February

by: Kristi Somday / in Datebook, Spokane CDA Living

February 24: Taste Spokane

Sponsored by Gesa Credit Union, Wishing Star Foundation will hold its 11th Annual Taste Spokane event featuring live music, great food, adult beverages, and more. Spokane’s most acclaimed restaurants, regional wineries and breweries, and dessert purveyors will exhibit their products and serve samples. Help grant wishes to local children battling life-threatening conditions by attending this incredible event. 7-10 p.m., Northern Quest Resort & Casino, Pend O’reille Pavillion Room, 100 N. Hayford Rd. tastespokane.com

ART

February 20, March 5, March 20: Spokane Poetry Slam and BootSlam

Spokane Poetry Slam is competitive performance poetry at its Northwest finest. Every first and third week of the month spoken word warriors battle for Inland Empire supremacy, and a $50 Grand Prize. Each poem is judged by five members of the audience and, after two rounds of poetry, whichever poet has the highest cumulative score is declared the winner. Bootslam, at Boots Bakery, is held on the first Sunday of each month, while Spokane Poetry Slam, held at the Bartlett, is held on the third Monday of each month. Boots Bakery and Lounge, 24 W. Main Ave. The Bartlett, 228 W. Sprague Ave. spokanepoetryslam.org.

Opening February 11: Titans of the Ice Age: Mammoths and Mastodons

Explore the world of mammoths and mastodons in an 8,500 square foot traveling exhibition from The Field Museum of Chicago, Illinois. This exhibition taps into the spirit of scientific exploration, discovery, and curiosity with a specimen and media rich display. This is the only exhibition created on the topic that is truly international in scope, featuring a slate of world-renowned scientists and their breakthrough findings on Pleistocene mega fauna. Original artistic creations including environmental murals, life-sized replications, and soundscapes immerse visitors in Earth’s diverse ecosystems, both past and present. Collection pieces from the museum will accompany the exhibition with an unveiling of a mammoth-sized Pleistocene display in the museum’s group entry, created by artist Peter Thomas. Museum of Arts and Culture. 2316 W. First Ave. (509) 456-3931, northwestmuseum.org or themac@northwestmuseum.org.

MUSIC

February 9: Roots and Boots

The Roots and Boots tour is comprised of three outstanding country music stars. Sammy Kershaw brings his pure country sound and revolutionary hits to the stage and allows the audience to take a step back in time. Celebrating 25 successful years of recording and producing country music, Aaron Tippin will bring his chart-topping, influential songs to the stage. Tippin was discovered in a Nashville night club in 1990 and within his first few years as an artist, he placed numerous No. 1 hits and chart-toppers. Terri Clark joins these two dynamic musicians with her distinctive female voice and impressive guitar skills. Northern Quest Casino. 100 N. Hayford Rd. Airway Heights. northernquest.com.

February 17: An Evening With Taylor Hicks

Taylor Hicks won the fifth season of American Idol. He became a professional musician in his late teens and has performed around the Southeastern U.S. for well over the span of a decade, and released two independent albums. Upon winning Idol, he was signed to Arista Records, under which his self-titled major label debut was released in December 2006. His energetic stage performances and influences derived from classic, rock, blues, and R&B music have earned him a following of devout fans, who have been dubbed the “Soul Patrol.” 7:30 p.m. Chateau Rive at the Flour Mill, 621 W. Mallon. ticketswest.com.

February 11-12: Spokane Symphony Classics: Tchaikovsky and Shakespeare

Tchaikovsky drew inspiration from Shakespearean tragedies to create a pair of masterpieces. “Hamlet” captures the tension and conflict of the play, using powerful orchestration and dramatic contrasts. “Romeo and Juliet” pairs a brutally dramatic theme with his achingly beautiful love theme. Joshua Roman reprises his acclaimed performance of Bates’ Cello Concerto that blends classical lyricism with blues, jazz elements, and techno rhythms. Fox Theatre. 1001 W. Sprague Ave. (800) 325-SEAT or ticketswest.com.

