Spokane’s Jeremiah DeMello is a 2025 world champion in horseshoes
EDITOR’S NOTE
rowing up in rural Stevens County, access to sports activities was few and (literally) far between. I longed to become a club gymnast, but didn’t get the chance to compete until high school, as we were the only school (Lakeside in Nine Mile) in the league with a team. It was a dream come true, but I had to work extra hard to catch up to my teammates who’d been training since elementary school. Then I began pole vaulting on our track team, eventually going on to place at the state meet as a junior and senior, one of the most fulfilling endeavors of my life.
Specialized sports have always been my thing. Unfortunately, gymnastics and pole vault aren’t activities I’ve been able to continue enjoying other than as a spectator. But in this week’s collection of stories on ALTERNATIVE RECREATION, we introduce readers to four local groups that offer more niche recreation opportunities that also happen to be accessible to a wide range of abilities and ages. Some of these groups even have world champions among their members, like our cover subject, 11-year-old Jeremiah DeMello of Spokane, who’s the best in the world in his division at the game of horseshoes.
— CHEY SCOTT, Editor
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WHAT INSPIRES YOUR PERSONAL STYLE?
RUSSELL HOWARD
I look for fashion that is appropriate for my age and corresponds with the things I do in life.
How would you describe your personal style? Flamboyant.
RUTH ARTHUR
I was wondering about that today as I was walking around Nordstrom because I always automatically go for the sale, right? And I said to myself, but, Ruth, why, you’re just looking at sales stuff. What actually is your style? I just don’t think I know. I think we change as people, we get a little chubbier, we get a little grayer. So I’m still trying to figure it out.
BRYAN ANTHONY MOORE
I think style is having clothes that you like, not following trends. So I just buy things that I like inspired by Indigenous American prints, Indian prints from Jaipur, bright colors and work wear. I’m an artist, so just things that catch my eye.
MELINDA JOHNSON
I would say I follow a lot of people on Instagram with different styles that I like. I will look for what’s going to be popular coming in the fall or different seasons. Yeah, probably mainly social media.
JAVONTE JOHNSON
Mid 2000s skater. This is an MMA Elite, and then everything that I have is like mostly vintage except for my shoes.
Do you look for inspiration on social media? I’m alt, so I love every single style. Like everything is amazing. I’m not really going to clown on anything. I take inspiration from everything.
8/7/2025, RIVER PARK SQUARE INTERVIEWS BY MARTA SZYMANSKA
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Riders at the Table
Spokane Transit Authority should take advantage of new state law allowing transit users onto transit boards
BY ANTHONY GILL
Spokane’s transit system is firing on all cylinders. The city is already a transit town, having grown up around the railroad and one of the largest urban streetcar systems in the West. But in the last few years, long-standing efforts to renew the region’s network have finally been bearing fruit.
In 2023, Spokane Transit launched the City Line, the region’s first bus rapid transit system, featuring high-quality stations, all-electric buses and a nationally best-in-class rider information system. The agency is hard at work planning and designing its next rapid transit line, North Division BRT, which will have many of the same features, plus the region’s first dedicated transit lanes. Cross-town routes like the 4, the Monroe-Regal Line, have been revamped with more frequent service, better stations, and electric buses. And later this fall, STA will launch the region’s first double-decker buses on the Routes 6 and 66, serving Cheney and EWU. Even the agency’s communications are on-point; this summer it released a Jaws-inspired ad promoting double-decker service that went viral nationally in pro-transit circles.
Perhaps it shouldn’t come as a surprise, then, that Spokane’s transit ridership has surpassed prepandemic levels, increasing an astonishing 13.6% in 2024 over 2023.
But underneath all those innovations and milestones, tensions have brewed on the STA’s Board of Directors, which is made up of elected officials from the city, county and other local jurisdictions. Board members have clashed over the agency’s budget, discounted fare programs and the upcoming funding renewal expected to go to voters in the next couple years. And then, of course, there’s the secretive board-led hiring process for the agency’s next CEO.
For such a critical public service, many community members had demanded some type of public process — similar to those often seen for city managers and police chiefs. The board instead paid lip service to those objectives, but instead forwarded only one candidate for consideration to the whole board. While that candidate was the savvy (and in my view, correct) choice of Karl Otterstrom, a nationally renowned local transit planner and the architect behind the agency’s recent revival, the process left a sour taste in many advocates’ mouths. How could transit users trust that their concerns and interests would be considered, when the board clearly did not give them a voice in hiring the agency’s most critical leader?
Fortunately, the state Legislature gave us an answer this year in HB 1418, which the governor signed in May. The new law allows local transit boards to, for the first time, appoint two new citizen members who regularly use or are reliant on public transit. Up until now, most boards across the state have only allowed elected officials
The STA has been making (mostly) all the right moves, but better representation on its board should be the next stop. YOUNG KWAK PHOTO
to serve. Now, up to two transit-using members can be appointed by the rest of the board — one representing a community-based organization (such as a nonprofit, services agency or cultural organization) who uses transit at least occasionally, and one citizen who is primarily reliant on public transit to get around.
While the agency’s disparate elected officials would still be responsible for selecting the rider representatives (a process that likely would not be without its petty foibles), the potential of adding some no-nonsense, no-politics members to the Spokane Transit Board cannot be overstated.
REBUILDING EFFORT
Since the pandemic, the Spokane Transit Authority has been working to return its ridership to pre-COVID levels. Between 2023 and 2024, it experienced a nearly 14% jump.
STA ANNUAL RIDERSHIP
SOURCES: Spokane Transit Authority (includes fixed routes, paratransit and Rideshare)
For example, perhaps the rider member would have unique or worthwhile perspectives on rider experience issues, like station access, shelters and frequency of service. Maybe the communitybased organization representative could be a housing entity, like Spokane Housing Authority, Habitat for Humanity or Catholic Charities, to showcase the need to plan for housing and transit simultaneously. Perhaps it could be a rotating position representing particular constituent groups, like Carl Maxey Center, Latinos en Spokane or AHANA.
Regardless of who specifically would serve, a rider voice would serve as an important moderating perspective on a body that sometimes seems dominated by big personalities. It would restore some trust among local advocates who generally like the agency’s staff, leaders and recent renaissance, but sometimes question the motivations of the board. And appointing the state’s first rider representatives would provide another feather in Spokane’s well-earned transit leadership cap.
With a big federal funding shakeup underway, possible cost increases for capital projects like North Division BRT and the zero-emission campus (due to inflation, tariffs, and economic uncertainty), and critically, with a ballot measure on the horizon, the board should think critically about the risk associated with its incongruent squabbling.
Let’s add some transit rider representation to rebalance and refocus on what matters most: providing high-quality transportation for everyone in our community. n
Anthony Gill is an economic development professional and writer of Spokane Rising, an urbanist blog about ways to make our city a better place to live. Find him on Bluesky at @spokanerising.com.
Unionizing Spokane?
Spokane City Council could require contractors on major public works projects to sign union agreements and hire economically disadvantaged workers
BY COLTON RASANEN
Mike Keith has been an ironworker for nearly 20 years. He knew he wanted a satisfying career, so he started his apprenticeship in 2007. With a wife and an infant daughter at home, Keith realized he needed stability for his family, so he joined a union.
“I saw the fruit being brought through represented labor and having the benefit of working for multiple contractors and having my health care not change, having my wages not fluctuate, [which] allowed me to budget with my wife and raise a family,” Keith says. “We had full family medical health insurance and … I was working towards it every time regardless if it was a prevailing wage or private money job.”
Over the last two decades, those benefits helped Keith support his growing family. Now, he’s working with the Spokane Alliance — a nonprofit composed of congregations, unions, and student and community groups in Spokane County — to provide more union labor opportunities in the city through a piece of legislation they’re calling “Public Dollars for Public Benefit.”
During the June 23 Spokane City Council Finance and Administration Committee meeting, Council members Paul Dillon and Zack Zappone proposed bringing the Spokane Alliance-supported ordinance forward to the full council. It would require contractors working on city public works projects that cost more than $5 million to sign community workforce agreements. These agreements require a contractor to be represented by a union, and guarantee workers benefits such as full-family health care, companypaid retirement and free parking at construction sites.
The full City Council will consider the ordinance for the first time at its Aug. 18 meeting.
Dillon expects it will pass when it’s scheduled for a vote on Aug. 25.
“It’s really based on proven best practices for supporting public infrastructure and how that can connect with better economic equity and workforce goals,” Dillon says, explaining the goal of the community workforce agreements. “So it can really uplift historically excluded communities, prevent taxpayer burden and really support working families.”
The legislation would also create a priority hiring policy for these large public projects, requiring a quarter of a project’s labor force to be “priority hires.” These hires need to be a resident of an “economically distressed area,” a graduate of a state-sanctioned pre-apprenticeship program, or individuals in Spokane who have experienced housing instability or have a criminal history and can prove they have had “barriers to stable employment or training access.”
“What we see a lot of you know, jobs get contracted out to workers in Idaho. We have folks from outside the state coming in and getting these jobs. Because it’s often cheaper, and that is money long-term that we’re losing,” Dillon explains. “And I think by focusing on distressed zip codes within the city as part of a priority hire, I think [the ordinance] really reflects our values and where we need to go to support working families.”
While Census data will determine which areas of the city will be included under the proposed priority hire policy, Dillon says he expects those in East Central and northeast Spokane to benefit the most. And even though the ordinance would only impact the city’s major public works projects, its current draft includes language encouraging other stewards of public funds, including the city’s Park Board, Library Board and School Board, to take up the same policy.
The ordinance’s supporters say it’s a necessary step to
increase opportunities for local laborers, but many in the construction industry who bid for these public projects disagree that it will have the intended impact. According to the Inland Northwest chapter of Associated General Contractors, or AGC, whose members include union and nonunion construction companies throughout Eastern Washington and North Idaho, the ordinance would cause project costs to skyrocket, exclude nonunion laborers and create “an administrative nightmare” for contractors.
‘IN SEARCH OF A PROBLEM’
As far as this ordinance goes, Dillon and Cheryl Stewart, executive director of AGC’s Inland Northwest chapter, agree on just this one thing: “We just disagree,” Dillon says, “and that’s OK.”
The two have met a handful of times to discuss the proposed ordinance and what would be best for the region’s contractors, but at the end of the day, Stewart just doesn’t see a need for the measure.
“Our big issue is we think it’s a solution in search of a problem,” she says. “And I don’t believe we have a problem.”
While the proposed ordinance is championed as a way to promote hiring local workers, Stewart says AGC already supports local hiring practices. The trade association already has programs targeted toward local hires, and it operates one of the pre-apprenticeship programs that would produce “priority hire” graduates.
“Logistically trying to track these priority hires — we don’t even know how we’ll accomplish that,” she says. “We can make it a goal or an incentive for companies to hire local, but until we can figure out how we track this and
The Spokane Alliance and local unions favor a labor ordinance targeting Spokane’s largets projects.
PHOTO COURTESY SPOKANE ALLIANCE
report it, it’s going to be very difficult to do.”
Additionally, one of Stewart’s main concerns is that the proposed ordinance — requiring workers to sign onto a community workforce agreement — will exclude any non-union workers from working on these major public projects. Stewart says it will negatively impact the apprentices the ordinance intends to help, too.
“I have 120 apprentices in nonunion programs right now, the majority of which live in Spokane, and they [could] no longer work on city projects,” she says.
Keith, now an organizer with the International Association of Ironworkers Local 14 union, which represents more than 500 ironworkers in the region, says the idea that this ordinance is exclusionary is a misconception. He says it’s designed so it doesn’t exclude nonunion contractors and laborers from submitting project bids. Rather, it just requires them to sign a union agreement for the duration of that project. Afterwards, these workers would have the option to stay in the union, but they wouldn’t need to stay.
Still, Stewart says with less than 20% of Spokane’s construction workers represented by a union, it doesn’t make sense to take the choice to join one away, even if it’s just for one project.
“It’s the employees’ choice if they want to be affiliated with the union, but this forces them into that relationship, whether they want to or not,” Stewart says. “You’re going to have a lot of nonunion contractors who simply don’t bid on city work anymore.”
She says without much competition for project bids, contractors will be less likely to keep costs low and could inflate the costs of public projects.
Dillon is skeptical about that.
“I just don’t buy it, and in fact, I think that we’ll see
bigger local economic gains that outweigh those concerns around project costs,” Dillon says. “What is not discussed enough is that with the quality construction jobs, you’re seeing reduced emergency Medicaid usage. You’re seeing extended family coverage for dependents, which reduces costs like child care. It goes back to one of the oldest arguments about why unions matter. You have a good paying job and benefits so you can shop and buy things at the place that you work at.”
FEW AND FAR BETWEEN
“In all honesty, the city doesn’t have a lot of projects over $5 million,” Stewart says. “They haven’t had hardly any in the last couple years other than Post Street. And the ones they have had have all been local contractors.”
The Post Street Bridge replacement project cost approximately $22 million and was completed by Spokanebased union contractor Max J. Kuney Company.
As it stands, the proposed ordinance would impact very few of the city’s public works projects. Of the 100+ completed and current projects listed on the city’s website dating back to 2019, fewer than 20 projects surpassed that $5 million threshold. Most of them were completed by Inland Northwest contractors based out of Spokane, Spokane Valley and Davenport. One of the projects, the $5.7 million Havana Well Pump Station, was completed by Rathdrum, Idaho-based LaRiviere, Inc.
Dillon says the high project cost threshold in the ordinance is intentional.
“This is a soft launch,” he says. “You know, that’s why we’re focused on projects over $5 million.”
As Dillon attempts to pass this citywide legislation, he hopes the state follows suit just as it has done in the
past when it comes to worker protections. For example, soon after Spokane enacted its Earned Sick and Safe Leave ordinance in 2016 — requiring employers to give employees an hour of sick time for every 30 hours worked — the state enacted its own paid sick leave law in 2018.
“When we passed sick leave, that became normalized and mainstream, and now Washington has one of the strongest sick leave laws in the country,” he says. “When Spokane leads, the rest of the state follows. There’s a lot of precedent, I think, for being at the forefront of a good progressive policy like this.” n
coltonr@inlander.com
A pair of carpenters working on the underside of the Post Street Bridge.
PHOTO COURTESY AGC INLAND NORTHWEST
Take Backsies?
West Plains Water Coalition asks for donations amid grant peril. Plus, Spokane County sergeant killed on duty, and WA youth helpline reports on first year
BY INLANDER STAFF
The West Plains Water Coalition was awarded a $120,000 Public Participation grant from the Washington Department of Ecology for the 2025-2027 cycle to further the nonprofit’s outreach and education about PFAS (sometimes called “forever chemicals”) in West Plains drinking water. However, the coalition may not get all that money over the next two years after recent federal funding freezes and state budget reallocations. “We thought that the budget was finished when the Legislature adjourned and the governor signed the budget,” says West Plains Water Coalition founder John Hancock. “But not so fast, turns out it wasn’t really over.” Hancock says the state Department of Ecology told the coalition to be cautious about spending (the grant reimburses expenses) because the grants are at risk of being canceled. Local nonprofits The Lands Council and the Lake Roosevelt Forum were also among the 19 organizations to receive Public Participation grants during this cycle. “It’s a tough time to be optimistic about government funding,” Hancock says. “Our work is far from over.” In order to keep its website running and continue outreach efforts, the coalition is asking for donations from the community, estimating a need of $800 per month. For more information, visit westplainswater.org. (MADISON PEARSON)
HIGHWAY TRAGEDY
Early on Saturday morning, Aug. 9, Spokane County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Kenneth Salas pulled over on eastbound Interstate 90 near Cheney to assist with a traffic hazard. However, soon after his stop, Salas, 59, was struck and killed by a driver at 7:40 am. The Washington State Patrol is currently investigating the incident. “We are deeply saddened by the loss of Sergeant Salas, who was killed while serving our community. The City of Spokane extends its deepest sympathies to his family, friends, and colleagues with the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office,” Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown said Saturday. Salas, who spent more than three decades in law enforcement, earned the rank of detective/corporal in 2004 and was promoted to sergeant in 2009. “He was not only a member of the Sheriff’s Office, he was also a valued and cherished member of our law enforcement family,” a Spokane Sheriff’s Office statement reads. Donations for his memorial service and to help his family can be made to the S.C.O.P.E./Sgt. Salas Memorial Fund at Canopy Credit Union branches. (COLTON RASANEN)
A CALL AWAY
HearMeWA, a free statewide safety and well-being helpline for youth, was launched by the state Attorney General’s Office in June 2024. After a year of operation, HearMeWA served 161 youths age 25 and younger across 20 counties in Washington People can report concerns about themselves or others. Crisis counselors from the nonprofit Sandy Hook Promise receive and triage the reports to HearMeWA, connecting youths with services in their community. According to the helpline’s first annual report, almost half of the contacts pertained to bullying, cyberbullying, depression, harassment, anxiety, child abuse, neglect, or suicide/suicide ideation. “HearMeWA also helps educate youth about resources that are often unheard of,” stated Cheri H., a member of HearMeWA’s youth advisory group that provides quarterly feedback. Schools across the state have adopted the program as an anonymous reporting tool. To remain anonymous, do not provide identifying information. Anyone who knows of risks or potential risks to the safety of youths can call the toll-free, statewide number at 888-537-1634, text HearMeWA to 738477, download the mobile app or go to hearmewa.org. All forms of contact are available 24/7 in multiple languages. (DORA SCOTT)
Keb’ Mo’ and Shawn Colvin, both highly acclaimed and Grammy Award-winning artists, bring their unique blend of blues and folk to The Fox Theater. Keb’ Mo’, renowned for his modern take on Delta blues, captivates with his soulful playing and expressive voice. Shawn Colvin’s songwriting and ethereal voice blend folk, pop, and Americana influences into intricate tales.
