A Theater Of The Superb, By George

The Champs de Brionne Summer Music Theater in George, which opens its 1990 season this weekend with Fleetwood Mac and Squeeze, is a wonderful place to see an outdoor concert. The setting is spectacular: a natural amphitheater on the lip of the deep, dramatic Columbia Gorge, with sweeping views of the colorful terrain.

When the sun goes down - right behind the stage at about the time the headlining act appears - the sky turns shades of pink and blue. And because it's so far from urban centers, the stars shine brightly after dark.

Part of the seating area is terraced (originally it was planted as a vineyard) and there is plenty of green grass to spread out on. The reserved-seating area is closest to the stage, and you don't have to sit on the ground, but usually everyone in that area stands during the performance, so the seats don't do you much good (they just get in the way.) The sound is good because it stays within the natural confines of the amphitheater.

It takes about three hours to drive to George from Seattle, but allow another hour to get to the parking lot, find a parking space and walk to the concert site. You might want to tie something to your car antenna so you can find your parking spot after the show. It's hard to locate your car in the dark in the dusty, crowded parking area.

Wine used to be sold at the concerts, but alcoholic beverages are no longer allowed inside the theater. However, the wine garden at the nearby Champs de Brionne winery will be open before the shows.

The lineup this year is the best ever. It includes returning headliners Bob Dylan (whose date has been changed from June 30 to Aug. 18) and blues-rockers Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble (sharing a bill with singer Joe Cocker). Rounding out the lineup: the great vocalist Anita Baker, making her Northwest debut; veteran rock vocal group Crosby, Stills & Nash; storyteller Garrison Keillor and guitar great Chet Atkins; and the crowning event, Bonnie Raitt, now at the height of her popularity, along with quirky rockers NRBQ and distinguished R&B vocalist Charles Brown.

Just added to the list: pop/jazz star Kenny G, with vocalist Michael Bolton. Tickets go on sale June 1.

This weekend's shows come on the heels of Fleetwood Mac's latest album, ``Behind the Mask,'' another collection of melodic rock songs. The album is highlighted by several fine new tunes written or co-written by band member Stevie Nicks, including the current hit, ``Save Me.''

Fleetwood Mac is one of the most successful bands in rock history, with a string of hit singles, including ``Dreams,'' ``Go Your Own Way,'' ``Don't Stop'' and ``You Make Loving Fun.''

Squeeze, the talented English band (``Pulling Mussels From a Shell,'' ``Tempted,'' ``Black Coffee in Bed''), opens its U.S. tour at Champs de Brionne. The group has just released its first live album, ``A Round and A Bout,'' featuring live versions of 15 of its most popular songs.

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1990 Champs de Brionne

Summer Music Theater

Schedule

Fleetwood Mac and Squeeze, 7 p.m. tomorrow and Sunday ($22.50-$25).

Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble and Joe Cocker, 7 p.m. July 21 ($20-$22.50).

Garrison Keillor and Chet Atkins, 4 p.m. July 22 ($20-$22.50).

Kenny G. and Michael Bolton, 7 p.m. July 28 ($22.60-$32.55). Tickets go on sale June 1.

Anita Baker, 7 p.m. Aug. 4 ($21.50-$31).

Bob Dylan, 7 p.m. Aug. 18 ($20-$22.50).

Crosby, Stills & Nash, 7 p.m. Sept. 8 ($20-$22.50)

Bonnie Raitt, NRBQ and Charles Brown, 7 p.m. Sept. 15 ($20-$22.50)

Charge by phone: 246-6389.