This is Not a Pipe

Yes, it looks shockingly like a pastel drawing, but don’t be fooled. The chicanery of Spokane über-photographer Dean Davis may resemble fine art, but it is, in fact, a very fine photograph (pictured above) that Davis snapped at Zola (a local hot spot with one of the most deliciously filling happy hours around). See Davis’ remarkable photo technique applied to a bevy of local landmarks in the April 2009 issue of Spokane Metro Magazine. And don’t miss the larger series, dubbed “Spokane Interiors,” on display now through the month of May at Barrister Winery. Spokane Metro invites you to join our staff and to meet Dean Davis during a reception at the winery on Friday, May 1, 5-10 p.m. Barrister Winery, 1213 W. Railroad Ave.

Just In

4/2 • Spokane Metro’s April issue: It is here, it is gorgeous, and if you’re not a subscriber, it is available at a newsstand near you. Also, don’t miss our amazing April 2 magazine release party at The Lincoln Center just north of downtown Spokane. We’ll have decadent delicacies from Simply Gourmet, two no-host bars provided by Downriver Grill, and free Mountain Dome sparkling wine for Metro subscribers. Musical guests Cris Lucas and Karli Fairbanks will be on hand, and Metro’s April cover artist Ed Gilmore will create a “live” painting during the event. Also, Metro shooter Jed Conklin will debut his new project, The Northwest Photo Booth, offering free snapshots for party goers. 6-9:30 p.m. Free. The Lincoln Center, 1316 N. Lincoln Street.

Symphony on The Edge

3/20 • Don a t-shirt, grab a beer and enjoy the scintillating sounds of the Spokane Symphony as they rock the Knitting Factory tonight. Conductor-in-Residence Morihiko Nakahara will lead the orchestra in an invigorating collision of progressive symphonic music by several modern composers, including Huang Ruo, Ingram Marshall, Derek Bermel, Steve Reich, Aaron Jay Kernis and Michael Daugherty. 7:30 p.m. Knitting Factory, 919 W. Sprague Ave.

Three Ways to See k.d. lang

3/21 • So you snagged a pair of tickets to the k.d. lang show March 21 at The Fox. But a twangy Canadian alone does not an evening make—you still have transportation, dinner and post-concert drinks to plan. Since you’ve already shelled out a few dollars for the seats, why not skip your date-night standard and try something new? We’ve got a few tips for making it a night to remember—on any budget.

k.d. lang plays The Fox Saturday, March 21. 8 p.m. $33-$66. Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox, 1001 W. Sprague Ave.; 509.624.1200; 509.325.SEAT.

The Pipe Band Plays On

3/14 & 17 • Bill Thomas moved to Spokane from Ellensburg in 1958 with the sole purpose of joining the Angus Scott Pipe Band—one of the oldest existing bagpipe bands in the Northwest. Around the same time, Thomas founded the Shadle Park High School Pipe Band.
That’s where Kenyon Fields first encountered Thomas, as a student in the pipe band in 1970. Today, Fields leads the Angus Scott Pipe Band and Thomas, at age 77, still plays in the pipe band and works with students.
And marching with the Angus Scott Pipe Band is no walk in the park—especially on Saint Patrick’s Day.
After leading the parade, the ASPB takes one of the most grueling pub-crawls known to Spokane. If there is a restaurant or bar in town with even an inkling of Irish flair, chances are high that the ASPB will be there between parade day and St. Patrick’s Day proper, often several times in one day.
The Angus Scott Pipe Band—which, incidentally, is Scottish—marches through downtown, the North Side and Spokane Valley. Their first excursion was St. Patrick’s Day 1979, and they now constitute a tradition that the most spirited St. Patrick’s Day celebrants in Spokane have come to expect.
Thomas’ fondness for parade-day memories and the post-parade madness that ensues on the pub crawl is visible.
“One of the great experiences we had was in 1997. We were marching in a blizzard. It was blistering cold and the bagpipes require nimble fingers–that made it difficult for the band,” Thomas said.
When the Angus Scott Pipe Band enters a bar on parade day, the eruption from the crowd is often louder than the music. Fields said, “The funny part is, we might have one beer the whole weekend. After running around and doing all of these performances, we’re more interested in drinking water.” — IJ

Click here for a list of St. Patrick’s Day hotspots to catch the Angus Scott Pipe Band.