“A Night of Music as soulful as it is sincere... this experience [will] linger in the memory of those lucky enough to be there.”
Spokane Primary
Funding for aquifer protection, officers and fire districts approved; other races narrowed in Spokane County August election
BY COLTON RASANEN AND SAMANTHA WOHLFEIL
In Spokane County, about 25% of registered voters returned a primary election ballot, according to the Spokane County Elections office. The most recent ballot tally was on Aug. 7, with another planned for Aug. 18. The results will be certified on Aug. 19.
Voters supported a variety of new taxes and narrowed the field in multiple races with three or more candidates. Washington’s primary results in the top two vote recipients, regardless of party affiliation, moving forward to the general election in November.
TAXES
Nearly 74% of voters in Spokane’s primary election supported a $15-a-year tax to rejoin the Aquifer Protection Area, which was created in 1985 to fund water quality monitoring and improvement in the region’s sole source of drinking water: the Spokane Valley-Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer.
This will be the first time the city is included in the protection area since it left in 2004. Rejoining the protection area will generate approximately $1.8 million each year for the city to fund projects that address pollutants, including the “forever chemicals” in the PFAS family.
Meanwhile, in Spokane Valley, 58% of voters supported Proposition 1, a 0.1% public safety sales tax — bringing the city’s total sales tax rate, including state sales tax, to 9%.
The tax is estimated to generate $2.6 million in 2026. The money will pay for 10 additional police officers for the city. Fire Districts 8 and 13 both passed
their emergency medical services levies, each coming with a tax of 50 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value. While these levies only need a simple majority to pass, Fire District 8’s measure received more than 61% of the vote, and Fire District 13’s received more than 67%.
ELECTED POSITIONS
In Spokane’s only race on primary ballots, incumbent Spokane City Council member Zack Zappone, endorsed by the Spokane Democrats, received more than 51% of the vote to best his Spokane County GOP dual-endorsed opponents, Cody Arguelles and Christopher Savage. Savage, who is on his fourth election attempt, secured enough votes (nearly 29%) to finally make it to a general election. With about 19% of the vote, veteran and business owner Arguelles will not appear on ballots in November.
Though there are four seats up for election on the Spokane Valley City Council, there were only two races on primary ballots.
For outgoing council member Rod Higgins’ seat, two recognizable names made it to the general election. Mike Kelly — who lost in the primary election when competing for a state Senate seat last year — received nearly 46% of the vote, while Kristopher Pockell — who ran against and lost to state Rep. Suzanne Schmidt last year — received nearly 33% of the vote. Candidates Lisa Miller and Adam Smith received about 15% and 5% of the vote, respectively.
Incumbent Spokane Valley City Coun-
cil member Laura Padden led her race with 52% of the vote, besting two political newcomers, Joseph Ghodsee and Brad Hohn. Voters decided to pit Hohn against Padden in the fall, with a little more than 33% supporting his candidacy. About 13% of voters supported Ghodsee.
In the sole primary race for the Central Valley School Board, incumbent Pam Orebaugh led with 36.73% of the vote, just outpacing retired educator Mark Bitz, who received 36.51% of the vote and will appear on the November ballot. Just 41 votes separated the two candidates. With only about 26% of the vote, Spokane County GOP Chair Rob Linebarger will not face Orebaugh like he did in 2021.
In an email, Linebarger congratulated the local GOP’s endorsed candidates who made it through their various races, including Orebaugh, Savage, Kelly and Padden.
“All are solid conservatives and the clear best choice for each of their races,” Linebarger wrote.
In Spokane County Fire District 3, Mike Meyer (about 33%) and incumbent Tim Flock (about 56%) are still in the race
to be elected fire commissioner, besting Kent Reitmeier, who received about 10% of the vote.
In Fire District 4, incumbent Roger Krieger (about 45%) and Dan Garner (about 47%) will appear on the ballot in November, after beating Sean Siegel, who took about 7% of the vote.
For Cheney City Council’s No. 4 seat, software engineer Rebecca Long (48.78%) and retired firefighter Timothy Steiner (48.26%) will move on to the November election, and were separated by only seven votes. Cheney Planning Commission member Shawn Ricketson received about 2% of the vote.
And in Deer Park, construction project manager Tony Bailey and David Aufdencamp, director of graduate medical education at Washington State University’s College of Medicine, will move on for the Deer Park City Council’s No. 6 seat. Aufdencamp received more than 47% of the vote, followed by Bailey, who got 175 fewer votes for about 30% of the total, and Robert Whaley, who received about 22%. n
Spokane city voters agreed to rejoin the Aquifer Protection Area. SPOKANE COUNTY MAP / LESLIE DOUGLAS OVERLAY
New at GU
Gonzaga’s new president shares about athletics, research funding, and leading the Jesuit university in this cultural moment
BY ELLIS BENSON
Gonzaga University officially welcomed its new president, Katia Passerini, to campus on July 15.
Passerini previously served as provost and senior executive vice president at Seton Hall University in New Jersey from 2020-2025, which included a year serving as the interim president. She has spent much of her career in academics, teaching and researching management information systems, then going on to serve as dean for the Collins College of Professional Studies at St. John’s University in 2016, until joining Seton Hall in 2020.
Born and raised in Italy, and then a longtime resident of the East Coast, Passerini is new to Washington. She hopes to form strong community bonds both with her students and the Spokane community as a whole.
Her responses, given during a brief press conference on her first day, have been lightly edited for clarity and length.
Eastern Washington University has a female president. WSU’s new president is the first woman to serve in that role. Continuing on this trend, you also have the honor of being the first woman to be Gonzaga’s president. What do you think this means for an establishment that is both a religious and educational institution?
PASSERINI: I am delighted. I want to thank the Board [of Trustees] for the vision on selecting a woman president, and I am in great company, as you mentioned, not only locally but also across the Jesuit networks nationwide. The number of women leading universities is increasing, and what I hope that this does is it recognizes what power demographics are. If you look across the United States, the number of women that graduated from colleges and universities is increasing.
That gives us an opportunity to reach our students and hopefully be the role models that can provide that aspiration to all next and future generations of women leaders. I look forward to working with all my colleagues and presidents to continue this transformation.
We’re all familiar with how the men’s basketball team becoming nationally recognized really helped lift the profile of Gonzaga when it was struggling. How does the school’s move to the Pac-12 starting next year impact the plans for the university as a whole?
Yes, so I’m excited and I recognize our longstanding work and success and great relationship that we have had with the WCC. But I’m also excited about the opportunity to move to the Pac12 and to work with other athletes and universities that are different and new for us.
Gonzaga University President Katia Passerini started in July. YOUNG KWAK PHOTO
I do believe that athletics will continue to remain a really important ground on which we will stand. It’s not going to be easy because the landscape of higher education is changing, but also the athletic landscape is changing. But that’s why we will work very closely with the presidents and the commissioner to make sure that this transition, which will launch next July, is very well executed. And then we’ll just wait for our athletes to win.
Father Pedro Arrupe urged Jesuits to act in accordance with community for others. How does a Jesuit university navigate social justice in this current political landscape?
Yes. So, you mentioned Father Arrupe, and I think any superior general has similar convictions. Most recently I was fortunate to spend a few days in the International General Assembly of Jesuit Institutions, where our current father general, Arturo Sosa, shared the message with us, which I think is very relevant to the time: When everything is in chaos, you go back to your charism, to your mission statement, and you enter in the dialogue. So the method to deal with the changes that we are observing is to have cultural encounters and communication, so you can build the next step forward.
How do you stay true to your commitment to civic engagement and preparing serving leaders? The way you stay true to that is, going back to Father Sosa’s words, you go back to our mission. You go back to a mission statement that is beautifully crafted, and if you look at it and break it down, every single word talks about our place in the world as really creating serving leaders and students who are servants to the common good. With that in mind, I think we can continue to work on the values that have characterized our education at Gonzaga University, and in general, our Jesuit education.
You mentioned public research funding, much of that is federal. Obviously there are a lot of changing ecosystems in terms of funding in the United States, specifically federally. How do you plan to approach that gap?
Yes, so I think this is good news or bad news. If we look at the portfolio of funding that we are receiving as an independent private college with a teacher scholar component and focus on our university, we are not as exposed to the changes to federal funding as other institutions you may be observing. With that being said, we have a lot of partnerships and opportunities we need to review, reframe, and maybe some of the great opportunities that we’re afforded, we’ll need to reapply to, and see what our stream of research funding would look like closely.
Our students are engaged continuously on research and highimpact practices in the classroom. Our faculty is doing upstanding research and so we need to find, maybe if it’s not a federal fund, maybe it’s corporate philanthropy, maybe there’s other sources or avenues that we certainly will continue to pursue.
With the student population, are there any areas of opportunity or improvement that you see that you want to get to work on right away?
We have a phenomenal retention and graduation rate. Our students are incredibly good, and I’ve seen that from the performances, the discussions, and the interactions that we’ve had so far. As we know across the country, there is a crisis in wellness and in health, and I assume that affects all of us. We already have, fortunately, a structure where we focus on students and their wellbeing, being taught in the Jesuit tradition. So we pay a lot of attention. But I think that’s something that we need to continue to do because the challenges and the benchmark for success, especially with the rapid growth of technology, becomes higher every single day. So we need to be prepared, not only economically but also mentally for these challenges.
What we do for student success and how can we make it better? The numbers are great, but there is always more that we can do. n
SATURDAY, AUGUST 16TH • 7 PM $60,000 Drawing SATURDAY, AUGUST 30TH • 7 PM $60,000 Drawing Make it extra sweet by earning double entries on August 5th, 12th, 14th, 21st or 28th!
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VISUAL ARTS
Beyond Measure
Explore celebrated sculptor
Anish Kapoor’s otherworldly two-dimensional artworks at new WSU exhibit
BY CARRIE SCOZZARO
We understand what we see in multiple dimensions. Flat surfaces, such as paintings, have length and width. Sculptural objects add a third dimension of depth. And in the early 1900s, Albert Einstein and other scientists posited the fourth dimension — time — which we can “see” in artworks that deal with motion (as well as in our own mirrors).
An artwork’s dimensionality is important; it influences how the audience experiences the work and is one way to consider its impact. Celebrated international artist Anish Kapoor, for example, is best known for his monumental sculptures like Chicago’s Cloud Gate. The giant bean-shaped structure of mirror-polished metal measures 33 feet tall, or the height of a two-story building. It’s 66 feet long (the length of a cricket pitch), and 43 feet wide
(the equivalent of three Volkswagen Beetles, end-to-end). The work is so big, it redefines how you navigate the space around it.
Kapoor is less well-known for his two-dimensional work than his sculpture, especially his prints featured in “Dissolving Margins” at Washington State University’s Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art, opening Aug. 19.
Even for Sir Kapoor’s worldwide fans — Queen Elizabeth II knighted the Indian-born British citizen in 2013 — his history of printmaking might be surprising, says the WSU museum’s executive director, Ryan Hardesty. When he discovered a considerable number of Kapoor prints among the Jordan Schnitzer Family Foundation’s collection of more than 22,000 artworks, Hardesty realized a Kapoor print exhibition would be the first survey of its kind.
“It fired me up to introduce that to our WSU community,” Hardesty says.
“Dissolving Margins” spans 35 years of Kapoor’s five-decade career in printmaking. It also offers a bridge to his broader ways of working, Hardesty says.
“I see a lot of linkage between his printmaking practice and the sculptures and installations in terms of similar themes and questions that he’s been asking across his entire career.”
Hardesty describes how Kapoor often creates prints in series, so that an installation combining 10 to 15 similar artworks, each a few feet across, can achieve a sense of monumentality similar to Kapoor’s sculptural work.
Recurring themes in Kapoor’s lifetime of overall work are also monumental: infinity and the void, male and female, and body versus mind, to name a few.
Humans have been fascinated with their own minds for centuries, documented as early as ancient Hindu scripture. Since the 1800s, Western academics like philosopher Immanuel Kant and psychoanalysts Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung dissected the idea of the unconscious, expanding our understanding of “space” as both physical and metaphysical.
“In some ways [Kapoor’s] prints are a space for the head, almost for conceptual meanderings,” says Hardesty, relaying what the artist told him in a June 2025 video call
In addition to “Dissolving Margins,” Anish Kapoor is one of 18 artists featured in a concurrent exhibit at Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art WSU titled, “Color Outside the Lines.”
Curated by Maryanna G. Ramirez at Portland State University’s Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art and also culled from the family foundation’s art collection, “Color Outside the Lines” explores how artists have used color to “question institutions, beliefs, and expectations,” according to the exhibition website.
In addition to Kapoor, exhibition artists include Derrick Adams, Polly Apfelbaum, Antonius-Tín Bui, Iván Carmona, Lauren Hana Chai, Caitlin Cherry, Sam Gilliam, Hock E Aye Vi Edgar Heap of Birds, Ana María Hernando, Jenny Holzer, Salomón Huerta, James Lavadour, Christopher Myers, Faith Ringgold, Isaka Shamsud-Din, Andy Warhol, and Stanley Whitney.
On Sept. 25, Heap of Birds (Arapaho and Cheyenne) will give a presentation during the exhibition opening, which kicks off at noon with a curatorial tour led by Ramirez and WSU museum’s Ryan Hardesty. Although both of the upcoming WSU exhibitions deal with color, says Hardesty, “Color Outside the Lines” is full of storytelling and narrative elements compared to Kapoor’s abstract imagery. “So I think that just feels like a good counterpart for our audience at WSU and the region here.”
— CARRIE SCOZZARO
2K TOUR AUG. 22 TRACY BYRD AUG. 29 SHAKEY GRAVES & TRAMPLED BY TURTLES AUG. 14
interview.
An inner space, as opposed to the external space Kapoor interacts with when creating sculptural works? Yes, Hardesty says.
In that way, Kapoor’s work goes beyond two- and even three-dimensions to a relatively modern concept called the fifth dimension. It deals with such esoteric topics as dark matter and string theory, but also spiritual consciousness and reincarnation. Although interested parties differ as to the interpretation and import of the fifth dimension, there is no disagreement that any additional dimensions in our universe address the unknown.
That fits with Kapoor’s message about his artwork — he doesn’t have one.
“It feels to me that what that does is to close the circuit with the viewer,” Kapoor told Hardesty during their interview. Instead, says Kapoor, “A great poem holds a position between meaning and no meaning. That sits beautifully in an artwork — meaning/no meaning… we are able to ponder.”
Kapoor’s work is challenging, Hardesty admits, but also universally accessible.
“It just asks us just to be open to looking and experiencing and feeling,” he says. n
Anish Kapoor: Dissolving Margins, from the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation • Aug. 19-March 14, 2026; open Tue-Sat from 10 am-4 pm • Free • Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art WSU • 1535 N.E. Wilson Road, Pullman • museum. wsu.edu • 509-335-1910
BILLY BOB THORNTON & THE BOXMASTERS WITH GUEST FRAN MORAN & THE NERVOUS WRECKS SEPT. 4
38 SPECIAL 50 YEAR LEGACY TOUR SEPT. 5
WFC 178 WORLD FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIPS SEPT. 6
Homegrown Harmonies
Andre McGann hosts next-level house concerts at his hillside venue in Nine Mile Falls
BY AZARIA PODPLESKY
Anyone can throw a house concert, but not everyone can throw a house concert like Andre McGann.
You may have a living room, but McGann has a hillside amphitheater he built himself overlooking the Spokane River.
You may invite a friend’s band over to jam, but McGann hosts touring artists from all over the country, including, this year alone, Sophie B. Hawkins and Shawn Mullins.
You may have a couch for the band to crash on, but McGann has outfitted the lower floor of his home with a movie room, a pool table, a foosball table and workout equipment, all for the visiting artists to enjoy. He also has a closet full of sound equipment and an “Oh s--t” kit filled with picks, guitar strings and other things a musician might need at the last minute.
There’s nothing wrong with your house concert, per se, it’s just not the same as Live at Andre’s, the summer concert series McGann hosts at his house in Nine Mile Falls.
I know what you’re thinking, but McGann isn’t some bigwig music industry exec. In fact, he organized his first house concert before he’d ever been to one.
A firefighter/paramedic by trade, McGann is now retired, though he does fly medevac helicopters a few times a month for a company called Air Methods. He has, however, loved music since he was a child growing up in Kettle Falls, where he received his first drum set when he was 3.
McGann played percussion in his school’s marching and concert bands and continued playing after he moved to Seattle before his junior year of high school.
The idea to book a house concert came slowly to McGann.
He was a frequent passenger on music cruises like Cayamo and the Rock Boat and started making note of bands who really impressed him.
“It became where I was like, ‘If I was going to do a house concert, how would I do it?’” he says. “It would be for the musician, because it seemed like everything else is for the venue.”
Venues, for example, often get a cut of the band’s merch
McGann often plays percussion with visiting artists. BOOM BAKER PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTO
Andre McGann, center, has a sort of mini version of the Gorge in his backyard.
LESLIE DOUGLAS PHOTO
sales, something McGann thinks is absurd. Bands who perform at Live at Andre’s get all of their merch sales and money from the door.
To pay for the sound engineer, the ticket takers and the porta-potties, McGann sells Live at Andre’s merch and hosts raffles during each show.
“Ideally, I make just enough to cover expenses, and the rest goes to the musicians,” he says. “That’s the business plan, because for me, it’s a passion, and it’s an enormous amount of work and I would never work this hard for money, because then it just sours it all.”
“Ideally, I make just enough to cover expenses, and the rest goes to the musicians. That’s the business plan, because for me, it’s a passion.”
