The Columbia Gorge Bluegrass Festival returns to Stevenson, Wash., July 24-27 with regional and national acts, workshops, band scrambles, instrument contests and more. Performers include Molly Adkins and Martin Stevens, Ida Viper, Prairie Flyer, Dan Crary, Bryan Bowers, John Reischman, Runaway Train, Rural Delivery, Tony Furtado, Dr Corn, and Peter Rowan. Old-time barn dances will be held Friday and Saturday night with the Foghorn String Band and Portland country band The Buckles. Day and weekend passes are available as well as fairground camping. Visit www.columbia gorgebluegrass.net for details.

There’s music happening earlier in the week now at the Trillium Cafe. On Thursday, July 10, local singer-songwriter Scott Sparks performs, starting at 7 p.m. On Friday and Saturday, July 11-12, it’s Louisiana resident Henry Turner Jr., with “an infused sound of R&B, reggae and blues, with some jazz chording.” Trillium Cafe, 207 Oak St., Hood River, 386-1996.

Portland singer-songwriter Steven Ashbrook will be playing at the CEBU Lounge on Thursday, July 10. Music starts at 8 p.m. and there is no cover charge. Best Western Hood River Inn, 1108 E. Marina Way, 386-2200.

Henry Schifter will play guitar downstairs at Brian’s Pourhouse on Saturday, July 12, starting at 8:30 p.m. No cover charge, 21 and over. Brian’s Pourhouse, 606 Oak St., Hood River; 387-4344.

It’s local music from the “Too Darn Bad Duo” playing on Thursday, July 10, at 6 p.m. at The Good River Restaurant in Mosier. Good River Restaurant, 904 Second Ave., Mosier;
(541) 478-0199.

Full Sail announces a new beer, Lizama Summer Weizen, to their line-up of small batch draft beers — celebrating 21 years of brewing and Oregon Craft Beer Month. On Thursday, July 10, from 5-7 p.m., come down and meet the brewer, Greg Lizama. “This is a great way to give our customers a chance to meet the brewer who crafted the beer and gives the brewers a chance to show off their mad brewing skills,” says Jamie Emmerson, Full Sail's Executive Brewmaster. Full Sail Tasting Room and Pub, 506 Columbia St., Hood River, 386-2247.

A benefit concert for the Rowena Wildlife Clinic will be held on Friday, July 11, at the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center in The Dalles. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the event features a silent auction, wine and appetizers, and a performance by Pacific Fado Ensemble. Focusing on the traditional music of Portugal, this Portland trio incorporates classical guitar, mandolin and stirring vocals into their repertoire. The Rowena Wildlife clinic provides medical and surgical care to injured wildlife and homeless pets. Tickets are $15 in advance available at Waucoma Bookstore and the Oak Street Hotel.

Hood River Lavender Farm presents its 2008 Lavender Daze Festival on Saturday and Sunday, July 12 -13. There’s a full schedule of music, arts and craft vendors, food vendors with Mexican, barbecue, Lavender Gelato from Doppio Coffee, face painting and games for kids, and special classes on wreath making. The festival is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Free admission. Saturday music schedule: 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Ben Bonham (blues); 2-4 p.m. Fiddlegrass (bluegrass); 4-7 Richard Tillinghast and Onehum (folk). Sunday music schedule: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Bob Connolly (country); 2:30-5 p.m. Graham & the Crackers (pop).

Singer Moe Dixon returns to Stonehedge Gardens each Wednesday in July. These popular concerts will feature a Surf & Turf buffet and dessert. Gates open at 5 p.m. Cost is $20 for adults, $15 for kids. Dinner price includes concert. Stonehedge Gardens is located at 3405 Cascade Ave., Hood River; 386-3940.