Inlander 07/03/2025

Not the Right Fit

West Valley School Board unanimously decides not to renew contract of Spanish teacher who read racial slur aloud from To Kill a Mockingbird

BY COLTON RASANEN

Over the past month, former West Valley High School Spanish teacher Matthew Mastronardi has taken to social media claiming that he lost his job for reading the N-word from To Kill a Mockingbird. However, school board members and the district’s superintendent say that even without this incident, they’d still support ending Mastronardi’s contract.

Mastronardi says in April, some of his students were talking during independent work time about To Kill a Mockingbird, the 1962 Harper Lee novel detailing racial injustice and social inequity, which they were assigned in English class.

about critical thinking.

“I had to display for my students that they can read a book honestly, and they shouldn’t have to fear consequences or punishment,” he says. “I think that’s something we’re losing in today’s society is people don’t take the time to understand the context in which something is said.”

“I just overheard them saying how they have to skip over a naughty word, the N-word, and I just thought that was interesting,” Mastronardi tells the Inlander. “I calmly just expressed my disagreement with that by saying ‘Man, you really have to do that? That sort of takes away from the historical context. It undermines what the author intended you to feel.’”

When one of his students put him on the spot and asked him to read a passage from the novel including the slur, he did. Although the book isn’t included in his Spanish curriculum, Mastronardi says he saw it as an opportunity to talk to students

NEWS | DEVELOPMENT

“CRADLED BY THE RIVER,” CONTINUED...

new 2-acre campus, which will be owned outright by the Salish School. The project took a lot of discussion with Catholic Charities, including several meetings and community events in which Indigenous people were able to share the hurt their families have felt.

However, while he read the passage aloud, a student recorded the moment without his knowledge and the video spread around to students, staff and administrators at the school. At the end of April, West Valley Principal Ryan Mulvey gave Mastronardi a verbal warning to not use the racial slur in his class, regardless of the academic basis or intent.

Then in May, the district informed Mastronardi it would not renew his contract for further employment. Mastronardi appealed the decision, but West Valley Superintendent Kyle Rydell maintained the district’s position that it would not renew Mastronardi’s contract and sent the action to the School Board.

While Mastronardi has told anyone who will listen that his contract was not renewed solely because he read a slur from an English Language Arts-assigned novel in his Spanish class, Rydell says that’s not the case.

As a provisional employee — all teachers are pro-

those who make 60% or less of the area’s median income. The $24 million project will make use of tax credits, which requires the ownership to stay with Catholic Charities for 15 years. Once that time frame is up, the Salish School of Spokane has the first right of refusal to the land.

“Frankly, the biggest reservation on my end is that I didn’t want to screw it up,” says Jonathan Mallahan, who leads the housing program for Catholic Charities Eastern Washington. “I feel a great responsibility for how many times trust has been broken, how many times decisions have been made that are not collaborative but one-sided in the history of the Catholic community and the Salish peoples.”

“We obviously have the capacity and expertise in the world of development that a small school is not going to have, and we want to bring that to bear,” Mallahan says. “We’re trying to do it in a way that is very respectful and deferential to the Salish School leading this process.”

The organization is building River Family Haven next to the land gifted for the school. That project will include 72 units of housing available to

Catholic Charities is not an evangelical organization. Mallahan says its team members are motivated by their own faith, but do not find others’ faith relevant to their work. In this case, he says they are trying to move forward in a different way than their predecessors without erasing the

Matthew Mastronardi (holding the mic) and his supporters held a press conference on Juneteenth a celebration of the emancipation of the last slaves in America — to tell reporters why he read the N-word out loud in his Spanish class

COLTON RASANEN PHOTO

True Grit

Angel Olegario Luna transforms clay into artworks that tell the story of family, food and culture

BY CARRIE SCOZZARO

Clay is not dirt, although the two are related. Clay is some of our planet’s rock supply continuously decomposing. It’s found worldwide near earth’s varied waterways but also on its surface, where it’s a key ingredient in soil, aka dirt. And while humans have been farming earth’s dirt an impressive 12,000 years, they’ve been harvesting the earth itself in the form of clay for more than twice that long.

For artist Angel Olegario Luna, the relationship of dirt to clay is a powerful one, a personal one that connects family, food and culture.

“One of the reasons I’ve held onto ceramics — clay — as my main medium is because of growing up in the fields,” explains Luna, whose exhibition of ceramic figures, masks and other work opens at Marmot Art Space on Friday, July 4.

“I’ve worked in the earth from when I was a child following my dad as he would change sprinklers or shovel,” Luna continues.

He grew up in Prosser, Washington, where his mother recently retired from a cherry packing plant. From age 14, Luna spent six summers working alongside family members and a community of pickers and packers, predominantly of Mexican heritage, and whose labor keeps Prosser on the agricultural map.

“You’re getting paid to do it, and you’re working the fields of somebody who owns that land, but you know at the end that what you’re creating is going out there to feed people,” Luna says.

It was — still is — honest work, says Luna. And the experience shaped much of his life, from his intense work ethic to the artwork he’s been making for more than 25 years.

For example, his series of rustic clay figures, “Gente (People) Not Numbers,” dates to around 2004, shortly after Luna gradu-

ated from University of Idaho with his master’s in fine art. All are based on a real person or situation, ranging from the farmworkers of his youth to Luna’s urban experiences, including the greater Phoenix, Arizona, area where he currently teaches ceramics at Mesa Community College.

“The series over the years has changed and grown, but I still create them,” Luna writes in his artist statement. “The message has not changed. People are not replaceable, and the experiences you have daily with people you work with are valid. The stories need to be told and documented.”

The story of Luna’s artistic journey moves in loops. During his sophomore year in high school, Luna took an Advanced Placement U.S. history class, and although he admits he didn’t score well on the final, he was inspired to learn more.

“The teacher that taught it got me learning more about the history of Latino and Hispanic workers,” says Luna, who initially pursued a double major in history and secondary education at Whitworth University.

“I didn’t know I could create with the hands that had been working my whole life.”

To fulfill a humanities credit, he enrolled in a ceramics class taught by former Whitworth instructor Jeff Harris (you can find Harris’ work at Pottery Place Plus in downtown Spokane). Luna discovered the magic of clay, which is rather like earth’s first plastic: incredibly flexible in liquid form yet rock-like when transformed by extreme heat.

“I didn’t know I could create with the hands that had been working my whole life” in more practical ways, Luna says.

After graduating from Whitworth with a Bachelor of Arts in history, Luna pursued his Bachelor of Fine Arts at Eastern Washington University. There he was mentored by the late Rubén Trejo, whose Michoacan heritage, advancement of Chicano and Latino art and issues, and similar experiences in agricultural labor resonated with Luna.

Under Trejo, Luna experimented with a range of media including bronze sculpture, for which Trejo was well-known. Luna’s

Angel Olegario Luna’s sculptural forms are displayed at Marmot Art Space for July. COURTESY PHOTOS

calavera, or skull masks, which are based on his own face, are an evolution of Trejo’s mold making instruction, allowing Luna to make countless multiples. He sells the masks through his website (angellunaartworks.com) and via Etsy, but also uses them as test surfaces for his extensive catalog of firing, glazing and clay decoration techniques.

After EWU, Luna pursued his master’s at U of I. There he found another mentor in Glenn Grishkoff, known for his expert and innovative brush making, as well as his ceramics and performance art.

Before Trejo died in 2009, Luna introduced Grishkoff to Trejo, whose work is also represented at Marmot Art Space gallery. That, in turn, led to Grishkoff discussing his former graduate students’ work with Marmot gallery founder, Marshall Peterson, who took an interest in Luna’s work.

As Luna winds down classes at Mesa Community College and preps for his Spokane exhibit, he is reflective about his journey thus far.

“I am a product of my teachers,” Luna says. “Every time that there was a roadblock, I had a teacher that knocked the door down for me or knocked the wall out of the way.”

It’s something he takes to heart in his own teaching, including a one-of-a-kind workshop focusing on surfaces and glazes as rigorous as any class at a four-year university.

“I’m giving [students] an encyclopedia of surfaces for them to be able to use any of those tools in their toolbox to create their work, and that’s how I approach my work now,” Luna says. “That’s something I would say Rubén taught me … not to be limited by [anything, so] if I have an idea, do the material or process that needs to be done for that idea.”

Another Trejo takeaway: “Just to make the work honest,” Luna says, noting that this advice paralleled how he was raised, including working in the fields.

“If you make things that are honest, people will appreciate it or understand it or try to understand it or try to learn more about it.” n

Angel Olegario Luna • July 4-26; open Fri-Sat from 3-6 pm or by appointment • Artist reception: July 4 from 5-8 pm • Free • Marmot Art Space • 1202 W. Summit Pkwy. • marmotartspace.com • 509-270-5804

Luna finds deep connections in working with the earth to make art. KYRSTEN PILGER PHOTO

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Architects West

MJ the Musical heads to Spokane; meet one actor playing multiple characters orbiting the pop icon

BY ELLIS BENSON

OSpecial Thanks to North Bowl

n June 25, 2009, the world lost one of the most influential pop icons. Possessing a global presence that permeated every facet of pop culture, Michael Jackson has spawned numerous documentaries, books, and movies made about his life. Now, MJ the Musical moonwalks his life and legacy onto the big stage for the first time.

balances tender moments within Jackson’s personal life with the thrilling musical numbers and performances that were his calling card.

It presents a new, intimate portrayal of the King of Pop, one that seeks to humanize the super-celebrity by addressing the pressures of fame, interpersonal conflicts and Jackson’s notso-rose-colored childhood memories. Notably the musical avoids discussing Jackson’s child sexual abuse allegations.

After making its Broadway debut in December 2021, the musical quickly achieved success and launched its first national tour in 2023. Rolling through the First Interstate Center for the Arts from July 8 through 13, MJ guides audience members through the trials and tribulations behind Michael Jackson’s 1992 Dangerous World Tour.

A jukebox musical chock-full of some of Jackson’s most recognizable hits such as “Beat It,” “Man in the Mirror” and “Billie Jean,” MJ

One of the most remarkable aspects of Jackson’s life was his ability to juggle multiple skills, disciplines, and roles. From dancing to singing to producing, he was a bona fide jack-of-all-trades.

Not unlike the pop icon, actor J. Daughtry is expertly balancing multiple roles in MJ the Musical. In the show, he plays four roles: Mo-

town Records founder Berry Gordy, Nick (stage manager for the Dangerous World Tour), Don Cornelius, and Doctor.

Daughtry hasn’t always been an actor. He went to college to study business and marketing, and his path to becoming an accomplished actor — whose credits include Broadway stints in The Color Purple, Beautiful, Ain’t Too Proud, and touring productions of Miss Saigon and Motown: The Musical — is far from standard.

“I like to say I’ve had three lives,” Daughtry says. “I was a banker, a teacher, and now I’m a musical theater performer, and it’s been quite a journey from getting there to here.”

The rich life experience gathered along this unconventional path to Broadway informs his acting on all fronts, especially working with kids as a teacher, which he says was both humbling and self-illuminating.

Daughtry grew up listening to Michael Jackson and was even compared to the singer as a child when he sang in his church’s choir. For Daughtry, his roles in this show are personal.

“It’s easy for me to portray [Berry Gordy] because he’s just like my uncles or just like the deacons at my church that I grew up with,” Daughtry says. “So telling stories like this is very much so telling my culture, my experience, growing up… Being able to preserve that on stage is very important to me. I feel like it’s an obligation that I have — to use my gift in order to preserve that culture.”

In the musical, Jackson reflects on working with Gordy as a child as part of The Jackson 5, recalling both the good and the bad. This dive into the unseen side of Jackson’s childhood grants

the audience a more private look into his life, further humanizing the pop star.

Performing numerous characters in the same show may seem dizzying to some, but Daughtry says switching from playing Gordy to Jackson’s stage manager, Nick, comes naturally.

“I think that Nick is more me being myself, and Berry Gordy is Berry Gordy,” he says.

Other character switches, however, are more complicated. Daughtry also plays Rob and Joe Jackson. And due to the closeness between brothers Joe and Michael, it’s at times difficult to switch from being Joe to a less intimate character.

Since this tour of MJ the Musical is a multiyear commitment, its cast and crew also develop strong bonds between each other. Rehearsing, traveling, and going out to eat together on days off all builds a sense of camaraderie. Although it can feel like being in a bubble, Daughtry says that they like to keep it fun.

He hopes audiences walk away from Spokane’s run of the show with a greater appreciation for Michael Jackson’s humanity, rather than seeing him solely as a pop icon.

“I want people to walk away not just feeling good and remembering the music, and feeling nostalgic from the music, but also getting the opportunity to see that this was an actual human being who had dark sides and was struggling in a way.” n

MJ the Musical • July 8-13; Tue-Fri at 7:30 pm, Sat at 2 and 7:30 pm, Sun at 1 and 6:30 pm • $56-$196 • First Interstate Center for the Arts • 334 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. • broadwayspokane.com

Roman Banks, center, as ‘MJ’ with the cast of the first national tour of MJ. MATTHEW MURPHY PHOTO

INTO THE DEXTERVERSE

Before your favorite serial killer returns in Dexter: Resurrection, catch up on all things Dex

BY BILL FROST

Dexter, starring Michael C. Hall as a Miami Police forensics tech who moonlights as a serial killer, was Showtime’s most-watched original series during its 2006-2012 run. Since then, Showtime was swallowed up by Paramount+, Hall tried out other roles (ranging from John F. Kennedy to Hedwig of The Angry Inch), and an extended Dexterverse has slowly begun to emerge.

Gearing up for the latest Dexter reboot series premiering this month, here’s a refresher course on the long, bloody trip of TV’s most beloved serial killer.

DEXTER (2006-2013)

Before binge-watching was a thing, millions tuned in to Showtime weekly to watch a buzzy new series about Dexter Morgan (Hall), a forensics expert with a knack for blood-spatter patterns and droll inner monologues. Dexter also possesses an innate drive to murder, which his police detective father (James Remar) helped him channel toward offing “bad” people, like fellow serial killers. This ironic twist is the engine of the series.

The original Dexter hit its critical zenith in Season 4 with his most formidable nemesis, the Trinity Killer (John Lithgow). From there, unfortunately, the show struggled to maintain that heart-pounding rush, culminating years later in a series finale more hated than even that of The Sopranos (but at least Journey wasn’t involved). Redemption for Dexter’s botched ending was nearly a decade away.