The Addys – We Won

It’s official: After less than a year in business, and with a mere five issues under our collective belt in 2008, Spokane Metro is proud to call itself an award-winning magazine. Last Friday we picked up two silver Addy Awards from the Spokane Ad-Fed. Thank you to our stunningly talented Art Director Jennifer Moore and exceptional photographers Jed Conklin and Rachel Schell for their fine work on two editorial spreads that ran in Metro’s second and third issues last year.

Soldiering On – First Friday

3/6 • Photojournalist Jed Conklin invites you to the soft opening of an exhibit tonight at the MAC featuring portraits of Spokane soldiers he photographed in Iraq this past fall. Conklin also profiled one of those soldiers, Sgt. William Jacobs (pictured above), in a story and photo essay that appear in the March issue of Spokane Metro. Conklin will be on hand this evening to answer questions from 5-7 p.m. during the exhibit’s soft opening, but the show runs now through April 23, concluding with a formal closing reception that evening from 5-7 p.m., complete with food and drinks, speakers and a color guard. All of the soldiers’ family members will be invited that evening as well. The MAC, 2316 W. 1st Ave.; 509.456.3931.

Boondoggle or Business?

3/6 • Companies across the country afraid of being accused of high-dollar junkets on the tax payers’ dime are canceling legitimate business trips and sending the service and airline industries into a tizzy. It’s an all-out media assault that could cost the Spokane region hundreds of millions of dollars in business and thousands of jobs.

Mayor Mary Verner and the Spokane Convention and Visitors Bureau are fighting back. On Friday, Verner will lead a rally supporting the Spokane meeting industry as an economic accelerator. The meeting industry contributes nearly $200 million to the economic vitality of Spokane County each year, and roughly 10,100 jobs are directly related to the travel industry in the region, according to the CVB.

Verner will be joined by CVB, the Spokane Public Facilities District, elected officials, local business owners and front-line hospitality employees for the event.
1:30 p.m. Friday, River Park Square atrium, 808 W. Main.

Metro March Release Party

3/5 • It’s here, it’s tonight, and it’s at the Montvale. FREE food from Catacombs, drink specials from Dry Fly, and hot jazz from Hot Club of Spokane. Oh, and you’ll have a chance to win one night’s stay at the Montvale plus dinner for two at Catacombs and two tickets to Interplayers Theatre, just up the street. 6-9 p.m. Free. The Montvale, 1005 W. 1st Ave.

Fun Out The Yin Yang

2/27-28 • Deep. Sexy. Futuristic. Spokane? Yes, and you need to get out there and embrace it or it’s going to vaporize. Check out Soul Symmetry’s funk-electro-tech-house sound at their new Yin-Yang Nights set at Aqua Asian Bistro (formerly Bluefish). DJ Eric Thorne describes it as a Friday/Saturday night concept offering a mature nightlife experience with an upscale ambiance and an international vibe. Two separate nights, two equally unique vibes: Friday night’s “Yin” is geared toward the youthful, vibrant professionals among us. Close the door on your work week, meet up with friends and head downtown. Grab a bite to eat (Metro loves the coconut prawn sushi), slip into a sexy martini and groove to the deeper side of Soul Symmetry. On the flip side, Saturday night’s “Yang” is for the weekend warrior. Throw your hands in the air and get down to some big-city dance floor fillers. It’s high octane energy with an international vibe, emulating the bolder and more masculine qualities of “Yang.”

