Gorge Goes Diverse -- Concert Lineup Includes Rock, Country And R&B

The 1997 concert series at the Gorge Amphitheatre in George, Grant County, includes not only rock groups but also country music, R&B and even a traditional Bavarian Oktoberfest.

"If we could sum up the season in one word, it's diversity," said Jeff Trisler of Universal Concerts, the company that has been producing the annual summertime shows at the 130-acre, 20,000-capacity outdoor natural amphitheater for 10 years now.

As many as 25 concerts may be held at the site between now and late summer or early fall, Trisler said. Eight shows are already on sale.

Call TicketMaster at 206-628-0888 for tickets. For special ticket packages, including box seats and group sales, call Universal Concerts at 206-223-1055. The Gorge Information Line is 206-464-2000 (ext. 7469).

New shows will be added during the next two months, including a date for Lollapalooza, the annual summertime touring rock festival.

Here is the current Gorge lineup:

Rush, 8 p.m. Saturday ($29.95-$44.65).

The Moody Blues with the World Festival Orchestra, 8 p.m. May 23 ($34.15-$49.90).

No Doubt, Weezer, Edna Swap, 7 p.m. May 24 ($26.25).

Tina Turner and Cyndi Lauper, 7 p.m. May 25 ($34.15-$44.65).

ZZ Top and George Thorogood & the Destroyers, 7 p.m. May 31 ($27.30-$43.05).

Queensryche, 8 p.m. June 21 ($29.95-$44.65).

"The Lilith Fair: A Celebration of Women in Music": Sarah McLachlan, Tracy Chapman, Jewel, Paula Cole, Suzanna Vega. Second stage: Cassandra Wilson, Leah Andreone, Mudgirl, 5 p.m. July 5 ($37.80-$53.55).

New Edition, 112, 7 p.m. July 6. Tickets went on sale yesterday.

"Van's Warped Tour '97," 20 bands on four stages: Social Distortion, the Descendents, Pennywise, Mighty, Mighty Bosstones, Sick of It All, Face to Face, Royal Crown Review, the Vandals, Hep Cat, Blink 182, the Alkaholiks, Real Big Fish, Limp Bizkit, 22 Jacks, Sugar Ray, Millen Colin, Lo Presher, Sun Child, Buck-O-Nine, Strung Out, 1 p.m. July 8. On sale 11 a.m. Saturday.

"The Tumbleweed Stampede": Pam Tillis, Little Texas, Wade Hayes, the Smokin' Armadillos, the Ranch, 2 p.m. July 20 ($19.65, children under 12 free with an adult). On sale 10 a.m. Friday.

G3: Joe Satriani, Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Steve Vai, with Robert Fripp, 7 p.m. July 26. On sale 10 a.m. June 7.

"KUBE 93 Summer Jam," stars to be announced. 2 p.m. Aug. 1. On sale 10 a.m. June 6.

Phish, 7 p.m. Aug. 2 and 3. On sale 10 a.m. May 30.

Supertramp, 7 p.m. Aug. 9. On sale 9 a.m. May 31.

Boston, 7 p.m. Aug. 16. On sale 10 a.m. June 14.

Lynyrd Skynyrd, Paul Rogers, 8 p.m. Aug. 29. On sale 10 a.m. June 21.

"Gorge Oktoberfest," Oct. 3 through 5. Tickets on sale at the door.