It didn’t take a lot of convincing for musicians to get on board with Live at Andre’s. Many of the musicians McGann met through the rock cruises embraced the idea already, as the cruises also take away the middleman (the venue) and can be more profitable and relaxed.
The first year, 2012, McGann hosted one concert. His second, two. It went up to six the third year and has increased since then. He estimates he’s now hosted around 100 concerts over 14 years. After the Pat McGee Band (Aug. 16), this year’s series features performances from Steve Everett and Mike Mentz (Aug. 23), the Will Hoge Band (Sept. 1), Kawehi (Sept. 6) and Shawn Mullins (Sept. 13), who’s performing for McGann’s annual fire department tribute show.
The venue tops out at about 200 people. Food is available for purchase on site, and alcohol is permitted on a BYOB basis. Attendees should also bring their own lawn chair if they don’t want to sit on the grass.
McGann says it can be “hand-to-hand combat to get artists” to sign on to Live at Andre’s because of the agents, not the musicians. The musicians themselves are often keen to play at a house concert in such an unparalleled location.
McGann also goes above and beyond for the bands, often picking them up from the airport, helping them rent gear and even sitting in on percussion if a band (most recently Hawkins), needs him to. He also stays connected with bands who’ve performed before and will host them for a night or two when they’re on tour, even if they’re not scheduled for Live at Andre’s.
“The trick is trying to sell the agent on it because here’s the deal: This is something special, but an agent doesn’t get 10 percent of ‘special’ so they don’t care,” McGann says. “I actually had an agent this year write me back and say, ‘We’re not looking for jet ski rides,’ which means he’s missing the point.”
And if they do, so be it. Live at Andre’s is a hidden gem, and that’s the way McGann likes it. He’s not looking to rent the space out to others in the off-season; he wants his house concerts to remain, in a word, homey. A place where artists and fans can come together for an evening of music and community.
“If I had to sum up my life in one word, it’d be ‘gather,’” McGann says. “That’s what I’m all about. This is just the catalyst for that.” n
Pat McGee Band • Sat, Aug. 16 at 7 pm • $50 (ages 14 and under free) • All ages • Live at Andre’s • 20640 W. South Bank Road, Nine Mile Falls • liveatandres.com
Keeping It Cool
A popular Instagram account showcases trending outfits from a group of local teens
BY ELLIS BENSON
One of the most pressing dilemmas of back-toschool season is curating the perfect first-day outfit. For some students though, this attention to detail extends past just the first day of school.
Born from a friend group’s passion for fashion, the Instagram page @thucoolcats features the many different daily outfits of a group of Lewis and Clark High School students.
Elie Daehlin, a 2025 Lewis and Clark graduate, first had the idea of starting a fashion Instagram page after seeing similar accounts.
“It wasn’t an original idea — I wish it was,” Daehlin says. “I just saw people doing it on the internet, and I was like, hey this is really cool, we have really cool outfits, and we know cool people.”
Although Daehlin may downplay the originality of the idea, the styles showcased on the page are innovative and, without a doubt, original. During the school year the group posts almost daily, each video displaying a gallery of different styles, fun accesso-
ries and statement pieces. While other LC students and local teenagers make regular appearances, the page is organized by a core group of current — and one former, Daehlin — students: Ava Downs, Zosia Maselko, and Vivi Birrueta are all current rising LC seniors and are the most frequently shown in the page’s videos.
The core friend group all met at Lewis and Clark.
“Within our big friend group, too, we were kind of all like fan-girling over each other before we were friends,” Daehlin describes. “I feel like all the cool people at LC met through fan-girling over each other.”
Boasting over 7,000 followers on Instagram, the page’s videos, or reels, regularly receive 500 to 2,000 likes. Some videos, however, have gotten over 53,000 likes and 360,000 views. These semi-viral videos helped to jumpstart the page’s following, Downs says. The videos start with filming the shoes of each person’s outfit, then cuts to their full outfit while they dance and pose, all overlaid with catchy tunes.
Although the group describes that the comments they receive online are mostly positive, the reception at LC has been mixed. While many fellow students enjoy the videos, unsavory remarks and the occasional middle finger have been directed at them, and the culprits are often freshmen. This negativity doesn’t deter them though, as the positive feedback and acclaim they receive helps to keep them going.
“We have gotten recognized a couple times,” Downs says. “We were just in the grocery store and then they were like, ‘Oh my gosh, do you post those outfit videos?’”
On Sept. 2, students at Lewis and Clark High School will start lining the halls once again, showcasing all of this year’s fall fashion trends. Downs and Daehlin predict that “twee,” a semi-retro style popular in early 2010s hipster culture, and “whimsical” pieces will be big in this coming school year. Daehlin also believes that animal prints, specifically zebra print, will see a resurgence.
Staying true to their own unique interests and styles, the cool cats of LC have their own thoughts on what makes a great back-to-school outfit.
Maselko’s primary fashion tenet is to prioritize balance and structure.
“Just building around a certain piece can be helpful,” Maselko says. “Thinking about colors, or thinking about a certain element that you want to keep consistent.”
Birrueta, like many of her fellow Gen-Zers, has a love for maximalist 2000s throwbacks. Daehlin concurs, casting aside the platonic ideal of a T-shirt and jeans and instead opting for layers upon layers.
“I really like shirts and pants with designs on them, like little embroidered things [are] really cute,” Birrueta describes. “Affliction [brand] type things are really cool.”
For Downs, the key to a great outfit is simple: putting in effort.
“I think just waking up and deciding to be intentional about what you’re wearing, and what you’re putting together, just like any amount of effort, it really shows.” Downs says.
With high school graduation and college plans looming, the group may have to resort to posting Cool Cats videos less frequently. Downs, Maselko, and Birrueta all plan on staying in Spokane for a few years after they graduate, going to community college and saving up money. Daehlin, who recently graduated and is attending college on the west side of the state, will still be involved, however.
“Elie’s going to be in college, and she edits all our videos and started the whole thing,” Downs says. “So we’ve decided, I’m pretty sure, is that we’re gonna continue doing the videos and then send them to Elie, and Elie’s going to edit and post them.”
While much of the group has interests in both art
and fashion, not all of them, like most teenagers, are entirely sure what careers they’d like to pursue. After completing a few years at community college, Downs and Maselko plan to transfer to a four-year university, with Maselko planning on pursuing biology. The group is well aware of the current constraints on education and the job market and are tailoring their plans accordingly.
“I would love to be a stylist in my future, but the economy sucks, so I don’t know if that’s a possibility like in reality,” Daehlin says.
The group sees no end in sight for the page. Although they will likely not be seeing each other daily after graduation, like they do at school, they’ll instead pivot to posting videos of their outfits mostly at concerts and other events.
“We don’t have an end date,” Downs says. “We’ll just see how it goes.” n
The Cool Cats, from left: Vivi Birrueta, Ava Downs, Elie Daehlin and Zosia Maselko. ELLIS BENSON PHOTO
The Cool Cats have thousands of followers interested in what they wear to class each day at Lewis & Clark High School. INSTAGRAM SCREENSHOT
HOLLYWOOD REPEATS ITSELF
Longing for originality in an era of constantly redone movies
BY BEE REISWIG
Anemoia (noun): Nostalgia for a time you never experienced.
OK, so this may not be an official MerriamWebster word. It was coined in 2012 by John Koenig, who wrote The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows. The book created new words for emotions that people feel but don’t have English words to describe.
It’s an interesting concept for a book, the innovation feeling pretty opposite to modern media and culture. History repeats itself. High-waisted pants are in for a while and then become considered totally unflattering a few years later. Even politics come in waves, as progress gets made and then undone again.
Society pushes forward and improves bit by bit, but lately, it feels like we’ve forgotten that. Nostalgia is one of the biggest motivators in pop culture right now. The most obvious evidence isn’t fashion, it’s cinema: How many movies that have come out recently have been remakes or decades-later sequels?
So far, 2025 has brought at least: Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, Another Simple Favor, Lilo & Stitch, Karate Kid: Legends, How to Train Your Dragon, Superman, Mission Impossible - The Final Reckoning, Fantastic Four: First Steps, Final Destination: Bloodlines, 28 Years Later, Smurfs, Jurassic World: Rebirth, The Naked Gun and Freakier Friday. Of these, I’ve been compelled to see just one, The Naked Gun. There was intentionally a big difference in how the filmmakers approached it as a sequel. The style was updated, making fun of the type of action movies we see now. It kept the same type of physical, scenic and slightly dumb (in a fun way) humor that was seen in the original without necessarily hitting all the same beats. Compare this to the live-action redo of How to Train Your Dragon. The movie hits the exact same beats, visuals and plotline as the original animation. The draw to see it in theaters is simply that you liked the original, so you’ll like this, too.
Live-action remakes of animated films — the kinds of which Disney seems to pump out at an unnecessary and annoyingly fast pace — are a particular peeve of mine. The point of animation is that it’s a time-consuming, beautiful artform. People don’t love old animated
movies for the story alone. They love them because of the style. Animation allows the imagination to run wild, fueled by artists who genuinely care about their craft.
But finding new ways to make money off the same story without creating anything new? That’s not a particularly admirable or skillful pursuit. It’s playing into people’s nostalgia and longing for another time. Or wanting to have lived through that time in the first place.
How many of those remakes really stick with people like their first iterations did? Did Jurassic World: Rebirth really give anyone the same chills as when the gates opened in the original? There’s a reason we all remember so much of the first Jurassic Park. It was completely new. It was frightening, the perfect amount of scariness for (in my case) an elementary schooler. The dinosaurs felt real, there were villains and heroes, and protagonists who were my age.
The ultimate problem with this push to recreate old ideas instead of inventing new ones is simply lack of originality and care.
Studios’ big artistic mistake is thinking you can continuously recreate that feeling with one or two of the same actors and a similar pretense. As much as plot is important to a story, it isn’t just repeated action that makes an iconic movie. It’s the characters. It’s relatability. It’s the people behind the camera caring about the story and the message itself, not just the box office results.
Because whether we like it or not, remakes and sequels tend to rake in the cash. Lilo & Stitch is currently the second-highest grossing movie of 2025. Jurassic World: Rebirth, How to Train Your Dragon, the new Mission Impossible, and three superhero movies are in the top 10 highest-grossing movies of the year so far, all outpacing the box office for an innovative and darkly fun original like Sinners. I need to watch more of those instead of rewatching old movies, hoping to bring the passion for cinema back that runs so deeply in the classics. (See? I’m a victim of anemoia too.) There is still life in the film industry. I hope new growth isn’t choked out by the shadows of the past. n
THE BUZZ BIN
ON THE RIGHT (LEGO) TRACK
Recent Shadle Park High School valedictorian Joseph Perkins has been hard at work building for his future — he just takes it a bit more literally than most. Perkins recently had one of his designs selected as a finalist for one of Lego’s international building contests, meaning his work will soon be on display at the Lego House in Billund, Denmark. The theme of the competition was “If It Runs on Rails,” and Perkins’ design, titled “Mr. Fox’s Handcar,” is a simple but vibrantly cartoony build featuring an anthropomorphic fox traversing the rails and a dusty Western landscape with his handcar, only to encounter an angry green snake. It was the teenager’s breakthrough in the Lego competition after coming up short the prior two years, and Perkins will continue to build (on a bigger scale) when he attends UW’s architecture program.
(SETH SOMMERFELD)
GRAND RE-RE-RE-OPENING
In 2022, the quirky Petunia & Loomis opened on the ground floor of the Paulsen Building in downtown Spokane, selling bizarre and often macabre items. A little over two years later, the store relocated to 224 N. Howard St., right between Boo Radley’s and Atticus Coffee. But just one month after relocating there, in December 2024, Petunia & Loomis was hit with severe flooding after a fire in the Coeur d’Alene Plaza Apartments just above the store, only to get waterlogged again a few months later after a pipe burst in the same apartment building. While the shop was able to reopen after the flooding events, some repairs like installing new flooring had to be put on hold for a while. After a two-week pause in July for these upgrades, the delightfully peculiar store is open for business again. Stop by, welcome them back and pick up a wet specimen or two while you’re at it.
(MADISON PEARSON)
THE FORCE IS STRONG WITH THIS ONE
As mentioned here in the Buzz Bin back in June, the Inland Northwest gaming oasis Jedi Alliance was named by Newsweek as one of the country’s best arcades, but readers would determine the final rankings. Well, the votes have been tallied and Jedi Alliance achieved a new high score by nabbing the No. 2 spot (Next Level Pinball Museum in Hillsboro, Oregon, came in at No. 1). If you’ve still yet to experience this galaxy of gaming goodness that exists in our own backyard, now’s the time to dive into all the pinball and arcade cabinet action. (SETH SOMMERFELD)
Some of us are tired of seeing double...
ALT SPORTS
A GAME OF CENTIMETERS
The Spokane Lawn Bowling Club keeps the historic sport alive in the Inland Northwest
BY MADISON PEARSON
Tucked behind Witter Pool in Mission Park, members of the Spokane Lawn Bowling Club congregate over a pile of colorful spheres. They watch anxiously as one member crouches down, pulls out a specialized tape measure and evaluates the distance between two of the colorful balls, called “bowls,” and the smaller white ball, called a “jack.”
People say golf is a game of inches, but those folks probably haven’t heard of lawn bowling.
Most similar to the Italian sport of bocce ball, lawn bowling involves rolling bowls on a curved path toward the jack in order to score points. Whoever — or whichever team — is closest to the jack wins the “end” and receives a number of points depending on how many bowls that team has that are closer to the jack than the other team.
Cheers erupt from the far side of the bowling green as the tape measure is retracted and one team’s bowl is deemed closer to the jack, therefore winning the end.
The Spokane Lawn Bowling Club has been meeting at this particular bowling green since 1981, but has been around since 1913. Back then, it met in Manito Park until one of the park’s natural springs flooded the green. The club was later re-established at Joe Albi Stadium in spring 1978, but found its permanent home in East Mission Park. The group took over the historic Spokane Public Bath House building as its clubhouse.
Though often touted as a sport for middle-aged or older folk, the Spokane Lawn Bowling Club boasts members of all ages, genders and backgrounds.
Sam Compogno, a retired PE teacher, and his wife, Candee, have been members of the club for nearly 30 years.
“Candee is better than Sam,” chirps a member from the fringe of the bowling green.
“She is!” Compogno says. “I can absolutely admit that.”
Candee, who was once the club’s president, begins her turn by rolling a bowl that ends up right against the jack set at the other end of the green. Cheers of “Nice one, Candee!” and “Good roll!” can be heard from various members watching the game.
Each sphere is biased, meaning one side is weighted. Candee picks up another bowl and attempts another roll. The bowl takes a long, curving arc from right to left and nestles up next to the other bowl. Her teammate on the other side of the green —
called a skip, someone who aids in directing the lead player — gives her a thumbs up and flashes a smile.
“Lawn bowling is a sport where men and women are on a completely even playing field,” Sam Compogno says. “I’ve been beaten by lots of women. Including her. And I’m not just saying that because we’ve been married for 50 years!”
The group’s closeness is evident as members shout encouraging words back and forth. There’s plenty of shit-talking, too, but it’s all in good fun and jest. While most of the bowlers have been part of the group for years, there are a host of new members who joined the club at the beginning of summer.
Paul Fogarty, a lawyer by day, signed up for four lawn bowling lessons through Spokane Parks & Recreation in June and hasn’t looked back.
“It’s a very safe and respectful environment,” Fogarty says. “Everyone is so friendly, but we’re still competitive against each other, but it’s an affectionate competitiveness.”
Since joining the club, Fogarty participated in his first lawn bowling tournament in Portland earlier this month. Although the team didn’t perform well in terms of wins and losses, Fogarty says meeting other bowlers was a highlight.
“This game is so amazing because it doesn’t matter your age or gender or even your physical capabilities,” he says. “We just have a ton of fun out here.”
In 2024, Spokane Lawn Bowling Club received a grant from the Spokane Parks Foundation to help rebuild the green’s decaying backboards and ditches. Later that year, Spokane Parks & Recreation provided further assistance, allowing the club to redo a large portion of the green.
The club is set to host its first-ever lawn bowling tournament in Spokane this October. Its members look forward to showing off their pristinely manicured green to other clubs from around the Northwest. The tournament will be short jack format, meaning that instead of bowling the long way down the rectangular green, teams will bowl down the shorter side, a tough challenge if you’re not used to the format.
Regardless of your lawn bowling knowledge or abilities, the club always happily accepts newbies to their beloved bowling green.
“The camaraderie alone is the best part,” Fogarty says. “Bragging rights after winning are just a bonus.” n
Meets at Mission Park (1208 E. Mission Ave., near Witter Pool) on Tue/Thu evenings from 6-8:30 pm, late spring to Oct. spokanelawnbowlingclub.weebly.com
Above: Marianne Musio, right, bowls at the Spokane Lawn Bowling Club’s bowling green.
Right: Other club members enjoy the game.
YOUNG KWAK PHOTOS
SPOKANE LAWN BOWLING CLUB
FRIENDSHIPS FORGED IN ICE
The Inland Northwest Curling Club welcomes players of all skill levels out onto the ice
Until recently, all I knew about curling was that it’s an Olympic sport involving brooms and has ties to Canada.
Originating in 16th-century Scotland, curling involves the strategic movement of stones on a large sheet of ice marked with concentric circles. The sport became popular in Canada after waves of Scottish immigrants brought it with them. It requires coordination, communication between teammates, and well-thought out strategy. Curling games are between two teams of four players competing to move eight granite stones down an ice sheet to their targets. Appearing here and there in the Olympic Games since 1924, curling officially became part of the Winter Olympics in 1998.
