Harmonica Blow-Off A Chance To Enjoy The Blues, Help Crosswalk
Funny thing about listening to the blues, it always cheers me up.
Something about wallowing in sorrow, or knowing other people feel the same, down-in-the-dirt way you do. It just sort of feels like a hug.
Whether you’re down or not, Saturday’s Harmonica Blow-Off at The Met will be a rare opportunity to hear some great music as five of the Northwest’s best harpmen get together to jam.
You’ll hear Johnnie Ward, Mike Lynch, Chip Busch, Mike Moothart and Mark Proulx, all backed up by Yo & De Cats.
It’s not a competition, rather an exhibition of the vast and varied talents of the musicians.
Proceeds of the event will go to Crosswalk, a multi-service center for homeless and runaway youth. Tickets are $8 (at any G&B outlet) or $10 at the door.
Party with the world
Here’s another chance to step outside the familiar and learn a little bit about other people. Eastern Washington University is holding its first World Party from 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday at Resse Court in Cheney.
This multicultural event features food, displays and a variety of entertainment. There will be a martial arts demonstration, Hungarian dancing, clogging performance, a fashion show and much more.
Many of Eastern’s international students are providing their talents for the entertainment and displays.
Admission is free, and several restaurants will have food booths. That’ll cost ya, though.
Going, going …
Tickets for the Cajun group BeauSoleil may well be gone by now, but earlier this week there were a mere 200 left for the Saturday performance at the Dogwood Festival in Lewiston/Clarkston.
Led by Michael Doucet, BeauSoleil blends Zydeco with blues, country and Caribbean music, producing everything from up-tempo dance music to gentle waltzes. They sold out a previous performance at the festival and predictions are for a sell-out this year as well.
Tickets are $12.50 per person. The performance starts at 7 p.m. at the Lewis-Clark State College gymnasium. Call (208)799-2243 for tickets or more information.
Even if you miss the concert, there are plenty of other activities at the Dogwood Festival to keep you busy, including an art show, a Festival of Quilts, an antique car show, a funrun, a Cajun food court and more. Call the above number for a complete schedule.
Two-wheel news
If you’re anxious to get your bike out this spring, there are two opportunities this weekend. On Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Target hosts a Bicycle and In-Line Skate Festival at its north Spokane department store.
The free event will include in-line skate instruction, free bike repairs, bike-helmet safety information and a shoot-and-score roller hockey skill test.
On Sunday, it’s the Aurora Northwest Rotary’s Century Surprise Bike Ride. Whether you’re an endurance rider or a recreational one, you have your choice of a 25-, 50- or 100-mile course. You pay $25 for the 50- or 100-mile courses, and $15 for the 25-mile ride.
With each, you get a T-shirt and water bottle.
Preregister by calling 327-5337. The rides start and finish at Spokane Falls Community College.
Old stuff galore
It’s time for the 20th annual Spring Antique and Collectors Sale at the Spokane Interstate Fairgrounds this weekend.
More than 300 exhibitors from seven states will be here to sell their wares. You just have to buy them.
Hours are 4 to 9 p.m. today, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $3.50 for adults; children 12 and younger are free.
Arts miscellaneous
An exhibit of artwork selected from the portfolios of Gonzaga University’s graduating senior art students will be on display today through May 13 at Gonzaga’s Ad Gallery, located in the basement of the Administration Building.
The gallery is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Concordia Choir of the German-American Society of Spokane will celebrate the arrival of spring with a concert 8 p.m. Saturday in the Deutsches Haus, 25 W. Third Ave.
The choir will perform traditional German songs and will be joined by guest choir, the Heimatecho, an Austrian-Canadian choir from Calgary.
Admission is $10 and includes dinner (at 6:30 p.m.), the concert and a dance. Reservations should be made by calling 747-6898 or 624-0664.
The Rogue Players present Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap beginning this weekend at 8 p.m. tonight and Saturday.
Tickets are $8 general admission, $6 for senior citizens or students. Performances are at the West Central Community Center.
The Intermediate String Orchestra and Junior Orchestra will perform at 7 p.m. Sunday at the Spokane Falls Community College Music Building Auditorium.
The national award-winning song and dance group Tickle Tune Typhoon will perform at the Panida Theater in Sandpoint at 3 p.m. Sunday.
The concert will include original, traditional and ethnic styles of music and dance for the whole family.
Tickets are $7 for adults, $5 for children 12 and under. Get them by calling (208)265-2200.
xxxx GETTING THERE Few of us need much encouragement to head out the door and have fun when the weather turns this springy. The only question: Which destination to choose? The key to this season is pacing - there’s lots of time and sunshine ahead so there’s no need to dash about doing everything in one weekend. Our advice: Seek out the nearest espresso stand that has comfortable outdoor seating and perhaps a few blooming plants, buy something iced, pause for several moments and watch the world go by.