Friday’s DJ lineup includes Soul Symmetry’s Eric Thorne & Marcus Randall, and guest DJ Mashane. Saturday’s lineup: Soul Symmetry’s Eric Thorne & Marcus Randall, and guest DJ Jah. Aqua Asian Bistro, 830 W. Sprague, across from the Davenport.

We Rule

Wow. High praise indeed from SpokaneMan at the Spokane Insiders’ Blog! Obviously, we’ll be running an excerpt in the “Letters” section of our April issue. Jen, can you schedule a photo shoot with the staff riding on a white horse? I’m pretty sure we’ll all fit…

Spokane Insiders’ Blog

02/26/09 | 3:30 PM

Spokane Metro Magazine

Every great metropolitan city has one. It’s chic, it’s cool and it represents the city to visitors and locals alike. I’m not talking about a high-class restaurant or a trendy boutique. I’m talking about a quality lifestyle magazine. Seattle boasts Seattle Metropolitan. Portland touts Portland Monthly. But what about Spokane?

Up until this past August, Spokane was like Cinderella, waiting for a magazine to sweep it off of its feet. Countless suitors (who’ll remain nameless) have come and gone, trying valiantly, yet unsuccessfully to win Spokane’s love. But in the end they were like a too small shoe – they just didn’t fit.

And then along came Spokane Metro (www.spokanemetromag.com). If a magazine could ride in on a white horse, it would have. But for the sake of this blog we’ll pretend its publishers rode in on a white horse – all three on the same horse of course – and stole Spokane’s heart with their smart, stylish and sophisticated rag about Spokane city living.

Great photography and fantastic writing set Spokane Metro apart as it informs readers about the latest and greatest going down in Spokane. Looking to find who the movers and shakers are? Open up Metro. Want to get the inside scoop on where to live, play and do business. Open up Metro. If you haven’t subscribed yet, you should – right now!

Have you read Spokane Metro? What did you think of it?

(Posted By: SpokaneMan)

Making Their Case

Entering the Spokane police property warehouse from the street, the aroma of pot is potent. “By the end of the day, I’m a little ‘woooo,’” says Shannon Hallam, facilities manager for the evidence storage building, an aging cinder-block structure tucked into the West Central neighborhood.

There, inside a 17,000 square-foot facility housing 140,000 items of police evidence, confiscated marijuana plants are dried and stored, along with some $2 million-worth of other controlled substances. During a recent media tour of the 60-year-old warehouse, Mayor Mary Verner acknowledged the building’s ventilation could be better. “These are not good working conditions,” she said.

Verner and Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick are drumming up public support to build a new, $11.8 million facility to house the growing inventory of drugs, cars, TVs, weapons, money, DNA and other criminal evidence. Verner says she’s concerned the existing premises are so dilapidated that items could be compromised or destroyed. Verner said she also is concerned for the safety of the seven city employees who work there.

To read more about the proposed police warehouse facility (and to see more eerie photos of the existing one) click here.

In The Market?

2/27 • What a fine looking house – at least that’s what the Today Show’s Barbara Corcoran thought when she came across this Spokane real estate listing online. Corcoran, the Today Show’s real estate expert, contacted Spokane broker Jaime Morlin, of Benton Rock Real Estate, and asked for more pictures of her listing at 912 W. 29th Avenue.

Morlin obliged, and later contacted the Spokane Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau, asking the CVB to share five great tidbits about Spokane for Corcoran’s segment, which will feature homes from around the country. It’s slated to air Friday morning on KHQ-TV 6 between 7 and 9 a.m.

Don’t Worry, Be Happy

2/25-28 • The death of jazz has been debated since the 1950s, when Ed Bland prophesied the end in his seminal film “Cry of Jazz.” But anyone questioning the future of the art form here in the Inland Northwest needs to get in their car, hit the Pullman highway and spend the next four days checking out the University of Idaho’s world-class, award-winning Lionel Hampton International Jazz Festival. Yes, it’s the biggest jazz fest in the Inland Northwest, (though EWU’s Jazz Dialogue and the ThinkSWING! festival each fall come close) and it starts, well, now.