Luckily, local curling enthusiasts don’t have to wait every four years to see curlers in action. The Inland Northwest Curling Club, a merger of the Spokane and Coeur d’Alene clubs, aims to teach those of any skill level and ability how to curl.
Randy Bowd, the club’s first president and an educator for over 30 years, first started curling in 2008 after a group of his fellow teachers became interested in the sport due to its Olympic buzz. Like myself, he didn’t really know anything about curling before he started.
Starting off with makeshift brooms, stones, and a frozen lake to play on, Bowd and his peers started curling in a somewhat unconventional way.
“We took our spaghetti pots, made some Quikrete — that concrete stuff — made PVC handles, and we made our own stones,” Bowd describes. “That winter of 2008 we went out to the frozen Twin Lakes
BY ELLIS BENSON
and shoveled off the snow and spray painted circles in the ice.”
Curious to learn more about the sport, Bowd and his peers started curling up in Canada, learning from the Creston Curling Club in British Columbia.
INLAND NORTHWEST CURLING CLUB
Meets at Frontier Ice Arena (3525 W. Seltice Way, Coeur d’Alene) during fall and spring leagues (dates vary) and for scheduled learn-to-curl events. inwcurling.com
After years of DIY curling and learning from other clubs, Bowd and his colleagues officially started the Coeur d’Alene Curling Club in 2013. When Spokane’s Lilac City Curling Club was having some difficulties keeping afloat, however, the two clubs merged into The Inland Northwest Curling Club in 2018.
In curling, technique is half the battle; the other half is strategy. Bowd likens curling to golf — it’s easy to pick up, but hard to master. Like golf, curling is also accessible to a wide range of people as it’s a lower impact sport. And unlike other activities on ice, regular athletic shoes are the standard footwear.
Curling’s popularity has ebbed and flowed since Bowd first started. Like many niche sports, the pandemic curtailed its rising popularity.
“We were gaining a lot of interest right before COVID hit, and I think we’re still recovering from that,” Bowd says. “We lost a lot of interest. In 2020, right before COVID hit, the United States Curling Association came out to Cheney, Washington, for U.S. Nationals and our club helped with that, helped organize it, officiate it, do all sorts of behind-the-scenes type of stuff.”
Despite this pandemic-induced lull, Bowd thinks curling is due for a comeback with the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics in northern Italy. Yet while Olympic curling is fun to watch, it also makes curling seem much easier than it actually is.
“I’d say one of the biggest misconceptions is, when you watch Olympic-level curling on TV when you can in the states, those guys make it look so easy,” Bowd says. “Then we get people on the ice, and they’re slipping and sliding all over the place, and they’re like, ‘This isn’t easy at all.’”
For those who need to get their curling itch scratched before the Winter Olympics start in February, the Inland Northwest Curling Club hosts their own leagues.
Since the club shares the ice at Coeur d’Alene’s Frontier Ice Arena with hockey, its leagues bookend the winter hockey season. There’s an eight-week league in fall and another in spring, averaging 12 to 16 teams each season.
The Inland Northwest Curling Club also hosts beginner lessons, called “learn-to-curls,” throughout the year. The next learn-to-curl ($25/person) is scheduled for Friday, Aug. 22. These beginner-friendly lessons, open to anyone age 14 or above, also serve as a pathway to playing in local leagues.
Bowd emphasizes how welcoming the curling community is, especially for beginners.
“Don’t be afraid to take risks and ask questions,” he says. “If you’re not sure of anything, when I started curling, you would ask a team a question even about strategy, and they would be more than happy to help you out.”
Bowd’s favorite part about curling is the friends and community he’s been able to build through it.
“Curling is not just a sport,” he says. “It’s about camaraderie and friendships and building relationships.” n
Competitve and fun.
HOLE IN ONE
Spokane Cornhole seeks to grow the sport one toss at a time
BY AZARIA PODPLESKY
Like many, Ron Stillman picked up a new hobby during the early days of the pandemic. While staying with his in-laws in Northern California, Stillman saw a cornhole competition on TV. Bored and confined to the house, he ordered a couple of boards and a few beanbags and started playing from the front porch.
As restrictions were lifted, he invited a few friends over and started playing real games. After that, the group was able to take things to their local community center, where Stillman began hosting cornhole tournaments, though he admits he hardly knew what cornhole tournaments consisted of at the time.
After two months, it dawned on Stillman that he had never lost a game. From games with friends to folks at the community center, Stillman remained undefeated.
Local businesses heard about it and started sponsoring him. If anyone in the community could beat Stillman, they would win over $200 in gift cards and prizes. It took a month, and countless games, but one day the bags were bouncing high, and Stillman lost his first game.
But the love for the sport remained.
After Stillman and his wife, Yvonne, moved to Spokane in March 2022, it took him less than a week to find Spokane Cornhole.
“Everybody was so open and so inviting and let me in and started teaching me and embracing me, but I quickly realized that I sucked compared to everybody up here,” he says. “I went from the best player in my small community to a small fish in a big barrel.”
Stillman soon found out just how much he didn’t know about cornhole. There are two sides to a bag, for example, one of which is typically fast, one slow. There are several ways to grip a beanbag, and the bags react differently to hot and cold weather as well as to certain boards.
Luckily for him, the members of Spokane Cornhole, established around 2018 and then run by Kevin and Beth Cunningham, who’d taken over from the original founders, were more interested in helping new members than beating them game after game.
Stillman, who has run Spokane Cornhole with his wife since September 2022, has a similar approach and welcomes anyone and everyone in.
“I’ve been playing with the same people for years, and I don’t know what they do for jobs,” he said. “I don’t know if they go to church. We don’t talk about that. All we talk about is cornhole. It’s a safe place where you can come from anywhere, be anybody and have something in common.”
Stillman says cornhole has taken off in Spokane but also across the country because it’s very accessible. It doesn’t require a ton of space, and someone could get pretty good at the sport with a few afternoons of practice. The equipment needed is also relatively inexpensive for someone starting out, with a set of bags and boards ranging between $80 and $100.
For those looking to take their practice to the next level, a nice board usually starts at $300, with a quality set of bags costing upwards of $80, similar to the price of a bowling ball, Stillman says.
“I don’t know anybody that has 20 bowling balls; I know a ton of people who have well over 20 sets of bags,” he says.
The sport is also accessible for all bodies. Stillman, who with Yvonne also runs a local cornhole group called Good Karma Cornhole, mentions Dayton Webber, a professional player who’s a quadruple amputee. He also knows of players with one arm and players without both arms who toss the beanbags with their feet.
Age is also not a restriction.
“I’ve seen an 8-year-old play and beat the crap out of everybody in the room,” Stillman says.
CORNHOLE RULES
• The front of the boards must be 27 feet apart.
• Players stand in line with the front of the board and alternate tossing four bags toward the opposite board.
• Bags that fall through the hole earn three points. Bags that land on the board earn one point.
• Cornhole uses cancellation scoring, so whichever opponent scores the most points during the inning earns the amount of points equivalent to the difference between the two scores. For example, if one player or team earns 10 points and the other earns seven, the first team earns three points.
• Play continues until one opponent reaches or exceeds 21 points at the conclusion of an inning.
For more information about Spokane Cornhole, visit facebook.com/SpokaneCornhole or email spokanecornholefun@gmail.com.
Many Spokane Cornhole and Good Karma Cornhole events double as fundraisers for various organizations around town, making it more than just a game. Upcoming events include a Spokane Nets Basketball Club Fundraiser at Glover Middle School on Aug. 17, a tournament at Webb’s Slough in St. John that benefits the city’s volunteer fire department on Aug. 22 and the AB (Andy Beggs) Memorial Cornhole Tournament on Sept. 10 at Northern Quest Resort and Casino, which is raising funds for the seventh grade Spokane Highlanders league football team.
After recently signing a contract to host Spokane Cornhole’s fall, winter and spring league events at Northern Quest, which Stillman says will bring players and fans from out of the region into town, the group is gearing up for even more events throughout the year, not just in the summer.
And believe it or not, there are enough cornhole players for all those events, and then some.
“Our goal is to be the Hoopfest of cornhole and have the biggest tournament in the country here,” Stillman said. “Right now it’s located in Ventura, California. They claim to be the biggest tournament in the world. Seeing what we can do up here, I don’t know why we couldn’t do that.” n
Spokane’s cornhole scene continues to gain popularity.
PHOTO COURTESY SPOKANE CORNHOLE
A STAKE IN THE GAME
Behind the splash pad at Franklin Park in North Spokane there’s a set of horseshoe pits. They’re organized and equally spaced from each other, surrounded by chain link fencing.
Horseshoes aren’t just a symbol of luck — the game can also represent friendship and family connection
BY BEE REISWIG
Much like the game of horseshoes, these local pits seem to be a bit of a hidden gem. But the Spokane Horseshoe Pitchers Association is working to keep both alive.
“Our motto is bringing families together with oldfashioned fun,” says Kaiti Reeves, the group’s statistician and tournament director. “A grandparent and a parent and kids — everyone can play together.”
Though Reeves now works more on the sidelines, she’s no stranger to horseshoes. Having played since she was 15, Reeves spent a few years as the junior and women’s state champion. Much of her family is also part of the association.
The group was founded around 1972, according to Jeff Saunders, former club president and current member. That’s when the horseshoe pits at Franklin Park were built, too.
The setup at the moment, however, is the result of the club’s hard work. Around 15 years ago, they rebuilt the pits, adding the current concrete runners. Those
are stretches of cement in front of and around the pit itself, making for better ground from which to throw.
More recently, the association added lights around the pitch. They’re now able to play at night, which extends their playing season even further each year since the Pacific Northwest’s light seems to dwindle impossibly quickly into the darker months.
“We try to play, you know, end of April through as long as we can, until everybody’s like, OK, nope, it’s too cold. It’s too dark. We’re done,’” Reeves says.
For those who wish to join for the entire season, it’s as easy as paying a fee to the National Horseshoe Pitchers Association. This year, a full membership cost $65. But there’s no need to pay if you just want to drop in for a game or two. So, feel free to check it out. Maybe horseshoe pitching is your secret talent. Even if it isn’t, you still might have a chance at winning. Reeves keeps track of the ringer percentages for each player, which means the number of successful ringers out of total throws. With that number, she’s able to give players a handicap that evens the playing field.
This is especially helpful since the players are assigned opponents at random. With the chaos that
A horseshoe in action during practice for the Spokane Horseshoe Pitcher’s Association. ERICK DOXEY PHOTOS
HOW TO PLAY HORSESHOES
• 2-4 players, singles or doubles
• 3 points: Around the stake, also called a “ringer”
• 2 points: Leaning up against the stake; only in backyard horseshoes, not sanctioned play
• 1 point: Close to the stake
• “One dead/Two dead:” If opposing players get ringers, they cancel each other out
• Men pitch from 40 feet
• Juniors (12-18), women and senior men pitch from 30 feet
• Cadets (12 and under) and senior women pitch from 20 feet
• Most importantly, have “old-fashioned fun!”
Learn more about the Spokane Horseshoe Pitcher’s Association at facebook.com/spokanehorseshoes
2025 World Horseshoe Pitching Champion (Cadet Boy’s Division) Jeremiah DeMello practices at a Spokane Horseshoe Pitcher’s Association meetup at Franklin Park.
comes from a group of people who know one another well, all the pitchers reach into a box and draw a number. They go to the coordinating pit and play a round of 30 horseshoes. The thrower with the most points at the end wins.
That isn’t always how the game is played, however. During the National Horseshoe Pitchers Association’s World Championships last month in Sandy, Utah, 11-year-old Jeremiah DeMello of Spokane had to get to 40 points no matter how many throws it took.
“It felt really good. It was really exciting and nervous,” DeMello says about winning this year’s Cadets Division championship (ages 12 and under).
About to enter sixth grade at Trent Elementary, DeMellow has been playing horseshoes for three years. His first year, he threw in the B-class, mostly for fun. The next year he placed fifth out of five in the Junior A-class. According to his dad, Jeremiah was predicted to finish last this year as well. Instead, Jeremiah became the Cadet World Champion by defeating the defending title-holder.
“That was, I guess, something you never prepare for, the highest high a person can have,” says his dad, John DeMello. “To watch your kid win a world championship, you know, in any sport is a huge accomplishment. And to see him do it in a matter of three years, it was pretty cool.”
Though he’s an official world champion, Jeremiah’s favorite part of the sport remains playing with other people, especially his brothers. They toss the horseshoes before practice starts, the 2.5-pound arcs flipping through the air. The clinks of metal against metal mix with the shouts of their scores.
“We’re like a giant family,” club member Reeves says. “We just follow each other’s lives, and we’re around each other all the time. It’s something to look forward to.” n
Explore Your Options
There are plenty of other unique recreation groups in the region, from fencing to polo
BY MARTA SZYMANSKA
For those looking to switch up their exercise routine and try something different, the Spokane area has a diverse selection of alternative sports and recreational activities that can offer a fresh, fun experience for anyone willing to try something new. Whether you’re looking for something thrilling like slacklining or something leisurely like disc golf, there’s an activity for just about anyone. Don’t be scared to get out of your comfort zone — your next favorite sport or hobby is waiting to be discovered!
FENCING
If the everyday trials of modern society have got you in the dumps and craving a good duel to release pent-up rage, consider fencing. The Spokane Fencers Academy, established in 1983, trains in Olympic-style fencing, preparing athletes to advance, parry and attack. Drop-in sessions for those who want to try out or dabble in the sport are $20 per night (sessions vary in length each day, from 1.5 to 3 hours), while athletes honing their skills more frequently can sign up for unlimited open fencing at $100/month ($150/month for a family). Get your exercise in while increasing your chances of winning in a 17th-century skirmish by signing up for fencing classes. Spokane Fencers Unlimited, 2710 N Madelia St., spokanefencersunlimited.com
POLO
In a stretch of fields west of town, humans and horses work in tandem to bring their team to victory. Established in 1889, Spokane Polo has upheld a rich and thriving culture of riders, fans and equine athletes. Polo is a field sport that involves wielding long mallets on horseback and hitting a wooden ball through a goal — think fast-paced croquet with horses. Spokane Polo hosts tournaments for professional polo players as well as classes for people who want to learn — no horse required. There are also chances to watch Spokane Polo’s teams play for those who’d rather not get on horseback. Spokane Polo Club, 7714 W. Sunset Hwy., spokanepoloclub.org
SLAM BALL
Meet up with fellow basketball and adrenaline lovers at the Get Air trampoline park and play a game of ball with twice the bounce! Get Air offers a unique take on the universal sport of basketball that adds hoops above a bouncy trampoline surface to let players execute wild trickshots — dunks, spins and more. Whether you want to practice shooting the ball on your own or play competitively against others, Get Air has options. Get Air Trampoline Park, 4750 N. Division St., $15-$18/hour, getairsports.com/spokane
ULTIMATE FRISBEE
For those seeking a team-based sport that involves spending time outside and is inclusive to a range of skill levels, consider ultimate frisbee. Work together with a sevenperson team to pass the frisbee to the opposing team’s end zone. Among local groups, members of the Spokane Ultimate Frisbee Facebook group (about 800 members strong) welcome newcomers to weekly pickup sessions, including kids over age 10, in the southwest corner of Franklin Park in North Spokane. The group’s games are a safe space for people to learn a new sport and make new connections. Meets Sundays at 2 pm (free), Franklin Park, 5520 N. Division St., Facebook: Spokane Ultimate Frisbee
DISC GOLF
Enjoy beautiful scenery and pleasant company during a casual round of disc golf. The sport involves throwing discs (similar to frisbees) into baskets from a set location. As the name suggests, disc golf combines the game of frisbee with golf to make a fast-paced (but not too exerting) outdoor activity for groups or individuals. Whether you want to complete a full course or just do a few tosses at a local park, the region offers plenty of designated courses.
In Spokane, there’s the Whitewater Disc Golf Course (also known as Downriver) along the Spokane River and the Jamboree Disc Golf Course at Camp Sekani. Bring your own discs and shoot at baskets at Liberty Park in East Central Spokane. In North Idaho, the Farragut Disc Golf is top-rated by local players. Find other places to play by checking with local municipal parks and recreation departments.
For those seeking others to play with or opportunities to learn the sport, Spokane Disc Golf Club (find them on Facebook and discgolfscene.com) hosts tournaments for all skill levels. The nonprofit organization also maintains courses via volunteer work parties, inviting club members to come help.
SLACKLINING
Walking a fine line isn’t just a play on words when it comes to slacklining. This literal balancing act atop a narrow strap offers the opportunity to practice your balance and get active while spending time outdoors. While slacklining can be done at any height, daredevils have the option of testing their courage by setting their lines at greater heights, called a highline, while using a safety rope.
The Instagram account @slacklinespokane organizes highline meetups around Eastern Washington and North Idaho, inviting anyone who’s interested to try it out. Its members have set up highlines in the past at Indian Canyon’s Mystic Falls, The Cove on Lake Spokane and other scenic locales. Instagram.com/slacklinespokane
Where Myths Meet
Unwind with a pint and bite at downtown Spokane’s Griffin Tavern, touting the area’s first self-pour beer taps
BY DORA SCOTT
Anew chapter has started for a space that was once the longtime home of Brooklyn Deli in downtown Spokane, at the corner of First Avenue and Monroe Street.
When the deli closed in 2023, the city’s entertainment district lost a centrally located dining option for showgoers and nearby hotel guests, including those staying at the Montvale Hotel above the eatery space.
At first, property owner and restaurateur Jerry Dicker — his ventures include Ruby Hospitality and the Steam Plant Group — wasn’t sure what to do with the space. He pondered leasing it out again, but then an idea for what’s now the Griffin Tavern took hold. The British-style pub opened on July 21 to complement his downstairs restaurant, Gilded Unicorn.
