The 2008 Families in the Park series returns to Jackson Park in Hood River on Thursdays in August with a lineup of family-style musical entertainment. Music starts at 6 p.m. with a warm-up band and local clubs will hold fund-raising barbecues. On Thursday, Aug. 7, it’s rock and roll from High Street, pictured above. High Street, a rock and roll band, has been touring the Northwest for years with their mix of rock, swing and blues — playing popular favorites and original tunes.

The Eyeopeners Lions Club will have fajita feed, and the warm-up act will be Andreas Erhlich on guitar.

All four concerts this year will be a fund-raising effort for the FISH Food Bank — food items or cash donations will be accepted.

On Saturday, Aug. 9, it’s the Mt. Hood Summer Jam at The Ratskeller in Government Camp. Enjoy music and barbecue all day with local and regional bands including Mike Logan (1-2 p.m.); Fingers T. Franklin (2-3 p.m.); Geoff Ecker (3-4 p.m.); The Way Downs (5-7:30 p.m.); Quick & Easy Boys (8:30-11 p.m.); Viasol (11 p.m. - close.) The Ratskeller, 88335 E. Government Camp Loop Road, Government Camp, (503) 272-3635.

The Hood River Saturday Market will be having its Second Annual Blueberry Festival. A blueberry baking contest will be held — all entries must be received by noon. Prizes include day passes to Mt. Hood Meadows, oil change coupons from Oil Can Henry's, movie passes, lunch for two at Crazy Pepper, $20 gift certificate to White Buffalo wines. and other prizes. Hood River Saturday Market, Fifth and Columbia, Hood River. Open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. through September.

On Saturday, Aug. 9, the Tess Barr Blues Band will be on the patio at Dixie’s Southern Grub from 7-10 p.m. No cover charge, and food and drink specials will be available. Dixie’s Southern Grub, 1302 13th St., Hood River; 387-6667.

Local music at the Trillium Cafe includes Django’s Cadillac on Thursday, Aug. 7, starting at 7 p.m. Enjoy the band’s instrumental hybrid of gypsy jazz with a modern twist. On Friday, Aug. 8, it’s the Dave Tallman Band. This local country artist makes his debut at the Trillium — expect a big turnout! Music starts at 8 p.m. On Saturday, Aug. 9, it’s Ben Bonham with ragtime blues from this local slide guitar wizard. Music starts at 8 p.m. Trillium Cafe, 207 Oak St., Hood River, 386-1996.

On Friday, Aug. 8, the Quick and Easy Boys are on stage at the River City Saloon, bringing their raucous and fun-loving act to town. Special guest Crazy Pete opens this show. Check out www.myspace.com/thequickandeasyboys for more information on this band. On Saturday, Aug. 9, it’s the Second Annual Kiteboard for Cancer event with music from Portland band “Climatize.” All proceeds from this show go for cancer research. On Monday, Aug. 11, it’s reggae legends The Mighty Diamonds. The Mighty Diamonds — Donald “Tabby” Shaw, Fitzroy ”Bunny” Simpson and Lloyd “Judge” Ferguson — formed in 1969 in the Trenchtown area of Kingston, Jamaica. For the past 32 years, the Diamonds have been entertaining and educating the world with their sweet harmonies and conscious lyrics. River City Saloon is at 205 Cascade Ave., in Hood River. Call 387-BLUES for more information.

Jam masters Tilly Jam perform on the patio at Stonehedge Gardens starting at 6 p.m. for the next two Wednesday nights — Aug. 6 and Aug. 13. A fresh salmon dinner featuring "Tilly Jam Sauce" (raspberry/jalepeno) will be available in addition to the regular menu. Call for reservations. Stonehedge Gardens is located at 3405 Cascade Ave., Hood River; 386-3940.

The Skamania Performing Arts Foundation celebrates its second annual Guest Artist Series with two remaining shows. On Friday, Aug. 22, it’s Karla Bonoff in concert at the Amphitheater at Skamania Lodge in Stevenson, Wash. Music starts at 7 p.m. For over 30 years, singer/songwriter Karla Bonoff has been writing and performing “earthy anthems of soul-searching, heartache, and joy.” Best known for songs covered by Linda Ronstadt and Bonnie Raitt, Bonoff has several solo efforts and credits with many other artists. On Friday, Sept. 12, the Guest Artist Series continues with ’30s era vocal jazz group the Stolen Sweets, at the Columbia Center for the Arts in Hood River. Music starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25, with student and senior discounts available. Online at www.skamaniaArts.org or by calling (800) 494-TIXS.

Looking for a place to dance? The NoteCrackers Sweet will be playing live music for a social dance at the Mid-Columbia Senior Center in The Dalles, from 7-9 p.m., on Tuesday, Aug. 12. This “Second Tuesday” event features danceable tunes from the ’20s thru the ’60s. There are many different musical styles to dance to. Free admission, donations accepted. Mid-Columbia Senior Center, 1112 W. Ninth St., The Dalles; (541) 296-4788.

Come celebrate the ukulele with area players and luthiers at “The Gorge Ukulele Celebration” on Friday, Aug. 15, at The Pines Tasting Room, from 7 to 10 p.m. Admission is $10, and kids are free (must be accompanied by parent or guardian). Performers will include Moe Dixon, Ben Bonham, Larry Wyatt, The Hapa Hillbillies and The Westside Ukuestra. Bring a ukulele and join in on some play-along favorites. The Pines Tasting Room, 202 State St., Hood River.

Gospel trio “In Light of Eternity,” will be performing at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church on Thursday, Aug. 7. Music starts at 7 p.m. and admission is free. The group hails from Powell, Wyo., and is currently on a Northwest tour. They are promoting their CD, “Heaven Bound,” a collection of gospel music, hymns and contemporary original music. St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 400 11th St., Hood River; 386-2077.

The 2008 Families in the Park series returns to Jackson Park in Hood River on Thursdays in August with a lineup of family-style musical entertainment. Music starts at 6 p.m. with a warm-up band and local clubs will hold fund-raising barbecues. On Thursday, Aug. 7, it’s rock and roll from High Street. High Street, a 10-piece rock and roll band, has been touring the Northwest for years with their mix of rock, swing and blues — playing popular favorites and original tunes. The Eyeopeners Lions Club will have fajita feed, and the warm-up act will be Andreas Erhlich on guitar. All four concerts this year will be a fund-raising effort for the FISH Food Bank — food items or cash donations will be accepted.

The Good River Restaurant will be hosting local bluegrass band Fiddlegrass from 6-9 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 7. There is no cover charge and the music will be outside on the patio. Good River Restaurant, 904 Second Ave., Mosier; (541) 478-0199.