This year, under Artistic Director John Clayton’s leadership, the U of I is taking the “international” part of the festival’s moniker quite literally, showcasing jazz sounds from around the world, including Latin, Brazilian and Caribbean jazz, plus a special tribute to Ray Brown. And if you’re afraid you won’t know how to move to all that groovy music, this year U of I is providing two Latin dance instructors to keep you from making a fool of yourself. The instructors are also slated to perform at this evening’s kickoff. Oh, and headlining the event? Grammy-award winning artist Bobby McFerrin will play the popular Friday-evening concert. Festival ticket prices range from $22 to $32, and may be purchased at the ASUI-Kibbie Activity Center Ticket Office by calling 208.885.7212, or toll free 1.88.88.UIDAHO; or online at www.UItickets.com.

This Just In

On newsstands now! Watch for details of our March magazine release party next Thursday, 3/5, at the Montvale Hotel in downtown’s west end. We’ll be swinging with Hot Club of Spokane and offering FREE food from Catacombs Pub and drink specials from Dry Fly Distilling.

Consumerism at 55 MPH

2/23 • The Spokane city council begins debate tonight on a new comprehensive sign ordinance that would, among other things, outlaw the use of digital signs. Over the past few years, digital signs and billboards have been popping up all over town – along the freeway, at intersections, at the mall, the airport, and inside office buildings.

Aesthetic concerns exist about the size and brightness of digital signage, not to mention the potential to affect public safety. As an advertising tool, digital sign technology is designed to capture a person’s attention. The question is, do the signs and billboards capture attention for a time period significant enough to contribute to accidents?

Cities around the country are answering in the affirmative, restricting digital sign technology, or banning its use entirely. Many face protracted legal battles as a result. Both the American Planning Association and the National League of Cities have publicly accused the billboard industry of aggressively suing cities and towns over billboard regulations. But industry advocates argue digital signs and billboards are routinely used to effectively transmit public service announcements, including “Amber Alerts” and en route traffic delays for motorists.

Opponents of the proposed city of Spokane ordinance say the 45-page zoning proposal could cost some local businesses tens of thousands of dollars to replace existing signs. If enacted, the ordinance would outlaw changing-image signs like the one outside the INB Performing Arts Center, as well as changing time and temperature signs all over town. If you’re looking to get in on the discussion, drop by City Hall tonight at 6 p.m.; 808 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. www.spokanecity.org

This Weekend

2/22 • OMG, Oscar weekend is upon us, and Metro will be attending the Spokane AIDS Network Oscar gala at Northern Quest Casino AND raising a glass (or several) at Heather Hanley’s private Oscar bash at her so-swank pad above Concept :: Home. We’re also planning to drop in on the Earth & People Sustainability Forum at the Community Building, 35 W. Main, from 1-4 p.m. on Sunday. This brainstorming event brings together regional leaders, the heads of several prominent national organizations, and every-day so-and-sos like us to envision and articulate economic and cultural recovery projects that could benefit communities in our region and across the country. Help sketch out the potential for innovative programs worthy of government and private funding—infrastructure, education, energy, transportation, affordable housing, agriculture, health & food security, green jobs, vocational retraining and the arts, among others. Also, at some point this weekend we’re going to stop and smell the flowers at Manito Park’s Gaiser Conservatory, where city gardeners have been busy and are now featuring colorful and fragrant displays of spring plants, bulbs and flowers – just what we need to chase away the winter blues.

Where We’ll Be Tonight

2/20 • Join Metro tonight for a little hipster slouching in the backroom at Aqua Asian Bistro (formerly Blue Fish), where Soul Symmetry’s Eric Thorne and Marc Munro will be hosting yet another evening of groovy music for Spokane’s spandex and glitter-clad hordes, plus drink specials and yummy, raw morsels of Japanese origin (you may remember Eric and Marc from Metro’s totally mobbed December event at Rain – good times). Aqua Asian Bistro, 830 W. Sprague.