“They’re two separate restaurants that kind of work together,” says Mike Sichel, general manager of both spots. “Same management, same team of people working in it helping each other out.”
While the Gilded Unicorn’s menu is themed around classic American comfort food from the 1950s and ’60s,
but with a modern twist, the Griffin Tavern leans into scratchmade British pub fare like the already popular fish and chips ($22) and cottage pie ($19). The pub has a few fusion dishes like chicken tikka tacos ($17) and a chicken katsu curry bowl ($21).
“That was the original goal is to be British-inspired, and I think we’re finding that people are enjoying that, and we may move more towards that,” Sichel says.
The tavern also caters to those looking for a place to grab a drink while watching a game on one of many rolldown screen TVs throughout the space.
Find finger foods perfect for sports watching like loaded nachos ($17) with a British twist of basted egg and white beans, and fried pretzel bites ($16) called Griffin Claws for their shape and served with maple mustard and beer cheese. The crispy chicken wings ($17) come tossed in your choice of sauce: British curry rub, huckleberry barbecue or buttery buffalo. Don’t worry about the mess, a moist towelette is provided to wipe saucy fingers.
“There are two items that I’m really excited about that I love whenever I go out to eat anywhere,” says
Dakota Morton, Griffin Tavern’s head chef. “If they have pretzels or a spicy chicken sandwich, those are the two things that I have to order.”
Thus, the menu features a hot honey chicken sandwich ($17) with hand-breaded, sous vide chicken breast, plus hot honey sauce, lemon aioli, a paprika-caper slaw mixed to order, tomato and pickle. The sandwich is also Sichel’s favorite item on the menu.
“It’s simple, but it’s overdone in the way of just flavor,” Morton says.
Inside the new Griffin Tavern, the formerly casual and quirky deli atmosphere has been replaced with midnight green walls, dark tiled floors and rich walnut wood accents. A white-tiled floor area demarcates the 21+ only bar, which includes the self-serve beer wall.
“About a year ago we went down to Los Angeles, and we saw a beer wall down there,” Sichel says. “And that was probably a good part of the inspiration.”
The first of its kind in Eastern Washington, the wall has 16 taps for beer and four for wine. Most of the
The Griffin Tavern serves British pub fare and fusion dishes. YOUNG KWAK PHOTOS
craft beers featured were brewed in the Pacific Northwest, and brews will be constantly rotated.
Once customers are seated, a waiter explains the self-pour process. Illuminated signage near the tap wall also breaks it down: Pick a pint glass or a flight of four, 3-ounce glasses; next use a provided card to tap a reader next to each desired beer. Finally, tip your glass at a 45-degree angle before pulling the tap handle.
To account for different pour sizes, all drinks in the self-pour wall are priced by the ounce. (The average is about 45 cents per ounce; a full pint is around $8.) Once you’re finished with your meal and drinks, hand the tracking card to your server and pay your bill.
“Our goal isn’t to have a beer wall that we can gouge people on just because it’s novel,” Sichel says. “It’s trying to give people options and, you know, something to do.”
The Griffin’s full-bar also churns out signature cocktails with a mythical twist like the gin-based and fruit-forward Red Dragon ($12) with blood orange, pomegranate and lemon. There’s also a good selection of mocktails for those looking to skip the booze, like the Forager ($8) with a blueberry herb shrub, lime and sparkling water.
British pub elements shine in the space’s modern interior design with exposed brick walls, a cozy electric fireplace and a large vintage hanging sign with an illustration of a British gentleman holding a pint under the words “The Griffin.”
In a few months, Griffin Tavern’s back wall will be knocked out to expand into a recently vacated space next door. Instead of more restaurant seating, however, plans are to fill the space with over 15 arcade machines, adding another experience to draw in customers.
Guests who stop by should take a closer look at a large bookshelf wall across from the bar that nearly conceals a door. Just beyond, there’s a large live-edge black walnut table seating about 16 people, plus a retractable TV screen, in the restaurant’s private event room.
Sichel notes there’s a high demand for dining options in the downtown entertainment district. During peak seasons like the winter holidays, Gilded Unicorn staff often turn away 50 to 100 people per night when the restaurant is full.
Now that the Griffin is open, renovations and updates to Gilded Unicorn are underway and, as of press time, were expected to wrap up soon. A new dumbwaiter was installed between the restaurants’ kitchens, allowing staff to more easily move food and
floors.
“We use it all the time, sending product from the downstairs where most of our fridges and freezers are,” Sichel says.
He also hopes an updated entrance (along South Monroe) that now connects the two spaces prompts people to come relax and grab a beer at the Griffin before heading downstairs to their Gilded Unicorn reservation.
“We’re excited to get both restaurants up and running and tying them in together, the Gilded and the Griffin, and working them together and really just keeping customers happy in the downtown area,” Sichel says. n
Griffin Tavern • 1001 W. First Ave. • Open Sun-Thu 4-11 pm; Fri-Sat 3 pmmidnight • thegriffintavern.com • 509-798-8888
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis or thinking about suicide, dial 988 and press 4 for confidential support from a Native counselor. Visit NativeAndStrong.org for more resources.
The pub’s self-serve beer taps are Eastern Washington’s first. supplies between
ROUGH LANDING
The Alien franchise hits a wall with TV series Alien: Earth
BY JOSH BELL
There’s nothing in Ridley Scott’s 1979 sci-fi horror classic Alien to suggest the beginning of a sprawling intergalactic saga, but the Alien franchise has proven surprisingly consistent and rewarding over the past several decades. Never before has it been called upon to support an ongoing TV show, though, and the new FX/Hulu series Alien: Earth from creator Noah Hawley (Fargo, Legion) struggles to turn the franchise’s basic elements into an open-ended narrative.
That struggle begins almost immediately on Alien: Earth, which opens on a familiar-looking deep-space vessel carrying dangerous extraterrestrial specimens, only to lose control and crash into the middle of a city owned by mega-corporation Prodigy. Prodigy is one of five companies (including franchise staple Weyland-Yutani) that controls all of human society, and its obnoxious wunderkind founder Boy Kavalier (Samuel Blenkin) is determined to seize the alien life forms aboard the Weyland-Yutaniowned ship for himself.
The ship is a lovingly designed retro-futuristic creation that recalls the Nostromo of Scott’s original film, but it’s no mystery what will happen to the crew once they bring the deadly alien xenomorphs aboard. As Scott did in his 2010s prequel movies Prometheus and Alien: Covenant, Hawley adds some new alien antagonists to the mix, but the xenomorphs are still the main threat, and less than halfway through the first episode, they’ve left all but one of the ship’s crew dead.
between Prodigy and new creations known as hybrids. Alien movies have long featured androids called synths, but Prodigy has now developed a method to implant human minds in synth bodies, although the delicate process can only handle the minds of children.
So Kavalier recruits a group of terminally ill kids who won’t be missed and places them in adult-looking synth bodies, which is obviously just as terrible an idea as collecting xenomorph eggs and bringing them home.
Sydney Chandler stars as the hybrid code-named Wendy, who’s soon joined by other hybrids named after fellow Peter Pan characters. The symbolism isn’t exactly subtle, and Hawley belabors the parallels by having Kavalier read large chunks of Peter Pan out loud, while his superpowered robot tweens grow more and more hostile.
Alien: Earth
Kavalier is the kind of greedy, arrogant corporate tool who obviously deserves to become xenomorph chow, in the tradition of Paul Reiser’s smarmy character in James Cameron’s 1986 sequel Aliens. The problem is that while Kavalier and his minions (including Timothy Olyphant as a ruthless, calculating synth with bleached-blond hair) are easy to root against, there are no characters on Alien: Earth worth caring about or identifying with.
Created by Noah Hawley
Starring Sydney Chandler, Alex Lawther, Samuel Blenkin Streaming on Hulu
The focus of Alien: Earth is really on one of Kavalier’s other projects, with the xenomorphs and other aliens as blunt instruments in an increasingly high-stakes battle
Wendy and the other hybrids are incredibly annoying, like an entire ensemble of the main characters from Big or 13 Going On 30, but without any sense of humor. The lone survivor of the Weyland-Yutani ship is an enhanced human security officer named Morrow (Babou Ceesay), who schemes and manipulates his way into Prodigy to reacquire what he believes in Weyland-Yutani property. Wendy’s human brother Joe (Alex Lawther) is
so hapless that it’s amazing he can survive from one episode to the next, but he’s also the closest that Alien: Earth has to a sympathetic character.
Hawley explores Morrow’s meager backstory by devoting the entire fifth episode to a rehash of the disaster on the ship, even though viewers have already seen the outcome. The result is Hawley’s feeble attempt at a traditional Alien movie, which pales in comparison to Fede Alvarez’s 2024 spin-off Alien: Romulus. Hawley introduces Fargo’s Richa Moorjani as a frazzled but capable officer who could be a successor to Sigourney Weaver’s longtime franchise protagonist Ellen Ripley, but she’s obviously doomed the moment she appears onscreen.
The majority of Alien: Earth’s eight-episode first season takes place at the island Prodigy compound known as Neverland, where the company brings the alien specimens retrieved from the crashed ship. From there, it’s just a tedious countdown to the aliens escaping and running amok, along with the hybrids. While Hawley seems far more interested in the shaky transhumanist themes of the hybrids, he dutifully provides frequent xenomorph attacks, although the nature of a potentially multiseason TV series means that the victims are mostly anonymous background players.
It’s clear that FX spent a lot of money on Alien: Earth, which has gorgeous production design and suitably creepy new monsters. Chandler and Olyphant give standout performances as unsettling artificial beings, but they’re often left adrift in the poorly paced story. Hawley sacrifices suspense for existential pondering, and moves his characters slowly toward an indeterminate destination. The elegance of Scott’s Alien has been replaced with clumsy, drawn-out prestige-TV sludge. n
On cable, no one can hear you scream...
Terminally Online
Japanese thriller Cloud offers an offbeat, uneven exploration of the dark web
BY JOSH BELL
Although he’s worked in a variety of genres, prolific Japanese filmmaker Kiyoshi Kurosawa is still best known internationally for his horror movies, including influential classics Cure and Pulse. Kurosawa’s new thriller Cloud captures some of the urban alienation and technological unease that carried those films, but its frequent narrative and tonal shifts move it in a different direction that’s not quite as rewarding. Cloud is appealingly off-kilter and unpredictable, although that also makes it unwieldy and occasionally frustrating.
The frustration seems deliberate, placing the audience at the same disadvantage as blank-faced protagonist Ryosuke Yoshii (Masaki Suda), a morose factory worker who runs a side hustle as an online reseller. Yoshii buys up cheap goods and sells them for huge markups, via quasi-legal websites that allow him to operate anonymously. The movie opens as he’s undercutting a manufacturer of medical devices, exhibiting no sympathy while devaluing the man’s livelihood. He’s equally emotionless as he watches those devices sell out within minutes, delivering 6 million yen (about $40,000) to his bank account.
ALSO OPENING
AMERICANA
This neo-Western crime thriller finds a colorful cast of desperate characters (including Paul Walter Hauser, Halsey, Spokane’s own Sydney Sweeney) battling for possession of a pricey Native American artifact. Rated R
EAST OF WALL
A rebellious widowed horse trainer who helps wayward teenagers via her rundown ranch must wrestle with grief and financial troubles in this Western drama. Rated R
HIGHEST 2 LOWEST
Denzel Washington and Jeffrey Wright star in Spike Lee’s latest joint, a reimaging of Akira Kurasawa’s classic kidnapping crime thriller, High and Low. Not R
JIMMY AND STIGGS
This neon-hued, B-movie horror finds two friends fighting off hordes of aliens in a hallucinogenic fever dream of a film. Not rated
NOBODY 2
Bob Odenkirk returns as Hutch Mansell, the totally unassuming everyman John Wick, who gets into more intense action when he accidentally takes his family on a much-needed vacation to a theme park that happens to be run by a criminal organization. Rated R
WITCHBOARD
A young couple have their plans for running a New Orleans cafe upended when they stumble across a mysterious old pendulum board that conjures horrific dark magic. Rated R
handed tactics he employs. Still, there are periodic hints that something sinister is going on in the background: In Tokyo, Yoshii finds a wire stretched across the road while riding his scooter, and later a local teen throws a heavy object through the window of his rural home.
Cloud
Directed by Kiyoshi Kurosawa
Starring Masaki Suda, Kotone
Furukawa, Daiken Okudaira
Yoshii’s own behavior can be erratic and cold, as he hides in his apartment when his former factory boss tries to pay him a farewell visit, and taunts his ex-classmate and previous business partner when they encounter each other at a shipping facility. Suda plays Yoshii as taciturn and expressionless, whether he’s stating his desire to marry Akiko or abruptly dismissing an employee. He seems like a single-minded sociopath, a less manic version of Christian Bale in American Psycho or Jake Gyllenhaal in Nightcrawler, which makes it tougher to engage with the second half of the movie, as the many people that Yoshii has wronged turn the tables on him.
Screening at The Magic Lantern
Thanks to that windfall, Yoshii decides to quit his factory job and move from his cramped Tokyo apartment to a sprawling house in the countryside, along with his equally money-hungry girlfriend Akiko (Kotone Furukawa). There, he accelerates his reselling business, hiring a local assistant named Sano (Daiken Okudaira) and stretching the legality of his transactions. As he tells Sano, he neither knows nor cares whether a cache of luxury handbags he acquires is fake or not, since he’ll sell all of them before he or anyone else can figure that out.
The first half of Cloud mostly follows Yoshii as he expands his business, focused on the mundane details of reselling and the under-
Yoshii never thinks about the people on the other side of his transactions, but he discovers that there are real consequences to his online actions, in a surreal and darkly funny combination of home invasion and armed chase. Greed and resentment lead easily to violence on both sides, and the events turn into an embodiment of internet grudges, enacted with deadly and irreversible force. As the action escalates, especially in a protracted climactic shootout in a warehouse, Kurosawa sometimes loses sight of the larger themes, and the action is less exciting than the existential dread.
Even so, Cloud comes back to its bitter, cynical take on internet culture, with a bracingly pessimistic view that fits alongside the similarly chilly too-online thriller Red Rooms. No matter how much personal danger he’s in, Yoshii never shifts focus away from his merchandise and sales figures. The real horror is the inability to log off. n
There’s little silver lining for the charachters in Cloud.
MAL ICIOUS MISCHIEF
Singer-songwriter Mal Blum embraces an indie rock dark side on The Villain
BY SETH SOMMERFELD
Mal Blum burns hot. NATE STURLEY PHOTO
with pure petulance (including the cutting bridge line “You don’t have friends, you have meetings”). Sometimes being a villain means leaving in those rough edges.
But there’s self-awareness to be found on the album as well, from attempting to own up to one’s mistakes without absolution over acoustic guitar picking (“Gabriel”) or the tongue-in-cheek prod at hollow showy masculinity (“Cool Guy”). Bitterness reigns on the breakup song (“Too Soon”), but the title track also finds Blum exploring how we cast others as villains in our own story at times because we can’t handle the bitter flavors of shame.
The Villain sprang to life under the sleek production supervision of Jessica Boudreaux (Summer Cannibals) at her Pet Club studio in Portland. More than just helping Blum lock in on this new sound in the studio, Boudreaux helped pull them out of an overall life funk.
“It was this weird thing where I had gone through this breakup, and I was back at my parents’ for a few months just being like, ‘What am I going to do with my life? Sort of like ahhhhh life just blew up,’ Blum says. “And I couldn’t figure out how we’re going to do the logistics of this record, and Jessica was just like, ‘I think you just need to come here and we will figure it out.’ And that was exactly what I needed to hear. I just got on a plane and went out there, and we just figured it out.”
The smokey vibe they settled into allows Blum’s songwriting to pack more of a wry shadowy punch, but it’s certainly more of a role that the singer is slipping into rather than a new personality for their actual life.
“It’s like a little bit of like film noir mixed with a little David Lynch, a little John Waters,” Blum says with a laugh. “It’s supposed to be a little dark and edgy, but it’s also tongue-in-cheek — a little funny, a little like laughing at ourselves because I don’t know any other way.”
While there’s always some apprehension when taking things in new sonic directions, Blum isn’t too concerned about their new vocal range throwing people off. They don’t feel the need to redo their whole catalog in their new voice, but they’re making one exception by rerecording their 2015 album You Look a Lot Like Me for its 10th anniversary (release TBD). While the music industry might prefer conformity of sound, that’s not a fulfilling way for Blum to go about an artistic career.
“I think this happened even before I was on testosterone, but when you’ve been doing this so long and the industry people look you up, if they find something really old, it’s not how you actually sound anymore. And maybe that could hurt you in some way, but I think that that’s a concern whether you’re on testosterone or not,” Blum says. “In my opinion, if you’re a good artist, you’re changing every five years — constantly growing and evolving. I think all of us look back on our old work and we’re like, ‘But I’m different now!’ Mine’s just a little more pronounced.”
There was plenty of material for Blum to draw on when sketching out the lyrics to The Villain, starting with developments in their transition.
“When I started writing the songs, it was
this very specific time when — not to make this all about medical transitions — I was starting to walk through the world in a way where I crossed some invisible line, and people, all of a sudden, just started like reading me as a man,” Blum says. “And I was sort of grappling with my own associations and feelings about masculinity and my own perceptions of self versus others’ perceptions, which is kind of something I’m always thinking about. It’s one of my lifelong ruminations, for sure. So originally, a lot of the songs were touching upon these ideas of morality — what is good and what is bad — and who gets to tell our stories. And at what point does one feel comfortable — this tension between a lifelong desire of mine to be understood and seen wholly by people, and then also pushback of, like at a certain point you have to commit to being misunderstood by some people, which is very unnatural for me.”
