"The Gorge" - Central WA

[be_deviler]

For any VH fans living in the area... what kinds of shows does this venue get? How many shows per year approximately?

Thinking of moving up that way, and can't be too far away from live music!

Thanks in advance,

-bd

[fast98dodge]

The Gorge has one of the best views to see a concert in the world... There is the Columbia River Gorge behind the venue that is a great sight to see at sunset...

As far as shows go, you're kinda missing the boat... There is less and less shows there due to violence and rapes in the camping area. Also, it's in the middle of nowhere and the cops hate it because of all the drunks trying to get west of the mountains back to the Seattle area. Having said that, there is still cool acts that play out there like Dave Matthews...

The main places for shows up here is White River Amphitheatre, Clark County Amphitheatre, Key Arena, Tacoma Dome, and sometimes Qwest Field...

Anyways, welcome to the Pacific Northwest!!!

[TopTimi]

Oh yeah, the Gorge used to have all the best acts. There was one point where I was able to buy season tkts. Used to have the best time camping a few miles away (across the river) in Vantage. Awesome cliff diving and always a party crowd. As said, most shows have moved on elsewhere. Too bad, cause I always loved the excuse to camp. Haven't been to the new venues yet as I now live in FLA. Man, you sparked some memories of that wonderful venue (VH x 2, CSN, SRV, Jeff Beck, Santana, Ozz, Steve Miller(first act to play there), Fleetwood Mac, and so so so much more.
In fact, screw FLA, I think its time for another trip!!

[fast98dodge]

Totally, bro!!! We gotta have lunch at the Bus...

I have seen VH, Rush, Robert Cray, Black Sabbath, Rob Zombie, Slayer and others I can't think of right now there...

[Eric]

If you are close to Portland, don't forget about the Rose Garden Arena! Also, there are many smaller shows at wineries throughout Oregon and Washington....a great one is Maryhill winery in the Gorge. They are building a bigger stage this summer to get bigger shows there next summer. Great place to see a show.

For me, Clark County Amp just blows. One way in, one way out...3 hours in traffic. Blah! The problem is they are getting all the rock shows there lately.

Anyhoo...you wont lack for music choices in the Pac NW.


E

[Dan Halen]

I saw Sam and Dave at the Gorge, it was a great venue. I was in the back of the seated area, but just about everyone had an awesome view.

[fast98dodge]

For me, Clark County Amp just blows. One way in, one way out...3 hours in traffic. Blah!

For me here in Oly, it's great because no one is entering from the north and no one is heading north to get home!!! I feel sorry for you guys heading south...

[be_deviler]

Thanks for all the info, gang. Looks like I gotta spend some time behind the wheel to get to and from any shows up there.

-bd

ps... if anyone would like to share some general info re: the Wenatchee area, feel free to pm me! ;-)

[ChargerDave]

The Gorge is dead, for the most part...why drive out to there in the middle of nowhere when you can go to White River or Clark County, if you are on the West side? Those venues severely hurt the Gorge, although it still will get the occasional big shows like Pearl Jam or three-day DMB.

I saw KISS/Nugent/Skid Row there in 2000 and Sam and Dave in 2002. We camped for the Sans Halen show and it was so darn windy it we just went straight to bed after the show. For KISS I stayed in Ellensburg (yeah, needed the room to do my KISS makeup).

At White River I've seen KISS/Aerosmith/Saliva in 2003, RUSH in 2004, and Ozzfest in 2004 and '05. Much rather go there since it's closer to Seattle-Tacoma.

At Clark County I've seen KISS/Poison in 2004, RUSH in '04, and Judas Priest/Queensryche in 2005.

It seemed like The Gorge was the big attraction when compared to a Portland Meadows back in the day. I remember Pollstar or someone named The Gorge the best outdoor amp in the country several times...and a few places in California are sorta modeled after it.

[ChargerDave]

If you are close to Portland, don't forget about the Rose Garden Arena! Also, there are many smaller shows at wineries throughout Oregon and Washington....a great one is Maryhill winery in the Gorge. They are building a bigger stage this summer to get bigger shows there next summer. Great place to see a show.

For me, Clark County Amp just blows. One way in, one way out...3 hours in traffic. Blah! The problem is they are getting all the rock shows there lately.

Anyhoo...you wont lack for music choices in the Pac NW.


E

Print out the carpool pass online for Clark Cty. and you can get in and out in a matter of moments. And it's right next to I-5!

[ChargerDave]

Some of my Gorge memories are Dave calling out Seattle, and then Sammy later that night mentioning we were nowhere near Seattle.

And then for KISS, Paul Stanley talked about taking a summer vacation a few years before and driving through Yakima and the Northwest (I always wondered if he just made that up...he doesn't seem like the road trip type).

[belikemike]

have only seen the sam/dave tour at the gorge, but by far and away my favorite venue to see a show. too bad the thing is dying off. being out in the middle of nowhere does kind of suck...
it was great to go see the show, and just camp out before/after, very nice not having to drive home --- just party like hell!!!

[Dan Halen]

Yeah, I wanted to see Tool live this year but the Gorge is their only Northwest date, and I don't want to go all the way out there for it.