Inlander 08/15/2024

WATCH ARTISTS

WATCH

EDITOR’S NOTE

Think back to the exact moment you discovered your favorite musician or band. The first chord, the first lyric, the first chorus. A singular moment whose thrilling feeling of discovery can never be replicated. You devour albums on repeat, watch music videos, read liner notes, do a deep-dive on Wikipedia. Now they’re your favorite band and you’re an expert about each member and their complete discography, sporting well-worn T-shirts and a camera reel filled with concert photos.

While we can never relive those initial joyous moments of connection with our favorites, who can say when the next breakout musician or group will find your ears next? Maybe one of them is among the talented Inland Northwest musicians featured this week in our ARTISTS TO WATCH local music issue. From Southern California-inspired rap to heavy metal and more, there’s a wide range of genres represented. One might pique your sonic interests like never before, sending you on a euphoric journey once more.

— CHEY SCOTT, Editor

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WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE LOCAL BAND?

RAZIEL SCHMIDT

Hayes Noble, Psychic Death and Putty Knife.

How often do you go to concerts? Probably once a week at least.

Who are some of the best touring bands you’ve seen play in Spokane? Probably Modest Mouse.

GARRETT BEKEMEYER

Violent Abuse, Iron Chain, Putty Knife and Wallower. Let’s keep it at that, I could list a lot.

How often do you go to concerts?

At least once a week. This weekend is just show after show. The Spokane scene is good right now.

TYLER CARLSON

That’s a good question. There was one I liked to see a few years ago [but can’t remember].

How often do you go to concerts? I just went to one last weekend, the Ween concert at the Pavilion. That was pretty fun. I go about once a month or so.

RECOGNIZE THOSE WHO PROTECT US

We’re sending out 15 No-Li gift cards to active Firefighters and Wildland Firefighters for a growler of beer on us

SAMMY RICH

I love Itchy Kitty. Their energy when they’re playing live is just phenomenal. They are just so fun and so abrasive in a super passionate way. It’s one of the best shows that I’ve seen, and I’ve seen a lot.

CONNOR SMITH

My favorite local band is Snacks at Midnight. I haven’t actually seen them in Spokane, but I saw them up at Sandpoint over a ski weekend, and I saw them twice in that weekend, and they were fantastic both times.

INTERVIEWS BY FOPE SERIKI 08/09/24, ENTROPY

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A Legacy on the Ballot

Two of Gov. Jay Inslee’s signature laws could be overturned in November — with good reason

BY BILL BRYANT

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his morning, I woke up with fire smoke gripping my lungs, something that has become a normal part of August. Earlier this week, a buddy and I canceled a fishing trip because the river’s too warm. That’s not normal yet, but every year it’s becoming more of a concern. I just read about a coastal town that’s being threatened by the rising ocean.

And unless we act, we haven’t even begun to experience how the new climate will change our lives.

That’s why Washington state’s squandering of the last 12 years is so tragic.

Twelve years ago, Gov. Jay Inslee aspired to transform Washington into a model for how states could address climate change. Given Washington’s wealth, high education level and environmental ethic, he might have succeeded. Instead, after his 12 years in office, voters have demanded to decide, on the November ballot, whether to keep or kill Inslee’s cap-and-invest carbon tax (I2117) and phase-out of natural gas (I-2066).

Regardless of whether these initiatives pass or fail, the fact that hundreds of thousands of voters demanded they be given the opportunity to reject Inslee’s programs (and that supporters feel they must spend millions of dollars defending them) reveals how Inslee has failed to build the climate consensus we need.

Building that consensus would have required helping people understand why climate action is necessary, would have involved considering alternative approaches and would have required being honest about how much the cost of certain fossil fuels will rise.

Instead, Inslee misled people about fuel and electrical costs and sledgehammered a carbon tax and a natural gas phase-out into law. In November, it might come undone.

Wildfires like the Upper Cemetery Fire (being fought here in late July) are just one impact of climate change that will only get worse if Washington doesn’t create consensus around solutions. YOUNG KWAK PHOTO

The cap-and-invest carbon tax was ramrodded past Republican and some Democratic opposition. Some opposed the measure because the money the program collects is not spent based on climate scientists’ recommendations, but instead by the governor’s Office of Equity — based on recommendations from vulnerable populations, labor unions and sovereign tribes. Since 40% of the funded projects don’t need to be tied to reducing carbon emissions, I’m politically cynical enough to question whether the cap-and-invest program is a way to funnel money to groups supporting the governor and his party.

Others opposed cap-and-invest because it raises gas prices. Republicans offered a carbon tax that wouldn’t do that, but the governor brushed it aside telling people his proposal would not raise the price of gas, even though his own advisers told legislators that it would.

When it came time to vote on cap-and-invest, all Republicans and a few Democrats voted no, but Inslee had just enough votes. His phase-out of natural gas passed with even less support.

According to KIRO, even progressive environmental groups warned him many people can’t afford to convert their homes from natural gas to electricity, and if they did, phasing out natural gas could end up increasing electricity’s cost.

But he dismissed dissenting voices. So when the Legislature took it up, the votes he needed weren’t there. To keep the bill from failing, the Democratic speaker of the House extended voting until she could hold enough noses and twist enough arms. At 2 am, the governor’s natural gas bill passed — barely.

Had the governor listened to people across the state, he probably would have gotten less than he wanted, but could have built an enduring, broader base of support — and a legacy.

Instead, many who are struggling to pay higher housing, food and energy bills don’t see why they should pay for programs that won’t have any effect on the planet’s temperature.

In a July Seattle Times poll, more Republicans, Independents and Democrats opposed Inslee’s measures than supported them.

Of course, the governor hasn’t yet waged a campaign to save them. He did recently announce a one-time $200 utility credit for low-income families struggling with higher energy bills. A law he signed earlier this year requires that those credits arrive before ballots. At a recent press conference defending his initiatives, Inslee was asked if this was a bribe; he didn’t answer.

And those supporting Inslee have amassed millions of dollars that I bet will be spent scaring people about how passing these initiatives will impoverish schools, kids, the elderly, our forests and the health of every Washingtonian.

What’s worse, it was revealed late last week that these progressive groups have for months been maneuvering to force the state to recertify initiative signatures, in an effort to remove the initiatives from the ballot. Fortunately, the Washington Supreme Court shut that down.

But resorting to doling out money, scaring people and trying to deny people the right to vote admits that over the last 12 years the governor failed to convince them we need an aggressive climate strategy.

Imagine if we’d spent the last decade incorporating into a climate strategy the concerns of rural citizens and the aspirations of urban residents; if we’d focused on developing carbon pricing programs that didn’t unfairly burden those already up at night anguishing over which bills to pay. Imagine: Washington could have become the model for how states reduce carbon emissions.

But all that would have taken humility, patience, work and imagination. In short, leadership.

Whether these initiatives pass or fail, we will only sustainably address climate change if the next governor levels with us about what that involves, and — from the Palouse to the Olympic Peninsula — forges a carbon reduction consensus among the people. And that needs to happen soon. n

Bill Bryant, who served on the Seattle Port Commission from 2008-16, ran against Jay Inslee as the Republican nominee in the 2016 governor’s race. He lives in Winthrop, Washington.

Cited For Standing

“Pedestrian interference” tickets spiked during Expo celebrations; meanwhile, Spokane Police are now enforcing the Proposition 1 camping ban

BY NATE SANFORD

On a chilly Saturday morning in late March, Joseph Sampson, 47, was standing with a group of friends across the street from City Gate, a downtown food bank and church for unhoused people on Madison Street. Volunteers had just distributed an Easter meal, and Sampson, who was homeless at the time, was eating from a to-go box while standing on the sidewalk.

A police officer driving by noticed the large group. Over his loudspeaker, he said they were blocking the sidewalk and had to leave immediately or risk being cited for “pedestrian interference.”

People started to leave. The officer got out of his car and approached those who remained. The sidewalk was partially obstructed by bikes, an office chair, a cart full of belongings and a man lying down under a blanket. Sampson and three others were still standing and eating food.

“I’ve given multiple warnings, and we still have people who are hanging out over here, probably doing drugs,” the officer said, as captured by body camera footage the Inlander reviewed. “Let’s pick it up. Let’s go, come on.”

Spokane’s pedestrian interference law makes it a misdemeanor to “intentionally walk, stand, sit, lie or place an object” in a manner that obstructs pedestrian traffic. The ordinance doesn’t always get as much attention as

Spokane’s other homeless-related laws, but it’s a key pillar in how the city enforces where people can and can’t be. Citations have spiked in recent months — and Sampson and others in the homeless community say they’ve noticed the uptick.

On Madison Street, people slowly gathered their belongings. Sampson, sporting a bushy black beard and baseball cap, kept eating. The officer’s comment about people doing drugs had bothered him.

“Sorry, I’m just enjoying my drugs over here,” Sampson said sarcastically, pointing at his food.

The officer said he was trying to be nice but would have to cite Sampson if he continued to refuse to leave.

“I’m enjoying my breakfast,” Sampson said, not moving and continuing to eat.

The officer asked Sampson if he wanted to go to jail, because not following his previous warnings to move along meant he was obstructing. Sampson demurred. “What is it that I’m obstructing?” he said. “I’m just curious.”

The officer sighed and started putting on medical gloves. “I don’t know why it has to be so difficult,” he said.

“I don’t know why either,” Sampson replied.

Sampson closed his food container and set it down, and the officer moved in and placed him under arrest.

STANDING ON SIDEWALKS

Pedestrian interference is similar to the city’s “sit-lie” law, which prohibits sitting or lying down on downtown sidewalks during certain hours. But pedestrian interference is more flexible — with fewer legal constraints.

Police data recently obtained by the Inlander shows that, while sit-lie citations have declined compared to last year, pedestrian interference citations have soared.

The vast majority of this year’s pedestrian interference citations (so far) were issued over the past three months. In May, June and July, police issued 313 pedestrian interference citations — almost as many as they issued in all of 2023. In comparison, police issued just 15 sit-lie citations in the same time period this year.

The sudden spike appears to be tied to increased downtown police activity for the Expo ’74 50th anniversary celebrations, as well as legal uncertainty over other antihomeless laws like Proposition 1, the initiative that nearly 75% of voters passed in November to massively expand the city’s unauthorized camping law.

“Pedestrian interference kind of took over during that time when we were waiting for Prop. 1 to be cleared up for the courts,” says Julie Humphreys, a spokesperson for Spokane Police Department.

Some homeless advocates say they’re concerned with how pedestrian interference is used. The law is overly broad, they say, and can be unfairly used to target people experiencing homelessness.

Humphreys disagrees. The law’s lack of restrictions gives officers more flexibility, she says, and it can be a valuable tool to keep sidewalks safe for pedestrians.

“We have a lot of people that are blocking areas, they might not be camping, but they might have a shopping cart

The number of pedestrian interference citations issued by Spokane Police Department has increased significantly in recent months. ERICK DOXEY PHOTO

“CITED FOR STANDING,” CONTINUED...

full of all kinds of their belongings,” Humphreys says. “We do get regular complaints that people can’t pass by.”

A misdemeanor is punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. But unless people have active warrants or are engaging in other criminal activity, Humphreys says pedestrian interference citations result in a referral to community court, where people can ideally be connected with support services to avoid fines or jail time.

Spokane City Council member Paul Dillon, who chairs the city’s public safety committee, says some pedestrian interference citations are warranted. But he’s concerned there seems to be a “degree of subjectivity” in how the law is enforced. He’s also worried it has “supplanted” sit-lie law in recent months.

“I need to dig in further,” he says. “I’m concerned with some of the stories I’ve heard.”

“A CONVENIENT WORKAROUND”

In the body camera video, the officer who arrested Sampson said pedestrian interference is “essentially the same thing” as sit-lie, just with “a little bit different stipulations.”

Spokane’s sit-lie law applies only to sitting and lying down on sidewalks, but pedestrian interference also covers walking, standing or placing an object in an obstructive manner. It also prohibits aggressive panhandling and interfering with vehicle traffic.

Sit-lie applies only to downtown sidewalks, and can only be enforced between 6 am and midnight when the city has avail-

able shelter space. The pedestrian interference law, however, applies citywide, can be enforced 24/7 and has no shelter space restriction.

“It is easier for officers to enforce,” Humphreys says. “We can take action on pedestrian interference without having to look for required shelter space.”

Jazmyn Clark, a policy program director with the ACLU of Washington, spent more than six years as a public defender in Spokane and says she frequently encountered pedestrian interference cases. She says the law’s vagueness can lead to “selective enforcement.” The law technically applies to everyone, but it’s overwhelmingly used against homeless people, she says.

“It’s a real issue, particularly when it is enforced in lieu of anti-camping or sit-lie,” Clark says. “Because it doesn’t have the same time and place parameters as sit-and-lie, it can be used more broadly… I think that it can be a very convenient workaround for law enforcement.”

Humphreys doesn’t like the term “selective enforcement.”

“Officers always have latitude in enforcing anything, that’s the same with a traffic infraction,” Humphreys says. “Officers have the leeway to issue a warning or to give someone the citation… There’s a lot of education that goes into this. I don’t think that equates to selective enforcement.”

Last week, the ACLU of Washington filed a major lawsuit against Spokane, alleging that three of the city’s anti-homeless laws violate the state constitution’s protections of

due process and from cruel punishment.

The lawsuit takes issue with the city’s sit-lie law; its “unauthorized camping” law, which makes it a misdemeanor to camp in certain places; and another rule that gives the city authority to remove people’s belongings while clearing camps.

The laws “criminalize the very existence” of Spokane’s unhoused residents, the ACLU lawyers wrote.

Other than one brief footnote, however, pedestrian interference isn’t mentioned in the lawsuit. Clark says the ACLU is aware of the law and has concerns about how it is used. When asked why it wasn’t included in the lawsuit, she says it was simply a matter of capacity.

“Spokane has a lot of problematic laws,” Clark says. “We cannot tackle all of Spokane’s problematic ordinances in one go.”

EXPO ’74

Enforcement of pedestrian interference appears to come in bursts.

The last time citations spiked was in September 2023. As pressure over downtown safety issues loomed, then-Mayor Nadine Woodward held a news conference near the troubled intersection of Second Avenue and Division Street and announced that she was “resetting expectations” and increasing overtime police patrols in the area, which has long struggled with drugs and crime.

Earlier that year, police had averaged about 15 pedestrian interference citations per month. But as officers moved in on Second and Division, the numbers increased sixfold

City of Spokane statistics show the increasing use of pedestrian interference citations since 2023.

— to 89 in September and 85 in October. Humphreys says the spike was a direct result of the emphasis on the area.

The overtime patrols eased in November (the same month as the mayoral election), and the number of pedestrian interference citations dropped. Lisa Brown was sworn in as mayor in January, and throughout the first few months of 2024, the number of monthly pedestrian interference citations remained low.

In spring, the numbers started to climb again. On March 29, one day before Sampson’s arrest, Brown told the Inlander that the city was stepping up law enforcement activity downtown and adding bike patrols ahead of the nine-week Expo anniversary celebrations set to begin on May 4.

Citations skyrocketed as spring turned to summer, surpassing the totals from the prior crackdown on Second and Division: There were 107 in May, 98 in June and 108 in July.

“That is in good part because we had more officers in the downtown area,” Humphreys says. “We increased our staffing, we moved officers from other units to the downtown area for the Expo celebration.”

LEGAL LIMBO

The extra officers stationed downtown for Expo were pulled back in July. But it wasn’t just Expo that caused the spike. Humphreys says legal uncertainty from a pending U.S. Supreme Court decision also played a role.

In late spring and early summer, the city was waiting for the Supreme Court to rule in Grants Pass v. Johnson, an appeal of a 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals decision that upheld precedent preventing cities from enforcing camping bans without sufficient shelter space, on the basis that it is unconstitutionally cruel and unusual punishment. The shelter bed requirement has limited Spokane’s ability to enforce sit-lie and unlawful camping laws.

The looming legal questions also cast uncertainty on Proposition 1, the November ballot initiative that expanded the city’s camping ban to cover about 60% of the land within city limits. At the start of this year, the city’s legal department advised police to hold off on enforcing it until they could get clarity from the Supreme Court

Police instead leaned on the pedestrian interference law. It was a “tool we could use at that time,” Humphreys says.

At the end of June, the Supreme Court ruled 6-3 to reverse the Grants Pass precedent — giving cities across the country broad flexibility to crack down on camping. Pedestrian interference citations remained high in July, in part, Humphreys says, because it took about a month to get the code into the system and to implement mapping technology needed to enforce Prop. 1.

As of last week, Humphreys says, police are now ready and starting to enforce Prop. 1. In response to the Supreme Court’s decision, City Council member Jonathan Bingle has proposed extending the sit-lie law to the whole city and removing the shelter space requirement.

Clark, with the ACLU, doesn’t think the Supreme Court ruling will impact her organization’s lawsuit against Spokane. The ACLU has been building the case for more than a year, and its main legal argument is based on the state constitution, not the federal one.

After being cited with pedestrian interference on March 30, Sampson was given a referral to community court. He tells the Inlander that he asked for the charge to be transferred to municipal court because he wanted to argue his case. He says the prosecutor’s office ended up dismissing the charge.

Sampson says he’s planning to file a complaint with the Police Ombudsman’s Office. He feels that he was unfairly singled out because he spoke up about the comment the officer made about people doing drugs.

On April 17, Sampson signed a lease for an apartment. He’d been trying to find housing for a while, and he’s glad the arrest didn’t end up jeopardizing that.

Sampson remains housed. He plans to return to Spokane Community College this fall to study to become a paralegal. n

Curbing Cellphones

Spokane Public Schools board looks to limit devices. Plus, Spokane drops parking requirements for new development; and People’s Park could get an outdoor classroom.

BY INLANDER STAFF

When school starts back up in September, Spokane Public Schools students will be faced with stricter cellphone policies than they’ve seen before. On Wednesday, the SPS Board of Directors reviewed an updated policy that will prohibit cellphone usage during class time at all schools. The board is expected to make the plan official on Aug. 28. The policy also applies to smartwatches, non-medical listening devices such as headsets and earbuds, and any other technology that may cause distractions during class. At elementary and middle schools, the no-devices policy will be enforced throughout the entire school day, while high school students will be permitted to use their devices during lunch and between classes. “This whole past year we’ve been gathering community input,” board President Nikki Otero Lockwood said during a news conference on Tuesday. “We feel like we’re ready now to make this change.” SPS Superintendent Adam Swinyard said there’s near-unanimous support in the district for the new policy, which aims to increase in-person social connection, minimize classroom distractions and enhance well-being. (COLTON RASANEN)

PEOPLE OVER CARS

On Monday, Spokane became the first major city in Washington to abolish minimum parking requirements for all kinds of new developments citywide. Developers can still build parking if they want to, of course. But they’ll no longer be required to. The move is a major victory for urbanists who have long argued that parking mandates make it prohibitively expensive to build new housing and worsen the overall quality of cities by emphasizing cars over people. The Spokane City Council voted 4-1 (with City Council member Michael Cathcart opposed, and Council President Betsy Wilkerson and City Council member Jonathan Bingle absent) to adopt the changes on Aug. 12. Parking mandates “increase the urban heat island effect and make our city objectively uglier,” Erik Lowe, leader of the Spokane Reimagined pedestrian advocacy group, said while testifying in favor of the change that night. According to the Parking Reform Network, an advocacy group that tracks parking policy across the country, Spokane is now the 12th-largest American city to abolish minimum parking requirements citywide. “This is an example of the council repealing government regulation, which is an exciting opportunity,” City Council member Zack Zappone said. (NATE SANFORD)

OUTDOOR LEARNING

Last week, Spokane’s city Park Board passed a resolution to explore the creation of an outdoor learning classroom pilot program at People’s Park. The project’s curriculum would offer students experiential learning and foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of environmental education, natural resource stewardship, and Indigenous culture, according to the resolution. If the program moves forward, the city would partner with the Spokane Tribe of Indians, the nonprofit kʷu cnxiʔ (We Join In) and Spokane Public Schools. The Spokane Tribe of Indians recognizes People’s Park as a culturally significant site. “Having our youth immersed in place-based education near the Spokane River will help heal our hearts and connect with our ancestors,” Spokane Tribal Council member Tiger Peone said in a Park Board news release about the program. The partners will begin creating a framework for the project detailing the goals, partner responsibilities and seeking community feedback on early conceptual designs for the program. (VICTOR CORRAL MARTINEZ) n

Child Care Mental Health

A pilot program in Spokane is addressing the mental wellness of students and teachers in child care centers

BY VICTOR CORRAL MARTINEZ

Staff at child care centers face many challenges, including occupational burnout, lack of mental health support, funding concerns and lack of professional development to address students with behavioral issues. The COVID-19 pandemic amplified these challenges, yet child care centers still faced the same issues as life returned to a new normal.