DEXTER: EARLY CUTS (2009-2012)

To keep up with demand for Dexter content at the time, the Early Cuts animated web series was launched during Season 3. Stories were told in two-minute shorts, with Hall’s now-familiar narration accompanying comic book-style graphics. Dexter: Early Cuts isn’t all that essential to the series’ overall canon, but it’s a fun reminder of how TV networks attempted to capitalize on the internet back before they actually became the internet via streaming.

DEXTER: NEW BLOOD (2021-2022)

In the waning days of the pandemic, audiences were ready to try anything they hadn’t already binged during a couple of years stuck at home. Including a Dexter

reboot. Dexter: New Blood picks up 10 years after the original show’s finale, with a supposedly dead Dexter living as “Jim” in a small upstate New York town. It’s an idyllic, murder-free life, even though Dexter/ Jim has to contend with the ghostly presence of his foul-mouthed sister Deb and the unexpected, fleshand-blood arrival of his estranged son Harrison (Jack Alcott). The killer “Dark Passenger” has recently reawakened in Dexter, and he senses it in Harrison, as well. It’s a satisfying-if-uneven 10-episode arc that covertly sets up a bigger and badder comeback.

DEXTER: ORIGINAL SIN (2024-2025)

In the meantime, the excellent Dexter: Original Sin signals a return to the series’ classic, serialized roots. Like all things, it features Hall’s narration, as a young Dex (Patrick Gibson) joins the Miami PD in 1991 while his father, Harry (Christian Slater), works to redirect his son’s surfacing killer tendencies.

As good as Gibson and Slater are in their throwback roles, they’re regularly upstaged here by Molly Brown as a teenage Deb, who’s already a boss-level expletive machine. It’s also a riot to see younger versions of established series characters played with such spot-on detail — Original Sin could have been titled Dexter Babies. Along with New Blood, Dexter: Original Sin (which has been renewed for a second season) is a much-needed brand refresh for what’s next to come in the Dexterverse…

DEXTER: RESURRECTION (2025)

All previous Dexter series had fall/winter runs; the new Dexter: Resurrection subverts the old as a summer show premiering on Friday, July 11 (July 13, if you’re still on cable or satellite TV). Resurrection refers to the events of New Blood’s finale, wherein Harrison apparently shot and killed Dexter before driving off into the sunset. Spoiler: Dexter’s alive.

In Dexter: Resurrection, Dexter is trailing Harrison to New York City — as Dex monologues, “What better place to hide?” Resurrection brings back Remar as the guiding apparition of Dexter’s father, as well as suspicious former colleague Batista (David Zayas), and a new cast that includes Peter Dinklage, Uma Thurman, and Krysten Ritter as a sommelier who may also be a serial killer. (Nothing against sommeliers, but duh.) n

THE BUZZ BIN

HISTORICAL HAUNTS

Each year, Spokane is Reading chooses a book for a series of community-wide reading events, and this year’s selection is Tananarive Due’s historical thriller The Reformatory. Set in Jim Crow Florida, the novel follows 12-year-old Robert Stephens Jr. as he’s sent to a segregated reform school where he sees and learns of the horrors of racism and injustice for the living — and the dead. Due will be in Spokane for two free events on Thursday, Oct. 23 at the Spokane Valley and Central libraries to discuss The Reformatory and answer audience questions. Grab a copy of the book from any Spokane Public Library or Spokane County Library District branch, or get a copy of your own at Auntie’s Bookstore prior to the events. Learn more at spokaneisreading.org.

(MADISON PEARSON)

A ’HARD BARGIN

For the first time in five years, no Gonzaga Bulldogs heard their name called at the NBA Draft. While most experts had projected Zags point guard Ryan Nembhard to be picked in the second round of last week’s Draft, he ended up going undrafted. While it’s clear that Nembhard — who just completed one of the best seasons racking up assists in NCAA history — knows how to run an offense and apparently impressed during scrimmages, his small-for-the-NBA, 6-foot frame always made getting picked a bit of a longshot. Nembhard’s NBA dreams are still very much alive though, as he signed a two-way deal with the Dallas Mavericks, a team that might have some available minutes since starting point guard Kyrie Irving will spend at least part of the season recovering from an ACL tear. (SETH SOMMERFELD)

THIS WEEK’S PLAYLIST

Noteworthy new music arriving in stores and online on July 4.

DROPKICK MUPRHYS, FOR THE PEOPLE

Celebrate Independence Day with the beloved Celtic punk band’s latest collection of working-class anthems that spit in the face of bigots and oligarchs.

KESHA,

After years of ugly legal battles with her abusive former producer, Kesha is finally a free and independent artist. She metaphorically stretches out her wings and takes flight with her latest collection of hyperactive dance pop bangers.

KATE TEMPEST, KATE TEMPEST

The English musical spoken word poet has long been an elite lyricist, and there should be plenty on their mind to muse about on their first album since coming out as a trans man. (SS)

TV’s favorite murderer is back...

OUTDOORS ISSUE

BETWEEN A ROCK AND A MOSSY PLACE

BOULDERING

AN INDOOR CLIMBER TACKLES TUBBS HILL BOULDERING IN COEUR D’ALENE, LED BY LOCAL GUIDEBOOK AUTHOR

BY DORA SCOTT

Gone are the color-coded plastic holds and the plush gym flooring. Instead, real rock digs into my fingers, my feet scrape over moss, and two crash pads below are my only promise of a soft landing. When I finally climb atop the boulder, my reward is an expansive view of Lake Coeur d’Alene.

After a year of indoor bouldering — shorter, rope-free climbs over padded floors — I finally have the courage to head outdoors in June to Tubbs Hill, the public recreational land near downtown Coeur d’Alene bordering McEuen Park and the lake.

Guiding me is Owen Harro, author of The Tubbs Hill Bouldering Guide, which was published in 2024. If anyone knows these rocks, it’s him.

Harro was born and raised in Coeur d’Alene and learned to climb as a kid at the Kroc Center, where his dad used to teach climbing classes. Now, Harro sets routes for the center.

While he’s climbed with ropes outdoors before, Harro got into outdoor bouldering in 2021 after watching an old YouTube video of someone climbing a more challenging V5 route on Tubbs Hill.

“I was like, ‘Oh, I want to do this,’” Harro tells me. “So then I set out, and I remember I did that in probably two or three sessions. I was really happy. And that kind of started it.”

That discovery led him to explore the hill for more climbable boulders. Eventually, he started cleaning rocks — brushing them off and removing loose debris — and naming

the routes.

“I went out with a friend of mine, and we cleaned our first boulder and climbed it. I remember how fun that was,” Harro says.

That climb became “Ingrown Toenails,” (V2) named for a particularly painful foot placement.

After encouragement from his dad, Harro, now 19, began compiling the guidebook the summer before his senior year of high school.

“I didn’t know how to make a book,” he says. “So I kind of just looked up, like, ‘How do you make like a pamphlet or like a zine?’”

Armed with a Microsoft Word pamphlet format,

he listed every route he knew, organizing them by area, assigning grades and writing descriptions. The most time-consuming part, he says, was editing photos of the boulders to show the start holds and the route lines.

Harro printed about 50 copies and sold them for $10 at local climbing gyms like Coeur Climbing until they sold out. While the first edition listed 56 routes, as Harro and other local climbers have cleaned more boulders, the second edition that’s underway will list more than 70 routes. He hopes to release it in 2026.

While some climbing predecessors have drilled holes in some rocks of Tubbs Hill to make holds, Harro

...continued on page 26

BOULDERING BASICS

Note: Climbing can be a dangerous activity — do so at your own risk. If you’re new to climbing or climbing outdoors, go with someone experienced.

START AND FINISH

Indoor routes usually start and end with labeled holds. Outdoors, the only rule is to start with the specified holds and top out — that is, climb until you’re standing on top. Local guidebook author Owen Harro suggests following the natural crack lines.

GRADES

Boulders are rated on a V scale: V0 is the easiest, and the difficulty increases with each number. V16/17 are worldclass. A “+” or “-” can be postfixed on the grade to indicate slight variations in difficulty.

EQUIPMENT

Indoors, you only need climbing shoes and chalk. Outdoors, add crash pads (foldable mats designed to cushion falls) to the check list.

LEAVE NO TRACE

As with any outdoor recreation, be sure to clean up all trash when you leave and respect the shared, natural area.

This page: Inlander Staff Writer Dora Scott, right, boulders on Tubbs Hill as Owen Harro spots.

Right: Harro climbs one of the many routes he’s helped clean.

YOUNG KWAK PHOTOS

OUTDOORS | BOULDERING

Owen Harro, 19, has been climbing since before he was even in kindergarten. He hopes to write more guidebooks.

“‘BETWEEN A ROCK AND A MOSSY PLACE’,” CONTINUED...

aims to be respectful of the area and its natural features while still making it safe for climbing. He regularly attends cleanups with the nonprofit Friends of Tubbs Hill, and notes the area’s history is rooted in preservation.

Tubbs Hill is named after Tony Tubbs, who attempted to sell over 100 acres in 1884 for development, but the rugged rocky terrain made building too difficult. The land remained undeveloped until local preservationists in the 1960s successfully fought to incorporate Tubbs Hill into the city’s park system.

On the morning of June 20, Harro and I meet at the trailhead near The Buoy Bar & Grill.

We hike up the trail to the fire road before veering right to warm up on a group of easier climbs called Monkey Bread Left (V1) and Monkey Bread Middle (V0).

While I climb a V4 to V5 range indoors, I knew outdoor rock would humble me. The challenge isn’t just a matter of strength, but learning to read the rock. Indoors, you follow colored holds. Outdoors, you follow the natural line in the rock.

And unlike the polished routes at local climbing areas like Q’emiln Park in Post Falls or Minnehaha in Spokane, Tubbs Hill still feels a bit wild. Dirt and moss still coat much of the rock. Harro even points out mole droppings on the Monkey Bread boulder, explaining how it’s likely home to the critters.

“It’s like balancing, maintaining the rock’s natural features but still making it climbable in some way,” Harro says.

Next, we try Monkey Bread Right — a slabby (rock slightly titled away from you), crimpy (small holds) V3. Harro climbs it first, showing me the way. But instead of focusing on his movements, I’m

more fixated on my first time really spotting, making sure the pads are placed right in case of a fall. My first attempt? I get the standing start, but there are no obvious footholds to be found. I hop down, and Harro climbs it again to demonstrate. On my second try, I edge farther right, find a solid high foothold and commit, standing up. I take a breather before topping out, regaining my nerve — which doesn’t take much considering the alternative is a 14-foot drop. Mole poop be darned, I heave myself over the edge.

MORE LOCAL BOULDERING SPOTS

For more bouldering options, check out the Spokane Bouldering guidebook by Shane Collins and Nate Lynch, visit inwbouldering.com to download a free guidebook by Brendan Perdue, or download the Mountain Project app.

Sitting on the top, breathing hard and beaming, I think: Holy shit, I just did a V3 outdoors

Many of the boulders in Tubbs

Hill follow the 2-mile main trail loop. Some are right by the water and only accessible in the winter when lake levels are low. Harro includes a link in his book where people can check the current water levels. Bonus: The lake is perfect for a post-climb swim.

We wrap up the day at the Hawaii Boulders, which include easier V1s like Dead Spelunker and ‘Ele‘ele, and more midrange routes like Connected Rainbows, a skin-shredding V3 that traverses low and to the right.

Looking out at the lake after climbing Dead Spelunker, a 15-foot boulder, it finally clicks. The rock, the adrenaline and the view make me understand why Harro put so much time into documenting this place. n

YOUNG KWAK PHOTO

OUTDOORS | WATER

LOUNGIN’ ON LOON LAKE

GRANITE POINT RESORT HAS PROVIDED TOP-NOTCH SWIMMING, BOATING AND CAMPING FOR MORE THAN A CENTURY

BY COLTON RASANEN

More than 100 years ago, Joe Biddle purchased a piece of property on the southeastern shore of Loon Lake, less than an hour from Spokane, and called it Granite Point Resort. In the early days, the lakeside resort was a place to fish, swim and enjoy the beautiful surrounding natural world.

After returning from World War II, Biddle’s son Glenn worked to renovate and expand the resort, adding cottages for campers and more docks for boat access to the lake. Over the years a store, a restaurant and additional camping spaces for RVs have been added, turning the Loon Lake destination into a full-fledged getaway for families and friends.

Today, the resort — overseen by Joe Biddle’s greatgranddaughter (who spoke with us but asked not to be named or quoted in this article) and Resort Manager Paul Brozik — has continued to be successful by focusing on its roots of “pristine swimming beaches, natural beauty, healthy family fun, and ridiculously good customer service.” Four generations in, the family-owned Loon Lake destination still draws guests looking for fun in the sun.

While Granite Point offers season passes ($180 for adults, $150 for children 12 and under), Brozik says most guests find the best bang for their buck in its single-day passes. Adults can purchase a day pass for $14 ($17 on weekends) and kids can get in for $11 ($14 on weekends). For about the same price as a movie ticket, folks can stay on the lake from 8 am to 8 pm. Guests can also plan to camp at the resort ($75 per night for an RV space and $165-$335 a night for cottage rentals) and book passes at

granitepointresort.com.

Among the resort’s many amenities, Brozik says its expansive sandy beach is what guests enjoy the most.

“We have almost a mile-long sandy beach that we maintain and keep all the weeds off of, and we bring in sand to keep it refilled if it ends up sloughing off or anything like that,” Brozik says. “People love that we keep the grounds and the beach well maintained. It’s not something that you would typically find in this area, so it’s kind of a little bit of a shock that there is such a sandy beach for people to be on.”

If swimming at the beach isn’t your thing but you still want to be in the water, get in a boat. Folks can rent rowboats, kayaks, paddleboards and canoes at Granite Point ($16 per hour, $45 for a half day, $70 for a full day), or for $20 attendees can launch their own trailered boat onto Loon Lake. There’s also a ton of recreational opportunities on land, including courts for basketball, pickleball and volleyball, fields for baseball, soccer or football, and areas to play other yard games such as horseshoes or cornhole.

While Granite Point is a killer Inland Northwest destination in the summer, it’s also a great place in the late spring and early fall when the weather is just heating up or cooling down. This year, the resort remains open until September 30.

“It’s actually really nice to be out here in the fall to watch all the trees change color when all the kids are back in school,” Brozik says. “It can be a good escape for some adults to come and have their own time out here.”

...continued on page 30

Grab your towel and swimsuit and head to the lake!

JULY 24

OUTDOORS | WATER

“‘LOUNGIN' ON LOON LAKE’,” CONTINUED...

