January 2018

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by: Spokane Coeur d'Alene Living / in Datebook, Spokane CDA Living

ART

January 5, February 2: First Friday

Enjoy visual arts, groove to musical presentations, sample local foods, get acquainted with local performing artists and more at this monthly event sponsored by the Downtown Spokane Partnership. On the first Friday of each month, participating galleries, museums, and boutiques host a city-wide open house with refreshments and entertainment. First Friday is free and open to the public. Downtown Spokane. downtownspokane.org.

January 7, January 15, February 4, February 19: 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.

Currently open: Titanic: the Artifact Exhibition

Educational, emotional and appropriate for all ages, Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition takes visitors on a journey through the life of Titanic. Along the way, visitors will learn countless stories of heroism and humanity that pay honor to the indomitable force of the human spirit in the face of tragedy. The exhibition has been designed with a focus on the legendary RMS Titanic’s compelling human stories as best told through authentic artifacts recovered from the wreck site of Titanic and extensive room re-creations. Museum of Arts and Culture. 2316 W. First Ave. (509) 456-3931, northwestmuseum.org.

Currently open: Spokane Circa 1912

Imagine life in Spokane around the time of the Titanic disaster. When you shopped downtown, did you navigate Riverside Avenue on foot—or were you riding in a carriage, a car or a trolley?

When the Titanic disaster struck, did you closely follow the news in the local newspaper? Did you know anyone aboard that ship—or others who narrowly missed being aboard? Decorative arts and costumes selected from the museum’s permanent collection reflect the era’s sense of design. Elegant coats, suits and walking dresses crossed paths in public lobbies. The Davenport family amassed a collection of exquisite objects, including Kalo Studio silver and a clock designed in a German art colony. Likewise, the Campbell’s dining room featured a cut crystal punch bowl and a silver tea and coffee service in the Iris pattern. A visit to nearby Campbell House provides additional experiences related to 1st class and 3rd class steamship travel, foods and newspaper communications. Walther Gallery and Campbell House at Museum of Arts and Culture. 2316 W. First Ave. (509) 456-3931, northwestmuseum.org.

MUSIC

January 14: The Victor Wooten Trio ft. Dennis Chambers and Bob Franceschini

What Wooten did with bass has almost no parallel in modern music. From Coleman Hawkins to and beyond John Coltrane, the great saxophonists approached their instrument more or less the same way. Same thing with Louis Armstrong and Miles Davis, Ray Brown and Esperanza Spalding: styles progress, harmonic and melodic languages expand, but essentially, fundamental concepts remain the same. Not so with Wooten. After him, every bassist in the world began to think differently, much as guitarists did after Hendrix. Young bassists now start from a different set of assumptions than their predecessors did a generation ago. Wooten’s blazing, percussive chops lit a fire for many of them, as did his explorations of melody, nuance and phrasing. Bing Crosby Theatre. 901 W Sprague Ave. (800) 325-SEAT or ticketswest.com.

January 19: BYU Vocal Point with Gonzaga’s Big Bing Theory

Vocal Point creates complex music and rhythms with only nine voices. They have percussion without drums. They have a rhythm section without a bass. The only instruments on stage belong to the nine voices of the nationally renowned a cappella group Vocal Point. From Brigham Young University, Vocal Point captures faithful audiences throughout the world with their stunning, high-energy performances and their elaborate, cinematographic music videos. With a wide range of vocal possibilities—and seeming impossibilities—these crowd-pleasers have it all: rock, pop, country, jazz and R&B that makes their family-friendly concerts a showstopper. This nine-man group takes the songs you are familiar with, retools them and delivers a new rendition, complete with all the complex instrumentation done entirely with their mouths. INB Performing Arts Center. 334 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. (800) 325-SEAT or ticketswest.com.

January 27-28: Spokane Symphony Classics: Scheherazade

Chinese violinist Mira Wang gives the U.S. premiere of Torsten Rasch’s “Tropoi” Violin Concerto, his dramatic and masterfully orchestrated new work. Rimsky-Korsakov’s blockbuster Scheherazade paints tales from Arabian Nights using dazzling color and oriental motifs inspired by Crimean folk tunes. Stokowski’s lush orchestral arrangement of Bach’s “Komm Susser Tod” is filled with poignant harmonies and soaring melodies. This is the first of a four-concert celebration of Bach’s 333rd anniversary that includes Classics 6, 7 and 9. Fox Theatre. 1001 W. Sprague Ave. (800) 325-SEAT or ticketswest.com.

January 28: Marc Cohn

After winning a Grammy for his soulful ballad “Walking in Memphis,” Marc Cohn solidified his place as one of this generation’s most compelling singer/songwriters, combining the precision of a brilliant tunesmith with the passion of a great soul man. He’s a natural storyteller, balancing the exuberant with the poignant, and able to distill universal truth out of his often romantic, drawn-from-life tales. Bing Crosby Theatre. 901 W Sprague Ave. (800) 325-SEAT or ticketswest.com.