The challenges didn’t go unnoticed by Kerra Bower, who owns and operates the Little Scholars Development Center at the edge of the Emerson/ Garfield and West Central neighborhoods in Spokane, just off Northwest Boulevard and Monroe Street.

Bower began her child care career in 2013 as an in-home day care provider, hosting children and staff in her own home, which helped her understand the complexity of the needs of children from the South Hill to North Spokane.

“I realized that we really needed to adjust our expectations for our students that come from what we perceived as various points of trauma, and [make] sure that we are providing that socialemotional support,” Bower says.

Five years after opening the in-home program, Bower opened the Little Scholars

Development Center.

Prior to the pandemic, she began to notice mental health issues among her teachers. She quickly saw a significant turnover rate among her teachers and within the community, which worsened during the pandemic.

The turnover and burnout alarmed Bower because the rate was on a level she had never experienced before. She felt the community of Spokane didn’t properly support child care and education workers, so she quickly began to look for resources.

“I started looking within the community to see what I could find for my teachers’ mental health, and I found nothing,” Bower says. “Everything was really focused on … the students.”

Bower also realized that many students were exhibiting “extreme” behaviors stemming from challenges during the pandemic, which motivated her to find a way to address mental health challenges for both students and teachers in the classroom.

With funding from Spokane County, Bower has been able to pilot a new mental health program for early learning centers over the last year and a half, and both students and teachers are benefiting.

Kerra Bower has helped pilot a mental health program for early learning centers in Spokane.

PHOTO COURTESY OF KERRA BOWER

MENTAL HEADSTART

In June 2022, Bower started advocacy work with the Spokane Alliance, a nonprofit and nonpartisan alliance of community groups that works for social change. Bower started pushing for mental health support in early learning and child care centers.

There are a multitude of mental and behavioral challenges in the classroom that Bower felt a program could address, from students with undiagnosed ADHD to those who weren’t behaviorally adapted due to limited socialization during pandemic restrictions. A mental health program would also be able to help teachers suffering from PTSD, anxiety or depression.

She invited the Spokane County Board of County Commissioners to visit her center to see the need. Then, on Dec. 6, 2022, the commissioners gave the Little Scholars Development Center and two other child care centers — Parkview Early Learning and A Bright Beginning — $316,500 to start a mental health pilot program. The one-year grant was funded by the 0.1% mental health sales tax that’s levied in the county.

Bower quickly assembled a “skeleton” program, hiring a team of nine that includes licensed mental health clinicians, behavioral health technicians, and nurse practitioners. She then worked with community resource coordinators to develop a robust program.

The team provides mental health services for more than 300 students and 75 early learning child care providers. Bower says they quickly learned they can provide services for less than the amount issued for the one-year pilot, so they’ve been able to keep it going.

Teachers are the front line for observing behavioral issues with students, Bower says, but they are often ignored when addressing mental and social behavioral health solutions. This pilot program is unique in that it is teacher-led, allowing the teachers to develop the classroom dynamics with the support of mental and behavioral clinicians.

Therapists can help determine whether issues (for a student or teacher) stem from personal or professional stressors, or other clinical or behavioral issues, and can observe in the classroom, helping develop plans for teachers to address concerns with a specific student. A classroom management specialist may also be required to determine whether class structure, student engagement or routine needs to be addressed.

“They’ll sit down and talk with the teacher about what their pressures and stressors are with that particular student or with that particular situation,” Bower says. “And then we implement a plan.”

Bower says that what separates the mental health pilot program from other educational programs is the implementation and support of teacher plans, with help from the team of professionals. The teacher will receive support for two weeks to help make the necessary adjustments to the classroom.

Classroom management specialists can demonstrate the ideal classroom environment to the teacher. A behavioral clinician will also help identify the teacher’s classroom triggers and remind them of the resources available to address student behaviors effectively. The guidance can range from engaging a student with a new curriculum plan to adding student activities and visual aids that serve as a reminder of concepts taught in the classroom.

SELF-CARE

The pilot program has also focused on teacher self-care, so they can address stress that’s affecting their work and be effective with their students. During the initial intake with a program therapist, the teacher can have an “on-the-clock” therapy session to address personal or professional issues.

Personal therapy sessions can be adjusted depending on the teacher’s needs. Bower says the program has even provided family therapy sessions for an employee with issues at home.

After conducting sessions with teachers, the mental health staff can advocate on their behalf to address factors affecting their mental well-being. Bower points to a recent situation in which therapists identified stressors concerning teachers’ personal finances. The program conducts payroll monthly, which creates stress for staff who deal with bills throughout the month.

“As a conversation, the team decided that they wanted financial ...continued on page 17

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management support,” Bower says.

With community help, she now provides support with budgeting, banking basics and managing unplanned life events as a benefit for her staff. Looking at the whole person is essential, she says, and everything that happens outside of the classroom can impact the teacher within the classroom, so providing a “village” of support for the teachers is important for Bower.

FINISH LINE

Bower says the long-term effects of mental wellness in the classroom are boundless. Students can build their emotional intelligence and maneuver through social settings in larger classrooms as they grow.

“I think that it’s really important for all of our students, regardless of where they come from, to know that they have it within themselves to regulate those emotions,” Bower says. “And if they’re having any difficulty, then there are safe people around them that are also able to help.”

Bower is preparing to provide a year-end report to the Spokane County commissioners and is excited to detail the uptick in teacher satisfaction. While it takes time to build momentum, Bower says the results so far show the program is helping.

The program observed a 40% reduction in behavioral-related injury and incident reports at one of the child care centers in the first six months, Bower says. Parents with children in the program have also voiced a positive response due to improved behaviors among their children.

The program is also documenting simple improvements, such as being able to focus, walk down a line in a hall and self-recognize frustrations.

Bower says one young student with behavioral problems made it unsafe to be in the child care center, but after about six months, with resources and a focused plan, the child was able to get kindergarten-ready.

With the positive behavioral changes observed in students, there is hope for continued funding by the county and other partnerships within the community. Bower hopes that new partnerships can potentially help develop the program even further.

“We’re really looking for our community as a whole to step up and say this is something that matters and to support and provide funding,” Bower says. “I just think that the teachers that are in these classrooms do just incredible work. And it really is time that our community rallies around them and ensures that they are supported.” n

victorc@inlander.com

The mental health pilot aims to help teachers and students. PHOTO COURTESY KERRA BOWER

Building Stability

Behavioral health grants from the state Department of Commerce will fund new and renovated Inland Northwest facilities

BY COLTON RASANEN

Last week, the state Department of Commerce announced it would be disbursing nearly $13 million in behavioral health grants to the Inland Northwest. This funding, which comes from the state’s capital budget, will allow health providers to build or renovate behavioral health facilities to increase capacity in the region.

This year, grants were distributed to projects that would fulfill regional needs, increase access to those under age 18, or build intensive treatment facilities that could support individuals needing long-term placements.

“These projects are all over the board,” says Leslie Wolff, community programs manager for the Department of Commerce. “We were lucky in getting a lot of projects funded for inpatient programs, and it was really lovely to put money into children and minor behavioral health facilities, too.”

Among the funding in Eastern Washington is a $2 million grant for Stevens County’s Northeast Washington Alliance Counseling Services (NEWACS) to build a 14-bed crisis stabilization facility in Colville.

“Currently, there is no licensed residential treatment facility in any rural county within the Spokane Regional Service Area,” NEWACS Executive Director David Nielsen said in an Aug. 5 news release. (The organization did not return calls or emails seeking comment for this story last week.) “The new facility will benefit the rural counties in northeast Washington by bringing stabilization services into a fully licensed residential treatment facility in the heart of the Colville community.”

Four grants in this round of funding were sent to organizations in Spokane County. This includes: $6 million for MultiCare Foundations to build an inpatient behavioral health unit; $1.75 million for HIP of Spokane County (otherwise known as Community-Minded Enterprises) to introduce an integrated behavioral health substance use disorder project; $445,850 for Liberty Lake Couple and Family Therapy, LLC to build a family therapy clinic; and $2.5 million for Regal Care Residential to construct a new intensive behavioral health treatment facility.

MultiCare will be building a new inpatient unit in Deaconess Hospital, which is expected to house at least 20 new behavioral health beds, says Samantha Clark, assistant vice president of strategy and business development for the MultiCare Behavioral Health Network.

“Deaconess Hospital has one of the highest volumes of behavioral health services, but what we need more of is the combination of health and mental health services,” Clark says. “This grant is really a reflection of what’s needed in our community.”

Many mental health offices don’t have medical doctors available for patients, so many medical needs may fall through the cracks. Clark believes that offering behavioral health care in the same place where folks can get medical care will solve that issue and create a more holistic system.

“When we silo treatment into one or the other (medical care or mental health care), we’re always going to miss something,”

Clark says. “I think health care is making great strides towards whole-person care, but we still have a really long way to go.”

The Department of Commerce has been funding these grants since 2013 as a part of the agency’s Behavioral Health Facilities program. Since the start of the program, Wolff says that $65 million allocated in the Spokane area has funded nine outpatient facilities and created 444 new treatment beds.

These funds have been impactful, but Spokane County Community Services Department Director Justin Johnson says Commerce’s numbers don’t take into account how many beds were lost during the same time period, nor do they account for beds that are unavailable to some in the community.

“They may have increased bed capacity, but there may have been closed beds,” Johnson explains. “A bed is not actually a bed. Each facility that opens has a level of care, so a stabilization bed is only available for those specific services. Also, if a facility is not contracted with a specific insurance company it can’t be used by patients who have that insurance.”

However, Johnson is clear that these behavioral health facilities grants, especially the one funding a crisis stabilization facility in Colville, are going to be integral to the region. Stabilization is an important process that allows patients to get a full range of medical, mental health and substance use treatment, so they can get their lives back on track.

“We’ve been working with the Northeast Washington Alliance of Counseling Services, and this is the level of care that they’re looking for,” Johnson says. “It’s desperately needed in the county since we lost the stabilization unit that was through Frontier Behavioral Health.”

The Frontier stabilization unit that Johnson is referencing was closed in June 2022 due in part to staffing shortages and reduced funding due to a drop in usage by patients. Because of that closure, the Spokane Regional Stabilization Center is currently the only one throughout Spokane, Stevens, Ferry, Lincoln, Adams and Pend Oreille counties.

“One facility serving over 600,000 people seems low to me,” Johnson says.

The closest other options are in Wenatchee and the Tri-Cities, but those are overwhelmed right now, Johnson says.

While these grants are important for the Inland Northwest and Spokane County, they’re just the beginning of a long road ahead for these organizations.

“Any of these capital investments are going to take years to implement,” he says. “All people see is [the Department of Commerce] awarded a grant, but they did not grant any long-term contracts or arrange for each insurance company to pay for people to use [these facilities]. There’s still a lot of work to be done.” n coltonr@inlander.com

The state Department of Commerce will help Deaconess build an inpatient behavioral health unit inside the South Hill hosptial. YOUNG KWAK PHOTO

ARTISTS TO WATCH ARTISTS TO WATCH

STORIES BY

SETH SOMMERFELD

MADISON PEARSON

VICTOR CORRAL MARTINEZ

AZARIA PODPLESKY

PHOTOS BY

ERICK DOXEY AND ALICIA HAUFF

Music scenes are not monoliths.

While a city or region’s musical identity is often talked about in sweeping terms, the reality is that a music scene isn’t some behemoth. Rather, it’s much closer to a collection of wildly different microorganisms symbiotically working together — consciously or unknowingly — to form a greater whole.

That interconnected bond was frayed when COVID-19 put a halt to almost all non-digital musical interactions, and we’re still feeling the aftershocks of that disaster. It’s why the Inlander hasn’t had a proper Artists to Watch issue since 2019, so we were admittedly overdue for a proper dive into the rising musical acts locals should keep their eyes — and ears — on.

To get a breadth of the scene, we informally polled an array of scene regulars which acts they’re excited about in order to fill this feature with a spectrum of sound. While there are loads of excellent scene staples around town, we also wanted to focus these five profiles on up-and-coming new acts who’ve entered the Inland Northwest musical landscape within the past five years. The hope is that readers dive in and check out not only artists in their genre/taste wheelhouse, but also those from micro scenes they might not even realize are popping around the Lilac City.

There are so many worthwhile acts around town that we weren’t able to cover this go ‘round, so we’ll make sure to not take a five-year break before the next edition of Artists to Watch.

Till then, see you at the show(s)…

— SETH SOMMERFELD Inlander Music Editor

ROOM

NEXT SHOW

VOLUME MUSIC FESTIVAL

SEPT. 13 & 14

IG: @room13nwhc room13nwhc.bandcamp.com

One hasn’t fully experienced the breadth of the Spokane music scene until you’ve been sardined inside a certain Nevada Heights garage with dozens of sweaty slam-dancing teens ready to go ape shit for some hardcore music.

The venue in question is the delightfully DIY space known as Whipstaff Manor.

And it’s where Room 13 calls home.

In short order, Room 13 has become a mainstay of Spokane’s thriving hardcore scene. The band plays an unrelenting, but not unwelcoming, brand of metallic hardcore music, built around big, heavy, chunky guitar riffs and the shredding screams of singer Steven Erminpour. Since starting up in 2021, the group has put out three EPs, including 2024’s Up to No Good, each more refined than the last without abandoning a bit of the necessary edge to get kids flocking to the pit.

And between tearing it up at shows there or using it as a practice space, Whipstaff has become a second home to Room 13… because it’s actually Erminpour’s first home. When one of Eminpour’s friend’s band from Portland couldn’t find a place to play a show, he and his wife Casper (who now runs the venue) opened up their garage, and hence Whipstaff was born.

Before all this, Erminpour had to get to Spokane in the first place. After spending years in Southern California’s Los Angeles/Anaheim area, he was in desperate need of a change of scenery.

“Living in California sucks,” Eminpour says. “It’s too hot, crowded and expensive. I used to tour playing bass with a band in California, and I was kind of scoping out places to live because I didn’t want to stay there. And Spokane was always one of our favorite places to play. I made a bunch of friends here and loved the scene and I felt like we could come into the scene and do some shit and help out more than in LA where it was so oversaturated.”

When Erminpour finally did move to the Lilac City in 2020, he soon linked up with guitarist Dallas Ramos. Both guys really wanted to start a hardcore band, and after their first group (Black Lodge) fell through, they decided to stick together. Thus Room 13 was born. The group played its first show at the Big Dipper in September 2021 and after “a f–kton of lineup changes” — the current roster also includes guitarist Tyson Jarvey, Kace Larson on bass, and Aaron Hollingsworth manning the drums — the band eventually found its groove.

Part of Room 13’s appeal lies in the band’s multifaceted nature. Sure, they’re going to create a wall of vicious noise, but there’s also a certain mirth to the band. Take “MTV2” where Erminpour screams about hollow nostalgia for blissful ignorance, which eventually leads to him bellowing “I want my… I want my MTV!” If you can’t have a bit of a laugh at lyrical touches like that, then maybe Room 13 isn’t for you.

“To me lyrically, it’s kind of important to have fun. Because hardcore, stereotypically, is like tough-guy hood shit,” Erminpour says. “And all that shit’s really cool, but I feel like us guys in the band are kind of the epitome of this shirt Twitching Tongues put out that says, ‘SOFT AS F— STILL HARDER THAN YOU.’ It’s tongue-in-cheek — hard and tough, but still kind of self-aware and not trying to be something we’re not. We’re working-class dudes that write hard riffs and try to be clever about it. [Laughs]”

For now Room 13 is content just having a blast playing live, working on refining home-recording techniques at Whipstaff, saving up to hopefully buy a van that could facilitate touring more in the summer of 2025, and helping the hardcore scene thrive.

As anyone who has popped into shows at the Dipper or Whipstaff can attest, the local hardcore scene might be the healthiest music community in town. And as someone who’s toured around, Erminpour has a theory as to why the city is ideal for a band like Room 13.

“I think it’s a little bit of a combination of like how stereotypically grungy the Northwest is, but then we’re kind of removed on the east side of the state, so things here are a little bit more down-to-earth and blue-collar-type shit, which appeals to a lot of hardcore kids,” he says.

“Because we’re a mid-sized city, we have a f–-kton of kids that are into hardcore, but not as many shows that come through for the demand. So most of the time if there is like a really sick straight up hardcore band coming up, basically everyone the hardcore scene that can make it that night is there.” — SETH

From left: Kace Larson, Steven Erminpour and Dallas Ramos

ALICIA HAUFF PHOTO

ARTISTS TO WATCH

There’s nothing most Idahoans will remind you of more than their disdain for Californians.

Add being Latino in a predominantly white area (an existence I’m equally reminded of as a former Boundary County resident), and those feelings can be even more demoralizing. Finding your voice in an area that’s generally unaccepting of your identity is hard, but Post Falls rapper YP uses both backgrounds in his life to feature his voice.

In one moment, his voice boasts a bold and epic bassheavy tone that makes you feel his swagger, but seconds later, he switches up to an almost nasally higher pitch, mirroring the dichotomy of his existence in North Idaho.

Born on California’s Central Coast, Eddie Andrade relocated to Kootenai County with his family at age 8. Growing up in Rathdrum as a Latino, Andrade stood out and described his upbringing as being "a speck of pepper in a pool of salt." But from an early age, hip-hop made him feel like he belonged.

Rappers like Lil Wayne and Travis Scott inspired Andrade to create his own lane and filter his personal challenges through his lyric-writing pen. At age 15, he took up the rap name YP, short for “young prospect,” a moniker given by a fellow artist which stuck with him.

YP wants listeners to instantly identify his unique rap sound.

“A lot of artists are the same in the music industry, but my biggest thing is to be different from everybody else,” he says. “I feel people like those artists — you hear their voice, and you just know who they are right off the top. I feel like I have that.”

Channeling frustration, pain and acceptance, YP shows the consciousness of his life decisions and learning to let go in his latest song, “Take Care.” The eerie melodies and a trap-style rhythm perfectly lift the two vocal styles featured, as if an angel and devil are on listeners’ shoulders, guiding their perspective.

Lyrics like, “You can go to hell with all your wishes and your blessings” hits with the fatigue of finality. It’s the type of line you don’t write unless you’re authentically going through intense issues.

Not all of YP’s music showcases his hurt. His duality is much more complex than that. Songs such as “LaLaLa” introduce a fun and playful artist who’s willing to talk about the good times and “higher” moments of his life.

YP isn’t on this hip-hop journey alone. As a member of the local music collective Skeemn Entertainment, he’s part of a crew of independent artists and producers who uplift each other to their fullest potential. Led by local musician and producer Bendi, the collective is ready to make a big impact on the local scene. Skeemn will drop its first album, Skeeemn Tapes Vol 1: Dark Days, with a release show at The Chameleon on Aug. 23.

Fans can expect much more from YP, as he also plans to release new music in September and has plans for a more indepth project that he describes as “more vulnerable.”

Even with support from the music community and a rising local profile, YP still faces other challenges as a single father, full-time worker and artist, which leads to sacrifice.

He’s quick to say he’s a “father first, artist second.” Raising a 10-year-old daughter isn’t easy for YP, but he wants his daughter to know that being an artist and chasing your dreams is normal and never wrong. You might even see his daughter performing with him.

“She’s my little rager and number one fan,” YP says. “She knows all my lyrics and songs. We’ve even performed together on stage.”

Although YP hones in on many personal obstacles in his lyrics, he doesn’t want listeners to feel angry or in pain.

“I just want them to take [away] that it’s normal to be hurt, it’s normal to be broken,” he says. “But just as long as you stay on that path, nothing can stop you.”

— VICTOR CORRAL MARTINEZ

VIKA & THE VELVETS

NEXT SHOW

The haze of a dimly lit piano bar. A red curtain draped across a dusty stage. The feeling of satin on skin. Turn these things into melodies and it would sound like Vika & The Velvets. And that’s exactly what frontwoman and lead singer Olivia Vika wants you to feel.

The band’s hard-to-pin-down sound is all at once psychedelic, bluesy and jazzy with a dash of classic rock. It’s a sound heavily influenced by the music 21-year-old Vika listened to as a child, then refined through years of writing as she found her vocal tone.