MORE LOCAL SWIMMING SPOTS

BEAR LAKE REGIONAL PARK, CHATTAROY

In May, Spokane County Parks, Recreation and Golf reopened Bear Lake Regional Park to the public after a year-long closure. The 51-year-old park is located 30 minutes north of Spokane. Last year it underwent a $3.4 million upgrade, which addressed accessibility concerns by adding pebble beaches down to the water, replacing what once were just stairs. Now, folks can put down a blanket and put up an umbrella just meters from the shoreline.

LIBERTY LAKE REGIONAL PARK, LIBERTY LAKE

Just east of Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake Regional Park is a dreamy destination for outdoor and aquatic recreation. With a huge swimming beach, playground,

campground and miles of back country trails, its popularity is understandable. While many missed the Inland Northwest gem last year as it underwent renovations, it has reopened to the public this summer with a smoothly repaved Zephyr Road and another dock on the lake. A day pass for parking is $10.

BOULDER BEACH, SPOKANE

Boulder Beach is one of the most popular places to swim on the Spokane River. Located off East Upriver Drive and hugging the Centennial Trail, this rocky beach fills up quickly on those scorching summer days, so make sure to get there early.

FISH LAKE REGIONAL PARK, CHENEY

If you’re looking to swim for exercise, rather than just fun this summer, try swimming at Fish Lake. Without the presence of motorized boats, folks can swim across the lake safely or even launch their kayaks and paddleboards.

CITY BEACH, SANDPOINT

There are tons of wonderful places to swim in North Idaho, including Lake Coeur d’Alene, Hayden Lake and Spirit Lake. But if you travel just a bit farther north you’ll find the state’s largest body of water, Lake Pend Oreille. One of the lake’s most popular swimming holes is located at Sandpoint’s 22-acre City Beach on the lake’s northwestern tip where the Pend Oreille River joins the lake. n

Granite Point Resort offers an expansive sandy beach to lounge on. PHOTO COURTESY GRANITE POINT RESORT

OUTDOORS | TRAIL RIDING

SADDLE UP!

LIVE OUT YOUR CHILDHOOD DREAM OF BEING A COWBOY OR ENJOY NATURE WITHOUT HAVING TO HIKE

BY BEE REISWIG

When I was about 7 years old, I lugged home a book called The Encyclopedia of Horses and Ponies, an extensive guide to anything and everything horse-related. It took up almost my whole backpack. I would read through it like a novel, revisiting my favorite sections and flipping through the pictures of horses, deciding which were my favorites. And, like the horse girl that I am deep down, I would love to share that joy with as many people as possible. So, if you’re looking for a fun summer activity, you’re in the right neigh-borhood! Trail riding is a great way for people to explore the area, get some horse time in and enjoy the outdoors.

I spoke with one of the owners and operators of Pacific Northwest Guided Trail Rides, Nate Ostrander. He and his

wife, Brook, are in their third year of running the Spokanebased business, after the owner of another company that previously offered rides in Riverside State Park recommended they sign the next contract with the state.

“I’m a horse trainer around here, a well-known horse trainer, so she knew who I was so she reached out and wanted to give me the opportunity to take it over,” Ostrander says. He also runs Two Eyes Horsemanship, a training facility for both horses and people, and trains all of their trail horses.

WHAT TO BRING

Ostrander says the No. 1 thing to bring for trail riding is closed-toe shoes. With large hooved animals around, it’s always best to have a little bit of protection for your feet. Even

Riding a horse is like dancing — you need to flow together. PHOTO COURTESY NATE OSTRANDER

better is a boot, preferably with a heel. No matter what though, keep those toes covered!

Another useful garment is long pants. Yes, even when it’s hot outside. They protect your legs from rubbing against the saddle or horse and chafing. No shorts or skirts for this kind of adventure.

And, at least at PNW Guided Trails, you can bring some essentials with you on the ride.

“When people come out, we tell ’em to bring a water bottle, ’cause we’ve got little water bottle holders on the saddles, and it gets hot,” Ostrander says.

Riders are also welcome to bring a few snacks if they’d like, or medication if needed. Allergy season is upon us, after all. Everything will be right with you in a saddle bag on your own horse.

TIPS AND TRICKS

Just about anywhere you go for a beginning trail ride, staff will give you an orientation explaining the basics. Riding a horse isn’t exactly like driving a car or riding a bike. The steering is even different: Don’t pull the reins in the direction you want to go, tug gently only on the side you want to turn toward.

Horseback riding also differs in that you aren’t sitting completely still, the way you would in a car.

“When you go down a hill, we’re gonna lean back and put our feet forward and keep the horse’s nose pointed straight down the hill,” Ostrander says. “When you’re going up the hill, you are gonna lean forward a bit and give the horse’s nose [some slack].”

Linda Rider, one of the owners of Coeur d’Alene’s Rider Ranch, a working ranch that offered trail rides for more than 30 years, wrote that “horseback riding is a ‘dance’ with the horse. If you visualize ballroom dancing, if one dancer is stiff and one is fluid they probably can still do the steps, but it isn’t pretty or comfortable for either dancer. If the dancers move together it is enjoyable for both, same with riding.”

Rider further explained that your hips should move with the rear end of the horse. Relaxing and allowing some motion in your body will make for a smoother ride.

WHERE TO GO

The best way to get into trail riding is to just jump in and try it, Ostrander says.

“I would encourage people to just get out here and do it ’cause it’s such a great experience,” he says. “Give it a chance. Get out here and experience it.”

LOCAL TRAIL RIDING OPTIONS

Pacific Northwest Guided Trail Rides: As the only guided riding outfit in Riverside State Park, the company offers trail rides that vary in length from one to three hours. Most riders must be over 10 years old, though one child between 5 and 9 years old can join per group of up to eight people. PNW Guided Trail Rides also offers sleigh and carriage rides, as well as birthday parties.

$70-$210/person • pnwguidedtrailrides.com • 509-844-2735 • info@pnwguidedtrailrides.com

Spokane Trail Rides & Boarding: Located 15 minutes from downtown Spokane, off Washington Road and Highway 195, this company offers two-hour trail rides for up to five riders per group, who must all be older than 13. Spokane Trail Rides has campsites and barn B&B’s where visitors can stay, and offers professional ranch and horse photoshoots.

$100-$125/person • spokanetrailrides.com • 509-688-9725

Independent Trails: For those who have their own horses, there are many places to hit the trails. The Equestrian Area in Riverside State Park has 9 miles of trails that only allow horses and hikers, and which connect to other mixed-use trails in the area. Other horse trails that have received good reviews include Antoine Peak Conservation Area’s Emerald Necklace and Trails 503 and 504. n

OUTDOORS | FISHING

It’s not all about clicks: It’s also about conservation.

REEL

LIFE

UNDER HIS FISHING BLOOPERS HANDLE, ROSS LINDSEY IS BUILDING

A BUZZ AROUND FISHING, ONE SOCIAL MEDIA FOLLOWER AT A TIME

BY E.J. IANNELLI

On Ross Lindsey’s Fishing Bloopers social media channels, you might see a short video of him reeling in a positive pregnancy test, getting an unexpected on-location lesson in fishing etiquette or making confetti explode out of the mouth of a disembodied fish head.

Among the more surreal posts is an AI-generated affair that features a fish erupting out of his own mouth. The caption? “Had to let this little guy out.”

That’s the quirky and unpredictable sort of content that has kept Lindsey’s audience growing over the past two years. As of this writing, the Fishing Bloopers follower count stands at well over 175,000 across major platforms like Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.

But among Lindsey’s personal favorites is a pair of more conventional 40-second videos titled “Fishing with Jameson.” Uploaded a year ago, they’re brief, rapid-edited chronicles of an encounter at Camp Coeur d’Alene that began when a teenage boy from Seattle recognized him.

“Are you Fishing Bloopers?” asks the slightly incredulous off-camera voice in the video.

“He said, ‘Dude, I watch your videos every day. This is so great.’ And it was just really cool,” Lindsey recalls. “So I actually hung out with him. We just took this little canoe out at their campground and we caught fish. We did the videos in honor of his grandpa who made [his] fly rods.”

For Lindsey, the “Fishing with Jameson” video, and that experience of spending a relaxed July 4 holiday fishing with a young fan, speaks to why he started Fishing Bloopers in the first place.

“In all transparency, I lost my Pops. I was 17,” he says. “And every single day, without one miss, we went fishing. We fished the Spokane River. And after he passed [...] I didn’t actively fish like I used to, but I still kept all the gear and worked on the fishing reels and stuff.”

Launching Fishing Bloopers was Lindsey’s attempt to honor that personal connection and restore the joy in fishing.

By the same token, it was also meant to “inspire somebody else to go outside as well” and find their own personal connections and joy in the sport. The lighthearted title and content were an intentional part of that.

“If you look historically at accounts that post fishing videos, it’s very intense music, very cinematic. And it makes it seem really intimidating when really all we’re doing is flicking a piece of wood or fiberglass with a hook on the end into the water. It shouldn’t be intimidating,” Lindsey says.

Aside from making the sport more appealing to newbies, the occasional video will also contain what he describes as a “subliminal conservation cry.” One titled “End of the World Fishing” featured the devastating Gray Fire near Medical Lake as a smoky, apocalyptic backdrop to Lindsey’s fishing excursion. Other videos were inspired by what Lindsey learned at water conservation meetings led by Spokane Riverkeeper.

“So many people in Spokane don’t know about Hangman Creek and the pollution in it. I feel like I’m doing a solid to the people that genuinely care

PHOTO COURTESY ROSS LINDSEY

about it,” he says. “That creek is super polluted because of the firefighting foam and the PFAS in it. And it’s covered in the news quite often, but it doesn’t get covered on social media very well.”

And unlike a traditional news story, a Fishing Bloopers clip will push the buttons of its social media audience by leaning into the idea of, say, going fishing in polluted waters.

Those kinds of angles — designed to elicit clicks, likes and comments — don’t always sit well with the more serious fishing-centric community (“purists,” in Lindsey’s words), but they’re part of a behavioral science that he was studying well before Fishing Bloopers became a thing. In some of his earliest forays into social media, he concentrated on posting content that supported his day job in jewelry and camera repair.

“I would create, like, probably 12 different accounts, and then I just posted a ton,” he says. “I Excel-sheeted everything and just tried to learn the algorithm.”

outside of work for fun.’ And I just kept going,” Lindsey says.

That’s not to say Fishing Bloopers was a quick or easy success. During the first year, Lindsey would often stay up until 2 or 3 am in order to crank out two videos per day before heading off to work in the morning. The lack of sleep and slow grind of chasing engagement led him to question if it was worth continuing.

“But then I was still getting comments like, ‘This is amazing. This is why I want to go fishing.’ And then I would miss one day and people were like, ‘Where’s the video?’ So everybody online was kind of holding me accountable,” he says.

Web: fishing-bloopers.com

TikTok: @fishingbloopers

Instagram: fishing.bloopers

YouTube: @Fishingbloopers

He carefully noted how certain content performed across platforms and gleaned the tricks of the trade, like which buzzwords to use, the most engaging editing styles and the optimal time to post. The path became clear when one casual fishing video with his work buddy started racking up thousands of views and likes.

“I was like, ‘This is life-changing.’ From that point on, I was like, ‘Well, I’m just going to post fishing videos because this is what I do

In time, recognition came from the big names in the fishing and outdoor sports world too. Trout Unlimited, Field & Stream magazine and Cabela’s have all shared a Fishing Bloopers post at one time or another and likewise have drawn more followers to the channel.

Lindsey, recently transplanted from Spokane to Missoula, looks forward to a time when Fishing Bloopers is established enough to use its own reputation to bring attention to small businesses or found a nonprofit that purchases fishing gear for kids who can’t afford it.

“Growing up fishing with Pops and getting life advice from him,” he says, “the thing that stuck with me most was the motto, ‘If you treat someone right, you can be friends for life.’ I think that applies to everything.” n

With Fishing Bloopers, Ross Lindsey uses quirky videos to lure in viewers.

SCREENSHOTS COURTESY OF ROSS LINDSEY

NATURE FOR ALL

MEET NINE INLAND NORTHWEST ORGANIZATIONS THAT MAKE OUTDOOR RECREATION AND SPORTS ACCESSIBLE

BY DORA SCOTT

Getting outside and active comes with a number of physical and mental benefits, and there are several local organizations working to make sure those of all abilities can adventure and enjoy the natural beauty of the Inland Northwest.

From adaptive sports like wheelchair basketball or “beep baseball” for those with visual impairments to more casual recreational meetups for hiking and walking, there’s something for everyone.

THERAPEUTIC RECREATION SERVICES

Since it was founded within Spokane’s Parks & Recreation department in the mid-1970s, Therapeutic Recreation Services has provided adaptive recreational activities year-round for people near and far with developmental and/or physical disabilities, from ages 6 to 99 (depending on the activity).

“We have served people from all over the state and Idaho, Montana, you know, however far they’re willing to drive,” says program supervisor Alice Busch, who has worked there for 36 years.

While Therapeutic Recreation Services’ snow recreation opportunities have a big draw, some other seasonal activities include aerobics, biking, camping, swimming (including quieter sensory-friendly swims), sailing, basketball, powerlifting, trips to

national parks and more.

“Don’t limit yourself,” Busch says. “There’s so many different pieces of adaptive equipment out there to make stuff more accessible and enjoyable and allow people to be independent.”

While the program’s classes and activities have a fee, some participants may be eligible for funding from Washington state’s Developmental Disabilities Administration. For more information visit my.spokanecity.org/ recreation/therapeutic.

PROJECT ID

Formed in 2013 by parents of a daughter with special needs, Project ID is a Spokane-based nonprofit that provides socialization and recreation activities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including a Special Olympics team called The Wolf Pack.

Depending on the season, members can participate in basketball, bocce ball, baseball, bowling, and track and field. For more information visit projectidspokane.org.

PARASPORT SPOKANE

For people of all ages and physical disabilities, ParaSport Spokane is a nonprofit that provides free training, and recreational and competitive opportunities in adaptive sports like wheelchair basketball, track and field, swimming, road racing, and more.

While some participating

athletes are more recreational, others have Paralympic aspirations, which the program can help foster. While participants are encouraged to use their own adaptive equipment if they have it, ParaSport Spokane also provides access to equipment when possible. For more information visit parasportspokane.org.

UP ENDING PARKINSONS

Started in 2012 in Alexandria, Virginia, Up ENDing Parkinsons offers guided rock climbing experiences for those with Parkinson’s disease, aiming to improve quality of life through safe exercise.

The nonprofit now has participating climbing gyms all across the country, including Wild Walls in downtown Spokane. Free of charge classes for those with Parkinson’s are offered on the first and third Tuesday of each month from 1-3 pm. Visit wildwalls.com/classes/ for more information.

