A Fine Time At Church’s Fine Arts Fest

One of the first things event organizer LaVerne Biel did Saturday night after being handed the microphone was ask everyone to shake hands.

So the 90 or so people seated in the 21 short, padded pews at the Spokane Friends Church turned to one another and did just that. And about a minute later, the percentage of the audience that was sort-of smiling had shot way up.

The second night of the little North Side church’s seventh annual Fine Arts Festival was under way.

You could argue that it’s an odd name for an event that feels like a cross between a low-key revival in Mayberry, a series of recitals and a Christian karaoke bar. But Pastor Earl Tycksen, quoting a favorite saying, put it this way: “The arts intrigue us as they teach us.”

As a teenage pianist was introduced, a whispered voice near the back of the church set the stage. “This kid can really play.”

And enthusiastic applause greeted the completion of the Chopin piece he had chosen. But he didn’t stand around to soak it up in a ‘90s-style celebration of his own wonderfulness. He nodded and immediately went back to his seat.

Next up was a woman who would sing a religious song, backed by a recorded instrumental track. “Sheera, can you come up and share with us,” said Biel.

Then came the Spokane Melody Singers, eight men dressed in black bow ties and bright red vests who seemed to get a bang out of performing.

Four young women from North Idaho who sang “Let It Be” clearly were nervous. But they were warmly received. Having a lot of fellow performers in the audience never hurts.

The first half of the program concluded with a talk about a North Side social outreach program that was the beneficiary of the event’s $2 admission charge.

After intermission, there would be dance performances, theatrical skits and more music.

But first it was time to head downstairs and sample a major spread of knockout homemade hors d’ouevres. Along the walls were paintings and various crafts.

Fine art? Well, we all know what we like.

The buzz of conversations was just picking up when a fun, happy sound filled the church basement.

Someone was pumping out a peppy tune on an accordion. It was the boy who had performed Chopin upstairs.

The kid could really play.

, DataTimes MEMO: Being There is a weekly feature that visits gatherings in the Inland Northwest.