The mononymous Vika was adopted by her American parents from Russia as an infant and found an outlet in music early on in life.

“My brother really was the one who influenced me and sparked my interest in music,” Vika says. “Caleb is a jazz musician. He was always just playing in my house growing up. He showed me a bunch of music that I had never heard of and showed me what music really could be and should be.”

Shannon and the Clams, The Doors and Amy Winehouse sonically defined Vika’s early years, and those artists continue to weave their way into her music as she seeks to define her personal sound.

She found compatriots in the Velvets — Andrew Atkison on bass, Rogan Tinsley on saxophone and Eric Kennedy on guitar. The group’s current lineup formed slowly over the years after Vika asked Atkison to play with her after seeing him perform at Neato Burrito. Tinsley was invited to join after seeing the group play early on. Vika ran into Kennedy outside of Zola and invited him to jam. They never got around to jamming together, he simply joined the band on stage for the first time at the Big Dipper for a show last December.

From her strong, passionate vocals to her confident stage presence, Vika is a force to be reckoned with on any stage she takes. Case in point: The band often performs a cover of “It’s a Man’s World” by James Brown. Taking on a song by a powerhouse like the Godfather of Soul might make lesser singers shake, but Vika channels the auras of strong female vocalists from her favorite groups and invites audiences into a psychedelic, indie-blues rock world of her own creation.

Listening to early Vika songs like “70s Haze” and “Nasty Woman,” it’s easy to hear an artist finding their footing. Things are significantly more dialed back vocally and instrumentally.

“The sound has changed a lot since my first releases,” Vika says. “And so has my style of writing. It’s changed drastically in the last year and a half or so. But there are some elements that I just can’t seem to get rid of no matter how hard I try.”

That growth is evident on newer releases like “Lovers Liquor Store” and “Motel Oasis.” The Winehouse influence is apparent as Vika’s powerful vocal lines dance over cool jazz melodies.

Bassist Atkison, who splits his time between going to school at Berklee in Boston (and playing in the local band Monkee Business), looks at the band through a musicology lens. He says the defining characteristics of Vika & The Velvets’ current sound are descending minor seventh chords and, generally, the key of A minor — Vika’s favorite. The group pulls jazz elements into their music with the help of saxophonist Tinsley. Guitar riffs provided by Kennedy fill out the soundscape along with steady rhythms provided by stand-in drummer AJ Ramirez.

Don’t be surprised if you see Vika in places other than Spokane soon. The group has spent a significant portion of the past year playing shows outside of the region. Vika is expanding her musical horizons with a California tour in August, but she’ll be back in town to perform at Volume Music Festival in September.

Vika has found her voice, her sound, and musicians with the chops to help her showcase all that the band can be. And things are only getting started.

“I think the sound is something that you shouldn’t have to try for,” she says. “It’s something that you should give off naturally, like an energy within your music, your niche, your style. It’s taken time to figure out.”

— MADISON PEARSON

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Idaho Central Credit Union

SPVV Landscape Architects

Avista Foundation

There aren’t a lot of headlining musicians who have to perform with Xs on the back of their hands, but then again there aren’t a lot of musicians like Hayes Noble.

Since moving to Spokane last year, the 19-year-old has made waves with his brand of shoegaze-y punk — squeezing layers and layers of fuzzy noise rock into each mile-a-minute song while also creating melodic moments during which listeners can proverbially catch their breath — and his championing of all-ages shows.

“Youth experiencing art and music is really important, especially for kids who didn’t excel in sports or weren’t great in school. Because if they don’t have something to get involved in, like the music scene, they’ll become jaded,” Noble says.

Noble grew up in Galena, Illinois (claim to fame: Ulysses S. Grant lived there before he became president), and he’s been surrounded by music his entire life thanks to his father Brett, who has played in various bands for 30 years.

Outside of his own home, Noble says there wasn’t a lot going on music-wise in Galena, so when he picked up the guitar and started writing his own songs, he turned to the best drummer he knew — his dad — and started jamming. Noble’s now 16-year-old brother Everett eventually learned bass so he could join them.

“What was originally supposed to be a temporary deal until I found other kids to play with just ended up fitting pretty well,” Noble says.

While still in high school, Noble released his debut album Head Cleaner in May 2023. Just a couple months after its release, his mother got a job in Spokane and moved to town. His dad and sister Corrina followed, along with Everett, who is currently a student at Lewis and Clark High School.

Originally planning to attend community college outside of Chicago, Noble decided it made more sense to join his family in Spokane. So to celebrate Head Cleaner and make their way to their new homebase, the Noble family embarked on a tour which ended with their first local gig at Baby Bar in August 2023.

Even before the start of that tour, Noble had already finished recording his sophomore album, As It Was, As We Were. After an album release show at nYne in June, the family band hit the road for a 24-date tour in support of the new record. Noble feels this release is more cohesive than Head Cleaner, the result of a concerted effort to sit down and write an album.

“It’s definitely concept-y,” he says. “I was writing what I was going through at the time. I’d just graduated high school. I ended a relationship. I was moving out of my hometown. The lyrics are a lot about growing up, getting out, moving on.”

Back in Spokane, Noble is halfway through the audio engineering program at Spokane Falls Community College. After graduation, he plans to go to a four-year college, potentially for teaching music, government or history. A teacher’s schedule is ideal for touring, he says, with summers and weekends off, plus spring and winter breaks.

In the meantime, Noble is focused on writing his next album with hopes of recording in the winter. He’s also, of course, encouraging young kids interested in starting a band to do just that. Grab some friends and some instruments and play. Young musicians, he says, are welcome to message him for help.

“The hashtag on Instagram is #SpokaneDoesntSuck,” he says. “As an outsider, I see it as you’ve got great bands, you’ve got a super supportive scene. I think we’re on the brink of something really cool.” —

AZARIA PODPLESKY

ARTISTS TO WATCH

PRIESTESS

For passionate music lovers, settling on weekend plans can sometimes be an ordeal. It can be a bit of a gamble choosing between the various musical offerings that vary from week to week. But those seeking a fun dance party vibe can always rely on Saturdays at Night Owl.

As patrons cram into the modestly sized bar on downtown Spokane’s east end, there’s an unmistakably effervescent force manning her proverbial throne. Below the neon Night Owl sign on an elevated platform and stationed behind the turntables, a pink-and-purple coiffed soul can pretty much always be found spinning house music and bouncing around her little stage with unabashed glee.

This is Priestess’ pulpit.

“So much of what I want to imbue on people is that we’re here to have a good time,” Priestess, aka 29-year-old Lauren Lofton, says. “We’re here to have fun. Come dance with us. Let loose. Shake off some of the 9-to-5 worries. Let go of the issues that plague you.”

While Priestess has established a clear foothold in the local EDM scene with her upbeat and energetic sets that blend a house music base with disco, techno and bass sounds, she’s also been spreading the reach of her Spokane sound with multiple appearances at Boise’s Treefort Music Fest as well as festivals in Seattle. While DJing had long been a dream in her mind, the speed at which things have blossomed in real life has even surprised herself.

A Louisiana native, Lofton spent a good chunk of her childhood growing up in the Tri-Cities. A band kid by nature, she discovered electronic dance music the same way many

there. But it didn’t take. After moving back to the TriCities and also finding a lack of resonance, she packed up and moved to Spokane in 2017.

It wasn’t until 2019 when things really got rolling. That’s when she met Scott Allen, who DJed as Allen Fitz, and straight up asked him to teach her how to DJ. Lofton would hang at his house learning the craft and meeting other simpatico folks like Eben Adkins (who DJs as EBEN). Lofton credits Allen for laying the groundwork for her musical journey — including selling her his decks — and Adkins for helping mentor her further skill refinement.

Lofton became laser-focused on improving her skills when laid up on bedrest in early 2020 after tearing her ACL, only to soon have everyone else join her general lack of mobility due to COVID precautions. As the year wore on and her abilities improved, she began doing little party sets for her roommates and their isolated friend pod.

As things began to open up again in 2021, Allen helped Lofton get her first public DJ gig at Red Room Lounge. Her approach to DJing is largely focused on finding the right flow and vibe for each crowd, stating that she “freestyles about 95% of her sets.” The response was immediately positive, eventually landing other gigs including Night Owl, where Priestess now has a weekly Saturday residency.

great artists find their muse — on a Taco Bell run.

“We were hanging out after school before band practice. I remember so clearly, it’s kind of crazy. We drove to Taco Bell,” Lofton says. “And the guy driving, played ‘Centipede’ by Knife Party. Very heavy bass, intense EDM. And I just remember being like, ‘What is this?’’”

Despite that initial spark, it took a while for Lofton to find her way behind the decks. After high school she moved back to Louisiana hoping she’d find something that resonated with her vibes

Earlier this year, Lofton quit her day job to do music full-time and has been diving into creation platforms like Ableton to further hone her chops. In some ways, Priestess has already achieved her dreams to be a DJ. Now — like a Priestess set — it’s only a matter of how much dreamier things can get.

“You know, Facebook does those memories? I was on randomly recently, and one of those came up from the start of my senior year of high school,” Lofton says. “I had posted in November 2012: ‘If all else fails, I want to be a DJ.’ And I did not remember posting it. When I saw it it was just a shellshock moment where I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, I did it!’” — SETH SOMMERFELD

A (Soccer) League of Their Own

Kick off the inaugural USL Super League season with Spokane’s first top-tier professional sports team, Spokane Zephyr FC

BY ELIZA BILLINGHAM

The National Football League has 32 teams and 1,696 active players. The National Hockey League has 32 teams and 1,078 players. Major League Baseball has 30 teams and 949 players. The National Basketball Association has 30 teams and 450 players (not counting temporary contracts with the G League), and Major League Soccer has 29 teams with a maximum of 870 players.

The National Women’s Soccer League, on the other hand, has 14 teams with a maximum of 364 players. In case you hate math, that’s less than half the professional opportunities for female players as male players in the U.S. But who’s counting?

Oh wait, we are.

(And if you think that number is shocking, here’s another less-than-fun fact: The Women’s National Basketball Association has 12 teams and a mere 144 roster spots.)

But in Spokane, the winds of change are blowing. Here comes Spokane Zephyr FC, a new team in the

15, 2024

new United Soccer League Super League, a top-tier Division I women’s professional soccer league parallel to the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).

This year is the USL Super League’s inaugural season, featuring eight new clubs from around the country. That’s at least 176 more roster spots for professional female soccer players. Since we’re counting, that brings our grand total up to 540.

Spokane gets a front row seat to this historic moment in women’s sports thanks to Katie and Ryan Harnetiaux, who helped bring professional soccer to Eastern Washington.

The couple are co-owners of the Zephyr and also of Spokane’s new Division III men’s team, Spokane Velocity FC. Despite the city’s craze for all things sports, the Zephyr are Spokane’s first professional team to play at the highest level of competition in their respective sport.

“It’s historic that we are starting a brand new league for women,” Katie Harnetiaux says. “It’s historic that it is starting at Division I sanctioning and not underneath

another level. And it’s historic that we are now sanctioning a Division I team in Spokane. On so many different levels, we are really changing the course of sport in the United States.”

The Zephyr kick off their inaugural season with a home opener on Aug. 17 at 6 pm at the new ONE Spokane Stadium. Before the match starts, hundreds of youth female soccer players will be brought onto the pitch. Female leaders from around the city will be named and honored. Then, the Zephyr will be unleashed against Fort Lauderdale United FC for some really good soccer.

“On so many different levels, we are really changing the course of sport in the United States.”

Though USL Super League is distinct from the NWSL in a few ways — it doesn’t have a draft, and it has a fall/spring schedule with a winter break that mimics the European calendar — the players are the same caliber, so the competition will be just as intense.

The Spokane Zephyr FC are about to make sports history. ERICK DOXEY PHOTOS

“There’s a narrative that females need to be pretty and proper,” Zephyr head coach Jo Johnson says. “So when we get into this space where we can compete, we want to compete. It’s OK to want to win. It’s OK to be competitive. It’s OK to have that fierceness about you. When you get in that space, you just want to kind of unleash that.”

Johnson, a defensive center midfielder during her college career, didn’t get the chance to play professionally when she left university.

“There were not very many teams, and then the leagues would fold,” she says. “[The USL Super League] opens up another opportunity for female players to play on the biggest stage here in the States. You’ve seen a lot of players on our roster that had to go overseas to play. So it’s really neat to let them come back to the States.”

Eight more teams are in the works for 2025 and beyond. If they all hit the pitch, at least twice as many athletes will get the chance to fulfill their dreams to play professionally in one of the most dominant countries for women’s soccer in the world.

Maybe four years from now, the country will see Zephyr players vie for gold with the national team at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

“I want them to surprise everybody,” Harnetiaux says. “[And] I want those women to see fans and communities supporting the fact that they have spent a lifetime doing this work.”

Living overseas gave Thomas a broader perspective on the world and let her grow in independence and confidence.

“If you’re just there to play, you can find the positives in it,” she says.

But getting to play in her home state is a new kind of thrill, and she’s grateful to the league for its efforts to keep talent stateside.

“I think this is the perfect opportunity for this league to provide more opportunities for all these girls, girls like me that went abroad,” she says. “I like the way that this season runs as well. It’s different than the NWSL. I honestly like this better. I think it is something that we’ve needed for a long time.”

Thomas isn’t the only Washingtonian to join the Zephyr. Forward Taryn Ries and defender Makena Carr get to play in their home state, as does former Zag Jodi Ülkekul. Ülkekul was co-captain of the Gonzaga women’s team before playing professionally for CD Castellón in Spain and AS Roma in Italy, as well as the Seattle Reign FC.

Coach Johnson, a Phoenix native, is coming straight from assistant coaching at the University of Tulsa. Head coaching for professional players is a significant step up. She not only has to define the Zephyr’s style of play — which prioritizes aggressive possession and attack — but she’s also tasked with building team identity, chemistry and

Kennewick native Haley Thomas played collegiate soccer at Weber State University and Boston College before starting her professional career in Iceland. She knew ever since she was little that playing soccer was the only job she wanted to have.

“I’ve always just thought that’s what I wanted to do, whether it was abroad or whether it was in America,” Thomas says. “Now that I’ve done both, I’m so grateful that I had the opportunity to go abroad.”

from

“It’s been just amazing for me to see we have players that have experience already playing professionally, who have come in and have just set the tone,” Johnson says. “This is all new. What type of legacy are we leaving?” n

Zephyr FC vs. Fort Lauderdale United FC • Sat, Aug. 17 at 6 pm • $24-$44

ages • ONE Spokane Stadium • 501 W. Gardner Ave. • uslspokane.com

Makena Carr is one of the Zephyr’s handful of Washington native players.

Slide Like an Eagle

Silverwood’s Boulder Beach waterpark now boasts the largest dueling water coaster in the U.S.

BY SETH SOMMERFELD

Certain thrills are a given when you hop on a coaster at North Idaho’s Silverwood Theme Park: the nervous anticipation as you creep up the inclines, the screams of the fearfully jubilant on steep drops, the body-rocking G-force of hairpin turns and, of course, being soaking wet when the ride is through.

Alright… that last one is new.

That’s because this year, Silverwood’s Boulder Beach water park opened up its latest attraction: Eagle Hunt. Not only is Eagle Hunt the first water coaster in the Pacific Northwest and the first dueling water coaster on the West Coast, it’s now the largest dueling water coaster in the entire United States.

The Eagle Hunt name and theme was chosen because Boulder Beach strives not to be a tropical park, but rather one that’s more in the Northwest spirit of the Gem

State. The ride is meant to thematically capture the feeling of two competing eagles dive-bombing the water in hopes of snapping up a fishy meal. A pair of two-person innertubes are launched down separate slides simultaneously to “race” to the bottom, but along the way there are multiple rollercoaster-style inclines that lift the tubes back up for more thrilling descents and speedy turns around flying saucer corners.

Riding Eagle Hunt is an entirely unique hybrid experience between a water slide and roller coaster. Torrents of water blast from behind to shoot you up the inclines in a manner that’s cool and refreshing, followed by zigging and zagging to the bottom, surrounded at times by fiberglass tubes with timber designs and at other times in the open air catching glimpses of rival riders as both parties speed to the finale. It delivers a rush of both excitement

and water, one that already has vaulted into the top-tier of Silverwood’s offerings.

North Idaho might not seem like the ideal place for a waterpark. In fact, those in charge at Silverwood weren’t even certain the summertime addition to their amusement park would work out. But ever since opening in 2003, crowds have flocked to Boulder Beach.

“We didn’t know how good it was going to do, really,” Silverwood Marketing Director Jordan Carter says. “We only have three months that you can really use it. But our attendance rose by 40% that year.”

After initially opening with the Rumble Falls tube slide, a wave pool, a lazy river, and the wet playground called Polliwog Park, Silverwood soon expanded Boulder Beach with more slides and pools. But after years of the status quo, things were due for a major new expansion. That expansion came to fruition this year with the waterpark’s new 4-acre Emerald Forest section that includes Eagle Hunt.

“The intention behind the Emerald Forest was to give more space, because on any given day, we have 75% of our attendance coming from Seattle and Portland six-plus hours away. And a lot of people are coming here on the hot days of summer, and just stay on this side of the park,” Carter says.

To that end, Emerald Forest includes Salmon Run, a new family area with eight kiddie waterslides and

Eagle Hunt is the region’s first water coaster. PHOTOS COURTESY OF SILVERWOOD

a splash pad; Rapids Grill, a new grab-and-go food option; Northern Flights, a new bar that offers beer and alcoholic slushie flights; and lots of rentable, private shaded spots that range from cabanas for small families to pavilions for corporate gatherings. But Eagle Hunt serves as the crown jewel, drawing folks to all the other elements.

The path to Eagle Hunt taking flight started when the folks at Silverwood connected with award-winning, Ottawabased water ride design company ProSlide at an industry theme park convention in November 2022. By February 2023 a deal was struck, and ProSlide began the design process.

“Silverwood is a coaster park, so I think when they saw a waterslide that would fit in with their coasters, they all got pretty excited,” ProSlide project manager Andrew Good says.

Water coasters are particularly tricky to design because of the combination of technologies involved, but ProSlide’s team employed both design software and their own firsthand experience to figure out how to get Eagle Hunt soaring. It actually helped that Silverwood brought plenty of ideas to the table.

“Silverwood was a fantastic client. They definitely had more of the, ‘Hey, can you do this? This is what we’re thinking,’ which is great to work with,” Good says. “When you get a client that’s like, ‘You tell me everything,’ often later on they’re like, ‘Well, why didn’t you do this?’ It’s like, well we can do an infinite amount of things, you just have to tell me what kind of ballpark area you’re in.”

The sheer amount of electrical, mechanical and plumbing systems required to run Eagle Hunt is “quite enormous,” but the ride actually got built surprisingly quickly. Construction began in September 2023, but the mild 2023-24 winter allowed for a fast build. Despite there being “around 1,400 or 1,500 pieces of fiberglass” on the project, the whole thing was built and tested — which takes nearly a full month for a water coaster versus a few days for a water slide — in time for riders to enjoy when Boulder Beach opened its season in early June.

Eagle Hunt still hasn’t reached it’s ideal form — there are still time trial elements to the ride yet to be implemented, and currently you need a pre-planned partner to ride (with a 150-450 pound combined weight requirement) — but Carter says the water coaster has already become the most popular ride in the park this summer. Those looking to ride Silverwood’s newest coaster have until the end of the Boulder Beach season on Labor Day to take the plunge.

Just don’t forget to bring a towel. n

DESIGN REQUIREMENTS:

• Your design can include up to 4 colors.

• Incorporate the words “Lilac Bloomsday Run” (or “Bloomsday”), “Spokane, Washington,” “2025” (or ‘25) and “Finisher.”

• Size: No larger than 13 inches high and 11 inches wide.

• Artist’s name, postal address, email address and phone number must be on the back of each design.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:

• Provide a hard copy of your design. Do not send thumb drives, PDFs or other electronic files.

• Artwork cannot be returned. We

• Multiple designs can be submitted and are encouraged.

Eagle Hunt is designed to be ridden in pairs.

Vibing with Vince

An immersive exhibition diving deep into the life and work of Vincent van Gogh stops in the Lilac City

BY COLTON RASANEN

Anyone who’s taken a basic art class knows of Vincent van Gogh, the 19th century post-impressionist famous for his vivid colors and broad brush strokes. His painting “The Starry Night” is one of the world’s most famous artworks. As familiar as folks are with the Dutch artist, however, it’s safe to say most of us have probably never seen his work in person because much of it is housed in museums across the world.