SIDE BY SIDE

A faith-based organization in Spokane, Side by Side offers various programs and gatherings

for those with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities. The organization holds weekly gatherings at Whitworth University Chapel on Mondays from noon to 1:30 pm for people to enjoy the outdoors through walking and biking together. Visit sidebysidespokane.org for more information.

WEST CENTRAL COMMUNITY CENTER

Serving the West Central, Emerson-Garfield and AudubonDownriver neighborhoods, West Central Community Center provides a variety of programs and services for those with developmental disabilities, including recreation activities like badminton, mixed martial arts and basketball. For more information visit westcentralcc.org.

BUDDY BALL

Established by Spokane Indians Youth Baseball & Softball, local organizations can charter a league of players ages 5-20 who are either physically or intellectually disabled to compete in the

Bambino Buddy-Ball Division. Like the name suggests, players can have a “buddy” to help them swing the bat, round bases and catch the ball.

For more information visit spokaneindiansyouthbaseball.org.

SPORTS 4 THE BLIND

Founded to promote the independence and confidence of those with visual impairments, Sports 4 The Blind has various recreational activities like baseball, kickball, bowling, disc golf, soccer, cross country skiing, hiking/walking, tandem biking and more. The membership dues for 2025 are $85. Visit sports4theblind.org for more information.

FREE REIN

A nonprofit based in Spokane, Free Rein offers an adaptive riding and horsemanship program for those with developmental or physical disabilities who are over the age of 4. Alongside therapeutic benefits, the classes ($60/ lesson) help develop social skills and improve self-confidence. For more information visit freereinspokane.org. n

Hit the road (or trail) with Therapeutic Recreation Services’ bike trips. PHOTO COURTESY OF ALICE BUSCH

Taste the Rainbow

Prepared-meal company Cōpow Foods opens organic café in downtown Coeur d’Alene

BY DORA SCOTT

We’ve all been there. You get home after a long day, stomach rumbling, but when you open the fridge there’s nothing healthy or quick.

Looks like it’s takeout or TV dinners again… “72% of Americans cook less than two meals per week at home, but the prepared food industry is just not good,” says Evie Fatz, founder and CEO of Cōpow Foods, a prepared-meal company operating out of a 5,000-square-foot distribution kitchen in Post Falls.

Cōpow is a self-coined portmanteau combining the first syllables of “colorful” and “powerful” to describe the company’s organic food offered nationwide. Now, locals can also visit Cōpow’s retail market next to the Coeur d’Alene Costco and at the Cōpow Café that opened on June 10 in downtown Coeur d’Alene.

With years of experience in the health and fitness industry, Fatz recognized a lack of healthy and tasty prepared food options in the U.S. She was initially set to launch the company at the Las Vegas airport in 2020, but the pandemic forced a pivot to direct shipping of meals to customers around the nation.

After two years of shipping nationwide, Fatz, a resident of Coeur d’Alene for over 20 years, temporarily

suspended those operations to open Cōpow’s flagship market at 3500 N. Government Way in May of last year. There, customers can not only buy or pick up Cōpow’s packaged meals, but also find grab-and-go fridge options — all organic and without seed oils.

With the help of a San Francisco-based design company, Fatz branded the market to look as if an Apple store and a high-end Italian fashion designer came together to open an organic market.

“Consumers don’t usually have a really enjoyable time going and buying their food,” she says. “But, why not? You should have fun and feel good about spending your money on food, not just going through a grocery store line.”

Around 30 individual meals between $8 and $17.50 rotate through the menu on a seasonal basis, averaging 14 ounces each. The summer lineup includes diverse cuisines like fried rice, stir fries, pasta and enchiladas.

Unlike other prepared meal companies that use preservatives, Cōpow uses modified atmosphere packaging, which replaces air with a blend of gases (like nitrogen, oxygen and carbon dioxide) to extend the food’s shelf life. Pop a refrigerated meal in the microwave or oven, and it’s ready to eat!

Since opening the brick-and-mortar market, Fatz discovered there’s also high demand for many of the quality ingredients she’s using for Cōpow’s packaged meals. So she began stocking farm-fresh eggs, Italian-imported pastas, flour and olive oil, along with sauces, tinned fish and more. But the demand didn’t stop there.

“[Customers] had lots of requests for a place to eat in, and we were looking for a place to expand downtown in Coeur d’Alene and this spot came up and I was like, ‘That would make a perfect café,’” Fatz says about the newly-opened Cōpow Café at 312 N. Fourth Street.

Approaching the café, consumers are greeted by two mobile tower gardens situated outside. Vegetables and herbs pop out of the towers’ niches, waiting to be plucked and brought inside to be used in a dish on the organic menu.

Although the café’s white color scheme inside is reminiscent of a minimalist Apple store, it’s balanced out with rustic and homey touches like a worn wooden table decked with fresh loaves of bread and snacks.

“For the café, I wanted it to feel even one more step personalized,” Fatz says. “I wanted it to feel like I was invit-

Evie Fatz opened her health-centric cafe in early June. YOUNG KWAK PHOTOS

ing people into my home for a cup of coffee and a pastry.”

While you won’t see or hear the words “healthy” in Cōpow’s branding, the menu speaks for itself, consisting of rice and salad bowls, smoothies, espresso drinks, scratch-made pastries, as well as grab-and-go fridges full of prepped meals.

The bowls cater to every taste. Find more sweet-leaning flavors in the Bee-You-Tiful bowl ($15.50) that tops either salad greens or farro (ancient grain) with honey chicken, bee pollen, goat cheese, blueberries, candied cashews and a drizzle of honey lemon vinaigrette.

Or, opt for savory and spicy options like the gochujang rainbow bowl ($14.50-$15.95) with your choice of protein, crunchy veggies like cucumber, pickled onion, cabbage and carrot, all slathered with Fresno chili lime and Asian dressing.

“If you would have told me that I would own a smoothie place, I would have said you were crazy,” Fatz says. “Because they are just not healthy. People think smoothies are good for you, and typically they’re not. There’s just a lot of sugar.”

The five smoothies that Cōpow offers, however, have little to no added sugar and are packed with nutrients and high in protein. Fatz points out the Berry Beautiful ($15) smoothie that incorporates nutrient-dense sea moss as well as strawberries, bananas and collagen.

For its coffee menu, the café partners with Evans Brothers for a signature blend that emulates a dark, Italian roast. At the full espresso bar, find an Americano ($3.75-$4.50) or something more fancy like a collagen whipped cold brew ($7.50-$8).

Don’t fret tea lovers, the café has matcha ($4-$7), chai ($5.50-$6) and assorted hot teas ($4). Or, if you’re looking for fun, fancy nonalcoholic beverages, the café has seasonal mocktails ($8) and nonalcoholic wine ($8.50-$9.50) and beer ($4.50).

Though only recently opened, the café is already bustling. Many customers are regulars of Cōpow’s market or meal programs.

One aspect that attracts Cōpow’s customer base is its locally-sourced ingredients that arose from community relationships. For instance, the company uses the smaller pullet eggs from Sullivan Family Farms based in Cheney, which took a few black French Marans roosters off Fatz’s hands to start a breeding program.

“We buy all her pullet eggs, which brings my food costs down, it provides her a way to get rid of her pullet eggs and still make some money off of them,” Fatz says of the mutually beneficial partnership.

Cōpow’s community connection runs even deeper. With every meal purchased, the company donates one to help those facing food insecurity locally. Fatz estimates more than 27,000 meals have been donated so far through the Brighter Life Foundation, a nonprofit she also founded. Local charities or individuals can apply to receive the food and pick it up at Cōpow’s Post Falls distribution kitchen.

“We’re always looking for new organizations to partner with that have a need for feeding hungry people,” she says.

While convenient food has long garnered a reputation for compromising taste and health, Cōpow aims to offer the best of both worlds.

“The world of food is just beautiful if you’re just eating real food,” Fatz says. n

Cōpow Café • 312 N. Fourth Street, Coeur d’Alene • Open TueThu 8 am-6 pm; Fri-Sat 8 am-8 pm; Sun 8 am-2 pm• copowfoods.com • 208-446-8531

New Places, New Tastes

The latest news on SpokaneCoeur d’Alene restaurant openings, plus refreshing summer sips

BY DORA SCOTT

Opening on March 5, Plant Gossip at 400 N. Fourth Street in Coeur d’Alene touts a brunch and cafe menu boasting a range of health-centric options that are organic, gluten-free, vegan, have zero processed sugars, raw ingredients or were prepared with low heat. The restaurant’s concept was established over 11 years ago in California before being brought to Coeur d’Alene by owner Michael Dean.

When stepping inside Plant Gossip on a warm summer day, the lines blur between indoors and out with garage door-style windows rolled up. Natural wood features and plants decorate the space.

For breakfast, there’s toast topped with homemade guacamole ($9) or Spoon Junkie nutbutters ($9-$11). Or, if you need a morning or mid-day snack, get a smoothie ($13), yogurt with blueberries or blackberries ($10), or chia seed pudding ($10).

From noon to 9 pm, Plant Gossip’s menu consists of oatmeals ($16) made from buckwheat, amaranth and oat groats, and topped with walnut and fig or almond and dates. Or, pick something savory like the tacos made with jackfruit ($18) or open-faced burgers like the sloppy Joe ($19) that includes sweet potato chili and guacamole on super seed toast.

MORE OPENINGS & UPDATES

Also in Coeur d’Alene, Alani Bakery at 291 E. Appleway Ave. had its soft opening on May 12. The bakery, owned by Taysia Alani Matthias, started out in her home kitchen where she’d been baking for custom orders and events for four years. In addition to those special orders, the brick-and-mortar spot serves cookies, cinnamon rolls, coffee cake, banana bread and more.

Soup-lovers were saddened when downtown staple Soulful Soups & Spirits shuttered in April, yet can now rejoice as the restaurant is set to reopen later this year across downtown at 111 S. Madison St. The soup spot is being reopened by local couple Aaron and Kaden Earle.

In 2021, the Seattle-based franchise Zeeks Pizza took over the longtime home of the Logan neighborhood’s Geno’s Pizza & Pub at 1414 N. Hamilton St. As of early this year, that location became independent and took back the Geno’s moniker.

Just in time for last weekend’s Hoopfest frenzy, Trailbreaker Cider expanded from its Liberty Lake headquarters and opened a second location on River Park Square’s third floor. The

space serves cider, beer and a light food menu. Taking over the former Alpine Delicatessen space at 417 E. Third Ave., Sahil’s Halal Market opened at the beginning of June. The halal market offers Afghan-based items including pastries, produce, dried goods and more.

CHEERS!

Hosted by the Kaniksu Land Trust, Pairings in the Pines returns on Thursday, July 10, from 4:30-8 pm, at Pine Street Woods in Sandpoint. In partnership with Idaho’s Rivaura winery, the event invites attendees to stroll through the community forest while enjoying the select wines and food. For more information and tickets, visit kaniksu.org.

McEuen Park in downtown Coeur d’Alene is the spot to be on Saturday, July 12, from 1-7 pm, for the annual Downtown Coeur d’Alene Brewfest. The event features over 30 regionally brewed beers, plus food vendors and live music. Admission is free for designated drivers (one per ticket holder) and children. For more information and tickets ($35-$50), visit cdadowntown.com.

On July 18 and 19, join No-Li Brewhouse at 1003 E. Trent Ave. for its Fight Fire Weekend to recognize local firefighters. Nominate a local or wildland firefighter at nolibrewhouse.com/ffwb. The brewery is donating $3,000 in gift cards, and chosen nominees will receive a $15 No-Li gift card. On both nights, DJ Exodus spins tunes at the Bier Hall from 5:30 to 8:30 pm. During the event, attendees can purchase a pack of the limited Fight Fire With Beer ($15), and can snag a 20-ounce event mug and a custom bucket hat. A six-pack purchase also unlocks access to limited release beers and discounted 20-ounce pours. n

The gochujang rainbow rice bowl with shrimp.

Plant Gossip is a new vegan spot featuring chia-seed pudding, jackfruit tacos and openfaced sloppy Joes (pictured). DORA SCOTT PHOTOS

ALSO OPENING

IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE

Widely cited as one of the best films of all time, the 2000 Wong Kar-wai romantic drama slinks back to the big screen with chic glamor and its beautifully profound and simmering exploration of love. Rated PG At the Magic Lantern

THIS IS SPINAL TAP

Before a long-gestating sequel arrives in theaters this September, the comedy about an over-the-top, fictional metal band that popularized the mockumentary format returns to the big screen (July 5-7) to turn things up to 11. Rated R

EX-STINK-TION

Jurassic World Rebirth is a lumbering early contender for the worst movie of the year

Di-noooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!

It’s 2015. A new Jurassic World movie is coming out that futilely attempts to live up to Steven Spielberg’s spectacular 1993 classic Jurassic Park. It has plenty of spectacle but no soul, proving to be the worst entry in the series. It’s 2025. A new Jurassic World movie is coming out. Only this time around, Jurassic World Rebirth — now the new worst entry — doesn’t even try to live up to even the lowest of low bars, leaving you wishing for an asteroid to wipe the entire movie out. Alas, this never comes to pass. Instead, you are left to watch a shallow sequel to a movie about the craven desire to shamelessly cash in by any means necessary, which becomes the sad embodiment of that idea.

You see, Jurassic World Rebirth can only loosely be called a movie. Instead, it’s the entry that’s most like a tiresome theme park ride, a tragic irony considering the original wellcrafted and exciting adventure film was both quite skeptical of this type of entertainment and those who make it. This new one has some largely impressive visual effects and a potentially promising thematic throughline about how the world has become used to dinosaurs, though it does absolutely nothing with any of it. It’s a two-hour plus shrug, a serving up of slop that only succeeds at making the many perfunctory previous entries somehow look okay by comparison.

Rated PG-13

Set five years after 2022’s Jurassic World Dominion (now

BY CHASE HUTCHINSON

the second worst movie in the series after this), it follows a doomed expedition that is traveling to the remote regions near the equator where most of the remaining dinosaurs now live. Leading this mission is the troubled mercenary Zora (Scarlett Johansson) who’s been hired by slimy Big Pharma suit Martin (Rupert Friend) to acquire biological material from three of the biggest living dinosaurs in the hopes it will cure heart disease. Also in tow is the paleontologist Henry (Jonathan Bailey), Zora’s friend Duncan (Mahershala Ali), a collective of other one-note side characters, and a family that gets caught up in the secretive mission to the island. Of course, things go catastrophically wrong and the group will have to find a way to get the material before escaping from the island with their lives.