February 18: Spokane Symphony Special: Heroes, Villains and Sidekicks

Superheroes: satisfying the urge to put wrong to right… or to take over the universe. Morihiko Nakahara and the Spokane Symphony are delving into the rich history of the superhero genre to create an exciting program of spine-tingling scores, including music from Superman, Batman and more. Whether you’re reliving childhood fantasies or creating memories with your kids, this is the place to be. This interactive concert experience will include a variety of pre-concert activities suitable for the whole family. Choose the 2 p.m. matinee or the 8 p.m. evening concert. Then break out your cape and mask. Kryptonite antidote and other refreshments will be on hand. Fox Theatre. 1001 W. Sprague Ave. (800) 325-SEAT or ticketswest.com.

February 18: Experience Hendrix Tour

This amazing show features legendary artists who join together to pay homage to Jimi Hendrix. Now in its second decade, the 2017 Experience Hendrix tour brings together a diverse array of extraordinary musicians, ranging from blues legend Buddy Guy to Black Label Society and former Ozzy Osbourne guitarist Zakk Wylde, as well as Jonny Lang, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Dweezil Zappa, Keb’ Mo’, Chris Layton, Mato Nanji, Noah Hunt, The Slide Brothers, Henri Brown and many more. Billy Cox, bassist for both the Jimi Hendrix Experience and Band of Gypsys, anchors a rhythm section that provides the foundation for exciting renditions of such signature Hendrix favorites as “Purple Haze” and “Voodoo Child.” Northern Quest Casino. 100 N. Hayford Rd. Airway Heights. northernquest.com.

February 19: Spokane Youth Symphony: Now and Next

Featuring the four orchestras of the Spokane Youth Symphony: Spokane Youth Symphony Orchestra (Dr. Philip Baldwin, conductor); Spokane Youth Philharmonic (Dr. Roberta Bottelli, conductor); Spokane Youth Sinfonietta (Ms. Heather Montgomery, conductor); and Spokane Youth Strings (Dr. John Marshall, conductor) will perform. The Spokane Youth Symphony Orchestra will be joined by the Spokane Symphony Orchestra in a “side-by-side” performance. Fox Theatre. 1001 W. Sprague Ave. (800) 325-SEAT or ticketswest.com.

February 24: Blake Shelton with Raelynn

Country music superstar and Platinum-selling recording artist Blake Shelton is bringing his Doing It To Country Songs Tour to Spokane. The tour follows the 2016 release of Shelton’s 10th studio album, If I’m Honest, which was not only the biggest selling album in the week of its release, but also the best-selling country album released this year. Spokane Arena. 720 W. Mallon Ave. (800) 325-SEAT or ticketswest.com.

February 25: Hot Tuna

The name Hot Tuna invokes as many different moods and reactions as there are Hot Tuna fans, millions of them. For more than four decades, Hot Tuna has played some of the best and most memorable acoustic and electric music ever. 7:30 & 10 p.m. Chateau Rive at the Flour Mill, 621 W. Mallon. ticketswest.com.

February 25-26: Spokane Symphony Classics: A Kaleidoscope of French Virtuosity

What better way to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Ravel’s death than listening to some of his greatest works. La Valse parodies the waltz, symbol of Austrian-Hungarian imperialism; Rhaposie espagnole is a portrait of Spain painted in four dances; and Boléro is 15-minutes of a simple melody that builds through orchestration, ending in a burst of fireworks. Stravinsky praised Schmitt’s Tragedy of Salome, calling it “one of the greatest masterpieces of modern music.” Fox Theatre. 1001 W. Sprague Ave. (800) 325-SEAT or ticketswest.com.

March 4: Spokane Symphony Superpops: Altan

No Irish traditional band in the last dozen years has had a wider impact on audiences and music lovers throughout the world than Altan. Now they will play their signature Irish sound in concert with the Spokane Symphony just in time to set the mood for St. Patrick’s Day. With their exquisitely produced award-winning recordings, ranging dynamically from the most sensitive and touching old Irish songs all the way to hard-hitting reels and jigs, and with their heartwarming, dynamic live performances, Altan have moved audiences from Donegal to Tokyo to Seattle. Fox Theatre. 1001 W. Sprague Ave. (800) 325-SEAT or ticketswest.com.