Now though, locals have the opportunity to further explore his work in Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience, which invites viewers to physically interact with his art in Spokane for the first time.

“We want to immerse you from the time you enter from the time you leave,” says John Zaller, executive producer of Exhibition Hub, the company behind these immersive art experiences. “We do that through a series of different methods, which looks like starting with a museum-style series of galleries with in-depth information about the artist.”

As visitors wander the initial space, they’ll see large informational boards about van Gogh’s life alongside replicas of some of his most famous works, like the aforementioned “The Starry Night.” While there are no actual van Gogh paintings in the exhibition, Zaller says his team worked hard to ensure the reproductions match the scale of original pieces.

Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience, which first opened in 2017, has been well-received, landing on top experience lists from national news out-

lets like USA Today and CNN. The entire experience is backed by a custom score (which sounds similar to soothing spa music) accompanied by a narrator reading quotes from letters that van Gogh wrote to his brother Theo.

“You get to hear his voice essentially sharing some of his innermost thoughts and philosophies,” Zaller explains. “You really get to know him in an in-depth way that his paintings alone can’t convey.”

The first immersive element guests see when entering the exhibition is a large bust of van Gogh’s head with alternating projections of his self-portraits illuminating the statue’s features. As the projection alternates through his paintings, it creates a fluid motion that a still portrait can’t quite mimic.

“You see all this movement that’s implied in his work actually displayed with today’s technology,” Zaller says.

Further into the exhibition there’s another statue that Zaller calls “van Gogh’s many vases,” onto which many of the artist’s vivid floral paintings are projected.

“Wherever he was, there was always a vase of flowers, so he painted dozens and dozens of still lifes of them through his career,” Zaller says. “When we think about van Gogh, we don’t think about these paintings so much, but they were a huge part of honing his craft.”

Next, visitors enter a room where they can interact three-dimensionally with van Gogh’s art. A few of his paintings were actually “built” to life-size scale, including a rendition of the artist’s bedroom, which he painted a handful of times. Attendees can literally interact with a replica of the bed he slept on.

Afterwards, guests enter the centerpiece of the entire experience: a giant room where a moving projection of paintings blanket all four walls. More than 400 of van Gogh’s paintings are shown in about 35 minutes. For an extra $5, folks can also use a VR headset to see the world through van Gogh’s eyes, effectively completing the immersion experience.

“This really is revolutionary in terms of our exhibitions,” Zaller says. “This level of projection and this level of quality displaying such a famous artist — it’s really the first time that van Gogh’s art has been seen this way.” n

Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience • Through Sept. 30; Mon and Thu from 10 am-7 pm, Fri from 10 am-8 pm, Sat from 9 am-8 pm, Sun from 9 am-6 pm • $18-$60 • All ages • Exhibition Hub Spokane Art Center • 808 N. Ruby St. • vangoghexpo.com/spokane

Bringing Dreams to Life

Weddings

Visitors to the traveling van Gogh exhibit can step inside one of the artist’s famous paintings. PHOTOS COURTESY OF EXHIBITION HUB

‘Unreasonable Hospitality’

Don’t fight it: Paper St. Coffee Co. is determined to make you happy

BY ELIZA BILLINGHAM

Hanging from the ceiling next to his espresso machine, Mike Oehm has a giant ring toss game. It’s next to a stack of thrifted mugs, including one that’s shaped like a unicorn and another that’s bright yellow with a big black smile, any of which you can buy if you really like it. Also on the counter is a bowl of free Tootsie Rolls, which he doles out to unsuspecting customers.

“You can just tell when somebody needs a little bit of sugar, you know, for studying or…,” Oehm trails off, jumping up to help a customer who’s just walked in.

Oehm is co-owner of Paper St. Coffee Co., a coffee

and sandwich shop that opened about a year ago a few blocks north of Gonzaga University’s campus. You might recognize it as the old Roots Coffee Kitchen location, or as the small red building on Hamilton with the huge mural featuring Zag celebs on the side.

Either way, Oehm has transformed the spot into something unexpected and a little crazy, with its tongue planted firmly in its cheek — not completely unlike the original Paper Street Soap Co. of Fight Club fame.

The thrifted or handmade furniture inside Paper St. is mixed, sort of matched and almost all for sale. Pulp paperbacks line tables and shelves, plus a Shots and Ladders drinking game, a Lego Batmobile set, typewriters, camcorders and a Prohibition-era briefcase filled with cocktail accoutrement — also all available for purchase if you fall in love with them.

A sexy cowboy movie is on the TV, a whiteboard for notes and doodles lines the back wall, and the bathroom

is wallpapered with vintage Playboy magazine interviews and other, uh, cutouts.

Some of the only things you can’t walk out with are the childhood portraits of Oehm and co-owner Bryan Toston hanging near the entryway — Oehm with a bowl cut and Toston swagged out in a classic ’90s Lion King sweatsuit.

But the point of all this mayhem at Paper St. Coffee Co. is different than the dark, violent undertones of Tyler Durden’s Paper Street Soap Co. The personal touches, creative outlets and invitation to literally take the shop home with you are part of something Oehm calls “unreasonable hospitality.”

“Every person just wants to be heard or seen,” he says. “It’s giving somebody that extra little bit of attention, or being interested enough and trying to find that thing that’ll make this experience a little bit better. It’s

…continued on page 38

The first rule of Paper St. is you can talk about Paper St. YOUNG KWAK PHOTOS

always the littlest thing that you don’t think of. If they’ve got kids, it’s a couple of cherries in the cup. I’m just aware of people’s demeanor — if I ask somebody how they want [their food or coffee,] I feel like I can tell what they’re gonna say almost before they say it.”

If there’s one thing Oehm is serious about, the former Brooklyn Deli employee is serious about his sandwiches.

“I saw what sandwiches did to people at Brooklyn,” he says. “Jody showed me the true magic of a good sandwich.”

Jody Harville was the owner of Brooklyn Deli, a beloved local sandwich shop on the corner of First Avenue and Monroe Street that closed in July 2023. Most of the two dozen-ish sandwiches at Paper St. take inspiration from her menu, like the hot Paper St. Grinder with three meats, two cheeses, pepperoncini, and plenty of salt and vinegar. The Jody is an all veggie sammy named after Spokane’s patron saint of subs.

doesn’t even like pickles much. He just dated a girl who liked pickles, so he tried making pickles for her one Christmas.

That girlfriend is long gone, but Toston realized that pickles make great Christmas gifts for a lot of people. They get people to like him, he says. Now he’s spreading the love at Paper St., too.

Whole sandwiches are $13.50 and halves are $8, whether they’re hot or cold. Each lunch sandwich is served with chips and a spicy pickle spear made in house.

But if you’re there before lunch, a killer bagel breakfast sandwich ($8.50) with egg, bacon, avocado and arugula is a best seller, and Belgian waffle pops ($8.50) are a fun twist on a brunch classic.

If your breakfast doesn’t come with a pickle, you can still buy a whole pickle on its own for $2.50. No matter what time of day it is, you’ll probably be tempted because these things are seriously good, thanks to Toston’s decade of pickle expertise.

Toston has gone through over 100 pickle recipes in the past 10 years — Kool Aid pickles, fermented pickles, basically any trend you’ve seen on TikTok — to create his own masterpiece with garlic, dill and hot peppers. He’s also shipped in Kirby cucumbers from all over the world because they make the crunchiest pickles. In one salty afternoon, the shop makes one massive batch of pickles — enough for the whole year — so they don’t run out week to week.

But the most unreasonable part of it all? Toston

Before working at Brooklyn Deli, Oehm also worked for Heritage Bar and Kitchen, plus now-closed Spokane staples like Scratch Restaurant and Rain Lounge, Sante, and Gaslamp in River Park Square.

But owning his own spot, whether it be fine dining or a coffee shop, was something Oehm has always wanted to do — “to own a place where I can serve my friends good food and laugh a little too loud and say f--k if I want to,” he says.

ment, you know? [...] A lot of times I will tell customers I’m pretty sure this is what I was put on this rock to do.”

This summer, Paper St. has been closed on Mondays and Tuesdays so Oehm, who’s constantly barista-ing behind the bar or brainstorming chaotic ideas in his office, can catch a break. But as college students return to campus, Oehm is planning to reopen on Mondays so he can host Kill Tony watch parties, plus extend hours until 8 pm.

“I love my customers,” he continues, “and people could tell that it was something I loved. So they would ask, ‘Is this your spot?’ It was always the best compli-

He’ll host live music and comedy nights, too. He’ll provide the coffee, snacks, and probably some other surprises you’ll never see coming. He’ll literally help you install a shelf in your own home that you just bought from his shop (he’s done it before). Besides the rollercoaster of owning a small business, it’s that relentless empathy and anticipation that take up most of Oehm’s time. Doesn’t he ever get tired?

“Good thing I own a coffee shop,” he says. n

Paper St. Coffee Co. • 1307 N. Hamilton St. • Wed-Sun 10 am-5 pm (fall hours coming soon) • paperstcoffeeco.com • Instagram: @paperst.coffeeco

news you can use EVERY THURSDAY

Owners Mike Oehm, left, and Bryan Toston of Paper St. Coffee Co. — where pickles are a pretty big dill. YOUNG KWAK PHOTOS

Brunch with a Kick

Rosie’s Restaurant, a fast-casual breakfast and lunch spot, opens in downtown Spokane

BY CASSANDRA BENSON

What’s better than breakfast food and a socially acceptable way to day drink?

Breakfast food, a socially acceptable way to day drink, and great service

Downtown Spokane recently welcomed Rosie’s Restaurant, a new brunch spot adjacent to Hotel Ruby on West First Avenue. The newest addition to the Ruby Hospitality group is named after owner Jerry Dicker’s mother. The space was previously home to Incrediburger & Eggs, and more recently, the Spanish tapas restaurant de España. But now it’s a convenient spot to grab a breakfast burrito or Caruso’s sandwich (another Ruby eatery), plus it offers a 15% discount to guests staying in the next-door hotel.

A fast-casual model means guests order at the front counter, find themselves a seat, and then enjoy food delivered to their table. Diners can get food to-go or can stay at the restaurant for as long they like. Convenience without commitment.

Rosie’s offers classic brunch comfort foods.

The French toast is $12, a great price considering I couldn’t finish the portion and took leftovers home (which I enjoyed later that night.)

Rosie’s also serves dishes such as omelets ($16), breakfast burritos ($14) and melts ($12), fruit-smothered cinnamon rolls ($9), and various salads and sandwiches.

If alcohol isn’t your thing or you’re unable to order alcohol like me, Rosie’s serves a variety of coffee drinks using locally roasted Thomas Hammer coffee, as well as regular hot chocolates and virgin mocktails.

Rosie’s open and inviting space is conveniently located, and just a few blocks from Riverfront Park — the perfect place for walking off a heavy breakfast while exploring downtown. Floor-to-ceiling street-facing windows provide a pleasant chance to people-watch while waiting for food.

General manager Tim Raridan says what makes Rosie’s special is its use of quality ingredients.

“I swear we tried 30 different kinds of bacon just to get the one that tasted just right,” Raridan says. “We just try this and that and this and that. There’s a lot of effort put into it.”

Rosie’s menu has American morning meal classics while simultaneously offering slight variations, like the spiced candy bacon ($5-$8) or strawberry-cheesecake pancakes ($13). Whether you are of the sweet or savory breakfast persuasion is irrelevant, as there are enough options to satisfy anyone’s taste buds.

The alcoholic drink menu is equally robust. Boozy shakes ($12), hot chocolates ($11), coffees, lemonades, as well as beer and wine. Unfortunately, as someone underage I was not able to try any of the boozy drinks, and though I did my best to goad my mom into ordering a chai White Russian ($10; an homage to The Dude!), she would not. Journalism suffers once again because a 20-year-old can’t order an Elderflower mimosa.

Though one might assume its fast-casual dining style means patrons are left to fend for themselves, Rosie’s servers regularly checked in with us to make sure everything was up to par.

“Everything is really simple. Great food, great service, a spotless environment, and a great team,” Raridan says. “One of the important things is I don’t hire resumes, I hire people.”

Though many restaurants continue to struggle to return to pre-COVID numbers, Raridan hopes Rosie’s business model encourages guests to eat in person.

“Here’s the thing, you can go anywhere and get eggs and hashbrowns,” he says. “But can you go anywhere and get eggs and hashbrowns and great service on top of it? Or just someone who cares? I’m one of those people — if a guest has a problem, I’m gonna take care of it. I find out what it takes to make someone happy. I get them what they came in the door for.” n

$10 KILLER BOX LUNCH

Grab a Caruso’s sub downtown — and much more — at Rosie’s. LESLIE DOUGLAS PHOTO

Sk8ing to the Oldies

The charming indie Dìdi serves up a nostalgic coming-of-age teen comedy for the dial-up generation

BY JASON BAXTER

As the old maxim goes: Write what you know. Writer/director Sean Wang evidently took this time-honored advice to heart with his debut feature film Dìdi. The millennial coming-of-age story was inspired by his experiences as a Taiwanese American wannabe sk8r boi in Fremont, California, struggling with many of the hallmarks of cishet adolescence: trying to fit in, flirting, falling in and out friendships, and butting heads with your parents (or parent, in this case: his tireless mother). As with recent efforts in the bildungsroman genre from directors like Greta Gerwig (Lady Bird) and Rick Famuyiwa (Dope), Dìdi is an alchemical stew of the heartfelt, the hilarious and the cringe-worthy moments that are all-too-relatable. Dìdi makes the grade with its execution on all of these fronts, particularly the latter.

Rated R

and worst of that transitional and transformative era would choose to include a scene with the AOL Instant Messenger chatbot SmarterChild and be able to depict it with such devastating, hilarious and oddly touching effectiveness. The result is like Proust’s madeleine for millennials, and it’s only one of the many specificities Wang incorporates as text and texture — something that can be lacking in other period picture evocations of the not-so-distant past. And to Wang’s credit, unlike so many recent movies, Dìdi wisely eschews the trend of overlaying DMs or texts on screen, instead opting to milk palpable tension from close-ups of the dreaded ellipses that indicate a pending response to a vulnerable AIM query.

Directed by Sean Wang

While its broadstroke themes transcend generational barriers — Wang has cited John Hughes’ ’80s teen comedies as an influence — the director wanted to transpose that model onto a less lily white version of the young American experience. There’s a remarkable specificity to Dìdi that will hella resonate with 30-somethings who grew up during the twilight of MySpace, T9 texting, and making stupid home movies with your friends on your handheld DCR camera.

Starring Izaac Wang, Joan Chen

No filmmaker who didn’t live through all of the best

As fun as all that accurately-rendered nostalgia is, if you strip away all the fashion, pop culture, and retro-tech references in Dìdi, there’s a solid and accessible foundation at the heart of the movie. The title refers to a Mandarin term meaning “younger brother,” and it centers on Chris (Izaac Wang), an awkward 13-year-old protagonist who serves as the director’s onscreen proxy. As Chris prepares to face the pressures of entering the Big Kids’ Club that is high school, he contends with the pending departure of his caring, college-bound sister Vivian (Shirley Chen), and clashes with his overworked and underappreciated mother, Chungsing (Joan Chen, in

an Oscar-worthy turn). The overbearing presence of his father’s mother Nai Nai (Zhang Li Hua) only adds to the at-home tension.

Wang has also cited his self-made skateboarding videos as an inspiration for Dìdi, and any dude-bro reared on Jackass and CKY DVDs will immediately recognize the filming of these as a nigh obligatory step into postClearasil “maturity.” Chris finds himself falling in with a crew of sketchier older teen skaters not because of his skills on the board, but through his ability to film and edit them executing (or failing to execute) their awesome prowess. Naturally, Chris’ initiation into this world of delinquency finds him at a raucous party he’s certainly too young to attend, and the inevitable hangover sequence that follows the morning after leads to some tender moments with the ever-understanding older sis and strife with momma.

What differentiates Dìdi from the likes of Lady Bird and Bo Burnam’s Eighth Grade is its multicultural perspective. The Taiwanese American Chris is beset both by the expectations of a sometimes overbearing immigrant mother and racist ostracization from his peer circle as he attempts to navigate the wider world of high school and its attendant clique-y, hormone-fueled teen politics.

The cast of Dìdi is rounded out by a handful of freshfaced young actors, all of whom acquit themselves well as authentic middle-and-high schoolers. Izaac Wang is the most seasoned performer of the bunch, and fearlessly embodies Chris’ social discomfiture that will have viewers wincing along with recognition. It is Joan Chen as his mother, however — now almost 50 years into her career — who makes the most profound impression.

Dìdi crescendos with a powerful heart-to-heart between Chungsing and Chris that could be maudlin in the hands of less assured and naturalistic actors, and which kickflips the tone of the film from hijinks-laden comedy to something deeply moving. This scene in particular bodes well for Dìdi’s legacy — the film arrives with a wave of festival hype at its back and is landing late enough in the year to be a contender for showbiz awards honors. Even if it doesn’t take home any hardware, it deserves a dap for a job well done. n

Dìdi

Both immaturity and heart are on full display in Dìdi

In Space, No One Can Hear You Snore

Alien: Romulus is a tiresome sci-fi sequel without any good scares or ideas it can call its own

BY CHASE HUTCHINSON

If you’re looking to make a sequel to Ridley Scott’s spectacular 1979 film Alien, time has shown there are a multitude of interesting ways to go about it. James Cameron leaned more into the action with Aliens, David Fincher made a bleak if broken debut with Alien 3, and Jean-Pierre Jeunet dove headfirst into absurdity with Alien: Resurrection. With Alien: Romulus, it’s like all of those films have been put into a blender and then spat out into an occasionally fun though largely turgid sludge. Directed by Fede Álvarez, from a script he co-wrote with his collaborator Rodo Sayagues, the film is best when it manages to carve out its own path. The trouble is the overall experience is unimaginative and derivative rather than consistently creative, stumbling infinitely more than it stands alone. It’s less a greatest hits of the series and more a rote retread.

Rated R

Andy, played by a layered David Jonsson of last year’s wonderful Rye Lane, who is a dad joke-telling synthetic. While not as subtle as Alien, we come to understand how this sci-fi future is no utopia and exploitation remains the driving force. Thus, Rain joins a group of similarly struggling young people in sneaking aboard an abandoned ship floating far above them to steal the tech they need to safely travel to a better world and future.

Alien: Romulus

Directed by Fede Álvarez

Starring Cailee Spaeny, David Jonsson

Despite initially coming at its story from a different angle, Alien: Romulus soon falls into familiar patterns with next to nothing new. Of course, Álvarez is no stranger to taking parts of existing classics to refashion them into his own work. This has been a mixed bag: He made a splash with his 2013 directorial debut, Evil Dead, but he also contributed to the story of 2022’s tepid Texas Chainsaw Massacre Romulus is better than that, but that’s faint praise.

ALSO OPENING

CORALINE

The Oscar-nominated dark fantasy stop-animation feature about a young girl who discovers an unnerving alternative world through a secret door in her new house gets a rerelease to celebrate its 15th anniversary. Rated PG

MY PENGUIN FRIEND

When a Brazilian fisherman comes across an injured penguin covered in oil from a spill, he rescues the bird, starting up an ocean-spanning cross-species friendship in this feelgood film based on a true story. Rated PG

RYAN’S WORLD THE MOVIE: TITAN UNIVERSE ADVENTURE

The popular children’s YouTube channel Ryan’s World heads to the big screen. When Ryan’s younger twin sisters get sucked into a comic book, the adolescent Ryan must save them by diving into the pages himself and becoming an animated superhero. Rated PG

SKINCARE

A celebrity aesthetician (Elizabeth Banks) sees her life begin to unravel when a rival opens a skincare boutique across the street from her business and her email gets hacked and exploited. Things get heated as she seeks retribution in this crime thriller. Rated R

Taking place after Alien and before Aliens, the premise is initially promising. An effective bit of opening worldbuilding places us in the life of Rain, played by a compelling Cailee Spaeny of last year’s precise Priscilla, as she tries to escape a mining colony run by the Weyland-Yutani Corporation that has brought her nothing but suffering and where she lives in complete darkness. The only family she has left is

The film mistakes doing more as being equivalent to offering something new. Yes, there are more facehuggers and (eventually) more xenomorphs, but never once are they actually scary. The original Alien was a master class in tension as everything from the characters to the setting felt painfully real. Romulus lacks the patience to pull this off, feeling like it is trying to be more like the video game Alien: Isolation. It not only fails at that but ends up inescapably cluttered in

the attempt, throwing in complication after complication like a hat on a hat on a hat.