Soon exterior heartbreak added more kindling to the creative fire.
“And then, of course, I went through this crazy breakup — like broken engagement style — and kind of scrapped half the album and just kept writing in this one week period,” Blum says. “And all those themes also apply to going through a breakup, especially one where we’re trying to tell our stories [about how] there is a bad guy and a good guy, or there’s a hero and a villain. It just felt like all those themes went together.”
And while it wasn’t the original intent of things, the songsmith leaning into their villain era carries more weight these days as trans folks like Blum have had their very existence come under attack.
“The branding and stuff, it’s supposed to be very tongue-in-cheek,” they say. “But it’s not lost on me that the album is coming out in this really dire time in terms of how American institutions and dominant culture is scapegoating trans people right now. I think there is a disconnect because I think people outside of the community don’t even realize that that’s what’s happening.”
“For example, I made a video promoting the new album because the label asked me to say a couple words on what the album’s about. And I was like, ‘It’s about this and that and trans people being cast as villains and blah, blah, blah.’ It was like one of seven things I said,” Blum continues. “And it was funny because half of the comments on the video were like ‘What are you talking about? Nobody says you guys are villains! This is a totally made up, self-made problem, blah, blah.’ And the other half, of course, is all people saying things like we’re groomers and pedophiles, and we’re like corrupting America and making children mutilate themselves. There’s a disconnect. Literally half of the comments are doing the thing, and the other half are dismissing that it’s a real thing.”
Mal Blum is not a villain. Neither is the trans community. But at a certain point, you have to twist people’s hate against them. The Villain can serve as a soundtrack for trying times like these.
“It extends and it’s not just trans people — it’s a playbook that’s as old as time. Whoever can be scapegoated,” Blum says. “And I don’t know, there’s something to me a little bit empowering to sort of playing with that. ‘OK, I’m the bad guy? Well then enjoy. Here I am.’” n
EDM FEST BASS CANYON
Bass music heavy hitter Excision started his now-legendary Lost Lands music festival in Ohio in 2017. The next year, he blessed Washington’s headbangers with the three-day extravaganza at the Gorge that is Bass Canyon. Similarly on his other fest’s coattails, this year Bass Canyon gets the Crater 360 stage, where you can catch the likes of Riot Ten, Reaper, and One True God (don’t miss him!) performing from the middle of the crowd as lasers blast the entire circle overhead. Excision closes the main Canyon stage Friday, after a powerhouse slate including Grabbitz, Alleycvt, Liquid Stranger, and Of The Trees. Saturday, I’d also park on the hill to watch the mainstage for Svdden Death, Boogie T, Crankdat and Wooli. And then Sunday night?! Y’all are gonna have fun with Tape B, Sullivan King, and Excision closing it all out with a back-to-back set with ATLiens.
— SAMANTHA WOHLFEIL
Bass Canyon 2025 • Fri-Sun, Aug. 8-10 starting at 2 pm
J THE BIG DIPPER, Dying Suns, Atomsk, Sex With Seneca
J BRICK WEST BREWING CO., Buffalo Jones
J COEUR D’ALENE CASINO, Gabby Barrett
J J KNITTING FACTORY, Black Happy, Light in Mirrors
J NORTHERN QUEST CASINO, Lynyrd Skynyrd
PJ’S PUB, The Dirty Champions
J QQ SUSHI & KITCHEN, Just Plain Darin
RED DRAGON (THIRD AVENUE), Thursday Night Jam
RED ROOM LOUNGE, Thurrsdays EDM Night
J RIVERFRONT PARK, Riverfront Sessions: Jumbotron
J SPOKANE PAVILION, Rainbow Kitten Surprise, Medium Build
J SPOKANE TRIBE CASINO, Shaky Graves, Trampled by Turtles
STELLA’S ON THE HILL, Heather King Band
J TRUE LEGENDS GRILL, Jerry Lee Raines
ZOLA, F--k Cancer: AJ Ramirez Benefit Night
Friday, 8/15
AK ASIAN RESTAURANT, Cassandra Wheeler
J THE BIG DIPPER, Fate Defined, Black Marrow, Dissonance, Upon The Fallen
J BRICK WEST BREWING CO., KosMos the Afronaut
J COEUR D’ALENE GOLF CLUB, Just Plain Darin
EATS ON SPOKANE STREET, Max Malone
J GORGE AMPHITHEATER, Bass Canyon
J THE GRAIN SHED, Haywire
GREEN CITY SALOON, DJ KJ
J HAMILTON STUDIO, Fox and Bones
HELIX WINES, Schauer With Friends
J IRON GOAT BREWING CO., Rory Babin
J J KNITTING FACTORY, Black Happy, The Divorce
J MIKEY’S GYROS, Weald & Woe, Hisemtuks Himin, Age of Nephilim NIGHT OWL, Four On The Floor Fridays
J PARK BENCH CAFE, Under the Trees Concerts: Kori Ailene
J PEND D’OREILLE WINERY, One Street Over RED ROOM LOUNGE, Young West the Showstopper: Album Release Party
THE GOODY BAR AND GRILL, Midnight Open Mic
J TRUE LEGENDS GRILL, Mel Dalton
TRVST, KosMos the Afronaut ZOLA, Justyn Priest
Saturday, 8/16
J THE BIG DIPPER, Rabbit Junk, Skull Cultist, Lost Masters
THE CHAMELEON, Rendezvous: Oranj Goodman, Britaney Baldwin, YP, Jordan Taylor, Xavier Lawrence
Like a culinary delight for your ears, Keb’ Mo’ and Shawn Colvin offer up two distinct sonic flavors that taste great together. Delta blues master and five-time Grammy winner Keb’ Mo’ is keeping that distinctly American sound alive and thriving with his deep expressive vocals and nifty guitar playing evoking the glory days of southern porch-stomping music. Folk singer-songwriter Shawn Colvin has three Grammys herself, most notably winning Song of the Year for her hit 1997 single “Sunny Came Home.” With both artists playing songs of their own and collaborating on certain tunes, their concert at The Fox should mix their skills for a delightfully diverse evening of acclaimed songwriting.
— SETH SOMMERFELD
Keb’ Mo’ & Shawn Colvin • Thu, Aug. 21 at 7:30 pm • $45-$99 • All ages • The Fox Theater • 1001 W. Sprague Ave. • foxtheaterspokane.org
EATS ON SPOKANE STREET, Carson Rhodes
J GORGE AMPHITHEATER, Bass Canyon
J INDABA FLAGSHIP CAFÉ, Rosethrow & Spro
LIVE AT ANDRE’S, Pat McGee Band
NOAH’S CANTEEN, Son of Brad
J PEND D’OREILLE WINERY, Andru Gomez
J POST FALLS BREWING COMPANY, Just Plain Darin
RED ROOM LOUNGE, AfroSounds White Party: DJ Ropeace, KosMos the Afronaut
J BEARDED GINGER BAR & GRILL, Gil Rivas
THE GOODY BAR AND GRILL, Midnight Open Mic
TRVST, Sav
ZOLA, Blake Braley, Jason Lucas
Sunday, 8/17
ARBOR CREST WINE CELLARS, Nu Jack City
J THE BIG DIPPER, Dairybaby, Bug Seance, Jangled Nerves, Darsh
J GORGE AMPHITHEATER, Bass Canyon
J SOUTH HILL GRILL, Just Plain Darin
Monday, 8/18
JOHN’S ALLEY, Danno Simpson
J MIKEY’S GYROS, Porcelain Tongue, Chief Broom
RED ROOM LOUNGE, Red Room Open Mic
Tuesday, 8/19
J OSPREY RESTAURANT & BAR, Osprey Patio Concert Series: Jason Garrett Evans
J = THE INLANDER RECOMMENDS THIS SHOW
J = ALL AGES SHOW
J PANIDA THEATER, Little Live Radio Hour:
Truck Mills & Carl Rey
J PEND D’OREILLE WINERY, Malachi
RED ROOM LOUNGE, Turn Up Tuesdays with Scozzari
SWING LOUNGE, Swing Lounge Live Music Tuesdays
ZOLA, The Zola All Star Jam
Wednesday, 8/20
THE DRAFT ZONE, The Draft Zone Open Mic
J KNITTING FACTORY, The Wallflowers, The Whitmore Sisters
J MATCHWOOD BREWING CO., John Firshi
J MCEUEN PARK, Bruiser
J NW MUSEUM OF ARTS & CULTURE, Curators of Sound:
Museum of Light, Kung Fu Vinyl, Hippie Death Cult, Hayes Noble
J OSPREY RESTAURANT & BAR, Osprey Patio Concert Series: Jason Garrett Evans
PACIFIC AVE PIZZA, Square Wave Wednesday
J PEND D’OREILLE WINERY, Bob Beadling RED ROOM LOUNGE, Red Room Jam
J TIMBERS ROADHOUSE, Cary Beare Presents TRVST, The TRVST Open Decks ZOLA, Akifumi Kato, Jacob Maxwell
Just Announced...
THE DISTRICT BAR, Lee Fields, Sept. 11.
J KNITTING FACTORY, Hollywood Undead, Sept. 29.
THE DISTRICT BAR, Archers, Oct. 25.
THE DISTRICT BAR, Marlon Funaki, Nov. 10.
Coming Up...
J NORTHERN QUEST CASINO, Parker McCollum, Ashley Cooke, Vincent Mason, Aug. 21, 7 pm.
J J THE FOX THEATER, Keb’ Mo’ & Shawn Colvin, Aug. 21, 7:30 pm.
J THE DISTRICT BAR, Mal Blum, Charlie Mtn., Aug. 21, 8 pm.
RED ROOM LOUNGE, Mickey Avalon, Aug. 21, 8 pm.
J PEND D’OREILLE WINERY, Tom Catmull, Aug. 22, 5-8 pm.
J PARK BENCH CAFE, Under the Trees Concerts: Curran Long, Aug. 22, 6-8 pm.
J ST. MARIES CITY PARK, JamShack, Aug. 22, 6-9 pm.
J THE BIG DIPPER, Thirty Seven: I Always End Up Like This EP Release Show with No Home, Stares of Vega, Aug. 22, 7:30 pm.
J BLACK LODGE BREWING, The Groove Black, Index, Aug. 22, 7:30 pm.
J JAGUAR ROOM (CHAMELEON), Blueprint, Jaeda, Aug. 22, 8 pm.
J KNITTING FACTORY, The Sword, Rickshaw Billie’s Burger Patrol, Aug. 22, 8 pm.
MUSIC | VENUES
219 LOUNGE • 219 N. First Ave., Sandpoint • 208-263-5673
ARBOR CREST WINE CELLARS • 4705 N. Fruit Hill Rd., Spokane Valley • 509-927-9463
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
Filipino-American Association of the Inland Empire Silangan Dancers perform during last year’s Unity in the Community.
COMMUNITY ALL IN THIS TOGETHER
With heightened fear being experienced by immigrant communities in Spokane and the world at large, the annual Unity in the Community festival seems more pertinent than ever. Show your support and explore different areas, such as a youth fair, career and education fair, health fair, senior resources, and other vendors. If you want to sit back and enjoy the last drops of summer, watch traditional performances in the cultural village. Kiddos in kindergarten through eighth grade can grab a passport and get stamped during a visit to each country’s booth. That passport can also be used to get free school supplies. So get your face painted, compete in the hula hoop contest and come together with fellow Spokanites. No matter who you are, there is a place for you at Unity in the Community.
— BEE REISWIG
Unity in the Community • Sat, Aug 16 from 10 am-3 pm • Free • Riverfront Park • 507 N. Howard St. • nwunity.org
COMMUNITY BERRY FUN
Can you truly call yourself a Pacific Northwesterner if you haven’t gone huckleberry picking or enjoyed a sweet huckleberry-flavored treat during the summer? Wallace’s annual Huckleberry Festival offers all of that and more with huckleberry-themed vendors, live music, activities and food. Huckleberry pancakes will be served both Saturday and Sunday morning to nourish attendants’ huckleberry spirit before they enjoy live folk, rock and country and browse booths from local vendors. The festival also features a huckleberry bake-off on Saturday where competitors can submit their homebaked goods to judges. Whether you’d like to spend the entire weekend celebrating Huck Fest or just want to drop by for one day, there will be more than enough activities, food and entertainment to sate anyone’s appetite.
— MARTA SZYMANSKA
Wallace Huckleberry Festival • Fri, Aug 15-Sun, Aug. 17; times vary • Free • Downtown Wallace, Idaho • wallacehuckfest.com
COMMUNITY WHAT’S UP, BRO-PHY?
Calling all Tolkien fans! Jed Brophy, an acclaimed actor who has appeared in all six of Peter Jackon’s Middle Earth Films (The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies as the dwarf Nori) as well as The Rings of Power, is coming to our own piece of Middle Earth: Jupiter’s Eye Book Cafe in downtown Spokane. Ever wondered how Brophy undergoes his fantastical transformations? Luckily, there will be an hourlong Q&A session with the actor to learn all about his life and career. Joining Brophy will be Tolkien aficionado and former Spokane poet laureate Mark Anderson. Along with the Q&A session, attendees also get a chance to receive a signed personal item or photo, with 50% of signing sales going to a local nonprofit, the ISAAC Foundation.
— ELLIS BENSON
An Evening with Jed Brophy • Sat, Aug. 16 from 6-8 pm • $30/Q&A; $20/signing • Jupiter’s Eye Book Cafe • 411 W. First Ave. • jupiterseyebookcafe.com • 509-816-3942
YOUNG KWAK PHOTO
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COMEDY THE JOKE’S ON PEW
Few things can shape a child’s cultural consumption quite like growing up in a strict Christian household. Having your pop cultural world defined by things like Veggie Tales, the Left Behind series, and Christian rock creates a certain niche world of touchstones that go over the heads of kids who grew up in more secular households. Local comedian Adam Swensen (pictured) takes a comedic look at growing up Christian when he hosts Religious Traumedy at The Chameleon. He’ll be joined by fellow comedians Kaley Alness, Wyatt Colombo and Camrynne Sullivan, drag performers Perri Twinkle and Polly Amethyst and more guests to try to garner laughs of biblical proportions based on the shared experience of a religious upbringing leading to a loss of faith.
— SETH SOMMERFELD
Religious Traumedy • Fri, Aug. 15 at 8 pm • $20 • 21+ • The Chameleon • 1801 W. Sunset Blvd. • chameleonspokane.com
WORDS FARMING FOR FUN
As September approaches each year, the Spokane County Interstate Fair draws near. Along with the anticipation of carnival rides, games and delicious treats, the announcement of the event’s annual animal mascot is one of the most exciting things in the lead-up to the fair. This year’s mascot is Jack, a miniature Sicilian donkey. Back in 2023, Cedar the Highland cow flaunted her cuteness around the fairgrounds. Now, Honey Smith, co-owner of Dalkena Highlands farm where Cedar was born, is bringing Cedar’s story to life through a children’s book titled Cedar’s Amazing Journey. Hear the story read aloud by Honey and Joy Smith and meet Cedar, Jack and last year’s fair mascot, Bo the goat, at this storytime event hosted by Spokane Public Library.
— MADISON PEARSON
Storytime with the Spokane County Interstate Fair • Sat, Aug. 16 at 10 am • Free • Shadle Park Library (outside) • 2111 W. Wellesley Ave. • spokanelibrary.org
NOW OPEN!
I SAW YOU
JWM3 30 years ago, we had our first date: we got two coffees to go from the Denny’s on Third Avenue and climbed trees at the Arboretum. I was totally smitten by you. Now, 30 years later, although our paths have diverged, I still think of you often. I’m sorry I was ever unkind to you. You were then, are now, and always will be, my OTL.
CHEERS
YOU ARE PRETTY AWESOME Son, I know you’re going through some tough times right now but you are going to pull through. You keep being you and you will get through this hard time little by little. When you come out on the other side you will be so proud of yourself in the end.
WORLD’S GREATEST HUSBAND Thank you for showing me such tenderness, kindness, and grace. You made me believe in love again and for that I will always be so thankful. I love You Bert
BREWS BROS BARISTA I was the trans man with crutches. You stepped in when a large man started to threaten me and escorted him out to keep me safe. I wanted to thank you for your kindness and for not letting his behaviour slide. While the whole situation gave me anxiety for the rest of the day, your actions really made me feel like there are people out there that care and will stand up for what is right.
THRIFTY It is so nice to have many beautiful and interesting antique and vintage stores in Spokane.
BREASTFEEDING MOMS Cheers to all the breastfeeding moms out there. You are giving your baby the best start to life, not just through food but through love and comfort. We know it’s not easy sometimes, but we know you got this because you’re strong, confident, and amazing. Thank you for breastfeeding your baby. Cheers to you.
WHEN YOU TAKE YOURSELF OUT TO DINNER I needed a night away from the normal, wanted to escape for a couple of hours, and my visit to Sorella this last week was just the ticket. Yes, the food was terrific, but what stood out most was the hospitality and attentiveness of the staff. I felt welcome from the start, was never without food and drink, and the courses were timed just so that I felt completely and utterly cared for. Sorella staff, you have no idea how much I appreciated the experience. Thanks.
THANKS AT HUCKLEBERRY’S You and the checker lady were visiting and I was in pain due to my polio legs as I tried patiently to wait my turn. I finally spoke up to the checker and told her I couldn’t stand much longer. You both quickly got it in gear and finished up her checkout and
started on my basket. Unfortunately in the flow of items, my milk was put on your ticket. I offered you $6 to cover my milk and you said that was ok with you. Thanks for your understanding and the speed-up at Huckleberry’s last week.