Initially, Jurassic World Rebirth almost resembles director Gareth Edwards’ more engaging debut feature Monsters in the way it establishes how seemingly life-changing alterations to our world can now become ordinary. Early on, an elderly, dying dinosaur that wanders out of a park in New York creates a traffic jam that just leaves everyone annoyed rather than striking awe. Screenwriter David Koepp, returning to the series for the first time since penning 1997’s flawed yet still darkly fun The Lost World, will weave this idea through the film here and there, though the mission itself soon subsumes whatever small sliver of intrigue one could

find. Everything then falls into repetition: go to a place, get a sample, escape some lumbering dinos, rinse and repeat. This could be fine enough if we cared about what happened to the characters, though rarely is there ever a sense of genuine stakes or danger in the experience. There are some baffingly flat scenes where we get to know a little about the main characters, but all of them are so awkwardly written and acted that they feel like a reading of a first draft that never got a punch up. Turns out there is a deep trauma that both Zora and Duncan are carrying, though this is so undercooked that it feels insulting. Making matters worse, never once is there a serious fear that any of the main characters are at risk. The visual effects, while often quite remarkable, lack the same weight of the original and the thoughtful way they were combined with more practical elements. This has none of that careful craft, leaving everything feeling weightless and with nothing to care about.

In Edwards’ previous film The Creator, a misfire that now looks like a masterpiece compared to this, care was given to the melding of people and visual effects. In Jurassic World Rebirth, the dinosaurs get bigger and more mutated due to the new island being one where experiments were conducted, though it just feels like empty, sweaty grasps at spectacle that land with a thud. All it proves is they’ll keep making bad Jurassic movies until they wear us down. They are, as a wise man once said, continually preoccupied only with whether or not they could, not whether they should n

JURASSIC WORLD REBIRTH

Directed by Gareth Edwards

Starring Scarlett Johansson, Jonathan Bailey, Rupert Friend, Mahershala Ali

World

40 Acres delivers a familiar but engaging take on the post-apocalypse

BY JOSH BELL

Director and co-writer R.T. Thorne’s debut feature 40 Acres opens with a swift, intense action sequence, as a group of nomads invade the Freeman family farm in a war-

ravaged future Canada. The Freemans efficiently take down the intruders, defending their home from potential marauders and demonstrating their prowess at surviving a bleak, unforgiving social order. It’s an impressive opening for a movie that then slows down for the next hour or so, before picking up in an even more brutal finale.

In the meantime, Thorne relies on a lot of familiar post-apocalyptic elements, although he gives them enough distinctiveness that 40 Acres doesn’t simply feel like a retread. Starting with its pointed title, the movie examines the place of people of color in this ruthless world, where they

have to fight even harder than before against oppressive forces. Family matriarch Hailey (Danielle Deadwyler) is a military veteran and the descendant of former slaves, who moved to Canada to establish the sprawling homestead that has now been in the family for more than 150 years. Her First Nations husband Galen (Michael Greyeyes) is a fellow veteran who’s proud to pass on his native language to his children.

Those details trickle out via periodic flashbacks and expository conversations, and it takes a while to understand the relationships among the Freemans, who run their family farm like a military outpost. Hailey in particular is utterly merciless, which makes life difficult for her teenage son Manny (Kataem O’Connor), who longs for human connection beyond his immediate family. The dilemma of living versus merely surviving is common in post-apocalyptic stories, and 40 Acres doesn’t have much new to say about it. But Thorne makes it palpable for these characters, and the emotional anguish of both parents and children feels genuine.

There’s a lot of brooding and glaring in 40 Acres’ middle hour, as Manny sneaks off on his own and Hailey and Galen worry about the continued viability of the farm. The movie takes place 14 years after a pandemic killed off all livestock and made it extraordinarily difficult to grow crops, which led to civil war and famine. There are only sporadic reports from the outside world, but it appears that small farms like the Freemans’ are the last vestiges of civilization, which makes them an appealing target.

40 Acres

Rated R

Directed by R.T. Thorne

Starring Danielle Deadwyler, Michael Greyeyes, Kataem O’Connor

Hailey hears troubling reports over the radio about other nearby families going missing, and eventually she gets word that a roving band of cannibals is behind the attacks. Thorne treats this potentially lurid development with the same solemnity as everything else in the film, and it’s sometimes frustrating that 40 Acres never fully embraces its exploitation-friendly premise. Thorne previously explored a different kind of post-apocalyptic world as the creator of Hulu’s deeply corny YA dystopian series Utopia Falls, and here he swings a bit too far in the other direction, draining some of the excitement from the well-crafted action scenes.

There are still visceral thrills in the climactic battle, including an impressive set piece in the darkened house, lit only by muzzle flashes. As she did in the underrated 2019 revenge thriller The Devil to Pay, Deadwyler conveys her character’s grim, unrelenting determination, making for a believably formidable action hero. Greyeyes has his powerful moments as well, but O’Connor and the other younger stars are occasionally outmatched.

Whatever political message that Thorne might be reaching for eventually falls by the wayside, and 40 Acres is ultimately nothing more than a solid post-apocalyptic thriller. It eventually delivers on the promise of that attention-grabbing opening set piece, and that’s enough to see it through to the end. n

Danielle Deadwyler pulls off action in 40 Acres.

RED, WHITE

A “Fireworks” mixtape for your Fourth of July parties

BY AZARIA PODPLESKY

The Fourth of July is one of the more low-pressure holidays. No need to wrap presents or construct an elaborate costume, just gather for good food, good friends, good tunes. If the last part is leaving you feeling a little unprepared, consider busting out this Fireworks Playlist consisting solely of songs with the word “firework” in the title. Can you add songs that mention independence or freedom? Sure! But we writers like to be pedantic.

STARTING SLOW

The start of a party is all about establishing the ~vibes~ for the evening. You don’t want to turn it up to 11 from the get go; you have to ease your way there so your guests don’t crash out too early. As the first few guests begin to arrive, start with songs that are chill but still bright to set the tone. Quiet enough that you can hear what your conversation partner is saying, but loud enough to start to create a buzz.

JOSEPH - “FIREWORKS”

With the fizzy and fun “Fireworks,” Portland folk-pop group Joseph has an anthem for those who aren’t looking to accept “muted bliss.” “I don’t wanna just settle now / Put my fire underground / Just ‘cause it’s easy” the sister group sings.

ANIMAL COLLECTIVE - “FIREWORKS”

The version of “Fireworks” on Animal Collective’s Strawberry Jam clocks in at nearly seven minutes, but live versions have been known to stretch to more than 10, so it’s up to you how much time you want to spend with the Baltimore-born experimental pop/rock group. No matter which version you choose, there’s a rousing, near-revolu-

not fully out of their seats.

THE TRAGICALLY HIP - “FIREWORKS”

Is it strange to listen to a song about Canada versus U.S.S.R. hockey, Bobby Orr, the Kremlin and the Canadian national fitness test on a day that’s supposed to be about all things ‘Merica? Maybe, but who cares? This song by the beloved Canadian rock band from 1998’s Phantom Power is too fun to skip.

HARRY POTTER AND THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX SOUNDTRACK - “FIREWORKS”

Composer Nicholas Hooper teamed up with conductor Alastair King and the Chamber Orchestra of London at the legendary Abbey Road Studios to record this wizarding score, which opens with “Fireworks.” The track starts off jauntily enough before making room for a brief classic rock guitar solo. The two elements melt together about 30 seconds before the end of the song and continue intertwining till the triumphant final note.

(Also consider: “Fireworks,” the closing track to alt-rockers The Gin Blossoms’ debut album, and the pleasant instrumental “Fireworks” from Moby’s 18.)

PEAK OF THE PARTY

The mingling is over, the plates are piled up in the kitchen, drinks have been refilled. It’s time to dance.

HOLLYWOOD PRINCIPLE - “FIREWORK”

Those who played the 2015 video game Rocket League (which tasked players with using rocket-controlled cars to

tionary drum line that should get guests tapping their toes if

AND TUNES

score soccer goals) will recognize Hollywood Principle’s “Firework,” which features vocals from then-member Kayla Hope. Those who haven’t will dig the energetic track for making a backyard hang feel a little like an EDM festival at the Gorge.

KATY PERRY - “FIREWORK”

Stupid American Beauty allusion aside (What does it even mean to feel like a plastic bag?), it’s hard to deny the sing-along-ability of “Firework,” from Perry’s megahit 2010 album Teenage Dream. Everyone knows every lyric, whether they’d like to admit it, and there’s a satisfying build to the song that’s bound to get people moving.

SAWYER BROWN WITH ROBERT RANDOLPH“MISSION TEMPLE FIREWORKS STAND”

The title track from country band Sawyer Brown’s 15th album starts with a killer pedal steel guitar riff and a “C’mon y’all,” from Randolph as he invites Sawyer Brown and a gospel choir to join him. Lead singer Mark Miller sings of a Black man holding a Bible in one hand and a sparkler in the other — tending to both a tent revival and a firework stand — and the song only gets funkier from there.

KELIS - “FOURTH OF JULY (FIREWORKS)”

Kelis’s “Fourth of July (Fireworks)” is such a textbook electro/house song, that you might miss that it’s about Kelis’s experience becoming a mother. “Nothing I’ll ever say or do / Will be as good as loving you,” she sings over a nonstop beat that samples a Lioness remix. It’s simultaneously a high-energy dance track and a love song.

(Also consider: Blue Oyster Cult’s toe-tapping “Fireworks”; electronic duo the Whitest Boy Alive’s just plain groovy “Fireworks” is just plain groovy; the pop rock of pre-“Hey There Delilah” Plain White T’s on “Fireworks”; a country twist on the party via Ronnie Milsap’s “Fireworks”; “Firework Faygo” from the late Chicago rapper Lil Scoom89; and Purple Disco Machine’s funky “Fireworks,” which features Moss Kena and the Knocks.)

GOING HOME

New Year’s Eve fireworks tend to inspire reflection upon the year that’s nearly done while also excitement for the year being rung in. Fourth of July fireworks can have a similar effect. A little over halfway through the year, are you still bright-eyed and bushy tailed about 2025 or are you feeling like you haven’t accomplished enough? If fireworks get you in your feelings, these songs can help you work through them, while also letting people know the party’s winding down.

JIMMY EAT WORLD -

“JUST WATCH THE FIREWORKS”

Towards the end of the night, “Just Watch the Fireworks” (from 1999’s classic Clarity) feels like a last hurrah. It starts soft and slow before growing into a massive alt-rock track. You’d think the energy of the song would keep emotions in check, but hearing Jim Adkins wailing about how he’d “Stay up as long as it takes,” plus strings from cellist Suzie Katayama and violinist Joel Derouin, are bound to bring up old memories. The song ends on a big note, so chances are people won’t hear you sniffle as you brush away tears.

YOU ME AT SIX - “FIREWORKS”

Is your summer fling no longer flinging? Commiserate with this tune from English pop-punk band You Me at Six. Like all good 2010s pop punk songs, there’s a chance to yell a little towards the end as singer Josh Franceschi sings “I don’t know who you are” to someone who broke his heart.

DRAKE AND ALICIA KEYS - “FIREWORKS”

Over a sparse beat, Drake gets personal on this 2010 track off Thank Me Later, rapping about his gratitude for mentor Lil Wayne, his then on-again, off-again relationship with Rihanna, his parents’ divorce and his hope of being able to witness love up close. Alicia Keys sings “All I see is fireworks / Every night it’s fireworks” throughout the song, before closing the song with soft “Oh ah ohs.”

MITSKI - “FIREWORKS”

“Fireworks,” off Mitski’s fourth album Puberty 2, starts softly, but there’s a slow simmer to it thanks to a relentless acoustic strumming and vocals that build to a bright crescendo. Mitski understands fireworks can trigger long-buried thoughts, singing “And then one warm summer night / I’ll hear fireworks outside / And I’ll listen to the memories as they cry, cry, cry.” If Mitski can let herself cry on the Fourth, so can you.

(Also consider: “Fireworks” by Swedish sister folk duo First Aid Kit, “Fireworks” by indie rock standouts Radiator Hospital, and Elvis Costello’s “Indoor Fireworks,” another one for the heartbroken.) n

REGIONAL MUSIC FEST ZOOTOWN FESTIVAL

ROCK BRET MICHAELS

Thursday, 7/3

ARBOR CREST WINE CELLARS, Michael Vallee

J THE BIG DIPPER, Chris Renshaw, Eric E, Denver Rhiannon, At The Dive

COEUR D’ALENE CASINO, Yachtley Crew

J COEUR D’ALENE PARK, Kosta la Vista

GARLAND DRINKERY, Speak Easy: Open Mic Night

J SACRED HEART HEALING GARDEN, Olga Obozna

J QQ SUSHI & KITCHEN, Just Plain Darin

RED DRAGON (THIRD AVENUE), Thursday Night Jam

RED ROOM LOUNGE, Thurrsdays EDM Night

RED ROOM LOUNGE, The Brandon Jackson Band, Lucas Brookbank Brown

SPIRIT LAKE, Son of Brad

J STELLA’S ON THE HILL, Pastiche

J TRUE LEGENDS GRILL, Ron Criscione

J WATERFRONT PARK, Linger at the Lake: Soul Proprietor ZOLA, X24, Frances Browne

Friday, 7/4

GARDEN PARTY, Storme

J GORGE AMPHITHEATER, Tipper and Friends

J THE GRAIN SHED, Haywire

GREEN CITY SALOON, DJ KJ

NIGHT OWL, Four On The Floor Fridays

RED ROOM LOUNGE, Jersey, Hi I’m E.L.F.O, B-Sinn, Jawun & Only, Raskl

THE GOODY BAR AND GRILL, Midnight Open Mic

TRVST, KosMos The Afronaut ZOLA, Tomboy with Lucas Brown

Saturday, 7/5

BERSERK, DJ Ca$e

J THE BIG DIPPER, Tears of Joy, Casi, Princess Pulpit, Room 13

CHALICE BREWING CO., Son of Brad

THE CHAMELEON, The Local Honeys, John Wayne Williams

THE COEUR D’ALENE RESORT, Boots & Buckles

J CONKLING MARINA & RESORT, The Kevin Shay Band

J GORGE AMPHITHEATER, Tipper and Friends

J INDABA FLAGSHIP CAFÉ, Rosethrow & Spro

J MATCHWOOD BREWING CO., Lite on Water

NOAH’S CANTEEN, Rusty Jackson

J ONE SHOT CHARLIE’S, GigaWatt

J PEND D’OREILLE WINERY, Mike Wagoner and Sadie Sicilia

J REPUBLIC BREWING CO., Massy Ferguson

J J SPOKANE TRIBE CASINO, Bret Michaels

J BEARDED GINGER BAR & GRILL, Nate Ostrander

THE GOODY BAR AND GRILL, Midnight Open Mic

TRVST, Based Fiasco

ZOLA, Tomboy with Lucas Brown

Sunday, 7/6

ARBOR CREST WINE CELLARS, The Buckley Storms

J CONKLING MARINA & RESORT, The Kevin Shay Band

If you’re looking for a last-minute musical getaway over Fourth of July weekend, it might be worth traversing Lookout Pass’ winding interstate roads and heading over to Missoula for the inaugural Zootown Festival. The new two-day fest at the Missoula County Fairgrounds offers 24 acts across two stages including some big-time headliners like Hozier, Kacey Musgraves, Modest Mouse, Jason Isbel and the 400 Unit, Mt. Joy and Lake Street Dive. Spending Independence Day surrounded by the majestic natural beauty of Big Sky country is never a bad decision, so doing it while taking in such choice tuneage seems like an obvious win-win.