The design of the creatures and the work put into bringing them to life is remarkable, though it’s in service of an increasingly shoddy trip down memory lane. The way Romulus ends up connecting with not just Alien, but Scott’s underrated prequels Prometheus and Alien: Covenant as well, completely sucks the life out of the film. Without tipping off the familiar face that appears, the woefully bad effects used to bring about their return are as distracting as they are depressing considering the person playing them has since passed. It’s like we’re watching Alien: Romulus shamelessly dig up and puppeteer a corpse — a fitting metaphor for the film itself.

This is all quite disappointing as many moments in isolation are unsettling yet breathtaking. They just all drift away so the film can get to an overwrought exposition dump. That Alien: Romulus so consistently insists on connecting to the other films and tying their stories together does a disservice to itself as well as its predecessors. Even as Spaeny and Jonsson give committed performances that start to tap into new emotional ground for the franchise, the film they’re stuck in remains more like an ouroboros consuming itself than a fresh take. It’s like a product wearing the skin of an Alien movie with nowhere near the same levels of either heart or soul. n

If only Alien: Romulus could (xeno)moprh into a better movie...

It’s Getting Hot in Hear

Inlander staffers nominate their personal picks for

Song of the Summer

BY INLANDER STAFF

While the concept of the “Song of the Summer” is often presented as a competition between new songs to declare the most cultural cachet and charting success from June through August, that’s a vast oversimplification. Songs of the summer can be hot new singles or old favorites that hit just right during this season. Here are some of the tunes that have defined summer 2024 for the Inlander crew.

“RIGHT BACK TO IT” BY WAXAHATCHEE

Ever hear a brand new song and think, “There’s just no way this song hasn’t existed for decades, it sounds way too timeless.” Well if you haven’t, give Waxahatchee’s “Right Back to It” a spin. A humid dose of slow-burning Southern Americana, singer-songwriter Katie Crutchfield gorgeously explores both the always-present insecurities and unshakeable beauty of a consistent longtime love that refuses to fade. The calming twang of the banjo strings and MJ Lenderman’s reassuring backup vocals capture the beauty of true love without any cloying sugar coating. (SETH SOMMERFELD)

“NOT LIKE US” BY KENDRICK LAMAR

As a native Los Angeleno, it goes without saying that Kung Fu Kenny is on our rap Mount Rushmore. Kendrick is an intellectual with conscious lyrics that reflect our society — it’s no wonder he is the only rap Pulitzer Prize winner. Yet, he is also the perfect example of hip-hop culture, and that is on full display on “Not Like Us,” his knockout punch in his diss track rap battle with Drake. Lamar levels heavy accusations at Drake, including calling the Canadian MC a colonizer who uses Black culture for profits. All of this happens under a catchy beat by the party starter producer-DJ Mustard. Lyrics like “Tryna strike a chord, and it’s probably A-Minor,” sung in A-minor, just underlines the musicianship that makes Kendrick the greatest rapper alive. I said what I said. (VICTOR CORRAL MARTINEZ)

“360” BY CHARLI XCX

No thoughts, just Brat. (MADISON PEARSON)

“HOIST THE COLOURS (REMIX)” BY EXCISION & SULLIVAN KING

If you’d asked me a few weeks ago what I expected my favorite song by any DJ/producer at Shambhala Music Festival would be, I would’ve never, ever guessed a remix of The Wellermen’s “Hoist the Colours.” You’ve almost certainly heard some version of the old school “yo, ho” pirate shanty, but have you heard it with a stupidly pleasing electronic bass drop? Excision and Sullivan King (two of my favorite EDM artists) remixed the song this year, and hearing the tune blasted through massive speakers during Excision’s set was both epic and hilarious. I mean, I can’t even take myself seriously when I say, “OMG my favorite was the pirate song!!!”

(SAMANTHA WOHLFEIL)

“HOT TO GO” BY CHAPPELL ROAN

A bit obvious, but it’s pretty hard to argue Roan isn’t the artist of the Summer ’24. Besides, I am nothing if not one of the queerest cishet millennial white dudes around. (Yes, I can do the dance. Obviously.) (SS)

“ABANICO” BY LA GOONY CHONGA

There is not another song in existence that describes how I feel during the summer — hot, sweaty and searching for relief — like this one does. With succinct lyrics like “Qué calor, qué calor, qué sudor / Por favor, por favor / Pásame mi abanico” (simplified translation: “It’s hot, please pass me my fan”), Cuban-American rapper La Goony Chonga cements “Abanico” as the song of every summer.

(COLTON RASANEN)

“BEAUTIFUL THINGS” BY BENSON BOONE

Like many millennials, I come across some of the newest trends and songs that are popularized on TikTok unfashionably late, only once Instagram has gotten the youths’ hand-me-downs. It’s how I came across the catchy song “Beautiful Things” by Benson Boone, when I noticed it used in the background of a reel maybe around May or June this year.

The song immediately hit that perfect emotional “in the feels” magic due to its beltable chorus “Please (pause for effect, strumming guitar) stay (pause) I want you, I need you, oh God. Don’t (strumming builds!) take (building!) these BEAUTIFUL THINGS THAT I’VE GOT.”

After playing it for about the fifth time in a row that first day, I knew it’d make it onto my summer playlist and probably remind me of 2024 for years to come.

Sure enough, it was the song belted by a passionate little girl standing on a boat in a video my friend sent my way a few weeks later. And another version of the tune helped seal in some core memories in July: My friends and I listened to the Punk Goes Pop-style cover of “Beautiful Things” by Our Last Night on our way to see Blink-182 at the Gorge, proving the beltable chorus is also screamable (even with our slightly off-key motormouth abilities). Whether or not you dig (or realize) the religious tones of the song, the sentiment we can all connect with is wanting to hold onto the people and experiences we share — those beautiful things we’ve got. (SW)

“WHEREVER I GO”

BY JACOB COLLIER (FEAT. LAWRENCE & MICHAEL MCDONALD)

Though the last installment of Jacob Collier’s Djesse album series came out earlier this year, this song was always destined to be blasted full volume with the windows down on a hot summer’s day. Featuring sibling soul powerhouse group Lawrence and Michael McDonald of Doobie Brothers fame, the song is full of rich harmonies, funky key modulations and strong vocals from Clyde and Gracie Lawrence that keep this song playing on an endless loop wherever I go. (MP)

“I

LIKE THE WAY YOU KISS ME” BY ARTEMAS

A pure hit of sweaty, sexy sleaze, Artemas’ smash single seems tailor made for the TikTok age. It’s immensely danceable, gets directly to the point, oozes with dark charisma and seemingly burrows into your skull till it’s on a permanent loop. It’s the perfect messy makeout music for a fling that likely won’t last past the summer. (SS)

“EKAN”

BY XAVIER WULF

Xavier Wulf inhabits his own lane as a rapper and often utilizes inspiration from nerd culture. You can expect Wulf to deliver smooth yet aggressive lyrics on low-end hypnotic beats. “Ekans” details the paranoid threat of a snake hiding by referencing the titular slithering Pokémon. Further nerdy nods like the line, “I think I’m gang, Orca, I’m in Mordor with the Orcs” give me the needed fuel to hype myself. (VCM)

“HUMBUG MOUNTAIN SONG” BY FRUIT BATS

Some people are having a Brat summer, while others are having a laid-back, indie folk-fueled summer. (As indicated above, I’m in both camps, but we’re talking about the latter at the moment.) On “Humbug Mountain Song,” Fruit Bats frontman Eric D. Johnson provides an anthem for those too crunchy for the club with this textbook folk song about sun, being young, growing older and enjoying life to the fullest extent. (MP)

“SOUP” BY REMI WOLF

I’ve always been one for the bit, which is why I love telling people that my favorite song right now is just called “Soup.” Beyond the joke though, Remi Wolf’s powerful vocals here stealthily mask a sense of yearning unbecoming of the summer months. This song makes me want to roll down the windows and sing along at the top of my lungs during a long drive while wondering who’s going to pick up the soup for me. (CR)

“WHATEVER SHE WANTS”

BY BRYSON TILLER

Many would say Bryson Tiller “fell off” from music relevance with a mediocre sophomore album, but his self-titled third album released in April this year quieted all doubters. I too missed the “old Bryson Tiller,” but “Whatever She Wants” delivers everything frustrated fans needed: a bass-heavy and dance-friendly beat, call-and-response lyrics, and a depiction of boastful consumerism concealing a love song. (VCM)

“ENDLESS BUMMER”

BY WEEZER

While it might not be the most obvious Weezer pick for song of the summer (See: “Island in the Sun” or “Feels Like Summer”), the band’s White Album is arguably its album with the best and most cohesive summer vibes. And in my opinion, no summer playlist is complete without this homage to the 1974 Beach Boys album, Endless Summer. (MP) n

INDIE ROCK THE BETHS

J = THE INLANDER RECOMMENDS THIS SHOW

J = ALL AGES SHOW

Thursday, 8/15

ARBOR CREST WINE CELLARS, Pamela Benton

BOLO’S BAR & GRILL, Bolo’s Blues & Brews

BOLO’S BAR & GRILL, Desert Hwy Band

BOOMERS CLASSIC ROCK BAR, Ken Davis Trio

BOTTLE BAY BREWING CO., Bob Gallagher & Cold Canary

J THE CHAMELEON, ExZac Change & Matisse, CHRVNS, Estimate, Malik Colors

CHAN’S RED DRAGON ON THIRD, Johnson Bro Longnecks

CHECKERBOARD TAPROOM, Weathered Shepherds

J COEUR D’ALENE PARK, Nu Jack City

J JAGUAR ROOM AT CHAMELEON, The Red Books, Jerry Lee Raines

J KNITTING FACTORY, Treaty Oak Revival

THE LODGE AT CARLIN BAY, Just Plain Darin’

J MCINTIRE FAMILY PARK, Dr. Phil and the Enablers

J NORTHERN QUEST CASINO, Kane Brown, Locash

J RIVERSTONE PARK, Justin James Band, RCA

SPIRIT LAKE, Son of Brad

J STELLA’S ON THE HILL, Pastiche

J TRUE LEGENDS GRILL, Evan Denlinger

ZOLA, Jason Evans’ Cosmic Fantasy

Friday, 8/16

AK ASIAN RESTAURANT, Frankie Ghee

ROCK JOHN FOGERTY

BARRISTER WINERY, Spare Parts

J BEDROOM GOLDMINE BAR, John Pitcher

BIG BARN BREWING CO., Gil Rivas

J THE BIG DIPPER, Chuck Vibes And The Dead Feels, Eyera, Shady Angels

BOLO’S BAR & GRILL, Bruiser

CENTRAL LIBRARY, The Excuses, DIVINE

CHAN’S RED DRAGON ON THIRD, Kenny James Miller

CHINOOK STEAK, SEAFOOD & PASTA, Max Malone

THE DISTRICT BAR, William Clark Green

J THE GRAIN SHED, Haywire

IOLITE LOUNGE, Austin Carruthers

IRON HORSE (CDA), Funshine

J JAGUAR ROOM AT CHAMELEON, Cruel Velvet, Lost Master, Zhalko, casketcvlt

J J KNITTING FACTORY, Built to Spill

THE LODGE AT CARLIN BAY, Justyn Priest

MOOSE LOUNGE, Karma’s Circle

It was wonderful enough that Alvvays graced Spokane with their dreamy indie rock last year, but the fact that they’re returning already and bringing along The Beths as an opener? Next-level Canadian niceness. For the unfamiliar, New Zealand indie rock outfit The Beths have been one of the better slightly under the radar indie acts since forming in 2014. Led by frontwoman Elizabeth Stokes, the group crafts smart, incredibly poppy and emotionally tender tunes. The Beths’ 2022 album Experts in a Dying Field made the yearend best albums lists for Rolling Stone, Pitchfork, Stereorgum and more, plus helped them land a gig opening up for Death Cab for Cutie and The Postal Service’s arena tour (at one Seattle stop, Ben Gibbard called Stokes the best songwriter of her generation). Don’t show up late and miss these Kiwis’ sweetness.

— SETH SOMMERFELD

Alvvays, The Beths • Wed, Aug. 21 at 8 pm • $30 • All Ages • Knitting Factory • 919 W. Sprague Ave. • sp.knittingfactory.com

According to a recent Rolling Stone story, “The Biggest Band in America in 2024 Is… Creedence Clearwater Revival.” Wait… what?!? Yep, the band that peaked in popularity in 1969 has seen their greatest hits album Chronicle chart in the Top 40 all summer, which is higher than any other classic rock act including The Beatles. There’s something about the universal appeal of frontman John Fogerty’s songwriting that remains resonant across class, cultural and generational lines. It’s proof positive that his songs are timeless in a very literal sense. So whether you caught CCR live before the band disbanded way back in 1972 or are the grandkid of someone who did, seeing Fogerty rip through classics like “Fortunate Son,” “Born on the Bayou” and “Have You Ever Seen the Rain?” should make for a fantastic (and oddly relevant) warm summer night at Spokane Pavilion.

— SETH SOMMERFELD

John Fogerty, George Thorogood & The Destroyers, Hearty Har • Fri, Aug. 16 at 6 pm • $60-$187 • All Ages • Spokane Pavilion • 574 N. Howard St. • spokanepavilion.com

J J NORTHERN QUEST CASINO, Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo, The Vindys

J J PAVILION AT RIVERFRONT, John Fogerty, George Thorogood and the Destroyers, Hearty Har

J PEND D’OREILLE WINERY, Heat Speak

RED ROOM LOUNGE, Live DJs

J RIVER CITY LANES, Karaoke with Rich SILVER MOUNTAIN RESORT, Son of Brad

SPOKANE TRIBE RESORT & CASINO, Live Band Karaoke

J TRUE LEGENDS GRILL, Howie King

WHISPERS LOUNGE, Live on the Lake: Jojo Dodge ZOLA, The Buckley Storms

Saturday, 8/17

J AVISTA STADIUM, Into the Drift Duo

J BARRELHOUSE PUB & PIZZA, Jake Rozier, Nick Seider, Samanything

BIG BARN BREWING CO., River Street Latin Band

J BLACK DIAMOND, Nathan Chartrey, Joshua Belliardo

BOLO’S BAR & GRILL, Bruiser

THE CHAMELEON, Family Worship Center, The Holy Broke, Leftover Soul CHAN’S RED DRAGON ON THIRD, Bay 7

CHINOOK STEAK, SEAFOOD & PASTA, Max Malone

THE DISTRICT BAR, FUEGO!: Spokane’s Latin Dance Party

IRON HORSE (CDA), Funshine

J J BONES MUSICLAND, MÔS, Bad Trip Motel, Kipp Riley

J J KNITTING FACTORY, Alex G, Julie

MCCRACKEN’S PUB AND BBQ, Johnson Brothers Longnecks

MOOSE LOUNGE, Karma’s Circle

J NIGHT OWL, Priestess

NOAH’S CANTEEN, Son of Brad

J NORTHERN QUEST CASINO, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Citizen Cope, Bombargo

ONE SHOT CHARLIE’S, Heather King Band

J PEND D’OREILLE WINERY, Oak Street Connection

J PONDEROSA BAR AND GRILL, Howie King

RED ROOM LOUNGE, Live DJs

J REPUBLIC BREWING CO., Zonky Jazz Band

ROCKET MARKET, Starlite Motel

ZOLA, Malachi Burrow, Briana Grand ZOLA, Star Court

Sunday, 8/18

THE COEUR D’ALENE RESORT, Bands on Boats: Kelly Hughes Band

J CRAFT & GATHER, Jona Gallegos

HOGFISH, Open Mic

J LIVE AT ANDRE’S, Jackopierce

MOOSE LOUNGE, Mike McCafferty

J ONE SHOT CHARLIE’S, The Philosopher’s Daughter

J SOUTH HILL GRILL, Just Plain Darin

ZOLA, JoJo Knox

Monday, 8/19

EICHARDT’S PUB, Monday Night Blues Jam with John Firshi

J KNITTING FACTORY, K.Flay, Frances Forever

RED ROOM LOUNGE, Open Mic Night

J STELLA’S ON THE HILL, Steve Starkey

Tuesday, 8/20

J THE BIG DIPPER, SPACED, KURB, Puddy Knife

OSPREY RESTAURANT & BAR, Just Plain Darin

ROCKET MARKET, Mason Van Stone

SWING LOUNGE, Live Music Tuesdays

ZOLA, The Zola All Star Jam

Wednesday, 8/21

BARRISTER WINERY, Stagecoach West

J THE BIG DIPPER, Zeppelin Night: Light In Mirrors, Chase the Bear, Indignant Swine

J CENTRAL LIBRARY, Come Be Heard Open Mic

THE DRAFT ZONE, The Draft Zone Open Mic

J KENDALL YARDS, Rock the Nest: General Machinery Co., Soul Proprietor, Gil Rivas, Tim Snodgrass

J J KNITTING FACTORY, Alvvays, The Beths

J NORTHERN QUEST CASINO, Falling In Reverse, Dance Gavin Dance, Black Veil Brides, Tech N9ne, Nathan James

OSPREY RESTAURANT & BAR, Land of Voices

RED ROOM LOUNGE, Red Room Lounge Jam

J TIMBERS ROADHOUSE, Cary Beare Presents

J TRUE LEGENDS GRILL, Nate Ostrander

Just Announced...

THE DISTRICT BAR, Mike Ryan, Sept. 14.

BERSERK, Dancing Plague, Oct. 4.

J KNITTING FACTORY, Terror Reid, Oct. 8.

J THE DISTRICT BAR, Destroyer, Oct. 12.

J KNITTING FACTORY, The HU, Oct. 15.

J JAGUAR ROOM AT CHAMELEON, KENMUJO, Oct. 27.

Coming Up...

J MCINTIRE FAMILY PARK, JamShack, Aug. 22, 6-8:30 pm.

J RIVERSTONE PARK, Spare Parts, The Weddle Twins, Aug. 22, 6-8 pm.

J J KNITTING FACTORY, Joy Oladokun, Kara Jackson, Aug. 22, 8 pm.

J PEND D’OREILLE WINERY, Weibe Jammin’, Aug. 23, 5-8 pm.

J ST. MARIES CITY PARK, PJ Destiny, Aug. 23, 6-9 pm.

J REPUBLIC BREWING CO., Jeff Crosby & the Refugees, Aug. 23, 7-10 pm.

J THE BIG DIPPER, Sorcia, Red Mesa, Sonic Druid, Aug. 23, 7:30 pm.

J GORGE AMPHITHEATER, Tyler Childers, Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats, Aug. 23, 7:30 pm.

J J KNITTING FACTORY, X, Aug. 23, 8 pm.

J SPOKANE TRIBE CASINO, Steel Pulse, DJ Killer B, Aug. 23, 8 pm.

J THE CHAMELEON, SKEEMN Tapes Vol. 1: Dark Daze Album Release Show, Aug. 23, 9 pm..

J PEND D’OREILLE WINERY, Mike Wagoner and Sadie Sicilia, Aug. 24, 5-8 pm.

MUSIC | VENUES

219 LOUNGE • 219 N. First Ave., Sandpoint • 208-263-5673

ARBOR CREST WINE CELLARS • 4705 N. Fruit Hill Rd., Spokane Valley • 509-927-9463

BABY BAR • 827 W. First Ave. • 509-847-1234

BARRISTER WINERY • 1213 W. Railroad Ave. • 509-465-3591

BEE’S KNEES WHISKY BAR • 1324 W. Lancaster Rd.., Hayden • 208-758-0558

BERSERK • 125 S. Stevens St. • 509-315-5101

THE BIG DIPPER • 171 S. Washington St. • 509-863-8098

BIGFOOT PUB • 9115 N. Division St. • 509-467-9638

BING CROSBY THEATER • 901 W. Sprague Ave. • 509-227-7638

BLACK DIAMOND • 9614 E. Sprague Ave. • 509891-8357

BOLO’S BAR & GRILL • 116 S. Best Rd., Spokane Valley • 509-891-8995

BOOMERS CLASSIC ROCK BAR • 18219 E. Appleway Ave., Spokane Valley • 509-368-9847

BUCER’S COFFEEHOUSE PUB • 201 S. Main St., Moscow • 208-596-0887

THE BULL HEAD • 10211 S. Electric St., Four Lakes • 509-838-9717

CHAN’S RED DRAGON • 1406 W. Third Ave. • 509-838-6688

THE CHAMELEON • 1801 W. Sunset Blvd.