February 2: Miranda Lambert

Grammy Award-winner Miranda Lambert will bring her Livin’ Like Hippies Tour to the Spokane Arena on Friday, February 2. Joining Lambert is special guest Jon Pardi and Turnpike Troubadours. The Livin’ Like Hippies Tour receives its name from the lyrics of Lambert’s aptly titled song “Highway Vagabond” which appears on The Nerve side of Lambert’s 24-song, double album, The Weight Of These Wings. Spokane Arena. 720 W. Mallon Ave. (800) 325-SEAT or ticketswest.com.

February 3: Spokane Symphony Pops: Judy Collins

Singer-songwriter Judy Collins has inspired audiences for five decades, singing traditional and contemporary folk standards and her poignant original compositions. Her more than 50 albums have earned her multiple Grammy nods, from her stunning 1967 rendition of “Both Sides Now” to her 2017 nomination for “Silver Skies Blue.” Fox Theatre. 1001 W. Sprague Ave. (800) 325-SEAT or ticketswest.com.

February 10-11: Spokane Symphony Classics: Beethoven and Shostakovich

Daniel Hege returns to conduct a program of powerful works spanning the centuries. Bach’s suite for flute and orchestra features Spokane Symphony principal flutist Bruce Bodden. Beethoven’s Fifth, one of the most played symphonies of all time, has infiltrated popular culture in countless ways from movie scores to rock anthems. Shostakovich dedicated his Chamber Symphony to the “memory of the victims of fascism and war.” Originally written as a string quartet, it is hauntingly beautiful. Fox Theatre. 1001 W. Sprague Ave. (800) 325-SEAT or ticketswest.com.

February 17: Spokane Symphony: The Music of Star Wars—The Symphony Awakens

Resident Conductor Morihiko Nakahara leads this concert featuring the legendary film scores from the Star Wars series, including The Phantom Menace, The Force Awakens and Rogue One. Before the show, catch some memorable photo opportunities, drink specials from the Mos Eisley Cantina and planet-themed activities. Meet and greet our characters. Star Wars-themed costumes are welcome at these fun concerts, with activities 90 minutes before each concert. Fox Theatre. 1001 W. Sprague Ave. (800) 325-SEAT or ticketswest.com.

EVENTS

January 13-14: Bridal Festival

The Bridal Festival is your best resource for wedding planning in the Inland Northwest. Brides and grooms meet one-on-one with vendors, many with special Bridal Festival offers, and plan their wedding all in one weekend—under one roof—to save time and money. Get inspired with ideas for decor, venues and catering by visiting the nearly 200 booths. Elegant wedding fashion shows showcase the latest styles and colors for brides, grooms, wedding parties and honeymoons. And if that’s not enough, they offer up to $30,000 in sweepstakes and giveaways every hour. Bring the whole bridal party and have a blast planning your dream wedding. Spokane Convention Center. 334 W Spokane Falls Blvd. spokanecenter.com.

January 21: Stephen Sondheim’s Follies

Stephen Sondheim has been called the Shakespeare of musical theatre, and Follies is one of his most hauntingly beautiful creations. It’s the story of a group of showgirls and their backstage beaus, meeting 30 years after their glamorous glory days in a New York musical revue (think Ziegfeld). The theatre that enshrined their youth is about to be demolished, and they all meet once more to relive those glittering days between the world wars and to reassess the choices they made. As their younger selves join them on stage one last time, the old gang reconnects—performing a few of their old numbers and singing heartbreaking songs of regret and resignation. Bing Crosby Theatre. 901 W Sprague Ave. (800) 325-SEAT or ticketswest.com.

January 24: Peking Acrobats

For the last 30 years, The Peking Acrobats have performed daring maneuvers atop a precarious pagoda of chairs; they are experts at trick-cycling, precision tumbling, somersaulting and gymnastics. They defy gravity with amazing displays of contortion, flexibility and control. They push the envelope of human possibility with astonishing juggling dexterity and incredible balancing feats. Accompanied by live musicians skillfully playing traditional Chinese instruments and high-tech special effects, this all-family event features all the festive pageantry of a Chinese Carnival. Fox Theatre. 1001 W. Sprague Ave. (800) 325-SEAT or ticketswest.com.

January 24-28: Motown the Musical

It began as one man’s story, became everyone’s music, and is now Broadway’s musical. Motown the Musical is the true American dream story of Motown founder Berry Gordy’s journey from featherweight boxer to the heavyweight music mogul who launched the careers of Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Smokey Robinson and many more. Motown shattered barriers, shaped our lives and made us all move to the same beat. Featuring classic songs such as “My Girl” and “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” experience the story behind the music in the record-breaking smash hit Motown the Musical. INB Performing Arts Center. 334 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. (800) 325-SEAT or ticketswest.com.

