Spotlight: ‘Fun at the Fox’ series offers a wide mix of acts
An eclectic lineup of shows is coming to the Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox this summer in the first-ever “Fun at the Fox” series.
The concerts include:
“Orchestra Baobab, June 12 – This Senegalese world music outfit has been described as Ladysmith Black Mambazo meets Bob Marley.
““Pure Piaf,” July 17 – An Edith Piaf tribute show, celebrating the French singer’s life and music.
“Boz Scaggs, July 28 – The veteran rock, folk, jazz and R&B artist, whose hits include “Lido Shuffle” and “Lowdown.”
“Shelby Lynne, Aug. 12 – She’s known as a country star, but her recent album is an acclaimed tribute to Dusty Springfield.
Tickets for all of these shows range from $19 to $32, except the Scaggs show, which runs $27 to $49. Subscribe to at least three and get a 15 percent discount; Fox donors receive a 20 percent discount.
Tickets go on sale Wednesday through the Fox box office (509-624-1200) or TicketsWest outlets (509-325-SEAT, 800-325-SEAT, www.ticketswest.com).
‘Phantom’ tickets
Individual tickets to the Oct. 8 through 25 visit of “The Phantom of the Opera” at the INB Performing Arts Center go on sale Friday at 10 a.m.
This will be the first opportunity to buy tickets for the Spokane run without subscribing to the entire Best of Broadway season.
Tickets range from $15 to $68, through TicketsWest outlets.
Art school merges into MAC
The Spokane Art School has decided to move all of its funds – more than $1 million – to the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture.
The school, which already has sold its building, then will dissolve as a corporation.
Yet it won’t disappear as a cultural force. Many kinds of arts education will continue under the new title: The Spokane Art School at the MAC.
“We see this as a way for the legacy of the art school to be carried on, through the expansion of the mission of arts education at the museum,” said Dennis Hession, the museum’s interim head.
This will include an expansion of the MAC’s existing children’s art programs. It will also include many more adult art classes and workshops – but not necessarily at the museum, which doesn’t have the facilities that the old art school building had.
Artists and art teachers can apply to the MAC for grants and scholarships to run classes and programs at studios and other venues throughout the region.
Ann Glynn, the head of the art school, said making some of those funds available to the community was an important element of the final agreement.
The newly combined entity plans to hold some kick-off events this summer, with activities and classes resuming in earnest in the fall.
Wilco alert
Looks like the great band Wilco will be coming to the INB Performing Arts Center on Aug. 21.
Tickets are not yet on sale, so this is not a sure thing. But the date is listed on the official Wilco Web site, www.wilcoworld.net.
The 5 Browns
A one-of-a-kind classical piano act, The 5 Browns, has been booked into the Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox on June 28.
The act was described by the New York Post like this: “One family, five pianos and 50 fingers.”
Imagine five grand pianos on the Fox stage, played by this group of siblings ranging from age 20 to 27. They became a classical sensation in 2005 and have been touring ever since.
Tickets are on sale, ranging from $25 to $75, through TicketsWest outlets or the Fox box office. This concert is sponsored by the Spokane Symphony.
Lilac Parade on air
KHQ-6 will broadcast the 70th annual Armed Forces Torchlight Parade in Spokane live on Saturday.
So now, those who choose to watch the parade in the comfort of their living rooms will have ample choice. Besides airing on KHQ, the parade also will be televised by Comcast on cable channel 79.
Civic’s Pave the Way
The Spokane Civic Theatre is launching an exterior renovation project called Pave the Way in order to remodel its front entryway.
The plan: two water features, outdoor lighting, new landscaping and a “red carpet” made with red pavers.
To help fund this project, you can purchase one of those pavers with your name or company’s name engraved on it. Call the Civic at (509) 325-2507 for details.
Interstate Fair acts
Disney Channel singer Raven-Symoné has been booked into the Spokane Interstate Fair, Sept. 9 in the Grandstand Arena.
She was the star of Disney’s “That’s So Raven” and has carved out a successful singing career.
Country singer Joe Nichols previously was booked for a Sept. 8 concert at the fair. He’s best known for his No. 1 country single “Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off” and his current hit, “It Ain’t No Crime.”
Concert tickets go on sale July 7.
‘Glory Days’ short-lived
Remember that new Broadway musical “Glory Days,” featuring Coeur d’Alene’s Steven Booth?
It closed after just one official performance. This was one of the quickest exits in Broadway history, thanks to mediocre reviews and dismal advance sales.
Don’t blame Booth; he received good notices. It was the material that did this show in.