Inner Pollution

If you are pregnant and interested in protecting children from toxic chemicals, you may be eligible to participate in a new study of the effects of environmental contaminants on the unborn. This statewide study sponsored by the Washington Toxics Coalition will examine pregnant women for the presence in their bodies of toxic chemicals found in consumer products, including electronics, cosmetics and furniture. Chemicals end up in our bodies when we inhale them, ingest them through contaminated food, dust or water, or absorb them through our skin. Some of these chemicals can build up in our bodies, and a woman who is pregnant may pass them on to her developing fetus through the placenta.

The Washington Toxics Coalition will choose only one lucky lady from Spokane to participate. Will it be you? If you are 18 years or older, are pregnant with your first child, are between 12 and 28 weeks gestation and have no known thyroid disorders, contact WTC at 206.877.2441 or email jlcather@hotmail.com

Bubblicious

2/21 • Metro* is pleased to announce that Publisher Collin Klamper has been chosen to witness what may be the blowing of the world’s largest bubble this weekend at The Lincoln Center in downtown Spokane. Jarom Watts, aka “The Bubbillusionist” will attempt to break two Guinness World Records, including blowing a bubble the size of an elephant. Klamper’s qualifications for witnessing this record-breaking attempt include “being a citizen of standing whose integrity is without question.” Right. 3 p.m. Free general admission; Special reserved seating available if you register online. The Lincoln Center, 1316 N. Lincoln St., one block north of the Arena; 509.327.8000.

*All Metro staff members are required to attend (Sorry Eric, but you may need to rethink the pre-show Blondie party planned for Saturday afternoon).

Hidden Propaganda

?-6/30 • What appears to be a compelling exhibit of political propaganda art from around the world is presumably on display somewhere in Coeur d’Alene, now through the end of June. Presented by the Human Rights Education Institute, the show seeks an answer to the question “Who’s in control, and who benefits?” according to the HREI Web site. Weighty stuff, but the details of where and when are a bit vague. Human Rights Education Institute; 414.5 Mullan Ave., Coeur d’Alene; 208.292.2359.

Where We’ll Be Tonight

P.J. & Co. model Danielle

2/17 • Join us tonight at David’s Pizza in the U-District for a little elbow-rubbing with models from P.J. & Co., a local modeling and talent agency. Owner P.J. Trzeciak will screen a new documentary-style video of the agency’s models at work during last year’s Christmas Tree Elegance fashion show at the Davenport. Grab a slice, swill a brew and enjoy the view. 5 p.m. Free. 829 E. Boone; 509.483.7460.

Free Parking Downtown

courtesy of the genius that is Greg Green

2/16 • Parking meters don’t have to be plugged today, thanks to the Presidents’ Day holiday. City of Spokane offices, however, are open as usual. So are Riverfront Park attractions, including the Ice Palace, Imax Theater, and Spokane Falls Skyride. Check www.spokaneriverfrontpark.com for hours of operation. The Carousel is closed for annual maintenance through Feb. 27.

What Goes Around Comes Around

2/14-15 • You’ve heard of vinyl records, but have you ever actually seen one? If you were born after 1987, chances are the answer is “no.” This weekend, the 2009 KPBX Recordings and Video Sale offers the perfect opportunity to enlighten your digital self as to the wonders of antiquated recording media, with loads of donated cassette tapes, VHS (dare we hope for Beta?), computer software, and yes, even vinyl. For the diehard audiophile, there may even be some vintage recording equipment on hand. Spokane Public Radio’s own Patrick Klausen will be spinning the inventory during the event, which means you can purchase recordings straight off his turntable. There will be two listening centers for patrons to preview recordings, and live music from 1-3 p.m. both days, with originals and covers from The Occasional String Band on Saturday, and Dead Man’s Pants on Sunday. There’s a raffle for some great prizes as well as refreshments from Craven’s Coffee Company and Rocket Bakery. Leave your iPod at home and get there early for the best deals: Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Spokane Masonic Center, 1107 W. Main.