— SETH SOMMERFELD

Zootown Festival • Fri, July 4 and Sat, July 5 from 2-10:30 pm • $309-$519 pass, $169-$309 single day • All ages • Missoula County Fairgrounds • 1101 South Avenue W., Missoula • zootownfestival.com

Poison frontman Bret Michaels is a lot like the Fourth of July when you really think about it. Both the singer and the holiday are American. Both are known to get parties started. Both have a brash style that’s instantly recognizable and in-your-face bravado that borders on being a bit silly at times. And, of course, both can get extremely loud. So it’s fitting that Michaels will be playing an Independence Day weekend concert at Spokane Tribe Resort & Casino on July 5. Glam rock fans should expect nothin’ but a good time as Michaels metaphorically keeps the fireworks going by banging out hits like “Every Rose Has Its Thorns,” “Talk Dirty to Me” and “Unskinny Bop.” — SETH SOMMERFELD

Bret Michaels • Sat, July 5 at 8 pm • $99 • All ages • Spokane Tribe Resort & Casino • 14300 W. SR-2 Hwy, Airway Heights • spokanetribecasino.com

J ONE SHOT CHARLIE’S, Jason Lucas

J SOUTH HILL GRILL, Just Plain Darin

J TRUE LEGENDS GRILL, James Berkley

J TRUE LEGENDS GRILL, Steve Schennum

WHISPERS LOUNGE, JoJo Dodge

Monday, 7/7

J THE BIG DIPPER, Missouri Executive Order 44, Reaping Fields, Psychic Death, Poise

J GORGE AMPHITHEATER, Tipper and Friends

RED ROOM LOUNGE, Red Room Open Mic

J STELLA’S ON THE HILL, Gil Rivas ZOLA, RHKS

Tuesday, 7/8

J OSPREY RESTAURANT & BAR, Osprey Patio Concert Series: Kosta La Vista

J PEND D’OREILLE WINERY, Rich and Jenny

RED ROOM LOUNGE, Turn Up Tuesdays with Scozzari

SWING LOUNGE, Swing Lounge Live Music Tuesdays

ZOLA, The Zola All Star Jam

Wednesday, 7/9

THE DRAFT ZONE, The Draft Zone Open Mic

J MATCHWOOD BREWING CO., John Firshi

J MCEUEN PARK, The Rhythm Dawgs

J OSPREY RESTAURANT & BAR, Osprey Patio Concert Series: Kosta La Vista

J PEND D’OREILLE WINERY, Peter Lucht

RED ROOM LOUNGE, Red Room Jam

J SUTTON PARK, Steve and Kristi Nebel

J TIMBERS ROADHOUSE, Cary Beare Presents

TRVST, The TRVST Open Decks

ZOLA, Akifumi Kato, Shine Sweet Moon Just Announced...

THE CHAMELEON, Bart Budwig, July 17.

THE CHAMELEON, Die Sexual, July 20.

J THE BIG DIPPER, Paloma, July 20.

J MIKEY’S GYROS, Briana Marela, July 30.

J MIKEY’S GYROS, Weald & Woe, Aug. 15.

J MIKEY’S GYROS, Milk Krayt, Aug. 30.

J THE BIG DIPPER, TREAVRE, Aug. 24.

J MIKEY’S GYROS, Bone Haus, Sept. 5.

THE DISTRICT BAR, Marc E. Bassy, Sept. 20. THE CHAMELEON, Cool Company, Oct. 1.

THE DISTRICT BAR, Oddisee, Oct. 8.

J THE PODIUM, In This Moment, Oct. 8.

THE DISTRICT BAR, The Motet, Oct. 9.

THE DISTRICT BAR, Pony Bradshaw, Oct. 12.

J KNITTING FACTORY, Between the Buried and Me, Oct. 19.

J KNITTING FACTORY, GWAR, Nov. 3.

THE DISTRICT BAR, WILLIS, Nov. 11.

J FIRST INTERSTATE CENTER, PlayStation: The Concert, Feb. 18.

Coming Up...

J SACRED HEART HEALING GARDEN, Poor Boy’s Delight, July 10, noon.

ARBOR CREST WINE CELLARS, Ron Greene, July 10, 5:30 pm.

J QQ SUSHI & KITCHEN, Just Plain Darin, July 10, 5:30 pm.

J COEUR D’ALENE PARK, Dues Band, July 10, 6 pm.

J TIMBER RUN RESERVE, Kevin Shay Band, July 10, 6-8 pm.

J NORTHERN QUEST CASINO, Billy Currington, Kip Moore, Marlon Funaki, July 10, 7 pm.

J JAGUAR ROOM (CHAMELEON), Rushadicus, July 10, 7:30 pm.

WALLACE, Wallace Music Fest, July 11 & 12, 11 am-11 pm.

J PEND D’OREILLE WINERY, Justin Lantrip, July 11, 5-8 pm.

WHISPERS LOUNGE, Kyle Richards, July 11, 5-8 pm.

ZOLA, Deb the Wolf, July 11, 5:30 pm.

J PARK BENCH CAFE, Under the Trees Concerts: Dave Long, July 11, 6-8 pm.

J PARK BENCH CAFE, Dave Long, July 11, 6-8 pm.

J TRUE LEGENDS GRILL, Steve Starkey, July 11, 6-9 pm.

BARRISTER WINERY, The Kevin Shay Band, July 11, 7-9 pm.

CENTRAL LIBRARY, Rock the Stage: Teen Concert, July 11, 7-9 pm.

J HAMILTON STUDIO, Helmer Noel, Hannah Jackson, July 11, 7 pm.

J J PLACEHOLDER STUDIO, Karli Fairbanks: Stay Radiant Album Release Show with Silver Torches, July 11, 7 pm.

J J SPOKANE ARENA, Barry Manilow, July 11, 7 pm.

J JAGUAR ROOM (CHAMELEON), Tongues, Children of Atom, KAPSLOK, Poise, July 11, 8 pm.

J MIKEY’S GYROS, Rushadicus, July 11, 9 pm.

J BROWNE’S ADDITION, Cannonball, July 12, 2-10 pm.

J PEND D’OREILLE WINERY, Monarch Mountain Band, July 12, 5-8 pm.

J Q’EMILN PARK, The Kevin Shay Band, July 12, 6-9 pm.

J J THE BIG DIPPER, The Pink Socks: Hurts Less Than Heartache EP Release Show with The Emergency Exit, Pulling 4 Victory, Thundergun Express, Southbound, July 12, 6:30 pm.

NOAH’S CANTEEN, Nolan Rasmussen, July 12, 6:30 pm.

THE CHAMELEON, Patio Theory, July 12, 7 pm.

J JAGUAR ROOM (CHAMELEON), Aaron Golay & The Original Sin, Landon Spencer, July 12, 8 pm.

J KNITTING FACTORY, Randall King, Carson Jeffrey, July 12, 8 pm.

J BECK’S HARVEST HOUSE, The Kevin Shay Band, July 13-3:30 pm.

WHISPERS LOUNGE, Ryan Schneider, July 13, 5-8 pm.

ARBOR CREST WINE CELLARS, Lake City Blues, July 13, 5:30 pm.

J HAMILTON STUDIO, Hot Club of Spokane, July 13, 5:30 pm.

LIVE AT ANDRE’S, Curly Taylor & Zydeco Trouble, July 13, 7 pm.

J THE BIG DIPPER, We’re The Currency, Willing Hands, Dead Energy, Puddy Knife, July 13, 7:30 pm.

J SPOKANE TRIBE CASINO, Lanie Gardner, July 13, 8 pm.

J J JAGUAR ROOM (CHAMELEON), Quindrey Davis Benefit Concert: Blake Braley, Tristan Hart Pierce, Fat Lady, Tanya, July 14, 5 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

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

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

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.

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

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

GARDEN PARTY • 107 S. Madison St. • 509-389-5009

THE GRAIN SHED • 1026 E. Newark Ave. • 509-241-3853

HAMILTON STUDIO • 1427 W. Dean Ave.. • 509-327-9501

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

IRON HORSE (VALLEY) • 11105 E. Sprague Ave., Spokane Valley • 509-926-8411

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

KENWORTHY PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE • 508 S. Main St., Moscow • 208-882-4127

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

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

MIKEY’S GYROS • 527 S. Main St., Moscow • 208-882-0780

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

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

MOOSE LOUNGE NORTH • 10325 N. Government Wy, Hayden • 208-518-1145

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

NEATO BURRITO • 827 W. First Ave. • 509-847-1234

NITE OWL • 223 N. Division St., 509-309-2183

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

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

PACIFIC PIZZA • 2001 W. Pacific Ave • 509-440-5467

PANIDA THEATER • 300 N First Ave., Sandpoint • 208-263-9191

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

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

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

TRVST • 120 N. Wall St.

ZOLA • 22 W.

Annual Manual

COMMUNITY FIREWORK IT OUT

Langston Hughes said it best in his poem “Let America be America Again”: “Let it be that great strong land of love / Where never kings connive not tyrants scheme / That any man be crushed by one above.” Basically, patriotism is a fickle thing nowadays, but you can go out and enjoy the wonderful weather with family and friends and have some fun at these local events. Riverfront Park’s annual celebration starting at noon features a beer garden, music by Atari Ferrari and MasterClass Big Band, and a fireworks display at 10 pm. Similarly, Liberty Lake Fest at Pavillion Park features a boat parade, live music and more fireworks to admire. For an evening full of fun, the Coeur d’Alene Resort’s 4th Fest includes a dinner buffet, live entertainment and is capped off by a dazzling fireworks display.

— MADISON PEARSON

Fourth of July 2025 • Fri, July 4; times vary • Find details and more events at Inlander.com/events

COMMUNITY RIDE ON

Motor Maids, an 85-year-old international women’s motorcycle club, is making its first appearance in Spokane for its annual convention. The yearly meetup is a true display of skill, endurance and grit. For members’ attendance to count, participants must ride from their home to Spokane — and back! Coming from all over North America — including Nova Scotia, Texas and Florida — doing so is no easy feat. Making for a diverse group of women riders, members’ ages range from 18 to 90+. With 1,170 members, the convention parade is sure to be more than impressive. Cheer these baddies on during their full-uniform parade through Spokane on Thursday, July 10.

— ELLIS BENSON

THEATER SHAKESPEARE’S B&B

Benedick and Beatrice have each sworn that they’ll never get married. However, their best friends are betrothed and secretly plotting to set the two up. Miscommunications, gossip, witty banter and a rivals-to-lovers story all whirl around in what sounds like a classic teen rom-com. There’s a reason Shakespeare is considered timeless! Experience the drama for yourself at Shakespeare Coeur d’Alene’s performance of Much Ado About Nothing. A local company that strives to make the classics accessible to all ages, they also offer merch with a Shakespeare sporting modern sunglasses featuring a reflection of the Coeur d’Alene landscape.

— BEE REISWIG

Much Ado About Nothing • July 2-6; Wed, Sat-Sun from 5-7 pm • $10-$30 • Kroc Center • 1765 W. Golf Course Road, Coeur d’Alene • shakespearecda.org • 208-242-2067

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 WINE DOWN

Dancing on the lawn is encouraged and picnic blankets are optional at the China Bend Winery’s 38th annual Summer Party. Sample the winery’s organic and sulfite-free wines, dubbed the “Healthiest Wines on the Planet” as well as organic food products. Celebrations take place on the winery’s lawn, with live music from The Planetary Refugees, a reggae-Motown mashup from Colville, and Murphy’s Legacy, an acoustic band, to fuel your dance moves. If you wish to take a break from dancing, make sure to bring a blanket or chairs from home as there’s no seating provided. Booths run by local craftsmen and artists showcasing handmade creations for browsing and purchase. Food is available to purchase on site, but attendees are also welcome to pack their own picnic.

— MARTA SZYMANSKA

China Bend Winery Summer Party • Sat, June 5 from noon to dusk • $10 • 3751 Vineyard Way, Kettle Falls • facebook.com/ChinaBend • 509-732-6123

FILM GHIBLI GALORE

Whether you’re already a hardcore Studio Ghibli enthusiast or you’re looking to expand your taste in animated movies, the Garland Theater has cooked up a summer-long series made for you. On select weekends throughout the summer, stop by the Garland for showings of various Hayao Miyazaki masterpieces like Spirited Away (July 13), Ponyo (July 20), The Secret World of Arrietty (July 27) and The Cat Returns this weekend. And, you can make it a full-on Ghibli day by heading down the street to Little Noodle, grabbing some delicious, Ghibli-esque ramen and admiring the beautiful Studio Ghibli mural by local artist Desmond Boston.

— MADISON PEARSON

Summer of Studio Ghibli: The Cat Returns • Fri, July 4 at 5 pm and Sun, July 6 at 2 pm • $5 • Garland Theater • garlandtheater.org

I SAW YOU

OUR 7TH ON THE 4TH Our 7th on the 4th. Fireworks, red white and blue. I hope the trauma from each explosion is enough to distract me from mourning my dead wife. We picked this day, though we hoped for the best, in preparation for the worst. Money, status, things, and friends. If we lost it all and spent every cent, we’d still have each other and the fireworks, too. But now I have nightmares and a ghost of you. I’m not impatient, just tired I guess. And thoroughly displeased with the life I have left. I’ll wake up soon, from this terrible dream. And when I do, you’ll be next to me. To the moon and back love. To the moon and back. I’m just a walk through the garden away.

BREAD BUYING LINE CUTTER Not really, I offered after you snagged some last minute bread at Safeway on 29th on Friday night May 23rd. You: beautiful brown eyed, long brown hair, we spoke briefly but cat got my tongue. I didn’t notice a ring but a vine!?! tattoo on your left wrist. I let the moment pass and have regretted since. Are you out there?