CHECKERBOARD • 1716 E. Sprague Ave. • 509-443-4767

COEUR D’ALENE CASINO • 37914 S. Nukwalqw St., Worley • 800-523-2464

COEUR D’ALENE CELLARS • 3890 N. Schreiber Way, Coeur d’Alene • 208-664-2336

CRUISERS BAR & GRILL • 6105 W Seltice Way, Post Falls • 208-446-7154

CURLEY’S HAUSER JUNCTION • 26433 W. Hwy. 53, Post Falls • 208-773-5816

THE DISTRICT BAR • 916 W. 1st Ave. • 509-244-3279

EICHARDT’S PUB • 212 Cedar St., Sandpoint • 208-263-4005

FIRST INTERSTATE CENTER FOR THE ARTS • 334 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. • 509-279-7000

FOX THEATER • 1001 W. Sprague Ave. • 509-624-1200

IRON HORSE • 407 E. Sherman, Coeur d’Alene • 208-667-7314

IRON HORSE BAR & GRILL • 11105 E. Sprague Ave., Spokane Valley • 509-926-8411

JOHN’S ALLEY • 114 E. Sixth St., Moscow • 208-883-7662

KNITTING FACTORY • 911 W. Sprague Ave. • 509-244-3279

MARYHILL WINERY • 1303 W. Summit Pkwy. • 509-443-3832

MILLIE’S • 28441 Hwy 57, Priest Lake • 208-443-0510

MOOSE LOUNGE • 401 E. Sherman Ave., Coeur d’Alene • 208-664-7901

NASHVILLE NORTH • 6361 W. Seltice Way, Post Falls • 208-457-9128

NYNE BAR & BISTRO • 232 W. Sprague Ave. • 509-474-1621

POST FALLS BREWING CO. • 112 N. Spokane St., Post Falls • 208-773-7301

NORTHERN QUEST RESORT & CASINO • 100 N. Hayford Rd., Airway Heights • 877-871-6772

PEND D’OREILLE WINERY • 301 Cedar St., Sandpoint • 208-265-8545

RAZZLE’S BAR & GRILL • 10325 N. Government Way, Hayden • 208-635-5874

RED ROOM LOUNGE • 521 W. Sprague Ave. • 509-838-7613

THE RIDLER PIANO BAR • 718 W. Riverside Ave. • 509-822-7938

SEASONS OF COEUR D’ALENE • 1004 S. Perry St. • 208-664-8008

SPOKANE ARENA • 720 W. Mallon Ave. • 509-279-7000

SPOKANE TRIBE RESORT & CASINO • 14300 US-2, Airway Heights • 877-786-9467

SOUTH PERRY LANTERN • 12303 E. Trent Ave., Spokane Valley • 509-473-9098

STORMIN’ NORMAN’S SHIPFACED SALOON • 12303 E. Trent Ave., Spokane Valley • 509-862-4852

TRANCHE • 705 Berney Dr., Wall Walla • 509-526-3500

ZOLA • 22 W. Main Ave. • 509-624-2416

FOOD LENTIL LOVE

They’re tiny, mighty and totally worth celebrating. Don’t forget to show everyone’s favorite legume the love at Pullman’s 35th National Lentil Festival, which is personally my favorite festival of the entire year. There’s a race, a parade, live cooking demonstrations and live music, plus the world’s largest bowl of lentil chili that you can partake of for free. Hosts are so gracious, they even hand out the recipe so you can celebrate lentils all yearlong. The recipe calls for everything from salsa, cinnamon, chili powder and bell pepper to the all-important secret chili ingredient that makes everything good: Mexican chocolate. If for some reason that doesn’t persuade you, maybe the pickleball tournament or the experiments at Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories’ science tent will. No matter what, you’re sure to fall in love with Tase T. Lentil, the adorable mascot for the powerhouse of the Palouse.

— ELIZA BILLINGHAM

National Lentil Festival • Sat, Aug. 17 at 7:30 am-10 pm • Free

• Reaney Park • 690 NE Reaney Way, Pullman • lentilfest.com • 509-334-3565

COMMUNITY PRANCING PAWS

For the first time, the nonprofit Inland Empire Gardners is hosting Spokane’s most fashionable dogs for an afternoon of runway strutting. Dog-related vendors are set to fill Manito Park, too, offering items like handcrafted, gourmet dog treats, leashes and custom clothing. The invitation to dress up is extended not just to the event’s four-legged attendees, but also their owners as each duo struts down the runway. There are opportunities to win prizes in categories like “Best Dressed,” “Funniest Outfit,” “Most Creative” and “Matching Owner/Dog,” as well as door prizes just for showing up. Whether you’re planning to dress up your pup in a suit, dress or bowtie, or sit back and watch the show with free refreshments and party favors, it’ll be all smiles.

— MADI OSWALT

Dog Days of Summer Canine Fashion Show • Sat, Aug. 17 at 2 pm • Free • Manito Park Meeting Room • 1702 S. Grand Blvd. • tieg.org

FILM MUNDANE MAGIC

It may not seem like it on the surface, but there is something magical about the average day-to-day way that people move through their lives. That’s a thread that Spokane Valley writer William Bancroft and director Amanda Steen pull on in their new movie Vacant Lot. The film set in 1971 follows two brothers, Eric (Oskar Owens) and Randy (Beau Charles), as they pick up the pieces of their lives on a road trip after a family tragedy sent them adrift. Vacant Lot is premiering exclusively at the Garland Theater on Saturday, so you won’t want to miss it. Why not make it a movie day as Jurassic Park and The Mummy are both playing in the theater, too.

— COLTON RASANEN

Vacant Lot • Sat, Aug. 17 at 7:30 pm • $10 • Garland Theater • 924 W. Garland Ave. • garlandtheater.org

GET LISTED!

Submit events online at Inlander.com/getlisted or email relevant details to getlisted@inlander.com. We need the details one week prior to our publication date.

COMMUNITY FAIRLY FUN

The North Idaho State Fair, a beloved summer tradition, kicks off this weekend, bringing together residents and visitors for a 10-day celebration of community spirit with both entertaining and educational activities. Held at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds, the fair showcases the best of North Idaho’s agricultural heritage as well as the projects of regional 4-H members. Enjoy classic fair attractions, tasty food, thrilling carnival rides, motorsports events, a rodeo and a slate of live music on the main stage, including ’90s hitmakers Sugar Ray and Smash Mouth on Aug. 20.

— FOPE SERIKI

North Idaho State Fair • Aug. 16-25; times vary • $7-$9 general admission; special events require additional ticket • Kootenai County Fairgrounds • 4056 N. Government Way, Coeur d’Alene • nisfair.fun

COMMUNITY HUCKLEBERRY HAPPENINGS

If you’ve never visited Wallace, Idaho, the 39th annual Wallace Huckleberry Festival and 5k Fun Run takes place in the historic Silver Valley town this weekend. A celebration of the Idaho state fruit, there will be huckleberry pancakes, food and craft vendors, live music, kids games and events, and plenty of chances to eat and pick huckleberries. The drive to Wallace from Spokane is a little under an hour and a half, so you can make it a day trip, or stay at one of Wallace’s historic hotels, vacation rentals or campsites nearby, and make a weekend out of it. If you’re feeling ambitious, sign up for the 5k Fun Run ($35), and for a complete rundown of the weekend’s happenings, visit the link below.

— CASSANDRA BENSON Wallace Huckleberry Festival and 5k Fun Run • Sat, Aug. 17 and Sun, Aug. 18 • All ages • Wallace, Idaho • wallacehuckfest.com

I SAW YOU

RE: RICH Get a restraining order, buy a taser ($20) and ask your doctor for a Zoloft prescription. Problem solved. Also what “spectrum”? I am sorry you are distressed but have a pet peeve when people throw that around because the spectrum theory applies to many things in psychology. It’s a type of scaling a condition not a condition itself. I was professionally diagnosed on the autism spectrum, specifically, when my condition was still called Asperger’s. Please use proper terminology. “On the spectrum” alone means nothing except a confusing catch-all term for people who don’t know what’s going on with themselves.

TROUBLEMAKER A year now... who would have ever believed it. You have the most beautiful soul, I have a terrible past. Now we have such a beautiful, blessed life together. Thank you for saying yes, for loving me. I love you.

CAR FLIRTING ON WELLESLEY I was cruising westbound on the evening of 8/10 around 7:30 pm, I saw you looking over at me in the car at a red light. Smiling at me, I turned my music down because it seemed like you wanted to talk to me? We exchanged quick small talk and continued driving within the same proximity. I was giggling to myself and you turned onto a side street i swear you waved bye, and I stayed driving. You looked like the type of person to read the Inlander so here’s my shot to find you. If you see this, respond back with what kind of car you were driving.

YOU SAW ME

TOO LATE? Roaming, driving, biking through this river city. You saw me, sadly worried about the conditions of this once beautiful, wonderful “town.” Quite recently it was grand, again. It declines at alarming rates, daily, hourly, like rainforests decimated by bulldozers. Some things don’t come back. The Walt/Karen Worthy duo, the Ron/Julie Wells duo, and the small business duos that have kept this machine running smoothly, progressively, and passionately, are fading quickly away from this place they loved and protected. Wake UP, Spokane; this place is becoming a sh*% - hole, in spite of some efforts by the few, doing ALL the heavy lifting. Get outta the gym and start lifting the debris, and derangement. EVERYBODY needs to be a part of the work that makes this place work, before it’s too late. One day it will be.

CHEERS

FAITH RESTORED! Imagine my surprise when I was told, “Yes,we have your coin purse and you can pick it up at the Lost and Found” at the Chewelah Casino! Not only did they have it, but the money was still in it! All $231.16. Especially unusual in a casino where the money could have disappeared in the blink of an eye. Thanks to everyone who works there and to security who wouldnt even accept a tip. Small town honesty? I truly didn’t think I stood a chance at getting my coin purse back with or without any money in it!

POLITICIANS Cheers to all you candidates who submitted RECENT photos of yourself! Thank you! We can now recognize you in public and say Hello!!!

REALLY GOOD PEOPLE IN SPOKANE I think your name is Jeff and your wife’s is Melissa. You helped me when I had a puncture blowout on a Sunday morning two weeks ago. I was fumbling about and you came over and helped me. Then upon getting my replacement tire put on, I had a dead battery, and a man named Bryan gave me a jump start so I could get home. I can’t thank you all enough. You all made my day.

EXCELLENT REPRESENTATIVES & SERVICE

Xfinity store on North Division. Nicholas H. is a good, patient, & understanding listener

who responds efficiently & well to customers’ needs. Heather W. is the same and very patient in working through problems with customers. Both are excellent representatives of Xfinity. Thank you both, for your help in resolving my technical and other issues.

IT’S THE BIG ONE I just finished reading “Planning for the ‘Big One’” and I wanted to

reiterate my previous warnings about being prepared. Forest fires come and go on a regular basis. Our lust for more manufactured goods makes global warming inevitable. The preparedness of which I speak is the eternal kind. My daughter and son-in-law have been involved in two potentially fatal accidents. She actually defied the laws of physics by surviving. What about you? Are you prepared for eternity? Have you invited Jesus into your life? Remember, eternity is forever. Don’t put off your decision.

MAKING LAUGHS OUT OF LEMONADE Cheers to Dave, Ken, and Molly for still providing laughs even after being blindsided by having their show eliminated after decades of serving our community. Brilliant of Northern Quest to capture the chemistry and humor of the three while providing support until DK&M can kick off their new venture. I love how our community rallies, and I can’t wait to hear them again, hopefully soon!

DRUID OF SPOKANE REDDIT To the person who goes by u/Fine_Dragonfruit3535 on Spokane Reddit, you posted a picture of an imperiled duck you discovered near the Spokane River: This poor creature had a fish hook stuck through its tongue. Despite not having a vehicle with which to transport the duck to any sort of rescue, you went to great lengths to find anyone who could help. Eventually, you found someone via Facebook in Deer Park who could help the injured animal. A day later, you shared a video of the recovering duck, fish-hook-free and

swimming happily in a pond at the home of the Deer Park rescuers. Thank you for being a force for the protection of nature and all things that depend on an ever-more-fragile ecosystem. An innocent creature is alive today because of you, and that is a beautiful thing.

GINGER IN THE SUN I was so relieved that you took my comment with grace instead

Separation is an illusion. If one human being is suffering, we are all suffering.

DEAR MR. HOMELESS Your message about being a strong survivor and able to outlast a wimpy South Hill resident struck me as sort of funny. If you are indeed this superhero of the streets, why don’t you put your powers to work finding work? Don’t condemn the South

of being offended. I have a tendency to blurt first, think later. May your basal temperature be as cool as your demeanor.

KINDNESS Aug. 6 at Kootenai Health Hospital there was a lady with her husband while I was with mine both checking in for surgery. She was so kind that I would like to thank her. She was nice the second we sat down next to her while her husband was being checked in and then around 3 pm after we had waited all day she was so kind again. If you happen to see this ma’am, I want to Thank You from the bottom of my heart for your sincere kindness. I hope all went well with your husband and he’s recovering well. You made my day by your kind sparkle in your eye, your smile and kind words. May God bless you.

JEERS

KINDLY OPEN YOUR HEARTS To my fellow human beings in the Medical Lake area, I ask you to please release your fear and embrace the love that is in all human hearts. I read in this publication that you were recently led to protest with anger helping your fellow man, those you choose to try separating from yourself and call “homeless.” Just last year after the fires, you were given so much help and assistance. This is what you have to give in return? I do not stand in judgment of you or ask you to feel shame. I ask you to return to a state of love and acceptance. We can do it, we can all let go of fear and return to our hearts. Let’s find our way back into being all a human being can be.

Hill people who get up every day and go to work. You see, that’s the reason they have a nice house and a $250,000 motorhome. They work. My advice to you is gather your superior strength, check into a shelter, quit the drugs and booze, clean yourself up, and get a job or two. And when you quote the verses on the Statue of Liberty know this, it’s a message that the poor and tired masses can enter this country and work hard and succeed. It’s not a message of come here and sit on your butt. I suggest you get off yours.

CONCERT TALKERS I’ll never understand why people go to concerts and talk about their mundane lives during the performance. Go to a bar, dinner, or have a BBQ, but shut the hell up. I’m at the concert to listen to live music. Show some respect to the performer and the other attendees. You’re all so freaking annoying!

FREE PALESTINE Jeers to the Inlander for publishing zionist bs. Free Palestine!

EVENTS | CALENDAR

BENEFIT

15TH ANNUAL BACKPACKS FOR KIDS

The Salvation Army Spokane, in collaboration with nomnom Convenience Stores, is distributing 4,000 new backpacks with school supplies to local students in grades K-12. Backpacks will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. Through Aug. 15, 9 am-4 pm. Free. The Salvation Army Spokane, 222 E. Indiana Ave. makingspokanebetter.org (509-325-6810)

STICK N’ STEIN A beer tasting fundraiser to support youth hockey featuring a variety of craft brews. Aug. 15, 3-9 pm. $35$100. Eagles Ice-A-Rena, 6321 N. Addison St. sticknstein.eventbrite.com

BIRDS & BREWS Short bird walks around the farm are followed by a gathering for no-host beverages and a birding trivia game. Registration required. Aug. 22, 5-8 pm. Free. Big Barn Brewing Co., 16004 N. Applewood Lane. audubonspokane.org

BARN SALE A sale benefitting two horse rescues and a dog rescue. Items include saddles, bridles, blankets, halters and more. Aug. 23, 9 am-5:30 pm and Aug. 24, 9 am-4 pm. $5. Spring Hill Grange, 8717 N. Brooks Rd. spokanewienerdogs. org (509-796-2140)

COMEDY

DARRELL HAMMOND Hammond is the second longest running cast member and current announcer on Saturday Night Live. Aug. 15, 7 pm, Aug. 16-17, 7 & 9:45 pm. $20-$30. Spokane Comedy Club, 315 W. Sprague. spokanecomedyclub.com

HALF AND HALF In the first half of the show, Blue Door improvisers entertain with a series of short-form games driven by audience suggestions. For the second half, they delve into more in-depth scene work. Fri at 7:30 pm through Aug. 30. By donation. Spokane Children’s Theatre, 2727 N. Madelia. bluedoortheatre.org

JEFF TRACTA Tracta performs over 100 celebrity impressions. He is best known for his Donald Trump impersonation as seen on America’s Got Talent. Aug. 16, 8 pm. $28-$48. Spokane Tribe Resort & Casino, 14300 W. SR Highway 2. spokanetribecasino.com (877-789-9467)

MULTIPLE CHOICE Audience choices and suggestions drive the twists and turns of this improvised adventure. Fri at 7:30 pm through Aug. 30. $9. Spokane Children’s Theatre, 2727 N. Madelia St. bluedoortheatre.org (509-747-7045)

SAFARI The Blue Door Theatre’s version of Whose Line where they improv short comedy skits from audience suggestions. Every Saturday at 7:30 pm through Dec. 28. $9. Spokane Children’s Theatre, 2727 N. Madelia St. bluedoortheatre.com

SHAWN GARDINI Gardini is the producer of Matt and Shane’s Secret Podcast and has appeared on sketch shows like Gilly and Keeves. Aug. 18, 7 pm. $22-$30. Spokane Comedy Club, 315 W. Sprague. spokanecomedyclub.com

IMPROV JAM Improv Jams are not a class but a time for adults to try something new, play improv games and have fun while playing new improv games. Aug. 20 & 27, 7-9 pm. Pay what you want. Spokane Children’s Theatre, 2727 N. Madelia St. bluedoortheatre.org

NEW TALENT TUESDAYS Watch comedians of all skill levels work out jokes together. Tuesdays at 7 pm (doors at 6 pm). Free. Spokane Comedy Club, 315 W. Sprague. spokanecomedyclub.com

IMPROV An all-ages improv session hosted by John Connelly. Every Wednesday at 5:30 pm. Free. Pend Oreille Playhouse, 236 S. Union Ave., Newport. pendoreilleplayers.com

OPENLY MIC: A QUEER COMEDY OPEN

MIC Stand-up comedy open mic with a queer sensibility. Sign-up starts at 7 pm. First, third and fifth Wednesday of each month from 8-9:30 pm. Free. The Q Lounge, 228 W. Sprague Ave. instagram. com/openlymic

DC YOUNG FLY Fly is a comedian, actor, social media influencer, musician and podcast host. Aug. 22-23, 7 & 9:45 pm. $45-$55. Spokane Comedy Club, 315 W. Sprague. spokanecomedyclub.com

LOL OASIS A night of comedy featuring Amy Barnes. Proceeds benefit Helping Captives, a Spokane Valley-based antitrafficking ministry. Aug. 23, 7 pm. $35$60. Turning Point Open Bible Church, 11911 N. Division. lodgelovers.com

THE GREAT OUTDOORS COMEDY

FESTIVAL An outdoor comedy festival featuring multiple stages, local, regional and big-name comedians. Featured comedians include Kelsey Cook, Tom Segura, Kelsey Cook and Kevin Hart. Aug. 23-25. $49.50-$249.50. ONE Spokane Stadium, 501 W. Gardner. greatoutdoorscomedyfestival.com

COMMUNITY

350 SPOKANE ‘NO ON I-2117’ CAMPAIGN KICKOFF 350 Spokane kicks off their efforts to protect the Climate Commitment Act. Pick up yard signs and receive informational handouts. Aug. 15, 6:30-8 pm. Free. Saranac Rooftop, 25 W. Main. 350spokane.org

BONNER COUNTY FAIR Attractions of this year’s fair include EXTREME Bronc Riding (Aug. 14), dirt biking by Octane Addictions (Aug. 15), a demolition derby (Aug. 17) and traditional events including ag displays/competitions, vendors, food and more. Aug. 13-17. Bonner County Fairgrounds, 4203 N. Boyer Rd. bonnercountyfair.com (208-263-8414)

COFFEE IN THE GARDEN Presentations in a variety of arts, music and education featuring coffee, tea, refreshments and conversation in the CREATE garden. Thursdays from 10 am-noon through Aug. 22. Free. Create Arts Center, 900 Fourth St., Newport. createarts.org

DRIVING THE AMERICAN DREAM: 1970S CARS Learn about the changes in the world that heralded a new era of auto making in the U.S. through automobiles of the 1970s. Tue-Sun from 10 am-5 pm through Sep. 14. $8-$12. The MAC, 2316 W. First. northwestmuseum.org