Do This: 4th Annual Sommys

2/13 • If you do nothing else this evening, make your way down to The Blvd for the Fourth Annual Sommy Awards, Spokane’s only annual music awards show spotlighting local artists. This year, the public chose the winners through an online ballot at Spokane’s independent music site, TheSomShow.com. Founded by host and award-winning music journalist Isamu Jordan, the Sommys are a point of pride for local artists. Since its inception, the event has become a rare opportunity for the music community—fans, friends and performers—to gather under one roof to celebrate Spokane’s finest talent. In addition to the awards, there will be surprise musical guests. 6 p.m. It’s free, and there’s a red carpet (sponsored by Spokane Metro), so leave the fleece and white sneakers at home. The Blvd, 333 W. Spokane Falls Blvd.

Tonight: VIOLENCE!

"The Execution of Breaking on the Rack," 1793, by William Blake

2/12 • Free public reception for the Jundt Art Galleries’ new exhibit of prints, drawings, ceramics, and sculptures created in response to societal violence. War, terrorism, torture, execution, slavery, religious persecution, racial bigotry, censorship, and isolation are all fair game for such noteworthy artists as Jiří Anderle, Leonard Baskin, William Blake, Sue Coe, Francisco Goya, Winslow Homer, Corita Kent, Käthe Kollwitz, Oldřich Kulhánek, Jacob Lawrence, Richard Serra and Rubén Trejo. Reception will be followed by a free public lecture titled “Searching for Perceptual Purity in a Field of Violence,” by Tony Osborne, Gonzaga associate professor of communication arts. Exhibit continues through 4/4. 6 p.m. reception, 7:30 p.m. lecture. Free. The Jundt Art Galleries, Gonzaga University, 502 E. Boone; 509.313.6613.

Science+Beer=Genius

2/11 • Thirsty for knowledge? Stop by the Steam Plant Grill tonight for Spokane Science Café, a monthly open forum with area scientists and researchers in a casual, brewpub setting. Tonight’s discussion on physical activity and health features EWU Professor of Exercise Science Dr. Wendy Repovich with a lecture titled “Are You Really as Fat as Someone Has Said You Are?” Grab a beer, ask questions and wrap your head around some new ideas. Held the second Wednesday of every month. Sponsored in part by Spokane Metro. 6 p.m. Free. Steam Plant Grill, 159 S. Lincoln; 208.664.2739.

Rabble-Rousing and Red Gold

2/10 • Join what is sure to be a lively debate at Gonzaga tonight on the environmental impact of the proposed Pebble Mine in southwest Alaska, following a free screening of the film “Red Gold.” If you haven’t seen the one-hour documentary by acclaimed filmmakers Ben Knight and Travis Rummel about the proposed copper and gold mine, it’s well worth the trip to Cataldo Hall. But the  Q&A panel of Pebble Mine stakeholders slated to follow is the real show-stopper. The lineup includes Pebble Partnership CEO John Shively, the point-man for a group formed in 2007 to increase support for developing the huge copper and gold deposit upstream from salmon-rich Bristol Bay, Alaska; Lisa Reimers of Iliamna Development Corp., a for-profit company that sells payroll and catering services to mining-development giant Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd.; Norman Van Vactor of Leader Creek Fisheries, an Alaskan sockeye salmon coop; and Mark Taylor, president of the Washington Council of Trout Unlimited, a fisheries and watershed conservation group. Sponsored by Gonzaga’s Thematic Programming Committee, the event is free and open to the public. 7 p.m. Gonzaga University’s Cataldo Hall, Globe Room. For more information click here.