JEERS
DARK CLOTHES, HOT DAYS Do all the people in Spokane who wear black
IMMERSIVE EVENT Cheers to Kevin Brown and dozens of others who give their time and expertise to pull off yet another amazing Blue Waters Bluegrass Festival; truly a gem of a musical experience in our community! Thank you to all that make it happen!!!
WASHINGTON VOTERS CHEERS For voting for our freedom to make life affordable, balanced and safe while Republicans make themselves and billionaires wealthier!
clothing on a warm or hot summer day realize how hot that is compared to wearing some thing lighter in color? Well, I suppose, it’s all about being cool, hip, tough or whatever. Top it off with a black beanie and the ensemble is complete. Cheers to all of you wonderful people.....I hope you’re roasting your ass off!
SPOKANE WEED BOARD Cheers to Spokane weed control board. I enjoy the letters I get concerning all the noxious weeds in my field. Keep up the good work, and wile your at it don’t forget all my neighbors. If your eyeballs are working correctly you should have noticed the property behind mine with the 5 foot napweed, and the 4 foot skeleton weed that has infected all of the other properties around. cheers to you for the wonderful job well done.
PLEASE RECYCLE Spokane county fairgrounds needs to recycle aluminum cans. I was at an event and there were garbage cans full of aluminum cans with no place to recycle. Millions of aluminum cans are thrown away in this country. They are worth good money. We even have an aluminum plant in Spokane.
POWER & MONEY RULES! City Council is allowing more low barrier homeless housing in West Hills. Why aren’t sanctioned encampments going on the upper South Hill, Kendall Yards, other private communities with money or power, etc.?
SPINELESS WASHINGTON LAWS So i keep hearing on the radio and seeing on line how people are committing crimes and getting away with little or no time. WTF
Washington? Hit and run..victim is messed up for LIFE..3 months & 1 year probation.. hit and run while drunk..charges dropped. What a bunch of spineless judges. Law makers need to do more than slap these criminals with a feather. So tired of this
OFF 1. Visit Inlander.com/isawyou by 3 pm Monday. 2. Pick a category (I Saw You, You Saw Me, Cheers
weak and gentle crap. Get some judges who actually know how to throw the book at people and quit wasting our time and money.
DINE & DASH Buffalo Wild Wings, Valley Mall, Monday night. You: 3 gals, 1 guy after a big shopping trip to the mall. Apps, lemonade, burger, wings, tacos, fries, and a to-go box for your “sister.” $96 Me: College student, working 2 parttime jobs, doing my best. Just a girl in a world. You: left a one-dollar bill and walked out. Me: Ran after you, asking you to pay. Later, found all your clothing tags in the bathroom. Who you do think had to cover the $95?!
THE BEDTIME SYMPHONY NOBODY ASKED FOR JEERS to the idea that SPD has “taken care” of the noisy street racers. Really? Where? Because every night, I still get the free “illegal muffler” concert right outside my window. Whoever wrote that “cheer” must be a cop — or someone who falls asleep to the sweet lullaby of exhaust fumes. Out here in normal-people land, the only thing that’s been addressed is our patience n
NOTE: I Saw You/Cheers & Jeers is for adults 18 or older. The Inlander reserves the right to edit or reject any posting at any time at its sole discretion and assumes no responsibility for the content.
EVENTS | CALENDAR BENEFIT
SIP & SHOP An annual sip and shop event with all wine proceeds benefitting the Friends of the Panida. Aug. 14, 4-8 pm. By donation. Pend d’Oreille Winery, 301 Cedar St. powine.com (877-452-9011)
FASHION SHOW BY DISCOVERY SHOP
A runway fashion show with models showing off outfits and accessories from the American Cancer Society Discovery Shop to raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Aug. 18, 3-4 pm. Free. Riverview Retirement Community, 1952 N. Granite St. riverviewretirement.org (509-981-5852)
BLUEGRASS & BREWS A fundraiser for Spokane Area Jewish Family Services featuring live music, food, drinks and a silent auction. Aug. 21, 5:30-8 pm. $72$108. The Grain Shed, 1026 N. Newark Ave. sajfs.org (509-413-8254)
SPOKANE SOUTH ROTARY BARN
DANCE A family-friendly event featuring live country music, dancing, food and drinks and a silent auction. All pro-
ceeds from ticket sales and auction items directly support programs benefiting Spokane-area children and youth. Aug. 22, 4-9 pm. $20. Big Barn Brewing Co., 16004 N. Applewood Ln. facebook.com/ SpokaneSouthRotary (509-238-2489)
MUTUAL AID BENEFIT CONCERT A benefit concert for Spokane’s mutual aid group, Mutual Aid Survival Squad, featuring performances by Green Warriors, DINK and Elaine’s Gun. Aug. 22, 9 pm. $5-$10. Berserk, 125 S. Stevens St. instagram.com/mutualaidsurvivalsquad
COMEDY
JOHN CAPARULO John Caparulo has made multiple appearances on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Comedy Central Presents, and Jimmy Kimmel Live. Aug. 14-16, 7 pm, Aug. 15-16, 9:45 pm. $18-$30. Spokane Comedy Club, 315 W. Sprague. spokanecomedyclub.com
RELIGIOUS TRAUMEDY Local comedian Adam Swensen and his friends unpack growing up Christian through characters, drag and more. Ages 21+. Aug. 15, 7-9:30
pm. $20. Jaguar Room, 1801 W. Sunset Blvd. chameleonspokane.com
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
JEFF ALLEN Jeff Allen’s clean comedy about marriage and family life has made him a favorite with all ages. Aug. 17, 6 pm. $35-$50. Spokane Comedy Club, 315 W. Sprague. spokanecomedyclub.com
GREAT OUTDOORS COMEDY FESTIVAL
A weekend of comedy performances from local, regional and national comics. Lineup includes Bert Kreischer, Fortune Feimster, Derrick Stroup and more. Aug. 22-23, daily from 7:30-9 pm. $80-$425. ONE Spokane Stadium, 501 W. Gardner Ave. greatoutdoorscomedyfestival.com
WILLIAM MONTGOMERY William Montgomery is the Kill Tony podcast’s longest running regular. Aug. 22-23, 7 & 9:45 pm. $37-$47. 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. through Sept. 28. $9$15. Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture, 2316 W. First Ave. northwestmuseum.org
LNK SOCIAL A meetup/networking experience that links fashion, art, music, as well as business owners and growth mindset individuals. Aug. 14, 6:30 pm. Free. The Chameleon, 1801 W. Sunset Blvd. chameleonspokane.com
PEND OREILLE COUNTY FAIR & RODEO
A fair featuring a livestock show, rodeo, vendors and live music. Aug. 14-17, times vary. Pend Oreille County Fairgrounds, 419152 State Route 20. pocfair.com
DOG DAYS OF SUMMER Bring your dog to Spokane City Credit Union, enjoy doggy swag, pup and pawrent photos and
more. Aug. 15, 10 am-1 pm. Free. Spokane City Credit Union, 1930 N. Monroe St. sccu.net (5609-325-7228)
EARLY STAGE GROUP This self-run group is for people living with dementia to talk about their experience and get to know others in the group. While the main focus is people living with dementia, care partners and family members attend as well. Aug. 15, 12-1 pm. Free. North Spokane Library, 44 E. Hawthorne. altcew.org
ENVISIONING A RESTORED LOWER SNAKE RIVER FLOTILLA A two-day event featuring Tribal speakers, food, live music, a film screening and art all about celebrating the the reintroduction of salmon into the Snake River. Aug. 15, 7-9:30 pm and Aug. 16, 9 am-3 pm. Free. Hells Gate State Park, 5100 Hells Gate Road. saveourwildsalmon.salsalabs.org
NORTH IDAHO STATE FAIR This year’s fair theme is “Keeping Tradition Alive,” and features a variety of family-friendly entertainment and attractions. Aug. 1525; times vary. $9-$52. Kootenai County Fairgrounds, 4056 N. Government Way. nisfair.fun (208-765-4969)
EVENTS | CALENDAR
WALLACE HUCKLEBERRY FESTIVAL
The 40th annual Wallace Huckleberry Festival features a 5k race, a pancake breakfast, food and craft vendors, live music and much more. Aug. 15-17. Free. Wallace, Idaho. wallaceid.fun
4TH ANNUAL LOCALMOTION CAR
SHOW A car show featuring categories such as rat rod, lowrider, under construction, import and more. $25 to enter a vehicle. Aug. 16, 11 am-7 pm. Free. Lone Wolf Harley-Davidson, 19011 E. Cataldo Ave. localmotioncc.com (509-960-0178)
AN EVENING WITH JED BROPHY An Q&A and signing with Jed Brophy, who starred in all six Middle Earth films including The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. A ticket ensures a signed photo or item. The event is open to all, with or without a Q&A ticket. Aug. 16, 6 pm. $20$30. Jupiter’s Eye Book Cafe, 411 W. First. instagram.com/jupiterseyebookcafe
GARLAND PRIDE A pride celebration in Spokane’s Garland District featuring a vendor fair, drag shows, live music, food and more. Aug. 16, 4-9 pm. Free. Garland District, Spokane. spokanepride.org
HEALING HANDS & CREATIVE HEARTS: A GATHERING FOR OVERDOSE AWARE-
NESS The Spokane Regional Opioid Task Force brings community members together who are grieving a loss of a loved one or a person in recovery or a person looking for support for a day of healing and connection through guest speakers and art. Aug. 16, 10:30 am-1:30 pm. Free. Central Library, 906 W. Main Ave. spokanelibrary.org (509-444-5300)
SPOKANE PERMACULTURE SYMPOSIUM A symposium dedicated to educating the public about incorporating permaculture ethics, principles, objectives and techniques into gardening, farming, restoration, planning and community work. Aug. 16, 9 am-5 pm and Aug. 17, 12-4 pm. Free. Shadle Library, 2111 W. Wellesley Ave. spokanepermaculture.org
UNITY IN THE COMMUNITY The region’s largest multi-cultural event featuring a cultural village, traditional food, a career/ education fair, entertainment and more. Aug. 16, 10 am-3 pm. Free. Riverfront Park, 507 N. Howard St. nwunity.org
SPOKANE YFC BACK TO SCHOOL BLOCK PARTY A faith-centered event featuring free food, essential resources, school supplies and more for all K-12 students living in Northeast Spokane. Aug. 18, 3-6 pm. Free. Youth for Christ, 1309 N. Ash. St. spokaneyfc.org (509-327-7721)
FARM STAND AND TOURS Tour a local teaching farm and learn about sustainable and organic farming practices from the US military veterans and volunteers who use them. Wed from 3-7 pm through Nov. 1. Free. Vets On The Farm, 7524 S. Ellis Road. spokanecd.org
SHIBARI AND FLOW: EDM NIGHT A night of shibari performances from local talent and enter to win door prizes. Aug. 21, 7 pm. $35. The Chameleon, 1801 W. Sunset Blvd. chameleonspokane.com
MILLWOOD DAZE An annual community celebration featuring a car show, a street fair, a 5k, pancake breakfast and a parade. Aug. 23, 9 am-3 pm. Free. Bottles, 3223 N. Argonne Rd. millwooddaze.millwoodnow.org (509-939-1083)
AIRWAY HEIGHTS DAYS A day-long community event featuring cornhole tournaments, watermelon races, a car show, live entertainment, kids activities and more. Aug. 23. Free. Sunset Park, 924 S. Lawson St. airwayheightsparksandrec. org (509-244-4845)
FILM
TETSUO: THE IRON MAN A businessman accidentally kills The Metal Fetishist, who gets his revenge by slowly turning the man into a grotesque hybrid of flesh and rusty metal. Aug. 14, 7-9 pm. $8. The Kenworthy, 508 S. Main. kenworthy.org
SUMMER FAMILY MATINEE: MULAN To save her father from death in the army, a young maiden secretly goes in his place and becomes one of China’s greatest heroines in the process. Aug. 14, 1-3 pm. Free. The Kenworthy, 508 S. Main St. kenworthy.org (208-882-4127)
EDDINGTON In May of 2020, a standoff between a small-town sheriff and mayor sparks a powder keg as neighbor is pitted against neighbor in Eddington, New Mexico. Aug. 15-16, 7 pm, Aug. 17, 4 pm. $8. The Kenworthy, 508 S. Main St. kenworthy.org (208-882-4127)
FARMERS MARKET CARTOONS A selection of kid-friendly animated shorts running during the Moscow Farmers Market. Every Saturday from 9 am-noon through Oct. 9.Free. The Kenworthy, 508 S. Main St. kenworthy.org (208-882-4127)
MOONLIT MOVIES: HOOK A screening of Hook under the stars. Film begins at sunset. Aug. 20. Free. Commellini Estate, 14715 N. Dartford Dr. commellini.com
LEGO STOP-MOTION STUDIO Bring Lego characters to life in this hands-on, stop-motion animation workshop! Learn how to create a short video featuring minifigures moving, jumping and talking. Aug. 21, 3:30-5 pm. Free. Moran Prairie Library, 6004 S. Regal St. scld.org
MOVIE-IN-THE-PARK SUMMER FINALE: WILD ROBOT A showing of Wild Robot to end the city of Hayden’s summer movie in the park series. Concessions including popcorn are available for purchase. Aug. 22, 8-10 pm. Free. McIntire Family Park, 8930 N. Government Way. cityofhaydenid.us (208-209-1080)
MOVIES IN THE PARK: INSIDE OUT 2 A screening of Inside Out 2 in Pavilion Park. Movie screening starts at dusk. Aug. 23. Free. Pavillion Park, 727 N. Molter Road. libertylakewa.gov (509-755-6726)
FOOD & DRINK
AFTERNOON TEA A celebration of culinary artistry and the finest teas, curated to provide a sensory journey for guests and inspired by Spokane’s nickname, the Lilac City. Every Saturday and Sunday from 1-3 pm. $54-$64. Historic Davenport Hotel, 10 S. Post St. davenporthotelcollection.com (800-899-1482)
NATIONAL LENTIL FESTIVAL A festival celebrating Pullman lentils with cooking demos, samples, kids activities and more. Aug. 16. Free. Reaney Park, 460 NE Morton St. lentilfest.com
CHARDONNAY SIP & LEARN Join this sommelier led sip and learn and discover what decisions were made in the vineyard and cellar to make Chardonnay in so many styles. Aug. 17, 1-3 pm. $60. Cellar & Scholar, 15412 E. Sprague Ave. cellarandscholar.com (509-218-6226)
SOURDOUGH STARTER BASICS Learn about sourdough starter, how to keep and feed it, how to properly measure and weigh ingredients, what to do with leftover starter and tricks and tips for using and sustaining a happy starter. Aug. 17, 11 am-12:30 pm. $65. The Kitchen Engine, 621 W. Mallon Ave. thekitchenengine.com
COOKIE DECORATING Create watercolor effects on iced cookies by painting with food coloring. We will follow an online video tutorial. Librarians facilitate this class as fellow learners. All supplies are provided; registration required. Aug. 18, 6:30-7:30 pm. Free. Medical Lake Library, 3212 Herb St. scld.org (509-893-8330)
CANVASBACK WINE DINNER Nectar Catering & Events and winery rep Karri Norton presents five courses paired with five Canvasback wines. Aug. 22, 7-10 pm. $90. Fête - A Nectar Co, 120 N. Stevens St. nectarcateringandevents.com
HIGH COUNTRY CIDER FEST 2025 A cider fest with eight ciders on tap, live music from Joel Brantley, local vendrs, food and more. Aug. 23, 12-6 pm. Free. High Country Cider, 13760 N. Reflection Road. highcountrycider.com (208-215 9997)
WASHINGTON WINE POP UP TASTING Ten wineries pour three of their favorite Washington wines. Each ticket holder will get to enjoy the tastings and a grazing table provided by Nectar Catering and Events. Aug. 23, 12-4 pm. $30. Fête - A Nectar Co, 120 N. Stevens St. nectarcateringandevents.com (509-951-2096)
MUSIC
SATURDAY WITH THE SYMPHONY The Coeur d’Alene Symphony performs, puts on aninteractive activity and a book is read by the children’s librarian. Every third Saturday at 11 am. Free. Coeur d’Alene Public Library, 702 E. Front Ave. cdalibrary.org (208-769-2315)
NORTH IDAHO PHILHARMONIA The North Idaho Philharmonia performs Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony. Aug. 19, 7 pm and Aug. 20, 7 pm. $5-$30. Panida Theater, 300 N. First Ave. sandpointconservatory.org (208-263-9191)
SPORTS & OUTDOORS
RED TURF TAKEOVER: EWU FOOTBALL
SCRIMMAGE A scrimmage between EWU football players with autographs to follow and free hotdogs for the first 509 attendees. Aug. 14, 5 pm. Free. ONE Spokane Stadium, 501 W. Gardner Ave. ewu.edu
SPOKANE ANGELS GOLF TOURNAMENT A four-person team scramble benefitting Spokane Angels, an organization dedicated to supporting foster children and their families. Aug. 15, 1-5 pm. $500. MeadowWood Golf Course, 24501 E. Valleyway Ave. spokaneangels.org
SPEELYA 2025 A golf tournament open to all Native Americans and geared toward players of skill levels. Aug. 15-17. $350. Circling Raven Golf Course, 27068 S. Highway 95. cdacasino.com
AETHER’S TRAVERSE A 35-mile bike ride from Sandpoint into the Priest River drainage bin and back around. Aug. 16. Schweitzer, 10,000 Schweitzer Mountain Rd. schweitzer.com (208-263-9555)
CORNHOLE CHAOS A fast-paced, community-powered showdown where teams battle it out in single-elimination matches for glory, prizes and money. Aug. 16, 2-4 pm. Free. Bulldog’s Famous BBQ & Brews, 5002 N. Ferrall St. facebook.com/lifeandmayhem
WSU SPOKANE COUNTY MASTER GARDENER PLANT CLINIC Get advice from WSU Spokane County Master Gardeners about plant selection, maintenance, environmentally friendly practices, pest
management, effective landscaping practices and more. Aug. 16, 11 am-3 pm. Free. Shadle Library, 2111 W. Wellesley Ave. spokanelibrary.org (509-444-5300)