ECO-ANXIETY CAFE A space for likeminded people to explore possibilities for understanding, community and action surrounding environmental issues. Aug. 15, 3-4:30 pm. Free. Liberty Park Library, 402 S. Pittsburgh St. 350spokane.org

GLOWFORGE BASICS Learn the 3D printing design software, material selec-

tion, safety and how to book an appointment to use the Glowforge. Registration required. Ages 16+ Aug. 15, 6-7 pm. Free. Spokane Valley Library, 22 N. Herald Rd. scld.org

GRANT COUNTY FAIR A traditional fair with carnival rides, games, livestock and food. Aug. 13-17. Grant County Fairgrounds, 3953 Airway Drive NE, Moses Lake. gcfairgrounds.com (509-765-3581)

IT HAPPENED HERE: EXPO ’74 FIFTY YEARS LATER

This 50th anniversary exhibition revisits the roots of Expo ’74’s legacy. Tue-Sun from 10 am-5 pm through Jan. 26. $7-$12. The MAC, 2316 W. First Ave. northwestmuseum.org

MINECRAFT CLUB Drop in and explore architecture, engineering and art through Minecraft. Grades 3-8. Every Thursday from 4-6 pm. Free. Spark Central, 1214 W. Summit Pkwy. spark-central.org

MOORE-TURNER HERITAGE GARDENS

SELF-GUIDED TOURS A guided tour of the gardens, restored in 2007 to look as they did when in use in 1915. Tue-Sun from 9 am-3 pm through Sep. 21. Free. Moore-Turner Heritage Gardens, 507 W. Seventh Ave. heritage-gardens.org

PEND OREILLE COUNTY FAIR & RODEO

A fair featuring a livestock show, rodeo, vendors and live music. Aug. 15-18, times vary. Pend Oreille County Fairgrounds, 419152 State Route 20, Newport. pocfair. com (509-445-1367)

ALL FAIRS LEAD TO EXPO ’74 A special exhibit on the history of fairs in the region, from 1886 to Expo ’74. Wed-Sat from 11 am-4 pm through Sept. 2. $7. Spokane Valley Heritage Museum, 12114 E. Sprague. spokanevalleymuseum.com

EVENTS | CALENDAR

ART FEST

An art show and sale featuring 20 artists. Also features children’s activities, musical entertainment, artist demos and more. Aug. 16, 12-7 pm and Aug. 17, 12-7 pm. Free. The Jacklin Arts & Cultural Center, 405 N. William St., Post Falls. thejacklincenter.org

NORTH IDAHO STATE FAIR

This year’s fair theme is “Fun Galore” and features a variety of family-friendly entertainment and attractions. See website for complete schedule. Aug. 16-25; daily. Kootenai County Fairgrounds, 4056 N. Government Way. NISFair.Fun

33 ARTISTS MARKET A curated, monthly market featuring local artists, art demonstrations and live music. This month features Jaime Rome, Melissa Scott, Stories n’ Stoneware and many more. Aug. 17, 10 am-3 pm. Free. Wonder Building, 835 N. Post St. 33artistsmarket.com

ARTISANS MARKET Local artisans and vendors offer readings, crystals and more. Aug. 17, 10 am-5 pm. Free. The Healing Boutique, 9803 E. Sprague. healingboutiquespokane.com

DOG DAYS OF SUMMER CANINE FASH -

ION SHOW Dress up your dog and compete for prizes in the best dressed, funniest, most creative and matching categories. Aug. 17, 2-4 pm. Free. Manito Park, 1800 S. Grand Blvd. tieg.org

HUCKLEBERRY FESTIVAL & FUN RUN

This annual festival features a pancake breakfast, craft vendors, live music and a 5K race. Aug. 17-18. $0-$45. Wallace, Idaho. wallacehuckfest.com

SPOGAMECON A celebration of all things tabletop gaming including card games, board games, roleplaying games, skirmish games and wargames. Preregister at the link below. Aug. 17, 10 am-6 pm. Free. The Hive, 2904 E. Sprague Ave. spogamecon.eventbrite.com

UNITY IN THE COMMUNITY A festival celebrating diversity in the community. The event features a cultural village, performances and traditional food from around the world. Aug. 17, 10 am-3 pm. Free. Riverfront Park, 507 N. Howard St. nwunity.org (509-625-6600)

BUDDHIST OBON FESTIVAL A Japanese festival honoring the spirits of one’s ancestors. Includes bon odori dancing and taiko drumming. Aug. 18, 2-6:30 pm. Free. Spokane Buddhist Temple, 927 S. Perry St. spokanebuddhisttemple.org

MOBIUS MOBILE PLANETARIUM: DESTINATION SOLAR SYSTEM Tour the hottest hot spots and the coldest, stormiest and most spectacular sights in the solar system aboard a virtual ship. (This program is not suitable for children younger than 5.) Aug. 20 at 2, 2:35, 3:10 & 3:45 pm. Free. Spokane Valley Library, 22 N. Herald Rd. scld.org

PALOUSE PRIDE A Pride celebration taking place at various establishments across Moscow featuring a carnival, drag bingo, drag show, brunch, vendors and more. Aug. 22-25; times vary. Free. Moscow. nipridealliance.com

MILLWOOD DAZE This annual neighborhood celebration features a car show, breakfast, a street fair, live music, food and more. Aug. 24, 9 am-3 pm. Free. Downtown Millwood. millwooddaze.millwoodnow.org (509-891-9173)

AIRWAY HEIGHTS DAY A day of community activities like watermelon races, a cornhole tournament, live music and more. Aug. 24. Free. Sunset Park, 924 S. Lawson St. airwayheightsparksandrec. org (509-244-4845)

COEUR D’CON This comic convention celebrates books, movies, games, manga and many other avenues of geek culture with activities, crafts and games. Aug. 24, 10 am-4 pm. Coeur d’Alene Public Library, 702 E. Front Ave. coeurdcon.com

LEARN TO SEW: GET TO KNOW YOUR SEWING MACHINE Expert menders from Mend-It Cafe teach how to use a sewing machine from threading to maintenance. Pleave class with a finished project. Aug. 24, 2:30-5:30 pm,. $30. Art Salvage Spokane, 610 E. North Foothills Dr. spokanezerowaste.org

FILM

EXPO ’74: FILMS FROM THE VAULT A selection of recently digitized film footage from the 1974 World’s Fair hosted in Spokane. Tue-Sun from 10 am-5 pm through Sep. 8. $7-$12. Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture, 2316 W. First Ave. northwestmuseum.org

GARLAND FREE KIDS MOVIES Screenings of free kids movies every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 11 am through Sept. 20. See website for details. Free. Garland Theater, 924 W. Garland Ave. garlandtheater.org

SUMMER FAMILY MATINEE SERIES See website for list of movies. Tue-Thu at 1 pm through Aug. 22. Free. The Kenworthy, 508 S. Main St. kenworthy.org

SUMMER OF STUDIO GHIBLI: MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO An English-dubbed screening. Aug. 14-17, daily at 2 pm. $5. Garland Theater, 924 W. Garland Ave. garlandtheater.org

THIRD THURSDAY MATINEE: MON ONCLE ANTOINE Set at Christmas time, this story takes place in the Asbestos Region of Quebec and follows teenager Benoit who is working for his uncle, Antoine. Aug. 15, 1 pm. $7. Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture, 2316 W. First Ave. northwestmuseum.org (509-456-3931)

PARTY LIKE IT’S 1999: THE MUMMY At an archaeological dig in the ancient city of Hamunaptra, an American serving in the French Foreign Legion accidentally awakens a mummy who begins to wreak havoc. Aug. 16, 5 pm, Aug. 17, 7:30 pm and Aug. 18, 5 pm. $5. Garland Theater, 924 W. Garland Ave. garlandtheater.org

CAT VIDEO FEST 2024 A compilation of the latest and best cat videos culled from countless hours of unique submissions and sourced animations, music videos and classic internet powerhouses. Aug. 17, 7-9 pm and Aug. 18, 4-6 pm. $10. The Kenworthy, 508 S. Main St. kenworthy. org (208-882-4127)

FARMERS MARKET CARTOONS A selection of kid-friendly animated shorts. Drop in anytime during the Moscow Farmers Market. Saturdays from 8 amnoon through Aug. 31. Free. The Kenworthy, 508 S. Main St. kenworthy.org

GARLAND FREE SUMMER MOVIES Free movies at the Garland every Saturday and Sunday at 2 pm through Sept. 13. See website for movie details. Free. Garland Theater, 924 W. Garland Ave. garlandtheater.org (509-327-1050)

VACANT LOT Two brothers, adrift in life after a family tragedy, find direction and redemption in the most unexpected people and places and maybe just a little magic. Written by local resident Bill Bancroft. Aug. 17, 7:30 pm. $10. Garland Theater, 924 W. Garland. garlandtheater.org

STAGE TO SCREEN: VANYA A one-man retelling of Chekhov’s classic blackcomedy Uncle Vanya. Aug. 18, 2-4:30

pm. $20. Bing Crosby Theater, 901 W. Sprague Ave. bingcrosbytheater.com

EXHUMA When a family tries to eliminate a curse by relocating graves, they soon find that it would have been better to let what’s buried stay buried. Part of the Habib Institute for Asian Studies’ AsiaPOP! The Korean Wave symposium at the University of Idaho. Aug. 20, 7-9 pm. Free. The Kenworthy, 508 S. Main St. uidaho.edu/class/hias (208-885-7110)

MOVIES AT THE PAVILION: HOOK A screening under the Pavilion in Riverfront Park. Bring your own seats, snacks and beverages. Aug. 20, 8:30 pm. Free. Pavilion at Riverfront, 574 N. Howard St. riverfrontspokane.com

SUMMER OF STUDIO GHIBLI: PRINCESS

MONONOKE An English-dubbed screening. Aug. 21-24, daily at 2 pm. $5. Garland Theater, 924 W. Garland Ave. garlandtheater.org (509-327-1050)

MOVIE BOOK CLUB: MISERY After a famous author is rescued from a car crash by a fan of his novels, he comes to realize the care he’s receiving is only the beginning of a nightmare of captivity and abuse. Aug. 22, 7-9 pm. $8. The Kenworthy, 508 S. Main St. kenworthy.org

STAR WARS EPISODE IV: A NEW HOPE The MAC’s annual outdoor movie night. Aug. 23, 8-10 pm. $5. Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture, 2316 W. First Ave. northwestmuseum.org

MOVIES AT THE PAVILION: DREAMIN’ WILD A screening under the Pavilion in Riverfront Park featuring special guests Donnie and Nancy Emerson. Bring your own seats, snacks and beverages. Aug. 24, 8:30 pm. Free. Pavilion at Riverfront, 574 N. Howard St. riverfrontspokane.com

FOOD & DRINK

BRING YOUR OWN VINYL NIGHT Bring your own vinyl to spin while sipping on craft cocktails and listening to music. Thursdays from 3-10 pm. The Boneyard - Side Hustle Syrups, 17905 E. Appleway Ave, Ste A. sidehustlesyrups.com

POPCORN SEASONINGS & MOVIE PAIRINGS Local spice shops provide samples of popcorn seasonings and movie suggestions to pair with each flavor. With Inland Empire Spice. Aug. 15, 6:30-7:30 pm. Free. Airway Heights Library, 1213 S. Lundstrom St. scld.org (509-893-8250)

BBQ & BANDS Live music by The Ronaldos. Dinner is Asian chicken. Aug. 16, 5-7 pm. $20. The Culinary Stone, 2129 N. Main St. culinarystone.com

HISTORICAL TOUR & SUPPER CLUB

Learn about the history of Commellini Estate on this guided tour and family-style Italian meal. Aug. 16, 5-8:30 pm. $85. Commellini Estate, 14715 N. Dartford Dr. commelliniestate.com (509-466-0667)

RIDE & DINE SERIES Enjoy a scenic gondola ride, live music and a barbecue meal. Fridays from 3-7:30 pm through Aug. 30. $8-$63. Silver Mountain Resort, 610 Bunker Ave. silvermt.com

ALES FOR THE TRAIL Taste craft beer, wine and cider from local and regional brewers to raise funds for the North Idaho Centennial Trail. Live music from JamShack and Jip Skippy & the Unprepared . Aug. 17, 3-8 pm. $5-$60. Coeur d’Alene City Park, 415 W. Mullan Rd. nictf. org (208-769-2300)

CULINARY TOUR OF THE PALOUSE: WHAT’S IN THE BOTTOM OF YOUR

FREEZER Chef Aaron Little shows how to turn that cut of meat, piece of fish or random frozen vegetable into a meal. Aug. 17, 1 pm. $55. Dahmen Barn, 419 N. Park Way. artisanbarn.org

GARLIC FAIRE An annual event featuring live music, dancing, wine tasting, arts and crafts, food and more. Aug. 17, 12-5 pm. $10. China Bend Winery, 3751 Vineyard Way, Kettle Falls. chinabend.com

NATIONAL LENTIL FESTIVAL A festival celebrating Palouse lentils with cooking demos, samples, kids activities and more. Aug. 17. Free. Reaney Park, 460 NE Morton St., Pullman. lentilfest.com

NOVA KAINE’S DON’T TELL MAMA

CABARET & DRAG BRUNCH Various Inland Northwest drag performers take the stage and perform pieces choreographed by Troy Nickerson. First and third Sunday of every month, 11 am. Free. Highball, 100 N. Hayford Rd. northernquest.com

SUNDAY BRUNCH CRUISES Enjoy a brunch buffet with a full-service, no-host bar while on a cruise around Lake Coeur d’Alene. Sundays at 11 am through Sep. 1. $60-$73. The Coeur d’Alene Resort, 115 S. Second. cdacruises.com (208-765-4000)

RIVERFRONT EATS A food festival featuring local food vendors and live music. Tuesdays from 11 am-2 pm through Aug. 20. Riverfront Park, 507 N. Howard St. riverfrontspokane.org (509-625-6600)

WINE WEDNESDAY: THE LOCALS SERIES This educational session offers a delicious way to explore culinary creations from around the world featuring ingredients from seven local entrepreneurs. Menus are paired with three wines presented by Nectar’s owner and staff. Wed from 5-8 pm through Aug. 21. $30. Fête - A Nectar Co, 120 N. Stevens St. nectarcateringandevents.com

BBQ & BANDS Live music by Brittany’s House. Dinner is a barbecue chicken sandwich. Aug. 23, 5-7 pm. $20. The Culinary Stone, 2129 N. Main St. culinarystone.com

L’ECOLE WINE DINNER A five-course plated dinner by Chef Steven Swanson. Each course paired with a L’Ecole wine presented by the winery and Nectar owners Josh and Katie Wade. Aug. 23, 6-10 pm. $90. Fête - A Nectar Co, 120 N. Stevens St. nectarcateringandevents.com

SOURDOUGH STARTER BASICS Learn about sourdough starter, from how to keep and feed it, how to properly measure and weigh ingredients, to what to do with leftover starter. Led by Jeff Halfhide. Aug. 23, 3-4:30 pm. $65. The Kitchen Engine, 621 W. Mallon Ave. thekitchenengine.com (509-328-3335)

TACOS Y TEQULIA FESTIVAL A festival featuring tacos, tequila, traditional Spanish dance and performances as well as family-friendly acitivites to raise funds for Nuestras Raíces. Aug. 24, 1-10 pm and Aug. 25, 11 am-7 pm. Free. Downtown Spokane, corner of Lincoln and Spokane Falls Blvd. tacostequilaspokane.com

WASHINGTON WINE POP UP TASTING

Ten vendors from around Washington state pour three of their favorite wines. Ticket holders get access to the tastings, raffles and a grazing table. Aug. 24, 12-4 pm. $30. Fête - A Nectar Co, 120 N. Stevens St. fetespokane.com

LOUISIANA BOIL Enjoy one-pound crab, half-pound shrimp, half-pound crawfish, half-pound clams, sausage, red potatoes and a corn on the cob boiled in a Louisiana broth. Tickets are limited. Aug. 25, 4:30-8 pm. $50-$55. Coeur d’Alene Casino, 37914 S. Nukwalqw. cdacasino.com

MUSIC

GET LOUD IN THE LIBRARY: A NIGHT OF TRADITIONAL MUSIC Three local bands/groups showcase different forms of traditional music. Featured groups include Spokane Taiko, Coeurimba and Lokomaika’i. Aug. 17, 7 pm. Free. Central Library, 906 W. Main. spokanelibrary.org

MONTHLY DRUM CIRCLE Learn or share songs you like on the drums. No experience needed. Registration required. Third Sunday of each month from 4-7 pm. $10. Harmony Woods Retreat Center, 11507 S. Keeney Rd. harmonywoods.org

BOB BEADLING Contemporary selections on piano. Aug. 21, 5-7 pm. Free. Pend d’Oreille Winery, 301 Cedar St., Sandpoint. powine.com (877-452-9011)

GENTE BOA & ANDRÉ FRANÇA A night of traditional forró pe de Serra, a style of dance music from northeast Brazil featuring the talents of André França, Adrian Crookston and Diego Vilas Boas. Aug. 23, 7-9 pm. $10. The Kenworthy, 508 S. Main St. kenworthy.org

SPORTS & OUTDOORS

GREATER SPOKANE PARKS CHALLENGE Visit 20 of Spokane’s parks, marking them off on the OuterSpatial mobile app as you go, to complete the challenge. Winners receive a sticker and are entered to win a $500 Target gift card. Through Sep. 3. Free. outerspatial.com

OPEN PLAY PICKLEBALL Play pickleball at the HUB. Every week Mon-Thu from 10 am-noon or 1-3 pm. $5.50-$7. HUB Sports Center, 19619 E. Cataldo Ave. hubsportscenter.org (509-927-0602)

RIVERFRONT MOVES: CARDIO DANCE Jazzercise leads a cardio dance class. Aug. 15. Free. Riverfront Park, 507 N. Howard St. riverfrontspokane.com

SPOKANE INDIANS VS. VANCOUVER CANADIANS Promos during this sixgame series includeBack to School Night (8/16), Fan Appreciation Day Game (8/18) and more. Aug. 15-17, 6:35 pm and Aug. 18, 1:05 pm. Avista Stadium, 602 N. Havana St. milb.com/spokane

SPOKANE RIVERKEEPER CRAYFISH COLLECTION The Riverkeeper teams up with scientists from U of I to monitor local crayfish for mercury. Learn about habitat, species identification, sexing, taking scientific measurement and more. Aug. 15, 4:30-6:30 pm. Free. Harvard Road Boat Launch, 2700 N. Harvard Rd. spokaneriverkeeper.org

MOONLIGHT PADDLEBOARDING: BADGER LAKE Paddle Badger Lake at dusk and through the night. Meet at Finch Arboretum. Fee includes equipment, guides and transportation. Aug. 17, 6-10 pm. $59. John A. Finch Arboretum, 3404 W. Woodland Blvd. my.spokanecity.org

PLANT CLINIC WITH WSU SPOKANE COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS Advice from WSU Spokane County Master Gardeners about plant selection, maintenance, environmentally friendly practices, pest management, and more. Saturdays from 11 am-3 pm through Sep. 28. Free. Shadle Library, 2111 W. Wellesley Ave. spokanelibrary.org (509-444-5300)

RANGER TALKS Short talks on topics including local flora, fauna and history. Aug 3-31, Sat from 11-11:30 am through Aug. 31. Free. Riverside State Park Bowl & Pitcher, 4427 N. Aubrey L. White Parkway. parks.wa.gov (509-505-7745)

EVENTS | CALENDAR

SPOKANE ZEPHYR VS. FORT LAUDER-

DALE UNITED FC The first regular season game of the Spokane Zephyr Football Club. Aug. 17, 6 pm. $24-$44. ONE Spokane Stadium, 501 W. Gardner Ave. uslspokane.com

WINTERIZING YOUR GARDEN Learn how to prepare your garden for winter. Aug. 17, 2-3 pm. $10. Ritters Garden & Gift, 10120 N. Division St. 4ritter.com

KAYAK AND COFFEE: SPOKANE RIVER

UPRIVER DAM Take a morning kayak tour of the Spokane River and enjoy drip coffee from Rocket Bakery. Meet at the Spokane Upriver Dam and Facility. Aug. 18, 7:30-10:30 am. $49. my.cityspokane. org/parksrec

HIAWATHA FULL MOON NIGHT RIDE

Ride the historic route under the light of a full moon. Riders meet at the trail’s east portal. Aug. 19, 7:30 pm. $40-$65. Lookout Pass Ski & Recreation Area, I-90 Exit 0. ridethehiawatha.com