CHEERS

FINALLY!! Thank you to all who have championed the passage of SB 5375. It’s been too long that too many have suffered at the hands of known, protected predators. For those pushing back on this: Whaddya have ta hide? The nonsensical narrative that SB 5375 is “anti-Catholic” is rubbish! It is, indeed, anti-child-abuse/anti-pedo “#%lia! If ANY one has a problem with THAT, they... are a problem. To those still confessing in

dark booths with creepy clergy, talk to God. He’s the only one ya needta confess to.

(He aleady knows..) Thank you, Huling, and your coalition; your work is courageous and necessary. Time for the “rest of you” to revisit the film “Spotlight.” A true depiction of the tip of the iceberg. Share the information. It is necessary. Don’t keep looking away!!

HURRAH FOR THE Y! I happened to be swimming at the north YMCA when the YMCA Summer Day Camp arrived for a swim. It was joy busting out all over! The sound of laughter and good natured, boisterous play made me smile. Good job YMCA!

NITROMETHANE AND BURNING RUBBER: The men’s cologne. Or is it the perfume to attract a Motorhead? Running across the shutdown area to sneak into Irwindale raceway. Watching the first 300 mph run at Pomona and watching cars race near midnight here in Spokane in the ‘90s. All these memories and more flooded back to me as I sat in the stands watching the drag races at Qlispè Raceway. Lots of families, clean facilities, hot cars and a beautiful day. Thank you to the Kalispel Tribe for keeping the tracks open and running. GREAT JOB!

JEERS

HOW DO YOU HATE A CAT? SFD Special Operations Darin Neiwert, why are you so upset about a cat being included on a firetruck during a pride parade that went viral & had a ton of good feedback? I would think the 2018 bullying/sexual harassment investigation against you would have taught you to keep your mouth shut.

FIRE DEPARTMENT PRIDE REACTION Cheers to the Spokane Fire Department - your boots on the ground provide outstanding service and I am even more impressed that you do so having to work beneath such poopoo leadership. I am sorry Neiwert is such a bully (as highlighted by his most recent Spokesman appearance) and that your fire chief defends him rather than you. Speaking of which, has she even met or gotten to know most of you? The people who actually work for her? You don’t deserve immature, judgey leaders who pop off with personal attacks. Also, standing up for inclusivity is not political, it is simply moral. It was selfish of Neiwert to snatch a defeat from the jaws of a harmless PR victory. Cheers again to all the hardworking people on the line. We are so so proud of you. To the chiefs - do better please.

LET THEM EAT FRIED CHICKEN Dear Spokane, if we work together we can finally

achieve our dream of ending all small locally owned businesses in Spokane! All we have to do is keep opening up chain fried chicken restaurants and stop supporting these pesky local business that have been supporting our local economy for decades by giving Spokies a place to work! Cause at the end of the day we don’t care what we put into our bodies as long as cheap and

because a student dared him to. That’s not education, that’s poor judgment. Yes, students shouldn’t have baited him or filmed it — but when your reaction to a dare is to say a slur in class (and then again in media interviews), maybe you’re not the beacon of academic freedom here. The district didn’t erase history; they enforced professionalism. And let’s be real: if you’re

way - including the usher who seated me in the wrong seat. I don’t fault them. I fault refusing to refund me.

SPOKANE TRANSIT Is getting worse. The Mirabeau Point Park-and-Ride took like eight months to rebuild, and there’s still no pedestrian bridge to the apartments behind it. Also, no trees for shade, and the

“ The sound of laughter and good natured, boisterous play made me smile. ”

salty, And we definitely don’t want to think about where all this “chicken” is coming from. And if we really want to speed up the process let’s do whatever we can to increase the overhead of these local businesses so they can really feel the squeeze. If we work hard enough in two years we will all be forced to be eating double double deluxe cool ranch Dorito chicken sandwiches and a iced vente triple shot caramel mocha surprise to wash it all down.

RE: MAYBE 5% So full of insults & nastiness you are. Just like T. Too bad you didn’t walk around the Radio Flyer. 50% of us were ‘gray hairs,’ those who have worked/ still work decades, paying taxes, served, protected our constitution, worship God, not a criminal. There were those with wheelchairs, canes, walkers. Military veterans. I have 100 photos of signs & people I’d share. The ‘youngsters’ were more energetic; a few crude signs, young & old, but WE were THERE, joining the turnout & supportive honks of passersby. Your tax comment is off base. T looks to sell public land we ALL enjoy, has withheld grants for research (cancer, alzheimers, drugs, new therapies, etc.) looks to fire 1000s of gov’t employees, & OH! Do you know T canceled a grant for SPOKANE for emergency shelter during wildfires? ALL to support tax cuts for billionaires. Are YOU a billionaire? He declared the VA can refuse medical care to Democratic Veterans. Aren’t you disgusted enough by the lies he’s told you?

RE: TO KILL A TEACHING CAREER Let’s not pretend this was some heroic literary moment. This wasn’t a lesson on race in America — it was a Spanish teacher saying the N-word outside of his curriculum

more focused on making headlines than teaching Spanish, maybe it’s time to find a new job — preferably one where your brother doesn’t have to quit his own for the drama. School districts already deal with enough. Let them do their jobs without being dragged into a personal publicity tour.

WHAT ARE FREEWAY ON-RAMPS FOR AGAIN? For those who missed this part of learning to drive: YOU SHOULD BE GOING FREEWAY SPEED by the time you are at the end of an on-ramp! You’ll find merging much easier if you are driving the SAME SPEED as the traffic you want to merge into. Don’t speed on the interstate, and play turtle getting on -- use that on-ramp like a race track. Try it! You’ll like it!

NGDB SHOW I’ve loved and enjoyed Nitty Gritty Dirt Band shows since I was a teenager. Old now, I purchased a ticket for myself months ago to see their final tour. Recuperating from total knee replacement surgery and knowing my limitations, I arrived early. I wasn’t allowed to bring my walker into the venue with me but was shown my seat by an usher. I settled in, seated and ready for the show 30 minutes before it began. Just as the show began a couple showed up and told me I was in one of their seats. No, no, I said - the usher seated me here. I remained seated. They weren’t happy, nor was I. A little while later the same usher who’d seated me showed up, and told me I was in the wrong seat. In pain. At my physical limit, and unwilling to cause further disruption, I apologized and left. Perhaps you saw me hobbling towards the rear. Staff were lovely, helpful, perfect, polite, and professional every step of the

whole place is concrete, blinding me even on cloudy days. So why did rebuilding it take so long? The busses are still late across the cities and don’t approach the platforms where they’re supposed to. They aren’t doing a great job of mobility training since it still takes people THIRTY SECONDS TO GET THEIR PASSES READY AFTER THEY GET IN THE BUS. Maybe all the money spent on that freeway could have been better spent on our transit system.

INLANDER GETS JEERS Was the criticism of the West Valley School District printed last week so powerful that you failed to print a second Jeer which pointed out that it is not only the School Board was making a mistake, but West Valley students were complicit. During the hearing it was found that a student challenged the teacher to read it and another videoed it while students were laughing. Shame on the students, their involvement reflects on all West Valley students. The Inlander rates a Jeer for it’s own form of subtle censorship. I’m afraid providing a different view is only important with license tabs. n

EVENTS | CALENDAR

BENEFIT

OXFORD HOUSE CAR WASH A car wash benefitting Oxford House of Spokane, a nonprofit, member-run network of homes providing clean and sober living support for people in recovery from alcohol or drugs. July 5, 10 am-3 pm and July 12, 10 am-3 pm. $5. Journey Church, 4224 E. Fourth Ave. oxfordhouse.us

FRIENDS OF THE DEER PARK LIBRARY

SUMMER BOOK SALE Peruse thousands of gently-used books of all genres including mystery, sci-fi, romance, nonfiction, biography and more. Plus, tables full of movies, music, puzzles and games. All proceeds support Deer Park Library and community events. The second Friday and Saturday of each month 9 am-4 pm through Sept. 14. Reilly Family Storage, 2405 E. Crawford St. scld.org

SCOOPS AND BOWLS Urban Art Coop’s annual fundraiser in which attendees buy a handmade bowl starting at $15 and receive free ice cream in the bowl at the time of purchase. Proceeds benefit the coop directly. July 12, 10 am-4 pm. $15+. Manito Park, 1800 S. Grand Blvd. urbanartcoop.org (509-456-8038)

COMEDY

LISA WALLEN Wallen is an LA-based stand up comedian, Twitch partner, and all around professional nerd. July 3, 7 pm. $22-$30. Spokane Comedy Club, 315 W. Sprague. spokanecomedyclub.com

LATE LAUGHS Each show features a rotating lineup of performers from independent troupes to new voices performing 20-minute sets that push boundaries, test new formats and take creative risks. Every First Friday of the month at 9:30 pm. $6. Blue Door Theatre, 319 S. Cedar St. bluedoortheatre.org (509-747-7045)

EXPEDITION A family-friendly improv show featuring the Blue Door Theatre players playing a variety of improv games with audience suggestions. Every Saturday at 7:30 pm. $9. Blue Door Theatre, 319 S. Cedar St. bluedoortheatre.org

MIKE CRONIN In addition to headlining clubs all over, Mike also regularly opens for the likes of Tom Segura and Chad Daniels. July 5, 7 pm and July 6, 7 & 9:45 pm. $15-$22. Spokane Comedy Club, 315 W. Sprague. spokanecomedyclub.com

FIONA CAULEY Cauley uses her quick wit and dark sense of humor to give some insight into what life is like as a disabled female comic. July 10, 7 pm. $27-$37. Spokane Comedy Club, 315 W. Sprague. spokanecomedyclub.com

COMMUNITY

FIRE: REBIRTH AND RESILIENCE An exhibition exploring the catastrophic 1889 fire that destroyed more of Spokane’s downtown core. The exhibit features information on historic and contemporary fires, illustrating how destruction is a catalyst for rebirth and resilience. Tue-Sun from 11 am-5 pm. $9-$15. Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture, 2316 W. First Ave. northwestmuseum.org (509-456-3931)

LIBERTY LAKE FEST A two-day celebration for Independence Day featuring a boat parade, a community parade, a fireworks display and live music. July 3-4. Free. Pavillion Park, 727 N. Molter Rd. libertylakewa.gov (509-755-6726)

RIVERFRONT SUMMER CARNIVAL

Celebrate Independence Day with five days of carnival rides, games and treats in Riverfront Park. July 2-6; times vary. Free. Riverfront Park, 507 N. Howard St. riverfrontspokane.org (509-625-6600)

4TH OF JULY FIREWORKS A fireworks display to cap off 4th of July celebrations on the mountain. July 4, 10 pm. Free. Silver Mountain Resort, 610 Bunker Ave. silvermt.com (208-783-1111)

ADVENTURE AWAITS: RECREATION IN NORTH IDAHO This exhibit celebrates the diverse ways people have enjoyed the great outdoors in North Idaho—from kayaking and fishing on Lake Coeur d’Alene, hiking the Bitterroot range, to skiing the slopes of Silver Mountain. July 4-Sept. 29, daily from 11 am-5 pm. Free. Museum of North Idaho, 115 Northwest Blvd. museumni.org (208-664-3448)

COEUR D’ALENE 4TH FEST A familyfriendly event that includes a dinner buffet, live entertainment and a fireworks display. July 4, 6-10 pm. $45-$125. The Coeur d’Alene Resort, 115 S. Second. cdaresort.com (208-765-4000)

RIVERFRONT PARK 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION A day of fun and music leading up to the annual 4th of July fireworks display in Riverfront Park. Features music by Atari Ferrari and MasterClass Big Band, a beer garden and more. July 4, 12-10 pm. Free. Riverfront Park, 507 N. Howard St. riverfrontspokane.org (509-625-6600)

RIVERFRONT PARK 4TH OF JULY FIREWORKS Riverfront Park’s annual fireworks display from the park. July 4, 10 pm. Free. Riverfront Park, 507 N. Howard St. riverfrontspokane.org

ROOTED & RISING: THE REALITIES OF INDIGENOUS AMERICA An evening of art and community featuring Matthew Platero, Olivia Evans and Titus Capoeman. The event also features live per-

formance by Tyler Alai and free food from Indigenous Eats. July 4, 4-6 pm. Free. Kress Gallery, 808 W. Main Ave. bit. ly/4k7cqlI (509-456-3413)

CECIL THE MAGICIAN Cecil’s spellbinding, hilarious magic will entice audience participation, raucous laughter and delight. July 7, 11 am-noon. Free. Indian Trail Library, 4909 W. Barnes Rd. spokanelibrary.org (509-444-5331)

MOONSHINE: ARTISAN NIGHT MARKET

A vendor showcase of many local businesses selling food, drinks, art and immersive crafts. A different film is shown each night following the market. Wed from 5:30-10 pm through Aug. 27. Free. Commellini Estate, 14715 N. Dartford Dr. commelliniestate.com (509-466-0667)

SIP SHOP & CULTURE A night of drinks, food, art and live music at New Leaf Nursery. Artists include Kathy Blount, Valerie Holloway, Cory Bomar, Brooke Baggett and more. Live music from Balboa Park. July 10, 4:30-8 pm. Free. New Leaf Nursery, 12655 N. Government Way. newleafnurseryhayden.com (208-7624825)

POST FALLS FESTIVAL A three-day community festival featuring live music, local food, crafts and fun activities for all ages. July 11-13; Fri-Sat from 11 am-8 pm, Sun from 11 am-4 pm. Free. Q’Emiln Park, 12201 W Parkway Dr. postfalls.gov

SANDPOINT ANTIQUE BOAT SHOW Admire dozens of wooden and classic boats docked at the boardwalk. July 11-13. Free. Sandpoint. inlandempireacbs.com

SANDPOINT PRIDE 2025 Sandpoint’s annual pride celebration featuring drag performances, vendors, community resources and more. July 11-13. Free. Sandpoint. safe-idaho.org/sandpointpride

THE WAVY BUNCH NIGHT MARKET & STREET FAIR A night market and street fair featuring vendors, live music, art installations, a beer garden and more. Second Friday of each month from 5-9 pm through Oct. 10. $3. Catalyst Building, 601 E. Riverside Ave. thewavybunch.com

EVENING LIGHT LAVENDER FESTIVAL

2025 This annual festival features a wide array of local shopping and dining vendors, along with live music, crafting and U-pick lavender fields. July 12-13, daily from 9 am-5 pm. $13-$45. Evening Light Lavender Farm, 5552 S. Wallbridge Rd. eveninglightlavender.com