January 26-28: Monster Jam: Triple Threat Series

The most family-friendly, action-packed motorsport in the world races back to the Spokane Arena to keep motorsport fans on the edge of their seats with adrenaline-charged, high-flying, four-wheel excitement that is fun for the entire family. Featuring the eight most intense athletes of Monster Jam, Spokane fans will witness a fierce battle for the championship that tests the versatility of the athletes as they go head-to-head in seven different competitions, driving three customized high-powered vehicles. This year will be highlighted by four new trucks making their Spokane debut appearances. Spokane Arena. 720 W. Mallon Ave. (800) 325-SEAT or ticketswest.com.

February: 9: Shopkins Live

Shopkins Live! Shop it Up! lights up the stage in this premiere live production packed with show stopping performances featuring the Shoppies. Join Jessicake, Bubbleisha, Peppa-Mint, Rainbow Kate, Cocolette and Polli Polish as they perform the coolest dance moves, sing the latest pop songs and show off the trendiest fashions. All of Shopville is in a tizzy as preparations get underway for the annual “Funtastic Food and Fashion Fair.” The Shopkins and Shoppies need your help—the show must go on. Featuring innovative set design, creative costuming, and state of the art projections, this is one theatrical event you don’t want to miss. INB Performing Arts Center. 334 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. (800) 325-SEAT or ticketswest.com.

February 14: A Night With Janis Joplin

Like a comet that burns far too brightly to last, Janis Joplin exploded onto the music scene in 1967 and, almost overnight, became the queen of rock and roll. The unmistakable voice, filled with raw emotion and tinged with Southern Comfort, made her a must-see headliner from Monterey to Woodstock. Fueled by such unforgettable songs as “Me and Bobby McGee,” “Piece of My Heart,” “Mercedes Benz,” “Baby” and “Summertime,” this sensational show is a musical journey celebrating Joplin and her biggest musical influences—icons like Aretha Franklin, Etta James, Odetta, Nina Simone and Bessie Smith, who inspired one of rock and roll’s greatest legends. INB Performing Arts Center. 334 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. (800) 325-SEAT or ticketswest.com.

THEATRE

January 12-28: Cactus Flower

Falling in love is rarely simple, as illustrated in this romantic farce. Young and vibrant Toni is despondent when her older lover, Julian, refuses to leave his wife. However, Julian’s “wife” is an elaborate lie to keep Toni at arm’s length. Insisting she meet his wife, Julian coaxes his assistant, the shy, spinsterish Stephanie, to pose as his soon-to-be-ex-wife. But when a guilt-ridden Toni insists on finding a love interest for Stephanie, chaos, confusion and complications abound. Will true love triumph from this farcically fabricated love triangle? Spokane Civic Theatre. 1020 N. Howard St. (509) 325-2507, (800) 325-SEAT or ticketswest.com.

January 12-28: At the Sweet Gum Bridge

This play is dedicated to the Choctaw nation and particularly to Choctaw chief Apushamatahahubih, shortened to Pushamataha in the list of characters and to Push in the play. That chief was a contemporary of Andrew Jackson, when he was a general fighting the early Indian wars. Jackson used a divisive strategy, giving some advantages to the peace seeking Choctaws and managing to have their support in his fight against other tribes and particularly against Tecumseh, the chief of the Shawnees, who nearly managed to bring all Indian tribes together and was stopped in this project by Push himself. Stage Left Theatre. 108 West 3rd Ave. (509) 838-9727. spokanestageleft.org.

January 19-February 11: Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?

Winner of the 1963 Tony Award for Best Play, this intense and riveting drama exposes the gritty and visceral breakdown between George and Martha, an affluent middle-aged couple. Having been invited over by George and Martha following a faculty party, a younger couple, Nick and Honey, are the unfortunate witnesses to the bitter insults, accusations and inevitable marital collapse. Hailed as a dramatic masterpiece, explores the impact of societal expectations and disillusionment from the harsh realities of life as it unfolds throughout three enthralling acts. Spokane Civic Theatre. 1020 N. Howard St. (509) 325-2507, (800) 325-SEAT or ticketswest.com.

February 16-March 4: Ten Nights in a Barroom

Set in the Sickle and Sheaf Tavern in the fictional town of Cedarville, this melodramatic musical momedy has all the charm, dastardly villains and doe-eyed heroines of the great melodramas of yore. A great throwback to the dramatic works of yesteryear, it’s a rare mix of music and nonsense, complete with olio musical interludes. Be prepared to gasp, sigh, hiss, boo, laugh and have a grand ol’ time. INB Performing Arts Center. 334 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. (800) 325-SEAT or ticketswest.com.

SPORTS

January 5: Spokane Chiefs vs Portland Winterhawks