YOGA FOR YOU A program for adults focused on stretching, strengthening and balance. Mondays at 9:30 am through Sep. 30. Free. Coeur d’Alene Public Library, 702 E. Front Ave. cdalibrary.org

BRICK WEST RUN CLUB Run starts and ends at Brick West and changes routes every week. Tuesdays at 6 pm. Free. Brick West Brewing Co., 1318 W. First Ave. bit. ly/brick-run (509-279-2982)

INDIAN CLIFFS HIKE An intermediate, guided 3-mile trail with views of two lakes and the St. Joe River, plus Coeur d’Alene Tribal storytelling, song and drum. Aug. 20, 9:45 am-12:30 pm. $35. Coeur d’Alene Casino, 37914 S. Nukwalqw. cdacasino.com

MILD RIDERS TUESDAY NIGHT RIDES

Bring your Vespa scooter and ride with others. Every Tuesday at 6 pm through the fall. Free. Lunarium, 1925 N. Monroe St. instagram.com/mild.riders.spokane

RIVERFRONT MOVES: YOGA & STRENGTH The Spokane Club leads a class focused on strength. Aug. 20. Free. Riverfront Park, 507 N. Howard St. riverfrontspokane.com (509-625-6600)

MEDICAL LAKE GEO-WALK & WATER

SAMPLING Walk along the trail around Medical Lake with EWU geology professor Chad Pritchard and learn about the lake’s history and natural science. Aug. 21, 5-7 pm. Free. Waterfront Park, 1386 S. Lefevre St. scld.org

PRACTICAL CENTERING YOGA Experience the benefits of yoga and pilates movements through these weekly exercise sessions led by Larkin Barnett. Every Wed from 1:30-2:30 pm. $18-$20. Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture, 2316 W. First Ave. northwestmuseum.org

GEM STATE STAMPEDE This annual rodeo event includes. bull riding, full rodeos, mutton bustin’ and more. Aug. 22-25; Thu-Sat from 6:30-9 pm, Sun from 1:30-3 pm. $7-$10. Kootenai County Fairgrounds, 4056 N. Government Way. nisfair.fun (208-765-4969)

KAYAKING & CANOEING TOUR Depart Plummer Point and paddle to Plummer Marsh. Enjoy wildlife viewing and bird watching while learning history of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe and Heyburn State Park. Ages 15+. Aug. 22, 10 am-1 pm. $45. Coeur d’Alene Casino, 37914 S. Nukwalqw. cdacasino.com

MOVEMENT & MUSIC: YOGA, LIVE MUSIC AND WINE A yoga class led by Larkin Barnett with live music by Chris Kohut and Danny McCollum. Aug. 22, 5:30-8 pm. $35-$40. Northwest Museum of Arts

& Culture, 2316 W. First. northwestmuseum.org

RIVERFRONT MOVES: BARRE Barre3 North leads a 60-min. workout featuring small and large range movement sequences. Aug. 22, 6-7 pm. Free. Riverfront Park, 507 N. Howard St. riverfrontspokane.com (509-625-6600)

SUNSET PADDLEBOARDING Tour the Spokane River from Upriver Dam toward the Argonne Bridge on a paddleboard. Meet at the Spokane Upriver Dam and Facility. Aug. 23, 5:30-7:30 pm. $39. my.spokanecity.org/parksrec

BUILD A FALL CONTAINER Create a fallthemed container with a Ritters designer. Aug. 24, 2-3 pm. $10. Ritters Garden & Gift, 10120 N. Division St. 4ritter.com FISH POCKETS YOUTH FISHING A free youth fishing event, pairing special needs youth with peer mentors to navigate fishing stations and learn how to fish, all in memory of Brayden Bahme. Aug. 24, 9 am-5 pm. Free. Clear Lake Military Resort, 14824 S. Clear Lake. Fishpockets.org

RUN THE NIGHT GLOW RUN A course filled with lighting effects and illuminated fun. Aug. 24, 5:30-9 pm. $25-$30. Spokane County Fair & Expo Center, 404 N. Havana St. runthenight5k.com

THEATER & DANCE

LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS Flower shop assistant Seymour pines for co-worker Audrey. During a total eclipse, he discovers an unusual plant he names Audrey II, which feeds only on human flesh and blood. Thu-Fri at 7:30 pm, Sat-Sun at 2 pm through Aug. 18. $62-$192. Schuler Performing Arts Center, 880 W. Garden Ave. cstidaho.com (208-769-7780)

PIPPIN A mysterious performance troupe tells the story a young prince who longs to find passion and adventure in his life. Thu-Sat at 7 pm, Sun at 2 pm through Aug. 18. $25-$30. Stage Left Theater, 108 W. Third Ave. stagelefttheater.org

XANADU JR. Kira, who descends from the heavens of Mt. Olympus to Venice Beach, is on a quest to inspire a struggling artist to achieve the greatest creation of all time: the first Roller Disco. Wed-Sat at 7:30 pm, Sun at 2 pm through Aug. 18. $15-$28. Spokane Civic Theatre, 1020 N. Howard St. spokanecivictheatre.com

ONE ACT PLAY FESTIVAL A collection of original short plays directed by local directors. Aug. 16-18. Pend Oreille Playhouse, 236 S. Union Ave., Newport. pendoreilleplayers.com (509-447-9900)

MONTANA SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARKS: THE WINTER’S TALE When Leontes’s pregnant wife, Hermione, succeeds in persuading Polixenes to stay, Leontes becomes suspicious that his wife has been unfaithful with his friend. Aug. 17, 5 pm. Free. Pavillion Park, 727 N. Molter Rd. shakespeareintheparks.org

VISUAL ARTS

1924: SOVEREIGNTY, LEADERSHIP AND THE INDIAN CITIZENSHIP ACT This exhibition commemorates the 100-year anniversary of the Indian Citizenship Act and centers on photographs of early local tribal leadership. Tue-Sun from 10 am-5 pm through Feb. 2. $7-$12. Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture, 2316 W. First Ave. northwestmuseum.org

BETWEEN BORDERS: FOLKLIFE THROUGH THE COEUR D’ALENES An

exhibition featuring folk and traditional artists from the region. Wed-Sat from 9 am-3 pm through Sep. 4. Free. Chrysalis Gallery, 911 S. Monroe St. theartchrysalis. com (509-991-7275)

MILES TOLAND: DREAM RECALL Surrealist paintings. Daily from 11 am-6 pm through Sep. 2, 11 am-6 pm. Free. Entropy, 101 N. Stevens St. explodingstars.com

THE GREAT NORTHWEST WOOD SHOW & SALE The show presents a range of wood pieces, from traditional to avantgarde, including wall art, turned bowls, kitchen utensils, furniture and decorative items. Thu-Sun from 10 am-6 pm through Sep. 29. Free. Dahmen Barn, 419 N. Park Way. artisanbarn.org (509-229-3414)

HIGHER GROUND: AN EXHIBITION OF ART, EPHEMERA & FORM Artwork and archival material from across the Palouse that speaks to the history of queer experience in the area including historical photographs, writings and pieces of art. Mon-Fri from 8:30 am-4:30 pm through Oct. 31. Free. Washington State University, 2000 NE Stadium Way. libraries.wsu. edu/masc (509-551-4231)

ILDIKÓ KALAPÁCS: SYMBIOSIS AND CO-EXISTENCE Kalapács blends Hungarian folk culture, themes of environmental preservation, identity and more. Mon-Fri from 10 am-5 pm through Aug. 30. Free. Spokane Art School, 503 E. Second Ave. spokaneartschool.net

IN THE MEAN TIME Carrie Scozzaro, Daniel Kytonen, Emma Noyes, Helen Parsons, Kay O’Rourke, Lance Sinnema, May Kytonen and Tracy Poindexter-Canton showcase art incorporating words and language inspired by literature and current events. Thu-Sat from 4-7 pm through Aug. 31. Free. Terrain Gallery, 628 N. Monroe St. terrainspokane.com

INLAND NORTHWEST JURIED LANDSCAPE ART EXHIBITION This juried display seeks to present the diversity and dynamism of contemporary artistic activity in the Inland Northwest while celebrating the relationship between art and the local landscape. Mon-Sat from 10 am-4 pm through Aug. 24. Free. Jundt Art Museum, 200 E. Desmet Ave. gonzaga.edu/jundt (509-313-6843)

JAMIE ROME CRAIN & TERREN WEIRICK Crain displays oil paintings; Weirick displays ink drawings. Tue-Sat from 10 am-6 pm through Sep. 14. Free. Emerge, 119 N. Second St. emergecda.com

DEBBIE HUGHBANKS: FEATHERS & FUR Hughbanks shares her love of animals and art with a unique collection of creatures from around the world in pastel, acrylic, scratchboard and mixed media. Daily from 11 am-7 pm through Aug. 31. Free. Liberty Building, 203 N. Washington St. spokanelibertybuilding.com

MARY FRANCES DONDELINGER: A LOVE LETTER TO COEUR D’ALENE Dondelinger’s art encapsulates the beauty and spirit of of Coeur d’Alene. Wed-Sun from 11 am-6 pm through Sep. 1. Free. The Art Spirit Gallery, 415 Sherman Ave. theartspiritgallery.com (208-765-6006)

THOMAS CRESSMAN Thr metalsmith and jewelry artist from Mead creates wearable, sculptural art and jewelry that reflects the natural world. Daily from 11 am-7 pm through Aug. 31, 11 am-7 pm. Free. Pottery Place Plus, 203 N. Washington St. potteryplaceplus.com

NANCY ROTHWELL: LEAVES TALK This exhibit shows how the palette and content of paintings can change dramatically once an artist moves from western to Eastern Washington. Mon-Fri from 10

am-6 pm, Sat from 10 am-2 pm through Aug. 31. Free. Colfax Library, 102 S. Main St. cowhitlib.org (509-397-4366)

RE: PRESENT A collection of painting by various artists made with high regard for presence in the moment. Mon-Fri from 8 am-5 pm through Aug. 29. Free. Third Street Gallery, City Hall, 206 E. Third St. ci.moscow.id.us/203/Third-Street/Gallery (208-883-7036)

THOSE WACKY VICTORIANS An exhibit featuring different aspects of late 1800s Victorian hobbies. Tue-Sat from 1-4 pm through Nov. 30. Free. McConnell Mansion, 110 S. Adams St. latahcountyhistoricalsociety.org (208-882-1004)

TRACKSIDE STUDIO SALE Chris Kelsey, Mark Moore and Gina Freuen showcase pieces old and new that are marked down. Wed-Fri from 11 am-5 pm through Aug. 30. Free. Trackside Studio, 115 S. Adams St. tracksidestudio.net

VAN GOGH: THE IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE A 360-degree digital art exhibition featuring the work of Vincent van Gogh. Thu-Mon from 10 am-7 pm through Sep. 30. $21-$41. Exhibition Hub Spokane Art Center, 808 N. Ruby. vangoghexpo.com

VEILED NOTIONS A show featuring Helen Parsons, Susan Mattson, Mary Frances Dondelinger, Randy Palmer and Chris Bivins delving into the complexities of hidden truths and unspoken narratives. Wed-Sun from 11 am-6 pm through Sep. 1. Free. The Art Spirit Gallery, 415 Sherman Ave. theartspiritgallery.com

KATRINA BRENNAN: WHIMSICAL WORKS Vibrant paintings of nature and Spokane landmarks. Tue-Sat from 10 am-6 pm through Aug. 30. Free. William Grant Gallery & Framing, 1188 W. Summit Pkwy. williamgrantgf.com

WOMAN, ARTIST, CATALYST: ART FROM THE PERMANENT COLLECTION Focusing on locally, nationally and internationally known women artists, this exhibition of work from the MAC’s permanent collection showcases the quality and varied focus of leading artists and art movements in the Inland and Pacific Northwest. Tue-Sun from 10 am-5 pm through March 9. $7-$12. Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture, 2316 W. First Ave. northwestmuseum.org (509-456-3931)

FRIDAY NIGHT PAINT: SUMMER VACATION Paint a watercolor postcard from summer travels: a half-timbered house from Germany. Aug. 16, 7 pm. Free. South Hill Library, 3324 S. Perry St. spokanelibrary.org (509-444-5300)

TOBE HARVEY & LOUISE KODIS Harvey showcases recent work and Kodis displays repurposed fabrics bound together to create mixed media work. Fri from 4-8 pm through Aug. 31. Free. Saranac Art Projects, 25 W. Main Ave. sapgallery.com

ZHENYA AMPLEYE: NOTHING BUT SWEETNESS, BONEYNOSE KNOWS

The Ukraine-born artist displays unique watercolor paintings. Fri from 6:30-8:30 pm through Aug. 23. Free. Kolva-Sullivan Gallery, 115 S. Adams St. mobile.kolva. comcastbiz.net

CHILDREN’S PAINTING LESSONS Introductory painting class for children. BYO supplies. Ages 10+. Every Sunday from 3-4:30 pm. $10. Spokane Art Supply, 1303 N. Monroe. spokaneartsupply.com

CHONNAM NATIONAL UNIVERSITY ART FACULTY & GRAD STUDENT EXHIBIT Art by Jeimin Kim reflecting the plant world’s resistance to human control and work b other faculty and artists. Aug. 19-Sept. 13, Mon-Fri from 9 am-5 pm. Free. Ridenbaugh Gallery, 1022 Nez Perce

Dr. uidaho.edu/class/hias (208-885-7110)

HAYOUN KWON’S “489 YEARS” Seoulbased virtual reality artist Hayoun Kwon’s meditation on the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) in Korea. Aug. 19-Sept. 13, MonFri from 9 am-5 pm. Free. University of Idaho Student Union Building (ISUB), 875 S. Line St. uidaho.edu/class/hias

THE ART OF FOOD: FROM THE COLLECTIONS OF JORDAN D. SCHNITZER AND HIS FAMILY FOUNDATION A collection of work showcasing how prominent artists depict food beyond mere sustenance and how food connects us through shared experiences and societal issues. Aug. 20-March 8, 2025; Tue-Sat from 10 am-4 pm. Free. Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art WSU, 1535 NE Wilson Rd. museum.wsu.edu (509-335-1910)

HEARTISTRY: ARTISTIC WELLBEING A relaxed and inspiring environment for self-discovery. Participate in basic artistic concepts and activities or respond to a mindfulness prompt. Tuesdays from 3-5 pm. Free. Spark Central, 1214 W. Summit Pkwy. spark-central.org

TUESDAY GALLERY TALKS A 20-minute informal discussion about a current exhibition. Every Tuesday at 11 am. $15-$20. Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture, 2316 W. First Ave. northwestmuseum.org

YOUR COLLECTION: CELEBRATING 50 YEARS EXHIBITION This exhibition charts the evolution of visual culture since 1890, contextualizing pivotal moments in art history and honoring the generosity of donors. Aug. 20-Dec. 13, Tue-Sat from 10 am-4 pm. Free. Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art WSU, 1535 NE Wilson Rd. museum.wsu.edu

DROP IN & DRAW Join a creative community for this weekly free-form drawing program. All skill levels welcome. Supplies and projects provided. Wednesdays from 5:30-7 pm. Free. Spark Central, 1214 W. Summit Pkwy. spark-central.org ART & GLASS FEST A festival featuring 50+ art vendors working in media including glass, painting, sculpture and more. Aug. 24-25. Free. Arbor Crest Wine Cellars, 4705 N. Fruit Hill Rd. arborcrest.com

WORDS

AUTHOR TALK: BLUE STILEY Join the professional speaker and author to hear about his journey of writing his book, The Sum of 4, and how he became a successful author. Aug. 15, 6-7:30 pm. Free. Liberty Lake Library, 23123 E. Mission Ave. libertylakewa.gov

DROP IN & WRITE Bring works in progress to share, get inspired with creative prompts and spend some focused time writing. Thursdays from 5:30-7 pm. Free. Spark Central, 1214 W. Summit Pkwy. spark-central.org

DAVID AXELROD: SKIING WITH DOSTOYEVSKY Axelrod reads from his newest collection of 32 poems about life and the planet. Aug. 16, 7 pm. Free. Auntie’s, 402 W. Main Ave. auntiesbooks.com

WRITE TOGETHER: A COMMUNITY WRITING SESSION Bring your current writing project and your favorite writing tools and write alongside local author Sharma Shields. (Not a critiquing workshop; purely generative.) Aug. 16, 10 am-noon. Free. South Hill Library, 3324 S. Perry St. spokanelibrary.org

NAMWALI SERPELL: THE FURROWS Discusse The Furrows by Namwali Serpell at this book club meeting. Aug. 17, 10:30 am. Free. Indian Trail Library, 4909 W. Barnes Rd. spokanelibrary.org n

Three-Letter Conundrum

Cannabinoids aren’t always what they seem

BY WILL MAUPIN

Numbers are the name of the game when it comes to cannabis.

Go to any dispensary and on the labels you’ll see, first and foremost, a percentage of THC. The thing is, THC, or Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol as it is scientifically known, is far from the only chemical in cannabis. It is just one of numerous chemicals known as cannabinoids found in cannabis.

Others, like the supermarket-friendly CBD, are somewhat well known. They can provide potential health benefits without producing the high of THC. Others, like CBG, aren’t as well known.

This alphabet soup may be confusing, but science continues to find benefits from these three-letter cannabinoids that are worth consuming. The problem for consumers is that the science itself is kind of hard to consume.

A new study from Washington State University

researcher Carrie Cuttler looks specifically into CBG’s potential to reduce anxiety. It also highlights how little we know about the potential good or harm that can come from cannabis.

“CBG is becoming increasingly popular, with more producers making bold, unsubstantiated claims about its effects,” Cuttler told WSU Insider. “Our study is one of the first to provide evidence supporting some of these claims, helping to inform both consumers and the scientific community.”

Cuttler’s double-blind, placebo-controlled study found participants reported reduced levels of anxiety after consuming CBG. The research is another stepping stone on the path to understanding the potential benefits of cannabis.

To some, cannabis is a panacea. Ask them, and they’ll tell you it can cure anything that ails you. To others, like the United States federal government, cannabis has no

medical value whatsoever.

We’re slowly learning that the truth falls somewhere in between.

“We need to avoid claims that CBG is a miracle drug. It’s new and exciting, but replication and further research are crucial,” Cuttler told WSU Insider. “Ongoing and future studies will help build a comprehensive understanding of CBG’s benefits and safety, potentially offering a new avenue for reducing feelings of anxiety and stress without the intoxicating effects of THC.”

This research is another step toward understanding cannabis as a potential therapeutic option, but there remains a long, uncharted path ahead.

As of now, cannabis presents a great opportunity. Researchers will continue to seek answers about its potential. All we can say definitively is that it falls somewhere between panacea and problem. n

NOTE TO READERS

GREEN ZONE

BE AWARE: Marijuana is legal for adults 21 and older under Washington State law (e.g., RCW 69.50, RCW 69.51A, HB0001 Initiative 502 and Senate Bill 5052). State law does not preempt federal law; possessing, using, distributing and selling marijuana remains illegal under federal law. In Washington state, consuming marijuana in public, driving while under the influence of marijuana and transporting marijuana across state lines are all illegal. Marijuana has intoxicating effects; there may be health risks associated with its consumption, and it may be habit-forming. It can also impair concentration, coordination and judgment. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of this drug. Keep out of reach of children. For more information, consult the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board at www.liq.wa.gov.

Be aware of the differences in the law between Idaho and Washington. It is illegal to possess, sell or transport cannabis in the State of Idaho. Possessing up to an ounce is a misdemeanor and can get you a year in jail and up to a $1,000 fine; more than three ounces is a felony that can carry a fiveyear sentence and fine of up to $10,000. Transporting marijuana across state lines, like from Washington into Idaho, is a felony under federal law.

Poet

“When I was a lad

served ___” (naval-based Gilbert & Sullivan lyric)

50. Commences nagging

54. Unaltered, in a

60. “Yes, that’s my answer, 100%”

62. Pop star who recently tweeted “kamala IS brat”

DOWN

1. Some PC hookup systems

2. Actress Henningsen of “Hazbin Hotel”

3. 2020 Christopher Nolan (or is it Nalon?) movie

4. Magnolia virginiana, alternately

5. Ventured

6. It’s not “esto” or “eso”

7. ___ gallop (rhetorical technique with rapid-fire dishonest confrontation)

8. Jazz vocalist Anderson who worked with Duke Ellington 9. Neighboring 10. Nachos and sandwiches, for

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