March 5: Elton John and His Band: Wonderful Crazy Night Tour 2017

Elton John & His Band return to Spokane for one performance at the Spokane Arena on Sunday, March 5, at 8 p.m. as part of a 12-city concert tour that will feature iconic hits and classic album tracks from throughout his incredible five-decade career, as well as selected tracks from his latest release, Wonderful Crazy Night. One of the most successful artists on the road today, Elton and his band perform a concert you will never forget: the entire audience singing along to much-loved classic songs such as “Your Song,” “Rocket Man,” “Bennie and the Jets,” “Philadelphia Freedom,” “Crocodile Rock,” “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me,” and many more. Spokane Arena. 720 W. Mallon Ave. (800) 325-SEAT or ticketswest.com.

March 5: Spokane String Quartet: Fugue for 4

The Spokane String Quartet presents works by Mozart, Hovhaness and Beethoven that celebrate the fugue. Fox Theatre. 1001 W. Sprague Ave. (800) 325-SEAT or ticketswest.com.

March 6: Gonzaga Symphony With Young Artist Winners

The Gonzaga Symphony will perform a selection of works featuring this year’s winners of the Young Artist Concerto/Aria Competition. Soloists program will be determined once the competition winners have been announced. The orchestra will conclude the program with Rachmaninoff’s Symphony No. 2 in E minor. Fox Theatre. 1001 W. Sprague Ave. (800) 325-SEAT or ticketswest.com.

March 16: Chris Botti

From the age of 12, Chris Botti knew he would be a career trumpeter after hearing the sounds of Miles Davis. A successful musical career is an understatement for the type of impact Chris Botti has made on the industry. Botti played with the likes of Frank Sinatra and Joni Mitchell at the beginning of his career, followed in the 90s with Paul Simon for an extended period of time and later with Sting. Northern Quest Casino. 100 N. Hayford Rd. Airway Heights. northernquest.com.

EVENTS

February 8: National Geographic Live: Brian Skerry—Ocean Soul

In the last 50 years, 90 percent of the big fish in the ocean have disappeared. More than 100 million sharks are taken annually and species of whales and sea turtles are on the brink of extinction. In his trademark presentation, Skerry showcases his stunning photography and describes his adventurous life in a gripping portrait of the ocean as a place of beauty and mystery, a place in trouble, and ultimately, a place of hope that will rebound with the proper attention and care. INB Performing Arts Center. 334 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. (800) 325-SEAT or ticketswest.com.

February 14: Balletboyz

Since its formation in 2001, BalletBoyz have sought to excite, enlighten, and expand dance audiences. The Company has quickly established itself as one of the most cheekily original and innovative forces in modern dance: revolutionizing traditional programming formats, commissioning new works, collaborating with a wide range of cutting edge talents and building a large following through its television broadcasts. Bringing together composers, artists, designers, filmmakers and photographers, BalletBoyz aims to integrate a wide range of artistic elements in every performance. Fox Theatre. 1001 W. Sprague Ave. (800) 325-SEAT or ticketswest.com.

February 16-19: Cirque du Soleil: Ovo

Ovo, meaning “egg” in Portuguese, is a headlong rush into a colorful ecosystem teeming with life, where insects work, eat, crawl, flutter, play, fight and look for love in a non-stop riot of energy and movement. When a mysterious egg appears in their midst, the insects are awestruck and intensely curious about this iconic object that represents the enigma and cycles of their lives. It is love at first sight when a gawky, quirky insect arrives in this bustling community and a fabulous ladybug catches his eye – and the feeling is mutual. The cast of Ovo includes 50 performing artists from 12 countries specializing in many acrobatic acts. Spokane Arena. 720 W. Mallon Ave. (800) 325-SEAT or ticketswest.com.

February 21: Harlem Globetrotters

The Original Harlem Globetrotters are preparing for their action packed 2016-2017 tour. A star-studded roster will have fans on the edge of their seats to witness the ball handling wizardry, basketball artistry and one-of-a-kind family entertainment that thrills fans of all ages. Join Globetrotter stars after the game where they will stay for an autograph, photograph and high five session for fans. Spokane Arena. 720 W. Mallon Ave. (800) 325-SEAT or ticketswest.com.

