •Riverside Sports Bar, 1501 Sixth St., Umatilla The Art of the Gift •Tuesday-Sundays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. •Peterson’s Gallery and Choc- olatier, 1925 Main St., Baker City Free. Features hand-select- ed recommendations for Christ- mas gifts from new productions by local favorite artists. Items include ornaments, vases, pho- tography and unique pieces. •8 p.m., doors open; 9 p.m., show •Rivers Event Center at Wildhorse, off I-84 Exit 216, Mission No cover. The Ultimate 80’s New Wave Show features ‘80s cover band, dancing, party fa- vors, music, midnight toast and a no-host bar. Karaoke w/DJ David nia, during World War II. Runs through Jan. 7. Party with Spazmatics! •Saturday, Jan. 20; 7-9 p.m. •Great Pacific Wine & Coffee Co., 403 S. Main St., Pendleton No cover. All ages. Mu- sician creates harmonious sounds with energetic up-tem- po rhythm. Night life Art, Museums & Authors •Tuesday-Fridays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Saturdays, noon-4 p.m. •Pendleton Center for the Arts, 214 N. Main St. Free. Gallery features cre- ative gifts from craftspeople from across the nation. Runs through Dec. 30. Joseph Hein Band •Friday, Jan. 5; Saturday, Jan. 6; 8 p.m. No cover •Wildhorse Sports Bar, Wild- horse Resort & Casino, off I-84 Exit 216, Mission. Expertease •Friday, Jan. 12; Saturday, Jan. 13; 8 p.m. No cover •Wildhorse Sports Bar, Wild- horse Resort & Casino, off I-84 Exit 216, Mission. •Fridays; 8 p.m. •Riverside Sports Bar, 1501 Sixth St., Umatilla DJ and dancing •Fridays, 8 p.m. •The Pheasant, 149 E. Main St., Hermiston Karaoke •Fridays; 9 p.m. •Midway Tavern, 1750 N. First St., Hermiston Cimmi’s Late Night Martini 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 & lectures “As the Ball Drops on Times Square” Bart Budwig •Sunday, Dec. 31; 5:30 p.m. •Maxwell Siding Event Cen- ter, 145 N. First Place, Hermiston $45. Murder mystery dinner theater presentation features prime rib or lemon chicken din- ner. Also, party favors and toast- ing in the new year with sparkling cider. Formal wear encouraged, but not required For tickets, call 541-571-7293 or 541-567-8774. Jam Night with Josiah •Saturday, Jan. 6; 7 p.m. •Hermiston High School commons, 600 S. First St. $10/person, $30/family. Rais- es money for transportation costs for Hermiston High School swim team. Intermission includes a bake sale and a raffle for an iPad and numerous gift cards. An Evening to Remember Martin Luther King Jr. •Monday, Jan. 15; 7-9 p.m. •Great Pacific Wine & Coffee Co., 403 S. Main St., Pendleton No cover. All ages. Features a evening of music and spoken word to honor the legacy of Mar- tin Luther King Jr. •Wednesday, Jan. 17; 7-9 p.m. •Great Pacific Wine & Coffee Co., 403 S. Main St., Pendleton No cover. All ages. Cele- brating the solo release “Sabai,” which was inspired and created in a remote cabin in the Eagle Cap Wilderness. •Friday, Jan. 19; 6:30-9 p.m. •Historic Balch Hotel, 40 S. Heimrich St., Dufur No cover. Bring your favorite instrument and share the tunes. Extra percussion available for musicians to play. Troy Fair Band •Friday, Jan. 19; Saturday, Jan. 20; 8 p.m. No cover •Wildhorse Sports Bar, Wild- horse Resort & Casino, off I-84 Exit 216, Mission. Swim Team Talent Show Cabin Fever Concert •Saturday, Jan. 13 & Satur- day, Jan. 20; 6 p.m. •Hermiston Conference Center, 415 S. Highway 395 $15/show only, $38/dinner & show. Limited tickets available for the Dutch oven dinner by Sha- ron’s Sweet Treats. John Wam- beke & Friends provide an eve- ning of music and humor. Tickets available at Cottage Flowers, 1725 N. First St., Hermiston.