J. Michael Kearsey is well known as a musician and composer in Oregon and the Northwest. His music on Suite for the Columbia Gorge was used in a traveling show to raise awareness for federal protection of this area of natural wonders. Legislative efforts by the Friends of the Columbia Gorge succeeded and the album was released in 1982. A sense of timelessness carries the music: an instrumental mix of jazz, classical and folk styles with the emphasis on acoustic instruments. Kearsey plays guitars, bass, piano and percussion and is joined by Oregon"s finest musicians on trumpet, flute, dulcimer and pedal steel guitar. Recorded at Desitrek Studios, Portland, Oregon. Personnel: J. Michael Kearsey (guitar, banjo, piano, bass, hand drum, percussion); Shaine Marinson (vocals); Valerie Brown (vocals, flute, dulcimer); David Grafe (pedal steel guitar, acoustic bass); Robin Remaily (fiddle); Tom Cheek (bass clarinet, saxophone); Pete Karnes (harmonica); Cal Scott (cornet); Michael Demmers (French horn); Richard Tyler, David Poulshock (piano); Dan Brandt (synthesizers); Peter K. Williams (drums); Craig Collins, Gary Braasch (percussion). Engineer: Michael Demmers, Douglas Dubrow.