February 26: Rain: A Tribute to the Beatles

Rain: A Tribute to the Beatles is a live multi-media spectacular that takes you on a musical journey through the life and times of the world’s most celebrated band. Featuring new songs & high definition imagery, this expanded Rain adds even more hits that you know and love from the vast anthology of Beatles classics such as “I Want To Hold Your Hand,” “Hard Day’s Night,” “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band,” “Let It Be,” “Come Together” and “Hey Jude.” This stunning concert event takes you back in time with the legendary foursome delivering a note-for-note theatrical event that is the next best thing to the Beatles. INB Performing Arts Center. 334 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. (800) 325-SEAT or ticketswest.com.

THEATRE

Through February 19: Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike

Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike is one of the most lauded and beloved Broadway plays of recent years. Vanya and his adopted sister Sonia live a quiet life in the Pennsylvania farmhouse where they grew up, but their peace is disturbed when their movie star sister Masha returns unannounced with her twenty-something boy toy, Spike. A weekend of rivalry, regret, and raucousness begins. Spokane Civic Theatre. 1020 N. Howard St. (509) 325-2507. For tickets: (800) 325-SEAT or ticketswest.com.

February 10-26: The Flick

In a run-down movie theater in central Massachusetts, three underpaid employees mop the floors and attend to one of the last 35 millimeter film projectors in the state. This Pulitzer Prize winner is a hilarious and heart-rending cry for authenticity in a fast-changing world. The Modern Theatre—Coeur d’Alene. 1320 E. Garden Ave. themoderntheatre.org.

February 10-12: Fast and Furious IV

Fast and Furious IV is Stage Left’s fourth annual staged reading of super-short plays. This fast-paced, fun event will feature new comedies and dramas written by local and national playwrights and is sure to chase away the winter blahs. We will be doing a staged reading of 35 super-short plays. Audiences have loved previous incarnations of this fun, fast-paced event. Stage Left Theatre. 108 W. 1st Ave. spokanestageleft.org.

February 10-March 5: A Little Night Music

Sondheim’s romantic waltz featuring his popular song “Send in the Clowns,” A Little Night Music explores the tangled web of affairs centered around traveling actress Desirée Armfeldt and the men who love her: Fredrik Egerman and the Count Carl-Magnus Malcom. Both men—as well as their jealous and suspicious wives—agree to join Desirée and her family for a weekend in the country. With everyone in one place, infinite possibilities of new romances and second chances bring endless surprises. Spokane Civic Theatre. 1020 N. Howard St. (509) 325-2507. For tickets: (800) 325-SEAT or ticketswest.com.

February 17-March 5: Fool for Love

Holed up in a seedy motel on the edge of the Mojave Desert, two former lovers unpack the deep secrets and dark desires of their tangled relationship, passionately tearing each other apart. Beaten down by ill-fated love and a ruthless struggle for identity, can they ultimately live with, or without, each other? The Modern Theatre—Spokane. 174 S. Howard St. themoderntheatre.org.

February 28-March 4: Kinky Boots

Kinky Boots is Broadway’s huge-hearted, high-heeled hit. With songs by Grammy and Tony winning pop icon Cyndi Lauper, this joyous musical celebration is about the friendships we discover, and the belief that you can change the world when you change your mind. Inspired by true events, Kinky Boots takes you from a gentlemen’s shoe factory in Northampton to the glamorous catwalks of Milan. Charlie Price is struggling to live up to his father’s expectations and continue the family business of Price & Son. With the factory’s future hanging in the balance, help arrives in the unlikely but spectacular form of Lola, a fabulous performer in need of some sturdy new stilettos. INB Performing Arts Center. 334 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. (800) 325-SEAT or ticketswest.com.

March 3-19: Emma

Historian and playwright Howard Zinn dramatizes the life of Emma Goldman, the anarchist, feminist, and free-spirited thinker who was exiled from the United States because of her outspoken views, including her opposition to World War I. With his wit and unique ability to illuminate history from below, Zinn reveals the life of this remarkable woman. The play will be of immense interest to feminists, American historians, and people interested in the long history of resistance and protest in the United States. Stage Left Theatre. 108 W. 1st Ave. spokanestageleft.org.

SPORTS

February 3: Spokane Chiefs vs Medicine Hat Tigers