What We Saw Last Night

Koreshakti, a tribal fusion dance troupe performing for a packed house at Caterina Winery. For those unfamiliar with this group of women, let’s just say they are not your mother’s belly dancers. While a number of their routines incorporate Middle-Eastern gyrations and accompanying props, many of these dancers borrow liberally from hip-hop and other contemporary dance forms. They use veils and balance with candles and swords, but they also pop and lock their upper bodies to a combination of live and sampled music that blends traditional Eastern sounds with metal power chords and Bollywood techno. Even the costumes run a culturally diverse gamut, from spangled skirts and Spanish tassles to spike bracelets and fishnet stockings. You can find a link to a video clip from the event here.

Led by Nicole Richardson and Kendra Searls, Koreshakti is now surfacing as a performing troupe after months of training and preparation for the Caterina event (they debuted last Halloween at the now-defunct Bombay Palace on 3rd Avenue). Richardson says the group is planning a series of summer performances, so watch their Web site for details.

Embrace Your Inner Outsider

2/7 • With the 2009 Visual Arts Tour and the Spokane International Film Festival vying for our collective attention this weekend, squeezing yet another cultural experience into your calendar may be too much to ask. If not, then please stop by the Object Space on East Sprague this evening and check out the current exhibit, “No Object II,” a show featuring works from Spokane and Portland artists described as “too extreme for most Spokane galleries.” We’re not sure what that means, but a flier touting the show dictates “17+ due to art content.” Hmm.

Local blogger Curse Words and Birds notes that No Object II has been “left off the Visual Arts Tour.” A quick query to Spokane Arts Commission president Karen Mobley confirmed the gallery’s absence from the tour, though Mobley was unclear as to why.

Is it too far from the downtown arts district? Well, no, because the Garland District is part of the tour this year. Maybe it’s the 17+ rating. We may never know. But the promoters of No Object II are disgruntled, and wish the city would do more to embrace its non-traditional artists. Instead, they should recognize that in most cities with thriving art scenes, truly ground-breaking art is shunned by the establishment. So take heart, Object Space—as a new gallery operating on the fringe of the city’s mainstream, you must be doing something right. 5 p.m.-midnight. The Object Space, 1818 1/2 E. Sprague.

Tonight: Reel Big Deal

"You, The Living"

2/5-15 • Films from around the globe will flicker on the AMC Theater and Magic Lantern screens tonight through Sunday and Feb. 12-15 with the return of the Spokane International Film Festival. See some of the same films screened at Cannes, New York or even Toronto film festivals right here at home, with many of the filmmakers and actors sharing in discussions following screenings. Don’t miss “Wianbu – Comfort Woman,” an “uncompromising and claustrophobic study of a woman’s brutal ordeal in Japan’s infamous network of WWII military brothels.” Also lined up is “You, The Living,” a Roy Andersson film from Sweden billed as a “tragic comedy or a comic tragedy” about the human existence as shown through a series of vignettes that explore the moments in ordinary life. And check out a new film short by Spokane filmmaker Danielle Barbieri that tells the chilling story of how one man’s night is haunted by his past. Dubbed “Ouroboros,” the 11-minute short won the Staff Choice Award at the Nor’Easter Film Festival in Boston late last year. One of only two Spokane filmmakers to be featured in this year’s SpIFF, Barbieri is a graduate of Gonzaga Prep and a recent graduate of Boston University. River Park Square AMC Theaters, 509.624.2615; Magic Lantern Theater, 25 W. Main.

Visual Art Tour-Charley Gurche

2/6 • Don’t forget to drop by the Spokane Club lobby on your 2009 Visual Arts Tour and First Friday Art Walk rounds tonight. If the stunning landscape photography of Charley Gurche isn’t enough incentive, then perhaps the live jazz guitarist and free coffee, cider, cookies and the Club’s famous Orange Rolls will do the trick. 5-7 p.m. Free. The Spokane Club, 1002 W. Riverside; 509.838.8511.

On Tap Tonight

2/5 • Last week we dropped by Bottles, a wine and beer shop in Millwood, to learn more about their bi-weekly beer and wine tastings. Co-owner Jeff Postlewait (of Rocket Bakery fame) says the informal gatherings offer samples of a select wine or beer accompanied by meats, cheeses, crackers, and sometimes chocolate, plus an informal talk with the featured winemaker or brewer. Tonight’s tasting includes reserve offerings from Alaskan Brewing Co. and a chance to visit with a regional brewery rep. 5-7 p.m. Bottles, 3319 N. Argonne Rd., Millwood; 509.443.4027.

