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Curious Gorge

The Dave Matthews Band headlines sold-out shows at the Gorge once again this fall. Violinist Boyd TInsley is on screen. Below: Jason Mraz opens for DMB. The Dave Matthews Band headlines sold-out shows at the Gorge once again this fall. Violinist Boyd TInsley is on screen. Below: Jason Mraz opens for DMB. (Associated PressAssociated Press / The Spokesman-Review)
By Isamu Jordan isamuj@spokesman.com
The Dave Matthews Band headlines sold-out shows at the Gorge once again this fall. Violinist Boyd TInsley is on screen. Below: Jason Mraz opens for DMB. The Dave Matthews Band headlines sold-out shows at the Gorge once again this fall. Violinist Boyd TInsley is on screen. Below: Jason Mraz opens for DMB. (Associated PressAssociated Press / The Spokesman-Review)

It’s no secret: With its pristine beauty, sprawling panoramic view, and middle-of-nowhere charm, the Gorge Amphitheatre in George, Wash., remains the pinnacle outdoor concert venue for music fans in Eastern Washington.

Since the White River Amphitheatre opened last year, a couple of shows that typically have happened at the Gorge in the past – Ozzfest, Lollapalooza – have relocated to the outdoor venue outside of Seattle with similar capacity. Still, the Gorge retains some of its heaviest hitters as it announces its 2004 summer concert season, which includes big draws The KUBE Summer Jam, Dave Matthews, and the Sasquatch Music Festival, which happens Saturday (see accompanying story).

The Gorge usually books as many as 25 concerts in a season. So far, only seven have been announced.

Here’s a look at what’s scheduled to happen at the Gorge this year along with schedules for other outdoor venues a short road trip away:

The Gorge

All tickets, including $30 camping tickets, are available through Ticketmaster, (509) 735-0500 or www.ticketmaster.com, except where noted.

Saturday, gates open 11 a.m.: Sasquatch Music Festival, featuring Thievery Corporation, The Roots, The Postal Service, The Shins, Built To Spill, Sleater-Kinney, The New Pornographers, Harvey Danger, Visqueen, The Decemberists, The Long Winters, Donavon Frankenreiter and many more ($49.95). The finest in indie-rock from Seattle and beyond.

Sunday, 2 p.m.: Classic Rock Fest with Styx, Peter Frampton, Kansas, and Blue Oyster Cult ($53.35-$43.60). Arena rock O.G.s.

July 3, 3 p.m.: The Dead with All Brothers Band ($56.70). Peace love and Ahh! Bats! Bats! Get ‘em off me!

July 10, 2:30 p.m.: Vans Warped Tour with New Found Glory, Bad Religion, NOFX, and about 50 other bands ($31.25). Corporate-sponsored, anti-establishment punk rock.

July 17, 7 p.m.: Tim McGraw and The Dancehall Doctors ($67.50-$40.45). Quick Draw McGraw is at it again.

July 21-24: Creation Festival with Toby Mac, Newsboys, Delirous?, Audio Adrenaline, and more ($31-$14). It’s a family reunion for all of God’s children.

July 31, 2 p.m.: Kube Summer Jam with Twista, Lil Flip, Lil Jon and the Eastside Boyz, Ja Rule, Yin and Yang Twins and more ($76-$71). Be the next contestant on that Summer Jam screen.

Sept. 3-5: Dave Matthews Band with Jason Mraz ($59.90-$47.60). What would the summer be without Dave?