FILM

MOVIES IN THE PARK: MOANA 2 A screening of Moana 2. Movie begins at dusk. July 3. Free. Pavillion Park, 727 N. Molter Rd. libertylakewa.gov

SUMMER FAMILY MATINEE: THE POWERPUFF GIRLS MOVIE After destroying the city of Townsville in a game of tag, a trio of super-powered little girls must redeem themselves by stopping a vengeful monkey’s plot for world domination. July 3, 1-3 pm. Free. The Kenworthy, 508 S. Main St. kenworthy.org (208-882-4127)

SUMMER FLICKS: THE PRINCESS DIARIES Mia Thermopolis has just found out that she is the heir apparent to the throne of Genovia. With her friends Lilly and Michael Moscovitz in tow, she tries to navigate through the rest of her sixteenth year. July 3, 7-9 pm and July 6, 7-9 pm. $8. The Kenworthy, 508 S. Main St. kenworthy.org (208-882-4127)

SUMMER OF STUDIO GHIBLI: THE CAT RETURNS After helping a cat, a seventeen-year-old girl finds herself involuntarily engaged to a cat Prince in a magical world where her only hope of freedom lies with a dapper cat statuette come to life. July 4, 5 pm and July 6, 2 pm. $5. Garland Theater, 924 W. Garland Ave. garlandtheater.org (509-327-1050)

DUMB AND DUMBER After a woman leaves a briefcase at the airport terminal, a dumb limo driver and his dumber friend set out on a hilarious cross-country road trip to return it. July 9, 7-9 pm. $8. The Kenworthy, 508 S. Main. kenworthy.org

FULL DRAW FILM TOUR A festival dedicated to films from top outdoor filmmakers featuring captivating storylines and bowhunting film screenings. July 9, 7 pm. $12-$22. Panida Theater, 300 N. First Ave. panida.org (208-263-9191)

FOOD & DRINK

SUNSET DINNER CRUISES A buffet featuring baked salmon, roasted beef, summer salads and more. Cruise length is two hours. Daily at 7:30 pm through Sep. 1, 7:30 pm. $57-$84. The Coeur d’Alene Resort, 115 S. Second. cdacruises.com

4TH OF JULY BBQ ON THE RIVER Celebrate the 4th of July with a bbq dinner, drinks and a view of the fireworks. July 4, 6-10 pm. $40. Ruby River Hotel, 700 N. Division St. rubyriverhotelspokane.com

RIDE & DINE SERIES Enjoy a scenic gondola ride, live music and a barbecue meal. Fri from 3-7:30 pm through Aug. 29. $9-$46. Silver Mountain Resort, 610 Bunker Ave. silvermt.com (208-783-1111)

SANDPOINT BEERFEST Enjoy unlimited 7 0z. tastes of over 20 craft beers from regional breweries, live music and more. Takes place at the Best Western Edge-

water Resort. July 5, 12-5 pm. $45-$55. Downtown Sandpoint. schweitzer.com

SUMMER PARTY Celebrate summer with wine sampling, arts & craft vendors and live music from The Planetary Refugees and Murphy’s Legacy Band. July 5, 12-7 pm. $10. China Bend Winery, 3751 Vineyard Way. chinabend.com

FRANCINE CHOUGH: FRENCH COOKING Francine Martinie Chough, cookbook author, French cuisine cooking instructor, and lifelong lover of food will share her decades of knowledge over dinner, with a comprehensive guide to creating an authentic French cheese course. July 7, 5:45-8 pm. $115. The Kitchen Engine, 621 W. Mallon Ave. thekitchenengine.com WINE WEDNESDAY DINNER SERIES World’s collide with a fusion of food between two regions and flavors. Experience Chef Steven’s creativity in this unique dining exploration. The menus are paired with three wines presented by Nectar owners, Josh and Katie Wade. July 9, 5-8 pm. $30. Fête - A Nectar Co, 120 N. Stevens St. nectarcateringandevents.com (509-951-2096)

PAIRINGS IN THE PINES A progressive tasting event that invites you to stroll through Pine Street Woods as you enjoy locally crafted food and thoughtfully selected wines while immersed in the sights and sounds of nature at the forest’s edge. July 10, 4:30-8 pm. $140. Kaniksu Ranch, 4295 N. Deer Lake Rd. kaniksu.org (509-233-8202)

MUSIC

CDA BRASS Coeur d’Alene Brass performs popular songs and marches. July 6, 2:30 pm. Free. The Jacklin Arts & Cultural Center, 405 N. William St. thejacklincenter.org (208-457-8950)

TRADITIONAL BLUEGRASS JAM Jam with a group of bluegrass musicians. Open to musicians and listeners. Second and Fourth Wed. of every month, 5:30 pm. Free. The Jacklin Arts & Cultural Center, 405 N. William. thejacklincenter.org

SPORTS & OUTDOORS

NORTHWEST TANDEM RALLY This event invites tanem riders and single bike riders to enjoy riding in the Spokane Valley with two days of supported rides. July 4-6, 7:30 am-6 pm. $212. CenterPlace Regional Event Center, 2426 N. Discovery Pl. cyclecelebration.com (509-922-3299)

EVENTS | CALENDAR

YOGA FOR YOU A yoga class blending stretching, strength and balance instructed by Gerry Bryak. Bring a mat. Ages 18+. Mondays and Fridays at 9:30 am. 9:30 am. Free. Coeur d’Alene Public Library, 702 E. Front Ave. cdalibrary.org

HISTORIC WALKING TOURS Join local historian Chet Caskey for a free walking tour of Riverfront Park. Learn the rich history of the Spokane Falls, Expo ‘74, the U.S. Pavilion, the Clock Tower, the Looff Carrousel and more. Tours will begin at the Visitor Center located next to the Rotary Fountain. July 5, 10 am & noon. Free. Riverfront Park, 507 N. Howard St. riverfrontspokane.org (509-625-6600)

RIVERFRONT MOVES: HOT YOGA A yoga practice combining classic lunges with deep stretching and balance to quickly strengthen muscles, tighten the core and burn body fat. Instructed by Beyoutiful Hot Yoga. July 8, 6-7 pm. Free. Spokane Pavilion, 574 N. Howard St. riverfrontspokane.org

HIAWATHA FULL MOON NIGHT RIDE

Ride the historic route of the Hiawatha Scenic Bicycle Trail under the light of a full moon. Riders meet at the east portal of the Hiawatha Trail. July 10. $40. Lookout Pass Ski & Recreation Area, I-90 Exit 0. ridethehiawatha.com (208-744-1301)

THEATER & DANCE

THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE Young Frederic, an orphan, has mistakenly been apprenticed to an ineffectual but merry band of pirates. Wed-Sun at 7:30 pm through July 6. $25-$48. University High School, 12320 E. 32nd Ave. svsummertheatre.com (509-368-7897)

MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING Misunderstandings, wit, hilarity, and a touch of treachery all come together in Shakespeare’s best-loved comedy. July 5, 2 & 7 pm and July 6, 2 pm. $10-$33. Kroc Center, 1765 W. Golf Course Rd. shakespearecda.org (208-242-2067)

MJ A musical looking at the creative mind and collaborative spirit that catapulted Michael Jackson into legendary status. July 8-13; Tue-Sat at 7:30 pm, Sat also at 2 pm, Sun at 2 pm and 6:30 pm. First Interstate Center for the Arts, 334 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. broadwayspokane.com

VISUAL ARTS

ADVENTURES IN ALCOHOL INK Building on the skills and techniques learned in the 101 class, we’ll bring in some new tools and techniques using a gel plate, stencils and masking with instructor Robyn Smith. July 3-24, Thu from 1-3 pm through July 24. $127. Spokane Art School, 503 E. Second Ave., Ste. B. spokaneartschool.net (509-325-1500)

MARCIA MCDONALD Local painter Marcia McDonald showcases landscape and abstract paintings. Daily from 10 am-7 pm through July 31, 10 am-7 pm. Free. Pottery Place Plus, 203 N. Washington St. potteryplaceplus.com (509-327-6920)

NATURAL FOCUS Eight local photographers showcase photographs of the natural world. Daily from 10 am-7 pm through July 26, 10 am-7 pm. Free. Liberty Building, 203 N. Washington St. potterplaceplus.com/liberty-gallery

ABE KENNEY: IT’S JUST A GAME A solo exhibition featuring works centered on the game of chess from local artist Abe Kenney and his album release party for “Chess Suite.” July 4-31, daily from 11

am-6 pm. Free. Entropy, 101 N. Stevens St. instagram.com/entropygalleryspokane (503-913-3124)

SPOKANE ART SCHOOL FACULTY & STUDENT SHOW Faculty and students from Spokane Art School display artwork. Juy 4-31, Mon-Fri from 10 am-5 pm. Free. Spokane Art School, 503 E. Second Ave., Ste. B. spokaneartschool.net

BLACK CHARCOAL This class addresses techniques, drawing and shading, also securing it to the paper with instructor Susan Rohrback. July 9-23, Wed from 1-4 pm. $126. Spokane Art School, 503 E. Second Ave. spokaneartschool.net

WINDOW MURALS: SHADES OF SUMMER Create a vibrant, collaborative window mural. Kids and teens design and draw on library windows using special window markers. July 9, 1-2 pm. Free. Liberty Park Library, 402 S. Pittsburgh St. spokanelibrary.org (509-444-5300)

FLOWER POUNDING ON PAPER Learn the craft of flower pounding with fresh flowers on paper to make cards, pictures, bookmarks and more with instructor Maria Andrus. July 10, 10-11:30 am. $46. Spokane Art School, 503 E. Second Ave., Ste. B. spokaneartschool.net

POP UP POSE: COMMUNITY FIGURE

DRAWING Join instructors Nadia Hitchcock and Nanette Cloud for sessions focused on observing the human form and developing your drawing skills. You get to explore the art of figure drawing in a relaxed, supportive setting with no longterm commitment. July 10-31, Thu from 6-7:30 pm. By donation. Blue Door Theatre, 319 S. Cedar St. crowdwork.com/e/ figure-drawing (509-747-7045)

WORDS

ALPHABITS STORYTIME Share picture books, songs and get your child ready for school. Every Thursday at 10:15 am. Free. Moscow Public Library, 110 S. Jefferson St. latalibrary.org (208-882-3925)

DROP IN & WRITE Aspiring writers are invited to be a part of a supportive writers’ community. Bring works in progress to share, get inspired with creative prompts and spend some focused time writing. Hosted by local writers Jenny Davis and Hannah Engel. Thursdays from 5:30-7 pm. Free. Spark Central, 1214 W. Summit Pkwy. spark-central.org

BOOKPEOPLE OF MOSCOW STORYTIME A storytime at the Kenworthy Theater present by BookPeople of Moscow. Titles include The Crayon Stub and more. Every Saturday at 9 am through Aug. 30. Free. The Kenworthy, 508 S. Main St. bookpeopleofmoscow.com

LAKE PEND OREILLE TOASTMASTERS

CLUB An opportunity for people to grow their skill and confidence in public speaking through practice and supporting feedback. This club operates in a hybrid format, via Zoom as well as in-person. Every Tuesday from 5:30-7 pm. Free. Sandpoint Library, 1407 Cedar St. ebonnerlibrary.org (208-265-9565)

SCLD ONLINE AUTHORS SERIES: RAÚL THE THIRD Join author and illustrator Raúl The Third as he discusses his book ¡Vamos! Let’s Go Read!. July 8, 1-2 pm. Free. scld.org

SUMMER STORYTIME An outdoor storytime featuring books, songs, parachute play and more. Geared toward kids ages 2-5, but all ages welcome. Tue from 1011 am through Aug. 12. Free. Liberty Park Library, 402 S. Pittsburgh St. spokanelibrary.org (509-444-5300) n

RECIPE

Summer Snackin’

When you’re craving a simple sweet edible, try this recipe for chocolate-covered crispy rice cereal treats

BY COLTON RASANEN

When I first tried to make my own edibles a few years ago, I went through the trouble of decarbing flower (the process that activates THC) and then infusing it into butter using an expensive machine that was returned after its first and only use. It took a long time to make and tasted horrible, so I resigned myself to never making edibles again.

However, last year, my partner taught me this recipe for Rice Krispies Treat edibles that are insanely easy to make and don’t taste half bad — at least when you don’t use too much concentrate. So, with my partner’s permission, I’d like to share the recipe here.

INGREDIENTS

• One 12-ounce box of Rice Krispies cereal

• Two containers of Jet-Puffed marshmallow creme

• Half stick butter (4 tablespoons)

• Bag of chocolate chips (12 ounces)

• Coconut oil (about 2 tablespoons)

• Any kind of cannabis concentrate or distillate (typically sold in one-gram tinctures or syringes)

Like all the best recipes, this one was made with a lot of love, yet not a lot of solid measurement. My box of Rice Krispies was about 9 cups, but I’ve made the recipe with a family-sized box or another cereal altogether without any trouble. It’s the same thing with the marshmallow creme; I used about 14 ounces in this recipe, but there isn’t necessarily a correct amount to use. I also used about 800 milligrams of distillate in this recipe and they came out STRONG (about 30-50 milligrams per piece in the final product, definitely tasted like weed), so ensure your dosage is at a comfortable

level for you and your friends.

DIRECTIONS

1. Empty your containers of marshmallow creme and butter into a large pot on medium-low heat. You want the two to melt together to create marshmallow soup. Pro tip: Use a little melted butter on a spoon when you scoop the marshmallow creme out of its container for easier transfer.

2. Add your desired amount of cannabis tincture, mix, and let it simmer for a bit.

3. Take your pot off the stove and slowly begin pouring the cereal in, stopping to mix every few seconds.

4. Once that’s all combined, transfer to a container of your choosing (I used a casserole dish) and pack it down evenly. Pro tip: Line your pan with parchment paper or butter so the treats don’t adhere to the sides like glue.

5. Place your container of treats in the fridge for a few hours so it can set. Once it’s hard on the outside and doesn’t easily stick to your utensils, it’s ready to cut. You can enjoy your edibles now, or you can try to mask that unappealing weedy taste with chocolate.

6. Place chocolate chips and coconut oil into a pan on low heat and mix until they’ve melted together. Then quickly dip each treat to coat it with the chocolate and place it in the fridge to solidify.

Keep these in the fridge and try to finish them in about two weeks. They likely won’t go bad, but they’ll be stale and unpleasant. Best wishes and enjoy your somethin’ sweet! n

NOTE TO READERS

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 five-year sentence and fine of up to $10,000. Transporting marijuana across state lines, like from Washington into Idaho, is a felony under federal law.

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