Speak Easy, Drink Hard

February 2009 issue on newsstands now!

2/4 • There will be flappers, and drink specials on bootleg liquor from Dry Fly. And copacetic eats, and music by Kaylee Cole (Spokane’s own indie-rock darling who happens to be the cat’s pajamas) and the harmonies of dreamy folk-pop artists Mon Cheri. And it will be FREE. Don’t miss Spokane Metro Magazine’s “Speak Easy, Drink Hard” celebration in honor of our new February issue at the oh-so-swank MarQuee Lounge in downtown Spokane. Metro staff will be on hand, sporting appropriate 20s attire, along with the publishing divas from Sizzle and Northwest Woman, and SpokaneTonight.com hot-nerd Jimmy Keesee. 6-9 p.m. MarQuee Lounge, 522 W. Riverside; 509.838.3332.

What You Missed Last Night

Hot Club of Spokane, playing to an empty ballroom in the basement of the Spokane Masonic Center. For free. Hot Club! Sad. Of course, more people might have been cutting up on the dance floor if the group that hosted the networking event had actually mentioned Hot Club was playing. Instead what we got was an email one day prior that mentioned DJs and music from Think Swing! Too bad, the Masonic Center is a beautiful, historical venue in the heart of downtown, and they had three of its six floors decked out with music, free food from Catered For You and the Glover Mansion (exclusive caterers to no less than The Fox), a chocolate fountain, party decorations, a couple of no-host bars, some DJs and numerous vendors from as far away as B.C.—which is far, considering the event touted itself as being a very local one, hosted by the Masonic Center, the Spokane Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce. Together they form a triumvirate known as PULSE, or People Using Local Services Everyday, according to the email. It was a great idea in a unique space, and it was timed right for a Thursday, between 4 and 7. We hope they do it again—if nothing else, it’s nice to know things like this go on in Spokane.

Magic Flute Tickets GONE

1/29-31 • The first two people to email us will each win a pair of free opera tickets to see Mozart’s “The Magic Flute” Friday night at The Fox. Thank you for playing – and if you didn’t win, please go and see it anyway: Mozart’s “The Magic Flute,” an enchanting, whimsical tale involving a serpent, an evil queen, a bird-catcher, a prince and a magical flute. 7:30 p.m. tonight and Friday. There is also a special matinee performance Saturday at 1 p.m. Tickets range from $17-$47. Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox, 1001 W. Sprague; 509.624.1200.

Trifecta of Awesomeness

1/31 • Cheese, wine and music – everything a body needs to stay happy. Join Spokane Metro this Saturday night for live music by Mon Cheri, Rumi and The Test Dream, wine from Caterina Winery, and cheese from Saunders Cheese Market. 6:30 p.m. Music starts at 8 p.m. FREE wine and cheese with $5 cover at the door. Caterina Winery, 905 N. Washington; 509.328.5069.

Speak Easy, Drink Hard

February 2009 issue on newsstands now!

2/4 • There will be flappers, and drink specials on bootleg liquor from Dry Fly. And copacetic eats, and music by Kaylee Cole, Spokane’s own indie-rock darling who happens to be the cat’s pajamas. Oh, and it will be FREE. Don’t miss Spokane Metro Magazine’s “Speak Easy, Drink Hard” celebration in honor of our new February issue at the oh-so-swank MarQuee Lounge in downtown Spokane. Metro staff will be on hand, sporting appropriate 20s attire from Finder’s Keepers, along with the publishing divas from Sizzle and Northwest Woman, and SpokaneTonight.com hot-nerd Jimmy Keesee. 6-9 p.m. MarQuee Lounge, 522 W. Riverside; 509.838.3332.