RIVERFRONT MOVES: BARRE ON THE BRIDGE Strengthen and tone your entire body with emphasis on core stability and balance, and complete with low impact/ high intensity cardio bursts. Takes place on the orange Howard Street bridge. Aug. 19, 6-7 pm. Free. Riverfront Park, 507 N. Howard St. riverfrontspokane.org
FLY TYING FOR BEGINNERS Create colorful, unique fly-fishing flies with your hands while learning the basics of this time-honored art and making something irresistible to fish. Aug. 21, 4-6 pm. Free. North Spokane Library, 44 E. Hawthorne Road. scld.org
RIVERFRONT MOVES: ACRO YOGA A merging of communication and movement with a partner. Work together to find balance and breath while navigating your bodies in space. Aug. 21, 6-7 pm. Free. Spokane Pavilion, 574 N. Howard St. riverfrontspokane.org (509-625-6000)
NIC COLOR FUN RUN An untimed, family-friendly run featuring live music, food trucks, and plenty of color along the way. Aug. 23, 1-4 pm. $20. North Idaho College, 1000 W. Garden Ave. nic.edu/ fun-run (208-769-3300)
THEATER & DANCE
JOSEPH & THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT The beloved musical by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Weber reimagines the biblical story of Joseph, his father Jacob, 11 brothers and the coat of many colors. Wed-Fri at 7:30 pm, SatSun at 2 pm through Aug. 17. $25-$48. University High School, 12320 E. 32nd Ave. svsummertheatre.com
ANNIE! With equal measures of pluck and positivity, little orphan Annie charms everyone’s hearts despite a next-tonothing start in 1930s New York City. She is determined to find the parents who gave her up as a child. Aug. 14-25; WedSat at 7:30 pm, Sat-Sun at 1:30 pm. $30. Regional Theatre of the Palouse, 122 N. Grand Ave. rtoptheatre.org
SHE LOVES ME Set in a 1930’s European perfumery, we meet shop clerks, Amalia and Georg, who, more often than not, don’t see eye to eye. After both respond to a “lonely hearts advertisement,” they now live for the love letters that they exchange, but the identity of their admirers remains unknown. Fri-Sat at 7:30 pm, Sat-Sun at 2 pm through Aug. 17. $50$192. Schuler Performing Arts Center, 880 W. Garden Ave. cstidaho.com
PETER AND THE STARCATCHER From marauding pirates and jungle tyrants to unwilling comrades and unlikely heroes, Peter and the Starcatcher playfully explores the depths of greed and despair and the bonds of friendship, duty and love. Thu-Sat at 7:30 pm, Sun at 2 pm through Aug. 17. $20-$35. Spokane Civic Theatre, 1020 N. Howard St. spokanecivictheatre.com (509-325-2507)
ANNIE Little orphan Annie is determined to find the parents who abandoned at a New York City orphanage. Aug. 15-24; Fri-Sat at 7 pm, Sat-Sun at 3 pm. $17-$22. Kroc Center, 1765 W. Golf Course Rd. cytnorthidaho.org
LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL Elle Woods is bend and snapping her way into Harvard Law School to win back her
boyfriend Warner. Aug. 15-15, Fri-Sat at 7pm, Sat-Sun at 2 pm$12. Spokane Children’s Theatre, 2727 N. Madelia. spokanechildrenstheatre.com (509-328-4886)
SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARKS: HENRY
V This play tells the story of King Henry V of England, focusing on events immediately before and after the Battle of Agincourt during the Hundred Years’ War. Aug. 17, 5 pm. Free. Lakeview Park, 901 Ontario St. shakespeareintheparks.org
AS YOU LIKE IT As You Like It follows Rosalind as she flees persecution in her uncle’s court, accompanied by her cousin Celia to find safety and, eventually love, in the Forest of Arden. Aug. 19, 5 pm. Free. Lakeview Park, 901 Ontario St. shakespeareintheparks.org
AS YOU LIKE IT As You Like It follows Rosalind as she flees persecution in her uncle’s court, accompanied by her cousin Celia to find safety and, eventually love, in the Forest of Arden. Aug. 20, 5 pm. Free. Pavillion Park, 727 N. Molter Rd. shakespeareintheparks.org
VISUAL ARTS
ARTVANA PAINT & SIP CLASS A guided acrylic painting class of a jar of fireflies. Enjoy Black Label Brewing Company’s full menu of beer and pizza while you paint. Ages 10+. Aug. 14, 6-8:30 pm. $45. Black Label Brewing Co., 19 W. Main Ave. artvana.life (320-805-0206)
BEN FRANK MOSS: PRESENCE AND ABSENCE A collection of paintings and drawings by Ben Frank Moss, a Whitworth University graduate and instructor at Gonzaga University. Mon-Sat from 10 am-4 pm through Aug. 30. Free. Jundt Art Museum, 200 E. Desmet Ave. gonzaga.edu/jundt (509-313-6843)
CITY OF MOSCOW PORTABLE COLLECTION The Portable Collection is comprised of over 120 works, which are prominently displayed in City of Moscow buildings. It represents a broad spectrum of artistic media and styles and reflects the City of Moscow’s commitment to the arts. Mon-Fri from 8 am-5 pm. through Aug. 28. Free. Third Street Gallery, City Hall, 206 E. Third St. ci.moscow. id.us/230/Third-Street-Gallery
HANDS ON: WORKSHOP FOR LITTLE MAKERS Use hands-on exploration to experience art basics like color and texture at this monthly workshop. Every second Thursday of the month from 1011 am. $10. Art Salvage Spokane, 610 E. North Foothills Dr. artsalvagespokane. com (509-798-9039)
PRESTON SINGLETARY: RAVEN AND THE BOX OF DAYLIGHT An immersive exhibition that tells the Tlingit story of Raven and his transformation of the world. Featuring works from internationally acclaimed artist Preston Singletary, the exhibition takes visitors on a multisensory odyssey through the transformation of darkness into light, brought to life through narration, original music, coastal Pacific Northwest soundscapes and projected images. Tue-Sun from 10 am-5 pm through Jan. 4. $9-$12. Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture, 2316 W. First Ave. northwestmuseum.org (509-456-3931)
TESA KAWAKAMI: WHAT IF YOU STAY Artwork from Seattle-based artist Tesla Kawakami whose oil paintings xplore themes of nostalgia, destruction, identity and transformation. Mon-Fri from 8 am-5 pm through Aug. 29. Free. Chase Gallery, 808 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. spokanearts. com (509-321-9416)
TRACKSIDE ANNUAL STUDIO SALE
Everything in Trackside Studio is marked down 10% with many featured items marked down as much as 50%. Wed-Fri from 11 am-5 pm through Aug. 30. Trackside Studio, 115 S. Adams St. tracksidestudio.net (509-863-9904)
KATIE FREY Frey primarily paints landscapes and animals as her artwork is inspired by her time spent in nature. Daily from 11 am-7 pm through Aug. 30, 11 am-7 pm. Free. Pottery Place Plus, 203 N. Washington St. potteryplaceplus.com
ACRYLIC ASSEMBLAGE Participants will carve a layered painting (made from recycled mistinted paints) and make their own acrylic assemblage collage on a wood cutout of a sasquatch, goats or bears. Aug. 15, 10 am-1 pm. $82. Spokane Art School, 503 E. Second Ave., Ste. B. spokaneartschool.net (509-325-1500)
ART FEST An art show and sale hosted by the Jacklin Center featuring local artists and vendors. Aug. 15-23, daily. Free. The Jacklin Arts & Cultural Center, 405 N. William St. thejacklinecenter.org
TOBE HARVEY & ARLON ROSENOFF
Tobe Harvey displays recent botanical work and Arlon Rosenoff showcases mosaics of palette knife strokes. Fri-Sat from noon-8 pm through Aug. 30. Free. Saranac Art Projects, 25 W. Main Ave. sapgallery.com (509-464-9559)
CELEBRATING THE SOUL OF BLUES
Nicholas Sironka displays vibrant acrylic paintings of blues musicians. Live music by John and Monique Dingledein and works by Bob Lloyd, John Thamm, Rick Davis, Roch Fautch. Fri from 1-7 pm and Sat 1-4 pm by appointment. Free. Shotgun Studios, 1625 W. Water Ave. ShotgunStudiosSpokane.com
SHARED LIGHT: POP-UP EXHIBITION FOR THE SLOW LIGHT SERIES A collaborative pop-up exhibition featuring work created during the Slow Light workshops. Hosted in one of the WSU Art Department galleries, this informal celebration will showcase cyanotypes, pinhole photographs, and documentation of the process. Aug. 18-22, daily. Free. Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art WSU, 1535 NE Wilson Road. museum.wsu.edu
ANISH KAPOOR: DISSOLVING MARGINS A showcase of Kapoor’s four-decade-long printmaking practice. Known for sculptural works like Cloud Gate, Kapoor’s prints are heavily pigmented and evoke a sense of awe. Aug. 18-March 14, Tue-Sat from 10 am-4 pm. Free. Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art WSU, 1535 NE Wilson. museum.wsu.edu
COLOR OUTSIDE THE LINES This exhibit examines the ways artists have used color to question institutions, beliefs and expectations. Artists include Derrick Adams, Polly Apfelbaum, Antonius-Tín Bui, Iván Carmona Lauren Hana Chai, Caitlin Cherry, Sam Gilliam, Andy Warhol and more. Aug. 19-March 14, Tue-Sat from 10 am-4 pm. Free. Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art WSU, 1535 NE Wilson Rd. museum.wsu.edu (509-335-1910)
MAKING PRESSED MEADOW FLOWERS
Explore the world of flower pressing and get creative ideas to inspire your own DIY projects using flowers from the library’s meadow and premade flower presses. Aug. 20, 6 pm. Free. Spokane Valley Library, 22 N. Herald Road. scld.org
OPEN ART NIGHT Bring materials for creative time with a side of chatting with fellow creatives. First and third Wednesday. Free. Lunarium, 1925 N. Monroe St. facebook.com/Lunarium.Spokane
ART AND GLASS FESTIVAL Over 60 local artists display their art and handmade goods. Bring your own food or dine in, enjoy wine from Arbor Crest. Aug. 23, 11 am-5 pm and Aug. 24, 11 am-5 pm. Free. Arbor Crest Wine Cellars, 4705 N. Fruit Hill Rd. arborcrest.com (509-927-9463)
WORDS
MORGAN RICHTER: THE UNDERSTUDY
Author Morgan Richter discusses her new book about an opera singer uncovers the secrets of her understudy when a murder disrupts her world. She will be in conversation with local author Lucy Gilmore. Aug. 14, 7-8:30 pm. Free. Auntie’s Bookstore, 402 W. Main auntiesbooks.com
FORAY LIT PICNIC #2: THE COVE Bring your own picnic supplies, a chair, even a suit for swimming and watch performers includeing Karen Mobley, Sharma Shields, Will Roberds-King, Joseph A. Williams and more. Aug. 14, 6-9 pm. Free. The Cove (Riverside State Park), 22515-22301 W. South Bank Road. instagram.com/foray4thearts
STORYTIME WITH SPOKANE COUNTY
INTERSTATE FAIR A heartwarming storytime featuring 2023 fair mascot Cedar the Highland Cow’s life story read aloud by Honey and Joy Smith. Also includes special animal guests and crafting activities. Aug. 16, 10 am. Free. Shadle Park, 2005 W. Wellesley. spokanelibrary.org
BOOK SIGNING WITH ETHEL STEINMENTZ MARMONT & ANNA UNGER
GOODWIN Ethel Steinmetz Marmont signs her newest book The Roses of Port Townsend along with Anna Unger Goodwin for By Force and Fear, A Stolen Homeland. Aug. 17, 1-3 pm. Free. Auntie’s Bookstore, 402 W. Main Ave. auntiesbooks.com (509-838-0206)
POETRY FOR EVERYONE A drop-in poetry workshop led by Sarah Rooney focused on providing writers with support and information to improve their skills. Bring old stuff, create new stuff and collaborate with others on their stuff. Aug. 19, 1-2:30 pm. Free. Liberty Park Library, 402 S. Pittsburgh St. spokanelibrary.org
CREATIVE FICTION WORKSHOP Join Livia Koh, Tara Hills Matthews from ALTCEW and Aimee Brooks from Spark Central for a writng workshop designed for people living with cognitive changes, memory loss or dementia. Call to reserve your spot. Aug. 20, 11 am-12:30 pm. Free. Spark Central Studio, 1206 W. Summit Pkwy. spark-central.org (509-777-1629)
SCLD ONLINE AUTHORS SERIES:
CASEY MCQUISTON Red, White and Royal Blue author Casey McQuiston discusses her latest novel, The Pairing with a question and answer session to follow. Aug. 20, 4 pm. Free. scld.org
INSPIRATION IN THE ARCHIVES: In this two-part workshop, find inspiration for creative writing in a personal artifact or a treasure from the library archive. Aug. 21, 6-8 pm. Free. The Hive, 2904 E. Sprague Ave. spokanelibrary.org (509-444-5300)
BANANA SLUG BOOKS: SPOKANE
CAMPFIRE STORIES Celebrate the launch of the Spokane Campfire Stories anthology with readings from contributors, s’mores and camp-style games. Aug. 22, 7-10 pm. Free. Manito Park, 1800 S. Grand Blvd. bananaslugbooks.com
AUNTIE’S BOOK CLUB: QUEER & WEIRD
Discuss Automatic Noodle by Annalee Newitz at the August meeting. Aug. 23, 6-7 pm. Free. Auntie’s Bookstore, 402 W. Main Ave. auntiesbooks.com n
Trump’s Been Talking
The president pipes up about cannabis policy reform at million-dollar-a-plate meal
BY WILL MAUPIN
If you’ve been following federal cannabis policy awhile, you should know not to get your hopes up for any major changes just yet, but President Donald Trump and others in Washington, D.C., are once again discussing the future of cannabis policy in the United States.
Last week, CNN and the Wall Street Journal reported that Trump brought up the subject of changing the federal classification of cannabis during a fundraising dinner with some of his wealthy supporters.
The federal government classifies cannabis as a Schedule I drug. As such, it is entirely illegal at the federal level and considered to be inherently dangerous and provide no accepted medical value.
Considering that 40 states have legalized medical marijuana, and 24 find the danger level low enough to legalize recreational cannabis, those two criteria for its inclusion on Schedule I do not hold up to scrutiny.
Federal officials have recognized this for a number of years now. In September 2022, the Biden administration made waves when it announced it would look into moving cannabis off Schedule I. Such a move would pave the way for federal decriminalization and potentially outright legalization of cannabis.
That was nearly three years ago, and during
a previous administration run by a different party, but the plans are reportedly still on the table.
The Wall Street Journal’s reporting noted that Trump told donors at his $1 million-per-plate fundraising dinner, “that’s something we’re going to look at,” when discussing the issue of rescheduling cannabis.
If history is any guide, sweeping changes on cannabis policy from D.C. are not likely to come any time soon. Even if Trump does move forward with the plans initially designed by the Biden White House, moving cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III — the tier often recognized as the logical landing spot should cannabis be moved — would not immediately legalize the drug on the level of other recreational substances like alcohol or tobacco.
Rescheduling cannabis would decriminalize its use, putting it in the same regulatory category as many prescription medications.
Moving further and removing cannabis from the Controlled Substances Act altogether would pave the way for outright legalization.
Simply bringing up the idea of looking into the subject is a long way from acting on it in any meaningful way, but the news is a symbolic moment. Only time will tell if history will look back on this moment as something more. n
Could cannabis get rescheduled as less dangerous?
LESLIE DOUGLAS ILLUSTRATION/ADOBE STOCK POLITICS
GREEN ZONE
BE AWARE: Marijuana is legal for adults 21 and older under Washington State law (e.g., RCW 69.50, RCW 69.51A, HB0001 Initiative 502 and Senate Bill 5052). State law does not preempt federal law; possessing, using, distributing and selling marijuana remains illegal under federal law. In Washington state, consuming marijuana in public, driving while under the influence of marijuana and transporting marijuana across state lines are all illegal. Marijuana has intoxicating effects; there may be health risks associated with its consumption, and it may be habit-forming. It can also impair concentration, coordination and judgment. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of this drug. Keep out of reach of children. For more information, consult the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board at www.liq.wa.gov.
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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WARNING: This product has intoxicating effects and may be habit forming. Cannabis can impair concentration, coordination, and judgment. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of this drug. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product. For use only by adults 21 and older. Keep out of the reach of children.
___-Terre (literally, “low land”) 53. Big ripoff 54. Walking loudly in armor, maybe
Sci-fi visitors
“The Avengers” costar Diana
Supplement that may assist
Motivate
Electric toothbrush
This time, your loans pay you.
1% cash back is back! Re nance your non-STCU auto, boat, or recreational vehicle and get up to $500 back per loan.*
To learn more or apply, go to stcu.org/cashback, visit any STCU branch location, or call (509) 326-1954.
* O er good for non-STCU loans only. The 1% cash back o er is limited to $500 per loan. E ective August 1 through September 30, 2025. Recipient is responsible for all taxes related to bonus payments. Loans subject to approval. Rates and terms of your STCU loan may depend on the creditworthiness of the applicant and model year of vehicle. No limit on the number of loans re nanced. STCU reserves the right to terminate or alter this promotion at any time.
